Easy To Be Free: The Songs Of Rick Nelson

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Linda Draper performing Rick's "How Long" on her 2007 "Keepsake" Summer Tour
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Check Out John Beland and Rick Nelson performing "Hello Mary Lou" on SNL 1979
"That Rick Nelson tribute sounds pretty cool" - USA Today
"Charming and powerful with a simplistic appeal...Easy To Be Free does a good job paying tribute to Nelson" -Punk Planet
"Classy, Low-Key...picking this one up should be a no-brainer"
- Amplifier Magazine
"this is an album that would make (Rick) Nelson proud"
- Goldmine Magazine
"Easy To Be Free gives its subject a much-deserved second glance, doing so in a way that’s both liberating and entertaining."
- Entertainment News & Views
"a worthy introduction to Ricky Nelson the songwriter"
- Americana UK
"a delicious heartache...a fine tribute to Nelson" - Popmatters
"Easy to Be Free rightfully places Nelson back into the limelight as one of the most entertaining acts in early rock and roll." - Treblezine
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It has been a little over 20 years since rock/country rock pioneer Rick Nelson died in a tragic plane crash. We are now proud to present"Easy To Be Free: The Songs Of Rick Nelson". This is a 20 track collection that gathers a potpourri of artists from around the globe, celebrating Nelson’s legacy with a special spotlight on some of his finest self-penned introspective songs. In a 28 year history of recording music, Rick Nelson went from rockabilly artist to golden age of LA country rock super star and originator, singer songwriter and then a rejuvenated return to rockabilly. No matter what his standing on the music charts, first and foremost Nelson was a musician.
The artists herein embark on reverent interpretations of Rick Nelson originals. New York City singer/songwriterLinda Draper contributes an enchanting angelic lullaby-like reading of “How Long", while Astropop 3delights with a bouncy cadenced rendition of “Life”. Michael Barrett(of Merge Records’ Ladybug Transistor and The Essex Green) shines brightly on his enlivening Dobro driven take of “Nighttime Lady". One of Rick’s biggest hits - “Travelin’ Man” sparkles perfectly with Norfolk, VA’s 1888 – a dreamy take complete with slinky James Burton inspired guitar break.
Even independent artists of today such as Allen Clapp (The Orange Peels), Liz Durrett (Vic Chesnutt),Aaron Booth (Endearing Records), Nic Dalton & The Gloomchasers (The Lemonheads),Dolorean (Yep Roc Records), and California singer/songwriter Jeff Larson showcase their Rick Nelson influence. The Primary 5 featuring Paul Quinn of Teenage Fanclub, kicks things off with “One x One”, a sweet guitar pop-driven joy. “Poor Little Fool” couldn’t have been performed by a more fitting New York (by way of California) group,The Voyces. Their upbeat take adds a dash of color and flair to an already classic pop song.Jeff Mellin tranforms one of the most infamous Nelson songs “Garden Party” into a pleasing Lovin’ Spoonful-esque arrangement, creating a swinging sense of 60’s fun. Oed Ronne, of Hershey PA’s finestThe Ocean Blue, takes Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Take Broken Heart” and makes it all his own –girls find a dancing partner! The title track, “Easy To Be Free”, swirls and flows in an enthralling and captivating sound performed by The Autumn Leaves.
In addition to the amazing array of independent artists, some of his former band members and friends celebrate the legacy of Rick Nelson.Denny Sarokin, guitarist from Rick’s Stone Canyon Band displays the purest sense of what was intended from this metrical country pop rock gem, “One Night Stand”. Guitarist,John Beland, performs a jangly classic rendition of “Young World.”Marshall Crenshaw sweetly strums one of Rick Nelson’s first recorded compositions and brings “Don’t Leave Me This Way” to life. Former Beach Boy and current Brian Wilson guitarist, Jeffrey Foskett soars with a harmonic mixed cocktail blend of “Young Emotions”. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founding member John McEuen with Jim Ratts and Runaway Express electrifies with the rousing banjo fueled rock n’ roll “Believe What You Say”.
Rick Nelson was a shy, humble man, with a reputation for honesty and integrity; which was reflected in the songs he wrote and sang. Having his music interpreted by friends, ex-band members and new Independent artists would have made him proud and made him laugh with embarrassment. He would have been pleased to know his music stood the test of time and that today’s musicians have found and appreciated his songs. All Rick Nelson ever wanted, was to feel respected by other musicians. Rick, with “Easy To Be Free: The songs of Rick Nelson”, you have finally received what you so rightfully deserve.
***$1.60 from the sale of each cd supports CANCERCARE***
www.cancercare.org
The above photos of Rick Nelson (Top: The Bitter End, September 1969; Bottom, NYC 1977) ©1969, 1977 courtesy of the Leda Carmody Collection.