Reviewed by Kit Burns
Don Arbor/Salam Pax (Peace)
It’s no surprise that the back cover of Don Arbor’s CD has him standing in front of an ocean, perhaps reflecting on his life. I can’t think of a better album to bring to the beach with me right now in the last days of summer. This is a jaw-droppingly pretty record produced with an immaculate sheen that nevertheless doesn’t sound sugar-coated or studio slicked. Rather, the beauty emanates from the pristine musicianship here and Arbor’s own voice, which is as plaintive yet hopeful as Jackson Browne’s in his prime. Even a song about the war in Iraq – the title cut – is given a sleek, shiny polish as soothing horns and soulful guitar playing offers a respite from the falling bombs.
The mid-tempo number “Only Makin’ Money” is the kind of catchy pop/rock you used to hear on AOR radio stations in the ’70s. “I Let It Go” attracts us with its pleasantly melodic acoustic riffs and sweetly fragile piano but really nails us when the string quartet glides through. “Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud” captures James Taylor’s always moving sensitivity while “Ask Your Doctor” reveals Arbor’s caustic wit.
