Jack Tempchin is primarily known as a songwriter. He greatest fame came for his songs recorded by The Eagles and Glenn Frey. Other artists such as George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Tanya Tucker, Kate Wolf, Tom Rush, Richie Havens have recorded his material as well.
Every once in a while, he steps out of the background and issues an album of his own. He has just released his eighth album titled Jack Tempchin – Live At Tales From The Tavern. It is the latest in the Tales From The Tavern series, which records artists in intimate settings at small clubs. Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Jon Dee Graham, Chris Hillman, and Steve Forbert have all recorded for the series and now Jack Tempchin has joined their ranks.
His new release is a CD/DVD combo that presents him at his simple best, singing a number of his best known songs and combining them with some newer material. It is just his voice, guitar, and harmonica, which puts a new spin on many of the tracks by keeping the focus on the lyrics and his skill as a songwriter.
Two of his most famous Eagles compositions are the highlights of the album. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” was made for his laidback approach, but “Already Gone” is transformed here from rock to a folk interpretation. Two songs associated with Glenn Frey, “The One You Love,” and “You Belong To The City,” receives similar treatment.
I had forgotten he wrote the Johnny Rivers hit, “Slow Dancing.” Here, he presents a gentle version of Rivers mid-tempo pop rocker. When you add is such lesser known tunes such as “Bender,” “Loneliest Piano In Town,” “Jazzbird,” and “Jesus And Mohammed,” you have a fine collection of well-structured songs.
Tempchin’s approach is about as laidback as they come, but it is perfect for a small club setting. His patter and stories between the songs only add to the atmosphere. Live At Tales From The Tavern is a heartfelt live presentation by Jack Tempchin of some of his notable material. It is a fine way to spend an hour.
