Dart to the Heart

by Bruce Cockburn

Overview

Even more than its predecessor, the aptly titled Dart to the Heart eschews the heavier, more political tendencies that had become synonymous with Bruce Cockburn's music for more than a decade, returning to a more personal, introspective side. The opening track, "Listen for the Laugh," a horn-driven rocker that wouldn't have been out of place on many of his recordings during the '80s, and the almost joyful finality of "Tie Me at the Crossroads," bookend what is primarily more subdued material, including the tender second track, "All the Ways I Want You," which more suitably sets the tone for the album. And though it may not possess the intensity or power of his early-'80s output, Dart to the Heart comes with nearly a quarter century of experience behind it, bringing an insight, depth, and maturity to Cockburn's ventures into love and the mystic. Still, there's just enough outrage and frustration to keep things interesting. Musically, T-Bone Burnett's sympathetic production tastefully and engagingly frames the songs, placing Cockburn's vocal and characteristically superb guitar at center stage. Those who may have found his overtly political, worldbeat and jazz-inflected rock a bit strident in the past should find his approach here more inviting. And while he may have revisited this familiar ground from time to time throughout his career, Dart to the Heart is a convincing reminder of a gentler, more reflective Bruce Cockburn. ~ Brett Hartenbach

Product Details

Release Date:	04/07/2009
Label:	True North Records
UPC:	0620638008225
Rank:	99103

Tracks

1. Listen for the Laugh
2. All the Ways I Want You
3. Bone in My Ear
4. Burden of the Angel/Beast
5. Scanning These Crowds
6. Southland of the Heart
7. Train in the Rain
8. Someone I Used to Love
9. Love Loves You Too
10. Sunrise on the Mississippi
11. Closer to the Light
12. Tie Me at the Crossroads

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bruce Cockburn   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Charango,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Darrell Leonard   Horn,Trumpet
Christiaan Mostert   Sax (Tenor)
T-Bone Burnett   Drums,Organ,Vocals
Christopher Parker   Drums,Percussion
Sam Philips   Vocals
Benmont Tench   Organ
Jerry Scheff   Bass,Vocals,Guitar (Bass)
Sam Phillips   Vocals,Vocals
Greg "Frosty" Smith   Sax (Baritone)
Stephen Bruton   Vocals
Colin Linden   Vocals,Mandolin,Slide Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Chris Parker   Drums,Percussion
Greg Leisz   Pedal Steel
Greg Smith   Saxophone,Sax (Baritone)
Denny Fongheiser   Drums
Chris Laidlaw   Vocals
Richard Bell   Organ,Piano,Vocals,Accordion,Wurlitzer
Mickey Curry   Drums,Vocals

Technical Credits

Bruce Cockburn   Composer
Darrell Leonard   Arranger,Horn Arrangements
T-Bone Burnett   Producer
Christopher Austopchuk   Art Direction
Sara Rotman   Art Direction
Dana Tynan   Photography
Anthony Aquilato   Technical Assistance
Joe Schipp   Engineer
Joe Schiff   Engineer
Glyn Johns   Mixing
Greg Calbi   Mastering
Chris Laidlaw   Assistant Engineer
Mike Piersante   Assistant Engineer
Noel Hazen   Engineer