DAVID BROMBERG: Try Me One More Time

David Bromberg

Try Me One More Time

© 2007 Appleseed Recordings (611587109927)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

The musicians’ musician and fans’ favorite returns with his first studio CD in 17 years; roots music from a master.

notes

Three long-awaited words: David Bromberg’s back!

Roots music fans around the world will rejoice in the release of “Try Me One More Time,” the first new CD in almost two decades by guitarist/vocalist David Bromberg, a master practitioner of folk, blues, bluegrass and other musical genres. This new recording is undiluted David: one man, one acoustic guitar, and a repertoire of mostly traditional material performed with the intimate, assured touch of a musician who has nothing to prove.

Originally a “must-have” session man for everyone from Bob Dylan to Jay & the Americans and subsequently a hard-touring bandleader and recording artist with an enthusiastic following, Bromberg gradually phased himself out of the continual record-tour-record cycle starting in 1980. “I got burned out, but I didn’t know it was burn-out,” he reflects. “I thought I wasn’t a musician anymore. I wasn’t writing or practicing. And I didn’t want to be one of those musicians who ends up ‘phoning it in.’ Music was too important to me to treat it that way.”

So he switched his focus from performing to studying, moving to Chicago in 1980 to attend and graduate from the Kenneth Warren School of Violin Making. Based in the Windy City until 2002, when he relocated to Wilmington, Del., to open a violin store, Bromberg has continued to tour periodically, but has mostly stayed away from recording studios, with 1990’s “Sideman Serenade” his last album until now.

On “Try Me One More Time,” Bromberg harkens back to the acoustic folk and blues music of his early days on the mid-’60s Greenwich Village folk scene, a period when he guided the blind gospel-blues singer Reverend Gary Davis to concerts and churches in exchange for guitar lessons. Bromberg performs two of “the Rev’s” compositions on his new CD – “I Belong to the Band” and “Trying to Get Home” – as well as songs written by Robert Johnson (“Kind Hearted Woman”), Elizabeth Cotten (“Shake Sugaree”), Tommy Johnson (“Big Road”), Blind Willie McTell (“Love Changing Blues”), sometime Bromberg employer Bob Dylan (“It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry”), and songs from the traditional realm, including two exquisitely rendered instrumentals (“Buck Dancer’s Choice,” “Hey Bub”). The title track is Bromberg’s first recording of a song he wrote more than 30 years ago.

In liner notes as conversational as his distinctive, low-key vocals, Bromberg maintains that “Try Me One More Time” is the first record he’s made where he “wasn’t trying to impress anybody . . . I’m just doing the tunes.” Nonetheless, the outcome can’t fail to delight listeners who appreciate an understated virtuoso playing and singing the music he loves.

David Bromberg’s new CD on Appleseed Recordings is one of the major releases scheduled by the independent, idealistic record label to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2007.

ABOUT DAVID BROMBERG:
He’s played with everyone, he’s toured everywhere, he can lead a raucous big band or hold an audience silent with a solo acoustic blues. Here’s the story of David Bromberg, or at least some of it . . .

Born in Philadelphia in 1945 and raised in Tarrytown, NY, “as a kid I listened to rock ’n’ roll and whatever else was on the radio,” says Bromberg. “I discovered Pete Seeger and The Weavers and, through them, Reverend Gary Davis. I then discovered Big Bill Broonzy, who led me to Muddy Waters and the Chicago blues. This was more or less the same time I discovered Flatt and Scruggs, which led to Bill Monroe and Doc Watson.”

Bromberg began studying guitar-playing when he was 13 and eventually enrolled in Columbia University as a musicology major. The call of the Greenwich Village folk scene in the mid-’60s drew David to the downtown clubs and coffeehouses, where he could watch and learn from the best performers, including primary sources such as his inspiration and teacher, the Reverend Gary Davis.

Bromberg’s sensitive and versatile approach to guitar-playing earned him jobs playing the Village “basket houses” for tips, the occasional paying gig, and lots of employment as a backing musician for Tom Paxton, Jerry Jeff Walker and Rosalie Sorrels, among others. He became a first-call, “hired gun” guitarist for recording sessions, ultimately playing on hundreds of records by artists including Bob Dylan (“New Morning,” “Self Portrait,” “Dylan”), Link Wray, The Eagles, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, and Carly Simon.

An unexpected and wildly successful solo spot at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival in Great Britain led to a solo deal with Columbia Records, for whom David recorded four albums. His eponymous 1971 debut not only included the mock-anguished “Suffer to Sing the Blues,” a Bromberg original that became an FM radio staple, but also “The Holdup,” a songwriting collaboration with former Beatle George Harrison, whom he met at his manager’s Thanksgiving dinner festivities. Harrison also played slide guitar on the track. Through Bromberg’s manager, Al Aronowitz, David also met the Grateful Dead and wound up with four of their members, including Jerry Garcia, playing on his next two albums.

Bromberg’s range of material, based in the folk and blues idioms, continually expanded with each new album to encompass bluegrass, ragtime, country and ethnic music, and his touring band grew apace. By the mid-’70s, the David Bromberg Big Band included horn-players, a violinist, and several multi-instrumentalists, including David himself. Among the best-known Bromberg Band graduates: mandolinist Andy Statman, later a major figure in the Klezmer music movement in America, and fiddler Jay Ungar (who wrote the memorable “Ashokan Farewell” for Ken Burns’ PBS documentary, “The Civil War”).

Despite jubilant, loose-limbed concerts and a string of acclaimed albums on the Fantasy label, Bromberg found himself exhausted by the logistics of the music business. “I decided to change the direction of my life,” he explains. So David dissolved his band in 1980, and he and his artist/musician wife, Nancy Josephson, moved from Northern California to Chicago, where David attended the Kenneth Warren School of Violin Making. Though he still toured periodically, the recordings slowed to a trickle and then stopped.

After “too many Chicago winters,” in 2002 David and Nancy were lured to Wilmington, Del., where they became part of the city’s artist-in-residence program and where David could establish David Bromberg Fine Violins, a retail store and repair shop for high quality instruments. Frequent participation in the city’s weekly jam sessions helped rekindle Bromberg’s desire to make music again, as did the encouragement of fellow musicians Chris Hillman (The Byrds, Desert Rose Band, Flying Burrito Brothers) and bluegrass wizard Herb Pedersen, and David’s manager, Steve Bailey. The jams also led to the formation of Angel Band, fronted by Nancy and two other female vocalists, with David serving as an accompanist.

With the release of “Try Me One More Time,” David continues his musical revitalization, playing shows on his own, backed by (and supporting) Angel Band, his own David Bromberg Quartet, and reunions of the David Bromberg Big Band, the configuration depending on the circumstance. Listen for that joyful noise – David Bromberg’s back!

reviews

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  • Oh, Try him!
    author: Elaine

    I'm so glad Mr. Bromberg is back. Hearing his music makes my ears and my soul happy. And my old DB CDs/vinyl are getting soo worn out. And CDbaby, you are so hot!

  • love it!
    author: Jennifer Cassullo

    gave this as a gift, and they just love it- and of course- CDbaby is the bomb! always great to buy from!

  • Try Me One More Time
    author: Jeff Wright

    Have just listened to the "sound bites" but from what I have heard, I can't wait t make the purchase! His voice, delivery, and just the warmth are all here. Brings back the days of "Mr. Bo Jangles" Can't wait to see him at California World Fest in July, 08 at Nevada County Fairgrounds!!!

  • Try me one more time
    author: John P. Smith, Jr.

    I loved it. I have been a fan since the 80's and have seen him live once, but hope to repeat this wonderment many times more. The live at Merlefest is also a joy!

  • Try Me One More Time
    author: Dennis M Randolph

    I started collecting David's music back in the early 70's He has never disapointed me.This is just more classic David Bromberg,the only thing better is live David Bromberg.Seen him last year in Telluride what a night!!! Hope to see him at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival again soon,also come back to Omaha,Ne again.Keep recording them and I'll keep buying them,I've found most the old stuff on c-d.

  • CHRISTMAS GIFT
    author: Deborah Smith

    I pulled up Brombergs website to look where he was touring and I also saw he put out a new CD. My husband loves Bromberg, he ends every party we have by playing a Bromberg CD. He is going to be shocked when he opens this Christmas morning (I don't think he knows there was a new CD made) and I also got tickets to see him in concert in Wilmington Delaware on Janurary 20th 2008 at the Grand Opera House. I can't wait to listen to the new CD myself, I was tempted to open it before Christmas, but I'm trying really hard not too. Sincerely Debbie from PA

  • Try Me One More Time
    author: Ari

    This is an excellent album and a long-awaited return for the master of the bitter-sweet and just good fun. I recall the first DB song I heard - Kaatskill Serenade. Then the album, How Late'll..." - and then, a bootleg of his first album. Wow. Dehilia, last song for Shelby Jean... on it goes....I was at university and there was something that almost thirty years have not lost of sitting there, watching the evening come down and yarning away, a few beers and this music. Years later when I had grown up and I still looked back on those days, I heard "Fair and tender Maidens" "Mr Blue", "Joke's on me" - on it went. Thanks, Dave. Keep it coming. Hope you come down to Australia soon.

  • Try me one more time
    author: John Gudikunst

    It was Christmas in 1973, and I was home from college shopping at a deptstore's "miscellaneous" album section when I saw David's first album. I bought it on a whim, and fell in love with his music. Since then, every album has been a treasure, and this one is no exception! "Can't you hear me talkin' to ya?". Yes, David, we're listening. And we love you. See you at the Keswick theatre!

  • Try Me One More Time
    author: John Weigel

    Classic Bromberg. For those of us who were fans back in his Fantasy recording career, this is a genuine treat. There's never enough of this kind of music around. I'm especially encouraged that he's back to touring.

  • Great Album !
    author: Deacon Blues

    It was worth the 17 year wait to hear some new Bromberg .

  • Just saw DB live in Boise Idaho
    author: Steven I. Lanzet

    What a great concert. Thanks for coming back to the city of trees. I first heard you when I was attending Rutgers U in the '70's, then again in Boise in '85, and now this. You still got it. And we are lucky to get to experience it.

  • Welcome back, Dave we missed you!
    author: Rob

    I've only spun this once and it's already growing on me. Great title track,I'll try Dave Bromberg every time. This is a very enjoyable way to take in some musical history and background on Dave's career.Great liner notes & photos. You can't go wrong adding this to your collection of fine David Bromberg works.

  • One More Time, THANKS!!!!!!
    author: Patsy

    David's voice has qualities posessed by no other, likewise his versatility on any guitar he touches is unsurpassed! His previous albums have kept us satisfied for the past 17 years, but what a thrill to have one more! We hope it's the first of many!

  • A Wonderful Thing!
    author: Tom Bjornsen

    What a wonderful thing it is to have Dave back playing and recording! Thanks Dave! Look forward to seeing you soon!!!

  • Just what I needed
    author: LarryLarry

    Always a pleasure to listen to DB, and this cd is no exception. Feels like it's coming direct from his soul.

  • Played it for my teenager...
    author: SMF

    I walked into the library, put my hand on the row of CD's in the Folk/Blues section, and pulled up this gem by coincidence - they'd just put it on file that very day and I was the first to check it out! I was thrilled to see a new release from David after so many years - and yea, the same, fine guitar renderings, rich, nasally vocals I always loved, and a deep-rooted link to the true essence of folk music. To me, that means learning a song from it's original maker, taking it within oneself - churning it , absorbing it, digesting it, then sending it back out to the world - reborn, remade and enlightened. The reincarnated song takes on a new life, appreciated by a new generation, yet still venerated for it's origins. David is a master at this. Each song becomes his very own! My 15 yr old, Olivia, loved it as well.

  • Mr. Bromberg is back!
    author: Harald Arnesen

    And he's just as great as 17 years ago. I have always loved his voice and guitar sound, and here he plays some of his favorites with deep respect for the originals. Don't wait another 17 years till the next record, David!

  • Great to hear from him; but he doesn't aim to please
    author: Matt

    I used to love Bromberg and listen to him constantly, and was very excited when this came out. To me, though, it was a bit of a disappointment. It sounds like what I imagine he's been up to in his living room for the last 17 years, playing those guitars and noodling around the traditional canon. His playing is still easy and beautiful, but he's not trying to impress anymore. His voice has that same deep, sweet, slightly hurt-sounding lilt that I remember. That's all on the good side. But if he's not going to rock, and he's not going to dazzle with virtuosity, then he should be bringing something else to the party, and I just don't hear it. To me, his interpretations are bland. He seems comfortable with this music but not willing or able to bring anything new to it.

  • a true musician
    author: khristan

    It's difficult to say anything about the record without mentioning how incredibly talented DB is...beyond a doubt, I believe it's one of the best contemporary folk records. I hope more folks--of all ages--get the wonderful opportunity of being introduced to his music and appreciating this terrific recent release. Thanks, David!

  • Well worth the long wait......
    author: Pete Lang

    Back like an aged and smooth wine..... fantastic!!!

  • How Long Will Ya Play Till?
    author: blind chrissy johnson

    Just as the violins he loves get better with age, so does David Bromberg. Anyone can sit in front of a band and wail away, but the number is few who can do it with just a guitar (..or even without one ). Rock, er Folk-On DB, Folk-On!

  • Hard to add anything of substance to what's been said
    author: Rory

    If you're a fan of Bromberg, this is a good check on the shape he's in, which is fine. It's also interesting to hear him without all the dazzling sidemen, he's very solid as a solo performer.

  • Words don't do justice
    author: John Travis

    As everyone has already said, this cd is fantastic and hopefully there are more to come. I'm a huge fan and can't get enough of this musician's work. Thanks, David!!!!

  • Thanks!
    author: Steve Knaggs

    Thanks David for doing it the way you want to! Your voice sounds good and your pickin is wonderful! I have grown up on your stuff and plan on getten old with it, as long as you feel like playing it . Thanks For doing it one more time.

  • Dave's wit humor and music are awesome
    author: ed bachman

    see remark under #3 thanks Dave for all the memories

  • What can I say...
    author: Susan

    ...Love you David Bromberg.Thanks 4 comin' back!

  • No one can sing the Blues like David Bromberg
    author: Graham Wood Drout

    David Bromberg's vocal style and guitar playing are the very definition of heart felt. His music touched my soul for the first time in 1971 and now TRY ME ONE MORE TIME does it again. I recomend this cd very highly.

  • Ahhhhhh. Sounds just like he did 30 years ago.
    author: Lori D
  • A gem of an album! David at his stripped-down best.
    author: MJ Hughes

    This is a little gem of an album, a rough-cut diamond that shines with a confident authenticity. Completely acoustic, straight and simple,showcasing David at his stripped-down, heartfelt best, sure-fingered and in fine, expressive voice.

  • Impressive!
    author: Tommy T

    When Bromberg plays it sounds like two or three folks are playing. Yet it's just he and his guitar.

  • Sweet, real sweet
    author: RT

    Thanks Dave. You always knew how to make a song yours, and now here are 16 more I'm looking forward to seeing you play, live. Now go out on the road and play it, sure and sweet..

  • well worth waiting for. please do more
    author: mike osborne

    I waited 30 years to see db live. Both the show and this cd were well worth waiting for. Please do more

  • Wilmington Serenade
    author: A F Barry

    What a wonderful surprise to hear Db with an acapella of 'Moonshiner'. When Rev. Davis 'I Belong To The Band' came on it instantly brought me back 25 years to a Jorma/DB/Phoebe Snow alone and together show at NYC's Beacon Theater. This CD brings DB's music full circle and I am glad it has not ended with Sideman Serenade!!!

  • Awesome Stuff David!
    author: Joel

    This is absolutely great stuff and I think David should do many more of these types of efforts. I love that acoustic fingerstyle guitar man!

  • Brilliant album, worth the wait
    author: Peter Marmorek

    This is unquestionably the best album David has put out in the past 20 years, not least because it's the only one. But I've got lots of his early work, and lots of Mariposa Folk Festival and assorted Bromberg concert memories, and this CD transcends them all. It's an album I'll be coming back to for a long time...and I sure hope we don't have to wait 20 years for the next one.

  • How excellent to listen to an old favourite artist once again
    author: Robb Kloss

    How excellent to listen to an old favourite artist once again. David certainly has not lost his chops and his voice has gained a maturity better than before. The acapella tunes are wonderful. Gave it a listen here in New Zealand with a few people not familar with his music. They are now David Bromberg fans. Welcome back Dave.

  • I enjoyed what I have heard, now please hear me out also...go to: www.cdbaby.com
    author: Fred Leonard

    I have been diagnosed with a Grade III Brain Tumor here in Cincinnati, Ohio. A nice lady (who works at Precision Radiotherapy in Westchester, Ohio) knows you very well in the Medical Area who assist the Radiologist and takes necessary blood samples from me to be monitored mainly because I am also taking Chemotherapy called Temodar. She gave me your CD website and I enjoy your style and I am looking forward to it being released soon. I am also a recording artist and would like to invite you to hear my style at www.cdbaby.com/FredLeonard or www.FredLeonard.com. I am also wanting to release another cd in Early Spring of 2007...God willing! Wish me luck. It would be good to have you record with me if I get a Green Flag health wise to do so this Spring 2007. Good luck with your new latest CD Release! I would like to contribute a generous donation, contribution from the sales of my CD'S to the cause of finding a cure for all types of Cancer....hope it can happen. Sincerely, Fred Leonard

  • Un grand plaisir
    author: Michel chesnais

    Un grand plaisir de découvrir ce CD David est pour moi une légende vivante et avec Tom Rush et le regretté Dave Van Ronk mes favoris depuis ma jeunesse.J'ai maintenant 60 ans. Merci David pour ce CD tant attendu.

  • What can you say...he is a master for all the world to Enjoy
    author: Greg

    Saw him at the Ark in Ann Arbor Michigan after 17 years...words cannot describe the talent and the commitment to his art. He brings an assortment of talent to his shows who respect his lead and enhance and contibute to his genre. Nothing else can be said but welcome back David!!

  • It is WONDERFUL to have some new stuff recorded by DB
    author: Dr. Tom Blinn

    I went to college with Dave and fondly remember listening to his inventive blues guitar in the dorms (at Columbia). I have attended many of his concerts in NYC and New England over the years, but there hasn't been much stuff recorded to fill the iPod. Now, at last, a new CD. I can only hope there will be more in the offing.

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