Various Artists Santa Barbara Records presents CaliAmericana, Vol. 3 Review by Gary Hill
I previously reviewed volume 2 of this series. That one was focused on Jackson Browne’s music. This one turns to David Crosby. Each act here contributes one cover and one original song meant to be done in a style keeping with Crosby’s sound. I think this whole set works pretty well, but some tunes do stand taller than others do. Of course, that’s going to be true of any album, I suppose.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025 Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.
Track by Track Review
Eight Miles High (Chris Beland and John Beland)
I like this cover of the classic Byrds song a lot. They both bring some fresh things and some hints of roots music while also capturing a lot of the magic of the original. It’s all class.
Oh, Nightingale (Shawn Thies)
The female vocals bring a lot of magic to this balladic cut. The track has some hints of country along with a lot of other intriguing elements. There are also leanings toward classical music via some of the instrumentation. I like this a lot.
Dangerous Night (Jonathan Firey)
Folk rock sounds merge with more alternative sounds on this number. There is a definite art music angle at play along with some hints of country sound.
Lee Shores (Kathleen Sieck)
This is intricate and so classy. There are some country hints here, but overall it’s more soft rock styled. I like the vocal performance a lot.
Velvety Jesus (Glen Phillips)
This is an alternative rock based number. It’s all classy and provides some variety.
Way Beyond the Blue (Chris Beland and John Beland)
A slow moving, balladic number, this has both country and alternative rock elements. It’s more or less a ballad.
Dirty David (Jonathan Firey)
There is a lot of drama and magic built into this cut. It has classy rock at its heart. It’s slow moving. It really does feel a little like a modern take on Crosby, Stills and Nash styled music. The sections that included female backing vocals really stand out. This might be my favorite track here. Itgets into some smoking hot harder rock territory near the end.
The Universe Knows You're Mine (Kathleen Sieck)
I like this classic rock sounding tune. It has some soaring moments and a lot of style and charm.
Guinnevere (Shawn Thies)
I have always been a big fan of this song. This number brings some variants, but also captures a lot of the magic of the original. That said, the original is more involved and stands taller than this, but the cut is very effective here.
Music is Love (Glen Phillips)
There is a lot of psychedelia built into this number. It has a real 1960s rock vibe to it. It’s a fairly simple track, but it is also effective.
