Patty ” theme is a gentle but driving pop theme with a descending hook that recalls the lively “ Christmas is Coming ” song that scored the Christmas special ’ s famous dance scene . Harrell adds an improvisational solo on the flute . Those familiar only with Guaraldi ’ s most popular collection may be surprised to learn that he was a soulful singer , as heard on this set ’ s R & B theme , “ Little Birdie ,” which describes Snoopy ’ s faithful pal Woodstock . The song grooves atop funky clavinet and is punctuated by expressive brass . “ Is It James or Charlie ?” is a blues number that adds Guaraldi ’ s improvisational jazz guitar noodling to a slinky groove . The wellknown “ Linus and Lucy ” theme is retooled with the quintet ’ s fuller sound and a bit more of the early ‘ 70s spunky soul influence . Guaraldi ’ s free-spirited piano calls are answered by gliding horns . After leaving the bottom line to Guaraldi ’ s left hand during the verses , McCain ’ s bass part moves to the fore and weaves through Guaraldi ’ s sparkling piano solos and Harrell ’ s flight on trumpet . The main program concludes with “ Fife & Drums Theme ,” featuring martial drums and Harrell ’ s military-style trumpet melody .
Audio quality is top-notch , benefitting from high-resolution transfers from original 1973 stereo master tapes .
– Jeff Elbel
7
TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS Mojo ( Extra Mojo Version ) 2xLP reissue ( Warner Records )
With 2010 ’ s Mojo , Tom Petty ’ s aim was to capture spontaneous creation and the intuitive interplay of his trusted bandmates while making the Heartbreakers ’ version of a blues album . Cited influences included blues legends like Muddy Waters , Jimmy Reed , Little Walter , Lightnin ’ Hopkins , Howlin ’ Wolf , and their British rock acolytes , including Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac and Cream . Mojo was recorded live at the band ’ s Clubhouse rehearsal space essentially without overdubs . The album is “ more like a Polaroid than a painting ,” said Petty at the time . The Allman Brothers provided additional influence on the jazzy rootsrock swing of “ First Flash of Freedom ."
This reissue returns the double album to print with a high-quality pressing on ruby red vinyl . Digital formats include newly released bonus tracks . Sonny Boy Williamson II ' s “ Help Me ” is a natural fit with Mojo ’ s emphasis on vintage blues influences . Scott Thurston steps forward with bristling harmonica solos and calland-response with Petty ’ s vocals . Petty original “ Mystery of Love ” borrows from classics like “ Smokestack Lightnin ’.” Another of Petty ’ s priorities for Mojo was to push guitars forward and feature cocaptain Mike Campbell “ like a John Mayall or Jeff Beck record ,” with Campbell ’ s guitar providing the album ’ s second voice . Indeed , Mojo has no harmony vocals and lots of thrilling solos . Campbell credited much of the album ’ s overall sound to 60s and 70s British blues rock and his then-recent acquisition of a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul . Campbell goes for the throat on the Zeppelinesque riffrocker “ I Should Have Known It ,” which remained a snarling staple of Heartbreakers ' setlists through the band ’ s final tour in 2017 . “ Candy ” is rambling roots rock that reveals the band ’ s longstanding affection for J . J . Cale . Petty ’ s loose and easygoing vocal suggests casual fun among his comrades . Little Walter is pulled through the Heartbreakers ’ filter during " Jefferson Jericho Blues .” It ’ s a bristling romp with Scott Thurston ' s harmonica in unison with Campbell ’ s guitar , answering Petty ’ s vocal . The cheeky lyric visits the indiscretions of one of our nation ’ s founding fathers . The moody “ Trip to Pirate ’ s Cove ” describes a lost weekend on the road with a friend . “ U . S . 41 ” is a swampy blues about lives , livelihoods , and hard luck tied to the highway . Mojo does cover territory beyond blues . With staccato rhythm and Tench ’ s glistening electric piano , the wry reggae “ Don ’ t Pull Me Over ” fuses “ I Shot the Sherriff ” and “ Riders on the Storm .” Petty sings as a late-night dope runner with mouths to feed . “ Should be legalized ,” he complains . “ Something Good Coming ” is the outlier that could have fit elsewhere , recalling the gentler folk elements of Wildflowers . The album concludes with the psychedelic rocker “ Good Enough ” as the band channels the Beatles “ I Want You / She ’ s So Heavy .” Mojo may be a Campbell ’ s showcase , but keyboardist Benmont Tench remains the glue holding the familiar Heartbreakers sound together with sparkling piano fills or slinky electric piano sprinkled everywhere . Hammond organ shimmers above the midnight groove of “ Running Man ’ s Bible .” Drummer Steve Ferrone locks in with bassist Ron Blair and keeps every song in the pocket . Blair ’ s bass on songs like “ Let
december 2023 illinoisentertainer . com 17