<B>Paul Cotton Firebird</B>

...the new CD is now available... Link here to order your copy

Comments on The new CD!

KWEEVAK'S CD REVIEW ARCHIVE
Paul Cotton, Poco’s longtime lead guitarist and master of the art of visual stimulation through music, has produced a very fine new CD, Firebird. After 10 years without new music from Paul, this CD is truly a joy for all of his many fans. When you listen to any of Paul Cotton’s music, you can’t help but be drawn into the imagery his music and lyrics evoke. This CD is no different and may be some of his best work ever. The CD contains 11 tracks two of which - “Ride The Country” and "Bad Weather” - are remakes from his Poco contributions. The CD opens strong with "Woman with a Broken Heart," a song with a theme that Paul has made a staple for himself. It’s your love lost, love tried type ballad. Sometimes you need to get deeper with Paul on some these songs, because he may not be speaking of your typical love lost. In some of his songs they talk of the love lost between partners in the band situation. There are two favorite new tracks — “Firebird” and “Across A Painted Sky.” Both of these lyrically evoke the sensation of being in the American Southwest. “Painted Sky” was penned by current Poco partner and master of the pedal steel guitar, Rusty Young. In both of these songs Paul lifts you and transports you to those southwestern scenes and allows you to fill in the painting. The two remakes are very well done, considering both of these were honed to perfection in Poco. “Bad Weather,” first recorded when Paul was in Illinois Speedpress, and again with Poco on From The Inside (1971) is a classic Paul Cotton song. Here Paul’s voice is a little bit older and little deeper and he receives great backing vocal from Rusty. It also shows off the wonderful pedal steel work of Rusty. For a lover of Poco’s version of “Bad Weather,” it may take a couple of listens to appreciate what Paul has done in this remake, but it no doubt will become a favorite. “Ride The Country” is a favorite from A Good Feelin' To Know (1972), and the remake here is awesome. The entire CD is fine and worth checking out. Give it a listen you won’t be disappointed.

Thietavu from afterdawn.com
True musicians never quit, it seems. Paul Cotton may be unknown to today’s MTV generation, but also the singer and lead guitarist of legendary country rock group Poco. One of the greatest rock bands ever born in the U.S.A. So, that should be worth something. As Poco’s recording career at least paused if not ended about ten years ago (band has been touring since and is rumoured to plan a new album), and Cotton’s previous and first solo work is also a decade old, some might say that it was about a time to get something new out! So, Ladies and Gentlemen… Here’s “Firebird”. Was it worth the wait? Plain & simple answer: yes. Paul Cotton is an excellent songwriter and just as his first solo “Changing Horses” (1990) was a very relaxed, yet strong album, “Firebird” continues the same track with style. It was never easy to categorize Poco, and the same applies to Cotton’s solo career. You could call this “country rock” because there’s rock & some country involved. However, there’s also much more: bluesy guitars, even latin influences. It’s down-to-earth Paul Cotton. Strong, honest, relaxed American rock. “Firebird” offers more variety than its predecessor. It’s stronger when Cotton’s Stratocaster growls on the (excellent) title song. It’s more blues, more country, more rock – and so on. There are two old Poco classics re-made this time: “Bad weather” and “Ride the country”, both as surprisingly good acoustic versions. I’d almost say that these versions may be the best of these beautiful songs – although Poco’s old, truly brilliant “Live” presented spectacular electric versions. To all fans of country-flavoured American rock’n roll: don’t think twice. This is just about as good as it gets, take my word. If you like Mellencamp or Neil Young, this is just as good as anything those maestros have done. And, if you like to hear this as a new Poco album, well… why not? Poco’s another long-time leader Rusty Young plays on “Firebird”… This is slowly burning, stunningly honest, good music with great atmosphere from a great musician. Good work, Paul. What next?

Robin D Bowman from Tyler, TX
this is very good easy listening album with alot of deep meaning to it and I wish more current music was as good as this. I remember Poco from when I was in High School and they were one of my favorite bands. It is nice that Paul has come out with such an inspiring solo album. I would highly recommend this to all stations that play easy rock music.

Dan Lynch
Paul Cotton, Poco’s longtime lead guitarist and master of the art of visual stimulation through music, has produced a very fine new CD, Firebird. After 10 years without new music from Paul, this CD is truly a joy for all of his many fans. When you listen to any of Paul Cotton’s music, you can’t help but be drawn into the imagery his music and lyrics evoke. This CD is no different and may be some of his best work ever. The CD contains 11 tracks two of which - “Ride The Country” and "Bad Weather” - are remakes from his Poco contributions. The CD opens strong with "Woman with a Broken Heart," a song with a theme that Paul has made a staple for himself. It’s your love lost, love tried type ballad. Sometimes you need to get deeper with Paul on some these songs, because he may not be speaking of your typical love lost. In some of his songs they talk of the love lost between partners in the band situation. There are two favorite new tracks — “Firebird” and “Across A Painted Sky.” Both of these lyrically evoke the sensation of being in the American Southwest. “Painted Sky” was penned by current Poco partner and master of the pedal steel guitar, Rusty Young. In both of these songs Paul lifts you and transports you to those southwestern scenes and allows you to fill in the painting. The two remakes are very well done, considering both of these were honed to perfection in Poco. “Bad Weather,” first recorded when Paul was in Illinois Speedpress, and again with Poco on From The Inside (1971) is a classic Paul Cotton song. Here Paul’s voice is a little bit older and little deeper and he receives great backing vocal from Rusty. It also shows off the wonderful pedal steel work of Rusty. For a lover of Poco’s version of “Bad Weather,” it may take a couple of listens to appreciate what Paul has done in this remake, but it no doubt will become a favorite. “Ride The Country” is a favorite from A Good Feelin' To Know (1972), and the remake here is awesome. The entire CD is fine and worth checking out. Give it a listen you won’t be disappointed.

Amazon.com
This album will enrapture fans of his generation while captivating a newer generation with his powerful, heartfelt tunes. Paul's guitar driven music with country/rock influences provides a moving compilation of intricate lyrics and music. Delightful acoustic versions of the classics "Bad Weather" and "Ride the Country" set in vocal harmonies with guest vocals and steel guitar additions by Rusty Young highlight "Firebird" and add context to the new material. Old fans will fall in love with Paul Cotton all over again; new fans will quickly discover what the music world has known for years: that Paul Cotton remains a formidable force in modern music.

Eric Walker
I can't believe that i waited so long to get "firebird". The title track could be the strongest tune on there. "across the painted sky", "firebird" and "carnival" are my favorite tunes.

John Norris
It's been sixteen years since Paul Cotton has appeared on a Poco recording, and ten years since his first solo album, Changing Horses. One listen to his new album, Firebird, should be enough to convince even the casual listener that Paul and his Poco bandmate Rusty Young don't deserve the semi-obscurity to which they've been relegated by the capricious whims of the recording industry. Firebird was produced by Cotton, John Thaler and David Knauer, and they've managed to make an album with state-of-the-art sound quality that still carries a rustic, hickory-smoked, aged-in-wood, charcoal-mellowed feel that recalls nothing as much as the first few albums by The Band. That's quite an accomplishment. The sound is spare, which yields a welcome simplicity and a clear sense of stylistic direction. Staunch support is provided by keyboard player Carl McGregor, drummer Joe Morris and bassist Richard Neville, who played bass in Poco for the past nine years. The straightforward, no-nonsense arrangements and the close-miked vocals all contribute to a sense of intimacy and warmth - it sounds like a letter from a close friend that has been too long out of touch. Never an adventurous melodist, Cotton's easy, muscular singing and his sure-handed approach to chord structure prevent the material from becoming samey. Plus there's just enough imagination in the arrangements (Bill Lloyd's deft mandolin work is an especially welcome touch) to keep things interesting even when the melodies are fairly arid. And the material itself ranges over a wide spectrum, from the Native American imagery of the title song and the album's closer, "Let The Wind Blow," to the unadorned sincerity of "Do What You Do" and "Woman With A Broken Heart," to the lighthearted Spanish guitar workout "All The Way To You." "Not Out Of Mind" is a classic country-rock ballad along the lines of Neil Young's great "The Losing End" - country themed material but with a vocal and instrumental edge that owes more to rock than it does to traditional country music. In Neil's tune it was the throb of the Crazy Horse rhythm section and the stab of Neil's solo; in this case, it's the rustic, sun-drenched desert loneliness in Paul's beautiful sustained guitar tones. "Carnival" is a fun tune about the Caribbean island of Curaçao, and it paints a gorgeous portrait that's vivid enough to include references to high-tech hardware ("minicams and minidiscs") without taking any of the romance and mystery away from its subject matter. There are updated versions of two Poco classics, "Ride The Country" and "Bad Weather," but Paul doesn't attempt to recreate the original recordings, instead wisely choosing to re-cast them in a gentler, more reflective mode. "Bad Weather" was always one of Poco's most soulful tunes, and Paul's remake eschews the ambitious modulations of the Poco arrangement in favor of a more focused, more evocative feel, doubling the tune's emotional wallop in the process. He originally wrote it about the breakup of his old band Illinois Speed Press, and oddly enough, I get a distinct impression that in this version he could almost be singing about the various career misfortunes that Poco has suffered through the years - even though the lyrics predict bad weather, he sings them now as if he's looking back at it rather than predicting it. Then there is "Across A Painted Sky" - written by Rusty Young and featuring him playing lap steel and trading vocals with Paul, it moves effortlessly from being urgent and ominous to heartfelt and wistful. It's the surest indicator we've had in many years that the creative spirit of Poco is alive and well, whether any record label chooses to acknowledge it or not.

Frank Canin (SoCal Frank)
Just wanted to check in with my thoughts on Firebird. I have had a chance to listen to it for the past few weeks, and get used to what is there.
1. Woman With a Broken Heart - Good song, but not my favorite.
2. There's a River - I like this song for its connection to water. Paul seems to have an affinity for bringing life to stories involving water. Water is a life force, and Paul seems to know how to capture it in words and emotions very well. I like this tune.
3. Firebird - This is an absolutely great song, and my favorite out of the bunch. The song has a definite Native American sound to it, both in the music and the story. Maybe its because I have been raised around American Indian music all of my life, but this just reaches to my soul. The "flute" sounds and the drums are perfect accents to the guitar, bass and vocals. I would have bought the album just for this song. When you listen, let Richard take you along for the ride. Then, take the time to listen to the story. It's deep. Reminds me of some of Robbie Robertson's work. Very nice.
4. Not Out Of Mind - Such a simple concept. The mind keeps one close to who they miss, even when that person is gone from sight. I love this song. Paul stabs at the emotions of the mind. Perfect thought.
5. Bad Weather - A classic. Every version of this song I have heard, I have loved. And this one is no exception. When I first heard this on From The Inside, my parents were on the verge of breaking up, I wasn't sure if my girlfriend was who I wanted to be with, and my mind and body were going through changes that every 17 year old goes through, and you don't know why. This song stabbed at my heart. One of my all-time favorites. This version takes it back to the roots of the song, just as Paul has been doing in concert. But with Rusty adding vocals, steel and lap to this, it brings it a little closer to how I want to hear this song again. That is with the whole band. This version shows how good Rusty has gotten with his harmony vocals. Of course, his steel is without comparison. I hope they add this back to their shows, and include the whole band.
6. Across a Painted Sky - Several thoughts on this one. First of all, this is without a doubt a Poco song. I surely hope and pray that this song will make it into the play list for Poco shows this summer. This song would have made a great opening song for a new Poco album.
7. Do What You Do - A single, for sure. Great guitar work. Great vocals. Shows Paul's skills as a guitarist. I like this one a lot.
8. Don't Stop The Carnival - Paul's picture of the Caribbean again. I don't know what I would do without at least one island song. Makes me want to head to the islands.
9. All The Way To You - Good music, shows his inventiveness.
10. Ride the Country - Another version of a great song. Rusty checks in again to make it sweet. Bill handles mandolin very well.
11. Let The Wind Blow - Funny about this one. It's a song that didn't get my attention, but I walk away from the cd humming the melody. It gets under your skin.
All in all, a great album. This one stays in my car and I listen to it a couple of times a day. Thanks Paul. We are glad you did this album. How 'bout one more?

Joel Nelson
Paul, FIREBIRD is a great CD. What I enjoy most about it is the variety of the songs. Everday I pick-up somthing new in another song, each time I listen to it its an adventure.

Johnny Norris
What's amazing to me about thet song "Carnival" is that it makes reference to high-tech hardware ("minidiscs and minicams") without taking anything away from the rustic feel and the exotic, romatic imagery. That's a neat trick that Paul, John Thaler and David Knauer have pulled off throughout the album — it's obviously very well produced, with state-of-the-art engineering and sound quality, yet it still has a rustic,hand-carved, aged-in-wood, charcoal-mellowed-drop-by-drop feel to it. No mean feat.

Dennis Richards
Well got mine today, and have been listening to it over and over. Four songs stick out right away: "ACROSS THE PAINTED SKY", "DO WHAT YOU DO", "CARNIVAL" and the instrumental "ALL THE WAY TO YOU". Overall this is one fine CD.

Howard Wize
I just started to get into country rock music, and I'm loving it! when I heard about the great Paul Cotton of Poco going solo, I got real excited. Very good mix, especially Theres a River, Let the Wind Blow and my favorite Do What You Do. Man, I'm ready for the next album already. Paul's got some great musical writers on those songs. The sound and words hit home for me, as it reminded me of my upbringing in the south (south Brooklyn). Even us city folk have country in our hearts, especially with the warm hearted words of these songs. Keep up the good work and get yourself a strong P.R. person to get your music out there. Thanks for the music and remember "Let the Wind Blow".

Jeannie
A friend of mine gave me theFirebird CD and told me that I would love it. I didn't really know anything about Paul Cotton or Poco. He is right, I cannot stop playing it. Your songs are soulful and poetic. You have some great musicians playing with you on the CD!! Thanks for the beautiful music.

Raymond
Well I finally received my Firebird CDs. And definitely worth the wait. Awesome. When you get it, you will drift off into another world as your senses are filled with the unique images that only Paul Cotton can do. The instrumental All The Way To You is an unexpected surprise and most enjoyable.

Garry Haworth
The cover: Paul ya look great !! I was imagining ya just jumped off the horse, and are saying "Sit Down , Im ready to play some songs for you "
The artwork: It's so tough to make a statement in a 5 X 5 square. But the single bird rising above the orange/red fire captures the energy
First listen: NOW this is what a rockin country rock album should be !!Production and clarity are outstanding..I thought the band was in my living room. The wait has been definately worth it. Every song strong and full of vibrant emotion. The spoken bridge in "Let The Wind Blow" and then kicking into the chorus at the end - Man I loved it - Thats the way a story should be told

Mike Edmunds
I recieved the new CD this morning and played it over and over about three or four times. My favourite cuts are 'Firebird', There's a river','Across a painted sky' and 'Let the wind blow'. It's a very earthy album and sounds fresh and not over produced. Excellent job Paul.

Michael Bashkin
Outstanding! Firebird is truely unique and is a great compact disc. The music is presented in an honest style not cluttered with studio and technical slickness. The music combines classic Poco with both Western and Latin musical influences. Congratulations on a great effort

Bill Herzog
Firebird has arrived and might I add- it was well worth the wait. From the desert southwest to the sunny southern seas, with a few stops in between for old times' sake, this is a truly inspired bunch of Cotton at his best. After the first few times around, I've got to say the title track is a personal favorite, Paul's dramatic, uptempo side shines on this one. But as with all his work, each tune takes on a life of its own down the road. Congratulations, Mr. Cotton...this one's a keeper.

Dave Strong
Congratulations on Firebird, Paul! I'm loving it. The uncluttered sound serves you very well, and the guitar playing is terrific. Your guests' contributions were just great without overshadowing the star of the show. I think the new songs are as strong as the old.

Naomi Elkins
Love the new CD! The remake of Ride the Country is really awesome, and so is Bad Weather! I also like Across a Painted Sky. This is the best CD of the century! Thanx!

Billy B
New Bad Weather is great! Of the new songs Across Painted Sky and Woman with a Broken Heart are both great songs

Tom Buck
Ride the Country ... the Firebird version is a knockout!! I would buy this cd just for this song alone.

R. T. Walton
"Across a Painted Sky" (what a hook!) On first listen, it's a winner!

Larry
My favorite cuts from Paul's album at the present time are: Ride The Country, Woman With A Broken Heart, Across A Painted Sky, Do What You Do, Not Out Of Mind and Bad Weather. I'm liking this album more and more with each listen. This is really an outstanding cd.

Richard
Yay Paul! What a nice piece of work. And nice to have Rusty on a few cuts and Richard Neville too. Nice reworks of Bad Weather and Ride The Country. Hope Paul knows how much his work was awaited and appreciated

Joshua Yax
I really enjoy the phrase, "...they leave a spot for you to get hot" from Carnival.What a great disc!

Wayne Graves
After almost 4 days of listening to Firebird, I gotta say...I have smiled for several hours a day while listening to your new disc. I cannot thank you you enough for making new music available to us Thanks so much !...well, the more I listen, the more impressed I am ! I am beginning to favor the title cut....great song and guitar work. Pure Paul Cotton,.

Chip and Shawna Ryle
We just love it! You have outdone yourself with this one. This is an awesome collection of beautiful music. Great job and Your extra Session Players like Rusty Young, Richard Neville, and the rest did a great job in helping this become a success. (Just Joking about the session players). But you absolutely deserve a whole bunch of credit for this.

Doc
1. Woman with a Broken Heart - Using this band is SO much nicer than the late 80s synthetic sounds of Changing Horses. Especially the drums.
2. There's a River - And what's this fascination Paul Cotton has with flowing water?
3. Firebird - the bass playing is exceptional on this track.
4. Not out of Mind - "Every Saturday night our love would take flight." I remember those dating and honeymoon days. "the love that you give is the love that you find,"
5. Bad Weather - Paul has lost little if any of his vocal range. This is almost as high as the live version. Ya still got it, Paul.
6. Across a Painted Sky - Can anyone say...Poco?
7. Do What You Do - this is what I expect from a solo Paul Cotton outting. It doesn't get much better than this. Great lyrics, Great mix, Great Band.
8. Don't Stop The Carnival - Let's Samba! The use of an additional spanish style guitar for this song really helps to set the mood.
9. All the Way You Do - When Paul mentioned that this CD might have some southwestern flavor to it, he was not lying!
10. Ride The Country - Poco finally records again. 'nuff said.
11. Let the Wind Blow - This CD does not climax then taper off. It keeps "deliverin'" right into the last track.
Bottom Line, I like both Changing Horses and Firebird. They contrast each other well, where Firebird distinctly shows where Paul stands a decade or so down the road.

Paul Gagne
I just received Firebird the other day, and it is just superb -- it's been in "heavy rotation" in my car all week. It's the closest this to a new Poco album in years -- it really brings it all back. "Do What You Do" has become one of my all-time favorite songs by anyone.

Pat Beals
The new CD Firebird is great. I agree with the rest of the positive comments I have read about it. The more listens you give it, the more it grows on you. Some of the tunes certainly have the Poco flavor, but the CD has its own uniqueness, too. Congratulations to Paul for the fine job!

Art Hanson
The Firebird CD arrived on Thursday and I've listened to it at least 20 times - in fact, it's about all I've listened to the past few days - at home and in the car. I like it more and more each time I play it. I think there are a couple songs that are among his best ever. I especially like track 2 - There's a River - the transition at 2:06 right after the guitar solo is fantastic. And I really like track 7 - Do What You Do. That may be his best song ever. Tracks 8 and 9 are real good also, as well as the new version of Ride the Country. It really is a killer CD.

Simon Helle
I have just received my copy of "Firebird" and what I listen to, certainly has been worth waiting for. This new album is distinct Paul Cotton production with a, to me, unknown band doing a marvellous job. Beautiful songs done with simplicity and no overproduction. And the tasteful guitar playing of Paul Cotton is as great as always. Order this album right away. It is a must !!

Robert Charels
As a touring professional musician I just got home - and was pleased to find my copy of Firebird waiting for me. I was running a nationally distributed label for awhile and am so jealous! Paul sounds better than ever and he's really a true artist in every sense of the word. I know this new CD will put Futuredge on the map. Much pleasure for a blues man like me!

Dave Van Beveren
I just received my copy of Firebird. Lucky it's not vinyl because it would be worn out already. It gets better -&- better with every listening. Thanks for the great tunes.

Allan Crummett
Dear Paul: The only trouble with your last CD is that now I want another. Man, you have taste. For you recording companies out there. Please listen, this is high quality stuff that comes from quality craftsmen and we need bands who take their craft seriously.

Dennis Sargent
Hi Paul, it was well worth the wait. Like hearing from a long lost friend. Thanks to Futuredge for putting this music out. And it is music. Not the fluff, pop, un-emotional, cookie-cutter junk that exists everywhere today. Thank you Paul. Thank you Futuredge. This music moves me like no other.

Lawrence Neuman
"Firebird" is a good one. The album has a soothing Southwestern flavor and contains a balance of uptempo and acoustic music. "Ride The Country," is performed on "Firebird" as an acoustic ballad with CSNY type harmonies (all done by Paul). This version alone is worth the purchase of the CD. This CD is highly recommended. Buy it! You won't be sorry.

Stephen Kramer
It has been many years since I saw Poco so I did not know what to expect. I am amazed! This CD is one of the best I have ever heard. Many songs touch on the "Poco" sound such as "Woman with a Broken Heart." But it also has a unique blend of Carribean sounds such as "Don't Stop the Carnival." The music is pure; no electronics or fancy studio tricks here. Paul looks great on the cover. And I love the bird inside that flies away. Now that was a neat trick!

Denny Stevenson
Pauls new cd Firebird is so beauiful and when you put it beside any current music being done today you have to wonder what people listen to when there is music like this being done by a master

Dwight Whitney
Yes, my copy finally arrived. In a small country town just outside of Auckland, New Zealand. 'Bad Weather' has always been medication for existential funks and the like. This remake is hauntingly beautiful, pure and poignant. Superb music from the head and the heart.....Like everyone else, the smiles of nostalgia plus the satisfaction that great talent and music transcends the years are immense.

Andy Staebel
There's a River & beautiful hillsides that just seem to reach out Accross a Painted Sky. I'm going to Ride the Country to see you guys & I could care less if they Don't Stop the Carnival. I want to see & hear you Do What You Do. Hopefully I can wade thru the crowd All the Way to You to shake your hand & say thanks even though its been a while between music releases you were Not Out of Mind. July in Mo.can be hot so I pray to God to just Let the Wind Blow. but please no (you guessed it)Bad Weather;. P.S. I'am going to bring my wife because if I don't she's going to be A Women With a Broken Heart

Denny Werner
A moving collection of songs. In the sterile, superficial landscape of today's music scene, it's great to see that talent and integrity still can prevail. Thanks for enriching our lives and spirits

Nickie Solomon
I am addicted to it already! I've rushed home from work every night to fill my mind & soul with the music. This album is so beautiful it makes me cry. You done good Mr. Cotton!

Robert Charels
I am really enjoying Firebird. Mr. Cotton, you just continue to murder me--one of the finest songwriters and musicians of my lifetime. I'm a recording artist myself, my new album is out nationally now, yet I continue to be amazed by arists that I grew up listening to. It's such a good feeling to know (no pun intended) that Paul Cotton is back and contributing such vital music once again!

Danny Schneider
Well paul you have outdone yourself again,from your early hits like bad weather,drivin wheel,angel,faith in the families,indian summer,heart of the night etc. etc etc.to the new stuff like woman with a broken heart,firebird,and dont stop the carnival. Keep up the excellent work.

Eric Walker
Sounds like it's straight from paul's heart. Very sincere cd. I love "carnival". Great version of "bad weather" too.

Tom Chandler
Just played firebird - Paul's still got it. Love the guitar sound - does he still use hi-watt amps? Our groups always tried to get "that" great singing distortion ideally. Liked the new tunes - not one of those albums where you skip to familiar favorites. Great job Paul , thanks for the past tunes and the great new ones keep them coming.

Joe Chambliss
My assessment of my favourite tune on the album is the title track" Firebird". But on further thought I might have to go with "Not Out of Mind" as the best track or maybe "Do What You Do" and then of course I really like Rusty's "Across A Painted Sky". Actually, I like all of the tracks so much I just ordered two extra CDs to send to friends. How do we get air play for this music?

E. Kevin O'Connell
Congratulations on "Firebird". Variety is what sets your CD apart. So many CDs now are simply a collection of variations of one song. Your CD is unique because it incoporates so many different and well-crafted songs into one truly great work of art- Please keep writing!

Kip Bebout
I just finished listening to your Firebird CD and I thought it was = fantastic. The songs were great and I enjoyed the remake of Bad Weather = and Ride the Country. My favorite song on the CD is Do What You Do, I = have a personal connection with this song.

DAVID M. BYRD
I've had Paul's "Firebird" for several weeks now and wanted to offer my observations. I really like the feel of this collection of songs. The evocative title track "Firebird" suggests a man aware that he is finite is at the same time aware that he is part of something much larger that is timeless. I find that to be very moving. "There's a River" is a nicely structured nicely paced pleasant listen. The "Bad Weather" and "Ride the Country" remakes are as welcome as getting reacquainted with an old true friend that has aged gracefully. Rusty's composition "Across a Painted Sky" is a straight up tune that tells a story just for it's own sake aided by Rusty's vocals and slashing slide driving it on.There are other moments on this collection, these are my favorites. His real strength is in his ability to compose good songs and play them well while leaving no doubt in your mind that he is for real. Paul jumps in with both feet and wraps himself in his music and I am ALWAYS left with the impression that he IS genuine. In the final analysis this is the most valid measure of his art. In short, "he's got soul".

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