Jack Hardy * Southern Comfort [New CD]

Jack Hardy was a songwriter's songwriter, the most influential definer of the Fast Folk era in New York City. He left an indelible imprint with his solo production, in addition to his activity as a promoter of the folk scene and discoverer of talents until his untimely passing in 2011 - aged 63, succumbing to lung cancer. A hugely important figure that wrote an impressive number of outstanding songs. Lucinda Williams, who knows whereof she speaks when it comes to great songs, expressed all her love for Hardy when she said "Jack wrote some of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard." And who can doubt Lucinda! "Southern Comfort" was recorded in Cosenza - deep South of Italy, in 1988 - a place that Jack would call "a slice of Paradise", hence the title. Superb accompaniment by Todd Scheaffer on guitar and Brady Rymer on bass (both on backing vocals too) plus Jack himself in a state of grace, make this performance one of the absolute best of his 40 years of touring. Such is the energy, the conviction and the almost trascendental artistic gesture. One of the closest friends of Jack Hardy has labelled this performance as a compulsory listen. So be it!