Album Review: Laura Nyro — Go Find the Moon
Standing in sharp contrast to the sharp and seasoned performer of 1994 found on Trees of the Ages is the Laura Nyro heard on Go Find the Moon: The Audition Tape. Recorded in 1966 when she was seeking a record deal, she displayed plenty of potential, but her talent was in a rawer state. She slurs her words in a slightly mannered fashion, slipping a giggle into the lyrics here and there. The gospel flavor of “And When I die” is pushed a bit hard, and the recording is truncated. Tantalizing incomplete songs make it clear that even in ‘66, Nyro’s command of her voice and piano were strong, and they hint at the deep repertoire that she undoubtedly had at her disposal. The false starts, fragments and bit of studio chatter underscore the fact that Go Find the Moon was never intended to be heard by the wider public. But for fans of Nyro’s special talent, it’s essential listening.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.