Album Review: Laura Nyro — Trees of the Ages
Laura Nyro was a talent of staggering dimensions. Not only was the New York singer-songwriter possessed of a preternatural ability to write enduing melodies – many of which were hits for other artists – but she was a powerful presence on her own recordings. The controversial and notorious alleged-disaster of a performance at Monterey Pop notwithstanding, she could, in fact, deliver the goods live onstage. That fact finds is expression and proof in Omnivore’s new reissue, Trees of the Ages: Laura Nyro Live in Japan. Compiled from three 1994 concerts in Tokyo and Osaka, the recordings showcase an artists seemingly at the height of her powers. Seated at her piano, she glides effortlessly from song to song, displaying her virtues with only the sparest of vocal accompaniment.
Her reading of “Ooh Baby Baby” underscores just how much her approach influenced Todd Rundgren, whose own recording of the song in the 1970s owes a great deal to her style. And when, mid-set, she breaks into her most well-known numbers (“And When I Die,” “Save the Country,” “Wedding Bell Blues”), her unadorned versions highlight both the lyrics and the lyrical quality of her melodies. And even the famously reserved Japanese audience can’t help but clap along on “Wedding Bell Blues.” (You might, too.) This live recording is technically a reissue, having been released in 2003 under a different title in Japan only. But this loving repackage – featuring a thoughtful essay by John Kruth – brings this rarity to Western ears.
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 4500-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 taught 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: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.