Leo Kottke, Steve Forbert

Folk/rock. $36.

press release: In today’s overload-of-information age, Steve Forbert recognizes the value of having a “calling card” song in his arsenal — “Romeo’s Tune,” his indelible pop hit that reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. “That song took on a life of its own,” he says. “Did I become a household name? No. But you write the songs, and you record the songs. As long as you have the inspiration, you keep on going.” A testament to his songwriting prowess, Forbert’s songs have been recorded by several artists, such as Keith Urban, Marty Stuart and Rosanne Cash.  His 2002 tribute album to Jimmie Rodgers (entitled Any Old Time) was nominated for a Grammy in the best traditional folk category in 2004. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Forbert was inducted into the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

In November, Forbert released his 16th studio album, Compromised, via Rock Ridge Music (with distribution through ADA). Recorded in Woodstock and Cape Cod and produced by Forbert along with John Simon (who helmed Forbert’s breakthrough sophomore album, 1979’s Jackrabbit Slim), Compromised is anything but what its title suggests. Its aggressive, roots-rock stylings are reminiscent of Forbert’s 1992 album The American in Me.