Intriguing albums from the history of folk and roots music by Marius Roeting
The name David Blue, Stuart David Cohen’s artist name, will remind most music enthusiasts of that one song performed by his fellow musicians the Eagles. Their version of Outlaw Man became a hit, but few people know who wrote that song. Well, it was David Blue, an American singer-guitarist who never made the charts during his music career. His music simply wasn’t intended for that, although he did record some pop-arranged songs, especially in his early days. But Blue truly shines in the sophisticated country rock genre, as well as in dreamy ballads which he sings with his dark, warm voice. You would sooner place his self-titled debut in the 1960s Britpop category, with some over-arranged mediocre tracks. The follow-up These 23 Days In September serves as the initial step towards defining the distinct ‘Blue sound’: ballads with understated musical accompaniment. On his third album, Stories, the combination of beautiful ballads, sparse accompaniment, and warm, somewhat Dylan-like vocals truly shines. The fourth record, Nice baby and the angel, is the pinnacle among Blue’s albums. The tracks are diverse: in addition to the characteristic, subdued ballads, he adds some robust songs that fit into the prevalent country rock genre of the time. So… these were the early days of the Americana genre. The album was produced by a man who knew exactly what this singer-songwriter needed: Graham Nash. In addition to Nash himself, several Eagles members contributed, as well as Dave Mason and David Lindley. This was the peak of Blue’s musical career, because the following three albums did not quite reach the level of Nice baby and the angel. Despite Blue’s records being released by several renowned labels, such as Elektra, Reprise and Asylum, they didn’t become commercial hits. Beside his musical career, he also pursued acting. He starred in several movies, such as The American Friend by filmmaker Wim Wenders, and tv series, such as The Ordeal of Patty Hearst. In December of 1982, Blue died of a heart attack whilst out jogging in New York at the age of 41.
David Blue – Nice baby and the angel – Asylum Records 5C062 94326
01. Outlaw Man 2:49 
02. Lady O’Lady 3:16
03. True to You 3:31
04. On Sunday, Any Sunday 3:42
05. Darlin’ Jenny 3:51
06. Dancing Girl 2:43
07. Yesterdays Lady 4:30
08. Nice Baby and the Angel 3:02
09. Troubadour Song 3:43
10. Train to Anaheim 3:25
David Blue – David Blue – Elektra EKL 4003
11. Grand Hotel 4:02
David Blue – These 23 Days In September – Reprise RS 6296
12. Scales for a Window Thief 5:43
David Blue – Stories – Asylum Records SYL 9001
13. Sister Rose 3:51
David Blue – Com’n Back For More – Asylum Records SYL 9025
14. 23 Days 4:08
David Blue – Cupid’s Arrow – Asylum Records 7E1077
15. She’s Got You 4:48
All composed by David Blue
