Artist: Linda Ronstadt
Album: Duets
Label: Rhino
Release Date: 04/08/2015
For all that’s compelling and gratifying about this 15-song display of Ronstadt’s artistry, the cruel fact is, because of Parkinson’s Disease, she’ll never perform again, a loss that many, myself included, can’t wrap our heads around. But she could wrap her whole voice around you and her fellow harmonizers, elevating the silk and rawhide of Irving Berlin and Hank Williams, Warren Zevon and the McGarrigles, to a place in your consciousness few could attain. Or sustain for that matter.
“Walk Away Renee” with Ann Savoy, “Hasten Down The Wind” with Don Henley, “I Can”t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)” with Emmylou Harris, “I Never Will Marry” with Dolly Parton and “Prisoner In Disguise” with J.D.Souther serve as the emotional core of the collection. Duets with Aaron Neville, James Ingram, James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Bette Midler cover the hit singles, contemporary stuff, but are no less telling in their clarity. Now if we could get someone at Rhino to please release “Lago Azul” (“Blue Bayou” in Spanish), we’d really be expanding the Ronstadt legend.
—Mike Jurkovic
To make a difference, go to www.pdf.org, and donate to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
Ronstadt’s singing voice grows more important, rare and remarkable in its clarity, purity, sadness and power – as I relisten to her recordings. We need a quality Live release – especially from the 70s. Whew fragile as an avalanche! Love her deeply, madly …