Graham Nash & David Crosby - Graham Nash & David Crosby (1972)

This self-titled release is one of -- if not arguably the -- mostimpressive side project to arise from CSN. Taken beyond face value,Graham Nash/David Crosby is a direct reflection, if not an extension, ofthe musical and personal relationship between its co-creators.Likewise, the results remain true, enhancing rather than detracting fromthe very individualistic styles of Crosby and Nash. The best elementsof each are readily available here, punctuated at every turn by theircomplicated vocal arrangements and air-lock harmonies. In the wake ofthe enormous successes garnered by the albums Crosby Stills & Nash,DA©ja Vu, and Four Way Street, the principal members were essentiallygiven carte blanche studio access to pursue solo projects as well. Thisrelease is the first in what would turn out to be a series ofcollaborative efforts between Crosby and Nash. Musically it continues inmuch the same vein as their respective debut solo releases, If I CouldOnly Remember My Name and Songs for Beginners. Nashs contributionsinclude Girl to Be on My Mind, Strangers Room, and SouthboundTrain -- a twangy piece of Americana featuring a high and lonesomesteel guitar solo from Jerry Garcia that likewise hearkens to theGrateful Deads American Beauty, Elton Johns Tumbleweed Connection, orthe Bands Music From Big Pink. These tracks co-exist in stark contrastto Crosbys more cerebral and incisive contributions, such as WholeCloth, Games, and The Wall Song. The latter features someoutstanding instrumental support from the Grateful Deads Jerry Garcia(guitar), Phil Lesh (bass), and Billy Kreutzman (drums). The core bandrevolves around another set of all-stars: Russell Kunkel (drums), LelandSkylar (bass), Craig Doerge (keyboards), and Danny Kootch Kortchmar(guitar). This same band would more or less continue to back up Crosbyand Nashs duo efforts throughout the remainder of the 70s. GrahamNash/David Crosby offers much of the same unique songwriting andpersonal style which informed their better contributions not only to theCSN-related efforts, but as far back as their offerings with theHollies and the Byrds. Interested enthusiasts are also urged to locateAnother Stoney Evening -- a live acoustic release from October 10, 1971-- which includes seminal live versions of Southbound Train, WhereWill I Be, Immigration Man, and Strangers Room.