Philharmonic(Avery Fisher) Hall
Buckley Spans Communication Gap in Singing and Talking

By Fred Kirby

New York--Tim Buckley was in his best form in a Philharmonic Hall concert on March 14, singing and communicating to perfection. It was the top local appearance in some time for the highly talented Elektra artist.

Buckley set himself a tough challenge by beginning with Morning Glory, perhaps his finest number. But the folk singer-guitarist-composer never faltered thereafter, whether up-tempo as in Grief in My Soul or tender as in Wings.

His talk also went over well as he commented on a variety of subjects, especially in the second half. His remarks were timely and his exchanges with the audience friendly. The communication was paramount.

As usual, his lyrics carried their sometimes poignant, sometimes powerful messages in Once I Was and Pleasant Street. The program also included selections from his Happy Sad album, which is due early next month, including Love From Room 109, a soulful, tender song, Buzzin' Fly and Strange Feeling. The last had a fine instrumental section featuring Buckley's first-rate trio of back-up musicians.

Testify, which closed the first half, was another strong number as were Gypsy Woman and Down to the Bayou, which also had a fine instrumental section.

(NOTE: This is the concert that saw the now-infamous 'tall blonde with a red carnation' incident)