Send "David Bromberg " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Popmatters |
 The title of David Bromberg’s new disc, Use Me serves two purposes. On the one hand, Bromberg does a hard drivin’ freaky six-and-a-half-minute version of Bill Withers’ classic soul track of that name. Bromberg annunciates the lyrics in his trademark droll, staccato and salty voice. He breaks down the wall between singer and audience through his intimate asides. He plays some amazing rhythm and blues guitar. Bromberg makes you want to find someone who will use you, too, in the best sense of the term. The title also refers to the way Bromberg assembled the album. He enlisted the support of some of his prominent friends to contribute material and performances. They would use Bromberg how they saw fit. The contributors include such respected names as John Hiatt, Levon Helm, Vince Gill, Dr. John and Los Lobos. Bromberg only wrote one song on the record, the honky-tonk rave-up “Tongue”. It doesn’t matter. The album has a conceptual heart, that of Bromberg’s soulful singing and playing, that binds every tune together as part of the whole. Take the greasy Hiatt composition, “Ride on Out a Ways”. Bromberg and Hiatt trade guitar licks on the song about feeling alone and the need for companionship. The instrumentals brightly resonate, yet maintain the ache of feeling like you’re a small cog in the world. The pairing of Bromberg with the other musicians, like Hiatt, allows all of the musicians to do their stuff. The results are comfortable, but still have an edge, as it seems the artists are in competition with Bromberg and are a bit afraid of being shown up....full text |
| Blogcritics |
| David Bromberg has been a part of the American music scene since his debut in the mid-1960s as part of the Greenwich Village folk scene. Since the release of his 1971 self-titled debut album, he has gone on to issue several dozen albums. In his spare time he's provided session guitar work for such artists as Ringo Starr, Carly Simon, Willie Nelson, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, and many more. Bromberg and his wife Nancy are now settled in Wilmington, Delaware, where they run a violin sales and repair shop. Now and then he ventures forth to tour or record. His 2007 release, Try Me One More Time, was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. His new album, Use Me, will be released in July. The concept for his new release began when he was in the studio with John Hiatt. Bromberg wondered if he might impose upon him to write a song for his new album. This led to the idea of then asking a number of friends to each write a song for him. Some offered compositions and others contributed in the way of producing or performing with him....full text |
| Seattlepi |
| David Bromberg has been a part of the American music scene since his debut in the mid-1960's as part of the Greenwich Village folk scene. Since the release of his 1971 self-titled debut album, he has gone on to issue several dozen albums. In his spare time he's provided session guitar work for such artists as Ringo Starr, Carly Simon, Willie Nelson, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, and many more. Bromberg and his wife Nancy are now settled in Wilmington, Delaware, where they run a violin sales and repair shop. Now and then he ventures forth to tour or record. His 2007 release, Try Me One More Time, was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. His new album, Use Me, will be released in July. The concept for his new release began when he was in the studio with John Hiatt. Bromberg wondered if he might impose upon him to write a song for his new album. This led to the idea of then asking a number of friends to each write a song for him. Some offered compositions and others contributed in the way of producing or performing with him. For the album Hiatt penned "Ride On Out A Ways," which was recorded live in the studio and featured he and Bromberg sharing lead-guitar duties. Bromberg also traveled to his old friend Levon Helm's studio in Woodstock, New York, to cut two tracks. At the time Helm was recovering from surgery and not allowed to sing, so he limited himself to playing his drums and doing a little arranging. They first recorded Bromberg's only original composition, "Tongue," a sprawling song with brass and some fine guitar work and vocals by David. They then moved on to a modernization of the old jug band song, "Bring It With You When You Come."...full text |
David Bromberg lyrics
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