Nils Lofgren
Cry Tough
Eagle Vision DVD
www.eaglerockent.com
By George W. Harris

One of the best, yet overlooked, tunesmiths of the 70s and 80s was a cat by the name of Nils Lofgren. He made his name as guitarist for Neil Young before starting his own pop/country/blues band Grin, which excelled in harmonies and catchy tunes. Embarking on a solo career, his debut eponymous 1975 disc was bubbling over with infectious melodies and startling guitar wizardry. As a matter of fame, he’s always been the bridesmaid, but never the bride, but you can see from these 2 dvds from concerts from 76, 79 and 91 why he had a tried and true following.

It’s best to start with the second dvd, as it contains his earliest footage from 76, and then hit disc #1. All of the concerts are from the famous Rockpalast TV series in Germany, and make for fascinating observation. The 76 gig finds Lofgren displaying his pop sensibilities with memorable tunes like “Back It Up” and “Cry Tough,” while his gentle voice is in complete contrast to the intense music on “Rock and Roll Crook.” His guitar technique is on ample display on the anthem “Keith Don’t Go,” which sometimes went a bit overboard on stage. I saw him perform (with the Beau Brummels opening!) during this time, and each solo went on for at least 5 minutes. He keeps it cool here. The 79 gig has a bit more of a party atmosphere, with the engines revved up a bit more on “Keith” and “Heart On Fire.” He even pulls out a Grin chestnut in “Soft Fun” that sounds right in line with the rest of the well paced gig.

The 91 concert on disc one shows a more established Lofgren, opening the show with gentle acoustic takes of “Sticks and Stones” and “Keith…” His crisp guitar is always an inspiration, and he lets it loose on “Moon Tears” while his keyboard work and vocals on “Sun Hasn’t Set” spotlights his penchant for agreeable melodies. Few artists could combine chops and accessibility like Mr. Lofgren. An overlooked diamond in the mine.