Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 2, 1995 TAG: 9506020037
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK MORRISON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
After all, he was looking for something a little less taxing than usual when last fall he began work on his next album, and who's to say the mellow-voiced singer hasn't earned a little relief for himself?
At least by his way of thinking, he said in a recent telephone interview from Los Angeles, it had been 10 years since he last slacked off from his usual intensity. And as for a sequel, well, it's not like he's doing it to cash in on past glories.
Probably not enough people remember the original ``Twin Sons of Different Mothers'' to make the sequel a sure bet.
That 1978 album, on which Fogelberg collaborated with flutist Tim Weisberg, was certainly an artistic milestone for the 43-year-old singer/songwriter. It also yielded one of his best-known songs, ``Power of Love.'' But overall, as a mostly instrumental work, the album was not exactly a commercial blockbuster.
So, if glory days had been what Fogelberg, who plays the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium Sunday night, was seeking, then a sequel wouldn't have been the most logical route. Glory days were not what he was after, though.
What he wanted more was a little respite.
The last time Fogelberg took a similar break from his usual recording grind was in 1985 when he shelved his usual wispy style to record a more bluegrass-flavored album, titled ``High Country Snows.''
Then, as now, he said doing something to mix up the usual routine came as a breath of fresh air from what he called the ``wearisome'' task of carrying a recording project solely on his shoulders.
``Then I have to be so serious,'' he said.
With collaborators around, he explained, the atmosphere is much looser, the spotlight aimed less at him.
On ``High Country Snows,'' for example, he invited some of his favorite bluegrass musicians to guest on the album, including Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs and David Grisman.
For this upcoming album, however, Fogelberg did not plan originally to enlist Weisberg. But last fall, he wrote a couple of songs, and he said he suddenly thought to himself: ``You know what would sound good on this is Tim.''
He then called his record company to see if it liked the idea of a possible sequel to his earlier collaboration with Weisberg. Fogelberg explained that because he is signed as a solo artist, he first had to get approval from his label to go ahead with the idea.
``They're paying for this,'' he said.
Of course, his label signed on. The next step then was to bring in Weisberg. They picked up where they left off 17 years earlier, Fogelberg said. ``It just felt like we'd never stopped.''
Their subsequent album, which will be released in August, was completed fast for Fogelberg, in less than eight weeks, as opposed to his normal meticulous two years.
Like working with collaborators, he said the fast pace was liberating. ``That may be how I choose to work the next time.''
The final product, he said, isn't a repeat of ``Twin Sons of Different Mothers.'' It's more sophisticated, more jazzy, better. ``Because I'm a better writer now,'' he said.
Chances are Fogelberg won't preview any of the new album at his concert Sunday. The reason is he won't have a flutist along. In fact, he won't have a band along. It will be just Fogelberg and his acoustic guitar.
Again, the acoustic format is a change-up that he likes to throw in as an alternative for his live show. ``It's nice to have the option,'' he said.
It also allows him to play more songs from his early, more acoustic albums, ``Souvenirs'' and ``Captured Angel.'' At the same time, he said he doesn't dive too deep into his catalog.
``I don't pull a Dylan, pulling stuff out of a hat. You have to rehearse.''
Another reason he likes the acoustic format is more practical. The overhead is considerably lower, he said. ``So, I make more money.''
In his personal life, Fogelberg is married, and his wife usually accompanies him on the road. They split the rest of their time between homes in Maine and Colorado.
Meanwhile, he said he is content for now, but give him another 10 years. Then he will be ready for another break.
Maybe a Christmas record. Or a guitar record, he said.
Or maybe another sequel.
Dan Fogelberg: Sunday, 7:30 p.m., Roanoke Civic Center auditorium. Tickets, $27.50, $32.50, $40.50, available at the box office (981-1201), Ticketmaster outlets (cash only) or charge-by-phone (343-8100). Mark Morrison's review will appear in Monday's Extra section.
by CNB