Bruce Hornsby made his mark with the 1986 hit single “The Way It Is,” but he’s also known for playing live with the Grateful Dead, as well as work on bluegrass, jazz and soundtrack records. His 2019 solo album, Absolute Zero, mines Hornby’s extensive compositional skills, musicianship, and lyrical prowess.
The title tune opens with a wild Jack DeJohnette shuffle snare, mournful horn, and strings. Any song with lyrics about cryogenic preservation is a winner as far as I’m concerned. “Fractals” features a frenetically plucked piano under a lyric about the science of love. We soon discover that what Hornsby sings mostly about on Absolute Zero is human relationships and science.
There is the perfect placement of strings against Hornsby’s piano mostly throughout the album’s 10 songs. This is especially noticeable on “Voyager One,” a hoedown about space exploration with a catchy chorus. “The Blinding Light Of Dreams” is Hornsby doing Randy Newman, reflecting on deep South racism over a 13-note piano riff. This is one disturbing yet brilliant ditty. And as it does everywhere else on this record, the drumming stands out.
As the closing song, “Take You There (Misty),” with its folksy vibe and danceable beat, is likely the most accessible number on the record. Absolute Zero presents masterful songwriter that embraces jazz, classical and pop, brought to life with simple production of the highest order. From the interplay of the instruments to the harmonies to insightful lyrics, this release from Bruce Hornsby is one he surely delivers on in every way.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
