Songwriters Hall Of Fame inductee and Diamond status songwriter Jack Tempchin is best known for penning the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and co-writing “Already Gone.” He also had a hand in writing hits like “Smuggler’s Blues” and “You Belong to The City” for Glenn Frey’s solo career. George Jones, Buck Owens, Tom Waits, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Tanya Tucker, Bonnie Raitt, and many more have recorded and/or performed his songs. On Tempchin’s 2019 solo release, One More Time With Feeling, the famed songwriter offers his take on 10 self-penned numbers, including the hit that changed his life.
While it doesn’t include those rich Eagles harmonies we all know and love, Tempchin’s rendition of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” confirms the song’s timeless sheen. The strut of the title track, which Tempchin co-wrote with Frey, packs all the trimmings of a classic rock hit, while the country ballad “Never Had The Chance To Say Goodbye” is a poignant and heartfelt farewell to the late co-founder of the Eagles and a close friend for over 40 years.
Much of the record features plenty of pedal steel and top-notch playing. And you can forgive Tempchin’s low-key voice when he sings with deep feeling. “Out In The Desert” is a favorite with riveting guitar picking, a shuffling snare and a taste of harmonica. From this, you get a real sense of the deserted places Tempchin sings about. The wail of the slide and harmonica that rises up at the end creates a scary mix. The big ballsy “Big Lincoln” gives us a nice upbeat to end the record. Eagles fans or really anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship of fine songwriting will want to track through One More Time With Feeling.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
