Artists: Dan Baird, Sweet Lizzy Project, Shelby Lynne, Dennis Diken, Ken Sharp, more
Title: Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham (Y&T Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Matthew Sweet, Shelby Lynne, The Beatles, power pop, The Georgia Satellites
Tell me more: Badfinger lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Pete Ham was among the great rising stars of the early 1970s. Indeed, the man born Peter William Ham's parade of enduring hit originals include "No Matter What," "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue"; he also co-wrote the ballad "Without You," a hit for Harry Nilsson.
Sadly, Ham died by suicide on April 24, 1975 at the age of 27 in the wake of band- and record label-related issues including financial woes. Now the Welsh artist is the focus of an ambitious and well-deserved tribute album released by Y&T Music titled Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham. Featuring 35 new recordings of songs written or co-written by Ham, proceeds from the project will go to Mental Health America of Southeast Florida. The charitable aim of the project is enhanced by the strength of the diverse field of artists who revisit Ham classics on the two-disc Shine On.
The jangly opener "No More" features the strengths of singer Mary Lee Kortes and guitar ace Eric Ambel. Ex-Georgia Satellites lead singer Dan Baird offers up a truly rollicking take on "I Can't Take It." Andrew Hyra revisits "Shine On" via a poignant Americana-flavored reading adorned by nice harmony vocals and the slide guitar work of John Keane. Rising Cuban rockers Sweet Lizzy Project perform a stirring cover of "Perfection." Shelby Lynne's original interpretation of "Day After Day" is as dramatic as it is beautiful. Mary Lou Lord's emotive vocals capture the romantic loss at the center of the melodically sumptuous "Baby Blue." Dennis Diken (of Smithereens fame) covers the wistful Baroque pop track "Dennis." Legendary singer Melanie is featured on a sorrowful "Without You." Power pop hero Ken Sharp conjures up the spirit of Badfinger via his outstanding take on "Just A Chance." Indeed, there are so many strong versions of Ham's sterling songs showcased across this essential collection.
Robert Kinsler
