Ron Elliott “The Candlestickmaker”

Now here’s a record that, for all practical purposes, should not be this obscure. In fact, I’m often taken aback at how many Beau Brummels fans aren’t even aware that Ron Elliott, said group’s guitarist and songwriter, ever cut a record on his own. Fortunately, however, Collector’s Choice saw fit to remind the world a few years back and reissued 1970’s The Candlestickmaker, which would prove to be Elliott’s one and only record.

The music here is beautiful. Mining a deep spiritual vein that was only hinted at in the last two Beau Brummels records (on 1968’s Triangle, in particular) Elliott’s vivid word craft and west coast roots are bolstered by the musicianship of such luminaries as Chris Ethridge, Bud Shank, Ry Cooder, and Mark McClure. Elliott’s voice is a marked contrast to Sal Valentino’s tremulous purr, boasting a rich depth that calls to mind that crown prince of Americana, John Stewart. Interestingly enough, this entire record makes me think of the dense, rocky wildernesses of the Pacific northwest. Maybe this has something to do with how the overall sound of the band is rather sparse, while managing to invoke a richly woven sound. Even the orchestral arrangements of Bob Thompson convey an organic and understated character.

When a record only holds five songs, it seems ridiculous to pick highlights, but All Time Green and the gently flowing train song Deep River Runs Blue really are absolutely beautiful. Mark McClure’s sharp, spidery guitar lines on the former, while Ry Cooder’s distinctive slide work on the latter blends majestically with either Elliott or McClure’s burbling wah guitar. Meanwhile, Bud Shank’s flute marks the mellow jazz folk of Lazy Day, and Leon Russell’s subtle brass arrangements drive To the City, To the Sea. Each of these little touches make the songs both memorable and distinctive.

The magnum opus here, however, is clearly the fifteen minute long title track. As Elliott suggests in Richie Unterberger’s liner notes, the song has a healing quality to it. The lyrics build on what seems to me to be a driving theme throughout The Candlestickmaker: man’s struggle to break through the cold iron landscape of modern capitalist society and rediscover a free, wild America. Arguably a common theme in the early 1970s United States, but rarely one so eloquently presented. The music never once falters: Ethridge’s bass runs warm and melodic, while McClure’s guitar craft truly sparkles as it trails around Elliott’s words. Indeed, McClure proves himself to be one of the greatest revelations, and his grace on his instrument draws me towards exploring his own work further.

“All Time Green”

:D Reissue | 2003 | Collector’s Choice | buy here ]
:) Original | 1970 | Warner Bros | search ebay ]
8-) Spotify link | listen ]


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6 Comments.

  • Brendan M

    I, for one, had no idea. Sold on this one.

  • Alpo

    For stellar mark McClure work, check out Leviit and McClure, also on Warner Bros. If you can’t find it, let me know, I’ll send you a digital copy. Thanks for the great post!

  • Len Liechti

    Wow, that’s some sweet stuff there, Nik. Never heard of this guy before, but then the Brummels never did diddly on this side of the Pond so no wonder really. Just found a very nicely priced offer on this album on the big A, so that’ll be dropping through my letterslot in the near future. No coincidence that this and my immediately following review both feature Messrs Cooder and Etheridge – looks like we share the same good taste.

  • Justin

    I am loving this, you guys are my guides on these old records, and this is one of my favorite finds. I love the guitar sound on Deep River Runs Blue, such great players on this one. Thanks so much for posting!

  • eco

    19?? Warner Bros, US, Current Reissue Pressing, 6 Tracks, 180 Gram

  • Guy

    I’ve been enjoying this album since the first day I brought it home from the store back in 1970. Transfered it to 8 track, then casette tape and now cd so the original is still in decent shape. I didn’t know about Elliott’s other recordings though…

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