In 2018, Pokey LaFarge moved from his hometown of St. Louis to the global Los Angeles. The nostalgic singer-songwriter did this to broaden himself musically. Initially, however, it was mainly the lures of the big city that took hold of him. Fortunately, that resulted in an inspired album. LaFarge always profiled himself mainly as a live artist. He is very successful on stage, also in the Netherlands,
… with his mix of rock and roll and old American show music. Rock Bottom Rhapsody is more than ever a studio album that can be heard like an American radio show in 1959. Rhythm & blues and novelty songs are alternated with bittersweet show ballads. Everything richly arranged and flamboyantly performed, so that even here and there a pinch of glam can be heard. In the meantime he has also calmed down, so the conclusion may be that Los Angeles has been a big step forward for LaFarge. (MR)more
