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Contributing
artists:
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Eric
Gale, Frddie Hubbard, Freddie Hubbard, Peter Cetera,
Ralph MacDonald, Steve Khan
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Personnel
includes: Billy Joel (vocals, harmonica, piano,
keyboards); Eric Gale, Hugh McCracken, David Spinozza,
Russell Javors, Steve Khan, David Brown (guitar); George
Marge (sopranino saxophone); Richie Cannata (saxophone,
organ); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet); Robert Freedman
(horns); Mike Manieri (vibraphone, percussion); Doug
Stegmeyer (bass); Liberty DeVito, David Friedman, Ralph
MacDonald (percussion); Peter Cetera, Donnie Dacus,
Frank Floyd, Babi Floyd, Zachary Sanders, Ray Simpson,
Milt Grayson (background vocals).
Recorded at A&R Recording, Inc., New York, New York.
Every major artist has at least one record that is the
consummate definition of their style. Billy Joel has
several. 52ND STREET, however, may be at the top of the
heap. Following the ridiculously successful THE
STRANGER, Joel didn't rest on his laurels. Instead he
kept his songwriting skills moving forward into even
deeper areas of exploration. His uniquely personal tales
of emotional defiance and blue collar struggles take
different, and sometimes darker forms this time to
reveal an even richer creative side to the tough kid
from Levittown.
This collection finds the piano man in a very solitary
mood as he struggles with the influence of those around
him in the raucous "Big Shot" and the
beautiful ballad "Honesty." One of Joel's many
signature songs, "My Life," is among the best
anthems of self reliance ever written. The very creative
"Zanzibar" and "Rosalinda's Eyes"
explore jazz and Latin influences, respectively.
Finally, the lesser known gem "Until The
Night" is a grandiose tale of longing that is the
emotional apex of the entire album. The end result is a
stellar work that effectively puts the cap on the '70s
phase of Joel's career.
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