Halcyon Days

Personnel include: Bruce Hornsby (vocals, keyboards); Eric Clapton (vocals, guitar); Elton John, Lloyd Jones, Sting (vocals); Doug Derryberry, R.S. Hornsby, Wayne Pooley (guitar); Bobby Read (clarinet); J.V. Collier (bass guitar); Sonny Emory (drums); Bonnie Bonaparte (percussion); Woody Green, Ralph Payne, Donnie Struckey (background vocals); John "J.T." Thomas, Peter Harris.
For his Columbia Records debut, HALCYON DAYS, Bruce Hornsby turned to his role as family man for inspiration. Written for one of Hornsby's sons struggling with self-esteem issues, "Dreamland" features the composer alternating solo verses with Elton John before the duo joins with gospel singer Lloyd Jones on this soothing lullaby. The gently pulsing, Bonnie Raitt-like title cut features Eric Clapton's warm guitar phrasing and Sting's burnished harmony vocals.
Hornsby's spry skill on the keys continues to delight, as he struts his range on notable numbers, from the stride-piano nuances sprinkled throughout "What the Hell Happened" and the New Orleans-flavored "Heir Gordon" to the sparse yet string-laden solo instrumental "Song F." Best of all is the opening cut, "Gonna Be Some Changes Made," a snappy number bubbling over with chugging rhythms, drizzled piano notes, and crisp Clapton riffs. Almost two decades into his recording career, Bruce Hornsby here solidifies his status as one of pop's premier piano-playing singer/songwriters.