JOHN BATDORF: 60 Year Old Groove

John Batdorf makes no bones about how he’s doing at age 72 as he states in his liner notes: “I am thrilled to still be so inspired to write and record. The thrill has not lessened one bit since my debut record, Off the Shelf, in 1971. For an old guy, I’m still pretty damn good!”

The ten-track package, titled 60 Year Old Groove, contains all original compositions with Batdorf alongside notable co-writer-composer Michael McLean, except for one track written by Batdorf solely. Following a similar script from his previous album, Batdorf produced, engineered, and mixed the project in addition to playing most all the instruments, including bass, piano, percussion, and acoustic guitar, all supporting his dynamic out-front voice ornamented on most tracks by his full-throated rich vocal harmonies.

There are mixes of ace electric guitarists Michael Dowdle and James Harrah providing occasional tasty fills and lovely string arrangements by Bill Evans and Renney, featuring cellist Diane Sansom, but the main attraction is the out-front mix of Batdorf’s powerful vocal presence and superb wordsmanship of uplifting joy and extensive introspection that carries the day beyond any distracting instrumental solos. It’s another Batdorf collection of tunes that are so radio friendly in their overall production and musical arrangements that are certainly deserving of wider recognition.

The opening title track, “60 Year Old Groove,” rocks out with Batdorf reflecting back on the nostalgic musical days of the 1960s. Everyone that’s lived it knows just what I mean, with Batdorf expanding on his many years of artistry on the track, “Simple Man.” …and I understand what it means to be faithful, devoted, and true to my work.

The optimistic vibe thrives throughout myriad tracks, notably in Batdorf’s personal love story as in the tender ballad “Always Remember.” Once I surrendered to the life we both promised, always is true, the promise that will last forever to always remember, what am I gonna do, and on “Love Believes in Us” …Every step that we take together is how souls become aligned, and additionally on “All the Time You Need.” …In every healing that will make you strong, there’s a feeling that it takes too long…it cannot be too long for you and me.

Coming full circle, as the album title signifies, there is that reflection back on a life’s journey as a musical artist and whether it’s been a worthy one in terms of recognition as noted on the track “Nobody Sees Me.” Nobody sees me, no one even cares, nobody believes in me, like I’m just not there or the balancing act of family and career on the track “Where Did I Go Right.” I never gave up when the love we had took a backseat to a long career.

Ultimately Batdorf sums it all up on his solo-authored tune “Why Did It Take so Long,” giving us a final glimpse of his state of mind as a musical artist and as a human being, sorting out many of life’s questions. Why did it take me so long to write such a perfect song? At 71 I thought that I would be done, but I’m still having so much fun.