Dave Loggins - vocal, acoustic guitar
Tennessee born singer-songwriter Dave Loggins has had his songs recorded by a long list of pop, folk and especially country music stars such as Alabama, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Wynonna Judd and many others, earning himself recognition by the Nashville Songwriters' Hall Of Fame. Loggins' professional career began in the early 1970s, when he relocated to Nashville and signed a deal with MCA Music Publishing. In 1971, Loggins scored his first Top 10 hit on the Pop charts, when Three Dog Night recorded "Pieces Of April."
The following year, Loggins signed his first recording deal with Vanguard Records. In 1972, he released his debut album, Personal Belongings, which was followed in 1974 by Apprentice in a Musical Workshop. The latter album included a moving sentimental ballad that would soon define his career. "Please Come To Boston" sailed up the Pop charts, winning Loggins a Grammy for best male vocal performance. This song would be covered by many artists, including Joan Baez, who prominently featured the song during her sets on Bob Dylan's legendary Rolling Thunder Revue Tour the following year.
This Record Plant performance, featuring Loggins performing solo acoustic before a small in-studio audience, captures him at that pivotal time in 1974, when he was just beginning to be recognized for "Please Come To Boston." Stripped down to just vocals and acoustic guitar, this rare live recording provides an intimate glimpse at Loggins as he was beginning to establish his reputation. The set opens with Loggins' own rendition of "Pieces Of April" and closes with his traveling song, "Touch Of Pennsylvania," both originally featured on his debut album. In between are two songs from his sophomore album; the country flavored ode to an aging female barfly, "Sunset Woman," as well as his biggest hit, the aforementioned "Please Come To Boston." A light soft-pop love song that was not included on either of his albums, "Let Me Down Easy" rounds out this set.
Loggins displays an openness and passion in these songs that is free of pretense. This approach to songwriting would gain Loggins respect from the Nashville community and lead to a respectable career in the decades to come. He would be influential to countless other songwriters, surprisingly including Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, who cited Loggins as an early influence.