New Material Reflects Forbert’s Middle-Age

Last year, Steve Forbert released “Mission of the Crossroad Palms,” a record so good that it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with his brilliant 1978 debut, “Alive On Arrival.”

But where “Alive On Arrival” brimmed with a young man’s enthusiasm, the songs on “Mission of the Crossroad Palms” are the meditations of a middle-aged man.

His characters haven’t given up exactly, but a sense of loss - even melancholy - attend their affairs: A retired railroad worker longs for the job he hated, lovers look back on better days and former teen queens get caught shoplifting.

But the record’s not grim: Forbert’s eye for detail and his trademark sense of humor keep the works afloat. Like life itself, his cleareyed vision has its bright and redeeming side.

Forbert will perform material from “Crossroad Palms” Friday at The Met. Newcomer Marlee MacCloud will open.

Like every prodigy, Forbert’s history haunts him. Elevated expectations resulting from a superior first record often sink subsequent ones.

“The first one, you know,” Forbert rasped in his sandpaper Mississippi accent last week, “is hard to top as the years go by.”

It isn’t as if he hasn’t been trying: Forbert has produced a string of fine records over the years, but until “Crossroad Palms,” none replicated the subtle shadings of wit, insight and intelligence that made “Alive On Arrival” such a remarkable accomplishment.

But then here comes “Crossroad Palms.” Produced by Gary Tallent, bass player in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, it captures the delicate folk-rock blend of “Alive” - and it finds the story-teller at the top of his game.

“It seems like it always starts with the songs,” Forbert said. “1992 was when a lot of those songs began and it was an extremely intense, pressured-out year, a lot of touring, a lot of intense weeks.”

“Crossroad Palms” was recorded in a small studio where the band was comfortable and worked well together, and the musicians quickly found the hearts of the songs.

The record came easily, Forbert said. “Benmont (Heartbreakers’ keyboard player Benmont Tench) could only stay in town five days, so we did it in five days.”

Two weeks ago, Forbert finished work on yet another new record, also cut in record time with three members of the alternative-country band Wilco. This one will rock a little harder than the wistful “Crossroad Palms,” and Forbert may tour with a band in the fall.

But as good as it all sounds, Forbert feels his days as a recording artist may be drawing to a close. Despite glowing reviews, “Crossroad Palms” sold poorly, and the singer can’t justify taking time away from his young family to record and tour.

“I can’t do it forever,” he said, his slow drawl dripping with disappointment, “because it’s just so demanding. I don’t know anymore, I really don’t know anymore.”

Some 20 years ago, Forbert wrote an inspiring album about people facing tough choices. Maybe his own words could lend him some direction now.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color Photos

MEMO: Steve Forbert performs at 8 p.m. Friday at The Met. Marlee McCloud opens. Tickets are $10 ($12 at the door), available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call 325-SEAT.