“Largo” is a new musical project conceived and produced by long-time friends Rick Chertoff and Rob Hyman. Chertoff was nominated for a Grammy for producing such singers as Cyndi Lauper and Joan Osborne.  Rob Hyman, was the co-founder of the rock band The Hooters, and also a Grammy nominated song-writer (he wrote Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time").

The two friends discovered that they shared an interest in Anton’n Dvorák's Symphony "From The New World."  Dvorak, a European classical composer, was the first to write in the spirit of National American tunes and honor indigenous American music.   The "Largo" theme from Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, inspired the end  project: a musical journey, an exploration of Dvorák's own journey from the Old World to the New.

Chertoff and Hyman modeled their songs around Dvorak’s composition and developed songs that revolved around the journey Dvorak had made.  They wrote songs about love, songs about freedom, some with racial notions, others dealing with immigrant memories---just a whole lot of good music.

Once they had the songs written, the two began to think about who they
wanted to sing these songs and what musicians they wanted to play on this
project.  When the decisions were made it basically came down to scheduling.

The record features a wide variety of artists from Taj Mahal to Joan Osborne to Cyndi Lauper.  There are so many wonderful songs here that it’s hard to know where to begin. The songs that really stood out for me began with “Freedom Ride.” This song features Taj Mahal singing lead vocals.  You can almost feel the rails underneath you, the train clacking along.  The music, Taj Mahal’s vocals, it all mixes together and creates this wonderful musical trip.  I loved this song.

“Disorient Express” is sung by Forman and it’s incredible.  The music is so fantastic on this song.  Banjo, tremolo guitar, organ, electric piano - the end result is a song of such intensity that you’ll want to listen to it several
times.  Then you’ll want to listen to it again so that you can appreciate
the pace and the rhythm.

Cyndi Lauper does an amazing job with “White Man’s Melody.”  Her vocals have a tremendous depth to them and the music has a soothing tone.  It’s a soulful song with a blues kind of beat.  A definite treat for any listener.

“Medallion” features Willie Nile doing the lead vocals.  It’s the story of
an immigrant driving a cab and dreaming the American dream, hoping to bring the rest of his family over soon.  The music is great on this song and the lyrics are sad and yet say so much.  It ends with an interesting version of “The Star Spangled Banner” that was very unexpected.

Joan Osborne and Carole King team up on “An Uncommon Love.”  Osborne sings lead vocals with King doing harmony.  Definitely an unbeatable combination putting these two together.  Their voices complement each other and make me wish for more chances to hear the two of them together.  Again, it’s a simple song, and yet such a pleasure to listen to.

This entire album is filled with artists pouring themselves into the music,
the lyrics, everything.  The instrumentals all have a commonality to tie them together.  This is a record that you really have to hear to appreciate.  I recommend it highly.  I don’t think you can go wrong with this one.