By Ken Paulson
–The reissue of Living By the Days, Don Nix’s second album, is something of a revelation. It barely charted in 1971 and the single “Olena” just cracked the Hot 100. But 42 years later, the album sounds fresh and soulful.
Nix was signed to Leon Russell’s Shelter Records and they had similar musical sensibilities. Nix is backed on the album by Mussel Shoals’ best, including David Hood, Barry Beckett, Wayne Perkins, Roger Hawkins and Jimmy Johnson.
Highlights include “Three Angels,” written with Lonnie Mack, “She Don’t Want a Lover (She Just Needs a Friend)” and a heartfelt cover of Hank Williams’ “I saw the Light.” It’s very good to have Living by the Days back in print (Real Gone Music.)
Follow Sun209: Americana Music News on Twitter at @Sun209com.