Steve Forbert never had a chance of living up to the "new Dylan" kiss of death that critics smeared on his collar with his first releases in the late '70s. Four albums of wit and optimism gave way to a six-year drought without a record contract. With The American in Me, Forbert has found a healthier, more balanced perspective. The pressures and uncertainties of growing up, taking on responsibilities, and looking back on missed opportunity makes up the central theme linking the disc's ten songs. This isn't a disc for the kids. It's for the parents out there who can still touch the rebel spirit within themselves and who have no desire to age gracefully.
Steve Forbert: Vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica; electric guitar on "Baby Don't"
and "Born Too Late"
Clay Barnes: Electric guitar; second acoustic guitar on "When the Sun Shines"
Pete Anderson: Electric guitar on "Responsibility," "Change in the Weather,"
"If You're Waiting on Me," and "Born Too Late"
Jeff Donovan: Drums
Dusty Wakeman: Bass
Bob Glaub: Bass on "The American in Me," "Responsibility,"
"If You're Waiting on Me," and "Born Too Late"
Skip Edwards: Keyboards
Gary White: Bass six on "Rock While I Can Rock"
Anthony Crawford: Harmony and background vocals
Tommy Funderburk and Andrea Robinson: Background vocals on "Born Too Late"
Alex Acuna: Percussion
Lenny Castro: Percussion
Ralph Forbes: Programmed drums
Produced by Pete Anderson
Arranged by Steve Forbert and Pete Anderson
Recorded at Track Records Studio, North Hollywood, CA, and Moondog Music, Nashville
Mixed at Sound Castle Studios, Los Angeles
Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, New York