David Kauffman and Eric Caboor - aka The Drovers - have had a special place in the TAXIM catalog for a long time and all the patient fans of these two singer-songwriters from Los Angeles can finally take a deep breath of relief. Even though ’Beyond the Blue“ is not the long-awaited successor to ’Tightrope Town“, it's at least the overdue re-release of their rare second album from 1989 (playing time: 43 minutes); distributed only locally in its original vinyl edition. The two multi-instrumentalists employed just three guest musicians for this production: the great Leo Leblanc (pedal steel), John Keene (accordion) and 'Phlim' Flambeau (drums). The qualities of The Drovers were already well in place. Both are sharp observers and have a knack for the specialness of the ordinary. This talent earned them favorable comparisons with shining examples like Robbie Robertson, Bruce Cockburn, T-Bone Burnett and David Baerwald. ’Beyond the Blue“ breathes the spirit of a classic Southern California folkrock/countryrock production. Uptempo folkrock numbers and countrified ballads come together in this relaxed but still forceful record. Definitely more than just an exercise for ’Tightrope Town“! ’This album stands out as a fine work, a nicely crafted record. I would guess that if you looked in the record collections of The Drovers you'd see that they listen to everything from Hank Williams to the Rolling Stones and back again. That diverse background shows up favorably in their music.“
SOUNDCHOICE - The Music Networking Machine
“I must say I found myself paying close attention to Caboor and Kauffman's tales...the two might be ripe for a major label hunting the next singer-songwriter sensation“ OPTION
lineup Eric Caboor - guitars, mandolin, vocals David Kauffman - guitars, bass, piano, harmonica, vocals Leo LeBlanc - pedal steel guitar John Keene - accordion "Phlim" Flambeau - drums, percussion
