After 30 years apart, Loggins & Messina are Sittin' In Again, with a new album, "The Best: Loggins & Messina Sittin' In Again" released May 24,05, and a reunion tour launching June 24.
Loggins & Messina split up in 1976, after recording nine successful albums together from 1971 to 1977, which included a series of gold and platinum records, and more than 16 million in record sales, to pursue solo careers. Sadly, both the friendship, and partnership gave way to the pressures, and expectations of stardom. The two were only in their early 20's when they teamed up, and after 7 years as a duo, felt the need to grow independently of one another.
The split endured until 2004, when L&M reunited for a performance at a charity benefit at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, Calif. While on stage, the two were reminded of what they once shared.
"Things just sort of flowed together," recalls Loggins. "I'd been playing a lot of these songs, like 'Danny's Song' and 'House at Pooh Corner' alone for years, and when Jimmy came in, I remembered who we were. Something magic happens when the two of us sing together." - Billboard
At the time, Loggins was going through a difficult divorce, and Messina, who'd been through it himself, offered his help, and friendship. Loggins accepted, and it was the start of a new beginning.
Originally, the two considered doing a reunion album of all new material, but soon decided that they'd prefer to revisit their roots. The difference being, this time they intend to have fun, something that eluded them the first time around.
In an interview with David Wild, who was commissioned to write the liner notes on the new album, Loggins describes what he foresees's for the reunited Loggins & Messina, "I see that we have an incredible second chance at actually having fun and dropping some of the competitive thing...In coming back to Loggins & Messina we get an opportunity to be good friends, to have fun together, and to make great music."
"For me," says Messina, "this is less about a musical reunion and more about the reuniting of a relationship that's becoming more of a friendship than it ever was before."
Among the album's 18 songs are such well loved classics as, "Your Mama Don't Dance", "Danny's Song", and "House On Pooh Corner". Listening to the album was like meeting up with old friends, and reminiscing about days gone by. With a concert tour coming up, and an open future, it looks as though we won't have long to wait before meeting again. Revisiting L&M was an absolute pleasure, and with 30 years under their belts, I find myself anxiously waiting for what the future holds in store for the reunited Loggins & Messina.
The album is followed by the "Sittin' In Again Reunion Tour", which launches June 24, in Boise, Idaho, at The Idaho Center Amphitheatre, and will feature more than 40 concert dates across the U.S. Performing their hits both together, and solo, some shows will include a "sit in", featuring special guests.
"Sittin' In Again" Song List
1.Watching The River
2.Travelin' Blues
3.Your Mama Don't Dance
4.Be Free
5.Till The Ends Meet
6.Nobody But You
7.House At Pooh Corner
8.Love Song
9.Danny's Song
10.Long Tail Cat
11.Just Before The News
12.Listen To A Country Song
13.Good Friend
14.Same Old Wine
15.Changes
16.Angry Eyes
17.Sailin' The Wind
18.Vahevala
2.Travelin' Blues
3.Your Mama Don't Dance
4.Be Free
5.Till The Ends Meet
6.Nobody But You
7.House At Pooh Corner
8.Love Song
9.Danny's Song
10.Long Tail Cat
11.Just Before The News
12.Listen To A Country Song
13.Good Friend
14.Same Old Wine
15.Changes
16.Angry Eyes
17.Sailin' The Wind
18.Vahevala
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Natalie Davis
Woo hoo! L&M were an indelible part of my growing-up years. It does feel like the return of an old friend...
2 - Elizabeth
I have been a very very huge Loggins and Messina fan since 1971, with a preference for the voice of Kenny Loggins.
I was absolutely thrilled when Loggins went solo. But alas, he became too commercial, and ruined himself at the hands of a psychotic wife, and became a new age, granola spouting geek.
Imagine my joy now that the sum of the parts has come back together. They are definately a fun act. A note to Mr. Loggins, please I beg of you, no more espousing on the joys of your love life. Just sing, do it well and go home.
3 - Laura
"House at Pooh Corner" and "Danny's Song" were "sensitive guy" songs long before there was such a label in society. L&M wrote and shared with us songs that said what we longed to say, tho they were called 'middle of the road.' Their music said what we longed to say to parents & society.
To study the lyrics of Kenny's solo music is to discover who he was when the song was written, and what he was experiencing at that moment.
Many consider the "Leap of Faith" album to be his quintessential definitive album. "The Unimaginable Life" project (album and book) are one of those "you either get it, or you don't" works. This was a rare gift, even in this day and age, and was a HUGE gamble for Kenny, career-wise.
Kenny is still a "new age, sensitive guy." If you're looking for a standard-blowing album, pick up "It's About Time," his latest album, which was self-produced. It was successful enough that Sony wants him back on their label. Amazingly, though it got precious little radio air time, it got enough sales and showed so much creativity that they reconsidered. How sweet is that?
Do you wanna see the REAL concert of the season? Then check out L&M when they're in or near your town! Kenny NEVER lets his audience down. Jimmy is truly a blessing for him, coming into Kenny's life just when needed most.
Thanks Kenny AND Jimmy!!
4 - Jennifer Manning
The above rambling comment was written by a fan club member who has nothing better than to post on the Loggins web site all day, and act as an unpaid employee of Mr. Loggins by misguided promotion all over the internet.
The fact of the matter is that Kenny Loggins music was no longer selling as the public moved on to other genres of talent. Further, the only reason Loggins is touring as Loggins and Messina is because his solo tours of the past year have been selling very poorly and Mr. Loggins is in the process of a multi million dollar divorce at the very hands of the women who supposedly "saved him" Apparently she saved herself and most of his money.
So, [Personal attack deleted by Comments Editor] remember one thing, Kenny Loggins doesnt give a crap about any of you...
JUST YOUR MONEY.
5 - Eric Olsen
very nice Annie, thanks!
I am particularly fond of "Angry Eyes" with its almost sinister, jammy, "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" vibe; the Caribbean feel of "Vahevala"; and the Poco-esque "Nobody But You"
6 - JoJo Lawren
[Personal attack deleted by Comments Editor]
From Pooh Corner to Avalon to Neverland and Back!
This really is the end of an era!
We were kids when "Sitin' In" hit!
Jim was already a favorite from his days with Poco and then this guy with an overgrown shag and a "stash" to boot...floored us with a voice....undescribable!
And,with Jim's already signiture style,a new sound was born.
The tunes stand up as well today as they did some 30 years ago.
Mama DID finally learn how to dance... and just try to stop daddy from rockin' 'n rollin'!
We're grown older indeed....but with Kenny and Jim Sitin'In Again...this is one person who feels as if I haven't age a day!
Welcome Home Boys!
7 - Kevin
Just saw the tour opener 6/24 at the Idaho Center...first-rate show. They dug deep into the first two albums and played just about every L&M favorite imaginable. Considering it was their first show it was mostly glitch-free and it was clear the were having a lot of fun. The concert lasted about two and a half hours with two separate sets starting acoustic, then building to an electric finish. The band was tight and the harmonies were as good as ever. You'd never know 30 years had passed.
8 - John
My wife and I just saw them at their second venue in Washington state at a place called The Gorge. I have been a fan of Kenny's for a long time. He always puts on a good show. Both of them together was great to see, but felt like Kenny was letting Jimmy have his turn in the spotlight. Letting Jimmy run the program.
Overall...good show....the band was very good....
The crowd seemed to be more interested in getting beer than sitting still for the show.
I was suprised to at the number of empty seats.
9 - kris
Just saw the concert in Phoenix...took all 8 family members and loved the show where we all had a great time. The music was good as ever as was the band and the staging...lots of fun and great family entertainment. The music has not aged...voices are great, but a little energy is missing. Wished there had been time for more of the hits such as "my music" etc. Happy my kids also enjoy this music. Very talented duo! Hope for a new album!!!
10 - jill
Saw the Philadelphia show last night. Surprised and delighted that that the energy and talent hasn't waned. Landed 10th row, center buying tix that morning! I've never been that close to any of my music heroes -- what a wonderful night! The vocals are as strong as ever, and the band (especially the fiddler with Metallica t-shirt, mohawk and chin stud) were terrific! Only disappointment: The one promotion table in the venue was for Lasik Eye Surgery! Despite that, lost youth was recovered for one amazing night of music. Thanks, L&M!
11 - Peter G.
I am a musician who had come to the realization that the old "concert excitement" felt as a kid was gone forever. I have seen my musical heroes "live", and after an hour I am looking to go home. Well, I never expected that would ever change. As my friend pointed out, "Pete, as a kid and young musician.. you were easily impressed." So how do I explain sitting there (PNC Bank Arts Center Loggins & Messina Show) with my jaw dropped open and eyes wide open for two plus hours, so taken by the music and performance as to feel like a kid once again ? I dont. I am just amazed that it happened. OH MY GOD ! I was smiling so hard / hootin' an holierin' so loud / clappin my hands (and dancing like a fool) as to make my girlfriend act like she didnt know me. She had never seen me like that.
Loggins and Messina live brought out a part of me I thought was long dead . EXUBERANCE....and a renewed love of music.
The only problem, the next night at my gig realizing ..." no I cant sing like Kenny Loggins" although my Jimmy Messina chicken-pluckin Tele sound has it's moments ... now all I have to do is go back in time and write some hit songs.
These guys weren't just up on stage swinging the bat at old times and songs gone by, they were knocing them out of the #%ing park like they just wrote them.
Thanks for a great concert and reminding eveyone there of the power of music and friendship.
12 - Matt
Just got back from the Atlanta show.
WOW. I forgot what a real concert felt like... for starters, no problems bringig in a cooler, or whatever you wanted.. glass bottles, food, you name it.
No metal detectors.
No idiot "security" people with idiot "security" jackets.
No hassles.
And of course the SHOW. 3!!!! hours of perfection. A solo from ever band member. All the old songs, and some I'd never heard.... but each one was perfect.
I'm thinking I might be headed to Omaha.
Thanks L&M!!!!
13 - Terry
ust seen the Canadian Show on Saturday night.... I have long been L&M fan the never expected to see them togehter again... Don't to much care to know the personal details but truly enjoyed the chance to remember some good times and great music.... the L&M for the memories...
14 - Dennis
Saw the concert in Canada, Sat. Aug. 6 as I also did in Toronto in Aug., 1976. What took you so long? A simply AWESOME show albeit too short at 1 1/2 hrs. Messina seemed to carry the show moreso than Loggins but as a group they were all fantastic - the musicians excellent. Thanks guys for the wonderful memories of what great music was (is) all about.
15 - Tom in Ohio
The boys were in Ohio last nite at Blossom Music Center and ROCKED THE HOUSE. An outdoor venue, the band was tight, and the guys never sounded better. Thought I was back in 1975. They played EVERYTHING .. the only song I missed (and only because it is personal favortie and not a hit) was Lahaina ... played for almost 3 hours. I "sipped that wine, had a really good time, and listened to a country song". Thanks Kenny and Jimmy
16 - chris
[edited]
I saw L&M on July 23rd, at the PNC, in NJ. WOW! They rocked that place! I had a great time -4th row from the stage!
Kenny was obviously choosing not to dominate the show, as would be appropriate, since he was not performing solo. This show was SO cool.
Both of these guys are extremely talented (as well as each member of their touring band).
Messina's guitar playing had my attention, and Kenny belted out vocals that made your jaw drop. Holy cow, that guy can sing! Not only were we not disappointed... we were treated to an awsome show. They received a standing ovation...
Thanks, L&M!
17 - B-Train
Kenny Loggins should have retired after Top Gun and moved to a nice log cabin, where he could eat bacon for breakfast every morning. Instead, his career has lingered like the smell of burnt popcorn. And let me tell you something---that smell does not go away.
18 - RMoon
I took my 16 year old daughter to the L&M concert in Melbourne Florida last night and would like to say how much we loved this show. I was never into the L$M music but I sure am now. I have always loved Kenny Loggins and I am not NEW AGE. If that is what makes him a better person thats wonderful. I hope he tours again because I will be there.I also believe he does care for his fans. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL CONCERT and please come to Melbourne again. Rita
19 - Natalie Davis
Edited]
I've been an appreciator of Kenny Loggins since the L&M days of old and on through the Bob James/jazz-inflected pop period and beyond ("Danger Zone" and songs of that ilk were sort of a breaking point for me). Even after I moved on, I kept an ear out for his musical output, because even during his cheesiest times, he would come out with some superb song. And, of course, the voice remained undiminished.
Like most commercial artists, Kenny Loggins seems to be of two minds regarding his music: Of course he is interested in the money -- this is his livelihood, after all. He has four or five kids to support, and, yes, he has divorce #2 looming overhead. But from all indications I have seen and from conversations I have had with him, he seems like a super-nice human who indeed cares about his music and his fans. And while I haven't seen the L&M reunion tour, I have seen Loggins perform a number of times. On those occasions, he always gave 100 percent on stage and put on one hell of a show, warming even the hardest of hearts with his still-amazing voice despite the waning of his chart-topping years. I imagine that sitting in again with Jimmy Messina would be a great motivation to kick some ass -- and with tunes like "Vahevala" and "Angry Eyes" on the setlist, the artillery is there.
As for the New Age thing, we all follow whatever paths seem best for our individual situations. I did read The Unimaginable Life (bought it dirt cheap on Ebay out of curiosity); it wasn't my thing, but it worked for them (at least for a while). It's a neat story: Sensitive guy with skirtchaser reputation meets and marries and builds an emotionally open, communication-heavy partnership with a holistic-healing type who, according to Julia Loggins, most would have considered not pretty or hot enough to be worthy of becoming Mrs. Kenny Loggins. Sadly, she apparently fell out of love with him or decided the partnership wasn't working for her or whatever. I feel badly for them both and would agree that perhaps their love lives were better kept private. At the same time, a lot of people embraced the music he created during that time and many have found The Unimaginable Life a valuable guide to living their own lives and navigating their own relationships, so there had to be some value to it, even if Kenny and Julia's own experiment failed. (And whether it failed is a matter of opinion; both Brad and Jen say their now-ended marriage was not a failure.)
20 - Patti
I've been a fan of L&M since back in the 70's. Saw the Reunion Tour in Columbus, OH a few weeks ago and it instantly transported me back to 1975. The lightshow was beautiful and the acoustics were great. The setlist rocked.
Thanks Kenny and Jim...you guys have given a little bit of heaven back to us that have enjoyed your beautiful harmonies for years.
And, why the h*ll should anybody care why they got back together? Money? Who wouldn't? Let's just say that the true fans are glad they did. Forget the rest.
21 - Daniel
[Personal attack deleted by Comments Editor]
BTW, I attended 4 KL concerts in a period of 18 months on his IAT tour. If it was doing so poorly, it would have been grounded very quickly. The last show at the Keswick Theater in Suburban Philadelphia was an incredible experience.
22 - Toni
They absolutely suck
23 - Keith
I just now got the Santa Barbara concert DVD. Thank God they did that, because the tour didn't come close enough for me to attend. I saw Kenny and Jim several times in the '70s and bought all the L&M LPs (remember vinyl? LOL). I bought most of Kenny's solo stuff over the years, and Jim's solo works when I could find them, but I swear the two of them together is so much better than either of them separate. Makes you wish there was a law to require them to perform together. Honestly, I thought they were better musically on this DVD live than they were live in the '70s. More musically self-assured and comfortable in their own skins. Watching the vintage footage of their performance on "the Midnight Special" bears this out.
Now, if they would go back into the studio and put together some NEW material...THAT would be the absolute icing on the cake.
24 - NR Davis
The DVD is a real treat. We reviewed it here.
25 - peggy
When are they going to tour again missed the first one and they have got to come to tampa, florida 5-1-06 please go on tour again !!!!!!!!!!Please