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
Article comments
26 - madunn
loggins and messina were a big part of my teenage years--i had the biggest crush on jimmy messina--kenny was just a tad too hairy for my taste--there was always such sweet mischeviousness about jimmy and the songs that he wrote were the ones i liked the most--now 30 years later i have discovered them all over again! i have fallen in love with the 58 year old jimmy just as much as fell in love with the 28 year old one! i think he has matured really, really well, he still has that twinkle in his eye--i hope they tour again and come to the self proclaimed "live music capital of the world" AUSTIN, TEXAS!!!! or if jimmy wants to come by himself (again) that is that would be great.
27 - Annie Sundae
I have read the personal attacks that were thank god deleted from this page, and you are all a bunch of nuts.
So sorry that Loggins and Messina have kooky fans like this
28 - Eilene Green
Ok, first of all, I know I am a little bit late with my review, but I just got my own computer. Have been using the libraries for years.
Anyway, the concert was great, but honestly neither one of them aged very well, Messina, portly and sluggish, and Loggins drawn and haggared. It was kind of like seeing them in a bad dream. But, at least the sound was great. I found if I closed my eyes, it could have been the 70's all over again!!!!!!!!!!!!