While not exactly the polar opposite of their previous long-player,
Sibling Rivalry (1975),
Jubilation all but abandoned the multiple and disparate streams of musicality that practically defined the uniqueness of
the Rowan Brothers. Sadly, much of the material on this platter seems to have been aimed at creating a less eclectic and more concurrently pop-friendly sound. Even their otherwise crystalline harmonies come off forced, as evidenced by the slick midtempo opener, "Best of Friends," or
Bernie Krause's soulless synthesizer whining throughout the syrupy ballad "New Horizons." "Don't Say Goodbye," one of the better contributions from
Peter Rowan, features another notable guest musician,
Stephane Grappelli. The tune takes on a discernible Hot Club of France jazz groove that is simply irresistible when coupled with the trio's three-part vocals.
Andy Narell's compact string arrangement likewise attempts to save the proceedings on
Chris and
Peter's emotive and slightly Baroque "Love's Secret Sighs." The disco-fied "Hoo Doo Love" is a very Caucasian and equally dismissible attempt at R&B, setting up the insipid and brash brass on "Lovelight." While undeniably lightweight, the tropically flavored "Calle Music" concludes
Jubilation in much the same lackluster fashion with which it began. Quite understandably, the trio's record company was not able to market
Jubilation to the same audience that may have enjoyed their earlier works. It languished out of print for over two decades before it was released alongside
Sibling Rivalry on a double-play CD in 2004. While this would be their final album on Asylum,
the Rowans would reconvene during the ensuing years to a decidedly heartier reception as
Peter Rowan & the Rowan Brothers. ~ Lindsay Planer