First of all, I absolutely LOVE this cover art. I think it's quite striking. That helps you get in the mood for what's on the LP, in my opinion. The stark simplicity of the LP design is almost a counterbalance for the intense arrangements Neil Chotem gives to Gordon Lightfoot's songs here. Where Gordon is usually all about himself and his guitar, Neil takes the songs to a whole other universe.

Neil Chotem was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1920. According to the liner notes of this LP, "During WWII, he took part in army shows in Europe and developed unusual talent for jazz and light music." He worked for years in Montreal as a composer, conductor, and arranger for radio and television.

This LP, recorded for the CBC and APEX label in 1969, shows a truly gifted professional at work. His version of "Crossroads" is frankly mind-boggling. And "The Way I Feel" is treated like a poppish James Bond theme, moving from mellow coolness to high drama all within 4 minutes.

The Way I Feel
Crossroads