Brickell’s return a triumph

Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, Rocket (Verve Forecast)

Edie Brickell’s first new record since 2006 with her original band New Bohemians is a triumphant return for an artist who never really left.

Rocket reunites Brickell with the band that broke onto the scene in 1988 with the Top 10 hit What I Am but released only three records in the 30 years since then. Brickell went on to a solo career, married Paul Simon and more recently collaborated with Steve Martin on a pair of bluegrass records and the Broadway musical Bright Star.

The New Bohemians remained close, playing one-off shows over the years, eyeing the right time to record again. Brickell promises Rocket is the start of a renewed commitment to the band, with more records to come. That’s great news.

Their joy in recording together again is clear on Rocket, a record that touches on a variety of musical styles with ease.

Brickell’s effervescent vocals never sounded better than with the New Bohemians backing her. How fun is it to hear Brickell singing “Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, you’re the man” on Superhero? It’s a standout track with an infectious, freight-train chugging guitar riff from Kenny Withrow.

The answer to the question posed by the first single, What Makes You Happy, is clear for Brickell and the New Bohemians. You can hear it, too, by listening to Rocket.