And So: On is the third album by American singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb, released in May 1971 by Reprise Records. Following the commercial failure of his second album, Words and Music, Webb was given a second chance by Reprise, who wanted a follow-up as soon as possible. In May 1971, only six months after the release of its predecessor, And So: On was released.
Composition With his record company pressing for a quick follow-up release to Words and Music, Webb did not have time to write an entire album of new material. Only four of the songs carry a 1971 copyright date: "Met Her on a Plane", "Laspitch", "One Lady", and "If Ships Were Made to Sail". The rest of the songs date back as far as 1967's "Marionette". Ed Ames recorded "All My Love's Laughter" in 1968, and Thelma Houston recorded "Pocketful of Keys" in 1969. "Highpockets" and "Laspitch" were originally intended for a proposed Broadway musical.
Several songs from the album were covered by other artists, including "See You Then" by Roberta Flack in 1971, "Met Her on a Plane" by Ian Matthews in 1972, "If Ships Were Made to Sail" by Scott Walker in 1973, and "Marionette" by Art Garfunkel in 1978.
Critical reception
In his review for Allmusic, William Ruhlmann called And So: On an album of "different moods that didn't quite hang together" due to the widely varying ages of the songs. He also criticized that while Webb is an adequate singer, most of the songs were not written for his voice's limitations, resulting in unpleasant straining as he attempts to hit notes outside his range.
Track listing
Personnel Music Jimmy Webb – vocals, keyboards Larry Coryell – guitar Freddy Tackett – guitar Tom Scott – alto saxophone Francie Lauridsen – flute, recorder Lance Allworth – harmonica Skip Mosher – electric bass, tenor saxophone Ray Rich – percussion, drums Terry Brown – vocals The Good Sisters – vocals
Production Jimmy Webb – arrangements Sid Sharp – conductor Terry Brown – engineer Brian Ingoldsby – engineer Ed Thrasher – art direction Barry Feinstein – cover photography
References