Neil Young & The Ducks – High Flyin’ [2023]

Label: Reprise
Released: April 14, 2023

01 I am a Dreamer (4:25)
02 Younger Days (3:45)
03 Gypsey Wedding (2:45)
04 Are You Ready for the Country? (3:41)
05 Hold on Boys (4:30)
06 My My My (Poor Man) (3:34)
07 I’m Tore Down (3:43)
08 Hey Now (2:53)
09 Wide Eyed and Willing (4:13)
10 Truckin’ Man (3:27)
11 Sail Away (5:33)
12 Gone Dead Train (3:52)
13 Silver Wings (5:35)

14 Human Highway (3:48)
15 Your Love (4:03)
16 I’m Ready (3:44)
17 Little Wing (4:43)
18 Car Tune (3:11)
19 Windward Passage (6:23)
20 Leaving Us Now (5:38)
21 Mr. Soul (5:10)
22 Two Riders (4:47)
23 Honky Tonk Man (3:28)
24 Sailor Man (3:44)
25 Silver Wings (6:35)

This is the first official release by The Ducks – a short lived group that Neil played with in 1977. The Ducks featured Neil (guitar, harmonica and vocals), Bob Mosley (bass and vocals), Jeff Blackburn (guitar and vocals) and Johnny Craviotto (drums). Mosley was an original member of Bay Area band Moby Grape; Blackburn had previously fronted his own band and co-wrote with Neil the classic track “My My Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)”.

The band played several shows in Santa Cruz, CA and other California venues during two months in 1977. The set lists were very democratic, with each member of the band taking the lead in turn. 5 Neil Young songs are showcased, including a rocking version of “Mr. Soul”, plus beautiful renditions of “Are You Ready For The Country”, “Little Wing”, “Sail Away” and “Human Highway”.