Stephen Stills

Stephen Stills’ longtime partners David Crosby and Graham Nash dubbed him “Captain Manyhands” because of his multi-instrumental abilities. Recorded mostly in England, this album features him playing everything from guitar to organ and steel drums as he stretches his creative limits. Stills delves into thoughtful folk-rock (“Do for the Others”), lusty acoustic blues (“Black Queen”) and horn-fattened jazz-rock (“Cherokee”) with his trademark scratchy-voiced gusto. There’s a strong gospel element present on tracks like “Church (Part of Someone)’ and “We Are Not Helpless,” combining a message of brotherhood with sanctified keyboard flourishes. Striking a more carnal note is “Love The One You’re With,” the effusively Caribbean-flavored tune that became the album’s biggest hit. The stellar cast of guest players is mostly well used, with Jimi Hendrix’s scorching licks on “Old Times Good Times” and Eric Clapton’s expansive soloing on “Go Back Home” especially worth savoring. Captain Manyhands never sailed with more daring than on these tracks.

Talk about understatement -- there's Stephen Stills on the cover, acoustic guitar in hand, promising a personal singer/songwriter-type statement.