Photos by Andy Argyrakis

One of the earliest folk revival architects in the 1960s was also a significant force behind the folk-rock movement of the ‘70s, later contributing to the genre’s renaissance from the ‘80s onward.

Even at 84-years-old, Tom Rush remains one of the world’s leading troubadours of any genre, who remarkably, continues to maintain a steady calendar on the road and as a recording artist.

As a result, the Old Town School Of Folk Music’s Szold Hall was quickly sold out when the New Hampshire native brought the current “Gardens Old, Flowers New” collection, alongside a canon that influenced A-listers James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Tom Petty and Garth Brooks.

In fact, outside of his own songwriting, Rush introduced Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and others to the world at large, making him as much a cutting-edge curator as an individual icon.

Regardless of the source material, Rush was riveting throughout two sets in as many hours, sounding spot on as vocalist, while warmly strumming the acoustic guitar and feeding off accompanying guitar/piano player Seth Glier, who turned in a few extremely promising tunes at various points.

When it came to the main program, faithful were treated to a timely interpretation of Dick Feller’s “Making The Best Of A Bad Situation,” “Glory Road” and “Won’t Be Back At All” to get started.

Rush’s classic take on Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle Game” appeared unexpectedly early, though there were several more milestones to come, such as the viral “The Remember Song,” “I Quit,” “Jazzman” and “It Takes A Whole Lot Of Liquor To Like Her.”

The personal standard “No Regrets” has thus far been covered by an extensive roster, including The Walker Brothers, Harris, Harry Belafonte, Olivia-Newton John, Waylon Jennings, Shirley Bassey, U2 and Midge Ure, but the original man who made it happen still served up the definitive version.

Add in “Merrimack County,” plus a playful blues mash-up of “Who Do You Love?/Hey! Bo Diddley,” and Rush left the Old Town School with an education in both timeless memories and modern day masterpieces.

For additional information on Tom Rush, visit TomRush.com.

Upcoming shows at the Old Town School Of Folk Music include Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (Aug. 8); Fretboard Summit (Aug. 21-23); AJ Lee & Blue Summit (Sept. 4); Shemekia Copeland (Sept. 5); Socks In The Frying Pan (Sept. 7); Joe Henry & Mike Reid (Sept. 14); Mipso (Sept. 20); Grant-Lee Phillips (Sept. 20); Ron Sexsmith (Sept. 25); Múm (Sept. 26); Bob Mould (Oct. 4); The Tallest Man On Earth (Oct. 16); Special Consensus (Oct. 18); Fruit Bats (Oct. 24-25); Robbie Fulks (Oct. 26) and Joshua Radin (Oct. 30). For additional details, visit OldTownSchool.org/Concerts.

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