In memory of Danny Kirwan

Former Fleetwood Mac member Danny Kirwan passed away Friday.  As one of the band's singer-songwriter guitarists from 1968 to 1972, he was a key part of the band's transition from blues-rock to album rock.  In my opinion, these are six of his best contributions to Fleetwood Mac:

• Bare Trees (When I was in college, I started looking for pre-1975 Fleetwood Mac albums to fill in the gaps in my collection.  One of the first tracks that got my attention was Kirwan's title track from Fleetwood Mac's 1972 album.  The opening guitar lick and steady, of-its-time groove made me listen to it repeatedly for a time.  Lyrically, it doesn't say anything more than it needs to.)
• Dust (This "Bare Trees" album track captures the finality of death.  It isn't usually played on the radio and isn't intended to be a concert number that has people on their feet, singing along, "When we are dust, When we are dust..."  Instead, it's a thoughtful, somber song that makes you think about how lucky we are to be here and how fleeting life is.) 
• Jewel Eyed Judy (One of several highlights from the "Kiln House" album; it's a relatable, forcefully sung tune about wanting someone back in your life.)
• Jigsaw Puzzle Blues (Kirwan turns this Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang's Blue Five tune into an impressive guitar instrumental.  Not every guitarist can translate a clarinet line this successfully to a guitar, but Kirwan does.  Whenever I hear Fleetwood Mac's version, I picture groggy people stumbling down the stairs to start their day.)
• Station Man (One of the best "Kiln House" tracks; it takes its time building instrumentally, and it's a strong example of the band's vocal camaraderie.)
• Sunny Side Of Heaven (I've always thought this somewhat overlooked midtempo instrumental from the "Bare Trees" album was titled appropriately.)