This release wound up being the final recording by the Robertson-less version of the Band and I'm proud to say that its their strongest entry out of the 3 studio albums they produced in the decade of the 90's. The difference between Jubilation and the previous two releases in "High on the Hog" and their comeback "Jericho", is the form of original written material featured, and it proves that the reunion of the group was rightly justified. Production is handled by Aaron Hurwitz, whom had co-produced the previous "High on the Hog" set and also contributes organ, accordion and piano. There are guest appearances by Eric Clapton on "Last Train to Memphis", John Hiatt contributes "Bound by Love" and sings with Rick Danko, a number which is steeped in country-gospel overtones, making it one of the gems of the record. Levon was having throat problems during the recording of this album, but carries on with significant cuts like "Kentucky Downpour" featuring his daughter Amy Helm, singing backup harmonies, "You See Me" and the previously mentioned "Last Train to Memphis" with harmony vocals contributed by co-writer Kevin Doherty.

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Newer members Jim Weider(guitar) and Randy Ciarlante(piano), with some help from Levon, contribute "White Cadillac(Ode to Ronnie Hawkins)", which is a jaunty, upbeat boogie tune on offer that recalls a bit of the old Band energy, fitting in nicely within the wealth of this set. "Spirit of the Dance" is also another Weider/Ciarlante tune with help from Danko this time and he sings lead to a song that is driven by a horn arrangement and has another upbeat quality meshed with a more contemporary/pop feel. Other notable numbers that feature Rick on lead vocals are the ballad-tinged "If I Should Fall" and the country/folk flavored "High Cotton", which recall some of the original Band's past work, but only in brief flashes without the sense of self-parody. The record closes with "French Girls" an instrumental offered from Garth Hudson and features his eclectic keyboard style with flourishes of saxophone as well as synthesizer accompaniment; although a brief and odd piece it is, somehow, it makes sense to have it end the record.

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Its unfortunate that Rick Danko would pass away within a year after this album and the Band duly quit performing as a result, but I think it's a great work to go out on and  proved that the reunion of the Band wasn't a wasted opportunity, much less a tarnish on their own legacy, despite the lack of Robbie Robertson's songwriting talent and musical presence.

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Rating Grade- B+