What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Interpreting The Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates -- CD

The Bird and The Bee

2010 Blue Note Records

The very title of Interpreting the Masters suggests that the Bird & the Bee are digging into a catalog of a widely respected pop songwriter -- a Burt Bacharach, perhaps, or a Jimmy Webb. That's not the case: children of the `80s that they are, singer Inara George and producer Greg Kurstin have chosen Daryl Hall & John Oates for the first volume of Interpreting the Masters, a sly move that reveals both their age and intended audience -- i.e., ex alt-rockers raised on new wave and now settling into a tasteful, hipster middle age, hauling around kids dressed in Ramones t-shirts -- and a reflection of Hall & Oates' increasing reputation as soul-pop songwriters and record-makers. The Bird & the Bee don't dig deeply into Hall & Oates catalog -- there's none of the burnished folk-rock of Whole Oates, nor do they pluck album tracks like "Looking for a Good Sign" off of Private Eyes -- they simply choose the biggest hits, then give them a slyly modern update, one that consciously recalls the modernist new wave productions of the duo's biggest hits yet fits within the Bird & the Bee's nicely tailored AAA pop. So if Interpreting the Masters, on the surface, provides no surprises, why is it such a wonderful surprise as a whole? Perhaps it's because the Bird & the Bee manage to make these very familiar hits sound fresh without radically reinventing them. That in itself is a much trickier move than turning these all into slow acoustic dirges, but it's better still because these arrangements are true to both Hall & Oates and George & Kurstin. The Bird & the Bee illustrate just how much they've learned with their introductory original "Heard It on the Radio," a song about the tunes they're about to sing that holds its own with the covers, but the heart of the album lies in these covers of `80s staples: they shift the spotlight just enough to prove how good both the original song and singles are, and by never drawing attention to their own performance and arrangements, the Bird & the Bee prove just how good they are too. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Track Listing
1. Heard It On The Radio
2. I Can't Go For That
3. Rich Girl
4. Sara Smile
5. Kiss On My List
6. Maneater
7. She's Gone
8. Private Eyes
9. One On One

 

[Dennie]

The Essential.... -- CD

Jerry Reed

1995 RCA Records

Known to many as an actor (SMOKEY & THE BANDIT), Jerry Reed was, first and foremost, a country singer, as well as a guitarist of considerable repute. This excellent 20-track compilation features many of the Georgia native's finest tunes (most of which were self-penned), including the rollicking "Guitar Man," the goofy "When You're Hot, You're Hot," and the raucous "East Bound and Down" (from the aforementioned hit film), and rivals RCA COUNTRY LEGENDS as the finest Reed collection.

Track Listing
1. Guitar Man
2. Alabama Jubilee
3. Amos Moses
4. Thing Called Love, A
5. When You're Hot, You're Hot
6. Smell the Flowers
7. Ko-Ko Joe
8. You Took All the Ramblin' Out of Me
9. Uptown Poker Club, The
10. Claw, The
11. Lord, Mr. Ford
12. Good Woman's Love, A
13. East Bound and Down - (from "Smokey And The Bandit")
14. Let's Sing Our Song
15. Crude Oil Blues, The
16. I Love You, What Can I Say
17. Bird, The
18. Texas Bound and Flyin' - (from "Smokey And The Bandit II")
19. She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)
20. Another Puff

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

Stepping Out -- CD

Diana Krall

2000 Justin Time Records

Amazon.com

For years singer-pianist Diana Krall has been bringing new lifeblood to jazz via her dual knockout talents. And while her later recordings reveal a consistently maturing artist, this 1992 debut album shows that the Nanaimo, British Columbia, native had the goods right from the get-go. In her mid-20s here, Krall sings with honesty, subtlety, and persuasion while playing the piano with head-shaking authority, both as accompanist--she offers amazing asides in between vocal phrases--and as an absolutely A-one improviser. Indeed, it is remarkable to hear her weave her gifts into a wondrous whole. Working with bass ace John Clayton and the superb drummer Jeff Hamilton, Krall presents one winner after another. "This Can't Be Love" is typical, a selection where it is all but impossible not to tap your foot. After a nicely enunciated vocal--she slides into phrases much like Sarah Vaugh--the pianist cooks in her Oscar Peterson-meets-Gene Harris style, playing hip ideas that fall easily on the ear, underwritten by her rock-solid feel for time. "As Long as I Live" is another example of Krall's ability to sing and swing a standard with a nonstop groove. "Straighten Up and Fly Right" is slower and features a deeply bluesy vocal; "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" is equally sultry. The classic ballad "Body and Soul" finds her singing with intimacy and playing with a caressing touch. A very impressive start for a very impressive artist. --Zan Stewart

"This Can't Be Love" (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) – 4:31
"Straighten Up and Fly Right" (Nat King Cole, Irving Mills) – 3:56
"Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" (Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler) – 4:04
"I'm Just a Lucky So-and-So" (Mack David, Duke Ellington) – 4:23
"Body and Soul" (Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour) – 5:35
"42nd Street" (Al Dubin, Harry Warren) – 6:21
"Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me" (Ellington, Bob Russell) – 4:33
"Big Foot" (Klaus Suonsaari) – 7:07
"The Frim-Fram Sauce" (Redd Evans, Joe Ricardel) – 4:08
"Jimmie" (Diana Krall) – 5:26
"As Long as I Live" (Arlen, Koehler) – 4:42
"On the Sunny Side of the Street" (Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh) – 4:51

 

[Dennie]

Reflections - Carly Simon's Greatest Hits -- Remastered CD

Carly Simon

2004 Arista Records

This is the first career-spanning, multi-label single disc compilation of her career, including hits from Elektra, Arista, etc.

20 songs- every one of Carly’s top Billboard charting hits Digitally Remastered directly from the master tapes.

First single disc multi-label compilation ever!

One of music’s most influential and cherished singer/songwriters, Carly Simon has recorded and released over 25 albums and is internationally renowned as a versatile artist who is consistently breaking new ground.

Grammy and Oscar winner, her experiences in life, love and motherhood and her strive for success have translated into several of the most memorable hit songs ever recorded.

Various musicians such as Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Tori Amos, and Mandy Moore have recently covered some of Carly’s songs.

Extensive CD booklet with introduction by Carly Simon!

Includes rare photos and complete essay by Stephen Davis on Carly’s illustrious career.

The album runs roughly in chronological order. Years in parentheses indicate the year of release of each song as a single.

"That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" (1971) (C. Simon/J. Brackman) — 4:18
"Legend In Your Own Time" (1972) (C. Simon) — 3:46
"Anticipation" (1971) (C. Simon) — 3:22
"The Right Thing To Do" (1973) (C. Simon) — 3:00
"You're So Vain" (1972) (C. Simon) — 4:20
"Mockingbird" (1974) (with James Taylor) (Single Version) (C. Foxx/I. Foxx/J. Taylor) — 3:50
"Haven't Got Time For The Pain" (1974) (J. Brackman/C. Simon) — 3:55
"Nobody Does It Better" (1977) (C.B. Sager/M. Hamlisch) — 3:44
"You Belong To Me" (Single Version) (1978) (C. Simon/M. McDonald) — 3:14
"Jesse" (1980) (C. Simon/M. Mainieri) — 4:19
"Coming Around Again" (1986) (C. Simon) — 3:42
"Give Me All Night" (Single Version) (1987) (C. Simon/G. McMahon) — 4:04
"The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of" (1987) (Single Version) (C. Simon) — 4:27
"All I Want Is You" (1987) (A. Goldmark/C. Simon) — 3:59
"Let the River Run" (1989) (C. Simon) — 3:43
"Better Not Tell Her" (Single Version) (1990) (C. Simon) — 4:48
"Love Of My Life" (1992) (C. Simon) — 3:34
"Like A River" (Single Version) (1994) (C. Simon) — 4:48
"Touched By The Sun" (1994) (C. Simon) — 5:28
"Amity" (with Sally Taylor) (Alternate Mix) (C. Simon/S. Taylor) — 3:02

 

[Dennie]

Flipside -- CD

Jeff Lorber

2005 Narada Jazz

The legendary keyboardist started making his unique brand of old-school soul meets modern funk back when old-school was still in session, and the title of his third Narada Jazz disc is a throwback to that era, when the 45 RPM was king. Rather than overwhelm this time with hardcore commercial funk grooves and calculated radio hooks, Jeff Lorber is more into cool vibes and soulful atmospheres. Melodies have always been his gift, so those just come naturally, as on the laid-back, chillout opening track, which features a lush, loose acoustic piano lead. There are less horns than usual, but Ron King (trumpet) and Gary Meek (sax) are given free reign to create snazzy textures on "Everybody Knows That" and the nifty, acoustic soul-jazz flavored title track. "Angel in Paris" is all swinging '60s jazz-funk, complete with a shimmering Rhodes lead as only Lorber can play. Working with co-producer Steve Dubin and keyboardist Nelson Jackson, Lorber lets the tunes develop beginning with off the cuff improvisations and inspired acoustic runs, then creating easy grooving, '70s-minded rhythm beds to ground them. As the album title promises, there are a few oft-hidden sides to Lorber that are on prominent display here -- such as his softer heart on the classical flavored, candlelit "By My Side" and a moody blast from the past, a re-recording of "Tune 88" (originally on 1979's Water Sign) that reminds people that the style that evolved into smooth jazz was once pretty darn adventurous. There's a little darker imagery than fans of the lighter side of Lorber are used to, but isn't that what the B-sides in the old days were for? ~ Jonathan Widran

Track Listing
1. Ooh la La
2. Everybody Knows That
3. By My Side
4. Flipside
5. Santa Monica Triangle
6. Sun Ra
7. Angel in Paris
8. Bombay Café
9. Tune 88
10. Enchanted Way

 

[Dennie]

From Manhattan To Staten - The Album -- CD

Down To The Bone

2007 Narada Jazz

What was I thinking, July 13, 2011
By MrPhinn (Oklahoma City, OK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: From Manhattan to Staten (Reis) (Audio CD)

I bought this CD back in 1997 for one song only: Staten Island Groove. It's sat on my CD rack for 14yrs. Recently a friend of mine was playing some really funky stuff. He said it was Down to the Bone. I checked it out on iTunes and realized what I've been missing all these years. I downloaded every CD they have. Absolutely incredible stuff. And it makes me mad that I had this CD with all of this funky stuff on it just sitting there all these years.

But I'm all caught up. I'm a Down to the Bone junkie and I can't get enough. There is no such thing as sitting still when they guys are playing. To anyone who hasn't listened to this, please give it a chance. If you like old-funk but even funkier, then this is the group for you.
Album Tracks

1. Staten Island Groove
2. Brooklyn Heights
3. Savour the Flavour
4. Muesli Brown
5. Yo Mama's So Phat
6. Touch Of Voodoo
7. 17 Mile Drive
8. Carlito's Way
9. 3 Days In Manhattan
10. On The Corner Of Darcy Street

 

[topper]

DISC 1
1. Bridge to Better Days
2. Walk In My Shadows
3. So Many Roads
4. India / Mountain Time
5. Another Kind of Love
6. Sloe Gin
7. One of These Days

DISC 2
1. Ball Peen Hammer
2. If Heartaches Were Nickels
3. Woke Up Dreaming
4. Django / Just Got Paid
5. High Water Everywhere
6. Asking Around For You
7. A New Day Yesterday / Starship Trooper / Wurm

 

[Dennie]

Can't Buy A Thrill -- CD

Steely Dan

1972/1998 MCA Records

Amazon.com

Songwriters Walter Becker and Donald Fagen launched Steely Dan with a seductive, poker-faced 1972 debut as smoothly accessible in its music as it was elusive in its thematic concerns. The opening "Do It Again" snagged swift commercial success as one of the most mysterious pop hits in history, a sultry rock cha-cha that chronicled a series of harrowing catastrophes far removed from the reheated love songs and pro forma countercultural rebellion of the day. Though the core band boasted two formidable guitarists, Jeff Baxter and Denny Dias, it was the bloom of Fagen's keyboards and his reedy, smart-ass vocals that carried Thrill light years beyond modal, blues-based rock. That said, an enduring highlight remains the furious six-string fantasia of "Reelin' in the Years," spiked by Elliot Randall's downright historic solos, at once dour and giddy in its indictment of a poser, while "Dirty Work" (featuring short-lived, nominal lead singer David Palmer) offers a decidedly adult vignette of adultery. There isn't a weak track here, astonishing, considering how much growth future Dan albums would display. --Sam Sutherland

Side one

"Do It Again" – 5:56
Solos by Denny Dias and Donald Fagen
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Dirty Work" – 3:08
Sax solo by Jerome Richardson
Vocal by David Palmer
"Kings" – 3:45
Solo by Elliot Randall
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Midnite Cruiser" – 4:08
Solo by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by Jim Hodder
"Only a Fool Would Say That" – 2:57
Solo by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by Donald Fagen and David Palmer

Side two

"Reelin' in the Years" – 4:37
Lead guitar by Elliot Randall
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Fire in the Hole" – 3:28
Piano solo by Donald Fagen
Steel guitar by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by Donald Fagen
"Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" – 4:21
Steel guitar by Jeff Baxter
Vocal by David Palmer
"Change of the Guard" – 3:39
Solo by Jeff Baxter
Vocals by Donald Fagen and David Palmer
"Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" – 4:58
Vocal by Donald Fagen, Walter Becker and David Palmer

 

[Dennie]

Blood On The Tracks -- CD

Bob Dylan

1974/2004 Columbia Records

Amazon.com

Inevitably, when critics praise a new Dylan album, they label it the "best since Blood on the Tracks," and with good reason. Inspired by a crumbled marriage, and recorded after a tour with the Band had apparently re-ignited his creativity, Blood is among Dylan's masterpieces. The album's epic songs are well known, but its real high points are the shorter numbers--"You're a Big Girl Now," the flawless blues "Meet Me in the Morning," and the sweetly devastating "Buckets of Rain." These are songs of "images and distorted facts," each expressed through tangled points of view, and all of them blue. --David Cantwell
Side one

"Tangled Up in Blue" – 5:42 (Sound 80 Studio – Minneapolis, MN – December 30, 1974)
"Simple Twist of Fate" – 4:19 (A & R Studios – New York, NY – September 19, 1974)
"You're a Big Girl Now" – 4:36 (Sound 80 Studio – Minneapolis, MN – December 27, 1974)
"Idiot Wind" – 7:48 (Sound 80 Studio – Minneapolis, MN – December 27, 1974)
"You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" – 2:55 (A & R Studios – New York, NY – September 17, 1974)

Side two

"Meet Me in the Morning" – 4:22 (A & R Studios – New York, NY – September 16, 1974)
"Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts" – 8:51 (Sound 80 Studio – Minneapolis, MN – December 30, 1974)
"If You See Her, Say Hello" – 4:49 (Sound 80 Studio – Minneapolis, MN – December 30, 1974)
"Shelter from the Storm" – 5:02 (A & R Studios – New York, NY – September 17, 1974)
"Buckets of Rain" – 3:22 (A & R Studios – New York, NY – September 19, 1974)

 

[Dennie]

Wreck Of The Day -- CD

Anna Nalick

2005 Columbia Records

Far from a wreck, July 21, 2005
By Amanda Richards (Georgetown, Guyana) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Wreck of the Day (Audio CD)

The latest in a line of moody, deep female vocalists, California native Anna Nalick claims the influences of Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, The Cranberries, Blind Melon, John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Pretty heady stuff for a 21 year old, who got her big break by knowing the right people at the right time, and having a demo tape handy.

In my opinion, she sounds like a mixture of Alanis Morissette and Sara McLaughlin, with the youthful buzz of Avril Lavigne in ballad mode.

Slower and more introspective than current pop offerings, her eleven song debut album sounds like something from a much more seasoned performer, not unlike fellow youngsters Joss Stone and LeAnn Rimes.

Nalick wrote all the songs on the album, blending haunting melodies a la Ms. McLaughlin with spiritually uplifting lyrics. The best songs on the album are "Breathe (2 AM)" where she sounds very similar to Alanis Morissette; "Citadel" a song that would fit in on any Sara McLaughlin album; "Paper Bag" which as you might guess sounds like an Avril Lavigne ballad; "Satellite" my personal pick; and the very Cranberries track "In My Head"; but they're all pretty good.

A young talent with a bright future.

Amanda Richards, July 21, 2005

All tracks written by Anna Nalick.

"Breathe (2 AM)" – 4:39
"Citadel" – 2:46
"Paper Bag" – 3:27
"Wreck of the Day" – 4:05
"Satellite" – 3:57
"Forever Love (Digame)" – 3:19
"In The Rough" – 4:02
"In My Head" – 4:04
"Bleed" – 3:57
"Catalyst" – 3:34
"Consider This" – 3:34

 

[Dennie]

This Is Jazz 40: The Jaco Years -- CD

Weather Report

1998 Columbia Legacy

Jaco & Weather Report at their best!, November 30, 1999
By C. J. "CJ "cruizerman"" (Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: This Is Jazz 40: Jaco Years (Audio CD)

For those who love Weather Report and Jaco Pastorious, this album is an absolute must. Although serious fans of Weather Report most likely have all the songs contained in their respective original albums, this compilation is worth having as indeed it represents the cream of Weather Report's work with Jaco at his best. The sleeve contains an autobiography of Jaco by James Isaacs. Though concise by necessity, it is surprisingly well written, and informative. Anyone new to Jaco or Weather Report is highly advised to get this album as it represents the best of both Jaco and the band.

Track listing

1. Punk Jazz
2. River People
3. Remark You Made, A
4. Havona
5. 3 Views of a Secret
6. Teen Town
7. Speechless
8. Port of Entry
9. Barbary Coast
10. Slang

 

[Dennie]

Well, the sun just went down on the West Coast and we're "Slippin' Into Darkness" (LIVE)..... :music-rockout:

WAR - LIVE -- 2 CD Box Set

War

1974/1992 Avenue Records

It Just Doesn't Get Much Better!, February 10, 2002
By Archie Mercer "Archie" (Yorba Linda, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)
This review is from: War Live (Audio CD)

This by far is one of the best live sets to listen to. Just hearing the band feed off the crowd is tremendous. Recorded when War was just beginning to achieve cross-over success this set combines Top-40 hits with a grittier, down and dirty sound. Each member gets a turn to shine in the soptlight. Although I originally bought this because I liked "Cisco Kid" I found out that Cisco was by far not the best song here. In my opinion "Slipping into Darkness" is one of the best live songs ever recorded. Broken into 2 parts it ends up being about 17 minutes of pure joy. Another great surprise is "Get Down" a funk-driven, semi-protest song about race relations and police brutality.

I would HIGHly recommend this to any War Fan (unless you think Low Rider was their best), any funk fan, or just about any live music fan.

Disc #1

1. Introduction :31
2. Sun Oh Son 10:39
3. The Cisco Kid 6:05
4. Slippin' Into Darkness 9:45
5. Slippin' Part 2 8:52

Disc #2

1. All Day Music 10:09
2. Ballero 8:29
3. Lonely Feelin' 3:00
4. Get Down 20:30

 

[Dennie]

I'm really enjoying this one...... :handgestures-thumbup:

Sapphire Blue -- CD

Larry Carlton

2003 Bluebird Records

*****AWESOME*****, October 29, 2003
By M. P. Wright (HOUSTON, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Saphire Blue (Audio CD)

This is one of the best guitar CDs I have ever heard. Larry is one of the top jazz guitarists in the world and anyone familiar with his work will be blown away by these instrumental gems. Larry's liner notes state "I have wanted for many years to do a 'blues oriented' CD. For 'Saphire Blue' I had complete creative freedom." I assume his desire for creative freedom has something to do with the fact that this cd is only available as an import. Don't let the price scare you - it's worth every penny.

Larry maintains an upbeat jazz/blues focus while showcasing his brilliant dexterity and encyclopedic knowledge of various styles. My personal favorites are "Night Sweats" and "Take Me Down". The former begins with ominous keyboard changes that bring to mind "Come Together" by the Beatles and progesses into slow, simmering jazz groove that could have been lifted from a Steely Dan CD. The later is an acoustic guitar/harmonica exchange between Larry and his old buddy Terry McMillan. I immediately thought of "Black Water" by the Doobie Bros. Other highlights include the title track which has a B.B. King feel to it and the bouncy bonus track "Room 335". The stellar backup musicians include Reese Wynan (formerly with Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble) on B-3 organ, Mark Douthit on tenor sax and excellent horn arrangements by Jim Horn. I would give this CD 10 stars if I could - it's really that good! Can't wait to see him in concert 11/15.

Track Listing
1. Friday Night Shuffle
2. Pair of Kings, A
3. Night Sweats
4. Sapphire Blue
5. 7 for You
6. Slightly Dirty
7. Just an Excuse
8. Take Me Down

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

"Breakfast At Tiffany's"/"Arabesque" -- CD

Henry Mancini

1990 Camden Deluxe

Totally swoony!, March 27, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Mancini Soundtracks Collection: Breakfast at Tiffany's/Arabesque (Audio CD)

I bought this CD with only having heard the music for one of them (Breakfast), but I was so completely surprised with the quality of the espionage-spy thriller 'Arabesque'. It's a truly excellant score. I had heard of the film but had no notion of what the music was like. 'Breakfast' is indeed a classic score and tracks such as 'Moon River', 'Something for the Cat' and 'Holly' are its highlights. But if you are to compare it with 'Arabesque' in seems to come up short on variation, orchestration, imagination and scope. 'Breakfast' seems to be TOO easy listening, with 'Arabasque' proving a far more satisfying experience. Now all I have to do is watch the film!

Track Listing
1. Moon River - (with Henry Mancini)
2. Something For the Cat - (with Henry Mancini)
3. Sally's Tomato - (with Henry Mancini)
4. Mr. Yunioshi - (with Henry Mancini)
5. Big Blow Out - (with Henry Mancini)
6. Hub Caps and Tail Lights - (with Henry Mancini)
7. Breakfast at Tiffany's - (with Henry Mancini)
8. Latin Golightly - (with Henry Mancini)
9. Holly - (with Henry Mancini)
10. Loose Caboose - (with Henry Mancini)
11. Big Heist - (with Henry Mancini)
12. Moon River Cha Cha - (with Henry Mancini)
13. Arabesque - (with Henry Mancini)
14. We've Loved Before - Yasmin's Theme (Instr.) - (with Henry Mancini)
15. Ascot - (with Henry Mancini)
16. Dream Street - (with Henry Mancini)
17. Facade - (with Henry Mancini)
18. Something For Sophia - (with Henry Mancini)
19. We Loved Before - Yasmin's Theme (Vocal) - (with Henry Mancini)
20. Shower of Paradise - (with Henry Mancini)
21. Zoo Chase: Part 1 - Arabesque Theme - (with Henry Mancini)
22. Zoo Chase: Part 2 - Aquarium Scene - (with Henry Mancini)
23. Zoo Chase: Part 3 - Arabesque Theme (Reprise) - (with Henry Mancini)
24. Bagdad on Thames - (with Henry Mancini)

 

[Dennie]

Greatest Hits -- CD

Ray Price

1985 Columbia Records

Crazy Arms, February 27, 2000
By Darlene Baxter (Paris Texas) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ray Price'S Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

Crazy Arms is the best of the best..Ray just keeps getting better,, Invitation to the blues,,Ive got a new Heartache.. City Lights..just a few of the jewels you get on this album,,all delivered in classic Ray Price style,, he is so versatile,he has a voice as clear as a bell and all the heart ache in his songs show through his voice,he will live forever in his music.. it is never date.. it is always excellent.this album is a must have for country collectors. .

Track Listing
1. Crazy Arms
2. You Done Me Wrong
3. City Lights
4. Invitation to the Blues
5. I've Got a New Heartache
6. Who'll Be the First
7. Heartaches by the Number
8. Same Old Me, The
9. Release Me
10. One More Time
11. My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You
12. I'll Be There (When You Get Lonely)

 

[Dennie]

Wow, I just read that Ronnie Montrose has passed away. His music has touched my life, since I can remember.


R.I.P. Ronnie Montrose! Your Music has touched my soul!





Dennie

 

[Dennie]

By The Time I Get To Phoenix -- Remastered CD

Glen Campbell

1967/2001 Capitol Cornerstone Series

Forgotten Grammy Winner, July 1, 2001
By Dave Blank "parabolamcfeeney" (West Hollywood, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: By the Time I Get to Phoenix (Audio CD)

Of the 43 collections that have won the Grammy for Album of the Year, this is probably the most underrated. While most people remember the phenomenally successful title cut (written by Jimmy Webb), the album itself seems to be all but forgotten. While other higher profile albums such as the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour and Simon & Garfunkel's Bookends were also nominated the same year (1968), it was this unpretentious catalogue of songs that won the coveted prize. It was certainly Glen Campbell's finest studio recording, and he sings each song with his unique brand of conviction and wistfulness. While the showpiece is the much-loved ballad "By the Time I Get to Phoenix", it is the lesser known songs such as "I'll Be Lucky Someday", "Tomorrow Never Comes" and "You're Young and You'll Forget" that give this album its resonance and poignancy. Most of the songs are laced with tinges of regret, but this album is anything but a downer, primarily because of the bittersweet yearning of Campbell's vocals and the spare but melodic arrangements (by, among others, Al de Lory and Jimmie Haskell). When talking about music in that turbulent year of 1968, one readily thinks of Hendrix, the Doors, the Stones, the Beatles (of course), Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, even music from The Graduate and Hair. Glen Campbell wouldn't be placed on most people's list of memorable music of that era. True, he wasn't a rock artist, but his contribution to music is just as important---providing a bridge (and, some might argue, a balm) between the easy listening (and more sentimental leanings) of contemporaries such as Bobby Goldsboro and O.C. Smith, and the rebellious, harder edges of the rock music so prevalent then. No question, Campbell was beloved by his music industry peers (or at least those who were Grammy voters) because of his soothing voice, his lack of cynicism and his cleancut image. Seen from that perspective and that he was a well-respected session player (playing with the Beach Boys and Sinatra, among his impressive credits) who also had the strong backing of the Nashville contingent of voters, it seems justifiable, in retrospect, that this collection won Album of the Year. That alone should be reason enough for Capitol to re-release this album on CD. It's also excellent on its own terms---even if it is not as well remembered as Carole King's Tapestry, Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water or Sgt. Pepper's--three other Grammy winners from that era that are undeniablly considered classics, and all easily found on CD even now.

Side 1:

"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (Jimmy Webb) - 2:42
"Homeward Bound" (Paul Simon) - 2:37
"Tomorrow Never Comes" (Ernest Tubb, Johnny Bond) -2:27
"Cold December (In Your Heart" (Alex Hassilev) - 2:27
"My Baby's Gone" (Hazel Houser) - 2:50
"Back in the Race" (Glen Campbell, Vic Dana) - 1:56

Side 2:

"Hey Little One" (Dorsey Burnette, Barry De Vorzon) - 2:30
"Bad Seed" (Bill Anderson) - 2:18
"I'll Be Lucky Someday" (Lee Martin, Dick McBride, Bob Wills) - 2:24
"You're Young and You'll Forget" (Jerry Reed) - 2:15
"Love is a Lonesome River" (Glen Campbell, Kella Christian) - 2:05

 

[heeman]

1. "No Such Thing" Mayer, Cook 3:51
2. "Why Georgia" Mayer 4:28
3. "My Stupid Mouth" Mayer 3:45
4. "Your Body Is a Wonderland" Mayer 4:08
5. "Neon" Mayer, Cook 3:49
6. "City Love" Mayer 4:00
7. "83" Mayer 4:51
8. "Love Song for No One" Mayer, Cook 3:21
9. "Back to You" Mayer 4:01
10. "Great Indoors" Mayer 3:36
11. "Not Myself" Mayer 3:36
12. "St. Patrick's Day" Mayer 5:21

 

[Dennie]

Now That I've Found You - A Collection -- CD

Alison Krauss

1995 Rounder Records

Amazon.com essential recording

A poll-winning fiddler since her teens, Alison Krauss was an established bluegrass star when her label persuaded her to step out from her usual projects with Union Station, her crack band, and sanction this compilation of various band and solo guest performances. The ploy worked, yielding a wonderful, odds-beating crossover hit with Krauss's cover of "Baby, Now That I've Found You," a carousing late-'60s pop chant transformed into a delicate, vulnerable declaration of love. Focusing on Krauss's lovely, yearning soprano, the track elevated the musician above her resolutely democratic role in her quintet, catapulting Krauss to the biggest bluegrass success story in over 30 years. Krauss has stayed true to her bluegrass roots, as well as to Union Station, but this cross-section of contemporary bluegrass songs, joyous gospel, and canny rock covers testifies to the young artist's luminous appeal. --Sam Sutherland

"Baby, Now That I've Found You" (Macaulay, MacLeod) –3:49
"Oh, Atlanta" (Ralphs) –4:41
"Broadway" (Cox) –3:57
"Every Time You Say Goodbye" (Pennell) –3:13
"Tonight I'll Be Lonely Too" (Cox) –3:25
"Teardrops Will Kiss The Morning Dew" (Craft) –3:38
"Sleep On" (Mandrell) –2:23
"When God Dips His Pen of Love in My Heart" (Rev Derricks) –2:26
"I Will" (McCartney) –4:04
"I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby" (Inman) –3:10
"In The Palm Of Your Hand" (Block) –3:24
"When You Say Nothing at All" (Overstreet, Schlitz) –4:21


Alison Krauss: Vocal, Fiddle, Viola
Ron Block: Vocal, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Banjo
Russ Barenburg, Mike Marshall, Scott Nygaard, Tim Stafford: Guitars
Jerry Douglas: Guitars, Dobro
Sam Bush, Brent Truitt: Mandolin
Stuart Duncan: Fiddle, Harmonica, Cymbals
Adam Steffey: Mandolin & Mandola
Pete Wasner: Piano

 

[Dennie]

Downright Upright -- CD

Brian Bromberg

2007 Artistry Music

Amazon.com

Long before the coining of "smooth jazz," catchy numbers like Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island," Joe Zawinul's "Mercy Mercy Mercy," and the Les McCann-Eddie Harris tune "Cold Duck Soup" enticed pop fans to cross over, however casually or tentatively, into jazz. Now, on veteran bassist Brian Bromberg's Downright Upright, those three songs are vehicles for name-brand smooth jazz players including saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Boney James and Gary Meek, keyboardists George Duke and Jeff Lorber, guitarist Lee Ritenour and trumpeter Rick Braun to do a little crossing back of sorts to show off their mainstream chops. Nobody will confuse the facility of their straightahead solos with real depth, however much emotion they pour into them. But it's an agreeable excursion for all concerned, with Bromberg making the most of his opportunities to lay down melodic lines. Even after the cover versions give way to originals in the same vein, the music stays lively. --Lloyd Sachs

Track listing

1. Cantaloupe Island
2. Mercy Mercy Mercy
3. Cold Duck Time
4. Sunday Mornin'
5. Hacha Cha Cha, The
6. Chameleon
7. Serengeti Walk
8. Leisure Suit
9. Slow Burn
10. Shag Carpet