GYPSY / UNLOCK THE GATES

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1973 on RCA records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Jacl Richardson & Jim Mason for Nimbus 9 Productions
Engineered By: Brian Christian, Dennis Smith
Recorded At: RCA Studios, Hollywood, California
TRACK LISTING:
Is That News?
Make Peace With Jesus
One Step Away
Bad Whore (The Machine)
Unlock The Gates
Toin’ It
Need You Baby
Smooth Operator
Don’t Get Mad (Get Even)
Precious One
THE BAND:
James "Owl" Walsh - Vocals, Keyboards
Enrico Rosenbaum - Vocals, Guitars
Bill "Sweet William" Lordan - Drums, Gong
James C. Johnson - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Randy Cates - Bass
WEBSITE:
http://www.midwesttribute.com/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy_(band
http://www.gypsy-queen.net/
REVIEW:
By Yours Truly
This is the 4th and final album with this line-up of musiciains. There was another album, later on in the 70's that had James Johnson and a bunch of new faces, but I just got never get behind that one.
If you compared this album with the 1st Gyspy release you'd think it was a different band. This is a band that evolved with each release and this last one was no doubt an attempt to get some mainstream attention from a mostly deaf public. It's an album full of short, tight arrangements and there's probably 5 or 6 tunes on here that could've been big hits in the right place and time. Unfortunately for this band, right place and time never seemed to happen.
From the opening measures of Is That News to the last awesome chords of Precious One this album is an example production perfection. It's a real treat to listen to this one at a decent volume thru headphones. Everything is so clear and crisp, so balanced that it's a joy to listen to.
Although I love every song on this one I can tell you that the last two songs alone are worth the time it'll take to download it and get it in your Itunes......Don't Get Mad has a great jazzy groove to it and great vocals with those amazing gypsy harmonies. If I ever had a band I'd do this tune and it'd last for 25 minutes while everyone takes a solo. Then there's Precious One. As the last song on their last album....what a way to go out. To this day this is one of the most awesome arrangements I've ever heard....not sure why it has such an effect on me, but for a 4 minute tune they've packed in a whole album's worth of talent and emotion.
Enjoy.

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

GYPSY / ANTITHESIS

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1972 on RCA records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Jacl Richardson & Jim Mason for Nimbus 9 Productions
Engineered By: Brian Christian, Dennis Smith
Recorded At: RCA's Music Center of The World, Hollywood, California, July 3rd - 9th 1972
TRACK LISTING:
Crusader
Day After Day
The Creeper
Facing Time
Lean On Me
Young Gypsy
Don't Bother Me
Travelin' Minnesota Blues
So Many Promises
Antithesis (Keep Your Faith)
Edgar (Don't Hoover Over Me)
Money
THE BAND:
James "Owl" Walsh - Vocals, Keyboards
Enrico Rosenbaum - Vocals, Guitars
Bill "Sweet William" Lordan - Drums, Gong
James C. Johnson - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Randy Cates - Bass
WEBSITE:
http://www.midwesttribute.com/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy_(band
http://www.gypsy-queen.net/
REVIEW:
WOW, July 20, 2003
By "hulkisangry" (San Antonio) - (Amazon Customer Review)

All of the Gypsy titles are some of the best music ever produced and you never heard of them. Tsk Tsk. This band had a lot of bad luck to blame for that. I grew up in St. Louis where they were a cult favorite. Buy this album and buy the first self titled album and also 'In the garden' and you Wont only Not go wrong, youll be shaking your head and wondering whats wrong with the world that youve never heard this. All 3 albums are timeless masterpieces that Id take with me on that deserted island after all the nukes were dropped to preserve and play for future civilizations who thanks to me will think this is what Rock is all about instead of aerosmith.

==================

By Yours Truly

LOL! well yeah, that guy has kinda got it right. This is a great album. Their first one on a Major label and if anybody had been paying attention this one should've broke it open for them, but once again mainstream radio failed to do their job.

Some Gypsy fans complain that on this album Gypsy lost their "prog" status because instead of longer pieces there are 12 short and to the point, arrangement wise, tunes that in my opinion for the most part kick ass. I love prog rock, but I also love a tight arrangement that moves along like a well oiled machine and the tunes here within glide along nicely. There's no sense really to taking 10 minutes to say what can be said in 4 if you know how to say it.

I've got some personal favs here, Day By Day, The Creeper, Facing Time, Antithesis, but there's not one on here that I think lowers the overall quality of the album. On this album their sound continues to evolve and just get better and better.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

CHERYL WHEELER / DISCOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS

This is one of those non-typical blog entries where I tell you about a great find, but don't share any albums. Instead, I'm sharing some embeded Youtube clips and her discography and my hope is that by the time you're done viewing the videos you'll feel the need to explore further and buy a CD or two.

I "met" Cheryl at the Wheatland Music Festival the first weekend in September, just a few weeks ago, so I don't have years of devoted listening time invested and can't really tell you what my favorite songs are just yet, but I can tell you that the last time I saw a sole performer with nothing more than a chair and a guitar that made such an impression on me was back in 1974 when I had the honor of seeing Dan Fogelberg for the first time as opening act for the Eagles.

What impressed me so much about Cheryl was the fact that she had the complete package. She can sing wonderfully with loads of expression, she definitely knows her way around the neck of a guitar and, as I'm discovering every day right now, she has amassed a body of work that is both lyrically and melodically beautiful. Along with all that talent she's also funny as hell in person. At Wheatland she had folks laughing one minute and reflective the next. It was quite an experience. As you may have figured out by now I'm a new fan, but an enthusiastic fan and with all the music I listen to it just amazes me that I've managed to miss her 20+ year career until recently.

Take a couple minutes and listen to the videos and see if there's anything there that strikes a nerve. If there is then stop by her website and check it out, if not, well then, not everybody likes chocolate either, but at least I tried....

Cheryl Wheeler - Little Kids

DEFYING GRAVITY - 2004
Since You've Been Gone
Little Road
Must Be Sinking Now
Beyond The Lights
Summer's Almost Over
Defying Gravity
Clearwater, Florida
Here Come Floyd
Alice
This Is Me
It's The Phone
On The Plane
Blessed

DIFFERENT STRIPE - 2002
Northern Girl
Arrow
Walk Around Downtown
Moonlight And Roses
Gandi / Buddha
When Fall Comes To New England
Quarter Moon
Aces
Hard Line To Draw
Almost
Addicted
So Far To Fall
Don't Wanna
Miss You More Than I'm Mad
Sylvia Hotel
Who Am I Foolin'?
75 Septembers
Further And Further Away
One Love

SLYVIA HOTEL - 1999
His Hometown
But The Days And Nights Are Long
If It Were Up To Me
Right Way To Do The Wrong Thing
All The Live Long Day
Sylvia Hotel
Unworthy
Rainy Road To Atlanta
LIghting Up The Mighty Mississippi
Potato
Meow
Who Am I Foolin'?

MRS. PINOCCI'S GUITAR - 1995
Mrs Pinocci's Guitar
Does The Future Look Black
School Girls
T.V.
The Rivers
Further And Further Away
Is It Peace Or Is It Prozac?
Howl At The Moon
The Storm
So Far To Fall
Makes Good Sense To Me
Piper
Time Taketh Away
One Love

Cheryl Wheeler - One Love

DRIVING HOME - 1993
Driving Home
Silver Lining
Music In My Room
Frequently Wrong But Never In Doubt
Don't Forget The Guns
Act Of Nature
75 Septembers
Spring
Bad Connection
When Fall Comes To New England
Orbiting Jupiter
Almost

CIRCLES AND ARROWS - 1991
I know This Town
Hard Line To Draw
Aces
Estate Sale
Don't Wanna
Northern Girl
As Soon As I Find My Voice
Miss You More Than I'm Mad
Moonlight And Roses
When You're Gone
Arrow

Cheryl Wheeler - Aces

HALF A BOOK - 1990
Emotional Response
I Don't Have The Time
I Don't Reach You Anymore
Tell Him Goodbye
In Your Heart
Rainin'
Half A Book
I See You Eyes
Thinkin' Of Leavin'
Summer Fly
Piper

CHERYL WHEELER- 1986
Gmme The Right Sign
Invisible Lady
Addicted
Lethal Detective
Behind The Barn
Paradise In Troubled Waters
Your Radio's Up Too Loud
Game Of Love
Quarter Moon
Same Old Game
Arrow

Cheryl Wheeler - Arrow


...And if that wasn't enough for you then check out this one last YouTube video that I couldn't embed. If you bruise easily in a political sense though you may want to skip it.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvakdl24Vzc

Cheryl's Website: http://www.cherylwheeler.com/

TC

GYPSY / IN THE GARDEN

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1971 on Metromedia Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Clark Burroughs
Engineered By: Jerry Barnes
Recorded At: Larrabee Sound Studios
Cover Art By: Lester Bellin Associates
TRACK LISTING:
Around You
Reach Out Your Hand
As Far As You Can See (As Much As You Can Feel)
Here (In The Garden) Part One
Here (In The Garden) Part Two
Blind Man
Time Will Make It Better
THE BAND:
James "Owl" Walsh - Vocals, Keyboards
Enrico Rosenbaum - Vocals, Guitars
Bill "Sweet William" Lordan - Drums, Gong
James C. Johnson - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Willie Weeks - Bass
Joe Lala - Conga
WEBSITE:
http://www.midwesttribute.com/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy_(band
http://www.gypsy-queen.net/
REVIEW:

By Yours Truly:

I really dug the first Gypsy album when it came out. It's nice mellow groove and beautiful harmonies kept it on my turntable quite a bit, but when this one came home with me and I played it for the first time all I could say was wow!. Keeping in mind that the year is 1971, only two years past Woodstock and still a very volatile time in this country's relatively short history, this album spoke to me in ways that only a couple albums had done before. I was a senior in high school and looking at a one way trip to Viet-nam after graduation. The words that lie within here were strong ones to me at the time and they still resonate tonight as I play it while I write this.....I guess that makes for an emotional connection as well as a musical appreciation of what lies within these grooves.

If you were alive back in the early 70's and you recall the times then it might not be too much of a stretch for you to close your eyes and put yourself in those times again with the help of these songs. If you're younger than that and have read about those days in your history book and are paying attention to what's going down these days then it might not be too hard for you to connect to this piece of history either. At the very least you should be able to enjoy the great arrangements and fantastic voices singing in unison.

Tom

===============================

Gypsy is timeless, April 30, 2004
By Mister Q (BLAINE, Minnesota United States) - (Amazon Customer Review)

There IS info about Gypsy. See my webpage for many details about them. This music is underappreciated and wonderful. The 1st and 2nd albums (2nd is In the Garden) are must haves for prog-rock fans. Exquisite vocal harmonies, great guitar from Jim Johnson, and excellent lead vocals from Enrico and James Walsh. In addition, fine B3 keyboards and top flight drumming from Bill Lordan.They had it all...except fame.See more at: www.midwesttribute.com

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

Tom

GYPSY / GYPSY

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1970 on Metromedia Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Enrico Rosenbaum, Jim Walsh, Glen Pace
Engineered By: Glen Pace
Recorded At: Devonshire Studios, North Hollywood California
Cover Art By: Alfons Mucha
TRACK LISTING:
Gypsy Queen - Part One
Gypsy Queen - Part Two
Man Of Reason
Dream If You Can
Late December
The Third Eye
Decisions
I Was So Young
Here In My Lonliness
More Time
The Vision
Dead And Gone
Tomrrow Is The Last To Be Heard
THE BAND:
James "Owl" Walsh - Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion
Enrico Rosenbaum - Vocals, Guitars, Percussion
Jay Epstein - Drums
James C. Johnson - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Doni Larson - Bass
WEBSITE:
http://www.midwesttribute.com/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy_(band
http://www.gypsy-queen.net/

REVIEW:

By Yours Truly:

Gypsy is a band that I've drug around with me since I first came upon this debut double record set. To me at the time this was amazing stuff, clear and pure music with tremendous vocals and excellent playing. The original band put out 4 albums, this one being the 1st of course and each one was a bit different in style and content although they all had a high degree of quality songwriting and musicality in common.

If you ask most Gypsy fans today you'd probably hear that each person would have their own fav of the 4 and maybe not like one or more of the others for the reason that they are each different than the previous one but because I followed this band from it's inception I find that I have no particular favorite one but indeed love them all equally for different reasons.

If you're discovering this band now I'd suggest that you start with the first one and work your way thru chronologically. You might end up with a favorite one out of the 4 but at least this way you'll get to hear a great band develop, change and grow and ultimately come to an end too soon. Not a unique story in the 70's to be sure but one that should never have happened....at least not as soon as it did.

===============================

Gypsy: The Hidden Gem Of An Album, June 3, 2000
By feralduck "Opinions reasonably priced!" (Austin, TX USA) - (Amazon Customer Review)

This is one of those rare albums that is timeless. The songwriting, arrangements and string accompanyment all contribute to a listening experience of rare joy. It has been classed as prog-rock; this an erroneous label, as it adheres more closely to the style of artists such as Poco, Dan Fogelburg, and countless other singer-songwriters. Enrico Rosenbaum, where are you? You and your cohorts created a masterpiece when you recorded this album!

============================

A great, overlooked band, June 22, 2000
By Mister Q (BLAINE, Minnesota United States) - (Amazon Customer Review)

Talk about snakebit! This band has some tough luck. The original "born under a bad sign" band. How about great lyrics, fine balanced musicianship, and fabulous vocal harmonies for starters? With all that talent, yet let down by bad management and 70's shifting taste in music (disco), plus internal problems. But this band almost made it big. Check out a real gem. Best in their genre.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

JOE VITALE / PLANTATION HARBOR

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1981 on Asylum Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Bill Szymcyzk
TRACK LISTING:
Plantation Harbor
Never Gonna Leave You Alone
Laugh-Laugh
Man Gonna Love You
Theme From Cabin Weirdos
Lady On The Rock
Bamboo Jungle
Sailor Man
I'm Flyin'
THE BAND:
Joe Vitale - vocals, flute, electric piano, Clavinet, organ, synthesizer, vibraphone, drums, percussion
Joe Walsh - Guitar
Joe Lala - percussion
Paul Harris - piano, Clavinet
George "Chocolate" Perry - bass, background vocals
Bobby Mayo - Clavinet
Background Vocals - Graham Nash, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit & Don Felder
WEBSITE:
http://www.joevitaleondrums.com/

REVIEW:
A goal not quite achieved but still very good, December 8, 2003
By Richard A. Tucker "Tucker at large" (Pembroke Pines, FL) - (Amazon Customer Review)

Plantation Harbor is a fun romp using the new sounds available to the studio mixes of the period. The strings have more clarity and the production was a very ambitious mix of classic Joe Vitale rhythm heavy rock funk like that used in the songs 'Plantation Key' and 'In the Jungle' as well 'Theme from the Cabin Weirdos'.However, 'Lady on the Rock' is a thrilling mix of classic popular arrangement married to basic guitar rhythms creating an inspiring mix that makes a powerful anthem about the Statue of Liberty. The tune 'Sailor Man' is swingin'!All in all, this is a very fine mix of differing styles stating Vitale's love for making music and not just guitar laden Rock& Roll. While the guitar and percussion are still strong the arrangements put them to task and the result is both ambitious, and, for me, very satisfying.The only downside is that this album recieved almost no attention from the music industry at the time and it suffers from being too ecclectic for the many Rock fans who sneer at almost anything this ambitious.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

DAVID SANCIOUS / FOREST OF FEELINGS

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1975 on Epic Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Billy Cobham
Engineered By: Tim Geelan, Lee Yates & Ted Brosnan
Recorded & Mixed At: Columbia Recording Studios New York, New York.
Cover Art: Samuel Varnedoe
TRACK LISTING:
Suite Cassandra
Come On If You Feel Up To It... (And Get Down)
East India
Dixie
The Forest Of Feelings
Joyce #8
Crystal Image
One Time
Further In The Forest Of Feelings
THE BAND:
David Sancious - All Keyboards, Guitars, Chimes, Percussion
Ernest Carter - Drums, Percussion
Gerald Carboy - Bass
WEBSITE:
http://www.davidsancious.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sancious

REVIEW:
A waterfall of textured sound, September 20, 2004
By Noel Pratt "Kaviraj" (Washington, D.C., and better places) - (Amazon Customer Review)

This one really cuts through the humdrum. Sancious, by the way, has also done work with many other fine music makers, including Jon Anderson, of Yes. There is a remastered version of this release with 10 tracks, not 9. Even better.

===========================

Acid Progressive, March 14, 2003
By Charles Fitzpatrick (New York, New York United States) - (Amazon Customer Review)

David Sancious burst into the progressive scene with this tour de force. He plays keyboard and guitar on the album and creates a very edgy, multi-textured, work that breaks new ground. His composition is lyrical and captures the imagination. His keyboarding, in particular, is of note. His playing transcends technical proficiency and traverses varying levels of sensitivity and expressivity. His guitar playing here is largely ornamental, but does manage to contribute significantly to the aural color. I would recommend this CD/Album highly to any who is looking for a broader spectrum of high-energy progressive rock. It is not for the top 40-pop oriented nor for the faint of imagination.
CF

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

IAN THOMAS / ADD WATER

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1985 on Mercury Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Ian Thomas, Kerry Crawford & Jon Goldsmith
Engineered By: John Nasten, Paul Bonish & Ian Thomas
Recording & Mixing At:: I.T.P. Studio, Winona, Ontario & Manta Studios, Toronto.
Cover Art: Dean Motter

TRACK LISTING:
Freedom Of A Young Heart
Harmony
All I Do
The Same Colour Eyes
As The Days Go By
Endless Emotion
Touch Me
Video Club
The Tuck Position
THE BAND:
Ian Thomas - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Drums - Jorn Andersen
Bass - Dave Pilch
Synthesizers - Jon Goldsmith, Rob Yale
Guitar - Tim White, Dave Cooper, Kim Mitchell, Peter Mueller, Kerry Crawford
Background Vocals - Tim Ryan, Alfie Zappacosta, Ian Thomas, Jorn Andersen
WEBSITE:
http://www.ianthomasband.com/
REVIEW:
By Yours truly

This is a new one to me. I've been searching for it on and off for years and I just finally got lucky and found a copy for a reasonable price. Because it's only been in the house for a couple weeks I'm not going to do a review....at this point I like it but not as much as I like Levity, but it hasn't been played enough yet for me to have a definitive opinion. Chances are if you like the other Ian Thomas albums here it won't be much of a stretch to say you'll probably dig this one also........

Now, If I can just find a copy of The Runner someday soon I'll be a happy camper.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

DREAMS / IMAGINE MY SURPRISE

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1971 on Columbia Records.
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
Format: Mp3
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Steve Cropper
Engineered By: Charlie Bradley, Lacy O'Neal, Jerry Watson, Mike Figlio, Tim Geelan, Jim Greene & Lou Waxman.
Recorded At: T.M.I. Studios, Memphis & C.B.S. Studios, New York.
TRACK LISTING:
Calico Baby
Why Can't I Find A Home
Child Of Wisdom
Just Be Ourselves
I Can't Hear You
Here She Comes Now
Don't Cry My Lady
Medicated Goo
Imagine My Surprise
All Arrangements By Dreams.
THE BAND:
Bob Mann - Guitar, Fluegelhorn, Vocals
Michael Brecker - Tenor Sax & Flute
Randy Brecker - Trumpet & Flugelhorn, Vocals
Billy Cobham - Drums & Percussion
Don Grolnick - Keyboards, Vocals
Will Lee - Bass & vocals
Barry Rogers - Trombone, Weinstein Tuba, Alto Horn & Vocals
Edward Vernon - Vocals
Guests:
Steve Cropper - Guitar
Angel Allende - Conga Drums
WEBSITE:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreams_(band)

REVIEW:

One of the best jazz-rock bands ever., June 20, 1998
By A Customer (Amazon Customer Review)

The amazing pop-funk-jazz-rock group Dreams was at the forefront of what was to become fusion music (a unique blend of jazz, rock and funk) but recorded only two albums before they broke up in 1971.
Members of the band included some of the best improvisational soloists of the time: the funky Brecker Brothers (Michael on tenor sax and Randy on trumpet), Billy Cobham (drums), Barry Rogers (trombone), John Abercrombie (guitar) who was later replaced by Bob Mann (guitar), Jeff Kent (keyboards) who was replaced by Don Grolnick (keyboards), Doug Luban (bass) who was replaced by Will Lee (bass) and Edward Vernon (vocal).
Unfortunately for the group, they were signed to the same label as Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago, so apparently Dreams didn't get the label backing that they deserved. After the release of their second album "Imagine My Surprise" they disbanded. Randy and Michael then formed their ground-breaking jazz-funk group "The Brecker Brothers Band," Billy Cobham joined guitarist John McLaughlin's "Mahavishnu Orchestra" (which also featured Jan Hammer on keyboards) and later played several sessions with Miles Davis, and Will Lee went back to being New York's premier studio bassist and eventually ended up in Paul Shaffer's band on the Dave Letterman Show, a gig he still currently holds.

=======================

MASTERPIECE, July 7, 2008
By William L. Phipps (Tuckahoe, NY United States) - (Amazon Customer Review)

To call Dreams an underrated band would be an understatement. This second project "Imagine My Surprise" features musicianship of incomparable beauty and a master class in jazz composition. "Just Be Ourselves" would alone be worth the price of this cd/lp/8-track masterpiece and it has a lovely vocal by bassist extraodinaire Will Lee, and now seems a haunting tribute to the memory of its composer Don Grolnick. Highly recommended!

==============================

Just Be Ourselves, April 30, 2008
By B. Doro "Doro" (Mt. Bethel, PA United States) - (Amazon Customer Review)

This album blew my mind when it first came out (1972) - though not all the songs are wonderful, the integrity of the band's musicality was at least the equal of Chicago and BST, and, as a young musician, the harmonic vocabulary of JUST BE OURSELVES completely opened my ears. For anyone who likes Blood Sweat & Tears or Chicago, Dreams is a must-hear, and IMHO, this album is their definitive statement.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

Tom

DREAMS / DREAMS

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1970 on Columbia Records.
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
Format: Mp3
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Fred Weinberg & Dreams
Recorded At: C.B.S., Chicago & New York
TRACK LISTING:
Devil Lady
15 Miles To Provo
The Maryanne
Holli Be Home
Try Me
Dream Suite / Asset Stop - Jane - Crunchy Grenola
New York
THE BAND:
Michael Brecker - Tenor Sax & Flute
Randy Brecker - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Billy Cobham - Drums & Percussion
Jeff Kent - Keyboards, Guitar & Vocals
Doug Lubahn - Bass & vocals
Barry Rogers - Trombone & Wagner Tuba
Edward Vernon - Vocals
with John Abercrombie - Lead Guitar
WEBSITE:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreams_(band

REVIEW:

By "jazzmanblue" (New York City, USA) (Amazon Customer Review)

I bought this album on LP in early 1971, and it has proven to be an interesting document in the history of Jazz/Rock. A reflection of the open minded musical attitude that existed at the time, Dreams takes the sophisticated and more loosely structured horn charts and solos of Jazz and places them over a rock oriented rhythm section. The results are always listenable, never boring, and often surprising. All of the pieces contain musical subtleties that make this recording special. Certainly, many of the ideas expressed here were well above those expressed by Chicago and BS&T, yet the music is just as accessible. The individual musicians were just beginning to stylistically assert themselves at the time. John Abercrombie's brief but eclectic guitar breaks (Devil Lady, for instance) are a hint of what was to come in his own later recordings on ECM, and Randy Brecker's trumpet and fleuglehorn fills embellish pieces like Holli be Home and 15 Miles To Provo very nicely. Billy Cobham shows his powerful style on the drum kit (however restrained) that caught the attention of John Mclaughlin and later led to his gig with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Please Note:It has been my experience over the years that those who listen to jazz exclusively do not really enjoy this recording, but those who listen to both Rock and Jazz enjoy it immensely. Dreams was the best expression of Jazz/Rock in the pre-fusion era here in the States. (IF was doing quite well in this regard on the British end.) As such, it is a fine document of the Jazz/Rock scene circa 1970, and one that remains, after all of these years, a favorite in my collection.

CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

Tom

THE SECTION / FORK IT OVER

Digitized from the original vinyl, released in 1977 on Warner Bros. Records.
Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps
ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: The Section
Recorded At: United Western Studios Los Angeles & Sunset Sound Studios, Los Angeles during February, March and April 1977
TRACK LISTING:
Suckers On Parade
L.A. Changes
Street Pizza
Hamsters Of Doom
Bad Shoes
Moon Over Fontana
Rainbows
White Water
Magnetic Lady

THE PLAYERS:
Danny Kortchmar: guitar
Russ Kunkel: drums, percussion
Leland Sklar: bass
Craig Doerge: keyboards, synthesizer
Guests:
Steve Forman: percussion
Jim Horn: sax, flute
Joe Lala : congas, timbales, percussionn
David Sanborn : alto sax
Chuch Findley: trumpet
James Taylor: vocals on “Bad Shoes”
David Crosby: vocals on “Magnetic Lady”

WEBSITE(S):
http://www.dannykortchmar.com/
http://www.craigdoerge.com/
http://www.russellkunkel.com/
http://www.toto99.com/band/former/sklar.shtml
REVIEW:

By Yours Truly

It's hard to find this album at all, let along any info or reviews on it. The only reason it's here now is that an online musical compatriot of mine was kind enough to do a rip of his old vinyl copy so I could complete my discography. I really can't do it justice with a review as I've only listened to it several times myself so far, but I can't imagine that anybody who dug the first two wouldn't dig this one too. It's certainly chock full of excellent playing. Matter of fact I think I'll play it again right now..........

Tom
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

THE WHEATLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Because this is a music blog and because I just came home from the Wheatland Music Festival and a weekend filled with an amazing amount of excellent music, I thought I'd mention it in here.

I'm not going to copy and paste the article I wrote in my YBR blog here, so if you are interested in what I heard and saw then click on the link below and check it out.

The Wheatland Music Festival is a traditional music festival and there were a wide variety of performers on 3 stages all weekend. There was everything from delta blues to bluegrass to Irish jigs. It was a fantastic experience and the most fun I've had in a long, long time. I will definitely be attending next September's event assuming I'm still earthly bound.

I've included links to most of the performers websites in the article and the title is a link to the Wheatland organization for those who hunger for the whole story.

http://tceckels.blogspot.com/2008/09/wheatland-music-festival-my-own-little.html

TC

ROBBIE ROBERTSON / CONTACT FROM THE UNDERWORLD OF REDBOY

Digitized from the original CD, released in 1998 on Capitol Records.

Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps

ALBUM INFO:
Produced By: Robbie Robertson, Howard Bernstein, Marius De Vries, Tim Gordine, Jim Wilson
Executive Producer: Gary Gersch
Associate Producer: Jared Levine
Engineered By: Howard Bernstein, Tim Gordine, Andy Bradfield, Marius Devine
Recorded At: The Village Recorder, Los Angeles, California; Stepbridge, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Whitfield, London, The Townhouse, London; Milo, London; Eastcoate, London
Mixed At: The Villlage, L.A.; Whitfield, London; The Townhouse, London; Front Page, L.A.
TRACK LISTING:
The Sound Is Fading
The Code Of Handsome Lake
Making A Noise
Unbound
Sacrafice
Rattlebone
Peoyte Healing
In The Blood
Stomp Dance (Unity)
The Lights
Take Your Partner By The Hand
THE PLAYERS:
Robbie Robertson - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards Spoken Word - Chief Jake Thomas, Leonard Peltier
Vocals - Leah Hicks-Manning, Joanne Shenandoah, James Bilagody, Caroline MacKendrick, Bonnie Jo Hunt, Anthony Begay, Verdell Primeaux, Johnny Mike, Six Nation World Singers, Laura Satterfield
Drums - Geoffrey Gordon, Jim Wilson
Percussion - Geoffrey Gordon
Programming - Jony Rockstar, Marius De Vries, Tim Gordine
Guitar - Bill Dillon
Keyboards - Jeremy Shaw, Jules Brooks, Marius De Vries, Tim Gordine
Flute - Matzo Galindo
String Arrangements - David Campbell
Background Vocals - James Bilagody, Jackie Bird, Star Nayea, Ivan Neville, Rita Coolidge, Cree Summer

WEBSITE(S):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson
http://theband.hiof.no/band_members/robbie.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/robbie-robertson
REVIEWS:
By Yours Truly

As I said previously, For as long as I can remember I've had a overpowering interest in Native american culture and spirituality. Even as a small child I was aware of the injustices done to the people who inhabited this land when us white folks "discovered" it. At my age now I long for a time that will never happen again.

This second Native american based record by Robbie Robertson in many ways is a continuation of the first however to my ears this album has an edgier feel to it, it's not as mellow to my ears. That's certainly not to say that it's less good than the previous effort. I dig this one just as much. Listen to the many different layers of sounds and pay attention to the little nuances as this music plays.

If the name Leonard Peltier doesn't mean anything to you and you have an interest in the Native american condition these days then you owe it to yourself to do a little research on his name and his story. I won't start ranting about the injustice of it all here.

Bottom line this is a wonderful album and you should do your ears a favor and let them listen to something a bit off the beaten path.
==========================

music and memories, May 5, 2001
By Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - Amazon Customer Review

This was a gift I'll always treasure, so meaningful to me for many reasons. It's an incredibly moving testament to Robbie Robertson's genius and roots, a combination of various styles blended with terrific melodies, some knock-out arrangements, and superb musicianship. There's a compelling intensity to Robertson's soft and husky voice, coupled with his extraordinary guitar work, that go straight to my soul.
For anyone who like me, can't understand how the land of the free can tolerate the imprisonment of Leonard Peltier, "Sacrifice" is a must...it's heartbreaking to hear his voice, so full of courage and pain.
It's hard to choose favorite tracks. A current favorite is "Unbound", but this music is so multi-layered that I know that the more I listen, the more I'll find to like. This universal music can't be categorized or forgotten...it has great beauty, and many memories.
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.

ROBBIE ROBERTSON & THE RED ROAD ENSEMBLE / MUSIC FOR THE NATIVE AMERICANS

Digitized from the original CD, released in 1994 on Capitol Records.

Format: Mp3
Bit Rate: 320 kbps

ALBUM INFO:

Produced By: Robbie Robertson, Jim Wilson, Toby Gendron, Pierre Duchesne
Associate Producer: Jared Levine
Engineered By: Patrick McCarthy
Recorded At: The Village Recorder, Los Angeles, California; River Sound, New York, New York; Sound Concept, Monteal, Canada; Sunsinger Studios, Alburquerque, New Mexico.
Mixed At: Mix This, Pacific Palisades, California
TRACK LISTING:
Coyote Dance
Mahk Jchi (Heartbeat Drum Song)
Ghost Dance
The Vanishing Breed
It's A Good Day To Die
Golden Feather
Akua Tuta
Words Of Fire, Deeds Of Blood
Cherokee Morning Song
Skinwalker
Ancestor Song
Twisted Hair
THE PLAYERS:
Robbie Robertson - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Drums - Sa Fararas, Benito Concha, Sebastain Robertson, Denis Toupin
Percussion - Alex Acuna, John Bartlit
Programming - Jim Wilson, Dave Pickell, Spotted Eagle, Patrick Leonard
Guitar - Bill Dillon, Jeff Smallwood, Rejean Bouchard
Bass - Bill Dillon, Tony Green, Pierre Duchense
Keyboards - Elodie Lauten, Spotted Eagle, Patrick Leonard
Violin - Daniel Jean
Flute - Spotted Eagle
Background Vocals - Delphine Robertson, Rita Coolidge, Priscilla Coolidge, Laura Satterfield, Claude Pelletter
WEBSITE(S):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson
http://theband.hiof.no/band_members/robbie.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/robbie-robertson

REVIEWS:

By Yours Truly

For as long as I can remember I've had a overpowering interest in Native american culture and spirituality. Even as a small child I was aware of the injustices done to the people who inhabited this land when us white folks "discovered" it. At my age now I long for a time that will never happen again.

To me this album by Robbie Robertson, of The Band fame, is a simple masterpiece. Not too many weeks have gone by since 1994 that I haven't played this CD. The voices, harmonies, melodies are all beautiful, soothing and inspiring. The words are powerful, strong and true. I'll leave it at that because these next reviews pretty much speak for me also.

==========================

If this doesn't blow you away I don't know what will, April 13, 2008
By Andre Heeger (Hamburg, Germany) - Amazon Customer Review

The first time I listened to the wonderful music on this disc I was speechless for the rest of the day. After playing it again and reading the liner notes on the musicians and the historical background, I pulled Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee from the shelf and reread it. I believe we, as the so-called modern man, have completely lost touch with earth and whatever might be beyond. When I listen to Ghost Dance (my favorite on this disc) I get the feeling of being reconnected. That to me is magic. Robbie and the very diverse group of great musicians take you on a journey through your heart. When listening to this you cannot help but feel close to the Native American. It goes deep, much deeper than you would expect. But it is not just about suffering. There is love and blessing, even forgiveness. The pureness of Coolidge singing the Cherokee Morning Song, the love in Golden Feather, unchangeable history in Ghost Dance or It Is A Good Day To Die, the haunting guitar in The Vanishing Breed: WOW! When daily city life with all its insanity pulls me away from my inner self I put this on and find a way back. I hope it will be able to do the same to you. Maybe if we feel reconnected to all that is around us - earth, nature, the sky, the animals, our brothers and sisters, even those we think of as our enemies - we can find a better way to save it. After all we're all part of the same planet.

=========================================

Contemporary Native American Music, January 8, 2002
By Zekeriyah (Chicago, IL) - Amazon Customer Review

This CD is beautiful. Theres a ephemeral, spiritual sound to it, yet at the same time its so very modern. I can't think of a good way to explain it, but the music is wonderful. Someof the songs, such as "Coyote Dance", "Ancestor Song" and "Twistd Hair", call to mind beautiful spiritual images in your head. The sound effects and lyrics on "Twisted Hair" in particular still stand out in my mind. Others, such as "Mahk Jchi", "Cherokee Morning Song" and "Akua Tuta", blend traditional Native American music stylings with modern rhythms for a breath taking effect. Many of these songs incorporate other Native American artists, such as Rita Coolidge and Kashtin.However, the most interesting songs on this CD are the ones that come from Robbie Robertson himself. The lyrics to "Ghost Dance", "It is a Good Day to Die" and "Skinwalker" are haunting and will almost certain stick in your mind long after you've finished listening to this CD. The sound effects and soft-spoken voices meld perfectly together with the powerful and moving lyrics to create a magnificent effect. This is one of my favorite Native American CDs and I simply can't recommend it enough, esecially for people unfamilar with contemporary Native American music.
CONTACT:

READ THIS for more information on this album.