5 comments about From the Reach.

1. I've known about Sonny Landreth since my days as the entertainment editor at the Lafayette, Louisiana newspaper. He was always a great musician, but he has really come into his own here. And the fact that high-profile, high talent musicians respect him enough to play back-up on this album is high praise indeed. Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Dr. John and Jimmy Buffett are on board but play second fiddle to Landreth. Don't miss this one!



2. when you're talking about slide-guitar greats, you have to include sonny landreth.
   dwayne allman,george harrison,ry cooder,lowell george,robert johnson and roy rogers are among the best ever and i'm here to say that sonny is at the top of the list.
   different styles i know, hard to say who's best?
   not for me.
   i think i've seen him and the goners live about 40 times or so(i lived in new orleans)and each time he's seems to just get better.
   this new one is still growing on me,i'm not sure it's gonna be one of my top favorites yet.
   hearing "south of i-10"(his sgt pepper), i thought he could'nt get better,but he is way out front of anyone else.
   i've always thought of him this way.
   sonny is just plain "outside the box".
   i think,the greatest guitarist alive today,maybe of all time.



3. Sonny's latest is very good. Anyone making this purchase will not be disappointed. His guitar playing is awesome along with his guests. His all original songs are quite good also.



4. This is absloutely top notch record. Wonderful choice of songs, arrangements and guests. Beautifully produced. This album moves Landreth to another level!



5. this is Sonny with guest artist, Sonny doesnt need any other guest. The songs are good but nothing stands out like his other work. If you are a fan of Sonny its always great to have anything he does in your collection. I probably will play his earlier work more.

3 comments about Skin Deep.

1. Buddy Guy will be seventy-two-years-old on July 30th 2008, and he simply defies the hands-of-time. This CD highlights a voice that is as strong as a man half his age. He still effortlessly hits the high notes at absolute full throttle without the slightest sign of effort. The energy that emanates from his guitar, when he "bends" the strings like blues strings were meant to be bent.... has been matched by only a select few guitarists in modern blues history. Guest appearances by Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Robert Randolph, Eric Clapton, and the Memphis Horns, among others, simply helps elevate this CD to a "classic" level.
   
   This CD contains twelve songs totaling approximately fifty-eight minutes of Blues. Included within the twelve songs, are two tunes over five-minutes-and forty-seconds in length... and two songs that are over seven-minutes long. As true electric blue's fans will attest to... once you really get the blues... you need more than five minutes to fully appreciate them.
   
   This release reinforces once again... that... BUDDY GUY... IS THE GREATEST LIVING ELECTRIC BLUES PERFORMER. This is a must buy CD.



2. This is one hell of a record this man produced here. I allready really liked his last one. This even has more (blues) power in it. Get it you won't regret it!



3. Well, I waited three years to hear the album that was supposedly going to let Buddy just be Buddy, and play his heart out. Unfortunately, this album is much like his last one, meaning there are three or four excellent electric Blues songs, and a bunch of Blues-Rock and pop music that features duets with various singers. Personally, I don't like anything Eric Clapton has recorded since 1992 or 1994, and I really didn't want to hear him on this album. The stand-out tracks on this brand new disc are "Lyin' Like A Dog", which is one of the best songs Buddy has ever recorded (!), "Out In The Woods" with Robert Randolph, and the closer, "I Found Happiness". It's such a shame that Buddy's record company won't let him just be himself. He promised three years ago, after the release of "Bring 'Em In", that his next album would be pure Buddy Guy. Let's face it: the man is over seventy years old, and while he seems to be in great health, none of us know if we'll make it to seventy-five. I really hope that, on his next album, he's allowed to just be himself, with his regular band. "Stone Crazy" is one of the most manic, frantic, excellent, wild, electric Blues guitar albums in history, and it was done on a shoe string budget and has crappy liner notes, but so what? It's a fantastic album! I suppose Buddy has few options in terms of record companies, as most Blues today has been Fat Possum-ized, and I don't mean that most Blues today sounds like the Callicott, McDowell, and Furry Lewis Fat Possum releases! I wish to God that's what I meant, though. My wish is for Buddy Guy to produce an album of all original material that showcases his greatness. This album just offers us a glimpse of his greatness. Dick Waterman says in "Between Midnight And Day" that Buddy is the greatest electric Blues guitar player in history, and he desperately regrets suggesting to Buddy to play a little Cream and Hendrix at his shows, in order to show people that he's capable of playing that type of music. Will somebody please give us the real Buddy Guy?

5 comments about Mess of Blues.

1. A blast to listen to ! Especially if you're a guitar player.
   In my area every song would go over well.Buy it!



2. Jeff's final CD is one of the favorites the band loved to play live. Fun & great to listen to.



3. Jeff Healey explores different styles on this album. There are even some great live tracks, and some great rock and roll and blues. A great last album from a unique guitarist and unique musician.



4. This is my first review even though I have purchase hundreds of CDs form Amazon. Reason...this album is a must have for any Healey fan not just because it was his last but because it is another shining example of his unique style of blues. The live cuts are really unique performances and the studio work is equally impressive. A fitting combination of styles and flavors to bid a great bluesman farewell. BUY IT!



5. As a guitarist for 47 years, I always hate to see one of the good ones go away, but at least he left a parting gift for us. All in all, it's a good effort, marred only by a couple of comparitively weak cuts in the middle of the album. The rest of it really sparkles. Personally, I'll miss ya, Jeff. I hope you and Jimi are ravin'!!

5 comments about City That Care Forgot.

1. Dr. John is to New Orleans is what Willie Nelson is to Austin, TX and heartland causes. Anytime someone's in need these two guys are putting themselves out there singing their hearts out for the causes they believe in. Of course, Willie's on this CD, so's Slowhand, Ani DiFranco, and Terence Simien.
   
   "City that Care Forgot" isn't just a statement, though. You can tell when you're listening to this that the folks performing had a good time putting heart and soul into these songs.
   
   I usually have a favorite song or two. Hands down, for me, it's "You Might Be Surprised." The lyrics really spoke to me:
   
   "Life is a near death experience
   Hell is right here on this great big Earth
   It could be a little taste of heaven
   If we only knew our worth
   All we got to do is want it bad enough
   To push ourself through
   We always underestimate ourselves
   We do every day we can always do better
   In each and every way
   If we don't believe in ourselves
   Nobody's gonna do it
   If we don't push ourselves
   We'll never make it through it..."
   
   If you can listen to "Dream Warrior" without tears in your eyes, you've got a 'heart of iron' as Homer says. Dr. John tells it like it is regarding the 'second battle for New Orleans.' It's the harshest hurricane protest song I've heard, be prepared.
   
   "Black Gold" is a double entendre about oil and military recruitment and it's another political statement that people of conscience should be listening to.
   
   "Promises, Promises" features Willie Nelson singing with the good Doctor. I am surprised at how good these two very distinctive voices sound together.
   
   "Stripped Away" features Clapton backing. This song's more rocked out than most, gorgeous sound for a painful message.
   
   "The City That Care Forgot" is one of the best collaborative efforts I have heard in a long time. The message is strong, the playing is gorgeous. It also supports a worthy cause.
   
   Rebecca Kyle, July 2008



2. this is a great cd very cool drjohn has not lost his touch he just gets better buy this cd it vet good.



3. This is an excellent contribution from Dr. John. The band Lower 911 is tremendous. I highly recommend this CD.



4. Gosh, what a tour de force! From the opening "bop" of "Keep on Going" right through all 13 tracks the good Doctor is on form, on song, on rhythm & on message here. There's cool jazz, funk, swamp blues & great contributions from the guest artists, in particular Eric Clapton & Terence Blanchard.
   You know, a lot of "protest" albums suffer from the angst getting in the way of the artistry but not here. For example I was REALLY worried about the combo with Willie Nelson on "Promises, Promises" but by gum it works & makes the words truly resonate - "Promises, promises, empty words, empty words; the road to the White House, paved with lies.....fought in your wars, paid with our lives.....the truth will set you free". Yet the really great thing is how the tracks without the guests see the Doctor really getting down & nasty with great, driving, funky beats - just listen to "Dream Warrior" for proof positive.
   Other highlights of an album of consistently high quality are "Land Grab" (great trumpet from Blanchard) & the title track (some of Clapton's "bluesiest" guitar in ages). Very rarely do I download every single track from an album into my iPod/iTunes but I did with this album. HIGHLY recommended



5. I Didn't expect Dr. John to release such a great album at this point of his career. The man is 67 years old. This Just might be his best album of all original songs he ever released.

2 comments about What Love Will Do.

1. No wonder Janiva has repeated as Female Blues Artist of the Year! From start to finish this album is absolutely incredible. Janiva pours her heart into every note and it is a moving experience to listen to. I recently saw Janiva with her terrific band at the Rythym Room in Phoenix. She is a great performer - very personable, totally positive, and so comfortable in her own skin. Not only is Janiva a great performer, but she is also a wonderful role model!



2. This is her best CD yet, every song is soooo goood! Janiva has a unique and beautiful voice, seems to get better with age. I highly recommend this CD for all blues lovers, and those who just love music. She is not female blues artist of year for nothing! Also a great performer, be sure to catch her show when she is in your area.

5 comments about On and On.

1. Been a Jack Johnson fan for a few years now, his stuff is great. Makes you want to kick back on the beach with a chair, an umbrella, and possibly an adult beverage and let the worries of the world slip away!



2. This album was way good, in fact ALL Jack Johnson music is way good. He makes some great mellow/lazy surf rockin' music. Although, this album wasn't as good as his other three. But it still was rockin' and that's the point. Anybody who plays the guitar will like Jack Johnson's music.
   Taylor had the coolest into i have ever heard!
   I also enjoyed Holes to Heaven because it had the same tune as Jack Johnson's previous soundtrack hit, Moonshine.
   And one last thing, Jack Johnson is NOT a knock off of the Dave Matthews Band!!



3. I absolutely love this album, in my opinion, it's jack's best album. and i own all of them. It's one that you can listen to over and over and it doesn't get old. Every single song is great, but my favorites are: Traffic in the Sky, Gone, Rodeo Clowns, Cocoon, Cookie Jar, and Mediocre Bad Guys. I love the mellow, chilled out, beachy vibe that's present in all of his music. I can't wait to buy his next album.



4. Recently discovered JJ in the last year or so...now I have all his CD's with this one being the latest purchase. His music and talent is great. I was not disappointed at all.



5. This guy is way overhyped, songwriting is whiny and lacks any facts or knowledge. Guitar playing is really childish skittishes that do not really portray any talent past knowing 3 chords. Tries to act like he is some voice that represents youth but fails miserably. I added this CD to my list of things I wipe with. If you really want to hear an acoustical session that proves this guy sux, there are some others out there. Marketing is the key in todays music world instead of talent and that is why this guy sells records. The lyrics suk, he is just crying and whining from visuals he gets from NPR or something, and that alone is enough to put someone to sleep. Boring, bad and will not be heard of in twenty years. I wish the next Hendrix or Neil Young would please stand up because the posers in here right now annoy me.

5 comments about Brushfire Fairytales.

1. Who doesn't like Jack Johnson!?! I listen to this one every morning, because of the relaxed (yet upbeat) music. Good buy!



2. Jack Johnson is great! It is a good mellow sound, not too hard rock. If you like good mellow music, go for this cd!



3. This stuff could potentially groove if they had a singer with more vocal presence (doesn't whisper his way through the tunes). Either way, IMO, it's good stuff that has yet to be realized by a better singer. I'm just not feeling it. Almost Damien Rice, but not as eclectic/quirky....just one person's opinion, try to be objective.



4. Although this is his first or one of his first cds, it is one of his best. It's typical Jack Johnson!



5. I like this music. Perfect for what I need it for. Teaching college students a fitness class. In great condition

3 comments about The Outsider.

1. Walter Trout has given us an outstanding collection of 13 original songs showcasing his ample song-writing, vocal, and guitar-playing talents. From the opening notes of "Welcome To The Human Race" to the final chords of the title track, Walter simply sounds great here. His tone, his guitar-playing precision, the song hooks ... here is Walter Trout at the top of his game. To heck with trying to label his music as blues, rock, bluesrock, or even "Fred" .... whatever it is sounds absolutely wonderful and makes me want to hear more of it. The New Jersey born Trout has always been one of the best guitar slingers on the planet but here he gives us more than just supersonic riffs. Walter's music is simply "good stuff". It's finally time to get the word out in these United States of America. Walter Trout deserves a listen. His new CD, "The Outsider" gives us more than enough reason.



2. I have been a Trout fan since I first heard him in 1990 and heard his Life in the Jungle CD. The next few albums all had their moments, but after a while, I found there to be a lot of inconsistancy of his songs and the fact that a lot of his guitar solos, although extremely gifted, sounded the same. However, Walter has returned with what I believe to be his best album - PERIOD! I really got into his contrasting styles and moods on this one, and some sorely needed 12 bar blues in there. I never liked Walters full on love songs, and to me, the love song on offer here "A matter of the heart" is the only weak track on the album. Keep it all Blues Rock mate. Maybe a full album of dedicated love songs and duets with females in different styles would work. I am so relieved this album has delivered and highly recommend you give it a spin.



3. I haven't been familiar with Walter Trout very long, I'd say about 6 months or so.......I purchased "Full Circle" first, and instantly fell in love with his guitar playing and musicianship.....since then, i've purchased all the rest of his music and have NOT been disappointed at all.......I dig electric guitar blues, and would recommend Walter Trout to anyone out there....without hesitation......His new Cd, "The Outsider", is great....it's what you would expect from Walter......Great songs and great guitars... he goes a little more to the country side of things on a few of the tunes, and while i am not a country fan, i do have to say that he has a style that allows you to like it, no matter what it sounds like...he also goes very 70's rock on here too.......great sounding cd.... If you like him, then you definitely will not be disappointed with this album at all......I'm already a big fan of his, and i'm looking forward to his next cd to come out......

5 comments about Trouble.

1. I bought this album based on the strength of just one song...I was so happily suprised to find the entire album was great. There are not a lot of albums I enjoy listening to start to finish; When I find one I put it on my "desert island" short list--this album made it there right away. The songs are simple, well crafted and beautiful. LaMontagne's voice is gorgeous and can run from mournful to joyful in three songs. He cites both Otis Redding and CSNY as influences and both are apparent on different tracks without the artist ever once sounding unoriginal. Loved it. I took away one star for one reason only, and maybe its an unfair one--the album is extremely mellow almost entirely, which means there may be certain times and or places that its just not the one you reach for.



2. I bought this cd after only hearing one track, Trouble. The rest of the album is haunting and sexy. I love it!



3. What a gorgeous voice this man has. I love this album - it's soulful and great to relax to. My favorite tracks are Trouble and Hannah.



4. This is a great album. From 'Trouble' to 'Shelter' to 'How Come,' I am just blown away by all the tracks.



5. Just got the CD today in the mail. Rushed to work and popped it in the office player. Within minutes all the laughing people were depressed and the sun just wasn't shining as brightly as before. A true downer.

5 comments about Are You Experienced.

1. I don't care if you come from another universe...Jimi's first album for 5 bucks? jump on this CD,today,right now,this minute! This is the first of the triumvirate of Jimi's releases of 1967-68,the others being "Axis:Bold as Love" and "Electric Ladyland".These three albums basically tell the story of Jimi's albeit short,but brilliant studio work.On "Experienced" all the early hits are here: "Hey Joe,Fire,Manic Depression,Purple Haze,Foxey Lady" and many more.I personally think this is the best album out of the three."Axis" was rushed due to his non-stop gigging and jamming,"Ladyland" is not technically proficient,but "Are You Experienced" has that feeling of excitement of doing something new for the first time.Although this was not Jimi's first foray into a studio,it was the first time where he was the star and all production revolved around him and his music.I would venture to say this is one of the top five rock albums of all time,although list's are subjective.But just the same,jump on this $5 deal,as you're not just buying a great classic rock album/CD,you're buying a piece of history!



2. I love this CD its got an amazing track listing, and the quality of the songs is well done



3. I first heard this album when my older brother would play it over and over until I hated it. When it got re-released with extra songs, I found a new liking for it. There were the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and even Eric Clapton (Cream era), but there really was only one true solo guitar artist of this time. Jimi Hendrix just explodes on every track with hard core `rock and roll' ("Fire") or strong R & B ("Hey Joe"), but his classic FM songs were "Manic Depression" and "Purple Haze", the latter having one of the most replicated riffs in history outside of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven". Little mention was made in the sixties of his drummer Mitch Mitchell or his bassist Noel Redding, but here with this Remastered recording, you hear the sound as it was meant to be heard - perfectly balanced. The extra songs are a great additions well, especially the `bluer than blue', "Red House", which is in competition with anything B.B. King has done. I can't imagine what Hendrix would have produced had he survived a while longer.



4. Jimi Hendrix playing wild guitar solos playing behind his back and in the end lighting his guitar on fire and smashing it on the stage. That was the average Jimi Hendrix concert back than and this album proves it. Songs like, Purple Haze, Manic Depression, and Are You Experienced are truly new sounds that had never been heard before and were more heavier than most people new rock music was. All the songs on here are great and this is yet again another classic summer of love album. In 1967 Jimi Hendrix was probaly one of the most heaviest groups around besides the who(which rock). All in all this an album that should be owned by all
   buy it today!!!
   5/5 stars



5. One of the most stunning debuts in rock history, and one of the definitive albums of the psychedelic era. On Are You Experienced?, Jimi Hendrix synthesized various elements of the cutting edge of 1967 rock into music that sounded both futuristic and rooted in the best traditions of rock, blues, pop, and soul. It was his mind-boggling guitar work, of course, that got most of the ink, building upon the experiments of British innovators like Jeff Beck and Pete Townshend to chart new sonic territories in feedback, distortion, and sheer volume. It wouldn't have meant much, however, without his excellent material, whether psychedelic frenzy ("Foxey Lady," "Manic Depression," "Purple Haze"), instrumental freak-out jams ("Third Stone From the Sun"), blues ("Red House," "Hey Joe"), or tender, poetic compositions ("The Wind Cries Mary") that demonstrated the breadth of his songwriting talents. Not to be underestimated were the contributions of drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, who gave the music a rhythmic pulse that fused parts of rock and improvised jazz. Many of these songs are among Hendrix's very finest; it may be true that he would continue to develop at a rapid pace throughout the rest of his brief career, but he would never surpass his first LP in terms of consistently high quality. The British and American versions of the album differed substantially when they were initially released in 1967; MCA's 17-song CD reissue does everyone a favor by gathering all of the material from the two records in one place, adding a few B-sides from early singles, as well.