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Binkelman's Corner by Bill Binkelman |
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Bill Binkelman is a long-time icon in the industry. |
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| Golden Eagle: A John Denver Instrumental Tribute |
| By The Candlelight Guitarist |
| Label: Geofonica Records |
| Released 10/2/2007 |
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| Golden Eagle: A John Denver Instrumental Tribute tracks |
1. Eagle and The Hawk / Wingspan
2. Rocky Mountain High
3. Leaving on a Jet Plane
4. Take Me Home, Country Roads
5. My Sweet Lady
6. Annie's Song
7. Cool Mountain Air
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8. Sunshine On My Shoulders
9. Perhaps Love
10. Looking For Space
11. Calypso
12. For You
13. Poems, Prayers, and Promises
14. Golden Eagle (Soar to Possibilities)
15. This Old Guitar
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Golden Eagle - A John Denver Instrumental Tribute |
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I suppose I shouldn’t be that amazed at how much I love this new album from acoustic guitarist Brad Powell, a.k.a. The Candlelight Guitarist. After all, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and recommended his first three releases. I’m also a fan of John Denver’s music, owning the live recording, An Evening With John Denver. Still, this is the first tribute album I’ve ever reviewed, let alone recommended (and highly recommended, too). Obviously, if you don’t appreciate Denver tunes such as Rocky Mountain High, Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie’s Song and Calypso, well, you can give this one a pass. To be honest, the CD’s thirteen covers (and two originals penned by Powell) are terrific acoustic ensemble instrumentals and, like his last two recordings, the guitarist displays not just his own talent, but brings in some solid accompanists (some of whom have direct ties to the late Denver himself). If you consider yourself a fan of acoustic guitar music, I think you owe it to yourself to consider adding this one to your collection.
To Powell’s credit, while all the "hits" here are recognizable, his arrangements and treatments throw new wrinkles into the mix, whether it’s the breezy swing feel he brings to Rocky Mountain High (helped greatly by Kenny Blackwell’s mandolin), the transition of Annie’s Song to a sweetly swaying guitar and cello duet (featuring cellist Caryl Paisner), injecting some Mediterranean Sea flavors into Calypso (featuring the accordion playing of Frank Marocco as well as Blackwell on mandolin and percussion from Michito Sanchez) or coloring the Denver staple, This Old Guitar with a subtle amount of jazziness. In short, these are not mere rote imitations of Denver’s greatest hits.
In addition, Powell’s two originals fit in nicely amidst the Denver tracks. Cool Mountain Air is a soft yet lively and sensual number that blends smooth jazz (Doug Webb on soprano sax, stand-up bassist Ernie Nunez and piano by Mark Massey) with more a rural folksy sound courtesy of Blackwell’s mandolin. Golden Eagle (Soar to Possibilities) floats and glides gently, just as the titular bird would do on lofty air currents. This track features almost all the accompanists at one time or another and it’s a real musical treat, a classic slice of acoustic new age ensemble music with a touch of folk and jazz to spice it up just a tad.
Those of you who still turn up the car radio when you hear the opening strains of "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Sunshine On My Shoulders" or "Rocky Mountain High" will, I’m positive, be as enchanted with Golden Eagle as I am. Powell has done a great job at retaining the familiar sound of John Denver’s music while leaving no doubt (in my mind, at least) that these are his unique interpretations. Denver purists need not worry, as I can’t believe any of the cover tunes travel far from what you are used to hearing. However, this is likewise not a"“by-the-numbers" affair either. Above all else, what comes through loud and clear is Powell’s deep and sincere love for John Denver’s music as well as his desire to do right by him with this CD. I’d say he’s has succeeded far beyond what most would expect. In addition, the cover of the CD deserves special mention - it’s tasteful and gorgeous, from the fonts to the color scheme to the picture of the eagle. Download the recording as mp3s if that’s your preference, but I think you’ll be sorry you don’t have the "real thing" in your possession. This is a special album and I highly recommend it.
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Rating: Very Good +  |
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- reviewed by Bill Binkelman on 12/12/2007 |
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