All The Way Out West ….
author: Lia Kinnet-Abts, Belgium
in Every Single Way impressive et MAGNIFIQUE !!! Leaning on his classic traditional folky country roots in a most personal and modern way, more relaxed and self-assured than ever, a 100% typical John Vester takes us on his trip through his Country, his life, his heart. In a 100% typical American multi-cultural Sound he brings us Californian sunshine, smiles and grins in splendid swinging up-tempo’s, or gently wipes our little tears away with tender little chansons. Lyrics, poetry, tunes and melodies as only John Vester can write, pun, and pling from his guitar (cfr. “We’re Still Here” and all those magnificent songs he co-wrote with Venice), a noticeable diversity and beautiful mix in styles and genres, in superdeluxe arrangements sous la direction de Maestro Michael Lennon. Godly guitars, couleur locale by splendid pedal steel, super drums-percussion-bass-accordion-and-all-kinds-of-stuff, Japanese touch by je-ne-sais-quoi, heavenly stirring violin, and outstanding harmony vocals by Mark Lennon and Kate Markowitz. Up-tempo highlights = “I Wish I Was Back Home In Cincinnati” a touching nostalgic detailed swinging Painting and Ode to his former Hometown; title track “All The Way Out West” a singalong phenomenon with all the Lennons from the Californian band Venice as an Ode to California and its incomparable Sun. Smile-provoker Highlights = funny bluesy “Beeswax Is My Beeswax”, ditto playful “The Devil’s Playground“, and most of all this mighty “No Bone To Pick With Jesus” in which he voices anti-religious fanaticism and pro-tolerance in a most genial disarming way. Lullabyes and heart-touchers highlights = “Put All Your Heart In A Song”; “Warm & Tender Lullabye”; “As Long As It Takes” (in which he reminds me of unforgettable good ol’ Donovan); “Sometimes Absence Makes The Heart Grow”; “Please Don’t Be So Sad” as a warm cozy eiderdown filled with soothing sounds, in which he whispers a most comforting encouraging lovely little lachrymose into your ears, and this melancholic smooth fluent “I Don’t Want To Say Good-bye” as adieu. The utterly beautiful booklet (illustrated by Mr. Vester Himself with his incomparable watercolor artwork and his own outstanding characters, and very well-chosen pictures of/in the colors of the earth and the sunsetting sky) enfolds these songs, this music, this Heartist ánd his audience as one ensemble. CHAPEAU and Standing Ovation !!!
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Great music!
author: Pixie
I love the story telling of these songs, as well as the interesting use of unexpected instrumental moments. The musicianship is excellent and the harmonies blend so well. A very good body of work that deserves to be heard! What\'s next???
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author: Peters at CD Baby
With a seemless blend of Eastern and Western influences, John Vester has created a delightful, thought-provoking album that\'s reminiscent of George Harrison and Rufus Wainwright. Vester has Harrison\'s knack for serpentine, sinewy melodies that are wonderfully melodic, yet crafted with enough skill that you\'ll love to listen to the album on repeat a few times, so that you can sing along. \"Put All Your Heart in a Song\" features a droning tambura, wiry violin, and some backwards guitars, all working together to give it a distinctly psychedelic folk/rock, late 60s feel. The first five songs on the album continue with the middle-eastern vibe, but the album takes a bit of a turn on the title track, which is straight up countrified Americana, with layered chorus harmonies, like we might hear from the Traveling Wilburys. From there, the album continues with a stronger western feel, with harmonica, pedal steel guitar, and luscious harmonies on songs like \"Warm & Tender Lullabye\", while \"I wish I was home in Cincinnati\" feels like an early 70s Dylan track, in the best way. We find dobro, violin, accordion, and even bagpipes adorning the rest of the album, and the rich diversity of instruments help convey the east-meets-west feeling of the album. Vester\'s vocals have an honest, earnest
quality that is, again, reminscent of the latter days of George Harrison. It sounds like Vester has spent a good amount of time honing his craft, and this album deserves to be listened to.
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