Arrangements are tasteful, understated, and put the focus on Arthur's clear voic
author: Allen Appel
A very impressive production. It's what I appreciate for ballads: voice up front w/nice, evenly
recorded guitar (where I can hear every finger picking note), bass down low,
and drums out of the picture unless needed (and those should be more felt
than heard). Fantastic fretless sounds on one of the tunes with a real subtle harmonic bend in there. I
just love how it's down in the mix and still tasty as ever, which really
focuses on Arthur's clear voice and powerful images. The percusionists were astounding and it seemed like they really got into the spirit
of the songs when the African rhythms were called for... again, very, very
tasteful. I was surprised to be so moved by it all. One of the tunes
reminded me of John Denver, another few invoked Cat Stevens.
The guitar sounds great (and he's a light picker) and even top to bottom; I can understand
every word (which is usually difficult for me); arrangements are tasteful,
complement the songs and don't get in the way; strings were also understated
and felt very effective (I never agreed w/ the orchestral idea that what one
violin or cello can do, an entire row of them can do better... at least in
folk/rock stuff); it's consistent and quiet and puts the focus on Arthur.
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Powerfully done with the upmost simplicity.
author: Laura Jarquin
This project is powerfully done with the upmost simplicity, which is what I value the most, especially when it comes to reproducing the product live. Some of it reminds me of the innocence the world once had during the late sixties. Was it innocence or discovery (sixties)? The story telling through music is awesome. That has been the process of passing on history in African cultures. Speaking of which, I love the prelude of the song “Waking up Tunes”. "Like a Child" is definitely my favorite. “Drink to Life” is my second favorite. I love the mellow, sweet, simple lyrics and the simplicity of the acoustics. At full blast I can feel the emotion of the tunes.
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takes me back
author: cindy rosenberg
it takes me back to my childhood. peaceful days in a beautiful place. i love listening to it!
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this is absolutley amazing.
author: Lauren
wow...this is truly a masterpiece. his voice is so soothing and the lyrics are brilliant.a definite must buy.
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