Post by jptheprofessor on Sept 22, 2005 17:23:37 GMT -5
If you missed this week's edition of "The Professor's CD Corner," here is my review:
LES PAUL & FRIENDS – AMERICAN MADE WORLD PLAYED (Capitol) First known as a jazz guitarist, Les Paul ultimately changed and revolutionized popular music; with his electric guitars and musical instruments, technological inventions, recording techniques and more. Les Paul’s innovations paved the way for popular music to sound like it does today; and it’s likely that we might never have experienced the music of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or many other popular musicians without him. Having recently turned 90, Les Paul and his innovations are saluted by a who’s who of famous musical names and disciples on the album American Made World Played. As all-star album get-togethers go, this one is impressive, not just for the star talent assembled, but for the tasty blend of music and some interesting surprises along the way. Les Paul himself plays guitar on every song here, and is spotlighted on three diverse numbers: the modern R&B-updated rendition of his most famous hit with Mary Ford, “How High the Moon,” pairing Paul with Russian pop star Alsou; his update of one of his signature live tunes, Duke Ellington’s “Caravan;” and a funky treatment of the Buddy Miles/Jimi Hendrix-popularized “69 Freedom Special.” Through one of Les Paul’s innovations from the 1940’s – multi-track recording – we get to hear a duet pairing the late Sam Cooke with Eric Clapton on Cooke’s “Somebody Ease My Troublin’ Mind.” Cooke’s vocals are also paired with guitar legend Jeff Beck on another Cooke song, “(Ain’t That) Good News.” Other interesting collaborations include Sting and teenage English pop diva Joss Stone belting out Bonnie Raitt’s “Love Sneakin’ Up On You;” a funky-rocking update of Rick Derringer’s “Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo” pairing Edgar Winter with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his singer, Noah Hunt; Journey guitarist Neal Schon and Beth Hart performing the soulful ballad “I Wanna Know You;” and bluesman Buddy Guy, Keith Richards and Rick Derringer teaming up on Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” Other highlights include Peter Frampton’s treatment of Atlanta Rhythm Section’s “So Into You;” Billy Gibbons’ ZZ Top-ified rendition of Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case Of Lovin’ You;” and Steve Miller (whose written tribute to Les Paul appears in the liner notes) updating his hit “Fly Like An Eagle.” This album is a good listen, with various excerpts of Les Paul’s radio and television shows sprinkled in among the songs. The performances sound inspired, and the various collaborations and variations on familiar favorites are interesting throughout. American Made World Played salutes an American musical icon, Les Paul, his innovations and influences, and celebrates how he changed the world of popular music forever. Ultimately, this a fun, informative and entertaining album worth checking out.
LES PAUL & FRIENDS – AMERICAN MADE WORLD PLAYED (Capitol) First known as a jazz guitarist, Les Paul ultimately changed and revolutionized popular music; with his electric guitars and musical instruments, technological inventions, recording techniques and more. Les Paul’s innovations paved the way for popular music to sound like it does today; and it’s likely that we might never have experienced the music of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or many other popular musicians without him. Having recently turned 90, Les Paul and his innovations are saluted by a who’s who of famous musical names and disciples on the album American Made World Played. As all-star album get-togethers go, this one is impressive, not just for the star talent assembled, but for the tasty blend of music and some interesting surprises along the way. Les Paul himself plays guitar on every song here, and is spotlighted on three diverse numbers: the modern R&B-updated rendition of his most famous hit with Mary Ford, “How High the Moon,” pairing Paul with Russian pop star Alsou; his update of one of his signature live tunes, Duke Ellington’s “Caravan;” and a funky treatment of the Buddy Miles/Jimi Hendrix-popularized “69 Freedom Special.” Through one of Les Paul’s innovations from the 1940’s – multi-track recording – we get to hear a duet pairing the late Sam Cooke with Eric Clapton on Cooke’s “Somebody Ease My Troublin’ Mind.” Cooke’s vocals are also paired with guitar legend Jeff Beck on another Cooke song, “(Ain’t That) Good News.” Other interesting collaborations include Sting and teenage English pop diva Joss Stone belting out Bonnie Raitt’s “Love Sneakin’ Up On You;” a funky-rocking update of Rick Derringer’s “Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo” pairing Edgar Winter with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and his singer, Noah Hunt; Journey guitarist Neal Schon and Beth Hart performing the soulful ballad “I Wanna Know You;” and bluesman Buddy Guy, Keith Richards and Rick Derringer teaming up on Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” Other highlights include Peter Frampton’s treatment of Atlanta Rhythm Section’s “So Into You;” Billy Gibbons’ ZZ Top-ified rendition of Robert Palmer’s “Bad Case Of Lovin’ You;” and Steve Miller (whose written tribute to Les Paul appears in the liner notes) updating his hit “Fly Like An Eagle.” This album is a good listen, with various excerpts of Les Paul’s radio and television shows sprinkled in among the songs. The performances sound inspired, and the various collaborations and variations on familiar favorites are interesting throughout. American Made World Played salutes an American musical icon, Les Paul, his innovations and influences, and celebrates how he changed the world of popular music forever. Ultimately, this a fun, informative and entertaining album worth checking out.