Customer Reviews

All Wood & Stones

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

well, i have to admit that of all the cd's i've ever recorded this is one of my favorites, so i am biased. and being one of the artists who did the recording makes me even more biased. that being said, give the cd a listen. i've never heard anyone do anything like this to the rolling stones songs. i don't think that anyone ever considers what brilliant songwriters jagger and richards are. every song on this collection is a wonder. the songs are the true stars of the cd. and what john and i did to them to make them our own is only more corroboration that the songs are wonderful. you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear, as they say. and this is the stones music as pure silk. enjoy and let me know what you think.

james lee stanley

I wasn't a Rolling Stones fan when I was younger; and I'm not a Rolling Stones fan now. However, some of their songs entered my life when I was in my teens and stayed with me, like 'As Tears Go By', and 'Ruby Tuesday' (the latter being the only Rolling Stones recording -a 45 vinyl- I own). One cannot be a part of our muzak-ridden world and not hear a Rolling Stones song somewhere at least once a day. Though I don't personally like the Stones as a band or as celebrities, I will admit that they made a huge contribution to the growth of the music that came out of the 1960's and `70's and 80's, and continuing to present day.

That's one of the reasons why "All Wood and Stones" is wonderful for me, because it takes 11 early hits from the Rolling Stones and makes them accessible to me and others like me. Songs I never would have listened to (heard perhaps, but not "listened to") otherwise. What James Lee Stanley and John Batdorf (currently two of my favorite solo artists) bring to these eleven songs is faultless harmony of voice and guitar, clear distinct guitar notes - sometimes in tandem and sometimes in counterpoint, words I can make sense out of, and really cool acoustic guitar and vocal arrangements that bring something new and accessible to the old songs.

I highly recommend this CD to any- and every- music lover throughout the world ("All Wood and Stones" is available worldwide from Aezra Records) whether you're a Rolling Stones fan or not. I'm fairly sure that everyone will find something to like (if not the whole thing!).

Be prepared to hear them anew. James Lee Stanley and John Batdorf take eleven songs that you've heard backwards and forwards, strip them bare and breathe life into them. If you think that taking an old school rocker like "19th Nervous Breakdown" or "Satisfaction" down to its skeleton robs it of its vitality, then you need to hear "All Wood And Stones."

Even pared to the essence, the slinky slide guitar from Little Feat's Paul Barrere makes "Satisfaction" instantly recognizable. Same for the extended introduction that opens the album for "Paint It Black." The playing is top notch, and the vocals will make you aware of just how melodic some of the best Jagger/Richards songs truly are.

"All Wood And Stones" is also a reminder that good songs and real musical prowess never fades away. There isn't a bum moment to be found from James Lee Stanley and John Batdorf on this disc, and if factory preset music and lip-synching moppets that can't hold a note have got you down, this disc will give you much musical "Satisfaction."

Be prepared to hear them anew. James Lee Stanley and John Batdorf take eleven songs that you've heard backwards and forwards, strip them bare and breathe life into them. If you think that taking an old school rocker like "19th Nervous Breakdown" or "Satisfaction" down to its skeleton robs it of its vitality, then you need to hear "All Wood And Stones."

Even pared to the essence, the slinky slide guitar from Little Feat's Paul Barrere makes "Satisfaction" instantly recognizable. Same for the extended introduction that opens the album for "Paint It Black." The playing is top notch, and the vocals will make you aware of just how melodic some of the best Jagger/Richards songs truly are.

"All Wood And Stones" is also a reminder that good songs and real musical prowess never fades away. There isn't a bum moment to be found from James Lee Stanley and John Batdorf on this disc, and if factory preset music and lip-synching moppets that can't hold a note have got you down, this disc will give you much musical "Satisfaction."

John Batdorf & James Lee Stanley have put a new acoustic spin on these "ROLLING STONES" classic songs....PAINT IT BLACK...RUBY TUESDAY...SATISFACTION...UNDER MY THUMB...LET'S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER...MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER...BACK STREET GIRL...LAST TIME....HAVE YOUR SEEN YOUR MOTHER BABY....19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN...AS TEARS GO BY. The vocals these guys put on these songs are fantastic and the acoustic guitar playing is great. You will remember John Batdorf from the 70's group "BATDORF & RODNEY" with their tight vocals and 12 string guitar playing....James Lee Stanley has been putting out albums since the early 70's with his great singing voice and guitar playing and continues today to release solo CD's. "ALL WOODS & STONES" has earned a spot in my CD changer in my car and if you buy this CD it will end up in yours too!!!!

Beautifully arranged and played, John Batdorf and James Lee Stanley give these early Stones songs new life in accoustic form. Not only do these songs turn out to have real lyrics, but these lyrics are actually pretty good! A couple of the tunes stay fairly faithful to the original versions, but the rest are given wonderful reworkings and a whole new life. A must for fans of the Stones songs, accoustic music, beautiful harmony singing or all three.

Having grown up on the Beatles, and the 70's folk era, the Stones were more of an attraction than a serious musical group. Two of my favorites, "As tears go by", and "Ruby Tuesday" were the only songs that I owned. "You can't always get what you want" perfectly blended into the funeral scene in the Big Chill, but sounds awful when performed live by the remaining members.

This album allows the songs of Jagger and Richards to shine when played by excellent musicians and vocalists rather than by Rock stars.

Just heard these guys play at an accoustic venue in Atlanta, and they sound just like this album. Real singers don't need digital help. This is what music is about to me, no need for flaming stages, bare middriffs, or excessive amplification. This was about a time when we listened to music , not as background for other endeavors. Unfortunately, most of us listening at Eddies Attic had grey hair. I'll also add that the sound quality is excellent, and would suggest the physical media and not the lossy download.

Highly recommended.

Big, it's the first thing one thinks of when they think about the Rolling Stones. Big lips, big riffs, big feuds, big concerts, big troubles, big press releases in front of big bridges, big parties, big drugs, big money, et cetra. Just think of it, if you don't think of those things, at the very least the fact that there is no logical reason for Keith Richards to still be alive has popped into your head.

(Thank goodness it's contrary.)

In an era where Britney Spears covers 'Satisfaction' and there overdone is never enough, this album is a stroke of genius and class on a street littered with overproduction and image.

Really, if anything this album has given me a new appreciation for the Stones. With such a heavy image, having the chance to listen to the songs Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote together and appreciate their musical work stripped down. And for the understatement of the year, they wrote some damn good songs. I would even recommend this album for post-boomers who are only familar with the Stones image, it bridges the gap.

All Wood and Stones does the rarest of things of cover albums, it simultaneously highlights the amazing gifts of the two lead performers (John Batdorf and James Lee Stanley) while shedding light on the talents of the original.

The album opens with a flaminco flavored Paint it Black with INCREDIBLE lead guitar by Laurence Juber that can (dare I say it) rival the original. This song was requested over and over and over again by my friends and they never tired of it. The timing is perfection.

The next track "Ruby Tuesday" highlighting some CSN&Y reminiscent harmonies (seen through out the album) and a truly gorgeous chorus. For voices on opposite ends of the spectrum James and Johns voices are incredibly complimentary and even better live (jealous?) It's also worth noting the quality and care of John's carefully thought vocals.

Next track is "Satisfaction" which is an amazing feat. Haunting slide by Paul Barrere but a brilliantly restrained, almost 'laid back with a bit of attitude' sensual delivery. Far too often 'Satisfaction' is covered and tried to be out-Mick-ed. It just isn't effective, misses the point, becomes TOO sexualized, even for a sexy song (thank you, Britney) or becomes cloying. This delivery reminds one of the original chilly and cheeky intent of the song. It's a tribute in one hand and yet a masterpiece of it's own, which can be said for all the songs on the album as well. It takes the song and shows it in an entirely new light while still maintaining the integrity of the original intent.

"Under My Thumb" is another highlight showing the not often seen, tenderness in a Stones song. Very nice build and those gorgeous harmonies.

Then yes, "Lets Spend The Night Together" which adds a more pop vocal feel and even a bit of a cheery sixties flashback to an AMAZING successs and will get your feet tapping and dare I say to the ladies, swooning as much (if not more) as at any Rolling Stones concert...

"Mothers Little Helper" again exposes the observations on life that you would never imagine rocks stars such as Mick & Keith to observe about society if you weren't well-versed in the Stones. Beautiful arrangement and hauting guitar. (Wonderful solo by Peter Tork as well.)

"Back Street Girl" is another fantastic re-thinking. To paraphrase James it is almost a waltz with chauvinistic lyrics. Great interpretation and stunning vocal work as well. Laura Hall on accordion sweetens up the track.

"Last Time" takes a hold on the listener from that first pounding note and doesn't let go. It's such a satisfying tune and no matter who I'm with when they hear that first note they're stuck and have to listen to the whole song. CSNY reminiscent harmonies and an appearance by Timothy B. Schmidt on background vocals.

"Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby" is a softer tune yet retains a stronger beat. A great mixing of background and lead by John & James.

"19th Nervous Breakdown" now this is a fun song. Again, stunning harmonies (it can't be said enough) it will most definitely get you moving, and I can't get enough of it. Amazing arrangement and melody, great pacing. Just listen to it.

"As Tears Go By" is the last track on the album, and it is a great way to wrap it up with this slow and tender tune.

I've repeated myself far too often for comfort, but it's all absolutely true. Amazing arrangements, harmonies, et cetera. What must be noted is Scott Breadman's percussion work, it ties up this package perfectly and makes it much more than an 'unplugged album.'

This album is genius. If you still haven't picked up this album now, you better do so soon so you can retain bragging rights before it skyrockets.

In short, this disc is insipid. The guitar work is minimal and uninteresting. "All Wood" implies that the guitar should be in the forefront of each piece. Instead, this disc is just bubbling over with simple, goofy, childlike vocals with SPARSE little acoustic guitar bits thrown in gratuitously throughout. The vocal arrangements sound like they were conceived at the same time as the original Stones arrangements but at the opposite end of the pop music spectrum. As Mr Stanley stated in his review of his disc, Jagger and Richards are brilliant song writers. Their lyrics create vivid mood and imagery. Stanley and Batdorf's interpretations of the lyrics trivialize the original pieces. It's extremely difficult to cover such quintessential pieces of rock music. When a cover falls short, it generally fails on one end or the other. It's either identical to the original, in which case it's a waste of time for all parties involved, or it is so different from the original that it becomes an affront to the composer of the original. This entire disc falls under the latter classification.

I agree with all the previous reviewers. This CD is outstanding. One of my favorites. You'll pick it up and play it over and over for a few weeks, set it aside and come back to it a few weeks later. I've had it for 2 years and have played it at least 50 times. I love how they make every song their own. Almost a Seals & Crofts meets the Stones. I applaud you guys for this CD. I would love for you to do more like it.