Customer Reviews

Apache: Guitars of Jorgen Ingmann

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

 

 

Like most Americans, I grew up assuming that "Apache" was an original opus by Jørgen Ingmann. I was quite surprised to discover that The Shadows' recording was, in fact, the original hit (the true original recording by Bert Weedon was largely lost due to record company foot-dragging, inducing the song's writer to pass it on to The Shadows) and Ingmann was doing a cover. Ingmann's excellent adaptation took this country so strongly that The Shadows' version never really broke water on the charts.

Ingmann's gentle and intimate treatment and his virtuosity redefined the song superbly. Once one became familiar with it, it's not surprising The Shadows' version, arising as it did from the twangy "surf guitar" style of the early 60's, would seem harsh in comparison, particularly if one believes it is an adaptation of Ingmann's instead of the other way around. I got that impression myself hearing for the first time on the soundtrack of the (very racy!) movie Scandal, though I have since come to like it. It and Ingmann's are so different that in my own mind I don't compare them; I see them as two distinct pieces, enjoyed differently.

Like many of my albums, I bought this for just one song. "Apache". I recently picked up the Shadows version and wanted to compare. Previous to that, I had only heard Jorgen's version but it was many years ago. While this original version brings back some pleasant memories, the musician in me has to agree that the Shadows arrangement is better.

Unlike other reviewers I purchased this Cd for the album Apache. I bought it back in '62 as a compliment to my Duane Eddy and Les Paul records. Les Paul was the first to experiment with multi track playback. Jorgen Ingmann carried on that tradition. Eddy played in the lower registers and Ingmann played in the opposite. The songs sound a bit dated now but they were standads when released. I do agree that the musicianship might not be on the level of Les Paul but Apache/The Many Guitars of Jorgen Ingmann will fit in nicely with the early '60's Ventures and Duane Eddy albums.

Haven't heard Ingmann's music for years until a Danish friend posted a youtube vid of Apache. Brought back so many memories. I ordered the CD immediately. Just arrived an hour ago. Excellent CD quality, excellent service from importcds.

I bought the CD based on my memory of Apache - a big hit for Jorgen Ingman in 1960/61. As it turns out, that's one of three or so songs on this dual-album worth keeping. I had hoped the version of Cherokee on this CD was the one I recall having heard around 1962, but unless my memory is faulty, the version here is more gimmicked-up, and much less worth hearing. All in all, a disappointing purchase.

This review is based on one song only, Apache. Mr. Ingmann is probably the prototype for a one hit wonder, but the guitar work on this song, in my opinion, is in a class of it's own. The timing, clearity and smoothness of the guitar work is unmatched. I have about 10 different versions of Apache, including versions by some of the biggest name guitar players in the world and none are close to Mr. Ingmann's. Especially the cheap effort by the Shadows. They sound like a high school band in comparison. Obviously the reviewer who thought their version was better did not consider musical talent in his evaluation. Many have tried to copy, which is the greatest compliment to the original there is. There are many ways to pick up a copy of Apache without having to buy this CD. But at least in my collection it is a must to own. If you have never heard the song, pick up a copy. You wont be dissapointed.

It was a Christmas gift and he says it's exactly what he wanted and is getting great listening enjoyment from it.

As with an earlier reviewer, I bought this CD beacuse of Apache. This was the original version. I've compared subsequent versions performed by the Ventures, the Surfaries, and the Shadows, and still find the original the best. However this version is also available on Billboard CD's.