Customer Reviews

Big Horizon

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was dozing through a figure skating broadcast one chilly Saturday evening, when Brian Boitano came out to do his free skate routine. I remembered later that the announcer had mentioned the music to which he would skate with a detectable amount of reverence, but I wasn't paying any more attention than that. The music that came up was an amazing acoustic cover of the 80's hit "Missing You". Within the first few seconds of the song, I knew that I had to find out who was singing. I watched every skating broadcast that I could until I saw Boitano do his routine again and could catch the name of the artist - David Wilcox.

Every time that I listen to Big Horizon, I still can't believe my good fortune. Mr. Wilcox can do a whole lot more than just cover. He is a great songwriter, a gifted guitarist, and a moving lyricist. He puts a ton of emotion, intimacy and beauty into his songs. His warm, deep voice makes listening to his music a very personal experience. If you close your eyes when you listen, you can picture him as if he is giving a special performance just for you. I love that quality about his music. His songs are the kind by which I find myself marking important passages of my life - memories of distant lovers, good times with cherished friends, and dreams of home. When I travel, and can take only a few CD's with me, this one always comes along for the ride. I can only hope that David's music will touch you the way that it has me. My guess is that it surely will.

No one knows his name, unless they are a fan. If so, they know all of the words by heart. This guy is so good you can't help but listen. I'd suggest "How Did You Find Me Here" for the beginner, but you'll end up buying this one anyway.

I've seen David Wilcox in concert four times, each time has only gotten better. It's him, his guitar, a microphone, and an audience in the palm of his hand. Check out "East Ashville Hardware" if you want more of the concert experience. And, if you can find the video "An Artist's Profile," it also gives you a great insight to a talented artist.

(This is a repost of a review mistakenly posted as anonymous by Amazon.)

I was given a tape with a copy of "Big Mistake" on it several years ago. It has been one of my most favorite songs ever since. Unfortunately, until recently I had no idea who sang it. When I finally found out I immediately bought this c.d. Since then I've bought 4 other David Wilcox c.d.s and I've been completely delighted with every purchace after listening to them. They are all good, but if you can only get one, Big Horizon is the best.

I probably own 200 CDs, and this is easily in the top five, even after many listens. Show the Way is powerful. When my wife was working at a great company while she knew it was going under, she kept working, her byline from the song was: "We play against the reasons not to try." Also, I love the inventiveness of comparing Baptism to skinny dipping in Farthest Shore. "And when I stand on the farthest shore, I will have all I need." against materialism and the fear of death.

That the album is Christian didn't hit me at first. It doesn't have the heavy-handed "you must be saved" stuff. I can't recall him ever even using the words God or Jesus. It's just there, thematically in the lyrics.

I saw him at Passim's in Cambridge Ma quite a few years back. He did a twangy parody of Hurricane, quite funny. His guitar work was complex and impeccable. A lot of guitar players aspire to his proficiency. Amazing how yet another guy with a guitar can sound so fresh and new.

I agree with all the comments below! Just wanted to add a note for fans of Christian music who are getting turned on to David (he's currently opening for Jars of Clay on tour, an unexpected but welcome combination). This CD is probably his best overall, and it has several songs with Christian themes, such as "Hold it Up to the Light", "Show the Way", and "Big Mistake". Having read a bunch of reviews, I notice that some non-Christian listeners interpret these songs from a different perspective. But everyone agrees that they're wonderful and inspiring! That's the mysterious world of art for you...

This was my first David Wilcox album and it hooked me right from the first song, "New World". I am not too familar with his other works, but this one sort of like folk/pop. His voice is extremely soothing and is sort of similar to James Taylor, but with more lots more emotion (although I love James, too). The backing vocals by Jonatha Brooke and Jennifer Kimball are stunning and very nicely compliment the arrangements. Every song here is good, but my favorites are "Someday Soon", "Break In The Cup", "Strong Chemistry", "Please Don't Call", the witty "Big Mistake" and his outstanding cover of "Missing You". Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys singer/songwriter music lead by an acoustic guitar. You'll be humming all of these songs!!

A friend recommended I listen to a tape of Big Horizon. The first time I listened I was taken in by the soothing guitar. Then after a couple of more listenings I was finding new meaning with each song. In 3 years of listening (600 times)I have found comfort and inspiration. I have an extensive music collection, from jazz to big band to pop to classical to rock and I have to say this is my absolute favorite piece of music. I am ordering the CD because my tape has worn thin and the quality has deteriorated. AWESOME!!!!!!!

This was my first experience with David Wilcox. I was immediately blown away by this guy. With a soothing voice, soul touching lyrics and superb guitar work, I was hooked on him. His vocal resemblence to James Taylor is quite close. Wilcox definitely fits into that folk genre that seems to be timeless. I can see myself listening to him 20 years ago and 20 years from now and his lyrics, vocal quality and guitar work would be just as captivating. An outstanding CD that you really can't go wrong with. Wilcox crosses the ages!

I have been a David Wilcox fan for at least 11 years. I have five or six of his albums and this is my absolute favorite. It has the beautiful accoustic guitar, it has some humorous lyrics, it has music that moves you at a sensual level. No matter what mood you're looking for this album can take you there. David Wicox is a poet, a talented guitar player and he has a rich, beautiful, versatile voice. If you're unfamiliar with him, take a chance, you'll never regret it.

If you have ever talked with me about talented musicians, then you have heard me talk about David Wilcox. If you escaped the conversation without hearing some of his music, then you have missed hearing a deeply inspiring guitarist/vocalist. His warm, deep lyrics are written in a way that reaches inside your soul...it sends your mind on a journey, entertains the wonder of who you are, and paints a picture so full of meaning that each time you listen, the lyrical symbolism sparks a new idea or vision. If you like to dig below the surface while enjoying powerful music, take my word...it doesn't get any better than David Wilcox.