Blue Nightfall

Jimmy Lafave

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 8, 2005)
• Original Release Date: March 8, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Red House
• ASIN: B0007D4MRW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,311 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Though Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie have long served as the major musical touchstones for veteran folk-rocker Jimmy LaFave, the shimmering atmospherics of this release's title track suggest a chicken-fried Van Morrison, while the reckless rock 'n' roll of "Music from the Motor Court" conjures comparisons to a renewed Jerry Lee Lewis. From the delicate balladry of "Rain Falling Down" to the Jack Kerouac homage of "Bohemian Cowboy Blues," LaFave remains an uncommonly emotive vocalist, with his tremulous tenor always on the verge of a soulful sob. But where his voice has long been more memorable than much of his original material, he establishes himself here as a songwriter of maturity, reflection, and range. The arrangements are as subtle as the musical backing is superb, putting the focus on LaFave and the way that his voice enhances his songs of all-American wanderlust. --Don McLeese

Product Description
The stunning "Blue Nightfall" is LaFave's first release in 4 years (following the critically acclaimed 2001 CD, "Texoma") and his first release on Red House Records. While the CD has all the qualities we've come to expect from LaFave - singular vocals, gifted songwriting, soulful ballads and gritty, Oklahoma "red-dirt" roots-rock there's a new dimension present in this recording reflecting the path he's taken since his last album. Over the last four years, Jimmy has had a wealth of experiences - becoming a father, organizing and playing on the Woody Guthrie Tribute Tour, a couple of hundred thousand more miles on the odometer and a tangle of back roads discovered. He's left all those things and more on this remarkably personal record.

The album was recorded with a gifted cast of musicians at Austin's Cedar Creek Studio, the recording place of The Dixie Chicks (Home), Shawn Colvin (Grammy winning - A Few Small Repairs), Uncle Tupelo (Anodyne), Bob Mould/Sugar, Jerry Jeff Walker and others. On Blue Nightfall, Jimmy enlisted the talents of his band members Will Landin (Bass), Wally Doggit (percussion), and Larry Wilson (guitar) along with some special guests like guitarist Gurf Morlix (Lucinda Williams, Slaid Cleaves), keyboardists Radoslav Lorkovic and others. The result of this collaboration among friends is a beautifully clean sounding work of art that is LaFave's most cohesive and accessible album to date.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Subtle Grace, March 15, 2005

By	David Worthington (Oklahoma City, OK USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Jimmy Lafave has always had something special. A soft, romantic eye that anyone with a heart can recognize but most of us never fully articulate. Also, a whole lot of fun as a timeless rocker who won't be held back when it's time to let loose and play.
Everything Jimmy has done has had spirit, and an individual voice that should stand with anyone who has ever dared to reveal his true self for the sake of his art and the joy of the rest of us. What this record gives the world is that artistic spirit in full mature form. The subtlety of expression is astonishing for any one of us who has waited for Jimmy's next work. For any new listener interested in the art of simple, honest songwriting, I can't think of any stronger recommendation.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable...Pure Soul-Soothing Pleasure, March 15, 2005

By	F. Topping "frannigrace" (Oklahoma, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Once you've heard this album, you will not be able to get the stirring, almost hauntingly lyrical, voice of Jimmy Lafave out of your head. I once read an editor describing Jimmy as "the greatest voice you never heard." Don't keep missing out...Jimmy's ballads and incredble voice will delight your soul beyond imagining.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why haven't I heard of this guy before now?, May 10, 2005

By	A. Calabrese "othernj" (NJ--United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I came across Blue Nightfall by Jimmy LaFave while drilling through Amazon's new release list of CD's. Well a listen to the sample cuts of this CD and I was hooked. BLUE NIGHTFALL is my first introduction to the singing and songwriting of Jimmy LaFave and I am hooked. At times a bit reminiscent of Steve Forbert the CD none the less grabs the listener. I see he has 7 CD's out and is featured on one compilation CD. This is just a wonderful CD. Almost every cut hits home. The opening tune Revival harkens to that dark night of the soul we all come to from time to time. I also liked River Road, the title cut Blue Nightfall, Shining On Through, and I Wish For You. My only negative comment is that even though they are great tunes, the up tempo cuts, like Music From The Motor Court and Gotta Ramble seem out of place, and not of the mood of this CD. All and all though a great CD.