Customer Reviews

Boz Scaggs: Fade Into Light

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album, technically, is not new. Having been recorded over five years ago and released only in Japan, Scaggs chooses to revisit a number of his classic tunes -an unplugged "Lowdown," "Sierra," "Harbor Lights" and an glorious " We're All Alone"among others- and record them again under a moodier, at times even bluesier, light. Think of some place between "But Beautiful" and a more acoustic "Desire," if you are comparing albums.

The core band, as well as the string arrangements, are tuned in to Scaggs' intent and contribute a great backdrop for his voice, which sounds quite great throughout these versions, the best example being the new take on "Simone."

So, this is not quite a new album, we know the songs and it comes out after a long and inexplicable domestic delay, but the music contained here is pure Boz, sometimes at his best.

It must have been good sales of the Japanese release of this magnificent CD that convinced Scaggs' record company that Fade Into Light would sell here. Personally, I can't imagine why "the suits" ever thought otherwise! I noticed that some of Boz' older albums previously unremastered and unavailable are now remastered and available as Japanese imports. Hopefully sales there will spur re-release here!
I first bought Fade Into Light on this site about five years ago when it was available only as a Japanese import and at a very high price. Then recently when I was out CD shopping, I noticed that it was now issued here as a CD/DVD and at a very good sale price, so I bought it again.
Let me tell you, urbanity unplugged is now affordable. What once was tempting only to the most hard core Boz Scaggs fans is now priced for the masses. The intimacy and romance of this recording is incredible! Most of the songs here are from Scaggs' middle period that began with Lowdown, but there are a couple from his modern period as well after he had broken away from his flirtation with disco and lachrymose pop ballads. The songs are mostly well-chosen. There are some other songs I'd like to have heard "unplugged", and some I'd like to have seen left off, but that is usually the case.
The CD side is very nearly perfect, but the real treat comes when you flip it over and slip it into your DVD player and listen in enhanced stereo. The crystalline sound is astounding. Then there are the high-definition videos in surround sound that will just knock you out! My favorites here are the title cut, Harbor Lights, Sierra, We're All Alone, and a stunning rendition of Simone.
So order Fade Into Light today. Then, set aside some time to kick back with a good bottle of wine and a loved one and be prepared for whatever the music might inspire. This one gets my highest recommendation!

Boz Scaggs has delighted fans for many years. He takes several of his classic songs, some better known than others, and remixes them on this fabulous collection of songs. If you are a big Boz Scaggs fans you will note a few very subtle changes in a few songs that on the surface seem to just be verbatim copies. If you like Boz Scaggs you will love this cd.

Well, I've been listening to Boz for well over thirty years and love him. His DVD is possibly the best music dvd of all time. BUT I was a bit disappointed by this CD as much as it has been hyped. LOWDOWN is fantastic. Exactly what I had hoped for. HARBOR LIGHTS - light, delicate, wonderful. A seven minute SIMONE? Delightful. And I'll even give you WE'RE ALL ALONE as well done but here's the problem - it's too much like the original version and that is why the 4 stars, not 5. Especially true on SIERRA and JUST GO - no new ground broken here. I had really looked forward to a new version of JUST GO. It sounds just like the original. Next time, I vote just Boz and an acoustic guitar...well, maybe Monet, too.

I've always liked Boz Scaggs pretty well, but "Fade Into Light" is by far his best compilation of music. If you have a high-end audio system, you will hear what I am talking about. This CD/DVD dual-disc is of superb quality. This is the best version of "Lowdown" that Boz has ever recorded. I wasn't overly fond of Barry White's "Love TKO," but I can't get enough of Boz's version. Just sit-back and enjoy this relaxing, high-quality CD. You'll be glad that you did!

THIS IS A 5++++++ CD/VIDEO, BOZ IS SO UNDER PLAYED AND UNDER RATED! WHAT A GREAT VOICE. A MUST HAVE FOR ALL!

I've been listening to the tunes of Boz Scaggs since his early years in the Bay Area.

What an enormous surprise to learn he had not only released a CD of great standards (But Beautiful) in recent years, but has now created this work of previous tunes flavored with a new and improved sound, pace and passion.

It was an added bonus to see that this artist had selected songs that were personal favorites from various albums of the past. These newer versions enhance every aspect of the previously released tunes and the lyrics have become even more powerful and personal.

It is a nice surprise to see this artist rediscover his own talent and tunes and infuse them with new energy for old and new fans alike to enjoy. I have this new CD in "heavy rotation." Bravo Boz. Thanks for years of enjoyable music and for continuing to create and improve your musical contributions over the years.

My review title? I'd thought this was released AFTER "Dig" and "But Beautiful" -- now, I realize this CD is the "missing link" -- Boz is making the transition here to cool, genre-busting (iTunes classifies him as "jazz"), seductive hipster.

The "old" Boz is here (in Dolby 5.1 and in full color, on the DVD side) -- still hitting the high notes in "Lost It," and bringing the same feel to his classics ("We're All Alone"), but his unplugged "Lowdown" really allows one to hear the scolding tone (3 decades of mumbling along with the song, I now understand the lyrics!). The samba tempo for "Simone" (formerly almost disco) gives the song a more classic, mature sound -- I can imagine even those from the Big Band era being able to dance to this. Boz seems to be aiming for, and accomplishing, transcendence. "For mature audiences only?" Perhaps -- it takes age to develop the wistfulness of looking back.

Cutting to the chase: Boz has still got it. Get it.
(NOTE: a 2-point-type warning on the back cover warns that "This disc may not play on some CD and DVD players," and I found this to be true.)

just like some of the previous reviewers, i bought this album about 5 years ago when it was released as an import. i debuted my then new b&w 801 series II with this cd and enjoyed it a whole lot. boz still has great vocals after all these years. i enjoy listening to "were all alone" and "siera".

I have not heard the enhanced stero side to this combo CD/DVD, but was so pleasantly surprised to hear Boz re-doing and refining some of his past music. The instrumentation and vocals are just splendid, and he always commands the best session men--Ricky Fataar ( a former Beach Boy, if you can believe it), Hutch, Paich, et al totally support Boz's unbelievable voice and styling on every cut. Not a weak one in the bunch. You dazzle me, Boz. And High Sierra just has to be on anyone's list for best written, performed, and produced cuts. Kudos, Boz!