Customer Reviews

Cafe Carlyle Sessions

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

 

 

I first found out about this release through Christopher Cross's website. Initially I was a little skeptical that the re-arrangements would work. Although Chris's guitar work has always been underrated, the keyboard work on those early records gave them a certain energy, courtesy of Michael Omartian; hence the worry that the spare instrumentation would leave the songs sounding rather tepid and flat. Not so! These are wonderful re-workings of some of Mr Cross's finest. All the 'hits' are here and sound strong in their new incarnations, proving the point that a good song is a good song...

The players in this new ensemble play tight and loose at the same time - tight in the way they sound like they have played for ever; loose in the flow and space within the songs. No particular favorites but it's nice to hear 'Words of Wisdom' and 'Talking in my Sleep' given some exposure.

I bought this cd based on someone else's review.

They were right, it takes you back to that time and forward musically.

Great to hear those songs again, even better with the new musicians. New sound.

Got a wonderful feel, smooth and rich.

His voice is pure, the songs great, you can never take away the recognition of his huge talent, his success with this work was duly awarded, but remains throughout his career. What an enduring artist!

I met him once in Hawaii, I hope I see him again.

This project requires tremendous confidence in ones ability to perform at a level that meets or surpasses the original versions.I have all of the original versions in all its digital remastering glory and i am very happy with them.This album is different,void of the orchestration but retains the class and sophistication of the vocals with a more jazzy ensemble.The highlight is the vocals of Mr Cross,his voice is pure and potent as if frozen in time.If you are a fan of this artist and you can't get enough of his music this version compliments the original versions beautifully...recommended.

I cannot figure out why Christopher Cross is not a megastar. He is a magnificent songwriter and a very accomplished musician. His music comes at you from so many directions. It is amazing that he flies under the radar practically unnoticed.

For those who wonder the same thing, order this CD, Cafe Carlyle Sessions. The talent assembled perform as though all the stars had come into alignment. I dare you to play this music and not be moved. The type of CD that your friends ask, "Who is that?!!!" I always look forward to sharing music with my friends but especially so when it is such great stuff. Not only are the songs A+, the recording itself is a thing of beauty. I just recently upgraded to a new amp and this CD was my first choice to evaluate the new gear. It was a cosmic moment.

In April of 2008, Christopher Cross was booked into a rare month long appearance at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City... The room, an 88 seat cabaret venue that was the regular gig for the late jazz pianist Bobby Short, was something new for Cross and it created quite a challenge -- To scale down the arrangements of his songs and present them backed only by piano & sax. The experience was such a positive one that Christopher went into the studio in an effort to document the new life these wonderful pop songs were given... The result is THE CAFE CARLYLE SESSIONS.

The presentation is simple... Christopher on acoustic guitar, accompanied by Andy Ezrin on piano & David Mann on sax from the original Carlyle engagement. Joining them for this recording are Kevin Axt on bass and CC band veteran Dave Beyer on drums/percussion. The acoustic jazz combo feel brings an honest, pure sound to the project while all the players are encouraged to stretch out on the solos. Christopher's voice has retained it's clear, melodic quality over the years and sounds fantastic.

Produced by Chris Walden, the new versions of classics like RIDE LIKE THE WIND, SAILING, ARTHUR'S THEME, NEVER BE THE SAME, THINK OF LAURA & more sound both old and new thru these great new jazz arrangements.

Strongly recommended for fans of this music.

Scott Gross

Inside Musicast

[...]

I found this CD quite by accident, looking to see if Christopher Cross was still touring and if he had released anything new. Upon playing the CD, I was most pleased to hear that his voice is still as clear and strong as when he first recorded. The backup band is tight, and the new arrangments are excellent. Shortly after buying this CD, I was able to attend a live concert Christopher Cross gave in Williamsburg, Virginia on the driving range of a golf course! The music was as crisp and clear as on his CD. If you liked his music in the 70's/80's, you will really love this CD.

I recently saw Christopher Cross at One World Theater in Austin, Texas -- my favorite venue. It only holds about 300 people (so there is not a "bad seat" in the house). It's intimate and the acoustics are fantastic. Christopher's voice was in top form and his band's talents were also beyond compare.

The Cafe Carlyle Sessions album is a GORGEOUS piece of work. It's heart-achingly beautiful and the orchestral blend of jazz instruments is brilliant. My personal favorite is "Swept Away." I don't think any Christopher Cross fan could possibly be disappointed in this album! It's worth every penny and then some.

Cross is in fine voice as he floats through breezy jazz inspired versions of some of his best known classics.

Great band, great arrangements, and a real nice feel.

Great album to spin on a lazy Saturday morning, or in the evening while sharing a bottle of wine with someone special.

Can border on sounding a little like Muzak at certain times, but overall a pleasurable listening experience.

If you are a Christopher Cross fan this is an essential addition to your collection.

It would be nice to see him produce some new material, cuz he's definitely still got it going on.

I wholeheartedly agree with the other positive reviewers, great songs, great album. I was fortunate enough to see Mr. Cross in concert Friday night... He hasn't lost a note - nothing "keyed down" as so many artists eventually have to do. He's still got "it". And his current concert is based on his new release "The Cafe Carlyle Sessions". Incredible. Just him (with acoustic guitars only), piano, bass, drums, and an amazing winds player (tenor and soprano saxes and a flute). No backup singers. Very pure, and very beautiful. See him if you get the chance!!!

Nice new renditions of some old hits. Back up music is very good for the most part. At times solo's get too energenic.