Customer Reviews

California Dreamin

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

 

 

Several years ago, I have acquired the long playing record with the music of California Dreamin', and since then I've been hearing about it being a "commercial" recording ! All I can say is that an album with Don Sebesky arrangements and a bonus extra of Herbie Hancock piano sound could not be labelled as "commercial". The music is so beautiful and played with so much taste that at the end of listening to it one may want to start it all over again. I strongly recommend this CD for people that like the beauty of fine quality music.

I have a sentimental attachment to this recording by Wes Montgomery. I bought the LP when it came out in 1965 or 66, everytime I play it, it takes me back to that era of recording. It is heavily orchestrated by Don Sebesky, but it does not obscure the unique sound produced by Montomery. I Love his rendition of "Sunny" and "California Dreaming". Beautiful music, and one of his last albums before his untimely death in 1968. You can't go wrong with Wes.

Although I agree that this album is on the commercial side, it's still a fantastic recording, with great arrangements and spectacular soloing by Wes. Yes it's ultra clean, but also very cool. In particular the guitar solo he lays down on the track "Sun Down" still amazes me--after listening to it for 30 years.

Wes plays good on this recording, but it is far from his best work. I like to buy all the recordings from an artist I like. If you're like me, save buying this cd until last. It is just so (...) compared to most of his other work. If you have all the other Wes recordings, then get this one. Why not. All Wes recordings have their good points and this one is no exception.

I love Wes Montgomery. His best was Day in The Life. My kids call this elevator music, as I once called it when my Dad played it. Now I understand what a cool guy my Dad was. This is music you unwind to, and the soul sucks it up like a powerful anti-depressant, except healthier.

The academic question of whether or not this is commercial is excrutiatingly irrelevant here. The key is that Montgomery's cover of California Dreaming is absolutely RIVETING. I'm so glad to rediscover it. I could listen to it all day long. It's takes what's already a classic song and turns it into a swirling, wonderful ride. Especially if you came of age in the late 60's... close your eyes and let it carry you back, as Montgomery's electrifying playing and the masterful arrangement build to a spine-tingling crescendo that captures the song, the emotions, the era.

My step-father brought this home on 8-track in 1968 and to this day when I listen to it, I can go back to that place in time. Wes is on it, the arrangements are sharp, tasteful and evoke a mood that I will always cherish, even the cover fit to a tee. Wes was a unique artist, the likes of which we won't soon see again. Something about the early sixties...just makes me want to make a highball, throw a t-bone on the grill, light up a Kool Filter King, kick back and enjoy life...this is a great period piece,

Wes Montgomery, California Dreaming is one of best guitar masters of our time. He is a true master of the guitar. I myself am learning how to pay the guitar now. I recommend this cd.. It's great for summer listening.

Tasty textures emitted with effortless ease cannot amend dull pacing and pseudo-cultural phrasing.