Customer Reviews

Caravan of Dreams

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When it comes to smooth jazz, Peter White is one of the best guitarists to play in the genre. His music is soulful, elegant and enjoyable to listen to. His phrasing is a mixture of single notes and chords welding both together with a great finger-picking style. A virtuoso with the acoustic guitar. "Caravan of Dreams" is such a great album because of White's natural talent, but then he throws in more talent to raise the stakes. Rick Braun on trumpet, Boney James on sax, Marc Antoine on guitar, and the beautiful voice of Basia lend their talents to make this a truly great album.

From the opening lines of James' sax on the title track, you know this is going to be a good album. White's sound is sweet and clear, and the song is effortless, the notes painting a picture. There is no wasted space or notes, the sound of a true musician. "Long Ride Home" has a great theme to it with a snappy feel. Add in the soulful belting of Braun on the flugelhorn, and this becomes one of my favorite songs off the album. Braun is the perfect accent to fill the spaces between White's playing, and Braun's solo is flawless. Throw in another guitar virtuoso in Antoine and you have the powerful "Café Mystique". The two guitarists play off each other brilliantly, touching a little on a Latin sound and a touch of Italian with the accordian. They take turns playing the rhythm while the other solos; Antoine out of the left channel and White the right. These two should do an entire album together. "Just Another Day" features Basia as the only vocal track on the album. Her voice blends well with White's sound, and she backs up his beautiful solo with wordless notes or coos and awes.

As a Braun fan, I must admit the only reason I purchased this album was because the trumpeter's name appeared on the cover. Although Braun only makes a single appearance on this album there are nine other incredible songs here. Nothing is a disappointment, and "Caravan of Dreams" made the perfect first impression of Peter White for me. This is a must have smooth jazz album.

I've been a contemporary jazz fan over 20 years and have to say without hesitation that this album is one of the finest I have in my collection. An avid Peter White fan, I have every CD he has produced to include many artists whom he has appeared as a guest with and the list is long. This CD is certainly a must have. Awe-Inspiring!

Peter's fingers moving along the frets and his signature smooth style are grace and poetry in motion. A truly gifted musician that performs with passion and heart. My first exposure to Peter White was the year my wife and I got married, Al Stewart came out with "Year Of The Cat" and it was that signature guitar style within the song that made us life long fans. Two of my all time favorite songs are without a doubt "Caravan of Dreams" and "Venice Beach". The cover art for this CD speaks volumes about the individual behind the music.

Peter, a heartfelt thank you for all that you've shared.

If you enjoy Peter, you'll enjoy his other CD's - Caravan of Dreams, Excusez-Moi, Promenade, Glow, Perfect Moment, Reveillez-Vous and Collection. You may also enjoy Ken Navarro, Russ Freeman, Chieli Minucci and Jeff Golub (Avenue Blue).

Enjoy!

Caravan of dreams whisks the listener to a place of joy, romance and soul stirring contentment. I have enjoyed the CD immensely, listening over and over to the artful arrangements and variety of emotions the music evokes. Venice Beach grooves you to a to an ultimate feel good place. Long Ride Home's featured trumpet is smooth and satisfying, and complements the artistry of Peter White's guitar. Just Another Day's realism is convincing, and my favorite, City of Lights, is quite simply, beautiful music! I'd recommend Peter White's Caravan of Dreams to anyone who loves smooth jazz and good guitar!

By far, one of the most impressive jazz artists of the day. Peter White "explodes" into your senses with an understated, yet beautifully crafted masterpiece. Don't miss this one! A joy to own and an even greater joy to share with friends and family who are not yet familiar with his work.

Simply put, any smooth jazz fan should have this disc. Peter White does on this disc what many have fail to do, that is releasing an album that hits 1.000. While many albums, smooth jazz or otherwise, have a few good tracks amidst mostly unremarkable, vapid filler material, White has created 10 songs each with something to offer.

Who couldn't resist the hook of the title track as Boney and Peter take turns leading the chorus?

Together Again is just simply romantic as White plays a sweet melody with his guitar, and James adds his silky soprano to the mix.

Venice Beach will take the frustration out of any commute. It's bouncy beat and White's energetic playing will put your mind at ease.

Soul Embrace is a sexy, smoldering tune by White.

Another high point is White's collaboration with Rick Braun (Trumpet) and Dave Camp (flute) and the results are dynamite, Long Ride Home is another must have for a long drive.

Basia lends her lush and sensual voice to "Just Another Day"; great for those who might otherwise turn their noses up at "music without words".

City of Lights is somewhat mysterious, and haunting. White adds a warm touch with his accordion.

Cafe Mystique has a simmering Latin flavor as he and Antoine duel on this track.

Bittersweet lives up to it's name, sometimes it's a little bitter as White plays in the lower registers, but it sways into a sweet melody as a Dee Harvey oooooooh's and ohhhh's throughout the song.

Lullaby, enough said.... a nice winding down song, one on one with Peter as he plays a slow, sweet ballad.

This is truly an inspired album from a truly gifted man.

Apparently, after joining a new record company, Peter White's music is even better than ever. Especially since in this CD, he is also joined by my fav saxman, Boney James! What more could you ask for? My favorite tracks are:

1. Caravan of Dreams: even if you've heard it for the 1000th time, it's still smooooth....
2. Together Again: A great collaboration.
3. Venice Beach: This is my favorite song. It's so catchy and hummable. Boney also took part, so that's another big plus.
4. Just Another Day: Another great collaboration.
5. Cafe Mystique: Put your headphones on this song... you will totally carried away by it!

I promise, you won't regret buying this wonderful CD!

I bought this album a few years ago without knowing who Peter White was This is a GREAT smooth jazz album with a nice
mix of instrumentals and occasional vocals--great stuff
you will not regret buying this album if you like your jazz
smooth, by a talented musicain -there are no weak links on this
CD, but some songs will reach for you deeper on one day or
Another day . . .

Certainly one of the new Masters of our Day! Peter White understands the beauty within our souls. To listen to this is to find yourself enchanted, and "roaming" the travels in your own life. I am amazed at the guitar performance, and the subtle simplicity that electrifies when the trumphet resonates. This gentleman is truly gifted. He can allow others to contribute their gifts while never losing grasp of his own. If this review appears one sided, excuse me. This was my first CD by this artist, but is certainly not my last. Please, Peter White, if you are out there and reading your reviews, give us the gift of your "Magic" once again. Sincerely, M. Layfield Grapevine, Texas

Caravans of Dreams is a dream! This cd is one of many that
I own by Peter White. It continues to move me. As you listen to
his music its soothing, invigorating, and at the same time relaxing. I guess it's no secret that Peter is one of my favorite
artist. Rick Braun, Marc Antoine, and Boney James music is featured on this cd, and that make it doubly Goood!! Caravan
of Dreams is definitely a winner....

Let me start by saying that I HATE Smooth Jazz! I find it, forthe most part, to be BORING. Okay, that said, I must admit I enjoylistening to Peter White play guitar. A colleague loaned me his copy of Caravan of Dreams and I went out and added both Caravan of Dreams and Collection: Limited Edition to my collection.