Customer Reviews

Cotton

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There is nothing I don't absolutely LOVE about Sam Baker's music. "mercy" and "pretty world" were masterpieces and I wasn't sure how anything could compare with them. "cotton" makes a perfect companion piece to them. The songs/stories Sam tells are intelligent, the music is stunning and the packaging is absolutely gorgeous. In a perfect world, Sam Baker would be a superstar.

5 Solid Stars. To put it mildly, I think this CD is a masterpiece. Period. It should be permanently placed in the Smithsonian or the National Archives. The caliber of songwriting on "Cotton" and Sam's two previous CDs in the trilogy is nothing short of amazing. If you like this, I urge you to get the other two, as they are very special as well. The mood of the trilogy is what makes it special and Sam's unique delivery and... well the entire package. I asked for these three CDs for Christmas and they have given me infinite joy. Try tracks like Palestine II, Angel Hair, and the title track. Sam delivers on all counts. You won't be disappointed.

Before getting this album, I had not heard of Sam Baker. I found this cd, while looking for something new to listen to, and WOW, I'm glad I did.

This beautiful album has no filler, each song plays silky smooth. The stories told within this album, are absolutely wonderful. What great song choices.

Baker's raspy tobacco style voice, adds a deeper level to these gems.

I'm now a fan. It's now time to get my hands on his previous releases.

Try this out, you won't be disappointed.

Happy listening!

Sam Baker strikes again. "cotton" completes the triology, which started with Mercy and continued with Pretty World. His genius is in the story, which he tells in a most compelling way. The music is first rate, with kudos to Tim Lorsch. Get this and listen carefully - one feels like they are part of the song. Every time I listen, the hair stands up on the back of my neck.

This guy is amazing! Google him and learn about his story. Cotton has some of his finest tunes ever. If you already enjoy Sam Baker, you need it in your collection. If you don't know much about Sam Baker, but enjoy roots-folk music, it is worth a listen.

I heard the track "Mennonite" and was transfixed by it's imagery.

The music of Texas-based singer-songwriter Sam Baker was new to me..... until I heard him sing in a "song circle" with his fellow Texan Jimmy LaFave at this year's annual International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis. The moment Baker opened his mouth to sing I knew from his unique delivery that he had something to say. His voice is roughly hewn and sounds like he gargles with razor blades - not unlike the impression I get when listening to Tom Waits. But his pacing is what grabs you - as it did for the hundred-plus others in the room during this showcase. The song was "Mennonite" - a track on this album - and the images Baker presents stayed in my mind the whole weekend.

I needed to know more about Baker and hear his music, which led me to this album - one of a trilogy of CDs that he recorded for LaFave's own label, Music Road Records (founded in 2007). Visually - and graphically - the three CDs look nearly identical in their white digipaks with a stark white photo on the front. Inside are the CD and a booklet with the songs' lyrics in a font and typeface you can actually read. (rare these days). This is important because it's Baker's lyrics you want to experience and they often read like poetry.

On this CD Baker borrows lyrics and music from some traditional folk songs and incorporates them within the performance. You'll hear "Meet Me In St. Louis, Louie" and "Who's Gonna Be Your Man" in the interpolations.

Baker is a unique songwriter with a distinctive voice. He needs to be discovered by more folks. Hopefully, with publicity from LaFave - and appearances at events like the Folk Alliance - where folk radio DJs come to discover new music to play, he'll find a wider audience.

Meanwhile, listen to some samples and discover Baker for yourself. I'm glad I did.

Steve Ramm

"Anything Phonographic"

I had heard of Sam Baker through glowing reviews of his albums. Each review told his tragic story. I avoided his music because of this. How can a person's humanity not be damaged by those events? I was at a folk festival in Canada last year and decided to see him for one set on a back stage site. I was blowin' away. This is what a singer/songwriter should be about. Telling their view of life in a direct and intimate manner. It is my best"discovery" in years. If you haven't heard him--I can't wait for you to hear him. He has 3 cds available. This is the most recent and musically the best. The songs are of exceptional quality and the texture of the cd is timeless. This guy is a treasure. Real music filled with humanity and tolerance for the human condition. Considering the circumstances, an extraordinary accomplishment. All Sam Baker cds, so far, are easy 5 stars. Very little of what is out there today is even close. JUST ORDER THIS!!