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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There is no doubt about Edgar Meyer's musicianship, creativity or talent. This CD features 14 new works, all by Meyer and all played by him (through the magic of multi-track recording and overdubbing). In addition to his usual double-bass, Meyer plays piano, mandolin, dobro, guitar, and gamba (sometimes bowed, sometimes plucked, at points overdubbed nine times), all in various combinations. Each piece, it seems, is in a different style or genre. The first, a duet for piano and bass, is a long pop ballad without words. Another is (almost) pure bluegrass. There are some artsy pieces that experiment with sounds a la new-age music. The result is never boring but, at the same time, it gives the CD a feel of being neither fish nor fowl. As a means of showing off Meyer's considerable abilities it is splendid, but after the listener finishes oohing-and-aahing over the cleverness, it all seems like hors d'oeuvres with no main course. Different people will absolutely love different parts of this CD; as a unified listening experience, it's somewhat of a puzzle. --Robert Levine
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 46 people found the following review helpful
By M. Moss
Format:Audio CD
Don't get me wrong. I worship Edgar Meyer as a musical deity. But much of this CD will sound familiar to long-time fans. Instead of Sam Bush playing mandolin...it's Edgar. Instead of Russ Barenburg playing guitar...it's Edgar. Bela Fleck on banjo.....nope, Edgar.
The bass playing is great, but predictable. You've heard it before. Edgar's piano is dominant on this album. It's better-than-fine; occasionally suprising and interesting.
But there are long dry spells between the really interesting, set-up-and-take-notice moments on this CD. Yes, it's virtuostic bass playing. And yes, isn't wonderful that he can play all those instruments competently. So, all in all, it's a somewhat self-indulgent album with mixed results. Fans of Edgar's should definitely have this disc in their collections, but I'd suggest hitting rewind on the really good parts!
The bass playing is great, but predictable. You've heard it before. Edgar's piano is dominant on this album. It's better-than-fine; occasionally suprising and interesting.
But there are long dry spells between the really interesting, set-up-and-take-notice moments on this CD. Yes, it's virtuostic bass playing. And yes, isn't wonderful that he can play all those instruments competently. So, all in all, it's a somewhat self-indulgent album with mixed results. Fans of Edgar's should definitely have this disc in their collections, but I'd suggest hitting rewind on the really good parts!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Mike D
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
The first time I listened to this album, it moved me to tears. It's very introspective at times. The thing that is most striking to me is the interplay between the sparse simple tracks, and the more chaotic ones. It mirrors life. There are moments when you are ravaged by storms, both inner and outer - that is there on the album. Then there are moments when you are touched, like when you notice a beautiful flower or a baby - that is there too. I think that the world largely isn't ready for Edgar Meyer, which has happened many times with radical inventive composers. But I think that we'll be performing these songs (those who can manage!) for decades or centuries to come. As for the complaint that he's "showing off" I would say that by labeling it as that type of thing, one misses the beauty. That would be like saying that a brilliantly colored animal was mother-nature "showing off" and refusing to enjoy it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By B. Thomas
Format:Audio CD
First, the music is wonderful. The thing that some people struggle with is that Edgar chose to record all instruments. I didn't know quite what to think myself until I heard an interview with Edgar. His purpose in making this self-titled album was to give listeners an intimate listen into his mind. He recalled gaining insights into Stevie Wonder and others through their own completely solo projects. I appreciate that. The neat thing is that Edgar pulls it off very well. The only instrument that didn't immediately sound natural was dobro. Jerry Douglas, he ain't. But who is?
Great truly solo album.
Great truly solo album.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Critics! Argh!!!!!
Editorialists and critics-WHO NEEDS 'EM!
1. The jibe that this work is self-indulgent is just plain foolish. Wow-art as self-indulgent; who'd a thunk it?
2. Read more
1. The jibe that this work is self-indulgent is just plain foolish. Wow-art as self-indulgent; who'd a thunk it?
2. Read more
Published on February 17, 2009 by Scrapironjazzerino
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deserving of 5 stars.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a long-time fan of Edgar Meyer. I just really enjoy listening to every song on this CD.
Published on September 9, 2007 by A. King
3.0 out of 5 stars
LOOK WHAT I CAN DO!!!
That really seems to be all that Edgar Meyer is saying with this new album. Because he plays all the instruments on the album, the record is less of a record and more of Edgar... Read more
Published on March 17, 2007 by Sor_Fingers
3.0 out of 5 stars
Unfocused
I am a big fan of Edgar Meyer and there are many pieces on this album that I enjoy. However, as an album, it lacks continuity and seems jumpy and inconsistent. Read more
Published on January 16, 2007 by K. Abbas
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