Customer Reviews

Fool No More

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

 

 

But nothing earth-shattering. I love to listen to Peter Eldridge sing, whether it is in a solo setting or with New York Voices. This CD is kind of like a NYV disc, with Peter getting all of the solos. . . . He doesn't quite have the unpredictability of a Kurt Elling, the versatility of an Al Jarreau, the incredible range and diversity of a Bobby McFerrin, or any one "best" trait--that costs him a five-star rating. He just sings great, and I love to listen to him--that's why he gets four stars and my business.

I had heard several of these songs on a promotional/independent CD he was selling at a NYV concert a few years ago, so the material wasn't all new, which would have helped. He just sounds so comfortable--yes, that's it--singing his songs, accompanying himself on the piano, with some NYV bgv's here and there.

This CD is definitely worth taking a listen to if you just like to hear a guy with a great voice sing. Nothing too abstract, nothing too "cutting edge," nothing too wild and crazy--just good, solid jazz/pop sung as well as just about anybody else would sing it! Give it a shot. . . .

Ever since I met Peter in the summer of 2003, I have been absolutely in love with his stellar voice, impeccable style, and unique compositions. Fool No More showcases him brilliantly. The songs are refreshing and different from your typical jazz album (in a very, very good way), both musically and lyrically. I listen to this CD several times a week, and I highly reccommend it to anyone with even the slightest interest in jazz (you should even get it if you're not interested in jazz, for that matter). It's truly an incredible CD!

...is this one! Eldridge evokes the cool jazz greats of the past in his rich mix of musical styles, fiece pianism and alluring vocals. Yet, rather than employing the hidden emotion of previous greats, he draws one into a kind of intimate conversation about the things that really matter -- time, love, spirit -- with a blend of humor and humility which will haunt your thoughts. Basically, a deeper (and much-better-looking) Mel Torme with a modern edge. Lack this record at your own peril!

Excellent! Dazzling! Shining! This is so well orchestrated; Eldridge's voice is so enchanting; the jazz orchestra is outstanding: His silky voice is a tad Al Jarreau, a little Michael Bolton and a little Michael McDonald, with the background music being a tad Latin, a tad smooth jazz, a tad the best jazz orchestra one could find -- in short -- a recipe for exceptional listening. This all equals one you will play a lot! So pleasurable! Love it, love it, love it.

America needs more popular music like this in the mainstream. Eldridge does everything that a good musician should do. He has style, creates rich textures, has great dynamic concept, he's incredibly creative as a songwriter, he plays with good ideas, uses instrumentation to his advantage, writes incredible lyrics and trys to do something different that many people haven't done before. Peter Eldgridge doesn't try to copy someone else. He puts his own trademark stamp on his music. This album is an incredible array of sounds, that truely satisfies the listener.

Eldridge's voice is enough to send you into tears. His smooth baritone voice just washes over you. He has incredible range and unique inflection that make him a very distinct vocalist. Everything from his breathy lows to his velvety falsetto to his emotion ridden high chest voice just urges the listener to fall in love with his vocal chords. If his voice wasn't enough, the words he sings are pure poetry, adding to the intense emotion of his vocal performance.

Every track on here has some kind of instrument or melodic sound that makes it distinct. To say what tracks make the album distinct would be a very long list. In fact, all the songs are at the same high level of quality that there are no stand-outs or highlights. All the supporting instrumentalists do a fantastic job on this album and help Eldridge to create a rich tapestry of texture and sonic pleasure. Each song is expertly arranged and orchestrated, every sound matching the mood and emotion of the lyrics. The songs are dynamic, all with their own unique shape. If you could see the music, it would be a vast beautiful mountain range, each song having its respective rises and falls, but each having its own curves and all of them fitting together to make a beautiful full picture.

Eldridge's work on this album is that of pure genius. He bends the genres, creating his own unique fusion of jazz and pop. It is one of the greatest recordings I own, and I can gurarantee that it will probably one of the greatest you will ever own as well.

I took a chance on buying this solo CD of Peter Eldridge after having seem him perform with the New York Voices. I am so glad I did. The songwriting is original, varied, and always interesting. The arrangements are creative and balanced, complementing Eldridge's smooth, note-perfect delivery. Every track offers a new and different delight: such as the haunting, wistful "Ming's Lullaby," the should-be-a-pop-classic "Caught Me on a Good Day," the upbeat, feel-good celebration that is "Saving Grace," the dream-like, ethereal "Interesting Person," and the beautifully written, flawlessly arranged marriage of voice and accompaniment, "Postcards and Messages." Remember that old game: "What 5 CDs would you want with you on a desert island?" Out of my nearly 2000 CDs, Peter Eldridge's "Fool No More" would easily be the first of my five choices.