Customer Reviews

Forever Inspired: Tribute to Neil Diamond (Instrumental, orchestra)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Neil Diamond's music has been intrumentally rendered by several artistes & 2 needs to be mentioned here before I comment on the musical content of this CD :London Philharmonic Orchestra & Forever in Bluegrass

This CD is quite a "first" by a fan who has created independent music, based on her musical education and use of synthesized music.Her passion and respect for Neil Diamond is truly incredible and I can identify with this as I have been a similar fan for the last 22 years !

While, she has experimented and mixed various styles in this CD, it really is difficult for the whole package to stand its ground if compared to the earlier instrumental CD/s, as these remain very true to the melody and rhythm base of the songs in question.If you have to strain your ears to find the essential Neil Diamond melody in this mix-up of sounds,most of which is electronically rendered, its not my idea of creativity. But yes, there are high points in this collection - HOLLY HOLY and SKYBIRD. But again, for the rest, its nice to hear, while you are doing something.

And, I dont do anything, when Neil Diamond is on !

However, I think all Neil Diamond Fans should buy this CD and not base their judgment on my review. One will always find this music interesting as you go about your life and hope that Fawzia finds a new platform to take her passion further.

After you've seen Neil Diamond in person, and have all his original CD's, Box Sets, and have seen his movie, then this CD does not compare. However if you want to hum along or sing along with this easy listening CD then it is for you...I enjoy just listening to the songs at night...along with other instrumental Neil Diamond tribute CD's.....I even have a L.P. record a D.J. sample, with an interview with N.D. You follow the scrip on the record cover to ask Neil questions, then he answers them....great for recording to tape, as one would think you were sitting right there interviewing Neil Diamond....so I like anything by Neil Diamond...even this CD....

I got this CD for three reasons: A. I'm a huge Neil Diamond fan and love to hear different interpretations of his work; B. It was in my Amazon GoldBox offer at a reduced price; and C. The reviews were really good. The lesson I learned? Don't trust the reviews! If you like listening to etheral, synthesized New Agey music, then by all means snap up this "gem." But if you're like me and prefer ACTUAL music as opposed to VIRTUAL music then run screaming in the other direction. I made the mistake of having this as my ONLY CD in the car this morning to work as I listened to it the first time. I couldn't even tell what the songs were without looking at the CD case because the arrangements were so, well, loopy. Remember those Wurlitzer Fun Organs from the 1970s that were the size of a Buick? It sounds like this CD was created on one of those. The result? A cacophony of noise that sounds like cell phone ringers going off. If you want to get a Neil Diamond tribute, get the recently released Neil Diamond is Forever with a killer version of "Solitary Man" by Crooked Fingers. The Bluegrass tribute--Forever in Bluegrass--is also much better because the music is recognizable and played by a cadre of skilled musicians. But this CD is going to find it's way to eBay...and quick!

Fawzia has mastered her very feelings in this fantastic rendition of Neil Diamond songs. Her musical talent is entwined with her inner thoughts. This was no light undertaking and was captured and recorded by a true talent. This CD brings a true feeling of peace and relaxation. Ms Begum offers a rare and different sound that captures the moment. It truly comes from the heart and I hope she continues to record. I have been fortunate to hear compositions of this fabulous musician and will not be surprised to see a record label sign her. If you do not own this CD you are missing out on a unique and pleasing endeavor.

I recieved this CD and imediately fell in love. Ms. Begum captured the essence of Neil Diamond. I believe if Mr. Diamond listened to this, he'd also thoroughly enjoy it. It's the kind of music you would listen to if you were in the mood to chill out. Put it on to relax from the stress of day to day things.

As a life-long Neil Diamond fan, I highly recommend this wonderful CD. This artist obviously appreciates and is inspired by Neil's work. The songs on this CD are perfect background music for when I'm reading or working. I can't play any Neil Diamond music when I read, because I get distracted! These songs are very relaxing to listen to. Thank you Fawzia Begum, your talent really shines through in this music.

This is music which will appeal to many different people. It was my father who introduced me to the CD so it's clear that it can be appreciated by different generations. I am certain that this is a CD which belongs in the collection of any Neil Diamond fan, but I must also stress it's appeal to a much wider audience. Those who, like myself, are unfamiliar with Niel Diamond's music should not be put off because I'm sure you will also enjoy the CD.
It is suitable for almost any occasion. Whether you listen to it as you soak in a lovely hot, bubbly bath, or play it as background music while you eat, or listen to it in the car as my father does (it's the only thing that keeps him sane during a traffic jam!). I think it's the perfect CD to stick in a discman before a long journey and just keep repeating it till you get there.
I am certainly very impressed with this CD, especially because it was all done single handedly by Fawzia Begum and must have taken much hard work and persevernce.

In short, I would recommend this CD to any Neil Diamond fan, to anyone who seeks to avoid road rage(!), or simply to anyone who dares to be different.

I would highly recommend this innovative instrumental rendition in tribute to Neil Diamond's music. Ms Begum captures the essence of many long-time favorites. As a life-long fan, I hope to see a follow-up to this CD as there are many other wonderful songs waiting to be captured.

Considering Ms Begum has done this cd completely on her own shows what a great feeling she has for the music of Neil Diamond plus a couple of original compositions of her own. I found this cd to be very enjoyable and relaxing and a great tribute to a great artist. I hope Ms Begum continues to do other cds from other artists as well. Although this is not a symphonic sound as The London Philharmonic is, I feel it is a genuine attempt through synthesizing by capturing Mr. Diamonds music to a "T". Headed for the Future is one song written by Mr. Diamond which was done entirely by a synthesizer in Mr. Diamond's studio and I found Ms Begum's attempt to be very good as she can only get better with future attempts.

I would recommend this cd very highly

First heard this CD playing as background music in an Indian restaurant (The India Restaurant in Folkestone, Kent, England - marvelous food and highly recommended as well)The music caught my ear and was recognisable to anyone who is aware of Neil Diamond but the arrangements are so fresh and vibrant as to be almost unique compositions. If you need a CD to relax to and thoroughly Chill out to, then this is the one. Enjoy