Customer Reviews

Goin Places

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

 

 

You can tell from the first few notes of the first track, "Riverside Drive" that this is going to be a hot album. Guitarist Garry Goin's early exposure to virtually all kinds of music in his childhood home in Cleveland to his gigs more than a decade ago on Memphis' historic Beale Street have had their influence on this outstanding musician. It's been the long, productive association with renowned producer/composer/arranger David Porter, though, that has really prepped Garry for this, his debut solo album. The most recent success prior to the release of GOIN' PLACES was as co-writer/producer of Kirk Whalum's recent top ten release, "Into My Soul." The first single from GOIN' PLACES is a great new version of the Emotions' hit, "Don't Ask My Neighbors," featuring Kirk on saxophone. This tune's a hit all over again, with its catchy hook and solid Smooth Jazz performance. There'll be many more to follow from this disc, too. I really like the opening track, the one I mentioned earlier ("Riverside Drive"), along with the gentle ballad, "Will You Marry Me," an especially cool, rhythmic treatment of the Bill Withers classic, "Ain't No Sunshine"...probably the freshest take on this one I've heard...and another hooky hit-to-be, "So-N-2-U." When you hear the proficiency of Garry's playing, the production values, the writing, and the overall musical quality of this album, you'll agree with me that "GOIN' PLACES" is a prophetic title for this great new project and this exciting new Smooth Jazz star. ~Scott O'Brien

I love this CD a true hidden gem right here at in Ohio

Goin Places is a soul filled CD. The music was a cut above all other Smooth Jazz. I enjoyed it.

I just read Sandy's review (I hate that she beats me to it but she is the pro). I bought the CD via Amazon's used service. I bought it since I kept seeing Gary's name pop up as a supporting artist for other artists whose music I like. But rather name those atists, I focused on this project.

You will hear a variety of styles which demonstrates his incredible versatitlity. There are the strong electric guitar tunes like the first title "Riverside Drive" to acoustic guitar track 2 "Don't Ask My Neighbors." Of course track 2 features the sax of Kirk Whalum and the interplay just adds another dimension to the tune (my favorite on the whole project). The entire CD is filled with similar treats. Enjoy!!

His playing is competent, but lacks tastefulness and inspiration. He doesn't seem to have released anything since this debut album, which is not surprising. Most of the tunes are ordinary, but there is one good one called "Ain't Yo Business" where he gets halfway to making a good recording. I'll bet Norman Brown could turn this into something nice.

He can play the guitar. I think he just needs to really listen to the top guys like Norman and learn what it is that they have that is not in evidence here, and when he's had a few hundred insights into how and why those guys are so good, make another record.