Customer Reviews

Going To California: A Classical Guitarist's Tribute To Led Zeppelin

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

 

 

If this album were nationally marketed, it would surely make Mr. DeVinck a popular man (and a richer one).

This album is an absolute masterpiece, hands down. Whether you are a fan of Zeppelin or not, a dabbler in classical guitar or not, in little league or the geriatric league, you will treasure this music.

It is one of those albums that refuses to go unnoticed. I often play it softly in the background when we have company, and inevitably people comment on it. It pulls you in with the familiarity of Zeppelin's classics, but it capitivates you with the inimitable sounds of the classical guitar.

Buy it, love it, pass the word on.

Richard DeVinck gives a marvellous example of how Led Zeppelin can be played in an acoustic and 'classical' way. He combines classical elements with jazz and celtic influences and it all makes up for a fine listening experience. It shows clearly the more melodic and lyrical side of Led Zeppelin, without getting soft or too simplistic. Every song gets its own treatment and
R. DeVinck succeeds in getting the right atmosphere on every track. The sound is great too. Recommended!

decided a gentler approach would do and this was the answer! I must have every Led Zeppelin tribute album there is and of course every Zed Zeppelin album. I always knew their songs were masterpieces for serious quiet contemplation as well as for the rock stage but now finally a CD that proves it....These are just the cuts I would have chosen for classical interpretation. Thanks to Master DeVinck.

This CD is a marvelous journey into the hidden beauty of the music of the heaviest of rock bands. With creative flourishes and careful attention to detail, Mr. DeVinck balances appreciation for the original material with a desire to bring out nuances of these songs which the originals only hint at. Amazing that a collection of Zep tunes can sound this beautiful.
Kudos, Mr. DeVinck!

Richard DeVinck has taken Page & Plant's eclectic music to another dimension. While gently seducing the listener into "Going To California", ultimately, DeVinck takes us on a "Stairway To Heaven" with his brilliant arrangements and performance. I have played guitar for 30 years, and I know genius when I hear it - there is genius in this work. Mr. DeVinck is a classical guitarist without peer. Every note he plays is meticulously woven through a tapestry of the very best of Led Zeppelin music - these are, in fact, the definitive "unplugged" recordings of these songs. DeVinck's unique interpretations, and arrangements on classical guitar, would make Jimmy Page proud. This is, truly, a must-own CD that you will want to turn your friends on to. A definitive work, and the ultimate tribute to the greatest rock band ever. Bravo, Mr. DeVinck!

I bought this album in hopes of finger-blistering flamenco and fluid acoustic renditions of my favorites. Instead, i received a CD with the most straight-forward, carbon-copy of the originals. Each song is almost exactly note-for-note. DeVinck takes the stength out of each track with dulled versions of Page's original riffs and solos. I was not expecting a masterpiece or top-notch classical guitar when I bought this album, however, i expected a little more talent and creativity to be displayed (like the string quartet tributes 1 & 2). Anyways, i say pass on this one, but you might like it... if you like elevator music.

What a surprise find this disk has been. It jumped out during an Amazon search, and I decided to check it out.

With "Going to California," Richard DeVinck has taken a collection of classic Led Zeppelin acoustic-based songs and arranged them for classical guitar.

The group Led Zeppelin shared an eclectic taste for diverse musical styles, and Jimmy Page pulled those blues, folk, Celtic and Eastern elements into his songwriting.

Richard DeVinck's tribute performances are beautiful reworkings of songs like "The Rain Song," "No Quarter," and "That's the Way." I might be struck down by the Hammer of Thor, but DeVinck is actually a much better technical player than Jimmy Page. Page brought a unique emotion to his songs, and had an unmistakable style, but these songs are flawlessly executed by a player who has obviously spent a bit of time with the instrument.

This disk will appeal to hard-core Zeppelin fans and classical guitar lovers alike. Those who think of LZ as nothing but heavy metal gods will be surprised at the melodic beauty of a song like "Thank You" or "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You." This disk begs to be played anytime, whether it's early on a rainy morning, a sunny afternoon on an ocean highway, or a warm summer evening.

Oh, and check out the flamenco stylings on "Stairway to Heaven."

Like the reviewer below, I was first aquainted with this album at The Ventana Inn in Big Sur where the maid had it playing on the CD player every night. I didn't buy it then, but after I got home I realized that I couldn't get the music out of my head and so I sent off for it right away. If you love California's Central Coast, Big Sur and crusing the Pacific Coast Highway as much as I do, then this disc is a must for your car CD player. You don't even have to like Led Zep to appreciate it!. Beautifully evocative, highly recommended!

My wife and I just spent a week in Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterrey, and were mesmerized by the coastal redwoods and beautiful California coastline. We were fortunate to stay in some nice accommodations in Big Sur and were surprised when we returned to our cabin one night after dinner. The staff had come in and turned down the sheets on the bed and turned on the CD player. We heard the most beautiful rendition of Led Zepplin's "Going to California" as we entered. As a Led Zepplin fan since high school in the early 80's, I am always keen on listening to covers of Zepplin tracks. This is something totally different! We will never forget our trip to Big Sur and hearing this CD the first time. We play it for background music when we have dinner parties. Everyone always asks who it is! We love it and highly recommend it! Buy it ... you won't be disappointed.

Richard DeVinck has captured the essence of Page and Plant with his own wonderful interpretation of these classic Led Zepplin tunes. DeVink arguably plays some of the phrasings as clean as Page (in some cases I had to remind myself that I was not listening to Jimmy Page's playing or some bootleg lost Led Zepplin recording!)

De Vinck also adds his subtle humour with a haunting chorus of Danke Schon (sp?) before he plays "Thank You".

This is definitely Grammy material in the Classical Instrumentalist Genre. Well done Mr. DeVinck!