Customer Reviews

Golden Classics

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great album for Chi fans, despite the lack of material from the Let It Ride album. The only thing that bothered me about it, aside from the missing Let It Ride songs, was the obvious lack of re-mastering done on the tracks. It sounds like an early 80's CD. I expected more from Sony. I'll add my voice to all of those who think that every one of Chi's old albums should be released on CD, remastered and complete, with original packaging. I don't understand why Chi hasn't gotten the respect she deserves.

I love Chi's debut album and still listen to my original vinyl version. I met Chi at the Hynes Auditorium/Convention Center in Boston years ago (1972, I think) when she was promoting this album. "Thunder and Lightening" was on the radio, and she was about to release "Go Like Elijah," I think. I was fifteen years old and my buddy and I took the bus into Boston to see her. We were very excited. I think we were her first groupies! We hung around with her half the day (or followed her around, I should say), until she called us over and put her arms around us and had a photo taken. I still have the big black and white glossy. Needless to say, I had a grin from ear to ear. Later my friend and I tried to sneak into a club where she was performing, but they kicked us out because we were under age. The club was right next to Fenway Park. I have some color snapshots I took of Chi hamming it up on Boylston Street, where she posed for us when leaving the Hynes. She seemed to be riding high that day. I thought she was going to be big. She was very sweet and kind to us; I won't forget her. I, too, though she was the next Carole King or Carly Simon. Her talent seemed large to me, even then. I love Chi's piano playing, her unique voice, and the heart-felt songs on this album. In fact, the photo of her sitting at the grand piano on the back of the original LP package is what first attracted me to this record. I remember she told me that she was either given this piano or she bought it because she liked it so much (or they liked her?). I was jealous! That piano was something my friend and I asked her about because we both played and didn't have pianos at home. I can still play a Chi song or two on the piano. "The Tree" and "I Will Not Dance" are two of my favorites. I was trying to convince her to release "I Will Not Dance" as a single--how bold! (Her manager said with the election coming up that year it was worth considering. It never happened though.) One last memory from that day in 1972.... My friend (Jim)-wherever he may be-and I called Chi at her hotel room the day after her Boston show. It was early and we woke her up! Chi actually answered the phone. She didn't say much and sounded groggy. I don't think she was too happy with her two best fans. I always wondered if our obsessive groupie (and lovesick) behavior is what drove her into seclusion! Chi, I'm sorry. Please come back. You were truly one of the best-and a nice person, to boot! Where did you go? I hope life's been good to you, Chi. (Joe)

I bought this album in 1972 and was convinced that this was to be the next great female singer/songwriter. It didn't happen, I never understood why. Fans of Laura Nyro, Carole King, Carly Simon, or other 60/70's vocalists will enjoy this album. Additionally, she is a more talented instrumentalist than any other singers of the era.

Contrary to the somewhat misleading title, this cd is actually a re-issue of Coltrane's self-titled debut album (and there's a note that 'Chi' is pronounced 'shy'...very fitting in retrospect...) plus two tracks from the 'Let it Ride' album. This is amazing music, obviously; Coltrane's voice is absolutely unique - perhaps she's comparable to Laura Nyro.
As the other reviewers have noted, it's a shame that 'Let it Ride' (which is easily a ten star album) hasn't been released on CD. Well, the music business never treated Coltrane fairly.

chi gets 5 stars just for breathing,and there's great things to hear here if you've never heard her sing and play,but come on label people,golden classics without LET IT RIDE,DIFFERENT WAYS or even FORGET LOVE?we want the LET IT RIDE album in full,and if there are any outtakes or demos from that session we want those too.until you've heard LET IT RIDE,you haven't heard her.but a little chi is better than no chi.

I cannot believe this artist isn't an enormous star. She is giften three-times over - her piano playing is staggeringly competent, her songs are consistently catchy and touching, and her voice is sweet. This CD has great songs from her first two albums. The actual hit, Thunder and Lightning, is far from her best. Wheel of Live and Myself To You are dramatic, full-throttle piano-driven ballads. Go Like Elijah is jubilant gospel. I cannot recommend this enough ­ to anyone who likes Laura Nyro, Melissa Manchester, Carly Simon. Chi Coltrane is music of peerless beauty.

Chi Coltrane's genre of music is somewhat difficult to classify as it contains traces of rock, country and gospel music, spiced with some jazzy piano arrangements. Her dynamic piano playing and stong voice makes her unique among other female artists. Most people who hear her passionate music for the first time find it amazing that she never gained more fame after this record came out in the early seventies. The CD contains an excellent variety of songs.

TO HEAR THE INCREDIBLE VOICE OF CHI COLTRANE AGAIN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS IS TOTAL HEAVEN. THE CONTENT OF THIS ALBUM IS FABULOUS, BUT NOWHERE NEAR AS GOOD AS "LET IT RIDE". SO......WHERE IS IT???? WHY IS IT NOT AVAILABLE?? C'MON, GUYS - THIS IS NOT FUNNY.

As a teenager back in 1972, I was mad about Chi's hit single, "Thunder and Lightning", which I played to death. But other then the flip side of the 45, "Go Like Elijah", I had never heard any other of her music, so discovering this disc was a great surprise. Chi Coltrane should have made it BIG. She's as talented as many of her contemporaries who did make it big, such as Carole King and Carly Simon, and why she didn't will remain one of the big mysteries of the 1970's. Her powerfull vocals soar above her beautiful piano-driven ballads, and the gospel-tinged rockers will have you dancing around your living room. If you like women artists, this cd will not disappoint, and will be a welcome addition to your collection. Highly recommended.

As a teen, I walked into a "head shop" in the early-70's, black lights, glowing posters, incense. You remember them. It was then I first heard Chi's voice, soft, strong, powerful... full. Full of life and all it entails. "Let It Ride" blasted through the speakers. I was hooked. That voice, those lyrics, creating evocative images of hurt, pain, friendship, hope, healing and most importantly, the value of strong faith. Each one, masterfully painted with broad brush strokes as well as finesse detail. I cannot get, nor is there enough, of Chi available. She has only three albums I know of, four with "Golden Classics." Her originals are out of print and desperately need to be remastered and released for this new generation of searching hopefuls. She is such a powerful, positive inspiration. The only complaint about this album is, somehow, "Let It Ride" is not included. Chi, where are you?