Golden Eagle: John Denver Instrumental Tribute

The Candlelight Guitarist | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 2, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Geofonica
• ASIN: B000VX4WJG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,597 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I suppose I shouldn't be that amazed at how much I love this new album from acoustic guitarist Brad Powell, a.k.a. The Candlelight Guitarist. After all, I've thoroughly enjoyed and recommended his first three releases. I'm also a fan of John Denver's music, owning the live recording, An Evening With John Denver. Still, this is the first tribute album I've ever reviewed, let alone recommended (and highly recommended, too). Obviously, if you don't appreciate Denver tunes such as Rocky Mountain High, Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie's Song and Calypso, well, you can give this one a pass. To be honest, the CD's thirteen covers (and two originals penned by Powell) are terrific acoustic ensemble instrumentals and, like his last two recordings, the guitarist displays not just his own talent, but brings in some solid accompanists (some of whom have direct ties to the late Denver himself). If you consider yourself a fan of acoustic guitar music, I think you owe it to yourself to consider adding this one to your collection.

" To Powell's credit, while all the hits here are recognizable, his arrangements and treatments throw new wrinkles into the mix, whether it's the breezy swing feel he brings to Rocky Mountain High (helped greatly by Kenny Blackwell's mandolin), the transition of Annie's Song to a sweetly swaying guitar and cello duet (featuring cellist Caryl Paisner), injecting some Mediterranean Sea flavors into Calypso (featuring the accordion playing of Frank Marocco as well as Blackwell on mandolin and percussion from Michito Sanchez) or coloring the Denver staple, This Old Guitar with a subtle amount of jazziness. In short, these are not mere rote imitations of Denver's greatest hits.

"In addition, Powell's two originals fit in nicely amidst the Denver tracks. Cool Mountain Air is a soft yet lively and sensual number that blends smooth jazz (Doug Webb on soprano sax, stand-up bassist Ernie Nuñez and piano by Mark Massey) with more a rural folksy sound courtesy of Blackwell's mandolin. Golden Eagle (Soar to Possibilities) floats and glides gently, just as the titular bird would do on lofty air currents. This track features almost all the accompanists at one time or another and it's a real musical treat, a classic slice of acoustic new age ensemble music with a touch of folk and jazz to spice it up just a tad.

"Those of you who still turn up the car radio when you hear the opening strains of Take Me Home, Country Roads, Sunshine On My Shoulders or Rocky Mountain High will, I'm positive, be as enchanted with Golden Eagle as I am. Powell has done a great job at retaining the familiar sound of John Denver's music while leaving no doubt (in my mind, at least) that these are his unique interpretations. Denver purists need not worry, as I can't believe any of the cover tunes travel far from what you are used to hearing. However, this is likewise not a by-the-numbers affair either. Above all else, what comes through loud and clear is Powell's deep and sincere love for John Denver's music as well as his desire to do right by him with this CD. I'd say he's has succeeded far beyond what most would expect. In addition, the cover of the CD deserves special mention - it's tasteful and gorgeous, from the fonts to the color scheme to the picture of the eagle. Download the recording as mp3s if that's your preference, but I think you'll be sorry you don t have the real thing in your possession. This is a special album and I highly recommend it." --NEW AGE REPORTER - reviewed by Bill Binkelman

Review

"Brad Powell's tribute album to John Denver is a séance. Powell's enchanting guitar music, and his well-crafted arrangements, bring the spirit of this great songwriter, performer, and activist into the room vividly. The vision of John Denver that we see, however, is transmuted by the deep meaning and personal attachment that Powell obviously feels for Denver and his work.

"Brad Powell is a talented and highly trained California guitarist and composer who calls himself "The Candlelight Guitarist", and for good reason. His music is perfect for situations in which candlelight figures prominently. Quiet meditation, romance, intellectual stimulation the soft, pure tones of his Spanish and classic instrumental style open up your heart and render it more receptive to the spiritual messages that these pursuits engender.

"John Denver was a great lyricist, but for me, Denver is all about melody. In a time when it seemed as if there were no more great melodies left, Denver was able to consistently surprise and delight us with his turn of musical phrase. ... Brad Powell brings those melodies back to us; technically, he is an expert guitarist; great tone and a masterful sense of rhythm and timing. He infuses these familiar tunes with his own interpretation of their meaning for him as an individual, and for all of us who appreciate John Denver's music.

"There are 15 tracks on this album, all of them John Denver hits, except three very nice originals by Brad Powell.

"My favorite cut is 'Calypso', Denver's tribute to Jacques-Yves Cousteau and the crew of the research vessel of that name. Powell's guitar captures the spirit of adventure, the sense of old-world informality mixed with a sense of mission, that characterized the Cousteau mystique. The gentle, affable accordion tracks by Frank Marocco (who performed with Denver in Los Angeles) and the mandolin highlights by Kenny Blackwell, help set the wonderful, optimistic mood of joy in one's work, and in helping the world understand itself a little bit better.

"Denver wrote 'Annie s Song' for his first wife, Annie Martell. Powell's rendition is faithful to the sense of awe and surprise in the power of deeply felt love that Denver wrote into the lyrics and the melody of this great tune. A wonderfully sonorous cello solo on the melody, by Caryl Paisner (another John Denver collaborator), completes this great arrangement.

"At least ten other musicians contributed to this record, most of them highly regarded and experienced session musicians. Several of them recorded or performed with John Denver in various tours or events.

"It is obvious that Powell worked hard to find these people and bring them together, in order to weave as much of the spirit and legacy of John Denver as possible into this record.

"We John Denver fans tend to connect each of his songs with significant periods or events in our lives to which they seem to have some special meaning. If you are among us, I would highly recommend that you purchase this disc. The music will bring you back to all those moments in your life when Denver seemed to have written a song just for you. Brad Powell's guitar work frames these songs perfectly: Evocative of the remembered moment, but seasoned with the wisdom gained in the interim." --MaineFolkMusic-com - reviewed by Bob McKillop

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awe inspiring., October 18, 2007

By 

G. Sawaged - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Golden Eagle: John Denver Instrumental Tribute (Audio CD)

This cd has to be at the very top of "My favourite instrumental albums of all time" list. You certainly don't have to be a John Denver fan to love and appreciate this music,..but if you are a John Denver fan, then you are in for one hell of a treat. Not only do you have Brad's gorgeous guitar, but he is joined by other amazing musicians to create the most wonderful atmospheric tribute album I have ever heard.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Soft guitar melodies offer a unique tribute to John Denver, November 14, 2007

By 

Beth Cholette "doctor_beth" (Upstate NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Golden Eagle: John Denver Instrumental Tribute (Audio CD)

As in his previous releases, guitarist Bradley Powell, AKA The Candlelight Guitarist, offers a new CD rich with gentle, pleasing guitar melodies. In this instance, however, rather than featuring original music, Powell presents guitar arrangements of well-known songs from the legendary John Denver. For John Denver fans, this CD is a must-have, as it is a sweet, fitting tribute to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Denver's death. However, anyone who appreciates mellow, relaxing guitar sounds will likely enjoy this CD as well. In fact, because Powell brands each song with his own unique style, some of the tracks are not even immediately recognizable as Denver hits--when you listen more closely, however, you'll hear the classic Denver melodies combined with Powell's more new-agey take. If you are looking for music for meditation, relaxation, or other types of quiet moods, this CD is likely to be a good choice, particularly if you are a John Denver enthusiast.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Memories and Moods Courtesy of John Denver by way of Bradley Powell, November 12, 2007

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Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Golden Eagle: John Denver Instrumental Tribute (Audio CD)

The Candlelight Guitarist (AKA Bradley Powell) continues to release CDs of music for the soul, for reflection, for the quiet times. In this newest CD GOLDEN EAGLE: John Denver Instrumental Tribute he has gathered a number of fine musicians to sit with him and recall some of the nostalgic and tender ballads written and performed by John Denver. It is indeed a tribute, for not only has Powell collected and performed the favorite Denver classics, he has produced a selfless homage to one of this country's great songwriters. This beautifully produced and recorded album has Powell in his prime - the sound from his guitar is free from finger noise and blends perfectly with the various musicians he invited to join him in this collection.

The songs include Rocky Mountain High, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie's Song, Sunshine On My Shoulders, For You, and the title song Golden Eagle. In Powell's hands the music soars, touches warm memories, and once again demonstrates the quiet genius of John Denver. This is yet another fine recording from the man who prefers to simply be called 'The Candlelight Guitarist'. Grady Harp, November 07