Customer Reviews

Golden Eagle: John Denver Instrumental Tribute

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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.

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.

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

Brad Powell and Friends do a very good take on John denver's music. now I had listened to Denver's music from sorta a far and while knowing his hits I wasn't that big overall on his owrk, but this compilation makes me become very aware to the instrumentation. the arrangements and Production on here do the songs justice. very creative and i enjoyed the tribute here.i usually don't feel cover albums because they are so predictable and drop left and right but this one is good and the music on here delievers.

If anyone's read my reviews,you know I love the music of the 70's,and the great John Denver is on that list.Brad brings the 70's back with his great new CD.I love the entire record,especially my favorite Denver classics,"Take me home,Country road,Annie's song,"and the last cut,"This Old Guitar." If anyone wants to listen to some wonderfull music for a change,"GoldenEagle John Denver Instrumental Tribute"is the CD to buy.

Like an intimate musical gathering under the stars, The Candlelight Guitarist & friends (some Denver musical associates and other fine contributors) celebrate the music of John Denver with love, tenderness, joy, and reflection.

Guitarist Brad Powell (AKA The Candlelight Guitarist) met and was inspired by John Denver personally, and counts Denver's musical director Lee Holdridge as an early mentoring influence. Percussionist Michito Sanchez, who toured with JD for many years, plays his masterful rhythms throughout the CD. Cellist Caryl Paisner, who performed with Denver on the Wildlife Concert, is featured on a very romantic version of "Annie's Song." One of my favorite tracks is "Calypso," which features accordion player Frank Marocco (who performed with JD in Los Angeles, as well as on "The Godfather" film soundtracks) and mandolinist Kenny Blackwell (who worked with Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, and Neil Diamond). Another track fav is "Take Me Home, Country Roads" with the authentic Appalachian sounds of West Virginia state fiddle champion Jenny Allinder. Wrapping it all so nicely is the beautiful golden eagle CD cover by English wildlife artist Toni Watts.

As with previous Candlelight Guitarist CDs, "Golden Eagle" is perfect for relaxation, meditation, and other such personal moments. This is a fresh, original tribute to John Denver, like seeing beautiful scenery from a new vantage point.

I have always loved John Denver and have all his records. In the last two years I found The Candlelight Guitarist and fell in love with his work also. The combination of the two is simply wonderful.

It is very soothing backgroound music to dine by or read. I must admit when reading sometimes I get to singing and lose my place. I listen to it to fall asleep to also.

If you like these tow artists you will simply love this CD.

If you are looking for a nice instrument John Denver tribute, go for the "Colors" CDs by his former band mates instead.