Customer Reviews

Here I Am

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

 

 

I'm a Jerry Reed addict. I've been a big fan for over 35 years. If you are ike me and love to hear the Jerry Reed from the 'Amos Moses', 'When You're Hot You're Hot', era (late 60's-early 70's) then this CD is probably not for you.

I purchased this disc a while back but was sorely disappointed when I listened to it. The Jerry Reed heard on this disc is a very young Jerry Reed. He does not sing or play guitar with his signature sound which came later during his days with RCA and under the watchful eye of Chet Atkins.

This is a fine collection of recordings which Jerry made for the Capitol label between 1955 and 1958-just before he went into the service. A great mix of straight-ahead country and rockabilly. Several sides feature steel guitar hall-of-famer and legend Don Helms (who was also Hank, Sr.'s steel player). Another fine reissue by Bear Family reflecting their usual stringent mastering standards. Highly recommended!!

I purchased this CD after hearing the song "Teardrop Street". I was stunned. If you have only heard Jerry Reed in his later years when the vast majority of his style of humorous satirical song then this will be a real treat. His voice was silky smooth with a richness I did not anticipate from him. I wish he had continued with this style, it provided musical enjoyment to my ears.

While this CD is chock full of cool Reed cuts, it doesn't easily fall into the Country-Bluegrass genre most of his later work fits into so snuggly. There are some killer rockabilly tracks, a few incredible Elvis impersonations and an over all mastery of all that is, was and will be 1950's Rock n'Roll. I fell in love with Reed's music just a few years ago but I really appreciate hearing this material, which Jerry practically denied his entire career. You really get a clear view of the talent and potential Jerry was touting, even at a young age. I mean, "Rocking in Bagdad" predicated the Beatles going all "Worldly" on us by more than a decade! If you're a fan, a true Jerry Reed fan, find a copy of this and know that its not Sing Our Song, Lord Mr. Ford, Amos Moses or any of the other dozens of Reed tracks that slay. What it is, is a 30 song collection that show off an incredible talent trying to find his voice.