Customer Reviews

Ian Moore's Got the Green Grass

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is Ian Moore in his purest form. This was recorded with Ian's complete control over the creativity, and the result in an inspired mix of the eclectic: soul (Many Rivers to Cross), rock (Pennyroyal Tea), Tex-rock (Border Palace), and dreamy melodies (Airplane). The world of music needs more creative artists of this caliber!

Any fan of Ian Moore, as I am myself, had to be a bit surprised when this album was first released. To the person who is only satisfied with rip-roaring, ninety-to-nothing blues soloing built around traditional I-IV-V blues patterns, and grew to love Ian for his past work which was chock full of this, you might be disappointed. But listen anyway. Ian is a virtuoso on guitar, I will agree. But this point has already been made. Ian is much more than just another South Texas guitar-slinger. He writes and sings with almost unparalleled depth and true soul, never trying to fill any particular style or genre of music, but speaking from the heart. In this world of shiny Top 40 and corporate-driven bands, Ian Moore is a breath of fresh air worth breathing.

Ian has already proven that he is a subperb guitar player, but this album fianally focuses on the strength and beauty of his vocals. Anyone who has seen Ian live will agree that his vocal talent is gripping, emotional, and encompassing. "Green Grass" is the album that that allows the listener to experinece this on a c.d. time and time again. This is the way Ian was meant to be heard and this uninhibited departure from conventional musical norms is refreshing and appriciated. The first three songs (Four winds, Airplane and Closer) are brief, explorative, and leaves the listener wishing there was more. The songs build to a climax, but never seem to do just that. This will make you listen over and over again, but never tiring of the journey. "Border Palace" is filled with so much angst it will make you want to tear out your hair and scream with Ian. "Many rivers To Cross" and "Elephant Tears" bring the album to an elegant close, while the middle of the album explores Ian's passionate love for all styles of music. This c.d. is must for any true Ian fan and anyone getting to know him.

This is not a typical album, it is a collection of thoughts and sounds from the heart of the struggle to make quality music. Ian's vocals are deep and rich with the sinew and muscle that draws us to rock music. The music style changes from tract to tract leaving you waiting for the next.

Ian Moore is tired of being labeled. Yes, he can play the guitar with the best of them (Clapton, J. Vaughan, KWS is put to shame) and can sing like no other. But, this CD is what Ian wants. Listen, his live shows are electric, but varied now. Thank goodness! I think this is Ian's best work (and I still enjoy his 1st album), but just like the Beatle's, Clapton, and even the Stones, muscians must evolve or they become stagnant. Listen with an open mind on this one.

Great album. I'm a long time fan and highly recommend all his albums. A must-have for any blues fan.

If you have ever wanted to hear the blues in its most elegant form, this man plays it so soulfully and true. He is a giant in Texas, and will be a household word in the circles of blues conversations. You need to add this to your collection.

With "Ian Moore's Got the Green Grass", Ian Moore substantially departs from his earlier blues-rock influenced sound (although one can begin to hear that departure on his 1995 "Modernday Folklore" recording). Moore's songwriting and vocal talents are the true stars of this album - "Us/Them", "Closer", and "Ain't Feeling No Pain" all depart with the verse - chorus - verse - solo pattern so familiar to post-Stevie Ray Vaughan blues-rock (see Lang, Shepherd, and Stevens). Consequently, these songs are informed with an asthetic sensibility that draws as much from Bob Dylan (see his cover of "You're a Big Girl Now") as from Albert King. In fact, Moore's only possible misstep takes place, ironically, on the Terry Allen-penned "Border Palace" - a rather blase blues-rocker that feels forced and out of place among this collection of tunes. For screaming blues guitar stick to "Ian Moore". "Got the Green Grass", instead, presents a collection of songs that are brimming with surprise and, ultimately, more passion than some of Moore's earlier guitar-based recordings.

This one has got Ian's best songs on it, along with some of his finest performances. It's rare that an artist can toned himself down and end up sounding more distinct for it, but that's what Ian does. The only problem I have with it is that it doesn't cohere to me. The styles jump around a little too much, but with the skip button on the cd player, that's not much of a problem. Also, although I pretty much love everything that Ian does, the ragtime of "Ain't feeling No Pain" is just plain jive to me. Coulda been left off.

With "Green Grass" Ian has broken with the electric guitar-based sound of his past albums. This collection is eclectic, acoustic and simply excellent. If you willing to accompany this artist's evolution then you will be amply rewarded.