Customer Reviews

Interpretations - Solo Arrangements for Guitar and Voice

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here is my very humble opinion about the record. It is one pumped full of oldies that are completely captured by Turner's acoustic arrangements. Throughout the whole album you can hear great guitar work. Here's my rundown, my personal favorites are marked with an (*).



1. Bohemian Rhapsody *:

I don't think that I have ever heard another (or will ever hear for that matter) "interpretation" of "Bohemian Rhapsody" quite like Turner's. Love the little chord voicing fill at the start of the song with the melody on it. From the track's start to up to 2:35 in; the song runs very smoothly, not hinting to you at all of the "Wacky Madness" that is about to enfold at 3:05. It is a world that you will not return from until about 5:18...or will you?

I find the operatic part completely hilarious and a classic day maker for when stuff isn't going that good.

With the arrangement in this song, Dale teaches us that it can be very hard to be funny.



2. God Only Knows *:

This is probably one of the softer tunes of the record. Turner's signature smooth voice kicks in letting you know what to expect for the remainder of the song. Very classical-like stops on 1:04 serve as a bridge, and great separation from the rest of the song. Keep in mind, that when I say bridge and separation, I am not talking about the song parts, but the technique used in the acoustic to perform the part. A great arrangement is not only what dynamics to use, and how to order the song, but knowing what technique to put where and why that part should go there. (It is to know what the song needs instead of what I want.)

The 1:58 fade out on the song carries a very traditional acoustic feel that is almost a requirement for a song like this.



3. Blackbird *:

The deep breath reminded me of Poison's "Every Rose has its Thorn" lol...

Great guitar work on this tune, it is definitely one of my favorites. It even has the bird noises like in the Beatles version, although I have to say Dale's are a lot funnier. Everything was captured in this CD.



4. Sweet Baby James:

Even though this song is not into the realm of what I usually listen to, I have to say that it's well made, and pretty cool. I'm saving this record for when I have a kid. I'll probably play this song for him to go to bed.

Just goes to show you the variety that you can have inside of one single album.



5. Hallelujah *:

The guitar work on this one is great. The dark guitar intro, that I understand was arranged by Jeff Buckley; kind of reminds me of a very watered down mood of Dale's work on "The Aftermath", but that is another, completely different, and sort of disturbing story.

In any case... our influences always show whether we want them to or not. I don't think Dale would mind me saying that though.

A full sound is carried throughout the song, with the melody present in the acoustic guitar. Segment 4:22 - 4:33 is filled with very tasteful chord melodies and diads that are reminiscent of classical music. To give you a sample of the diversity of this album, on many segments like 5:26, 5:32, and 5:38 until about 6:07 you can hear many Jimi Hendrix inspired fills. Who would have though that both classical and Jimi could meet in one song?



6. She's Always a Woman:

I can absolutely see why this songs where chosen to sit around in Christmas time drinking egg nog. This is a super relaxing song that would be great just to sit to while you're passing time with your family.

Word of Caution: Do not let your wife's listen to this song too much, or they will get too mushy.



7. Leader of the Band:

You can definitely hear the emotions surrounding this song. We all are just a legacy to different leaders of the band in someway. Keeping up our "playing" is kind of the only thing that we can control...



8. Sister Golden Hair:

Adjust your headphones for this one if you plan on listening to everything that's going on in the guitar. It probably was a lot of fun to do this track...



9. Castles Made of Sand:

In this song, Turner's expertise in Jimi Hendrix is a little bit more than obvious. The "electric guitar solo" is wacky and cool. It's the sort of thing that makes you laugh and just go: "I can't believe what this guy just did!" You also get this feeling at the end; a sort of super sped up version of the original ending.



10. Coconut:

This song makes for a great time hanging out with your friends, "putting the lime in the coconut and drinking it all up". Just a great chill out, go crazy, start yelling, forget about work type of song. I love how he throws the guitar at the end, the hell with this!!! Hahaha



To me, what is most impressive about "Interpretations" is the level of creativity that Dale was able to pull out of his pocket to create an all cover album. Putting all that new stuff into songs that have been played millions of times must have been an overwhelming challenge. Somehow, he pulled it off. Maybe, just maybe, all of that wackiness (Creativity??? Hmm...) has something to do with it...

I just watched a video of Dale playing this, and it is amazing how good he is at playing while singing. Its on youtube check it and see for yourself.

Clearly Turner is a master of the instrument and not too shabby of a vocalist as well. I wholeheartedly recommend this album as a way to re-visit some of any music lover's favorites. She's always a woman is just as heartfelt as the original and the whistle solo on Bohemian Rhapsody will have you gasping. Great!

Wow. The arrangements are great, very clever adaptations and brilliant guitar work. personal faves are blackbird and bohemian rhapsody for the orchestration on the ax and incredible vocal delivery. if your lookin for some sick folk jamz with top notch guitar and vocals, look no further, a great buy!

Dale Turner's "Interpretations" is wonderful! His arrangements for these classic songs are very tastefully done. He makes them his own by adding in his unique sense of humor. How does he do all that stuff with his voice?! Once you realize that Dale recorded this CD for his mother, it makes it even more special. "Interpretations" is lots of fun to listen to!

A must have for anyone looking for an original take on solo acoustic guitar. The 1st track "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a perfect way to start off this 10 track gem. Dale has not only give an excellent take on classic songs he has also created arrangments that are unique and soulful. big props and a full 5 stars.

I find it amazing how someone can take a song like Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and pull it off solo. "She's Always A Woman" is wonderful, it speaks with gobbs (a whole lot) of emotion. And the individuality between guitar and voice on "Castles Made Of Sand" is brilliant. Great album. Dale Turner definitly has found a good mix between emotion, musical depth and humor.

5+ stars for this cd. It is truly amazing what Dale has done with these classic songs. One can really hear the hard work that was put into this masterpiece by the solo acoustic guitar arrangements, not to mention Dale's incredible sense of individuality in these arrangements. One can see the talent that Dale posesses and I really look up to him for making such a top notch version of many of our favorite songs. A must for any guitar fan, this cd will stay in my collection for many years to come!!!

This is really a great album. After listening to it i started pulling out the albums with the original songs and was amazed how songs originally by full piece bands could sound so good with one man his voice and his acoustic guitar. Theres alot of fun in listening to this album and alot of contemplation in trying to figure out how the voice on this album can create so many different sounds (check the cd out and you'll know what im talking about). This album is more than worthy of the 5 stars.

Looking for a great acoustic album? This is the one to get. Dale Turner's arrangements are amazing. The way he faithfully presents the orginals while weaving in his own quirky interpretations is so sophistocated and at the same time hilarious, you can't help but smile. These gems keep your full attention for the entire ride. Brilliant guitar work and at times heartfelt, at times nutty vocals make this a must-have.