Customer Reviews

Jellycream

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The heir apparent to Hendrix, Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Doyle Bramhall II's CD "Jellycream" was one of the most important records of 1999. (Clapton and B.B. King just released not one, but TWO of these Bramhall songs on their new collaboration, "Riding With the King.") That pretty much acknowledges Bramhall as the best new blues/rock guitarist songwriter to come along in many a year. East meets West, as Bramhall's melodies integrate--strangely enough--influences from the Far East with more traditional blues structures. Clapton and King covered two of the best songs, "I Wanna Be" and especially "Marry You," but they left a third classic unpicked--called "I'm the One." If you're serious about guitar playing, this CD is essential. Produced by Tchad Blake.

Another reviewer commented that Little Doyle may be the music industry's best-kept secret. Well, this is one fan who hopes he doesn't stay secret for long. Hopefully, the release of Double Trouble's "Been a Long Time" will garner Doyle Bramhall II some much-deserved notice.

But this album is fantastic, even to someone (like me) who'd never heard of Bramhall before purchasing it. I felt like I'd stumbled onto something great in the making.

Doyle is unquestionably one of the finest guitar innovaters of our time. His musicianship is so highly original (and, unlike far too many Texans, not SRV-derived) that you almost miss what he's doing. Then you hit "rewind," listen again, and are blown away. Listen to "I'm Leaving" twice before making a decision about this album. That song creeps up on you and becomes your favorite while you're not looking.

In fact, the whole album does that. This is more than the pop-rock album it seems to be. Packed with creativity and solid songwriting, "Jellycream" may be the album that signals the end of the SRV-imitation era in blues/rock.

Doyle Bramhall II is without a doubt one of the best young musicians out there today and probably one of the most overlooked. This guy can do it all. He played most of the instruments on this CD, wrote the songs, arranged the music and sang. This is not really a guitar record as most would expect. If folks are expecting the ARc Angels part II then they will be disappointed. People need to keep an open mind and listen. The chops are there but they are more subtle...

Ok, I finally got around to writing another review for this one. I agree with everyone else on here - it's hard not to listen to this CD again and again. The songwriting is great, the guitar is emotive and has a lot of depth, Doyle's voice is as solid and clear as ever, and there's a ton of versatility to keep everyone interested from beginning to end.

Songs like "Chariot" evoke a more bluesy Doyle, while Beatle-ish tunes like "Away We Go Away" are more pop in nature. There are blues-funk tracks like "I Wanna Be" and "Marry You," and then there are my favorites: "Snakecharmer," "Chasing the Sun," "I'm Leavin'," and "Close to Heaven." All of them feature strong lyrics with solid singing from Doyle and his backup vocalists. To be honest, there are only two tracks I ever hit the skip button for when listening to this CD: "I'm The One" and "Baby's Gone."

This is music as it was meant to be. Keep an eye out for Doyle on tour with Roger Waters this summer - and also keep an eye out for his guest session work with Eric Clapton and B.B. King on that upcoming CD.

First, there were the Arc Angels. Doyle Bramhall the 2nd gave us a glimpse of his singing, songwriting, and of course guitar-playing virtuosity. This was only a prelude, however of the brilliance to come. This album, to me, represents the absolute best in music from the 1990's. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. It is virtually a sin that Mr. Bramhall isn't the biggest thing in popular music, based on this C.D. alone. This music is timeless, incorporating elements of blues, soul, funk, R&B, and rock all with absolutely angelic singing, and spectacular guitar playing. Above all, the songwriting is brilliant, mimicking no style and incorporating them all into a unique package that is all his own. Do yourself a favor and buy this C.D. if you want a taste of all that can be right with current music!

I can't put this one down, The more I listen , The more I like it. I just wish there was more music like this out there. This is the stuff that should be at the grammys, not the garbage that's there. Very moving and tasteful songwriting and guitar playing throughout. Doyle has really put together his chops and experience here, though not in a flashy manner. My favorite album of 1999!

This is just a great cd. From awesome guitar work to heartfelt song writing, to a great vocals. Mind you this is not a rippin' guitar record. It does have it's moments though. This record is great song writing and musicianship. Doyle is extremely talented and shows many styles on this record. From blues to rock to folk to groove and funk, it has it all. Check it out.

Why did blues legends Eric Clapton and B.B. King cover not one but two songs off this album for their "Riding With the King" release? Take a listen to what is shamefully one of the greatest, but unnoticed, rock albums released in the past 10 years. This album picks up where his former band, the Arc Angels, left off in 1992. Leading off with "I Wanna Be", this album takes a journey into a world of creative song writing and innovative guitar stylings and textures. The SRV influence is there but much more toned down than the Kenny Wayne Sheppards and Johnny Langs. Check out the funk of "Marry You" and the hard driving bluesy "Snakecharmer" and "Away We Go Away". But the standout track is the Pink Floyd meets Texas Blues Ballad "Chasin' the Sun". Great guitar interludes and lyrics. The centerpiece of "Jelly Cream"'s overall majesty.

A must for people not into the whole rap-rock, pop grunge movement and sick of the same old same old on the classic rock stations. A breath of fresh air.

i had no idea who doyle bramhall was before the waters concert last year in pine knob, michigan. since then, i have purchased jellycream, and i haven't stopped listening to it since. roger really found a rare gem to jam with, and i can't wait till i see rog's concert again this year! surprisingly, my roommate and his pop-music-loving girlfriend simply adore bramhall and have burned two copies of jellycream for themselves. go figure! and go buy this album, even if your tastes include pink floyd and dream theater, which are my two favorite bands. you will find that jellycream is a welcomed departure from your everyday generic listening!

I first heard Doyle when he was in Arc Angels and was hooked on his guitar and vocals. I recently saw him perform live with his new band and I bought the CD the next day. Great songs, great vocals, great musicians(Lisa and Wendy and Charlie Drayton)combine for some music. The CD also features Charlie Sexton who also played guitar with Doyle in Arc Angels. This is one CD you must have in your collection, Excellent!