Kindness

Toshi Reagon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 22, 1997)
• Original Release Date: April 22, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B000001DJV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #297,998 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The depth of Toshi Reagon's songwriting skills is matched only by the range and versatility of her voice, which is the lead vocal, the back-up, and often the rhythm section. With an acoustic guitar and occasional percussion accompaniment, Reagon's voice soars, and her sound is at once intimate and electrifying. This music is rhythm-infused: as much gospel and blues as hip-hop. It is the sound of Reagon's roots—gospel, folk, and blues—merged with her brand of urban acoustic. Kindness is an intimate encounter with Reagon's heritage. "Kindness is...dominated by Reagon's fiery commitment to life and justice." — Out

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A little scattered, but still wonderful., July 25, 2002

By 

cam h. "cahjs" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kindness (Audio CD)

Toshi Reagon begins this recording with a cover of "Misty Mountain." It's wonderful: using only her voice and guitar, she produces an intimacy and profundity making the song unforgettable. The next couple songs are in much the same vein, making the cd cohesive, of course, but it also becomes, for me, very moving on a personal level. She connects, what can I tell you! There is a sweet, plaintive yet hopeful, and entirely earnest feeling to this cd. "I Call You" is just lovely, and "Darlin'" will have you humming and smiling all week I promise! I think toward the end of the cd, however, the "mood" she seemed to create in the beginning flounders. That's a shame. I almost wish, for the sake of creating that "perfect album," she'd cut a few tracks out. However, being a fan of Toshi, that idea is at the same time unthinkable!

This cd is certainly mellower than the other ones she has thus far, so if you are thinking of getting one of her cds and prefer an intimate, laid back approach (for the first half of the cd at any rate), grab this one first. I'm pretty confident you'll eventually get all her stuff! If you think you might like something with a little more kick, get "The Righteous Ones." No matter what Toshi Reagon does, it is politically, socially, and spiritually meaningful and infused with the musical and lyrical traditions African Americans have given us all. It's also distinctly *her,* and she's one of the best singer/songwriters out there right now. You really can't go wrong with her.

P.S. Fans of Sweet Honey in the Rock will be glad to hear they make an appearance here (of course!).

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Toshi's Best Yet!!!, March 6, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Atlanta, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kindness (Audio CD)

I have had the personal pleasure of listening to Toshi sing and play acoustic guitar since we went to high school together. I haven't had any personal contact with her since, however, through her new releases I have heard a child become a woman through her music. When her mom, Bernice, does back up vocals for Toshi, the duo is strictly unbelievable! Kindness is a MUST HAVE!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a powerhouse of a voice, January 7, 2000

By 

Mandy (Sunnyvale, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kindness (Audio CD)

I first saw her in Pittsburgh opening for Billy Bragg at a Pro Union convention, what a fantastic voice. I immediately went out the next day and bought "Kindness" After 2 years it is still one of my favorites