Customer Reviews

Life Stories

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

this is a great less known release.the beautiful debra anne,and the moving moon and stars make this a must cd for the earlkugh fan

everytime i play this cd, memories of my days in college ('86) comes to life. i especially like the last song which sounds more like a jam between earl and the session musicians that accompanied him on this outing.

This album is one of Earl's best, which is quite a feat. I went to see Earl perform with his band last Friday night here in Atlanta and was entertained for over 3 hours with songs from several of his albums, including Naked Guitar. If you've never seen him perform you are missing a definite treat. His band is amazing, Lenny Price, David Lee (Spradley), Al Turner, all were in rare form (as usual) and shared several solo spots with Earl. His humor between songs left the audience in stitches as he shared a more intimate side. He signed my copy of "Heartstrings" afterwards as he shared some trivia about the song "Balladina" from his album "Crazy for You", and how it relates to a song performed by Angela Bofill on one of her early albums. Earl Klugh is a definite jewel of a person and entertainer and an extremely talented trailblazer.

I have many instrumental cds and fairly broad taste. But you don't need broad taste for this one. This is the most melodically satisfying instrumental recording ever made. If it doesn't make you feel good, check for a pulse.
Earl's earlier recordings were ordinary with a few highlights. He was on a steep learning curve. His later ones have always been very tasteful but sometimes lack spark. But he must have been in a very special place when he made this one. The tenderness expressed in "Debra Anne" and "Moon And The Stars" is exquisite. The samples here can't really do justice to these wonderful tunes.

It seems cliche' to say this about "Life Stories," but it really is Earl Klugh's quintessential recording. If you had to pick just one of Klugh's CDs to reccommend to someone who had somehow never heard anything by him, THIS would be the one. "Life Stories" still holds up well - even over 20 years later. The 1986 production features great tunes impeccably arranged. It's almost as though the entire recording is a soundtrack to a movie that was never made, with the exception of the one that plays in your mind's eye as you listen. Indulge yourself, listen to Klugh at his best and if you've never had the pleasure of enjoying an Earl Klugh recording (although I can't imagine such thing as being possible) this is the one. As we used to say in the "old days" LISTEN TO IT UNTIL THE GROOVES WEAR OUT!

I was turned on to Earl Klugh over 20+ years ago by and old flame and this was one of my favorite albums, which moved with me over the years. "Santiago Sunrise" was one of those songs that stayed in my memory, for it's sheer lightness and the emotion that Klugh pulls out of his guitar. After not hearing this album for 15+ years, I appreciate "Debra Ann" (you can hear the love in that song) and "Moon and Stars" much more than I did in my early 20's. I would have ended the album with "Moon and Stars" instead of "The Traveler, Part II" but there really is nothing wrong with this album, just my personal preference gives it 4 stars.

This was my favorite cd of the 80's. Smokin' :O)

Earl Klugh's contemporary style of jazz is a fine example of his virtuosity and ability to create wonderful soothing melodies. This CD is a must for any Earl Klugh collector.

This is one of 6 or 7 Klugh CDs that I would encourage someone unfamiliar with Klugh's music and melodic touch to purchase! It is simply smooth from the first tune to the last and he utilizes not only his trademark "Classical Guitar--Nylon String" sound, but incorporates a pleasant steel string acoustic style as well.

It isn't twangy and irritating as Klugh knows what sounds great having been gifted with the ability to almost always write and perform smooth and nice melodies (not elevator music)--similar to the gifts vocalist Brian McKnight has been gracously provided. Just different instruments!

Such a gift is rare and hence, Earl Klugh has several CDs out and has a nice sized listenership. I have always bought every CD he puts out because I invariably find at least half of the songs on the respective CDs well above-average melodically with an allure to listen to again. In short, Earl's touch and remarkable gifts (unlike many artists) don't equate to a bunch of coffee coasters or garage sale CDs sold for 50 cents!

This CD will sell you and talent sells and owns longevity! So too does Earl Klugh!

Respectfully, Brian G. Jett