Customer Reviews

By My Own Hand

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

 

 

The bassist for Poco,continues the tradition of being a Great Singer,Songwriter.This is a peaceful,melodic cd.."Soul Searchin" does rock out.

Ok, Sure that almost everyone has never heard of Jack Sundrud, I knew him prior to Summer '05 as the long time bassist for the great seminal country rock band Poco. Saw Poco live in Summer '05, bought the two solo CD's being sold by the band members after the show (Paul Cotton's CD "When The Coast is Clear" which Sundrud actually produced was the other CD on sale). Met the guys with my wife, they don't get any more down to earth and humble than these guys. Jack thanked me for buying his CD and asked me to listen carefully on the way home to the song "Fathers Day". Was crying by the end of the song, this is an artist with something to say that we all would really benefit from listening to with an open mind. Can't recommend strongly enough the equally beautiful "Forty Again" from another very underated Country artist, John Berry. I find it impossible to listen to these two songs about our Father losing his battle with old age and it's devastating effects without openly crying, because I understand this is how it will end with me as well, except that given a painful 5+ month divorce/seperation proceeding it is possible my 3 children will not be around to say goodbye as I have tried to be there for my father. Is every song perfect? Nope. Is every song unique and great? Nope. Is this a CD with a half dozen gems I will be playing for the next 40 years? Yep! "Hard Country" "Fathers Day" and "Modern Day Blacksmith" are truly exceptional craftmenship from a soulful mind previously limited to playing/singing over and over the hits built by the most famous succession of band Bass Players in rock history - Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmidt to be specific, who both were called up the big leagues - The Eagles. Final point listen very carefully to the plaintive counseling offered in "Humility" it is a message we should all heed and benefit from understanding. The Title track "By My Own Hand" will, if you let it, deeply humble you when the song and it's beautiful Piano intro then Hammond B3 organ lead combined with Jack's emotional vocal compels you to reflect upon both key disappointments those you care about have leveled against you and even more powerfully those mistakes you have made which are completely your responsibility, you want so badly to repair/undo/minimize, and come to realize you cannot, Jack speaks to what must be an almost universal truth regarding our wish to "takeback" some key self-imposed mistakes that hurt those we love the most. That is a very powerful impact from a "sleeper" solo album crafted by a replacement bass player in a legendary band long overlooked by critics, music fans and the music industry - Purchase this CD, listen intently and be thankful for the gift you have had the vision to recieve. Regards, Tom

I really love this CD. One of my favorite CD's released in the last few years. Jack's voice is incredible. "Hard Country" and "Fathers Day" are very special songs. I also really like "Noonday Sun". Good CD, beginning to end.

This to me is one of the most honest recordings I''ve heard yet. Jack has been writing memorable music for as long as I've known him (1969), but this is the best yet. I can listen to him and have my soul soothed and remember the many phases of my own life in Northern Minnesota with family & friends. As stated not every song a gem, but virtually every song does move me and reemind me to look around myself and love life. Thank you Jack Sundrud for a beautiful addition to my music collection.

This is an excellent album. Jack, the bass player for "Poco," is a very strong songwriter, vocalist and singer. The songs are varied and well recorded.
My deliver on this album was quick and efficient!

Been a huge Poco fan for years so decided to check out Jack's solo after hearing the band's last few CDs. Agree with earlier poster that his voice sounds very similar to Henley but unlike poster this sound is my cup of preferred tea. Very beautiful, well written tunes in the old country rock format that has wavered over the many years but will never die. Been 5 years Jack, keep getting it with Poco and produce another solo.

If "Father's Day" were the only song on this CD, it would be well worth it. But there is a variety of other treasures as well, ranging from "Hard Country" and the plaintive "Modern Day Blacksmith" to the rocking "Soul Searchin'" and so much more.

When you're in the mood for touching songstories of loss and redemption, you will want to listen to these again and again.

I bought this CD without hearing anything on it. Based on the Poco connection and great reviews, I thought I couldnt go wrong. I could not get it out of my mind that I was NOT listening to Don Henley!!! There is not anything really wrong with it, but the voice and style is not my cup of tea. Bottom line, if you like Don Henley, buy it. Otherwise, forget it.