Customer Reviews

Night Tide

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've read the comments of one too many reviewers that just don't get it- Big Sandy is the reigning king of rockabilly and a true master of his form. In a genre that is undergoing a true renaissance/revival, thanks to the efforts of bands like BR5-49, The Derailers, Smiths Ranch Boys, Deke Dickerson, etc. Big Sandy and the Fly-Rite's have the triple whammy of Sandy's smooth vocals, killer original compositions, and instrumentalists extraordinare setting them apart. "Night Tide" is easily the band's best showing since 1997's "Feelin' Kinda Lucky." That fact has much to do with the strength of the songwriting and the innovation and style with which these songs are performed. With their rock-solid rhythm section providing a sure foundation, Lee Jeffriess' steel and Ashley Kingman's "take-off guitar" interplay is the stuff of legend. One listen to Lee's break on "Between Darkness & Dawn," and I knew this CD wouldn't be coming out of the player for quite some time. Don't be fooled, this new release from Big Sandy is a recorded event not to be missed!

If you are interested in hearing this legendary vocalist and band take a trip back to basics, this is the CD for you.

The Amazon review is perplexing- almost insulting, and shows an amazing lack of understanding about the genre. But whether you wake up from the wrong side of the bed or not, if you love- and know- traditional rockabilly, you'll need to have this CD in your collection.

There isn't another voice out there with the fluidity and ease as Big Sandy's, and this is one of the best examples of his vocal talent throughout his entire collection. His voice is Sun-like, records that is, no question about it- smooth, natural, high, occasionally lonesome, and Sun-like.

The songs: rich, simple, yet have a definitive mood. There is more introspection here than usual. Just listen to "Between Darkness and Dawn", "When Sleep Won't Come" and "A Man Like Me", and then try to tell me this offering isn't timeless and very real. And "I think of You", is just too catchy for two ears.

So if you want to hear Ashley and Lee rip out a wide variety of authentic country licks, and to hear the bass return to an occasional slap or two, and have your foot tap involuntarily through your floorboards, thanks to Jeff and Bobby, buy this CD immediately. It'll grow on you like hair on a Chia Pet."

-george

Columbia, SC

The latest release from Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys represents a departure onto the road less travelled into the realm of subject matter that many modern songwriters fearfully avoid -- the pain of the human condition. From revenge to despair this album truly pays homage to the roots of country with influences from George Jones to Hank Williams to Bob Wills. The lyrics are heartfelt and thought provoking. The musicianship is unparalleled. Lead singer Robert Williams angelic voice is reminscent of early Elvis. Listen because the NIGHT TIDE is calling you!

I've only had a chance to listen to this one all the way through two times. But my impressions are quite the opposite of the Amazon's reviewer. I think Sandy and the Boys and moving forward in their musical prowess and this album reflects a more sober and restrained approach to the music than their previous efforts. This album might have been subtitled "Western Swing in a Melancholy Mood". I think Sandy's lyrics are exploring more genuine emotions, hence the theme and tempo of the songs on this one are going to be less slap-happy than the likes of "Blackberry Wine" or other stompers like that. Lee Jeffries' handling of the steel guitar may be the vastest improvement on this album as he seems to be moving towards a "less is more" approach to his stylings, which makes his playing a lot more powerful. Is this the greatest party / dance album of the year? No, probably not. Is it a very important piece from one of the most entertaining musical combos currently performing? Yes, it is.

fans of western swing and rockabilly should rejoice with the new release of big sandy and his fly-rite boys. It's everything we've been accustomed to a big sandy album:great rhythm, danceable tunes, and big sandy's easy-to-the-ears vocal stylings. even people who are not familiar with big sandy's music will love this new cd. It's a must-have.

The other two are
Jumpin' From Six To Six, and It's time.

This was Big Sandy's finest cd(up until his latest It's Time, which was even better then Night Tide). Sandy and his Fly Rite Boys really swing on this exellent cd, and Lee Jeffries highly appealing and sophistocated steel guitar work shows equal skills in western swing, rockabilly and jazz styles. Primarily this is a western swing set, with a large dose of rockabilly mixed in. It is very upbeat most of the time, but there are some mellow moments too, but the band shines thru the entire cd, and Sandy's smooth crooning is exellent.

This cd isn't as wacky as per say "Swingin' West"(which was more of a Bob Wills meets Louis Jordan type album. This cd is more like Wills' brothers' more sophistocated band Billy Jack Wills. Less howling and goofing around, but still fun, energetic, exciting. Some of the many exellent original that sound from 1954 are Tequiela Calling, Night Tide, In The steel Of The Night(like Sleepwaker). All the tuens are exellent falling between western swing, hillbilly boogie, jazz and rockabilly.

A stunning release, and one wrthy of many repeated listenings.

Ignore the ignorant review by the bitter Rich Kienzle, he obviosly woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or something, or maybe he's got it in for big people, or Mexicans. In anycase the review from Amazon is not accurate.

This was Big Sandy's finest cd(up until his latest It's Time, which was even better then Night Tide). Sandy and his Fly Rite Boys really swing on this exellent cd, and Lee Jeffries highly appealing and sophistocated steel guitar work shows equal skills in western swing, rockabilly and jazz styles. Primarily this is a western swing set, with a large dose of rockabilly mixed in. It is very upbeat most of the time, but there are some mellow moments too, but the band shines thru the entire cd, and Sandy's smooth crooning is exellent.

This cd isn't as wacky as per say "Swingin' West"(which was more of a Bob Wills meets Louis Jordan type album. This cd is more like Wills' brothers' more sophistocated band Billy Jack Wills. Less howling and goofing around, but still fun, energetic, exciting. Some of the many exellent original that sound from 1954 are Tequiela Calling, Night Tide, In The steel Of The Night(like Sleepwaker). All the tuens are exellent falling between western swing, hillbilly boogie, jazz and rockabilly.

A stunning release, and one wrthy of many repeated listenings.

I actually enjoy this more than "feeling kind of lucky."
Songs like 'Give your lovin to me,'I think of you,' 'Nothing to lose,' and 'Let her know' are ones you'll go to again and again and again. The rest of the tracks are tight and solid. This one has a more rockabilly feel than 'kinda lucky.' I don't have any of Big Sandy's other CD's but I look forward to increasing my coolection.

Night Tide is the most original CD I've heard in years, and abounds with energy and creativity. Great vocals (Elvis, Buddy Holly come to mind)and lyrics, and the guitar and slide guitar combo is the best I've heard. The music on this terrific CD is so hard to categorize, which is the beauty of the recording. Fans of country-swing, rock'n roll, R&B, pop, bluegrass will all like this CD. Toe tapping, sing-along recording which you will not be able to stop playing.

Unlike nostalgia acts that become novelties (e.g., The Stray Cats), Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys are following the more genuine path trod by fellow Los Angelino roots acts Dave Alvin and Los Lobos. On their latest they blend a variety of influences, including country, western swing, rockabilly and doo-wop into something fairly anachronistic. Their music has the external trappings of hipster imitation, but the internal heart and soul of musicians who've thoroughly imbibed their influences.

Sandy's latest batch of songs give his sweet voice ample opportunity for expression, and the band (including fabulous new stand-up bassist Jeff West) provide truly stellar support. Whether swinging or waltzing, playing upbeat dance numbers or languid instrumentals, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys hit the spot.