Customer Reviews

From The Redwoods To The Rockies

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you have any prior knowledge of the work these two masters have produced, it won't be possible for you to be disappointed in this recording. Even if you favor Freeman over Chaquico or vice versa, you will come to admire and thoroughly enjoy how these two blend their talents. To say they compliment one another may be an oversimplification of just how amazing they sound together. I bought this CD after hearing only the first few bars of the first track. You won't need to spend even that little bit of time deciding whether or not you want to add this to your collection. A fan of Chaquico, Freeman, or acoustic guitar in general--no matter which one you are, don't hesitate to buy this recording! Gentlemen, when is your next collaboration due in stores!

I have some very enjoyable CD's, and this one is at the top of the list. I was stunned the first time I played it. This combination of guitar, piano, percussion, ...etc is as good as I have heard. Even after playing it over and over it is as fresh and enjoyable as the first time. The music is great at soft background levels for reading, studying, romance etc. Technically this CD is very well done. At "live event" volume levels and on a higher end system the sound stage is wide and deep. The clairty, focus, imaging and dynamics are more than enough to send waves of emotion all through your body. I hope Chaquico and Freeman do another one !

I bought this CD for the opening track, "Riders of the Ancient Winds", which I had frequently heard on the radio. Sometimes you buy a CD for the one track you've heard, and all the other ones turn out to be disappointing. This is definitely not the case here. There are so many terrific tracks, it's hard to say which is my favorite - they are almost all hauntingly beautiful, conjuring up a variety of moods and atmospheres. I love to put this CD on, close my eyes and drift away. "Seattle Child" evokes a brilliant summer day punctuated by rainshowers. "Change of Seasons" gives me a very powerful mental image of Pacific fog drifting over the redwoods of Marin County in late fall. I could go on describing my response to each track but you will probably have different images and moods. One thing's for sure, you will never grow tired of listening to this album.

As a big fan of the Rippingtons, I got more than expected with this CD. Freeman, Chaquico and the other musicians (including David Benoit) deliver melodies more varied and less intense than normally encountered with the Rippingtons. I look for music to smooth the rough edges of commuting and this is perfect; a must buy!

I'm a person who listens to a variety of music: classical to hard rock, new age to jazz. I had a good feeling about this collaboration before I bought the disc - never even heard a note from it until I brought it home. And I was definitely not disappointed! Each song is a perfect representation of fine musical talent, arrangement, and production. From the tasty swell of guitars and keyboards in the intro of "Riders of the Ancient Winds", to the playful, wistful manner of "From the Redwoods to the Rockies (Acoustic Reprise)", the entire collection takes me to the ocean, then to a log cabin in a mountain meadow, and back again to a seaside forest. It's more than just great tunes, it is truly an experience that caresses the ears. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't enjoy this album. Highly, highly recommended - I'd give it 10 stars.

As a big fan of both Craig's superb music and Russ's work with the Rippingtons, seeing this collaberation album was like a fantasy come true! Every tune here is vibrant and ultra melodic, then again what else would you expect from two artists of this caliber? This is a CD you CAN NOT lose with. Do youself a favor and get a copy today! You will never regret doing so.

What an absolute surprise this album was! I had heard excerpts of it when these 2 toured Philly over the summer, but never expected it to be SO rich. The addition of other masters of "smooth" such as David Benoit and Paul Taylor help to make this a fresh yet soothing CD. Perfectly varied, never monotonous! A MUST for all music lovers!

A wonderful blend of the acoustic glory of Chaquico and the clean smooth sounds of Freeman. This is one of those CD's that is impossible to be angry when it's playing.

Very bright sounding music. Some of it is relaxing, some of it is uplifting, and some of it is moving. Overall, it is very good. Anyone who likes the softer styles of guitar music should listen to this album. If you like this title, I also recommend Craig Chaquico's Acoustic Planet. Great driving music.

As an owner of all of the Rippington CD's and all of Craig Chaquico's acoustic CD's, I eagerly awaited this release. The collaboration is great, but I feel the strength of each artist is in their solo/ensemble work. I think this is because both performers play the same instrument...I was hoping for music that would be twice as good as their individual work and this CD didn't quite get there.

I would still rate this CD as one to buy and enjoy and I look forward to future releases from each artist.

Sincerely...A fan