Customer Reviews

Road

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

 

 

This album is heartfelt and beautiful. I learned about Keelagen after hearing his song Cold Missouri Waters played by Cry Cry Cry. I thought, is this the saddest song ever? Come to find out he tops it with an ever sadder song "Captain Torres" on the album Road. "Captain Torres" is a story of the untimely death of young sailors. Bring your hankies! He really has a knack for capturing emotional moments. Check out the songs "Ring" and "Your Secret" for stories of lost love. And "Mirabeau Bridge" and "Pillow" for sweet love songs. "Mirabeau Bridge" is really a treasure and should be a standard for country/folkies. Keelagen has created a touching work full of emotion and substance. I disagree with the Amazon review on the saxophone parts, I think it adds a modern edge,starkness and the emotion that one on the "Road" would feel; loneliness.

I caught this amazing artist in concert this past spring, and was impressed enough to purchase three of his titles---My Skies, In A Recent Future, and of course, Road. While the first two titles yielded some wonderful music, including Turn of the Wheel, 13 Crosses, and Kiri's Piano, Road is exceptional.

In this CD we experience a smooth mix of style and sensual detail that makes each cut a luscious surprise. Keelaghan has emerged in Road at the top of his game. His style yields a little bit of a country yes...but mixes with jazz in a truly unique wedding of sounds and textures.

Road itself is a sweet cut, that manages to combine the singer's deftness at story telling, reminiscent of Harry Chapin at his best, with stunning tight lyrics and a lovely tune that leaves you wanting more...

And more is delivered...consistant and tasty, each cut takes the listener on a journey. Mirabeau Bridge is subtle and sexy, and will leave you singing the refrain after one listen...

Your Secret is bittersweet...but lovely...Pillow is a sort of love song lullabye that grabs the ear and heart in equal measure.

While not widely known to the American market, Keelaghan has the stuff of the Big Boys...if you are dipping your toe in the market known as "Folk", and were to pick just one CD to give you a taste of what this genre means today, by all means---Choose Road...

What a talent...What a cd...what a rush...

There is not a bad track on this album. You will listen to it over and over. Each time hearing something new. Thankyou Mr. Keelaghan

James Keelaghan's "Road" is a fine CD. I'm not sure what Percy Keegan has against the tenor saxophone, but I find that it nicely complements Keelaghan's sweet voice and finely crafted (certainly not "unexceptional") lyrics. Keelaghan is a gifted storyteller, and "Road" has a wide range of musical tales: from the haunting "Captain Torres" to the rambunctious "Number 37" to the evocative "My Old Man". I highly recommend "Road" to anyone who appreciates fine songwriting and good music.

I bought this CD on the strength of James' song "Cold Missouri Waters", as perfomed by Cry, Cry, Cry. Apparently, CMW was a fluke, because the songs on this album are all quite boring. James has a wonderful way with words, but he should find someone else to set them to music. His melodies are too simple and repetitive, and the song structures are mostly the same: verse followed by verse followed by verse. There is not one song on the entire CD (including "Captain Torres") that I ever want to hear again.