Customer Reviews

Room of Songs

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
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While I absolutely enjoy the music of Alejandro Escovedo, this CD is much the same as his previous releases, only with a different musician line up. Don't get me wrong, it is a great representation of him in concert along with his string quintet. I saw him in Milwaukee with this current quintet and it was a night that I won't soon forget due to his show. I'll simply never tire of his music. If you have been following this amazing artist for a while, you would be set if you owned Gravity. However, if you are new to this man's music, filled with raw emotions bleeding in the lyrics, then this CD is a definite must. I am looking forward to his new material that I have heard is coming out sometime soon through Back Porch Records. Good to have a healthy Alejandro back!

Those that now Al's music already know he's not just another Tex-Mex/folk/alt-country singer of dusty, smoky tales. His resume reaches deep into the past (his first band, The Nuns, opened for the Sex Pistols' last show) and spans such name-dropped outfits as the True Believers and Buick MacKane. His recent output, whether with the traditional rock band or his "orchestra" is some of his best, and despite serious illness he shows no signs of slowing down.
This release is a 2-CD job of Escovedo backed by his string quartet (more than the rock band, not quite as big as his touring orchestra) which is composed of Susan Voelz on violin, and Brian Standefer and Matt Fish on cello, along with guitarist David Pulkingham. As if the songs in their original format aren't enough to get yer motor runnin', the lush string arrangements here add color & depth to prove that Escovedo's talent runs deep.
As for value, that's where i'm not so sure. These are all well-traveled songs from the Escovedo catalog which fans have likely all heard before, only the arrangements make them different. And though there are 2 CDs, you're only getting 7 songs per disc, for a total of 14. So i'm sure the average fan would approve, but i can't say i'd start here if you've never heard the original source material. Though perhaps if you're the NPR-listening, latte-drinking, Volvo-driving type you might prefer this, as it does sand off some of the rougher edges.

These discs showcase a marvelous performance in what sounds like an intimate setting. I wish I could have been there. The only reason I'm giving it only four stars, is that I, personally prefer Alejandro's electric music and I heard he's toured with a kick-ass rock band. Regardless, I hope he keeps cranking them out.