Customer Reviews

Solo Acoustic 1 (Dig)

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

With nothing more than an acoustic guitar or piano, a quick wit and a voice that's aged like the finest wine, Jackson Browne comes off sounding as youthful and vigorous as he was in his earliest days. These songs are lyrical masterpieces, performed by a truly gifted singer/songwriter/musician.

The poetry of "These Days," "For a Dancer," "Fountain of Sorrow," and "Take It Easy" has yet to be surpassed, even 30 years later. It's just plain fun to hear acoustic renditions of "Lives in the Balance" and "Looking East" (you can ignore the brief, petty political commentary that proceeds them, if you wish). "For Everyman" still remains a lyrical masterwork; and "Your Bright Baby Blues," played in a bluesier fashion, becomes a rejuvenated work of art.

The only problem with this album, really, is that it only contains 12 songs; thankfully, this is SOLO ACOUSTIC VOL. 1; meaning, if there isn't a VOL. 2 in the works, then there are going to be some very disgruntled fans out there. Jackson Browne is a true artist; if you've heard any of his music, you know this. If you haven't, then do yourself a favor and buy this album; if you are a fan of music--whatever genre--you will not regret it.

Jackson Browne is one of the best songwriters of the past thirty years. His songs are topical, introspective and descriptive. On Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1, he lets those lyrics come to the center stage with just Mr. Browne and his acoustic guitar for accompaniment. Eschewing his biggest hits, the song selection focuses mainly on album tracks from his mid 70's albums For Everyman, Late For The Sky & The Pretender and his 90's albums. Mr. Browne's voice is still in great shape and his passionate readings of "For A Dancer", the superb "These Days", "Too Many Angels" & "Looking East" show off his storytelling skill. The two best tracks are an impassioned version of "Lives In The Balance" which takes on more resonance in these times and a brilliant version of "The Pretender". Hopefully there will be a Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2 and will be as worthwhile as this album.

I own every Jackson Browne cd that has been commercially released. With a substantial cd collection, he remains one of my favourite artists. He has however, outdone himself here. From "The Barricades of Heaven" (a song which is fair at best in its original, studio form on "Looking East" but terrific here) through "Take It Easy", Browne gives a scholar's lesson on songwriting and sparse arrangements. With the inclusion of "The Birds of St. Marks", the listener is treated to a gut-wrenching, soul-lifting 5 minutes of pure songwriting genius, apparently 30 years after it was written. That track alone is so good that it prompted me to write this, my first ever review of many great cds in my collection. I suppose it helps to be a Jackson Browne fan to begin with, so if you are, you should pick this up, you won't be disappointed - you should be elated. If you're not a fan yet and you like mellow music, you'll no doubt like this, but it's not necessarily the place I'd start into JB. For that I'd recommend any of "Saturate Before Using", "Late for the Sky" or "For Everyman".

From contemplative & poetic pieces of art such as The Barricades Of Heaven, Lives In The Balance or Too Many Angels, to feel good songs like Take It Easy, These Days and Bright Baby Blues (where he whips out the slide for a further demonstration of his guitar abilities - sounds like a steel guitar, track notes are sparse), the breadth of JB's personal talent (vocal, guitar, piano, songwriting) is highlighted in an effective way. Listen to how the nuances are nudged out of the original versions with a single instrument by way of a well placed chord (chord fragment) or harmony emphasis between vocal and instrumental melody - this guy is tuned in to the musical spheres. Some of the guitar arrangements are better than ever to my ears and expertly touch on every available smidgen of melody that can be wrung out of the original multi-instrument recordings. Jb's sense of timing is impeccable. I have rarely seen or heard a solo performance that does a better job of portraying the essence of a musician's vision in such a simple but beautiful way. We saw him live before the election with his full band and it was very fun (with Keb Mo and Bonnie Raitt).

This cd was a Christmas gift for my wife and she keeps it playing often around our house ... It has really grown on me, although I could see/hear that it was an excellent release from the first listen! I agree that more volumes will be greatly appreciated by fans since they contrast nicely with his usual rocky (and electric) sound. The sound quality is very clear and the production is intimate, he shares many funny thoughts between songs and gains a great rapport with the audience. Since we both love this one (that's what 5 stars means on Amazon), I can wholeheartedly say that this is a great pick, especially if you know the songs well! A gatefold case is provided, with few track notes and no lyrics unfortunately, but the classic Gibson guitar cases lined up make a fine inner centerfold picture for guitar lovers (now that's a collection!). About 70:45 minutes of calming, beautiful live classics lovingly presented for your enjoyment. Thanks JB for sharing so much (music and writing) with us for all of these years.

This is a brilliant album, and one of the best reasons I've had lately to continue buying CDs. It's a showcase of a performer at his peak, and ample justification of his now-legendary status.

I must first commend Jackson on his courage. Few major artistes are brave enough to expose themselves and their musicianship in a live, solo effort. There is no backing band, no backup vocalists, and no studio gimmickry to cover mistakes. It's just the performer and his audience. This has to be the toughest type of performance, and Jackson nails it.

Browne is a superb communicator, keeping his audience riveted to his music, and entertained between songs with his funny stories and off-handed quips. Browne gives his all to his audience, and the audience loves him back. The energy is palpable.

This CD has not left my changer since it first arrived. I've played it almost every day for the past month, and each time I find something new to enjoy. There are so many great tracks, that picking one song isn't easy, but my current favorite is Fountain of Sorrow, with its sensitive interweaving of romantic illusion and reality.

Having recently suffered bereavement, of special significance to me is, For a Dancer, a song about death. The words resonate with me as I consider the loved one I lost, and the inevitability of my own death, "...in the end there is one dance you'll do alone."

Browne's versatility on both piano and guitar is impressive. His piano work on tracks like Birds of St. Marks, Fountain of Sorrow, and For a Dancer is soulful and understated, while his playing on bottle-neck and regular guitar shows that even after thirty years, the brother still has his chops. While his voice betrays hints of the weathering of age, it exhibits a richness and depth of expression that often accompanies artistic maturity.

This magnificent set concludes with a rocking rendition of one of Browne's most popular songs, Take it Easy. Having grown up with the Eagles' recording of this classic, Browne's rendition is my new favorite.

My only criticism of this CD is the absence of liner notes. When and where did these performances take place, and what's the background to these songs? We'd certainly like to know. That aside, this CD was worth every penny, and I can't wait for Volume 2.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I traveled up Rt.95 to see Jackson Browne perform at the Pampano Beach Amphitheatre in South, Florida. The tickets read "an acoustic evening with Jackson Browne". Well the show turned out to be one of those perfect nights. It was a beautiful moonlit evening, without a drop of humidity in the air and just a touch of a breeze (a rarity in S. Florida).The stage was bare except for a line of propped up acoustic guitars and a standup piano. Jackson Browne came out to applause and went into his deep catalogue of songs both old and new. They ranged from the 'personal' ("These Days, "Fountain of Sorrow") to the 'political' ("To Many Angels", "Lives in the Balace"). We heard both the obscure ("The Rebel Jesus") to the hits ("For Everyman", "Take It Easy"). Between songs he easily joked with the audience about both his career and work. While Jackson played totally, stripped down versions of his songs, the people listened with rapt attention. No, loud 'Yahoos' here! You could hear a pin drop.The vocals were plaintive, the music beautiful. Now, why do I give a detailed description of this concert, when reviewing the new Jackson Browne CD, "Solo Acoustic Vol.1"? Well, this live, acoustic, CD is pretty faithful in both the mood, tone and content of what, that evening was like. Now, if I want to be reminded again, all I have to do is 'Push Play'....

Yes. Yes. Before you start thinking that your illustrious Metamorpho has gone TOO far over the edge with serious contemplation, I proffer you a relaxing, refective album (c.d) for your astute observation and consideration. Not that this is not serious - it is. But, it is Jackson Browne and, well, his vibe is a little diffrent than most singer-songwriters.

His vibe is vulnerability, loss, regret, and most certainly one who can not believe what has become of the world. He approches melancholy many times, but just before it becomes a weeping party, he saves it all with beauty somehow. Eloquent, Graceful. Jackson has the touch. The delicate knowledge of how to weave a tapestry out of our dreams and desires. This is his forte- after all.

It is an intimate recording. Recorded on tour. Clever asides and bantering to the audience. But, if there was any doubt to his talent, it is dismissed here with his exquisite compositions of just him, on piano or with guitar. Just him. And the results are heavenly. I am familiar with many of these tunes that he's done previously with a band. I can assure everyone out there that absolutely nothing is lost in this bare-bones format. In many ways - the music somehow becomes richer because all the energy is from him - and it is very, very special as you will hear.

Listening to these tunes - some 30 or so years on - seems like a relevation. What was good in the past always remains great - especially with an artist this good. He gives you a great cross-section of his earlier works here. "The Barricades of Heaven", "These Days", "Fountain of Sorrow", "For Everyman", "The Pretender". In fact - all gems. I, personally, am glad he included so much from his (I feel) masterpiece "Late for the Sky".

This is a soft, wonderful effort. One that isn't manic. One that doesn't hit you over the head with more energy than you can handle. No people, this is a nice, comfortable evening with an extraordinary artist that is intimate and satisfying. Light those candles. Recline. Relax. Yes! That's it! I see you now! Yeah.... hit play on that c.d. That's it. O.K. - you hear the beginning now? Good. Go with it. You deserve this experience. You really do. Anyone who debates that, have them come see your ol' Metamorpho. I will give them spiritual lessons (just make sure they have money to pay for my expert advice!).

For people who know Jackson Browne's material - this is a selfish guilty pleasure. For those who don't - what are you waiting for? One of the best singer-songwriters born out of the 70's - bar none. A wonderful evening well spent. Just so you know - these are not exactly folk tunes per se. Folk pop-craft may be more like it. And, Jackson conveys his everyman persona and his higher moral stance with so much grace. In many ways - his concerns parallel ours. This is the real strength in his writing.

In closing - if you want to familiarize yourself with a truly unique and relaxing musical experience - this gives you all that and then some! Get it soon! Metamorpho would not lead you down a path of false political promises. Oh no. I try to give the real deal - each and every time my people!
A nice choice.

My name is Metamorpho- and I approve this message! ;)

This recording, from one of the best songwriters on the planet, is like being in a small performance venue and having your own personal performance - up close and personal. With the original album/CD productions and perfections stripped away the songs take on an urgency that grips your heart and soul. This is Jackson Browne's music direct from him to you, with primarily his voice and an acoustic guitar. It is the power of simplicity and good songwriting that makes this recording great.

This is an excellent acoustic CD of some of Jackson Browne's early hit songs. He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who proves once again that he is a talented vocalist and musician. He plays the piano and acoustic guitar so effortlessly and with such feeling on this tracks. His songs have always had so much meaning. My favorite track is The Pretender. This is a great song is about how every person struggles to make a living. at some point in their lives. I also enjoyed the track Lives In the Balance. This song has very thoughtful and relevant lyrics, because we have so many American soldiers fighting in the middle east right now. This song always makes me think about all the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for their country in war.

I loved the track Take It Easy. Jackson's guitar playing is very upbeat on this song. You can hear the applause of the audience on here as he performed this song. It is definitely one of the highlights on this album. There is also a new song entitled The Birds Of St Marks on this CD. Jackson's piano playing is so solemn and beautiful on this song. For A Dancer is another gem on this album. Jackson's vocals and piano playing are very moving on this track. This song is a reminder to keep the passion alive in whatever we enjoy doing in life.

These Days is another standout song that Jackson strums so effortlessly on the acoustic guitar. This song is about how everyone tries to learn from their past mistakes. The Barricades Of Heaven is another classic song about being on your own and trying to make your way through life. Fountains of Sorrow is a beautiful song that Jackson performs on the piano. It is a song about when a friend can detect when we are really suffering. I really enjoyed listening to this CD, and I hope a second volume will be out soon.

i hate to call myself a "fan" for fear of being considered a blind follower of sorts; having said that, i have been a J.B. FAN (large font, bold and underlined) since i first heard "These Days" back in "the daze."
in reading several of the reviews here i was somewhat struck by the fact that a few reviewers found J.B.'s political commentary objectionable. having seen him in concert a precious few times in the Santa Barbara, CA area, i see it as very consistent with the man and his music that he give voice to his socio-political views. the sensitivity he has always given to his music (forgiving "Rosie," of course) would seem hollow if that were not a part of the musician himself. this fine album quite clearly gives us live performances and glimpses of what a J.B. concert is comprised of; i would find it objectionable if his views and personal involvement in the world community were not expressed in his between song connection to the audience as well as in the music itself. like many others, i await the eventual release of volume 23(no typo) ! ! !
bestests to all.