Customer Reviews

Somewhere Else

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I happened across a link about this young man and his album. I would have been willing to accept a "loving hands at home" album. The articles all cited him as a child prodigy and - cynic that I am - I thought, "well, that's sweet." THIS KID WAS A RARE TALENT. Listening to the choices, the taste, experiencing the complete MUSICAL effect (totally divorced from knowing the source of the album) makes it unimaginable that he is gone from us. THIS IS MUSIC TO LIVE WITH. I'm so glad he was able to hang in there long enough to hear the finished result. I have thousands of albums. About 15 of them get to be in constant rotation in my life. NOW I HAVE ONE MORE. Listen. Buy it. Enjoy it endlessly!

Somewhere Else is more than just an amazing album -- it is a labor of love that features Killian Mansfield, a 16 year old ukelele whiz from upstate New York, accompanied by high profile musicians like Levon Helm, Dr. John, John Sebastian, Laurel Masse and others. The result is a fantastic mix of playful, serious, jazzy, funky cuts -- all with a uke spin. They're all great, but the title cut, "Somewhere Else" is superb. And Killian's rendition of Prince's "Kiss" (vocals and uke interpretation) is wonderful. More important than all that, the album fulfills Killian's dream to raise money so that children battling cancer can receive integrative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, aroma therapy, etc. Tragically Killian lost his own battle just a week after the album came out.

Somewhere Else is a blend of all the music I love. Killian Mansfield has managed to pull together disparate people with completely different styles, to make an album that hums with excitement, wit and joy. You'll be bopping long after the last song. Bravo. Hats & Eyeglasses: A Memoir

We just listened to this album for SIX HOURS on the way home from our vacation, and we're still walking around the house humming the tunes. Killian was a master talent, and the love and devotion he had for this project shows through on every track. The selections are offbeat, infectiously quirky at times, and very enjoyable to listen to. Killian has taken the ukulele to dizzying new heights of coolness and has left his mark on every track. It is a pleasure to listen to over and over again. Each playing reveals something new in the layers of background singers and music. And it contains some of the happiest blues songs I've ever heard. I want to share this album with everyone I know......and everyone I don't know. Killian, you have made yourself immortal. We will enjoy your voice and your music forever. And your message will come through loud and clear always. EVERYONE needs this album in their lives.

This music comes from the souls of many--not least Killian himself. His spirit is an inspiration and I'm happy that his last work will continue to bring his message of hope to us all. I'm grateful to all the musicians who supported his vision and gave us all this gift of remembrance.

This little gem is sylish, hip, warm and whimsical. For those of us who've had the honor of knowing Killian, his music will be there to help us remember what a magical young man he is. All others, get ready for a treat because this collection will serve to introduce you to a truly genuine talent. Thanks Killian and Ralph for this most precious of gifts

The album grows and and grows on you like all good music. Every listening brings something new and exciting. The songs convey such a joyful spirit of life that I just want to keep listening and listening. Great players from all around the music scene following the lead of a young maestro determined to get his inspirational message out. It's very, very cool. Listen and enjoy!

It won't take you long to find yourself tapping your foot to the music contained on this disc. This is a complete blend of musical talent that has something for everyone. Thank you Killian for pulling all of this together.
Peace and Love to you.
Stephen Crawford
Olivebridge, NY

Killian Mansfield assembled an incredible group of internationally renown artists for this, the final creation of his multi-talented life. The spirit with which he plays ukulele is matched by the boundless talents of all who contributed to this album. It is playful, soulful, and beautiful.
He established a foundation to help other children experience alternative treatment to cancer with this album, a fitting last entry into the astonishing gifts he gave.

This is an amazing collection of truly great music sure to please people with many different tastes and interests. There's so many different people on it, it's fun to pick the artists out in each song. You'll listen over and over again!