Customer Reviews

Southscape

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

 

 

Having been a long time fan of Sea Level, I eagerly looked forward to this release....and it does not disappoint on any level...no pun intended, well maybe just a little. And I was greatly pleased to see Randall Bramlett make an appearance on 4 tracks....Randall is a gem.....as are all the players (including Larry Carlton) on this fine CD. This is warm southern jazz/rock that Chuck does so well....with tasty playing thruout (especially a fine sax solo from Tim Reis on "Ashley")...I feel right at home on Chuck's bayou...enjoying his southern landscapes....this is good stuff. All tracks-outstanding!

This is an interesting diversion for Leavell. Best known for his work with the Allman Brothers Band and The Rolling Stones this is quite a departure. I saw Chuck sit in with the ABB in MA this past summer and his contribution and interpay with the band was great. On Southscape Chuck surrounds himself with a very fluid rhythm section and flourishes are added by guitarist Larry Carlton and multi-instrumentalist and fellow southern star, Randall Bramblett. A really good, interesting effort. Jazz with a southern flavor? A good listen - relaxing and well thought out. Nice in the background on the patio or deck.
4****

I have been a long-time of Leavell's work and have enjoyed his solo work,his band Sea Level, and all his work with the Allmans and Stones. No better session player exists. Chuck can find the perfect lick to take an artist's song to new heights. He is flawless as a session man.

There are many gems to pick from in Leavell's repetoire and certainly Sea Level is at the top of my Leavell ladder. Southscape is one album I came to belatedly. Not sure why I had not listened to it by now. in Southscape, Chuck nails his target of musical sophistication, sense of groove, melodic themes, and generally funky rock and roll. I highly recommend this album.

To top it all off, Chuck is a fine family man, businessman, farmer, and environmental advocate. Leavell graces the music industry and honors his Bama Jama roots.

Buy Southscape. You will not be disappointed.

I'm a huge fan of Chuck Leavell's, but I found this album a bit lacking. I much prefer Sea Level and the lovely Forever Blue. Not saying it's not a great CD, just not my favorite. It seems to me to be a little cliched and tries just a little too hard. Perhaps Mr. Leavell intended to create a 'Southern Suite' and that's how it should be listened to.

Again just my opinion, but I thought Southscape was not nearly as melodic and well, charming as some of Mr. Leavell's other work. Still good patio music, and still better than lots of other music around, but Sea Level and Forever Blue get a lot more play than this one.

I have been a huge fan of Chuck Leavell's piano playing from his work with the Allman Borthers, Sea Level, Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, and his first solo album Forever Blue. Forever Blue was a solo piano record where as Southscape is with supporting musicians (drums, bass, and sax). The feel is pretty laid back and jazzy. Allman Brothers fans (and piano players) will really appreciate the cover of Jessica where Chuck does the melody/harmony lines usually played by guitar and takes nice extended solos. Most of the other songs are top notch but at times it can sound a little too "new age" (which some may not enjoy as much). Chuck's playing is very melodic and always super tasteful without being too flashy or self-indulgent. While most musicians (and especially keyboard players know who Chuck is), it is a shame that he is not more well known by the masses. Anyone who appreciates great piano playing and likes their rock with a bit of a country, jazzy feel will certainly enjoy this album!

This CD is so boring. I'm terribly dissapointed I bought it. I was expecting some jamming music and instead got slow dreamy instrumentalism that I don't like at all. If that picture of Chuck Leavell doing some wierd kum-bah-ya meditation stuff had been on the front cover instead of inside the package I would have been tipped off before spending any money. I can't imagine what this has to do with the South that I grew up in.