Customer Reviews

Tell the Truth

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In his four decades in the music business, guitarist Phil Upchurch has established himself as an extremely versatile player. First making his mark as a session player for the legendary Chess label in his hometown of Chicago, he also penned the instrumental hit "You Can't Sit Down" which later became a huge hit for the Philly vocal group The Dovells. He also played on George Benson's classics "Breezin'", and "In Flight". In recent years he's released albums on Ben Sidran's Go Jazz label, but his latest album for the Evidence label is one of his best. Combining tasteful, well chosen covers with original tunes, Upchurch sounds very relaxed and home on "Tell The Truth". The best cuts on the album are "Jack Of Speed", "Take Five", "Manhattan", "Long Gone Bird" and the title track. One of the best jazz albums of 2001, and one not to be missed.

Didn't even know this outstanding Jazz Guitar CD was out until I heard the super version of Take Five on local Jazz radio KUAZ! Immediately ran out and picked up the CD, laid back, and took it all in! This is 75:55 seconds of some cool, relaxing, yet exciting quartet action! Kudos to Mr. Upchurch and his awesome backing band, great stuff!!!! Do yourself a favor, pick it up, you'll be glad you did.......

Phil Upchurch is a Chicago native who was heavily influenced by the fertile Chicago Blues scene. In much of his playing you can hear the Blues, but he takes it beyond the traditional 12 bars and three chords. This a very Good Jazz CD. I loved it from the moment I listened to it. Lately mmost cds have 12 or more songs but only about three to four songs are worth listening to. However, all 13 songs on this CD are great. Mr. Upchurch and the other members of the band sound great together and they all do some good improversation. While Phil is considered a Blues guitarist by many he shows why the lines between blues and Jazz can be easily blurred. After listening to this CD I could see why Mr.Upchurch was sought after as a session guitarist by Whitney Houston, George Benson, Michael jackson, Grover Washington Jr., Bobby "Blue" Bland, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Carmen McCrae, Marvin Gaye, and the list goes on. I highly recommend this CD it will appeal to Jazz, Blues, and R&B lovers. Don't delay order your copy now.

Phil Upchurch has got to be one of the most amazing artists to ever lay his hands on a guitar. If you don't believe it, then you simply MUST listen to this cd. It will knock your socks off!

Every song on this cd reveals a unique style and/or experience. This collection flows perfectly from one song to the next! Some of the song titles are familiar standards but have fresh arrangements. Phil's legendary guitar style is multi-dimenional. David Arnay's accompaniment on the piano adds an awesome depth.

Upchurch has played with some of the brightest names in the music industry. Seldom seeking the spotlight for himself, his music has helped many other artists shine. This time it is Upchurch who takes center stage on every track. Anyone who enjoys listening to guitar or plays the guitar will be in music heaven! It doesn't get any finer than this!

In the Tell the truth by Upchurch I especially like Misty and La Costa... There is also the wonderfully done, Girl Talk its so hard to really pick a favorite on this masterpiece,when all of them are so good, not forgetting of course Jack of Speed and Home Again this is a wonderful CD and I think Grammy is written all over it. Its about time!