Customer Reviews

The Thao & Justin Power Sessions

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

 

 

Okay, I have to admit up front that I got this CD because I'm a Thao fan, but there's also lots of other good stuff by other fine artists, as well. THE LAMB, by John Tavener, POR UNA CABEZA, by Carlos Gardel and TURKISH WINE, by Norfolk and Western seem to take the best advantage of the Portland Cello's Project's many talents. If you're not feeling mellow after listening to these soothing sounds, then I can't help you. Of Thao's four offerings, TALLYMARKS is the most ambitious and scores the highest, as Thao has practically reworked it into a new song, altering the lyrics and overall mood. The other three selections of Thao's, BEAT (HEALTH LIFE & FIRE), VIOLET and GEOGRAPHY come across almost like concert versions in that Thao has become more comfortable with them after so many on-stage deliveries. The Portland Cello Project also seem to be comfortable working with Thao, as their sparse, yet integral accompaniement testifies. Even as I type, Thao and the Portland Cello Project are performing on tour together. Go and see them and then order your copy of their CD, if you do not already own it. (My only qualm is that they did not record more songs together.) P.S. The song TRAVEL is not Thao's song TRAVEL.

This was not a planned journey. Somehow I stumbled onto this magical train and before I could take a seat I was whisked into the land of mystical, classical, appalachian and haunting music. My jaw hurt from holding its dropped position for the duration of the ride. My hands hurt from white knuckling my seat arms. And my heart ached...yet was joyous. Until finally, the last song, the last note, faded off into the distance; and I was left standing at the station saying to no particular person "What just happened?" No response came. So I bought another ticket and boarded the Portland Cello Project Thao and Justin Power Sessions train again.

I found this group from a random selection on pandora. But even after hearing those selected tracks dozens of times, I was still enchanted. Very happy to have the cd. There is something powerful and elemental about this album. Give it a listen. You won't be sorry.