Customer Reviews

Tribute to Jeff Porcaro

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

 

 

Those of us who miss Jeff will value this tribute by some of the best in the business It is at times poignant, at others reminiscent, but mostly inspirational.

The collaboration of Jeff's friends, family, influencers, mentors, and those that idolised him, is a true testament to the influence he had not only to the lives that he touched, but also to the music to which he contributed and in many cases made.

All the songs have been carefully chosen to reflect a particular taste or an era in his life. A fantastic remake of 'Lowdown' with Al Laboriel Jr on drums will certainly get you groovin'. Jimi Hendrix fans will appreciate this rendition of 'If Six Were Nine', and a classic Bernard Purdie, shuffling away to 'Babylon Sisters'.

But the best song on the album probably without a doubt would be "My Heart Wants to Know". This song, written by Dave Garfield and Friends, is a very emotional song in tribute to Jeff and reflects on the tragedy of him leaving us too soon. Those who know him or of him would most certainly shed a tear. I did!!

Do yourself a favour, add this one to your collection.

If you like this you will probably also like bothe Los Lobotomy albums and 'Tambu' by Toto

This cd is not new, and it will not receive the promotion it never received. It will never be a chart topper or hyper popular. Besides, I think the record company (Zebra) doesn't exist anymore, but...

I can tell you I picked it up immediately when it was released and that it is one of those cds I would never get rid of. The list of artists invited on this collection is impressive and too long to mention. Basically, you will find the most representative of "west coast", or "Californian" music, great jazzmen, all paying a homage to the great Jeff.

You will find more than one cover version and more than one instrumental here : Lowdown, E-minor shuffle (remake of S. Dan's "Black Friday"), Babylon sisters, and Let's stay together (remember that one ? you will also find that tune on a Tina Turner album, as well as on a sax player's called Bobby Militello), with M. McDonald on vocals, among others. You will also hear more aggressive tunes : If six was nine (very Hendrix-like), Stuffy (a high rythm Gospel tune), or Big Bone (already on the Lobotomys cd). Right in the middle you have a beautiful My heart wants to know...

This is a concept album, great for collectors, lovers of this type of music, and people who are interested in knowing more about one of the greatest drummers of the 20th Century (the booklet has lots of pictures and stories about J.P.). We all know things haven't been the same since he left. Not only for his band, Toto, but for music in general.

Finally, to complete the other reviewer's advice, check out an album called (Forever in the arms) of love, by a band called Karizma. It's hard to find but a ten star.

I love to listen to jazz music especially when I'm on the road. I haven't heard much of David Garfield until I bought this CD. What pushed me to grab this CD is the appearance of Eddie Van Halen on this album. I his big fan to be honest. After his long absence in the music scene, he is back as a session guitar player on one of the tracks. Other songs on this album were laced with Steve Lukather's trademark Toto-ish licks. For music lovers who love jazz music, this is your value-for-the-money and you-get-your-money's-worth CD.

The liner story is worth the price of the CD alone. Jeff Porcaro was a much sought after studio session drummer and his generosity with pro artists as well as those who were just putting together a homemade demo is pretty amazing, considering how in demand he was. But he really separated his studio and family life. The impressive lineup of musicians and artists such as David Pack from Ambrosia, Don Henley from the Eagles and Michael MacDonald from the Doobies/ Steely Dan just proves the heady arena that Jeff played in and the vacancy left by his untimely death is still very much felt by these artists as evidenced from their "sometimes over-the top" performances. He was the benchmark of drummers after Buddy Rich, in that he read, performed and comprehended musical notation. A statement about "Time and Groove" being what matters still echo in my ears. A well produced CD, even if not a Jeff Porcaro fan.

Enjoyed first few songs and then I found it impossible to listen to the rest. Very Disappointed.