Customer Reviews

Viktor Krauss II

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

 

 

Viktor Krauss, on his second solo venture, II, approaches but just misses genius. Yes, He's got that full-bore, heartlandish, Americana vibe maximally geared up. Yes, he's recruited some of the more evocative vocalists on the recent musical landscape (Shawn Colvin, Ben Taylor, Lyle Lovett, and, especially Shweta Jheveri). But somehow it just doesn't quite come together.

What's the problem? Mainly, I think, the compositions, too simplistic and generic to vault the proceedings into epic territory. A too-precious production slickness also dooms greatness. What needs to happen, in my humble opinion, is that someone ought to come alongside Krauss and give him a creative kick in the butt, forcing him out of his comfort zone into precincts of genuine weirdness and mystery, not the comfortable aesthetic he too often defaults to.

Don't get me wrong; this disc is growing on me, and may, indeed, end up as one of my top recordings of 2007. But I don't think so. My first listen, confirmed by subsequent samplings, triggered a check in my musical aesthetic that I couldn't ignore, a slight feeling of being had.

I'm willing to consider that I'm being overly critical, even anal, and that if I could just loosen up, I'd get totally on board with a way-happening disc of major consequence.

But as much as I'd like to talk myself into such a stance, I just can't do it.

****1/2.

Victor Krauss has come into his own. No longer in the shadow of the great Bill Frisell. He has created two masterpieces, showing his true song writing abilites. Victor shows he understands music and has a diverse musical influence. The world is a richer place with the music of II. I will be first in line for III.

Viktor Krauss' sophomore release is a good listen. While it took some time, I eventually came to adore "Far from Enough." That first release sounded like a Bill Frisell album. With "II," Frisell plays a smaller role as Krauss develops his own sound. Indeed, while Viktor Krauss is known as a bass player, here he also steps out on guitar and keyboard. If you enjoyed "Far From Enough," this album offers instant gratification. In terms of the instrumental tracks, it is more of the same intelligent, Americana groove. Again, the group seldom goes for the jugular, rather the band plays around the periphery, avoiding power solos and catchy hooks. It's the sort of music that works well for active listening but easily blends into the background. Aside from less Frisell, the other change in this album is the inclusion of vocals. This album's predecessor featured a vocal track, while "II" features three. It's about two too many. Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is enjoyable. While all the vocal performances are okay, "II" would have been stronger without them. Some things are better off played and left unsaid. Aside from the vocals, the musical quality isn't as interesting as Krauss' freshman effort. While I cherish "Far from Enough," it sounded a bit like a watered down version of Bill Frisell album. "II" sounds a bit like a watered down version of "Far From Enough." Given that the compositions, arrangements and improvisation don't have the same power, it probably qualifies as a sophomore slump. While there aren't too many highs or lows, 'Eyes in the Heat' and 'Dudeman' may be the highlights. While "II" is worth the ride, newbies should acquire "Far From Enough" first.

Viktor Krauss' sophomore release is a good listen. While it took some time, I eventually came to adore "Far from Enough." That first release sounded like a Bill Frisell album. With "II," Frisell plays a smaller role as Krauss develops his own sound. Indeed, while Viktor Krauss is known as a bass player, here he also steps out on guitar and keyboard. If you enjoyed "Far From Enough," this album offers instant gratification. In terms of the instrumental tracks, it is more of the same intelligent, Americana groove. Again, the group seldom goes for the jugular, rather the band plays around the periphery, avoiding power solos and catchy hooks. It's the sort of music that works well for active listening but easily blends into the background. Aside from less Frisell, the other change in this album is the inclusion of vocals. This album's predecessor featured a vocal track, while "II" features three. It's about two too many. Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is enjoyable. While all the vocal performances are okay, "II" would have been stronger without them. Some things are better off played and left unsaid. Aside from the vocals, the musical quality isn't as interesting as Krauss' freshman effort. While I cherish "Far from Enough," it sounded a bit like a watered down version of Bill Frisell album. "II" sounds a bit like a watered down version of "Far From Enough." Given that the compositions, arrangements and improvisation don't have the same power, it probably qualifies as a sophomore slump. While there aren't too many highs or lows, 'Eyes in the Heat' and 'Dudeman' may be the highlights. While "II" is worth the ride, newbies should acquire "Far From Enough" first.

I'm not a professional music reviewer as some of the other folks on here sound like. I love this album- it has more depth than his first, but is catchy enough in its tunes to 'stick'. Played this all the time the first year I got it, and it still makes a regular showing in my CD player.

A classically trained bassist who's backed up artists as diverse as Jewel, Lyle Lovett, Carly Simon, and Elvis Costello, Viktor Krauss is one of those musician's musicians who's made a name for himself as a backdrop. Krauss is a truly ambient musician; the most distinctive thing about him is his indistinctiveness. Which is probably why his second album, II, feels so drizzly and deep blue. Krauss was apparently fascinated with movie soundtracks as a child, and it shows; this is a film noir of an album, a disembodied soundtrack, a piece of music that displays such a diversity of mood and genre that it feels cinematic. "Hop," with its hollow-eyed drums, inquisitive vibraphones, and plodding bassline, feels like the kind of music that would accompany a crime drama, while "Pinky Ring," what with its slinky Wurlitzer organ and grimy guitar licks, feels like a descent into a seedy gambling den. Indian singer Shweta Jhaveri makes a surprising appearance (or a dis-appearance, rather) on several tracks; the sparkling acoustic guitar meanderings of "Eyes in the Heat" and "Ecotone" provide the perfect camouflage for her diaphanous, wordless vocals. Jhaveri isn't the only one to make an appearance here -- Lyle Lovett provides the brokenhearted vocals for "(I Could Have Been Your) Best Friend," Shawn Colvin gives a meditative interpretation of "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," and Ben Taylor makes a cameo on "When She's Dancing," a song he co-wrote with Krauss. II is a thoroughly atmospheric album, but that isn't to say that Krauss is any less potent on his sophomore effort; his influence, though subtle, is palpable throughout, as if he were a source of heat.

To: Viktor Krauss
From: Winslow Bunny
Subject: Apology

Viktor: If I have ever, ever, in any way, shape or form denigrated, belittled, given faint praise, or in any other way diminshed your talents verbally, non-verbally or with uncomplimentary gestures, I completely, sincerely and profusely apologize. I don't think I have so - I don't recall doing so. Just in case, though . . . After your first album, which I enjoyed, I felt that perhaps there was a bit more of Jerry Douglas in your album than Viktor Krauss; not that there's anything wrong with that, as Jerry is an excellent musician, but I didn't feel that I got to hear a lot of your talent in the CD. You completely and absolutely took care of that in your album "II". If the first song, "Hop," didn't completely and absolutely grab me (it did, by the way), the second song, "No Time Like The Past" finished me off, convincingly. Add in the catchy rhythm and tune of "Dudeman", the instrumentals backing up the talents of Lyle Lovett and Shawn Colvin, and you've got a terrific album. Viktor, you've done yourself proud with an A+ album.
P.S. I know something about hopping, too, and your song captured the right spirit in that. Could it be that you got your inspiration for that song from your back yard? Maybe, maybe not . . .

We got this CD for our granddaughter, who plays classical guitar and this particular CD was on her Christmas "wish list". She was estatic when she opened her gift!! And it is a great selection - I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it with our granddaughter. ** We got the order in just a few days and well before Christmas. I would highly recommend your services because of the speed and efficiency, and you kept me posted by e-mail of the progress of the anticipated delivery date. Thank you for making a granddaughter "very" happy this Christmas!