Coolin' Soup

Michael Parks

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 14, 1998)
• Original Release Date: December 14, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Listen Recordings
• ASIN: B00005AUIR
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #142,985 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Born April 24, 1940, in Corona, California, Michael Parks performed in coffee houses and small theatrical productions, coming to the notice of actor-director Dick Powell. He began to appear in many of the producer's shows along with Jack Palance, James Arness, Bette Davis, George C. Scott and other well-known Hollywood actors.

After starring in movies such as Bus Riley's Back in Town (1965) he was offered the leading role in a two-hour NBC movie, Then Came Bronson, which became a weekly television series.

During this time (1970) Parks began to record on the MGM label. Writing about Long Lonesome Highway, his second album, Billboard magazine said, "Now comes Michael Parks! With his first album still riding high on the charts and a Top 20 single...he's proving he's going to be around for quite a while."

Indeed, this new album gives proof to the prophecy. Coolin' Soup is pure Parks. Michael WANTED to perform every song on this CD. The truth is in the hearing.

Product Description
Coolin’ Soup is a superb blend of jazz, blues, and country, backed by some of the finest jazz musicians in the country. Featuring seventeen tracks by songwriters as diverse as Johnny Cash, Lerner and Loewe, Hoagy Carmichael and even Michael Parks himself, the album contains more than an hour of that special Michael Parks style of music.

This music was created by musicians who were there in the studio with Michael. No one "sent in" their performance. This isn't a collection of samples, overdubs, and engineering special effects. It's real music made by people who didn't need printed scores or machines to make music. It's exactly what Michael wanted it to be. So listen to the complex simplicity. Simplicity, because the music is immediately accessible; complex, because after repeated listenings, the music and performances still invite further investigation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When will they release "old" Michael Parks albums?, August 26, 2001

By	"williepk" (Kenosha, WI USA) - See all my reviews

I couldn't wait to receive Michael Parks' new CD. I immediately played it and loved it. I have been a fan of Michael Parks since his Then Came Bronson series. I think I enjoyed his laid back way of singing as much as the show itself. I have 3 of his album releases (yeah, I do remember albums). His newest CD was a treat. A little different in that it has a definate jazz "flavor" to it, but no less entertaining and pleasing to the ears than his earlier works. I enjoyed the CD immensely. Now to my question...when will they be releasing Michael's earlier works on CD. I guess I'll have to get a CD "burner" to record my albums.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good to have him back, February 7, 2004

By	ivar torgrimson (Omaha, NE United States) - See all my reviews

I had collected all his previous stuff on vinyl and wore out the grooves listening to them. I then searched the used record stores for copies in better condition and wore those out. I have been hoping they will re-release the stuff on CD. One day I decided to put his name in a google search and discovered this wonderful collection of jazz and blues. But the best part of the album is Michael's wonderful down home voice. It's good to have him back and I hope he continues to record.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Songs, April 4, 2004

By	Eric Bost (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

If you liked Long Lonesome Highway you will enjoy Coolin' Soup. This is heartfelt music that makes you smile and cry at the same time. If you are looking for a slick production that sounds like it was engineered for the American Idol crowd, then this CD is NOT for you.

Michael's voice is not that of a young man, but his song selections match his vocal ability beautifully. If you want music with depth and humor, then buy this CD.