American River

Jonathan Elias (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 24, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0002QO4G8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,249 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

An involving work that blends reflective instrumentals with a handful of spoken-word essays, American River is an affecting ode to the historical and spiritual undercurrents that flow through America's waterways, and an artful lament that beseeches politicos and corporate chiefs to treat rivers with greater kindness. Released in the same year as Green Day's American Idiot, the Grammy nominee is a gentler manifesto that offers up a similarly persuasive call to reason, directed at those who influence the fate of our rivers.

Pianist/composer Jonathan Elias, with credits in film, television, and advertising, articulates this message as effectively in his 10 instrumentals as in his spoken-word tracks, which feature Johnny Cash (in one of his final studio appearances), Kris Kristofferson, and others. The disc's main co-star, though, is violinist Charlie Bisharat, whose flavorful playing adds crucial texture and richness to each piece. Elias's compositions effectively capture the varied moods of water's movement: the sparkling, pensive, ultimately free-flowing dynamics of "At the Edge" or the vibrant midsummer runoff of "The Great Divide." Yet the key virtue of his music is its ability to blend intelligence and heart, conveying both a modern-art sheen and organic earthiness. The effect brings to mind Philip Glass, Pat Metheny in his As Falls Wichita... period, or Loreena McKennitt if she were to try her hand at Americana. It makes for worthwhile listening, just to discover what's around the next bend. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sensational and inspiring, August 31, 2004

By	great oldies - See all my reviews

Like his last masterpiece "The Prayer Cycle", Jonathan Elias has successfully inspired thoughtful minds with his moving music and his companions' profound words on "American River". This cd is a refreshing break from the superficial pop music we're constantly inundated with. He's created a great compilation of soft tracks and sweet words as this album satisfies the classical lovers' soul and the wandering heart. The music suggests a long transformation down the river of our history to the end where we find rebirth and renewal. What's also amazing about this album is that he's collaborated with such great artists, including the last ever recordings of Johnny Cash. I recommend this cd to all- for inspiration or mere enjoyment. When you get this cd, check out number 3 and 8. Top tracks for sure.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyment at every turn, July 27, 2008

By	K. Avery "Astoria Tech" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bought this after I saw a Valspar commercial and tracked down the composer. Always loved Thomas Newman and just had to have this. Sounds alot like Newman's works and its very laid back for any occasion.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You won't believe your ears, August 31, 2004

By	ChordCollector - See all my reviews

"American River" shows us how spoken words can be as powerful and moving as those that are sung. In his new album, Jonathan Elias matches his hauntingly beautiful melodies with spoken messages from some of music's legendary artists. My absolute favorite has to be "Continuance," which Elias collaborated on with the late Johnny Cash and his daughter, Roseanne. When I first heard it, I got a knot in my stomach from hearing Cash and his daughter speak about their struggles of fitting into the American society. The rest of the album certainly delivers as well as "Continuance" did... other featured guests include Kris Kristofferson and Emmylou Harris. "American River" is the perfect album to wind down to... the amazingly composed pieces of Elias will surely soothe and refresh anyone who listens to it.