| Bulletproof |
| Reviews |
Review by Martin Bates
I haven't as yet heard the new bonus track 'Strong Woman' ,but I'd like to take this opportunity to urge
everyone to buy this terrific CD. -out from 15th April, I believe !
The quality of the songs is excellent, for one thing, and as we have come to expect they are delivered to a very
high standard. There are a number of songs - some of the best tracks in fact -performed with just piano & vocal
as we enjoyed so much in the debut CD, 'It's About Me' ,but where others have a fuller accompaniment,it suits
the song well.
Neverhteless,the standout feature of the recordings is the quality and range of the vocal performances,some
tracks alone featuring increadible range and control. One small critisism of the otherwise faultless 'Bulletproof'
track ,is a strange 'sound effect' used in the introduction (sounds like someone running their fingers along the
strings inside the piano...); it's not so noticable then, but the song concludes with the same sound & it rather
breaks the mood; although we then move into the humorous '455 Rocket', it could have been left out.
'Bulletproof' is a fine song & the control is in that the conviction & emotion builds throughout. The
aforementioned '455 Rocket' & 'Trouble' are both delivered with a deadpan humour. I could reel off the whole
track listing as outstanding in one way or another, -Louisiana Blue, Give Me Wings, a 'fun' romp through 'Paper
Moon' - there I go !! but personal favourites among many are 'Before I Go That Far' and 'Fade To Blue'. The
well known song 'Harper Valley PTA' is included....minus Jerry Kennedy's famous guitar part,the guitarist here is
in evidence,but fades away somewhat during the track; however it is the punchy vocal & keyboard work that
sells the story. MJ features this on stage occasionally & fans will appreciate a recording to savour. Of the bonus
tracks 'Good Ol Rebel' stands out; sung without instruments it is a striking performance & is a song that may
raise eyebrows ;no doubt recreating the sentiments of many years ago.
Two of MJ's earlier recordings - from the 'Loving Arms' sessions -are given a wider audiance, the cajun
'Te-Ni-Nee-Ni-Nu' and 'Pistol', a song I've always liked. Without the polished backing evident the rest of this CD.
it will still appeal I am sure.
All in all a super CD to add to any collection:
I think I've heard an angel singing....and it didn't sound like The Beach Boys :)))
I haven't as yet heard the new bonus track 'Strong Woman' ,but I'd like to take this opportunity to urge
everyone to buy this terrific CD. -out from 15th April, I believe !
The quality of the songs is excellent, for one thing, and as we have come to expect they are delivered to a very
high standard. There are a number of songs - some of the best tracks in fact -performed with just piano & vocal
as we enjoyed so much in the debut CD, 'It's About Me' ,but where others have a fuller accompaniment,it suits
the song well.
Neverhteless,the standout feature of the recordings is the quality and range of the vocal performances,some
tracks alone featuring increadible range and control. One small critisism of the otherwise faultless 'Bulletproof'
track ,is a strange 'sound effect' used in the introduction (sounds like someone running their fingers along the
strings inside the piano...); it's not so noticable then, but the song concludes with the same sound & it rather
breaks the mood; although we then move into the humorous '455 Rocket', it could have been left out.
'Bulletproof' is a fine song & the control is in that the conviction & emotion builds throughout. The
aforementioned '455 Rocket' & 'Trouble' are both delivered with a deadpan humour. I could reel off the whole
track listing as outstanding in one way or another, -Louisiana Blue, Give Me Wings, a 'fun' romp through 'Paper
Moon' - there I go !! but personal favourites among many are 'Before I Go That Far' and 'Fade To Blue'. The
well known song 'Harper Valley PTA' is included....minus Jerry Kennedy's famous guitar part,the guitarist here is
in evidence,but fades away somewhat during the track; however it is the punchy vocal & keyboard work that
sells the story. MJ features this on stage occasionally & fans will appreciate a recording to savour. Of the bonus
tracks 'Good Ol Rebel' stands out; sung without instruments it is a striking performance & is a song that may
raise eyebrows ;no doubt recreating the sentiments of many years ago.
Two of MJ's earlier recordings - from the 'Loving Arms' sessions -are given a wider audiance, the cajun
'Te-Ni-Nee-Ni-Nu' and 'Pistol', a song I've always liked. Without the polished backing evident the rest of this CD.
it will still appeal I am sure.
All in all a super CD to add to any collection:
I think I've heard an angel singing....and it didn't sound like The Beach Boys :)))
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