bmccosar

At the beginning of all things, there is promise, there is potential.

Jamendo began in January of 2005. I liked the site immediately -- and it has only gotten better as it has matured.

This album is clear evidence of that. Yvalain and Friends: a network, a grand collaboration of artists. Music only made possible by this site; music only made *available* because of this site.

As someone who likes jazz, blues, progressive rock, and "old school" melodic / harmonic music, I've so often been disappointed by commercial music ... "the music industry." Exactly so: it is now like a factory, churning out generic, disposable products.

In contrast, this album is hand crafted, a work of artisanship.

As I listened to this album, I felt so many things. I can trace the ancestry of the songs, I can hear the fine thread of tradition and shared vision that was woven into them. But at the same time, I hear that this is something *new*. I feel like I'm hearing a radio broadcast from the world I wish I could have lived in.

I always said that I wanted my own music to inspire others. I have to congratulate all of you who made this album: you have inspired me. I know it was a lot of work, and there were probably a lot of obstacles to overcome -- but it was clearly worth it.

At the beginning of things, there is promise and potential. As time goes on, though, there is maturity, accomplishment, and reward. All three are here. Jamendo has grown up, and this is part of the first great harvest.

This is easily one of my favorite Jamendo albums, which brings up a few interesting issues for me. I generally only review and download full albums, not EPs . . . Well, that looks like it might be a bad idea, because I would have missed this one!

The first track, "What Can We Do", actually makes me rather sad. It makes me think of a world long past . . . the guitar reminds me of Clapton, the vocals remind me of the first time I heard Flora Purim with Return to Forever, sending chills down my spine in the same, good way. Even the steel guitar brings back memories.

"Peaceful Guy" is also a powerhouse. Franck certainly took the opportunity to burn, burn, burn on his guitar solo. However, it's the spirit of the song -- rowdy, bluesy, and not about to go away peacefully.

The feel is bluesy and soulful. I would really like to hear an entire album with this lineup -- apparently it's coming, and I'm looking forward to it. This album makes me long for the days of soul jazz, classic R&B, and bluesy rock & roll.

I've enjoyed listening to this album several times now. I like all the different directions the music moves in -- as I said in my headline above, it's very creative.

Some listeners might be put off by the tape hiss. I completely ignored this for my review. In a way it takes me back to growing up in the 70s -- well before digital audio -- when just about every cassette tape I had [--cass..what?!] sounded like this ... especially vintage recordings. And don't get me started on old vinyl ;-)

I admire the honesty of this recording, and if I could wish for one thing from the artist, it would be more full albums on Jamendo like this one.

This is some high quality music. I'm trying to place the sound ... the vocals remind me of Suzie Hug from the Katydids, the music reminds me of late era 'Til Tuesday (about the time of "Everything's Different Now"). Excellent guitar work, crystal clear when it needs to be, well balanced within the compositions. My highest regards, and I hope to hear more of you on Jamendo soon!

Yvalain, you are one of the best new artists I've found on Jamendo. I do not often give reviews. My family is busy moving to Virginia, right now, and my personal time is very limited.

However, when I find someone who's music is really new and worthwhile, I feel I have to say something. Like you, I came to Jamendo because I didn't feel there was really a place out there for "non commercial" music. I was surprised at the reception, and incredibly grateful.

But moreover -- here I've found the type of music I've always been looking for. Odd thing is, I never can explain just what that is, until I hear it. I don't go by genre. I go for "something new and different."

Your guitar and bass work is awesome, and I hope to learn a bit from it by studying some of your compositions.

(J'aurais dû savoir que la belle minette88 est déjà ici. J'ai appris à faire confiance à ses recommandations immédiatement :D Si vous lisez ceci, je vous remercions de votre travail aussi.)