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A Gift
Barnes and Noble
A Gift
Current price: $16.99
Barnes and Noble
A Gift
Current price: $16.99
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For the second time in his career, Canadian
, or former
issues a
recording. The reason for the comment "former" in front of
is because here on
, his opening read of
would be more at home on a
or
record with a huge horn section and a string orchestra to match. The tune swings in beat fashion with only an upright piano and a pedal steel to remind the listener that
's supposed to be a
singer, though to be fair, his voice betrays this as well. The title cut brings us back to earth, however, and offers the listener renewed proof as to why
is one of the best
singers in the business. He's up there with
,
, and
. In fact, the title track is so moving it's almost worth the purchase price by itself. Other tracks don't fare so well.
just doesn't cut it, and it's not his fault; there are so many fine readings of this it's tough to find one that makes it in the big leagues. The bluesy, funky reading of
is original and fine, and the track
should never have been thought of, let alone recorded.
and
are gorgeous, though. So
is a mixed bag, but there are certainly cuts here for anyone's
compilation. ~ Thom Jurek