Review: Justapicker's CD

Subject: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 06:51 PM

Hi fellow 'Catters.
I just finished listening (for the 7th time) to our own Justapicker's CD - Justapicker & Friends, Vol. 1.
Michael Kaye ought to change his Mudcat handle to "Justahelluvapicker."
Every track on this 14 track collection is a beauty.
From Buckdancer's Choice all the way through Nazareth Pilgrim Blues, he mixes traditional tunes with covers with his own tunes.
And if you like Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Libba Cotton, John Hurt, with a little Chet, you'll love this CD.
The picking is clean and clear and best of all - extremely tasteful; no fancy hot licks just for the sake of throwing them into the mix, although there are a few hot licks here indeed.Bye Bye Bluebell (Merle Travis version) would make ol' Merle proud, and Anytime with Joanne Shaw on vocals and Rick Fielding on mandolin & Dobro makes me hit the "Repeat" button.
Shades - Michael's own composition makes me think of a Beatles' tune, expertly fingerpicked. It's not the Beatles, but it has that great Lennon/McCartney feel to it.
Joanne Shaw is a great singer and she does a magnificent job on Dylan's Don't Think Twice, with Justapicker playing guitar, piano, harmonica and anything else he found lying around the studio - a fine piece.
Rick Fielding manages to keep up quite well with Michael and Joanne. *G*
One small complaint that I have is this: I think a couple of the pieces are too short. You no sooner get into them, and are bopping along, enjoying the music and Michael's expertise when ...they're over.
You find yourself thinking: Boy I wish that one could go on a bit longer.
I wholeheartedly recommend this CD to any beginning or advanced guitar players, in fact, to anybody who enjoys virtuoso performances of any kind.
You can pm Justapicker here at the Mudcat.


Seamus

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: GUEST,TTCM
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 06:54 PM

I found most of it rather dull

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Sorcha
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 07:00 PM

Oh, I didn't!! You're just a PartyPooper, TCCM. Sad to see that you are back. I thought Mrs. JP was a singer too, and wondered why she doesn't want to be on the CD.

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: radriano
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 07:45 PM

It stands to reason that not every one will like every genre of music. What's boring to one person might be exciting to another. Where reviews are concerned I feel that it is better to refrain from commenting if you don't care for the album. While everyone is entitled to their opinion a negative comment can result in someone deciding not to purchase or even listen to a recording. Justapicker produced this album himself, I believe, which means that he footed the bill himself. Let's give his recording every chance to be a success.

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 08:36 PM

I enjoyed it and I guess a measure of enjoyment is that you put it on to play it again. On that, it passes well with me...

The direction of the music is not quite what I'd normally be listening to but to have a change of listening once in a while is quite healthy and this CD contains some very nice playing and singing.

I'm glad I bought a copy.

Jon Freeman

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 10:06 PM

Right on, Seamus! And remember something, TTCM, he is donating a percentage of each one sold to the Mudcat. You get great music, and help the Mudcat.

On a professional level, I must agree with the review. It focuses on exactly the right areas and the evaluations are right there. It is a piece of work that Justa should feel very proud of. I have played it for folks in the Michigan Musical Community to very good reviews.

Great job, JP!

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Max
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 10:28 PM

Doc Watson, MJH, Leo Kottke, who? Damn. I hate him of course. This guy's just too good. If you dig fingerpicking, get this CD. JustaPicker aint just a picker. Where'd he learn that shit anyway?

If I were asked to review this CD, just like the 2 or 3 a month I get without asking, I'd give it my highest rating. This is what I dig, and it's done with class, precision and passion. Thank you JustaPicker for sending it on over! Keep pickin and keep on sending it my way. A rare addition to my collection, thank you.

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Giac
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 10:40 PM

Well, I just love it. I've had it for several weeks now and I still play it every day, just because it makes me grin. Tasty stuff.

Thanks again, Michael -- and cohorts.

Mary

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 12:27 AM

My thoughts egg-xactlee, Giac! Esp. Nazareth Pilgrim Blues! That alone needs to be heard, a LOT!

I love my copy!


#1Chippie!:-)

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Steve-o
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 06:15 PM

Aaahhhh....I've been hunting for this thread for a few days- thanks for starting it, Seamus. I agree totally that the album deserves high, high praise. (From the Review): "The picking is clean and clear and best of all - extremely tasteful; no fancy hot licks just for the sake of throwing them into the mix, although there are a few hot licks here indeed."- Yessir, yessir! I would also like to add that Michael deserves kudos for his selection of pieces to play.....every one a Grade AA! And this guy's an amateur, folks.... he does it only because he loves it. My kinda guy! If you don't have a copy you better see if they're still available, cause this is mighty fine stuff.

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Genie
Date: 11 Oct 02 - 10:53 PM

I'll put it on my wish list for my Secret Santa. Way to go, JP!

Genie

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Marion
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 04:08 PM

What's a chippie?

Marion

Subject: RE: Review: Justapicker's CD
From: Mudlark
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 10:11 PM

It's a wonderful album, and totally professional...and just great music. It's rare to find something that is so accessible yet so inspiring, even after multiple playings. It's the one I put on every morning, along with that first cup of coffee, to get me ready for the day.