Search - Alice Stuart :: All the Good Times

How Did It Happen...

A. Sacks | Portland, OR USA | 03/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...that the more theatrical, prententious brand of folk canary (ie-Judy Collins) became megastars while a musician like Stuart has remained a cult favorite at best for so long ? Ooops. Just answered my own question. There's a huge range of work on this CD. Old novelty tunes ("Seven Beers..."), blues ("Follow Me, Honey...") and traditional folk ("Seven Daffodils") that would be a mishmash in the hands of a lesser artist. All are unified beautifully by Stuart's no-nonsense delivery on voice and guitar (also banjo, on one track). She even penned a sarcastic little ode to the 1960s coffee house scene in "Beatnik." These tracks both epitomize and transcend that particular era, much like Terry Callier does on his older releases like *First Light*. For a fun and inspiring exercise, compare her version of "Follow Me, Honey" here with the older, even more masterful Alice Stuart on the *Can't Find No Heaven* CD."

Oldie but Goodie

lenbone | Seattle | 06/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Oh, Man - I like Alice Stuart. I like her phrasing, and the way she plays guitar. When I heard "All the Good Times," I was very pleasantly surprised! One can hear the differences in Alice's technique, and the changes in her voice that the years have wrought, but wow - this album holds up really well considering it's age. The recording values are first rate, the quality of Alice's musicianship and her vocals are too.I give this one a 4 out of 5 - but only because I had to leave a 5 for "Can't Find No Heaven." Get this one! ESPECIALLY if you're a Stuart fan."