Search - James Keelaghan :: Road

Road
James Keelaghan
Road
Genre: Folk
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

The problem with Road comes down to one thing: the soprano saxophone. James Keelaghan has a gentle voice that melds nicely with his equally soothing songs. His songwriting is competent, if unexceptional, and while his song...  more »

     

CD Details

All Artists: James Keelaghan
Title: Road
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Release Date: 4/1/2008
Genre: Folk
Style: Traditional Folk
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 779513991029

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The problem with Road comes down to one thing: the soprano saxophone. James Keelaghan has a gentle voice that melds nicely with his equally soothing songs. His songwriting is competent, if unexceptional, and while his songs aren't particularly punchy, he doesn't lack for melodies. On songs like "Who Dies?" (the answer, in case you're wondering, is "everyone") and Ewan MacColl's pro-union Luddite-tinged anthem "My Old Man," Keelaghan is a convincing folkie. But then that saxophone reappears, and all that pleasantness becomes magnified. Before you know it, a song about life on the road ("Love What a Road") is suddenly transformed into a forgettable lite-rock ride in the minivan of life. The difference between sweetness and saccharine is a narrow one for Keelaghan. The arrangements on Road provide sugar substitutes. --Percy Keegan

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CD Reviews

Road is a deeply felt beauty of an Album
02/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is heartfelt and beautiful. I learned about Keelagen after hearing his song Cold Missouri Waters played by Cry Cry Cry. I thought, is this the saddest song ever? Come to find out he tops it with an ever sadder song "Captain Torres" on the album Road. "Captain Torres" is a story of the untimely death of young sailors. Bring your hankies! He really has a knack for capturing emotional moments. Check out the songs "Ring" and "Your Secret" for stories of lost love. And "Mirabeau Bridge" and "Pillow" for sweet love songs. "Mirabeau Bridge" is really a treasure and should be a standard for country/folkies. Keelagen has created a touching work full of emotion and substance. I disagree with the Amazon review on the saxophone parts, I think it adds a modern edge,starkness and the emotion that one on the "Road" would feel; loneliness."
What A Road!
Lisa Shields | USA | 12/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I caught this amazing artist in concert this past spring, and was impressed enough to purchase three of his titles---My Skies, In A Recent Future, and of course, Road. While the first two titles yielded some wonderful music, including Turn of the Wheel, 13 Crosses, and Kiri's Piano, Road is exceptional. In this CD we experience a smooth mix of style and sensual detail that makes each cut a luscious surprise. Keelaghan has emerged in Road at the top of his game. His style yields a little bit of a country yes...but mixes with jazz in a truly unique wedding of sounds and textures. Road itself is a sweet cut, that manages to combine the singer's deftness at story telling, reminiscent of Harry Chapin at his best, with stunning tight lyrics and a lovely tune that leaves you wanting more... And more is delivered...consistant and tasty, each cut takes the listener on a journey. Mirabeau Bridge is subtle and sexy, and will leave you singing the refrain after one listen... Your Secret is bittersweet...but lovely...Pillow is a sort of love song lullabye that grabs the ear and heart in equal measure. While not widely known to the American market, Keelaghan has the stuff of the Big Boys...if you are dipping your toe in the market known as "Folk", and were to pick just one CD to give you a taste of what this genre means today, by all means---Choose Road... What a talent...What a cd...what a rush..."