Search - Jesse Winchester :: Live from Mountain Stage

Jesse Solo is Jesse's Best -- Which is Very Good!

J. Winokur | Denver, CO USA | 12/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though I understand Amazon's cautious advice on this album, which differs from other Winchester albums, customer-reviewer Rob Smyth has it exactly right, I think. The greatest strengths of Jesse Winchester's many wonderful facets are his understated, subtle lyrics, and the exquisitely graceful courtly manner (and persona) with which he conveys touching sentiments. His voice itself (and even the moments when his expressive breathing is audible) is sweet and warm, with its shifts in intonation, set against his spare but always interesting and tasty gut-string guitar work. Before this year, I had never fully heard these lovely subtleties, because arrangements on his other albums -- while pleasing in their own way -- seem always to overshadow the man himself, and the little gems he composes. I happened to hear his concert in Boulder from the tour here presented, entering with modest expectations and leaving overwhelmed by the experience, and aglow with appreciation for this extraordinary gentleman. As in the concert, this album puts Jesse himself out front, simply on his own, and the result easily transcends his other recorded work. His lyrics are probably the highlight of his songs (this from a listener who usually listens first and foremost to music, often at the expense of lyrics). Without other instruments crowding in, the lyrics have the space and time to unfold in the patient pace best for savoring the superb craftsmanship -- a pace we have perhaps forgotten in the rush of modern life. This CD has not left my CD player since it arrived a few weeks ago!"

Like Having Him Play in Your Home

BB | NY United States | 03/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen Jesse play solo numerous times in small venues going back to 1975 in Montreal. This recording is just how it is. His sweet understated vocals and minimalist guitar playing just captivate and keep you focused on his every word. If you're a fan but never got to see him in a small club, buy this CD and you'll know exactly what its like. If you never heard of him, buy his studio albums first and then give this a try."

The Heart of Music

Tom | Austin, TX | 01/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jesse has been a part of my life since the early 70's. I bought his first album based on a story in Rolling Stone and immediately became a big fan! For all of these years I have played and sung "Brand New Tennessee Waltz", Defying Gravity and Biloxi. Inevitably when I sing them for someone who hasn't heard them before, they comment on how good the song is and ask if I wrote it. I reluctantly fess up that it is Jesse's and of course they have never heard of him. What a shame that some of the greatest artists never receive the recognition that they deserve.
This album is what music is all about. Great melodic songs and great lyrics with nothing else to get in the way. Yes, I liked his studio stuff with a band also but this just gets in your body and mind in a way that those didn't. The only negative is that it should have been a two CD recording with more of the songs from his first three albums, which I feel are his best."