Search - Jim Galloway :: Music Is My Life

Music is My Life

Lulu | USA | 06/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow!!! What an excellent showcase of Jim Galloway's extraordinary talent! For those of us with an ear for (and a yearning to hear) "music from the heart," Jim is heavensent. This feel-good music is uplifting in every way. It's great for inspiration while I'm doing my artwork; or, sometimes I just kick back, relax, and delight in the dynamics of this great musician as he fluidly moves from playfully childlike to soulfully sensuous. (I just love the way he uses that sexy growl! R-r-r-r-r-r-r-owww!!!) I marvel over the velvety tones produced by his antique soprano sax made of silver. (Is it Jim or is it the sax? It's BOTH!!!) It's no accident that this amazing instrument ended up in the capable hands of Jim Galloway; he truly knows how to get the most out of it! Overall, I couldn't be happier with this awesome 2-CD set. Not only is Jim fantastic, but his accompanying musicians are soulful and incredibly talented as well. I love every single song, but some of my absolute favorites are: "Buddy Bolden's Blues" and "Lulu's Back in Town" ('cuz they're so damned sexy, who needs an aphrodesiac!!!), "Minor Drag" and "Thou Swell" (for their delightful energy), "Caribana Queen" (with it's happy Latin bounce), "Black Butterfly," "Just a Giggolo," "...Eyes for You," "...Highest Mountain," "Watch Over Me," and "...World on a String" ('cuz they make me slobber and melt), plus ALL of Jim's playfully creative duets with Humphrey Lyttleton. I also very much appreciate, and was deeply moved by, Dick Wellstood on piano in "Sunday Morning." Could I give this 6 stars, please? How about 10!?! :) Sincerely, Lulu."

Fine Soprano Sax

B. D. Tutt | London, UK. | 02/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jim Galloway is a great mainstream soprano saxophone player, and this 2 CD set provides a good overview of his skills. This release is made up of three LPs from the 1970s and 80s. The first ten tracks feature Galloway in a live trio setting with the great Dick Wellstood and an eminently forgettable drummer. Wellstood is in predictably brilliant form, and he and Galloway gel well on a range of standards. "Lulu's Back in Town" is given an unusual bluesy treatment, and "After You've Gone" goes from 3/4 time to a frenetic romp.The next ten tracks are from a fine quartet session with Jay McShann, a pianist who while not the equal of Wellstood provides excellent support. The final ten tracks are from a piano - less group with British trumpeter Humphrey Lyttlton, and are an attractive collection of Ellington - influenced Lyttlton originals.Sackville should be commended for this re-issue. It is a very enjoyable release which all fans of smallgroup mainstream jazz should appreciate."