Philip R. from CASA GRANDE, AZ Reviewed on 4/15/2011...
I've played guitar for many years, so like many, I'm in awe of Kaki's six-string skills. But jaw-dropping fretwork is not what I think about when I think about this album. This is music first, guitar work second. And what brilliant, beautiful music it is.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
IGNORE WHAT THE REVIEW BELOW THIS ONE SAYS...
Danny T. | LA, CA, USA | 06/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's really simple. As an accomplished acoustic guitar player myself, I can speak from relative experience that this album is nothing short of the most astonishing SOLO INSTRUMENTAL ACOUSTIC GUITAR recordings of the last 20 years. Kaki's techniques, although not necessarily groundbreaking, are very virtuosic and disciplined, to say the least. Give her a break...she's 23, and she self-produced her first album. I give her props on that basis alone.To the point: if you enjoy Michael Hedges, Alex DeGrassi, Preston Reed, Billy McLaughlin, Pierre Bensusan, and any other acoustic guitar virtuoso that fits this bill, BUY THIS ALBUM. I own more guitar-based albums than any other type in my 1000+ album music collection, and very few of these guitar albums BLEW ME AWAY within the first 20 seconds of listening (Michael Hedges did that to me). I knew instantly that this was a genius artist, and was so thrilled that finally a woman (a very young woman) has entered this male-dominated genre with such presence, confidence and grace.Kudos to Kaki!Now buy this album."
It's OK, but give me a break
Rich | 11/10/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Obviously no one in these reviews has ever heard of Preston Reed. Kaki sure has as most of her music is a straight "lift". I do like her song Carmine Street as that sounds original. Please listen to the true master of tapping and the "over the top" technique , Prston Reed, before you crown her queen."
Well done, great performance
Macneil Shonle | Woburn, MA United States | 04/22/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to the tracks of Everbody Loves You it's hard to believe the sounds King can get out of a single guitar. Virtually all of the tracks are instrumental (with the exception of a bonus track of King playing around). The melody and bass lines are well woven with the percussion King provides and gives you something that will stick in your head for a long time. If a great storyteller could only communicate by playing and smacking a guitar, this is what it would sound like.If half stars were possible I'd give this album a 4.5 stars rating because it runs on the short side and some of the tracks could have been longer. King's performance really must be seen to be believed, and, fortunately, the CD contains a quicktime movie that you can play on your computer to get an idea of her unique picking style (and her somewhat odd sense of humor). If you like acoustic guitar you cannot go wrong by adding this unique album to your collection. I haven't heard anything so well balanced between folk and rock since Steve Howe's solo album Natural Timbre."
Yet another rave
Rich | Columbus, OH United States | 10/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not unlike many other converts to her music, I first heard of Kaki King when she was opening act for one of a diverse number performers with whom she has been touring. In my case, she opened up for Victor Wooten. The audience was ready for FUNK! And here comes this diminutive player with hippie clothes. My first reaction was probably echoed by many: "Not another folksy singer-songwriter." This impression was shattered after a few seconds of this virtuoso's playing; many a jaw dropped when witnessing this master at work. The only better acoustic guitar performance I have had the pleasure to witness was when DiMeola, De Lucia, and McLaughlin toured together in the early 90's. As wonderful as this CD is, you will still be amazed when you see her perform live. Get this CD!"
A must have.....
M. Ostman | Dallas, Texas United States | 06/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just saw Kaki King at the Bonnaroo festival in TN the weekend of the 13th. I had never actually heard any of her songs before the show and went on only having read about her music. I must say that I was completly blown away right from the start. ... her technique isn't exactly groundbreaking, but she does it so well, with so much dicipline ... that it is nothing short of amazing. The first person I thought about was Michael Hedges upon hearing her play. I can't wait to see the direction she goes in the future...especially since she is only 23!!"