Sacramento Salutes Dylan
D. Plentus | MA, USA | 06/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD was drawn from 2 Dylan tribute shows performed by Sacramento area musicians. Included are Sal Valentino, frontman of The Beau Brummels in the '60s and Stoneground in the '70s, with his first recordings in 25 years. Also featured is newcomer Jackie Greene & his band, who also serve as house band behind several of the performers. All the tracks are great, ranging from solo acoustic to scorching blues, the latter exemplified by my favorite track, Lonesome Day Blues by Mick Martin backed by the Greene band. The old adage says a live recording is great if it makes you wish you were there... this CD surely qualifies!"
Positively Excellent
drathgeb5545 | Carmichael, CA United States | 06/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are plenty of musical tributes to Bob Dylan out there, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one with more talent and energy than this one. Jackie Greene, Sal Valentino and company present a wonderful assortment of Dylan material, both acoustic and electric, and it's all recorded live! Who could ask for more? Especially fine are Jackie Greene's better-even-than-Dylan-himself renditions of "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and "All Along the Watchtower," Sal Valentino's masterful version of "Isis" and Mick Martin's scorching "Lonesome Day Blues." Add to that Sherman Baker's beautifully rendered "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You" and other fine vocals by Lew Fratis and Billy Harper, Jr., the best being Harper's version of "I Shall Be Released," and you've got one little gem of an album."