Search - Various Artists :: An Evening In Nivram

My FAVORITE "Comp" Cd!

09/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening strains of "Main Theme" to the very end, every song on this disc is a winner! I've been picking up more and more of these "Comp CDs"-- collections where every song is by a different band. And I've had a wonderful time discovering so many bands I might otherwise never have heard of (what a cool marketing gimmick). Some, like THE BOSS MARTIANS and THE AQUA VELVETS have impressed me to no end! Of them all, this has become my favorite collection. My faves include "Atlantis", "The Savage", and of course the album opener by THE OMEGA MEN-- 2 of whom, by the way, grace the cover (easy guess why I've seen them in live 7 times so far)."

Shadows are Go!

Jim | Tahlequah, OK | 10/05/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one worthy tribute album to a band whose lush instrumentals might otherwise have been relegated to elevator hell. Among my personal favorites are the Tiki Tones' cover of `Tomorrow's Cancelled', the Huntington Cad's `Gonzales', Satan's Pilgrims with `The Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt' and Teisco Del Rey's `Theme for Young Lovers'. I'm not so much into the lyrical numbers, but hey, that's just MHO. Much recommended! - Jim Winterbottom, Tahlequah, OK."

A Worthy Tribute.

peterfromkanata | Kanata, Ontario Canada | 03/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Shadows' fan for over 40 years, I have been aware of this CD for some time. I had resisted buying it. I asked myself why I would want other versions of "Apache" etc. when I can listen to the Shads' originals. What's that old James Bond film song--"Nobody Does It Better" ! When it comes to guitar instrumental music, for me at least, there are the Shadows--then the rest.However, this last year, I "discovered" the Aqua Velvets, the
Space Cossacks and other "nouveau" instrumental bands--liked what I heard--and became intrigued to find how they would handle the music of my favourite all-time group.This CD is very impressive--all of these artists demonstrate fine musicianship, and I'm sure that paying hommage to the Shads was a labour of love. It is interesting that, while we get excellent versions of big hits like "Apache" and "Man of Mystery", a number of the more obscure Shads tunes from EPs and LPs were selected as well. In many cases, there is no attempt to duplicate the Shads versions--these artists put their own "stamp" on them, which is commendable.My favourite tracks ? I would say--the Aqua Velvets' lovely "Atlantis", Jim Mankey's "Back Home" and the Space Cossacks' blistering "The Savage". All this music is good though, and the sound quality terrific.I also salute the very fine liner notes by the Space Cossacks' great lead guitarist, Ivan Pongracic, Jr. This guy really knows the Shadows' music--from one fan to another, good job Ivan !Last but not least, the notes include a poignant message of appreciation from the best rhythm guitarist any group ever had--Mr. Bruce Welch himself. He notes the irony that, while most of the artists on this disc are American, the USA was the only country on the planet where the Shads never caught on. Hopefully, he takes comfort that for five decades now, millions of people have enjoyed--and continue to enjoy--"Shadowmusic"--the Shads influence can never be over-estimated.A couple of years ago, I read an interview with Carlos Santana. He said that, when he was a small boy in Mexico, he heard a tune on the radio--it was the Shadows' "Apache". He was so enthralled that he immediately decided to get a guitar--any guitar--and learn how to play. The rest is history--Carlos is now a "living legend" himself !Bottom line--this CD is a wonderful tribute to a the world's premier instrumental combo. Well done !"