Search - Vince Gill :: These Days (Dig) (Slip)

Wailin' In A Big Way-Funky, Rockin' Balladeer

prisrob | New EnglandUSA | 10/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Part of me thinks this has a chance to really break down some barriers, a chance to really go places that maybe I've never gotten to before," Gill says of the 43-track set, which includes collaborations with Sheryl Crow, jazz singer/pianist Diana Krall and the Everly Brothers' Phil Everly. "At the same time, my fear is that people will say, 'You know, 11 songs would've been just plenty.: interview with Vince Gill.



But 11 songs wouldn't have been just plenty. "These Days" has the makings of a landmark album. It also traces the musical history of one of country music's most versatile artists. These CD's all started with a call from Eric Clapton. He invited Vince Gill to play at one of his concerts-he said "I want the best guitar players, I know". Vince was deeply touched. He was at a point in his life when he was not sure which direction to turn- this invite gave him a new direction. This began a year of writing, gathering the best musicians, singing and pickin' the songs and putting this 4 CD together. Would 11 songs be best? No, how to choose which songs and how to put them together. The answers came slowly but surely, A 4 CD set was the answer, Never been done before and may never be done again, but it was the chance of a lifetime. 43 all new songs written and sung by Vince Gill and some of his best friends.



In the end the 4 sets of discs came together more easily than anyone thought.



The first disc known as the "Rockin' Record- Workin" On A Big Chill" and loud guitar, This set contains ten songs that all rock- Several duets- Rodney Crowell and "Nothin' For A Broken Heart" my favorite of disc one, but all are fast guitar playin', stompin and had clappin set.



Disc Two: The Reason Why-The Groovy Record

These are thirteen ballads and contain the most duets with women, Lee Ann Rimes Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Alsion Krauss and my favorite song of the entire set with Diana krall "Faint of Heart"- such a lovely, romantic set.



Disc Three: Some Things Never Get Old-The Country & Western Record

Eleven of the best country songs you have heard. Favorite alert again- a duet with Emmylou's Harris called "Some Things Never Get Old" and a secret between us. Vince changed the lyrics of the song to include "Blueberry Wine". This was the first song he heard Emmylou sing when he was a 16 or 17 year old. It changed the course of his life- He decided right then and there that he wanted to sing country like Emmylou.



Disc Four:-Little Brother- The Acoustic Record

Ten self explanatory songs- lots of music and real songs from the heart. One of them with his daughter, Jenny Gill, called "A River Like You".



"In making this set-The sessions quickly took on an air of something special. "The session players, they wouldn't go out and get coffee after a take," notes former NRBQ guitarist Al Anderson, who played on the album and co-wrote 13 of its songs with Gill. "They'd come in (to the studio's control room) and listen really intently to what was going down on Vince's record. Guests play a key role in These Days, not only for their musical contributions but for their relationships to Gill and his career. Rodney Crowell used to play in a band with Gill; Emmylou Harris was one of his early supporters. Guy Clark, who joins Gill for These Days' final track, Almost Home, headlined the first gig Gill played when he moved to Los Angeles in the mid-'70s. Some of the folks I've known for 30 years," Gill says. "We've gone through this big circle, and we're looking at it 30 years later. And a handful of people are new relationships. Diana Krall, LeAnn Rimes, Sheryl Crow -- quite a few folks that I had never recorded with, so they're new friends." USA Today



"Listening to Gill talk about "These Days" and his respect for the Opry might make one consider if the concept of "These Days" borrows a bit from a successful page in the proverbial Grand Ole Opry handbook. The page which might read something like, "Occasionally showcase musical styles that don't walk an absolutely straight and narrow country/bluegrass line, but be sure to remain true to your musical heritage." Gill says, "I love that this record is going to cover so many musical bases and is diverse as it is. Yet it is equally eloquently pointed to the country and bluegrass music I revere." Grand Ole Opry



This 4 set CD is unlike anything else I have heard and it is marvelous. An eclectic mix of every kind of music- something for everyone and everyone will love this. 43 songs and each one so special in its own way. There are bound to be favorites and I have picked mine. Vince Gill has opened the door for his friends and fans. We have something special here. This is a set of 4 CD's so highly recommended. prisrob 10-19-06

"

This review will not be helpful!

John A. Gregorio | Castalian Springs, TN | 10/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everything good about this great collection is listed below. I just want to add another five stars to a ten star collection. When Vince announced this collection at the Bluegrass at the Ryman series, this summer, I thought I know I will like the country and acoustic disc, but I was not sure about the others. I figured they would be ok. Wrong! Vince could probably, I hope not, do hip-hop and make it sound good."

Vince Gill's InVINCEable masterwork!!

Troy Snuffer | fredericksburg, va United States | 10/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 4 CD set is Vince Gill at his best! 43 brand new songs on one collection with a list of guest artists that would astound anyone! 4 distinct styles of music bundled neatly into what will easily become his finest work to date! Already a favorite among critics and fans alike, this compilation shows that Vince can still be that triple threat in music: singer, songwriter, and musician.



There are too many songs that truly stand out to name them all here. CD#1 known as "The Rockin' Record" features up-tempo music and proves that Vince is not just a balladeer. Filled with great guitar solos and crisp clean vocals it is sure to please the ears and get the feet tapping to some good old country soul (and blues). "Love's Standin", which I believe is set to be the second single, is very remnicent of Vince in the early 90's. More importantly this CD stretches his artistic wings to a style that fits Vince perfectly and leaves the listener with a smile.



CD#2 known as "The Groovy Record" features the first single, "The Reason Why", a smooth beautiful ballad like only Vince can do with a touch of old-time piano to add the heart and soul of the song. Also featured on this section is one of Vince's finest songs to date, "Everything and Nothing". This song will move you with his high tenor voice soaring the melody to where only Vince can take it! "What You Give Away" is another powerful song backed by a choir that will amaze you at what Vince has been able to accomplish on this record.



CD#3, "The Country and Western Record" is all about country music at its finest. It's honky tonk, it's country swing-- everything country music has been about for the last 40 years. You'll feel like you took a step back in time while at the same time having a fresh modern sound. In fact, you have to wonder how Vince could have written this record along with the more contemporary sounds of the previous disks. "Sweet Little Corrina" really stands out on this set.



Finally, CD#4, "The Acoustic Record" features Vince's acoustic and bluegrass side. From moving ballads to rowdy up-tempo numbers, this set has been a long-time coming for Vince Gill. With everything from gospel to love gone bad, many fans will be happy to finally get a CD of this nature. As mentioned earlier, there are just too many songs that stand out to mention them all by name.



Whatever your style, whatever your interests, this newest work has it all! And it's top rate, top quality! You won't find a more complete collection by another artist that is capable of being so satisfying and original. If you've ever liked Vince Gill, These Days is for you. He is an artist at the top of his form. It's hard for words to really describe what 43 stand-out songs on one collection sounds like(no fillers on these CDs). And all this for such a reasonable price! You won't be dissapointed. If anything, you'll fall in love with Vince all over again!"