Search - Jimmie Spheeris :: Spheeris

Response to "Buy it while you can.....!"

Bill Hallquist | Minneapolis/St. Paul | 07/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Laura Swenson's comments are pretty much on the mark regarding "Head Honchos" and "bean-counter" types in the industry. In fairness to those individuals, they simply have little choice but to be that way if they want to survive/compete in the music business. It's tough, ruthless and bottom-line driven.Luckily, in Spheeris' case, the "Head Honcho" at Rain Records is a former band member of Jimmie's and his primary goal is the preservation of Jimmie's music. Luckily for Rain, the K-tel "Head Honcho" is equally as devoted to that goal and has pledged his company's support in distributing Rain's releases nationally to music retailers. In addition, the man behind "jimmiespheeris.com" has launched a personal crusade on behalf of this artist, that is both remarkable and admirable. The story behind the re-issue of Jimmie's music is as fascinating as Jimmie's personal story. For that, you should visit jimmiespheeris.com.I encourage everyone who appreciates music for its inherent beauty, and not (necessarily) it's commercial value, to look into the music of Jimmie Spheeris and other artists that have not achieved "success" as determined by units shipped/sold/,$s earned. If you like what you hear, support them by buying their albums. And, most importantly, sharing your enthusiasm for them with your friends and family."

Buy it while you can......!

Laura Swenson | Colorado, USA | 07/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's face it, those "Head Honchos" in the musicindustry waste no time thinking or listening. If they did either,albums by Spheeris (and too many other artists to mention here) wouldn't be so hard to come by. I suggest you whip out the plastic and scoop this album up before its run is exhausted and some bean-counter decides not to re-issue it...ever. I was so impressed with this artist that I ordered back-up CDs of everything by him I could get, out of fear that one of my dogs would eat a copy or a friend would "borrow" one. This is multi-textured, thoughtful and intelligent music that is FAR from dull. It sounds like a fusion of Clapton, Windham Hill and (vintage) King Crimson. (I know that sounds impossible, but darn it, it's the best I could come up with.) There are many levels to listen to, and weaving all though them is Jimmie's voice; one of the most evocative and rich set of pipes you will ever hear. This is music to enjoy. It does not have limits like: "good for driving in the car, but not for working" or "good for hanging out and relaxing, but not for parties". A bonus: You can crank it and not worry that foul language, poor grammar and a stupidly pounding bass line will insult your intelligence and cause early hearing loss. Enjoy!"

Very lively for a posthumous release

R. Kyle | USA | 11/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a longtime fan of Spheeris and eagerly awaited this CD after Johnny Pierce played "Three in Venice" on a local radio station remote. Got to say, this was the only CD in the Spheeris collection that was initially a disappointment. Read initially....



This CD was the last Spheeris was working on before his untimely death in 1984. These selectiosn are Jimmie's attempt to move into the 1980s. Still, he keeps his integrity and honesty to the listeners. When I first heard the arrangements, I thought---no, but still....I had to listen again.



You can almost hear the rain in "Three in Venice." So much of Spheeris' music clearly evokes a time, place, or feeling.



Snatch this CD up. You may not give it a 5 star rating on the first listen, but I promise you will be listening again and again."