More Juber guitar music please!
Richardson | Sunny California USA | 08/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with the strangely negative review ..I say strange because the only real gripe the review has is that he or she wishes there was more than only 12 tracks...so why only 2 stars for an album they haven't listened to and want more of?
Well I am a happy owner and this is a beautiful CD. Being a guitarist I have admired Mr Juber for years but this is the kind of thing my girlfriend actually allows me to play because it features songs we all know and very interestingly arranged for solo guitar. This CD isn't a BEST OF as the other review claims but matches a book (that amazon.com sells) of all the arrangements and they aren't easy but worthwhile to try if you have been playing for a few years at least.
Back to the CD...the sound is very intimate and clear...and the arrangements are truly unique. God Only Knows rivals his great arrangement of Strawberry Fields from his classic LJ Plays The Beatles cd. The real gem for me is the almost classical arrangement of that beautiful ballad by Elvis Costello ALLISON.
If you are a guitarist I'd recommend this and the book , if you just love great music this is for you and if you always thought instrumental versions of pop songs are the domain of smooth Jazz ....give this a try and you will be hooked. I also recommend his treatment of Harold Arlen songs, One Wing and his most recent CD P.C.H. which may be my all time favorite Juber CD.
UPDATE: I need to answer a question swirling around the net...YES, this version of STAND BY ME on this cd ...is the one currently heard on the national DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER holiday televsion commercial...its a great arrangement!"
One of LJ's best albums
Gary M. Pereyo | Hamilton, VA | 03/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you enjoyed the arrangement of "Stand By Me" in a popular TV commercial, you will find this album terrific (that cut is from this album). This is one of the best albums I have heard from one of the premier guitar players alive today.
Besides "Stand By Me" there are amazing arrangements of "My Girl", "Every Breath You Take and "In My Life". All the songs on this CD are winners. If you like classic rock and guitar then this is a "must have" CD.
"
Another LJ Classic in the Making
TBop62 | West Hollywood, CA | 08/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not sure if the first reviewer was listening to the same CD I was, because I feel that "Pop Goes Guitar" is running a close second in the "Classics" department with "LJ Plays the Beatles."
The choice of tunes are, as always, first rate....and talk about romantic. On how many albums can you hear three of the most iconic and wonderful songs ever written (and Juber throws his entire being into these performances, as he always does) - God Only Knows; My Love, and In My Life?!
I love how this album "mixes it up" a bit (with a fresh new take on Elvis Costello's 'Alison') and every cut is a terrific surprise when you hear the Juber nuances.
I still honestly think that this man has 14 fingers and not 10.
GREAT album....you will not be disappointed.....and I'm always thrilled when one of these great tunes pops up on my iPod....sure to make your mood a little brighter.
Can't wait to hear what's next from Mr. Juber."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1