Search - Fred Simon :: Usually/ Always

Phenomenal, classic album for all time!

S. A. Felton | southern OR USA | 09/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! I think this is the first or second time I've ever been the

first one to review an item, and strangely enough, this is a relatively

old album. I first heard about it when I bought the 1989 collection

of Windham Hill. Each year this label would put out a collection of

what I assume they considered the "greatest hits" of the prior year,

which was a great way to see what their artists had put out, and

if a listener liked some of the tracks, he/she could get the albums.

The title song from "Usually/Always" was featured on the aforementioned

album. I have a tendency to play a song over and over, or a part of a

song over and over, and I certainly played this song countless times,

especially the last minute, when it concludes with the only, yet

beautiful vocals on the album. It is a classic song, a song you could put

on right now (I did yesterday), and it would still sound incredible, not

at all dated!



Eventually I did get the album "Usually/Always," and I was

simply blown away - every one of the tracks is as good as the

title song. The album has an interesting affect on me - the

first song rocks, but not overdone, and then there are beautiful

ballads, songs that are just right for a person inclined to

mystical, introspective moods, but whatever the effect, the

listener feels moved and uplifted throughout.



I can't recommend this CD highly enough. I see that Mr. Simon

more recently put out an album with Paul McCandless and Steve Rodby,

and I hope it lives up to the timeless "Usually/Always!""

Simon is a Brillant Musician and Song Writer

Jack L. Bishop | Mobile, AL | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the late 80's this is one of a very few select albums of this genre I would listen other than rock and prog rock. I have Mr. Simon to thank for greatly increasing my love for "Music". Now I love all types of music and this Album is a brilliant work of art. Every song on it is wonderful. The production and sound quality is second to none. I have all of Fred Simon's albums and can't wait for his next release. He now records for the Naim Label in the UK."