Jim Cohen's new CD

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

Because I write for music magazines people send me their stuff. Some of it's great, but a lot is mediocre. Without wanting to offend anyone, many of the new albums I hear from steel players bore me to tears. The same material is rehashed infinitum. As Gary Brandin (who plays great pedal and non-pedal steel) said, "They all think they're gonna do the definitve version of Sleepwalk."

Well, along comes "Home James", Jim Cohen's new CD of 60s covers and I find I can't stop listening to it. Jim's take on these British invasion-era clasics offer fresh arrangements, terrific steel playing and an appreciation of these songs as good melodies and vehicles for improv and/or interesting arrangements. No bebop here, just easy listening in the "good" sense. Easy listening too often has prejorative connotations; not here. Forumite Mike Ihde also contributes some great solos and back-up and some killer graphic design. Congrats Jimbeaux, this CD is completely acceptable!

Don Walters · From: Saskatchewan Canada

I couldn't agree more ... with all you say.

Good stuff "James" !!

Larry Bell · From: Englewood, Florida

I agree with you guys. Jim has a wonderful combination of talents.

He chooses great tunes. (I may be a bit prejudiced since we are about the same age and grew up listening to and playing Beatles, Stones, Hollies, etc.)

He chooses great collaborators. (Alex DePue is one of my favorite musicians -- he is also on Frank Rogers' new CD -- and Mike Ihde and the others made this project more than an instrumental steel guitar album. It's GREAT MUSIC. Mike also did a great job with the cover art.

Jim also has a great ear for an arrangement and we all know he's an excellent steel guitarist.

Great album for driving down the road.

Thanks Jim.

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

Andy, Don and Larry,
Many thanks for the nice reviews of my newest baby. And you guys are right, a lot of the success of the recording is in choosing tunes with great melodies and in picking the right collaborators. Between Dan Kleiman and Alex DePue, how can you go wrong? And, as for melodies, they must be great or how would they have stayed with me for so many years?

Thanks again, guyz.
J'beaux

Fred Justice · From: Mesa, Arizona

Jim, I to enjoyed your new CD, fine playing and song selection buddy.

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Fred Justice,
Justice Custom Cases & Cabinets,
Fred's Music, www.fredjusticemusic.com

Mike Shefrin · Posted 18 Oct 2006 7:49 pm

What is great about Jim's playing is his diversity. He can sit down and play great
jazz and then turn right around and play an arrangement of a pop or rock tune with taste and intelligence. I admire that rare ability in any player. Keep up the good work, Jim!

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

I agree with Mike on this.

Jim hears each song in it's correct context,
and can shift gears easily to make it work.
In the same way that, dare I say it, Chalker did.
Pop as pop is, jazz as jazz is,
and selecting songs for the quality,
and not worrying about a stylistic niche.

He does this music live too at a high level.

Not at all suprised it's a fine cd,
I have I think all his others,
and now this is on my list.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 18 October 2006 at 09:32 PM.]

Donna Dodd · From: Acworth, Georgia, USA

Each piece captivates me in its own way - a unique ensemble of tunes, graphics, and talent make up Jim's latest project!! Brilliant packaging!

And my copy is signed!!!!

frank rogers · From: usa

GREAT STUFF, as always from Jimbeaux!

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

I just got Jim's new CD in hand,
and put it in the truck for a short drive.

Like being transported back several decades!
But with some unusual updates on the arrangments,
and several jazz like quotes from other songs
of the period in interesting places. I liked that.

Jim, very nice work, as is your habit,
and from the whole group. Jai's tone is getting sweeter.

I didn't have time to listen to the whole thing,
but heard most of it. And expect nothing lesser
from the rest of the album.

The cover art is hysterical!
That trip to Drogheda got you in UK mode I guess.

Oh yeah Chacha gives it 'Two Thumbs Up'.
"I like this a lot, very nice music, soft."
"This your friend? He's good!"
She even knew several of the songs,
it got her singing along no less.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 11 November 2006 at 10:37 AM.]

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