Most helpful customer reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Amazing, Nov 16 2003
I heard Lennie Gallant when he came to our school to performed and I loved it! I just had to get his CD. There is an honest quality to the songs he writes, something that's really "down to earth" and sincere. I especially liked the last song on this CD, though it is untitled. Other favorites include "Meet me at the oasis" and "pieces of you". GO GET THIS CD, I'M TELLING YOU!!!
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Recording From A Major Talent, Jun 22 2003
First of all, this is not the best live recording you will ever hear. It is spotty, the sound is not superior and the musicianship is not up to par (which is a surprise, considering that that is one of the band's strong points). I really miss Janet Munson, who is usually Gallant's main fiddle player. She gave the band a cool, crisp, electric sound that is missed here. Her replacement, Chris Church, though trying to do an admirable job, just doesn't cut it. His notes are high and off the mark on many an occasion. The usually fun, foot-tapping "The Open Window" (heard here done as the french "La Valse des Vagues") is very rushed and unsatisfying. Those are the only complaints.
On the positive side, Lennie Gallant is, always has been and will always be a superior songwriter. His picture painting portraits of life, love, loss and social concern are by far the best of any of his peers. Lennie Gallant is also a wonderful live artist. His live interpretations of his material are a joy to listen to.
Highlights heard here are the familiar "Which Way Does The River Run", "Peter's Dream", and "Part Of Me" from the first part of the CD. Three songs from his "Lifeline" CD including "The Band's Still Playing" (a great rocker) are thankfully included.
"Pieces Of You", a new song, is just fabulous and would have been a big hit if it had been released as a single. It's gentle sound and wistful sentiment are note perfect.
Gallant's crowning achievement though is still "Man Of Steel" and it's saved as the last listed track. The defiant, angry social comment on a big business decision still remains relevant today as it was when he wrote it 15 years ago. It's definitely a crowd pleaser.
Though Gallant only had one major label recording ("The Open Window" - on Sony, who foolishly let go of him), he seems to thrive best when he is independently creative. For years, there have been many who have known about the talent of Lennie Gallant and here's hoping that many more will discover this gentle, proud, brilliantly talented performer.
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