This
album is both a fantastic introduction to and an efficient
overview of Harrison’s early career as part of the Fab Four and
as a budding solo artist.
As
others have pointed out, yes, the Beatles songs included on this
record are available on several Beatles collections. However, this
is the only place you’ll find many if not all of Harrison’s
Beatles compositions by themselves in one place, and there is
nowhere better to have them than on his first greatest hits
compilation.
First
of all, the seven Beatles tunes here are quintessential George
Harrison songs, written and performed by him with backup by his
fellow Beatles. Second, their inclusion facilitates a true
appreciation of Harrison’s artistic evolution from writing and
performing his songs with the Beatles to writing and performing
his songs with his own band.
What
sets Harrison apart from the other Beatles and makes him unique as
a singer-songwriter are his folksy, soul-searching compositions
and his humble, earnest vocals.
As
a guitarist, Harrison is very underrated and underappreciated, and
aside from a couple of guitar parts played by other Beatles and
Harrison’s friend Eric Clapton, the album is flush with
Harrison’s intricate lead and rhythm guitar work.
The
record also shows Harrison’s transition from a skillful and
creative rock guitarist with the Beatles to slide guitar virtuoso,
whose tight, soulful solos reinforce his melodies without being
flashy or over the top.
Album
highlights include Harrison Beatle classics “Something,” “Here
Comes the Sun,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
(featuring Clapton on lead guitar) and early solo hits “My Sweet
Lord,” “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth),” and “What
Is Life.” Interestingly, “Here Comes the Sun” sounds more
like Harrison’s later solo work on his own Dark Horse record
label.
This
is an excellent showcase of Harrison’s formative years,
especially his metamorphosis from Quiet Beatle to enigmatic solo
superstar.
--Raj
Manoharan
She
was a mother, alright.
So
long and farewell to one of the most famous and beloved television
matriarchs of all time.
Here
she comes, Frank!
--Raj
Manoharan
Pleasant
vocals and authentic ethnic instrumentation bring this CD of sacred
Sikh music – “Gurbani Kurtan” – to blissful fruition.
In
addition to Prabhu Nam Kaur's fine voice, masterful harmonium
playing, and original compositions, the album features the talents of
Snatam Kaur as composer, Amar Khalsa on flute and vocals, Arjan
Khalsa on guitar and mandolin, Hargobind Singh Khalsa on tabla,
Ramdass Khalsa on bass, clarinet, nylon string guitar, keyboards,
shaker, and vocals, Sahib Amar Khalsa on viola and vocals, Nalini
Teresa Marie on udu, and Jasprit Singh on sitar.
This
recording provides a cathartic experience for those interested in
calming, meditative, exotic new age music.
--Raj
Manoharan
Peggy
Morgan was one half of the Hawaiian-based instrumental music duo
Acoustic Ocean, two of whose albums I had the privilege of reviewing
on this site.
Morgan
may no longer be with us in body, but she will always be with us in
spirit through the music she touched others with through her
recordings, and through the love she gave to her family, friends, and
loved ones such as her musical partner Bette Phelan.
I
have hope and faith that she's at peace now, making sweet, beautiful,
eternal music.
www.rememberingpeggymorgan.com
--Raj
Manoharan
This
is not your typical, meditative, transcendental, new age album. In
fact, it is far from it.
Composer,
guitarist, and singer Harnam follows in the hallowed tradition of the
best singer-songwriters from the 1970s. Like many of the
country/folk/pop/rock fusion pioneers of that era, Harnam's music is
timeless. However, he does one-up many of those six-stringers with
his ambidextrous talents on 8-string, 12-string, and baritone
acoustic guitars.
Harnam's
easy listening melodies and natural, unassuming vocals make this
record accessible to anyone who likes good singing and songwriting
regardless of worldview.
Harnam
also layers his appealing sound with rich instrumentation from Chris
Erbacher on banjo and pedal steel, James Henry on percussion, Charity
Kahn on piano, Siri Kartar on banjo and pedal steel, Paul Lamb on
electric bass, Daryn Rover on acoustic and electric guitars, Simrit
on background vocals, Suzy Thompson on fiddle, Benjy Wertheimer on
esraj, Tim White on bamboo flute, and Jake Wood on drums.
This
is a fine album whether you're seeking philosophical solace, good
music, or both.
--Raj
Manoharan
