=========================== COMPACT DISC REVIEWS =========================== REVIEW of Jim Horn's "A Tribute to John Denver" From: Rick Capone I haven't enjoyed an instrumental CD/album of John's songs this much since Lee Holdridge's album. Each song is crafted with a special touch -- an alto sax on some songs, a flute on others. Keyboards and guitar strings are sprinkled throughout, making this a beautiful, relaxing and very enjoyable instrumental tribute to John's music. The 12 songs on this album are: "The Eagle and The Hawk," "Sunshine On My Shoulders," "Poems, Prayers and Promises," "Annie's Song," "Leaving on a Jet Plane/Goodbye Again," "Fly Away," "My Sweet Lady," "Follow Me," "Rhymes and Reasons," "Country Roads," "Whispering Jesse," and "Calypso." All of the songs are gems, but a few stand out even more than the rest to me. One of my favorite songs on the CD is "Poems, Prayers and Promises." Jim Horn says on the notes on the CD liner that "Hunter Lee's solo on "Poems, Prayers and Promises" adds heart and soul to a beautiful melody." And that is exactly what it is. A beautifully done version of one of John's best songs. Two other standout songs on the CD are "Calypso" and "Country Roads." "Calypso" was one of my favorite songs to play," Horn says in the notes for the CD. "John would turn around and give me a big smile when he heard me emulating the sounds of the ocean and the seagulls. That was our way of communicating on stage." "Calypso" is the final song on the CD and it is a perfect way to end this great collection of songs. And, just when you thought there was no new way to hear "Country Roads," this CD has one. This CD's version of "Country Roads" is definitely a special version of the song that Horn and his friends share with us. It is a reggae version that he and Richie Garcia would play for John. Now I know what you're thinking -- a reggae version of "Country Roads!" Sheesh -- no way. Well, that's exactly what I thought too. But you know what. All I can tell you is wait until you hear it. You're going to love it. Just like John did, according to Horn." John loved reggae music and we (Richie and I) played it just for him," Horn says. The version on the CD is played by Jim and the Muscle Shoals Horns - Henry Thompson, Steve Patrick, and Charles Rose. Having these musicians play the song along with him was the "icing on the cake," Horn says. On the notes of the CD, Horn also talks about how he came to play with John. "In 1979, John called and said he wanted to try something new in his music...," Horn says. "From then on, I was the wind, water, and birds in his music. "Listening to the songs on this CD is Horn's tribute to John and, most probably, also was a way to say good-bye to his good friend as well. That he was nice enough to share the music with all of us, John's fans, is just the "icing on the cake" for all of us as well. Thank you Jim Horn. For information about Jim Horn's -- "A Tribute to John Denver" go to his web page at:http://www.jimhorn.com or email for information to info@jimhorn.com ----Rick Capone ========================= REVIEW of John Denver's "A Celebration of Life" CD From: Rick Capone One of my favorite things to do when a new John Denver album would come out was to sit back and listen to it in the quiet of the morning, just as the sun was getting ready to come up. Morning has always been my favorite time of the day and to get to start the day listening to John's newest songs was one of life's great pleasures for me. After his passing last year, I figured I'd never get to do that again. However, very slowly, some new material from John is beginning to emerge. New renditions of old songs, some new songs, and I've even found a site that contains international releases of his songs. Life's little pleasure's are still hanging around and recently I got to enjoy a morning with a few new versions of some of John's songs. The CD I am talking about is John Denver's - "A Celebration of Life." It contains 12 tracks of previously released songs by John. However, these are new recordings of those songs so it's like listening to them for the first time. The 12 songs include: "Whispering Jesse," "Dreamland Express," "Rocky Mountain High," "Country Roads," "Christmas for Cowboys," "Love Again," "Sunshine On My Shoulders," "Perhaps Love," "Leaving On a Jet Plane," "Windsong," "I'm Sorry," and "Back Home Again." I could probably write a paragraph or more about all of them, but I'm sure you don't want to read a novel, so I'll just limit it to my three favorites. "Whispering Jesse" is one of my "newer" favorite songs from John and he didn't let me down this new version. The song if filled with string instruments and a single flute fitting in perfectly. His voice is very mellow and smooth, one of the nicer recordings of this song that I have had the good fortune to listen to. "Country Roads" has always been one of his classics. Filled with great guitar and banjo playing, this song is always one that catches my attention. There is also a slide-guitar or a dobro used in this version, which adds an even nicer touch to it; kind of haunting, yet "down-home" at the same time. Next to "Poems, Prayers, and Promises," which is not on this CD, "Sunshine On My Shoulders" is my favorite Denver classic from his earlier hits. This CD contains the long version. One of the first times I heard this song was on a cool autumn day. I had the house to myself, the windows open with the breeze blowing through the living room, and I was sitting on my favorite rocking chair just enjoying the afternoon. Every time I hear that song I remember that day from a long time ago. Things were simpler then. Each time I hear that song, especially a newer version, it brings back those memories. And this version is one of the best. Anyway, this is a really enjoyable CD of John's songs and I wanted to let you all know about it. To me, it is definitely worth adding to your collection.----Rick Capone