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Rating: If you are looking for two excellent CDs containing captivating Country, R&B, Gospel, and Bluegrass ballads, this is exactly the CD for you.
Originally, the two CDs were released in '75 and '76 (ABC) and were reissued in 2000 in this package (22 tracks for 74 minutes) by Collectors' Choice. The strengths of the lineup include the presence of the charismatic Russel Smith, a former DJ who learned to sing Blues and Country from the records played on the Radio, as well as the two keyboardists James Hooker and Billy Earheart and the multi-instrumentalist Barry "Byrd" Burton. The group would not gain significant recognition over time but would always present well-crafted albums, thanks to the remarkable technical skills of the musicians and the compositional capabilities of Russel.
The two CDs maintain the same compositional and creative level, so it is difficult for me to decide which is better. However, I feel it is right to highlight some tracks, even though I can assure you that they are all irresistible and capable of evoking various emotions. Tracks 1-12 "Stacked Deck". A perfect example of ARA's technical skills is "The Ella B," instrumentally rich and perfectly sung. "The Beautiful Lie" is a Ballad of rare beauty with just the right touch of nostalgia. Warm and enveloping in its sound is "Amazing Grace" (used to be her favorite song). Elegant and almost Jazz-Rock in its style is "Why Can't Be Satisfied." This album concludes with the stunning piano Ballad "King of the Cowboys," characterized by an irresistible rhythm. Tracks 13-22 "Too Stuffed To Jump". "The End is Not in Sight" (The Cowboys Tune) with an excellent electric guitar in the spotlight. Not to mention the delightful and almost 'jazzy' "Same Ol' Me." "These Dreams of Losing You" is extremely evocative, thanks to its unforgettable piano and expansive and soothing sounds. "I'll Be Gone" with its captivating guitar start. This second CD ends with an absolutely unforgettable "Dancing the Night Away" thanks to memorable piano and guitar.
Decidedly mediocre (as often happens) the booklet which contains only tiny photos of the musicians and notes so microscopic they are incomprehensible. The covers are also sparse, though the one for "Too Stuffed To Jump" might make someone smile.
In short, a CD that presents two more than excellent albums and which I highly recommend to all fans of these musical genres. As I briefly mentioned in the last review, the Analytical Engine hypothesized by Babbage and 'miraculously' realized by an unlikely team of people had gone haywire (or crashed), but fortunately, thanks to 'providential' advice from an expert in cognitive sciences, it was repaired. This way, with the support of this Engine, it was possible to perform the complex calculation of the average ratings of the two CDs. Currently, I have been temporarily 'demoted' within the team to coffee holder, as it was discovered that I had previously (albeit unknowingly) caused some minor damage to the Engine's wiring. CD rating 4.5 out of 5. Rhythmic greetings (brv).
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