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Blue Nightfall
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Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
One of my favorites! at 2005-06-16
I was afraid Jimmy had peaked with Texoma, but this album is fantastic. Revival is a great hook, and then the CD just builds from there. Great, smooth, completely groovy effort!
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
fyfed22 at 2005-09-12
Revival is excellent. The title song is also very good but, thats about it. There just wasnt enough variation in the rest of the album other than track 4 but I didnt really care for that one.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
the crystal blue sound of Blue Nightfall at 2005-08-20
Feeling hungry for some new music I wandered around Amazon.com until I found Jimmy LaFave - my new red dirt music god. He had me hooked from the very first song on this CD, a tune called Revival. Jimmys voice can caress your soul, and then turn around and shake the shoes off your feet with tunes like Music from the Motor Court. Two months ago I had never heard of Jimmy, now I own every CD he has ever made. (Gurf Morlix plays on this CD, always a good sign!)
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Good, not exceptional at 2006-01-16
I own every CD that this artist has put out. He is definitely one of my favorite artists. I cannot say the same for this CD. It is not a bad CD, it is just not exceptional. Usually on a LaFave CD there are several tracks that I just cannot get out of my mind, and will play over and over. That is not the case here.If you have not heard LaFave before, buy one of his earlier CDs before you buy this one. This is an enjoyable listen, but it will not be the first LaFave CD I pull out when Im in the mood for some Oklahoma soul.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Hes At It Again at 2006-04-03
Jimmy LaFave is certainly one of my faves....and this CD continues to reinforce that concept. His vocals have always evoked a hankering for the road.The tunes on this CD really stand out. Great lyrics, interesting melodies, solid ideas. Jimmy knows his way around a Texas road house and he proves that on each CD. This one included.Tender....LaFave does tender very well...and he also knows how to rock the house with some raucous vocals and serious guitar riffs.I cant say that this is his best effort because I have so many LaFave favorites...but I find myself listening to this one over and over again. Almost as much as I listen to Austin Sky Line.
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Texoma
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Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
5 stars and 2 crowns at 2001-10-12
Lafave has for me two crowns: one, he is the best rock ballad singer in this world, and, two, he covers Dylan songs better than anyone else.If you think Springsteen can tear you down with a ballad then listen to this guy, its like the clouds are closing on your head. More than once he has brought tears to my eyes. And I am a tough guy, the one who never cries, or almost...Then he is a great rocker, and again he reminds me of Springsteen (and Forbert too).You will find many great covers of Dylan songs in his live dbl cd Trail, here he only covers one song by Bob.This cd is just another great add to this mans catalog, and deserves like anything else hes done 5*, still if you are newcommer to Lafave then start by buying Austin Skyline, a masterpiece.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
ONE OF OKLAHOMAS FINEST! at 2001-12-16
Lafave is a singer/songwriter who plays in the alt.country, roots rock, and pop ballad fields. Ive had the good fortune of seeing him live at the quaint little Blue Door Club here in Okla. City. A place where he plays often and always puts on a fantastic show. The critics havent always been kind to him in the past with their reviews (whatta they know anyway) but the one thing Lafave has always had going for him is that great voice. His vocals can be silky smooth, as on Bob Dylans Emotionally Yours, or the reworking of the John Phillips classic San Francisco. A song I always thought was a little wimpy, that is until Lafave got a hold of it and added better vocals and arrangements to it. He also has a roadhouse rockin side, and displays it on this album more so than any of his past efforts. I like the Tulsa style rockers of Poor Mans Dream and Patient Man, a song that was written by Greg Jacobs, the owner of the Blue Door Club. But he gets his rowdiest on the songs On The Road To Rock And Roll and the old Ten Years After rock classic Rock And Roll Music To The World, where he changes the lyrics around and uses a lot of references to Texas and his native Oklahoma. This is a wonderful album that aims to please on many levels. I think its his best studio album, and his best one since that classic first cd Austin Skyline, which is a killer live album. I cant wait to catch his live show again just hear some of this new material. I think I can confidently say after 10 years of listening to Lafave, that this is the best singer (sorry Garth) to ever come out of the state of Oklahoma.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Moon May Be A Harsh Mistress, but On Texoma Its Sweet at 2002-01-10
This is an album that I cannot shelve. I keep getting drawn back to it again and again. They say that for an actor, the best role is one that allows for a wide range of emotions; and on Texoma, Jimmy LaFaves sweet tenor certainly moves from rowdy to tender with ease. The throbbing guitar line that opens Bad Bad Girl is addictive. John Phillips beautiful ode to hippy days, San Francisco, comes off exquisitely with David Webbs rolling piano like waves on the ocean. LaFave is in tremendous voice on the gorgeous ballad where he sings, There never is a moment you are not on my mind. Theres a new highway song playing in your soul, is a great lyric from the cheerful midtempo # This Glorious Day. Electric guitar propels Poor Mans Dream through this country march. Gretchen Peters has become one of my favorite singers this past year. (I recommend both of her CDs, particularly her self-titled one.) So it was a real treat to hear Jimmy do her On A Bus to St. Cloud that Trisha Yearwood also recorded. The ballad is sweet and LaFaves tenor is so expressive. Rock and Roll Music to the World is kind of rock fluff for me, but enjoyable, which is followed by the midtempo rocker Red Dirt Song. The sentimental homage to country legend Woody Guthrie is growing on me, even if old Woody is three sheets to the wind. (This song started a family discussion of where that pharse originated which we have yet to answer.) One of my favorite tracks is Tears that is a soulful ballad which is like seeing the light after a strong storm. LaFave doesnt dwell on it, but sings, Youll see what faith can do. Love Can Find Its Own Way is joyful country pop. The barrelhouse piano sounds more like Jerry Lee Lewis to me that the King on Elvis Loved His Mama. What a great song selection of Dylans Emotionally Yours. Stinging electric guitar makes Patient Man another favorite of mine. On the Road To Rock and Roll offers some of Webbs nice boogie piano. Jimmy Webb has been a great favorite of mine for a long time, rightfully known as a master songwriter, but equally beautiful as a singer. LaFaves reading of The Moons A Harsh Mistress stands up well to either Jimmy Webbs or those by Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt, Joan Baez and Judy Collins. Texoma is a great CD because it offers so many different kinds of songs from slow to fast and inbetween, well balanced with tasteful cover choices. This is one not to miss!
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
A class act! at 2006-03-19
This is the only CD of his I own, but I surely intend to buy more. Ive seen him perform live and he is really enjoyable- down to earth and every-mannish- interacts with his listeners-doesnt scurry behind the curtain in narcissistic fashion. I talked to him as we waited in line for a snack at the Kate Wolf Memorial Concert in N Ca a few years ago. Hes a cool dude and a very talented musician and charismatic performer. Easy on the eyes, too!
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Texas soul at 2003-05-07
I had thought that contemporary country music had faded into cheesy superficial irrelevance. I was wrong. There are musicians all about the country that shine with great talent. Jimmy LaFave is one. He transcends genres. He has a great voice, and knows how to sing a song in a truly captivatin way. Everyone should give Jimmy LaFave a spin. His music doesnt dissapoing. I especially like On A Bus to St. Cloud. Jimmy LaFave provides great music, that transcends genre, and even gets a Bostonian like me digging his sound. His music, and his voice is filled with heart, and perhaps Texas Soul.
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Trail
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Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
A true American treasure, along with Dylan and Springsteen. at 1999-11-14
A few years ago, I was introduced to Jimmys music by a friend in Austin, Texas--Jimmys stomping grounds. With the first song I heard, I knew that I was listening to something very special. I have since purchased all of Jimmys CDs, and listen to him more than any other artist in my collection. Life isnt fair, you know. I always listen to Jimmy, and wonder why he isnt a household word. He is truly as good as ANYONE of the pantheon of great rockers, and often covers the superstars songs better than they did in their originals. That is not, in any way, to take away from his original work, either, which is a wonderful amalgam of American blues, folk, rock, and country. If you dont own a Jimmy cd, buy one now. I promise you that you will buy the rest of them too.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Jimmy LaFave keeps faith with his audience at 1999-12-02
It is hard to imagine a more deft live recording than Trail, which hauls its listener along with a globetrotting and vital working band. Jimmy LaFave and his gang of musical cohorts ooze integrity from every pore in this collection, and they take American music right into the faces of audiences all over the world. The pacing here is superb and LaFaves tributes to Dylan et al. make it easy to understand how the author of a tune might not be its best interpreter. And LaFave has the ability to bring out the sometimes hidden best in a song, as though a new angle occurs to him right on stage. Every step of the way, he keeps faith with his audience. There arent many musicians of his caliber who havent been tempted to stray from what they do best. But LaFave apparently has stayed on the straight and narrow. His dedication shows here, and it has been worth his long years of experience on the road to hear the maturity in these recordings. There is soul here, plenty, plenty soul. And this collection rewards relistening. It gets better and better which each play. Get it! Devour it!
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
LaFaves for REAL! at 1999-11-22
So, you like to go out to those smoky live music clubs where everythings authentic. Well, heres your chance. Jimmy Lafave is famous for his intensity. If you want to hear a guy tear his heat out, Jimmy delivers. Want to hear him at his best, try him when hes in some night dive --Austin to Amsterdam, Stillwater to Switzerland. Were talking bootleg style here, tapes taken when hes pouring his heart out to fans across the globe. That includes the (now) famous tribute to Bob Dylan sessions in Austin and parts across the map. But, if you really want to tap the Jimmy LaFave experience, try him at blues, hear him sing Have You Ever Loved A Woman. But, dont doubt that the Favester can cover range in the 31 cuts of these two CDs. He can rock too! This may be the very best of all the LaFave offerings so far. When youve listened to these two CDs a few times, youll feel like youve travelled with Jimmy and his musical Marines across the globe. Get to the end, and if at Hold On you arent tapping your foot with an entertained smile, then book yourself into a home for the criminally music insane. Cause this is the real deal. LaFaves for REAL!
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Favourite Jimmy album! at 2001-10-01
As a newbie to the Texas capitol city (Ive lived here barely 2 years), Ive tried to see my fair share of local artists. And by far, Jimmy LaFave is THE BEST! He is what I love about Austin! Whenever he makes an appearance at the Cactus Cafe, I try to be there... And his Trails album is by far my favourite! Everyone Ive ever lent this CD to has absolutely loved it... Simply, its a must have.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Reviewer Tim Moore is right! at 2001-08-16
Once you buy one CD by Jimmy LaFave, you buy all the rest. Ive been listening to him all summer and have yet to tire of a single song. The joy his music has brought to me cannot be equaled. This two-CD set of mostly but not all Dylan is one of those desert-island choices. The Favestir -- I love that! -- also seems like the nicest guy on the planet. I echo all the praise of the other reviewers. Bless Jimmy LaFave.
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Road Novel
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Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
As good as anything by Jimmy Lafave at 2000-07-05
I saw Jimmy Lafave for the first time live in 1994 as a supporting act for some guy I long forgot. It was one of the best live performances I have seen, acoustic, and my first introduction to his work. Jimmy Lafave has been one of my favorite singers since, not because he is such an exceptional songwriter, but because I dont know any other artist who performs in such an intense way as he does. Road Novel is much the same as Highway trance and Buffalo return to the plains, a mix of heart-tearing ballads and up-tempo rockers, the same themes coming back. The album is as good as its predecessors. Long ago with miles between is my favorite on this album, which also contains some well-chosen covers, among them Buckets of Rain of Bob Dylan. Buy the album, or, even better, see Jimmy live !
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
jimmy lafave road novel at 2005-08-18
I think this is Jimmys best work to date! He puts alittle something in from all of his works!! Highly recomemded
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Good Musician, but . . . at 2004-08-16
First of all, I have never seen Jimmy LaFave live, nor is he my uncle so I can rate him, more or less, objectively. He has a great voice, good musicians and arrangements, but he seems to be still searching for his own style. Ill have to admit that I like his version of Dylans Buckets of Rain but on most his songs he seems to be imitating rather than innovating. When [If] Jimmy finds his own style he could be great. Thanks for reading this.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
way to go uncle jimmy! at 2002-02-28
Hey everyone. Im Chris. Jimmy is my uncle and I love his music. Road novel is by far my favorite of his cds. Its got the ballads and the rock songs and mixes them just right. Austin Skyline and Buffalo are probably his two other great ones, but all of them are great. I strongly recommend any of his cds and seeing him live is a great experience. way to go uncle jimmy!
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Buffalo Return to the Plains
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Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
LaFave Can Make You Cry, Can Make You Dance at 1999-11-13
So youve just heard of this LaFave fellow from people who say he can sing folk, blues, and rock -- all with an intensity you wont believe. Welcome to a secret that crowds ranging from Amsterdam to Austin already know. Of all his albums, this one best provides the Whitman sampler of his range, and with the most sophisticated musican background. There are toe-tapping rock songs, folk tunes Woodie Guthrie would be proud of, and songs with moral integrity, like Worn Out American Dream -- all entertaining and well worth the price of the CD. But dont take my word. Pick up a copy and see what makes LaFave followers so fanatic.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
dylanesque austin songwriter/-singer at 2000-02-19
wonderful album containing one of the greatest songs i ever listened to: worn out american dream. wonderful lyrics sung with immense power and passion including a (harrison-like) guitar solo!also containing sweetheart lilke you from dylan in a remarkable rocking version!
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
My All-Time Favorite Album at 2002-01-16
This is it...this is the desert island album. LaFave is the best of Van Morrison and Dylan and Baez and Jackson Browne and about anyone else I can think of who used to top my list of favorite musicians. This is, IMHO, the best of his several great albums. Click on the listen link...youll see what I mean. Buy this CD...youll never regret it. Heck, buy them all! And for heavens sake go see him live if you ever get the chance!
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
lafave rips it up at 2004-12-04
Im not the greatest of lafave fans but this recording really stands out from the rest for me. There is some wonderfully different stuff here like the Golden Earring-esque train rocker: Last Train with a great Rick Potts solo and the amazing version of Bob Dylans Sweetheart Like You. I dont think Dylan ever did it this well himself and if he ever hears it he might well be surprised at what lafave and his band did with it. I also love the sweet version of Goin Home and the title track is well done also. All in all a very different set for lafave and one I was happy to see him make. He should have stayed in this more contemporary vein for his next CD which was a dud for me.
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Highway Trance
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Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
An outstanding CD, a must buy at 1998-07-02
I first heard A cut from the CD on a Tampa FL Public Service Radio Station. That was the first time I listened to any of Jimmys music. This is a wonderful CD. Cafe in the rain (Track 4) is One of the highlight cuts. Buy This CD! You will not be disappointed
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Outstanding and Timeless at 2005-06-17
I am late to the party but this is a really great CD. Not one song makes you want to skip past it. I first heard Minstrel Boy Howling At The Moon on an Austin radio station so I bought this CD. That song is probably my favorite but they all sound great to me.
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Austin Skyline
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Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Makes me cry -- thats a GOOD thing! at 2000-07-06
At Kerrville this year, a solo Kevin Welch rocked into Kickin Back in Amsterdam -- a song that deserves a full band -- and suddenly this guy wearing a beret stepped out onstage and provided the fullness of an ensemble, and more. It was the highlight of my visit to Kerrville; but who WAS that guy? Turned out to be Jimmy LaFave, and since then I have purchased ALL his CDs. This one is my favorite, not ONLY for Walk Away Renee but for the delicious sadness of When It Starts To Rain. Jimmy LaFave. WHAT a TREASURE! Does Dylan better than Dylan (mostly). His heart is right there in his voice, and may he share that with us for many, many years. I cant wait to hear him again live, but until that, I can make do with this CD.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Dont walk away from this one at 2000-09-07
This is an excellent record. I lived in Austin for 17 years and never went and saw this guy. I regret that now. I heard Only One Angel on Texas Radio in Victoria, Texas and was hooked on the first listen. I bought this CD shortly thereafter. LaFave has a voice that you either love or hate. Either way, you have to admit that his bluesy vocals drip with emotion. His songwriting is impressive and the band is tight. And even though I usually dislike covers, there are several excellent ones on this record. I agree with the other reviewers that this version of Walk Away Renee is one of the better songs on the record, but almost all of the slower songs are beautifully done. I recommend this CD, especially to those who love Texas music.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Thank you Mr. Lafave at 2001-12-20
The only thing better than listening to aJimmy Lafave CD is seeing him and hisband live. If you get a chance - do notmiss it. This is his first Cd and it is a pureGEM. He has quickly became my favoriteartist. A great voice, full of emotion andhis rock n roll tunes are wonderful toetappers. Buy this CD and you will be a fanfor life. Wayne
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Wonderful at 2005-08-18
Jimmy Lafave is amazing. It is difficult to find a Cd with even two or three good tracks...Lafave scores every time.
Jimmy LaFave Album Review:
Austin Skyline at 2005-07-04
From the first few notes of the first Jimmy Lafave song I heard, I was hooked. Some years later I am still hooked on Austin Skyline. One Angel is a sweet and tender song that exemplifies Lafaves plaintive voice and lyrical magic. The words arent sophisticated, but they dont have to be. Songs arent intellectual, they are written to feel. When Lafave sings I have only one angel babe, my one angel is you. you feel and believe. Lafave explores beyond the tender side with Desparate Men. Great hook, great melody, very well done. Who could ask for more?Lafave also does an excellent job of showcasing Bob Dylans material. He always manages to breathe some new spark into Dylan tunes (not that they need it). Hiway 61 and Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat are a couple of fine examples of Lafaves take on some classic tunes that defy you to stand still. Lafave has a unique voice and his song selection is perfect for his style and vocal work.You cant go wrong with Jimmy Lafave. The newest album, blue nightfall has some fabulous tunes on it. But, for classic Jimmy Lafave, there is nothing like Austin Skyline.
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