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The Votes are in...... Kweevak..com 2003 "Viewer's Choice" CD Award Winners:
The 2003 "Viewer's Choice Awards" were presented to the top-25 (actually 26 this year as there was a 4-way tie for 23rd place) winners as chosen by visitors to the Kweevak's Tracks website. A total of 256 CDs were nominated to be voted on and a total of 5929 votes were cast.THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR DESERT OF DREAMS ........We came in 9th place and are so psyched w/the results.... The award is 100% based on your support and it's much appreciated! I'd like to thank the academy.....
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HOT OFF THE PRESSES -
Steve Holley's released a solo CD "The Reluctant Dog" . This record features songs, vocals and drums by Steve Holley, with a wide array of musicians. (I'm on the first track) To purchase a copy, please go to: www.angelair.co.uk.
Click here to read a review of the record.
Reviews & Stuff
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SONGS AND STORIES - Remembering Rory Gallagher @ The Bottom Line (Wed. Oct 23, 2002)
Customer Reviews - Desert of Dreams
Review of Desert of Dreams written by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak TracksVisit other Justin Jordan web pages:
Check out Kweevak Tracks for a listing of the 2003 Viewer's Choice Awards!!!
Buddy Sites:
"Remembering Rory" by C.P. Warner
Observations on the Bottom Line Tribute Show
23 October 2002
As I sat wedged against the stage at the Bottom Line on the night of the show, admiring the guitar arsenal of Justin Jordan, and downright coveting his steel-body Dobro, I couldn't help but think of the sheer irony of one small detail.Just about a year ago, when my very first round of Rory Gallagher CDs arrived in the post and I wilted on to my sofa to listen to them, I had a real blinder of a headache, and a broken elbow, and was feeling mightily sorry for myself.
This night found me recovering from a couple of ankle sprains, cautiously maneuvering my way around with a cane and, once again, I had a real blinder of a headache. However, I also had a very firm belief in Rory Gallagher's power to reach out from beyond the grave and take the pain away, just as he had done a year before.
I was not disappointed. Gallagher's spirit was present in the room, very nearly tangible, and inspired a diverse group of musicians to do him proud. Suffice it to say, it wasn't too long before I forgot all about that headache, thanks to Gallagher's wonderful music (and a little extra protein from a not-half-bad Bottom Line cheeseburger).
Whose toes could fail to tap along with the sheer ebullience of Larry Kirwan's "Messin' with the Kid"? And who could not marvel at "Out on the Western Plain," especially when considering that it took three accomplished guitarists to recreate what Gallagher himself played solo in countless live shows during his too-short lifetime?
Matt O'Ree, a young guitarist from New Jersey, evoked Gallagher in both musical skill and physical appearance. Small in stature, with long, straight hair framing an angelic face, clad in simple denim, he took the stage with complete confidence and revved up from zero to sixty in a nanosecond. He displayed the same intensity and focus typical of a Gallagher performance, paying noble tribute to Gallagher, but never becoming his clone. O'Ree's renditions of "Moonchild" and "Laundromat" smoked, and the audience was delighted to have him return at the end of the evening, for the encore performance of "Bullfrog Blues." I've a feeling we'll all be hearing a great deal more about this fella in the coming years.
To learn more about Matt and his music, please visit: Matt O'ReeAlso compelling was Justin Jordan: he of the aforementioned arsenal I wish I owned. I was fortunate to be seated directly in front of him for the show. He was a pleasure to watch, as well as to hear. His slide work, an element that must come into play when any guitarist seeks to honor Rory Gallagher, was excellent, and I also found his personal Gallagher story especially moving.
Some years before, Jordan and a friend sought to attend a Gallagher concert in Boston, with just one ticket between them for a sold-out show. There was not a spare ticket to be had anywhere, for any price: not even from "unofficial" sources. When all hope seemed lost, whom should they encounter but Gallagher himself? Upon hearing the tale of their dilemma, Gallagher advised Jordan: "Give the ticket to your friend." He then handed his guitar case to Jordan and said, "Follow me." Problem solved, and a young musician further inspired by his hero's unforgettable kindness and generosity.
Other highlights of the evening included Sean Fleming's beautiful, plaintive rendering of Gallagher's signature anthem, "A Million Miles Away," and Seamus Kelleher's humorous and masterful "Banker's Blues." The latter drew some audible chuckles from the audience at the wry delivery of lyrics such as: "If you've got money in the bank, don't let your woman draw it out, 'cause she'll take all your possessions and then she'll kick you out."
It was Larry Kirwan, though, who forced us all to look at both sides of Rory Gallagher's life and music. Kirwan, in his usual style, presented all aspects of the picture in a bluntly honest way, and reminded the audience that this prince of a man suffered some intense struggles in his lifetime, with alcohol, and with his own psyche. Especially in the last years of his life, Gallagher was unable to see, or believe, how much he was loved and respected by others. He withdrew into himself, to be overcome at last by his own sadness, compounded with the physical damage done by a deadly combination of the drink and prescription medications.
Kirwan documented Gallagher's joyous beginning and tragic end in a three-song nutshell: "Messin' with the Kid," his own tribute song, "Rory," and "Too Much Alcohol."
This was the first time I had ever seen Kirwan perform without an electric guitar strapped on. He did use an acoustic for "Rory," but for the other two songs, he relied on the other fellas in the band for a solid, driving back-up, and tore into the vocals, dancing wildly and slinging the mic stand around with great vigor: a most exciting performance.
Towards the end of the night, just when I thought things could not possibly get any more sublime, Pierce Turner, rumpled as an unmade bed, appeared on stage with an acoustic guitar. The soft, simple riff he began to play was no Gallagher tune, but rather a Turner original about Gallagher, composed just a few days before. It began with: "Rory Gallagher bought a cheap guitar," and ended with something like: "we didn't know you'd die so soon." I wish I had had a piece of paper handy to jot some of the other lyrics down for posterity. I've forgotten them now, alas! But it takes me more than one hearing to get lyrics into my head, anyway. What I do remember is that the song moved me to tears and left me speechless.
Seamus Kelleher is to be commended for putting together such a well-organized, well-executed event. There was some talk of making the tribute show an annual event, and I hope this will come to pass. It certainly got off to a fine start with a sold-out house. These shows don't just serve to keep Gallagher's name and memory alive; they enable a damn fine group of musicians to showcase their own expertise, and honor a worthy inspiration.
And, lest we forget -- in a display of generosity worthy of Gallagher himself, every single one of these fine musicians volunteered their time to participate in this event. This included rehearsals as well as the show -- a truly awesome gift to everyone who attended, and loving tribute to a kind, beautiful man.
It was also a privilege and an honor to meet Donal Gallagher, who journeyed from England to attend.
I have no doubt that Rory Gallagher, in his corner of Heaven, is aware…and smiling as he feels the love that flows towards him on a never-ending "crest of a wave."
30 October 2002
from Paula's Rory's Corner web page--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer Reviews - "Desert of Dreams"
A Must Own!, February 10, 2003
Reviewer: kkoket from Raleigh, NC
You will not be able to get enough listens to Justin Jordan's CD "Desert of Dreams". This is the first compilation of tunes in a long, long while where it becomes very difficult to choose a favorite because they are all so good. A wonderful mix of country, blues, ho-down, folk and absolutely "on-it" rock and roll. Something for music lovers of all sorts.
At this moment my favorite is "I Came From Nowhere"....I like it so much because it has what Neil Young calls "The Spook"....very very soulful....and a wonderful mesmerizing groove.
I recommend this CD to lovers of all music....you will thoroughly enjoy it and find yourself waiting for more to come from this artistWonderful, February 1, 2003
Reviewer: John B Nichols from Roxboro, NC United States
I really enjoyed this CD. The guitar work is beautifully down. It's defintely one of my favorite CD's. It's hard to choose which song is my favorite but I would have to say that Evening Star is at the top. I highly recommend picking up this CD. I love listening to it on long trips in the car. Justin Jordan is very talented. BUY IT!Fan from Maine, August 14, 2002
Reviewer: A music fan from Portland, ME United States
Unbelievable music! Justin's tremendous skill shines through with this new cd. If you like really good music, you will love this artist. The mandolin is beautiful. What talent!Reviewer: A music fan from Short Hills, New Jersey United States
Justin Jordan is a pure genious. His music puts me at ease and his guitar skills are amazing. Someone should tell more people about this talented man and his beautiful words. Everyone should be able to experience the wonders of Justin Jordan's music
Review of Desert of Dreams written by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak Tracks :JUSTIN JORDAN – DESERT OF DREAMS: Desert of Dreams is the debut release from Justin Jordan. This soulful singer is based out of Montclair, New Jersey yet his vocals and musical technique are touched by Nashville. Jordan is currently touring the east coast. Justin plays guitars, Dobro, mandolin and is the lead singer and main songwriter on Desert of Dreams. Jordan writes reflective lyrics about life that are woven into well-constructed instrumentals. Justin’s core band members have a list of impressive credentials that include Wings, The Jerry Garcia Band and The Shirelles. Jordan and his group are talented and tight. Justin’s music echoes many classic rockers such as Mark Knopfler, Dylan and the Band yet his songs are both modern and original. Jordan has deep, smooth almost smoky vocals that work well on this country rock collection. ‘Hearts & Violins’ is foot tapping good fun with its high-energy fiddle, banjos and a catchy hook line. ‘County Life’ is a very visual song accented with the violin, the mandolin and good acoustic guitar work. ‘Kid Keegan’ is a wonderful upbeat instrumental that beautifully blends county and rock in a spirited song. All of the eleven tracks on this CD are expertly executed and capture a variety of moods and tones. Desert of Dreams is an oasis of rock songs with a country flair.
• Recommended Tracks: (2,5,9) [USA/NJ 2001 - web] (Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)STEVE HOLLEY 'The Reluctant Dog' SJPCD133 Angel Air (2003)
Drummer Steve Holley has been a member of Wings and has worked/toured
with Elton John, Julian Lennon, Ian Hunter and Sheryl Crow. This is his
debut solo album and features ex-Wings member Denny Laine adds harmony
vocals to one track. 'What Are You Looking For' starts the album off in
a mellow style, with some nice slide guitar by Justin Jordan. Steve
Holley's vocal style is not disimilar to that of Paul McArtney in places, none
more so than on 'So Help Me God'. Other highlights include ' Evermore', the
bouncy pop of 'Entertain You' and the slow burning 'Living For Today'.
There is even a comic song in the shape of 'Da Da Da, Dee Dee Dee'!
An album of laid back tunes, ideal for late night listening. You get
the added of some fine guitar playing and a wide variety of instruments from
accordion to flute.. Not an instant album by any means but a definite grower. http://www.angelair.co.uk
Matt O'Ree and the Blueshounds
Mark Cutler
Sean Fleming Band
Peekamoose Guitars