Harbor Lights

1. Harbor Lights

2. Talk of the Town

3. Long Tall Cool One

4. China Doll

5. Fields of Gray

6. Rainbow's Cadillac

7. Passing Through

8. Tide Will Rise

9. What a Time

10. Pastures of Plenty

Tracks:

Harbor Lights
Talk Of The Town
Long Tall Cool One
China Doll
Fields Of Gray
Rainbow's Cadillac
Passing Through
The Tide Will Rise
What A Time
Pastures Of Plenty

Customer Reviews:

This is the one to get.......2005-10-17

If you don't own any Hornsby cd's, and you're reading the reviews to pick one, this is the one to get.

Here's the deal. I bought "The Way It Is" and "Scenes From The Southside" as soon as they came out and listened to them everyday until I knew them backwards! I was totally hooked. And I went and heard the band play live a bunch of times and totally freaked out. They are great albums for sure.

When "A Night on the Town" came out either I was going in a different way with my tastes, or it just wasn't as good. I listened to it a bit, but not nearly as intensely as the first two discs.

Then I lost track of Bruce.

A half a year or so ago I was on a gig with a bass player who said he keeps "Harbor Lights" in his car disc-changer at all times. So I thought it was time to give him another shot. I'm really glad I did.

While the previous albums were great, and had individual masterpieces on them, this cd is the complete package. It totally flows from track to track with NO WEAK TUNES. I think this really is the best thing he's done as far as having all the facets of a great album covered. The writing is great, the performances are great, the recording is great, the mood of the whole thing is perfect. THIS IS CLASSIC HORNSBY.

I think this is his highest achievement as a recording artist.

I've gotten a few of the more recent ones, and they have some nice stuff on them, but this one is THE Hornsby classic.

There are certain albums I can always count on. If I have a long trip in the car, I know I can totally groove (and be totally musically satisfied) with albums like Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly"; Joni Mitchell "Blue", Elton John's "Tumbleweed Connection", James Taylor's "Mudslide Slim and the Blue Horizon."

I'm proud to say that "Harbor Lights" makes it into my list of all-timers.

Hornsby Enters the Next Phase of His Career.......2005-02-04

When I put together a review, I normally try to mention something about the liner notes - positive or negative. In the case of Bruce Hornsby's "Harbor Lights", I think it's important to mention this at the beginning. The liner notes for this collection are simply outstanding and go a long way for helping you understand some of the new directions that Bruce takes for this particular collection. These liner notes do include lyrics, musician and production credits - all of which are important things. But, more importantly - there is a 2 panel write-up from Bruce himself that discusses some of the things he did differently. Bruce will give you his insight and context into each of the songs. This goes a long way into understanding this collection. With this particular review, I will try to add some additional perspectives on this collection and try to reference points that Bruce makes in his collection.

"Harbor Lights" marks the fourth album by Bruce Hornbsy. Hornsby pioneered something that has been called "The Virginia Sound". The best way I can describe this sound is a mixture of a lot of different genres of music: Jazz, Classical, Bluegrass, Rock, Country, and Pop. In the past, Hornsby incorporated a wide range of instruments in the songs to give this such a distinct sound: Mandolin, Guitar, Violin, Piano, and even Harmonica. On his first two albums ("The Way It Is" and "Scenes From the Southside"), if I had to pick a strong influence from those genres - I would probably lean toward Bluegrass. For his third album, "A Night On The Town", Hornsby began to emphasize Rock and to a lesser extent Jazz. For "Harbor Lights", Hornsby definitely turns things more toward the Jazz side.

Hornsby does a lot of other things differently as well. As Bruce indicates in the liner notes, this is his first album without his band - The Range. The lone holdover from The Range is drummer John Molo. Bruce also mentions that this is his first album where he took complete control of the Production Duties. He also mentions that this was recorded in his home studio in a very "loose" (i.e. jamming style session). One thing that Bruce doesn't mention is that most of the songs on this collection were written by Bruce and Bruce alone. On the previous three albums, Bruce's brother John would co-collaborate with Bruce on many of the tracks. On this collection, John only is credited with writing the words for 2 of the songs.

Usually when an artist decides to self-produce, work at home, and take on the majority of the songwriting - it sometimes proves to be too much. Phil Collins for his "Both Sides" album tried to make a true solo album in which he did everything (including play most of the instruments) and the end result reflects that it is too much. For "Harbor Lights", Bruce does enlist the help of some top musicians - the end result gives this collection a very good feel. The musicians included are Pat Metheny, Branford Marsalis , Phil Collins (who at this time was working on the "Both Side" project), Bonnie Raitt, and Jerry Garcia. The inclusion of Metheny and Marsalis make sense. Metheny is a legendary guitarist whose Jazz-like style fits very nicely with the Jazz-like theme of "Harbor Lights". Metheny contributes some of this great guitar work on "Harbor Lights", "Talk of the Town", "China Doll", and "The Tide Will Rise". Marsalis also has experience in working in Jazz/Rock fusions. Bruce had done a song with him during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. It was Marsalis' horn work that played a major role of Sting's Jazz-infused Rock album, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles". Marsalis contributes some outstanding horns on this collection to "Long Tall Cool One" and "Rainbow's Cadillac". Collins contributes both percussion and vocal work: "Talk of the Town" (bongos); "China Doll" (background vocals). Raitt's unique vocals are heard on "Rainbow's Cadillac" and "The Tide Will Rise". As for Jerry Garcia, he had started working with Bruce on "A Night on the Town". Bruce had actually worked with Garcia on some Grateful Dead Shows. Garcia contributes some nice guitar work "Passing Thru" and "Pastures of Plenty".

Hornsby's albums have always had some strong songwriting. His liner notes describe many of these songs beautifully. On previous works, we've seen sociological messages this on "The Way It Is", "Look At Any Window", and "Fire On the Cross". Hornsby is at no loss for this on this collection as "Talk of the Town" deals with an interracial marriage. Hornsby has always done a nice job at a "storytelling narrative" style in prior songs such as "The Road Not Taken" and "A Night on the Town". You'll hear this style on this collection on songs like "What a Time" and "Long Tall Cool One".

While the Virginia Sound might have switched directions, Bruce hasn't totally abandoned it. As Bruce says in the liner notes, the song "The Tide Will Rise" is about the Waterman of Virginia. You'll hear a bit of the classic style from his Range days on "What a Time" (i.e. a bluegrass spin). You will also hear some violin and viola on "Pastures of Plenty" - something that was more of a Hornsby staple in his earlier days. In fact, "Pastures of Plenty" really does a good job at the whole spirit of the Virginia Sound - the fusion of the many genres.

Same ol' Bruce Hornsby.......2004-01-02

I purchased this CD because I read a review stating that this is the freshest Bruce Hornsby yet.

Ho Hum... It's the same old thing. Sounds exactly like the old Bruce Hornsby and the Range stuff. I liked "Spider Fingers" much, much more.

Although I like Bruce, I think he needs to progress. This is the same ol' stuff.

Jazz-influenced pop that's an adult alternative to pop.......2003-12-30

Although both emerged from similar roots, the cross-pollination of rock and jazz is fairly limited. There's the heavy horns of 70s groups Chicago, Tower of Power, and Blood, Sweat and Tears; the cool jazz fusion of Steely Dan; and the modern mix-it-up hip-hop of Us3. The only other jazz-influenced rock artist to make much of a name for himself in the general public is Bruce Hornsby, who combines the better aspects of jazz-lounge piano (like Dave Grusin or Keith Jarrett) with the folk-rock sound of Jackson Brown and James Taylor.

After his debut with the massive hit, "The Way It Is" (from the album of the same name), Hornsby has released successive albums that build upon the formula that worked for him so well in that first single: a rock rhythm section with a standout piano that takes both the melodic part and also adds the gracenotes to the lyrical lines (think of how "The Way It Is" has the three-note-three-note touches after the line, then switches to taking on the full melody between chorus and verses).

For me, Hornsby's best album to date is not that first one, but 1993's Harbor Lights. The jazz solos are much longer, and stronger, than on previous releases ("China Doll"), while the folky lyrics of philosophical musings have a touch more poeticism ("Fields of Grey," "The Tide Will Rise"). The best songs, though, are the ones that reveal Hornsby's funky side, like the horn-laced chorus of "Rainbow's Cadillac" (complete with wonderful backing vocals by Bonnie Raitt) and the infectious rhythmic drum on "What a Time." My favorite song is "Talk of the Town," about a mixed-race couple in a small town told in the first person with a medium speed, yet driving drum track.

If your only exposure to Hornsby has been his 80s hits, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this album, by his increasing musicianship, and the maturity of his lyrics. This isn't teeny-bopper pop, but truly adult alternative music.

Classic Hornsby!.......2003-01-06

Harbor Lights will always go down as one of his best tracks (good nighttime summer song). Lots of jazzy sounding tunes on here, but Hornsby's sound still keeps pace. You also have Branford Marsalis, Phil Collins, and Bonnie Raitt on here. Couple of classics on here! Get it!

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Acappella
Harbor Lights
Manufacturer: Collectables Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Almost Acappella

ASIN: B00008EV24
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Tracks:

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Venus
Wanderer
Harbor Lights
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
Denise
My Girl
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
Only Sixteen
Daddy's Home

Average customer rating:

"Food for the Soul"
The Best of John's Recorded Concert Performances!
Absolutely the BEST!
An Extraordinary Experience
An Extraordinary Experience

The Harbor Lights Concert
John Denver
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Unplugged Collection
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John Denver - The Wildlife Concert

ASIN: B0000649PD
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

Eagles And Horses
Children Of The Universe
Rocky Mountain High
I Guess He'd Rather Be In Colorado
Druthers
Today
Wild Montana Skies
Intro For Darcy Farrow
Darcy Farrow
El Paso
Whispering Jesse
Me And My Uncle
Intro For Band Anf Fox Fire Suite
Fox Fire Suite
Amazon

Tracks:

Take Me Home, Country Roads
Back Home Again
Grandma's Feather Bed
Spanish Pipe Dream
Dreamland Express
I'm Sorry
Intro to Shanghai Breezes
Shanghai Breezes
For You
Intro to Kissing You Goodbye
Kissing You Goodbye
Annie's Song
Calypso

Customer Reviews:

"Food for the Soul".......2007-06-05

The growing maturity of John's voice was never better exemplified than on this particular evening when he was undoubtedly at the 'top of his game', epitomised too by the extraordinarily long-held top note in "For You".... audience applause stopping the show mid-song at this point....spine-tingling! There are also many other poignant moments in this concert which bring a lump to the throat and consolidate in the mind what a tragic loss John's premature parting was to us, wildlife conservation, the environment and the promotion of peace on our planet. Thankfully, the legacy he left on both audio and film will surely continue to exert a positive influence around the world. If I could rate this concert 10 stars, I would!

The Best of John's Recorded Concert Performances!.......2007-02-18

I've been a Denver fan for many years and had the distinct pleasure of seeing him in concert myself in the early 90s. There are few performers who could connect with an audience the way he could. He proves that with this incredible Harbor Lights Concert performance. From 'Eagles and Horses', a brilliant composition that captures the spirit of the open range and the lovely 'Wild Montana Skies' to the moving folk songs, 'Darcy Farrow' and 'Today' and the fun,free, wistful 'Druthers', the entire program is entertaining and delightful. His rendition of Marty Robbins' 'El Paso' is superb! I especially got a kick out of 'Spanish Pipe Dream'.

The old standards are included that everyone loves: 'Back Home Again', 'Grandma's Feather Bed', 'Rocky Mountain High, 'Take Me Home, Country Roads', and 'Annie's Song' as well as a lively bluegrass composition, 'Foxfire Suite'.

I've always liked 'Shanghai Breezes' but after John explained how it came to be written, it became even more meaningful and special. When he followed it with the incomparably romantic 'For You', I know there couldn't have been a dry eye in the house. Of course, John being John, there had to be some comic relief, so he followed with the amusing and cheeky 'Kissing You Goodbye'.

He ends the program with the beautiful tribute to the Cousteau Society's ship 'Calypso'. It always amazes me how easily he seemed to hit those high notes.

In this one live performance, John and his small band did an excellent job of moving from neo-classical to folk to country and western to pop to bluegrass (well, there was something for everyone) and it was done brilliantly! Buy the CD set! I think you'll enjoy it as much as I do!

Absolutely the BEST!.......2006-06-18

This is IT! The ONE album to take with you on a deserted island. The rest of my collection hasn't even seen the light of day since this one floated in the door.

John has never been in better voice or better form. He was back in that playful, lighthearted mood that, sadly, was sometimes missing in other performances. The bantering with the audience was delightful, his stories a joy to hear. Everything clicked.

The band was the perfect middle ground between his early, simplistic sound and the middle years' highly-orchestrated sound. The reverb----something that on other artist's albums I've found irritating---was beautiful, giving his already rich and pure voice even more depth and character. Anything else sounds flat after hearing this. If anyone had told me in '76 that his voice would someday be this much better I would have said it was impossible.

As far as glitches in the sound: There's one bit of feedback that will make you cringe, but other than that there's nothing that doesn't just add to the "live" feeling.

Your feet will tap with "Foxfire Suite" and your heart will break with "Whispering Jesse". You'll soar with the "Eagles and Horses", and "For You" is just unbelievable (as he says himself, he's a "romantic old fart".) And you middle-aged gals like me will pee your pants laughing the first time you hear "Kissing You Goodbye", so go tinkle before it comes on. :)

If ever you can forget that he's gone, it will be while listening to this album. Slap on the earphones and run the family away. He's there, and you're there-----front row center.

The best.

An Extraordinary Experience.......2004-05-19

One of my great regrets is that I did not get to see some of my very favorite performers live. Here, on "The Harbor Lights Concert" CD, I get to experience the next best thing. Put these CD's (it is a 2 CD set) in the changer, dim the lights, relax, and be transported back to the Boston waterfront on a chilly evening in September 1995. John Denver was in excellent voice, the band was well tuned, and the audience was enthusiastic. Disregard those reviews who say there is too much talking on this set. John delivered extended intros to
a few of the songs here, but they only add to the experience and the feeling of actually being there. VERY highly recommended, and I only wish that more of John's 1990's albums (such as "Different Directions", currently only available used for the obscene price of ninety dollars!) would be re-released so that his fans can enjoy some of his later work. A superlative effort, and an extraordinary experience.

An Extraordinary Experience.......2004-05-19

One of my great regrets is that I did not get to see some of my very favorite performers live. Here, on "The Harbor Lights Concert" CD, I get to experience the next best thing. Put these CD's (it is a 2 CD set) in the changer, dim the lights, relax, and be transported back to the Boston waterfront on a chilly evening in March 1995. John Denver was in excellent voice, the band was well tuned, and the audience was enthusiastic. Disregard those reviews who say there is too much talking on this set. John delivered extended intros to
a few of the songs here, but they only add to the experience and the feeling of actually being there. VERY highly recommended, and I only wish that more of John's 1990's albums (such as "Different Directions", currently only available used for the obscene price of ninety dollars!) would be re-released so that his fans can enjoy some of his later work. A superlative effort, and an extraordinary experience.

Average customer rating:

Almost Acappella
Harbor Lights
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Absolutely Acappella

ASIN: B000BDH4RI
Release Date: 2005-11-29

Tracks:

Come Go With Me
Poor Little Fool
Gee Whiz
Little Star
Stand By Me
Pretty Little Angel Eyes
Just My Imagination
I Go To Pieces
Donna
The Lion Sleeps Tonight

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Harbor Lights
Cristy Lane
Manufacturer: LS
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000IZB6LE

Product Description

Tracks: Harbor Lights/The Shadow of Your Smile/Allegheny Moon/Believin' in Your Love/San Francisco/More/Smoke Gets in Your Eyes/Always on My Mind/It's Down to You and Me/Que Sera Sera/Fascination/Love Letters in the Sand/To Each His Own/Danny Boy.

Average customer rating:

Joan Tower: Music For Clarinet

Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000038IW
Release Date: 1995-01-25

Tracks:

Fant (...Those Harbor Lights) - Robert Spring/Eckart Sellheim
Breakfast Rhythms I - Robert Spring
Breakfast Rhythms II - Robert Spring
Wings - Robert Spring
Cl Con - Robert Spring/Eckart Sellheim

Average customer rating:

December Morning
Splendid Live Performance from Modern Composer Tim Janis
Very good but not excellent
An outstanding CD that leaves you wanting more
Incredible music from an incredible evening...

An American Composer in Concert

Manufacturer: Tim Janis Ensemble
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Flowers in October (Gold Edition)

ASIN: B00005Q6P0
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Cape Elizabeth
The Fallen Leaves of Autumn
Ocean Mist
Half Moon Bay
The Edge of September
Pacific Wind
Menemsha Harbor
Light on the Moon
Sea Rose
Music of Hope
Twin Lights
White Mountains
Blue Hill Bay
Seascape
Cry of the Blue Whale
Water's Edge
Ocean Heights
Flowers in October
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

Composer Tim Janis has long straddled the line between contemporary instrumental and classical music. With An American Composer in Concert, he further blurs that line. The first nine tracks of this disc were recorded by the Tim Janis Ensemble in the composer's studio. They're short, majestic, and relaxing instrumentals named after nature themes ("Cape Elizabeth," "The Fallen Leaves of Autumn," "Pacific Wind"). Things pick up slightly during the 10 live tracks that make up the second half of this disc. Recorded at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center with the American Symphony Orchestra, these tracks feature luxuriant strings, the occasional pennywhistle solo, and one vocal track (a take on "Amazing Grace" with sweeping orchestrations). As with most Janis efforts, there's nothing groundbreaking here, just soothing music and pleasant melodies. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

December Morning.......2004-10-17

It is just so soothing. I've had the opporturnity to see him in person (sort of) on QVC shopping channel. I can just see his face as he places along with the rest of the group. He looks so peaceful and serene. And that is how I feel listening to his music.

Splendid Live Performance from Modern Composer Tim Janis.......2003-04-24

Tim Janis's latest CD is split into two sections; the first 9 tracks feature new works, and the latter 10 tracks are taken from his live performance at the Lincoln Centre (USA) earlier in 2001.

The new tracks are a little repetitive in sound, but there is some quality music within them. Where the CD really takes off, however, is in the live section, which features renditions of his favourite pieces ably supported by the American Symphony Orchestra. Stand-out tracks include "Twin Lights", "Water's Edge" and my favourite of all, "Amazing Grace", featuring the powerful voice of Gwendolyn Leathers supported by some fabulous orchestration.

"White Mountain" deserves a mention of its own for its sheer excellence and beauty. Stunning penny-whistle playing!

These live tracks are taken from Janis's previous releases, including the excellent "Water's Edge" and the now unavailable "Flowers in October".

At over 70 minutes in length, you get a lot of music for your money.

If you enjoy melodic, soothing instrumental music played by a symphony orchestra, this CD may well be the one for you.

Highly recommended.

Very good but not excellent.......2002-11-22

When I first heard Tim Janis on our local PBS station, I was memerized by his music so I had to get the CD. I'm glad I did but I have to admit when a friend pointed out that all his songs pretty much sounded the same, I had to agree. Maybe as he gets older there will be some more variety, I hope so. He's a very talented young man.

An outstanding CD that leaves you wanting more.......2002-03-15

"An American Composer in Concert" is another outstanding CD from Tim Janis. The lush mixture of ensemble and orchestral songs truly transport you to a better place emotionally and mentally. Tim Janis composes the music I've been waiting my whole life to hear, though I didn't know it until I heard it. I'm much more at peace with nature and myself after listening to his music. On this CD, "Blue Hill Bay" is probably my favorite of all Tim Janis' songs, but all the songs on this CD (with the possible exception of a vocal rendition of "Amazing Grace" that doesn't seem to belong) are great. If you haven't heard Tim Janis' music, you owe it to yourself to get this one and listen to it. Since I've found his music grows on people, I guarantee if you listen to your CD 5 times, you'll be hooked like I am and explore his other CD's as well. Enjoy!!

Incredible music from an incredible evening..........2001-11-23

I LOVE the music of Tim Janis and this CD is a truly wonderful CD. This CD has georgeous live tracks and extra bonus tracks to make it completely full of breathtaking melodies...I would truly recommend it to anyone who wants to have some beautiful music around the house!

Average customer rating:

Long Road Back

Manufacturer: Harbor Lights Studios
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000CA9ZEK
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Best Buy Presents Chicago / Daryl Hall & John Oates: 1998 Tour Collector's 2 CD Set

Average customer rating:

Best Buy Presents Chicago / Daryl Hall & John Oates: 1998 Tour Collector's 2 CD Set
Chicago , Hall & Oates , Daryl Hall , and John Oates
Manufacturer: Best Buy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000P93V6G

Product Description

Ultra-rare 1998 commemorative concert of both Hall & Oates and Chicago. After the production, these two legendary live performances were never made available on tape or DVD. Only a limited, commemorative tribute 2 CD set through Best Buy Stores (long out of print) who sponsored the tour. July 7th, 1998, these 2 super groups rocked Harbor Lights Pavilion in Boston all night long!! Great interviews, too. Both shows were superb. Daryl & John played: Romeo is Bleeding, Out of Touch, Say It Isnt So, Urges, If a Promise Aint Enough, One on One, Sara Smile, Throw the Roses Away, I Cant Go For That, Maneater. Then Chicago took the stage with: Dialogue- Part I & II, Make Me Smile, Color My World, Youre My Inspiration, Free, If You Leave Me Now, Feeling Stronger Every Day, Saturday in the Park, All Roads Lead to You, Just You and Me, Beginnings, Does Anybody Know What Time It Is, Im a Man, Hard to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away, In the Mood, 25 or 6 to 4. It was a tremendous show for old and new fans, alike.

Average customer rating:

Never Looking Back
Harbor Lights
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000JJJBS4

Rock Music:

Rock Music