Barefoot Servants 2 Shows What Real Musicians Do With Their
M Ziggy | Michigan | 08/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The new CD out by Barefoot Servants 2 display's what real true musicians create. REAL MUSIC! Not some corporate supported bubble gum music, but strong works of music how music should be played. From the rockin' first song "Pharaoh's House" to the toe tappin "Take My Breath Away", there is truly not a bad song on the CD. If this CD were recorded back in the 70's, (that's were the song "Brown Penny" takes me) it would be heard on every radio station across the country. That's not to say this sounds like old music, but has a little bit of the Faces, Stones, Hendrix and a lot of Jon Butcher the master crafter. You can hear it in his voice on the CD, that Jon and the band had a great time playing these song's. Rightly so, because they should be proud of their work here. Nothing this fresh has been out in a long time. Me, I expected nothing less! If your a music fan of any of the Barefoot Servants you probably have this one already, if your not, do yourself a favor and get it. You will not be disappointed."
One Man's Opinion
mayrn2 | 09/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Barefoot Servants 2
Jon Butcher
Ben Schultz
Leland Sklar
Neal Wilkerson
Eagerly anticipated, this album, two years in the making, is a thing of sonic beauty. Expertly produced and recorded, it is truly one of Jon Butcher's career highlights.
Initial surprise, the tracks are more acoustically based than electric, and an ample amount of Jon's harmonica work spices several of the tracks.
Ben Schultz is the perfect compliment to Jon. His musicianship is outstanding, trading licks with Jon and singing wonderfully throughout. Quite different, in a good way, from Barefoot's 1994 debut album.
No surprise that Leland Sklar lays down magnificent bass lines throughout the disc, proving once again that Lee is one of the world's best bass players.
Neil Wilkerson's crisp, solid drumming provides a consistent backbeat that Jon hasn't had since working with Derek Blevins in Jon Butcher Axis.
Transport to today, new technologies, sophistication, life's lessons learned, an artist, who cares, grows. And still tells great stories with his lyrics. That's Jon. On with the show...
Tracks
1. Pharaoh's House: Remember The Rolling Stones? This is the best track they never recorded. Kicks the album off like the old JBA and Johanna Wild used to do.
2. I Don't Care At All: Mostly acoustic, Jon vocals and sweet harmonica. Dylanesk. 12 string in there? Hmmm?
3. Crazy: Jon up front, in your face acoustic...must be the Taylor guitar sounds so sweet and forward...slide guitar from Ben makes the tune.
4. When The Day Comes: Huge rocker with props to John Lennon and Beatles. Jon grew up a big Fab Four fan..Neil kicks the drums...Beatles "on edge."
5. Rude Boy: An "in your face" rocker, my pick for a video. A "hit!" Jon just like we all remember him, harmonica is great...reminds me of Stones and Clash, but this is PURE JB.
6. Take My Breath Away: Neil's backbeat, "you can't lose it!" Leland, power, clean bass lines. Funky to the point one might think Reggae influence.
7. Bells of Saint Mary's: Spellbinding tune, great story. Acoustic foundation. Jon and Ben work great together on this one. A "live in concert" showstopper.
8. Brown Penny: A classic from Jon, ala Rod Stewart's Maggie May. You can hear "the smile" in Jon's voice in this tune. Jon, always the storyteller.
9. Monsters in Bethlehem: Mostly acoustic, Jon being basic with a feeling within.
10. Crack The Sky: Had to be one Jimi redux. A blockbuster song. The Stratocaster sounds so sweet. Drums flash back to Derek Blevins. Funny how so many people used to compare Jon to Jimi. This is not a Jimi song, it sounds just like Jon Butcher!
11. Love You Too Much: Great drums! Perfect for VH1. Reminds of Jon Butcher Axis days.
12. Dog Days: Power riffs. Jon attacks the strat. Lee blows your speakers up with a great bass line. Maybe a little Jimi or Jeff Beck lurking in there.
13. Phases of The Moon: A perfect sonic end to an imaginative album of music from four true professionals.
This new work from Jon is well worth the wait. Given the appropriate attention from national media and publications, this will put Jon "on the map" where he belongs. A great singer, songwriter, storyteller and, he plays a pretty good guitar now and then. (heh-heh)
Overall recommendation...buy it now and get a couple for your friends.
"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1