"After over 35 years of music collecting, I still see only one "Entrance." Edgar and brother Johnny collaborate on an explosion of unforgettably delectable fusion ideas, brought to life with a dead aim that's still fresh today. Side 1 comprises a suite that meshes and melds to perfection. Side 2 includes standalone tunes, including "Tobacco Road," the only one I ever heard played on the radio (a pathetic shame...). If you love and appreciate good composition, you'll be amazed at the torrent of fluid music that holds Entrance together. One of my top 100 of all time, and definitely an unknown gem. At Amazon's low price, there's no reason NOT to own it!"
Stunning Debut
kamus | United States | 03/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Edgar's first album is still one of his best. His extraordinary voice, his energetic sax and keyboard playing are all heard to great advantage here. The strong jazz infuence may come as a surprise to those who only know him from "Free Ride" and later but it's a style that he is obviously quite at home in. The best part of this record is remarkable compositional talent that Edgar displayed at such a young age. Everything about this record is first rate and even though I'm a fan of most everything he's done, this is still my favorite Edgar Winter recording of all time. Just buy it!"
Not Your Average Winter
Terence King | New York, NY United States | 09/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Edgar Winter's first album is in many ways his best, and one of the greatest debut albums ever. Of course, those fans who came to know and love the later, arena-rock Edgar may hate it (see some of the other reviews here). This album is a potpourri of jazz, soul, and rock. Very strong writing and arranging (although I don't think the lyrics on side one are great), excellent playing from the session musicians, especially bassist Gene Kurtz, as well as featured players Edgar and brother Johnny (on a burning Tobacco Road). At this time Edgar's singing was influence mainly by Mose Allison, which the negative reviewers on this page would know if they knew anything. It's a unique, melodic, groovy record which I highly recommend to all those with open ears."
Obscure,but the finest
ric desiena | Salt Lake City, UT | 08/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Long ago, I was a Johnny Winter fan, and listened to this album because it was his brother...It wasn't rock and roll, but for some reason I REALLY liked it..as I aged, and my tastes turned to jazz, this remained as one of my most prized collections.The performances are flawless, the studio mixing is superb, the tunes are well-written...I can't say enough for this album.
There are very few things you'l buy that will still make the hairs stand up on your neck 30 years later, but this is one...there are no bad tunes here, and it should be a part of everyone's collection that appreciates well-written, well-executed, well-mixed jazz/rock music of this type....it's hard to beat."
A Real Treasure
Bill Vitez | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA United States | 06/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard this album through the walls of my college dorm room about 30 years ago. It grew on me and I finally had to have a copy for myself. Frankly, I would never have discovered it on my own. Like Traffic's "John Barleycorn Must Die" "Entrance" defies simple categorization, received little, if any, air-play and was far from mainstream top 40. 30 years later this album is still relevant and enjoyable. I've owened it on LP, Casette Tape and finally on CD. The first 7 cuts are a biographical pouring out of Edgar's soul responding to the world's reaction to his uniqe physical appearance and I thank him for the look inside. If you listen to this CD and don't get moved please have someone contact the mortuary because your are no longer among the living."