John After ET
W. Grandy | windsor, nova scotia Canada | 03/20/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you like popular songs done instrumentally, you'll probably like this album. Very tasteful sax with John Tesh conducting. The material has some of the most recent pop songs with a new twist. Slide back in your easy chair and drift away."
Easy Listening
P. Kingsriter | Lakeville, MN United States | 01/19/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Short Review:All-around easy listening. Nice arrangements, nothing complicated, and sticks to the original intent of the songs - nothing unrecognizable (the bain of so many instrumental albums). There's nothing amazing or musically profound, but if you're looking for some soft, adult-rock to chill by or entertain with, this is a great album. (Great date-nite music!!) ;-)"
Uninspired
Niki M. | Alexandria, VA | 06/10/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"In my opinion, the sax is the most sensual musical instrument there is. You have to do nothing more than blow into it and out comes raw passion. This is why I am confused how sax playing playing on this album can fall so flat--almost emotionless. For this album to be entitled "Sax By The Fire" you expect sensuality. But it almost sounds like the sax player just had his heart broken and playing love music is the last thing he wants to do. He is a good sax player but he could play the music with a little more feeling. You gotta feel it to play it.
If you want true "sax by fire" music just pick up any one of the many CDs by Boney James, Albright, Kirk Whalum, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows and Candy Dulfer. Now those guys (and gal) know Saxuality.
This album is just okay--not spectacular nor bad. It will do when I want to listen to something different than my usual star-studded jazz line-up. But this would never be the first, second nor third album I reach for when I want to inspire a "by the fire" mood."