Search - Jorma Kaukonen :: Stars in My Crown

Mixed feelings...

Richard D. Hodgson | Madera, CA United States | 04/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I know that I'm going to get a few (maybe quite a few) "no" votes on this review. It's become obvious that most people rate reviews more on whether or not they agree with the opinions expressed than on whether or not the review was actually helpful in any way. But that's ok, I'll take my lumps-- it won't change my opinion. And I'm going to say some things that I really wish other reviewers had said.



I wish I could give this album two separate ratings-- one for the music and another for the lyrical content. Musically, it's superb. Some of the finest music Jorma has ever recorded. The musicianship is outstanding, just as I had expected. And the recording quality is amazing-- the close-miked intimacy of the recording makes you almost believe that the musicians are sitting around your living room. From a sonic and musical standpoint this disc is flawless. Beautiful. I just can't fault it on any level. However...



Jorma is obviously a deeply religious man, and I respect that fact. He's always included a few spirituals on his albums, and I've never had an issue with it. But on this release, the religious factor is cranked up to 10. It's almost relentless. I'm not an atheist, and I respect anyone's personal religious beliefs. But as a confirmed agnostic, a little bit goes a long way with me. There is little on the outside package to indicate the overtly Christian theme of this album; you only get a true feel for that when you get to the inside liner notes. While musically I truly enjoyed this disc, the religiosity of the music was so intense that I actually began to feel uncomfortable with it by the second half.



I bought this new release because I deeply respect Jorma as an artist and musician, and I will continue to buy his music. But I bought this disc in a retail store, not on Amazon, and I hadn't heard any music samples. If I had, I might have actually passed on this one. That's really too bad, but it's a fact. A little spiritualism is fine, but as a rule I don't buy nor listen to Christian music. And in all honest sincerity, if I wanted to be preached to, I'd go to church. Please, Jorma, I do respect your feelings and beliefs (and I fully appreciate the spiritual roots of much of your music), and I'm sure that the music on this album is deeply personal and meaningful to you. But I don't necessarily share in those feelings-- I just love good music. Next time, could you please tone it down just a couple of notches?"

"Who would have thought that life would be this good?"

Mike | San Jose, CA | 03/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The title of my review is from Jorma's liner notes to "Stars In My Crown." He talks about "living a simple life with my music" and as a fan of the man and his music for the last 40 years, I've got to say I've never heard him more relaxed and natural. Remember the albums he did for Relix Records like "Too Hot To Handle?" Jorma was still dancing with a few of his demons then, and it showed (as did the fact that Relix was the ultimate low-rent, low budget label). Fans of acoustic Hot Tuna will enjoy Lightning Hopkins' "Come Back Baby," and the opener "Heart Temporary," a Jorma original, perfectly captures the "bittersweet and beautiful but never sugary" tone of his best work. "Late Breaking News" is more "Burgers"-era Jorma, while The Rev. Gary Davis' "There's A Table Sitting In Heaven" will take you back in spirit to Jorma's earlier Rev. G.D. tune "I Am The Light Of This World." Think of "Stars In My Crown" as a postcard from an old and treasured friend. The fact that Jorma's happy and still making heartfelt, vital music at age 66 is reason to celebrate."

Jorma Kaukonen - Stars in My Crown, A True Gem!

Edje | Milford, CT | 03/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jorma has cultivated a time honored set of personal spiritual tunes that are uniquely reflective and reverent. His guitar mastery fosters renewed interpretation of old time blues classics as well as leads us to new revelations. I loved how Jorma crafted the tribute to American country blues heritage on his previous recording, Blue Country Heart. The tradition is furthered happily with Stars in My Crown. We are gifted to Jorma's keen jeweler's eye as each track becomes a fine cut diamond. Jorma carves out for the listener an instinctual sound that enlists our trust by building a mutual affinity.



Jorma's maturity as an artist combines intuitive depth with focused simplicity. There are several enchanting new songs to engage you such as Late Breaking News and Heart Temporary. I have yearned to hear Jorma Kaukonen to record more Rev. Gary Davis songs. He appeases that need by including two of his songs on the CD, There's a Table Sitting in Heaven and Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown. Another new song, Living In The Moment places us on the Fur Peace Ranch back porch rocking alongside Jorma in our easy chair.



Jorma, thank you for an insightful series of spiritual tunes that deepens our awareness and embellishes the music of our heart and souls!"