I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
Make Love To Me
It's Such a Good Day
Basin Street Blues
On the Street Where You Live
Just For a Thrill
Easy Street
Don't Go To Strangers
Down New Orleans Way
Texas Plains
Together Again
But Beautiful
Coolin? Soup is a superb blend of jazz, blues, and country, backed by some of the finest jazz musicians in the country. Featuring seventeen tracks by songwriters as diverse as Johnny Cash, Lerner and Loewe, Hoagy Carmichae... more »l and even Michael Parks himself, the album contains more than an hour of that special Michael Parks style of music. This music was created by musicians who were there in the studio with Michael. No one "sent in" their performance. This isn't a collection of samples, overdubs, and engineering special effects. It's real music made by people who didn't need printed scores or machines to make music. It's exactly what Michael wanted it to be. So listen to the complex simplicity. Simplicity, because the music is immediately accessible; complex, because after repeated listenings, the music and performances still invite further investigation.« less
Coolin? Soup is a superb blend of jazz, blues, and country, backed by some of the finest jazz musicians in the country. Featuring seventeen tracks by songwriters as diverse as Johnny Cash, Lerner and Loewe, Hoagy Carmichael and even Michael Parks himself, the album contains more than an hour of that special Michael Parks style of music. This music was created by musicians who were there in the studio with Michael. No one "sent in" their performance. This isn't a collection of samples, overdubs, and engineering special effects. It's real music made by people who didn't need printed scores or machines to make music. It's exactly what Michael wanted it to be. So listen to the complex simplicity. Simplicity, because the music is immediately accessible; complex, because after repeated listenings, the music and performances still invite further investigation.
CD Reviews
When will they release "old" Michael Parks albums?
William P. Kreuser | Kenosha, WI USA | 08/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I couldn't wait to receive Michael Parks' new CD. I immediately played it and loved it. I have been a fan of Michael Parks since his Then Came Bronson series. I think I enjoyed his laid back way of singing as much as the show itself. I have 3 of his album releases (yeah, I do remember albums). His newest CD was a treat. A little different in that it has a definate jazz "flavor" to it, but no less entertaining and pleasing to the ears than his earlier works. I enjoyed the CD immensely. Now to my question...when will they be releasing Michael's earlier works on CD. I guess I'll have to get a CD "burner" to record my albums."
Good to have him back
ivar torgrimson | Omaha, NE United States | 02/08/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I had collected all his previous stuff on vinyl and wore out the grooves listening to them. I then searched the used record stores for copies in better condition and wore those out. I have been hoping they will re-release the stuff on CD. One day I decided to put his name in a google search and discovered this wonderful collection of jazz and blues. But the best part of the album is Michael's wonderful down home voice. It's good to have him back and I hope he continues to record."
Wonderful Songs
Eric Bost | Sacramento, CA United States | 04/04/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you liked Long Lonesome Highway you will enjoy Coolin' Soup. This is heartfelt music that makes you smile and cry at the same time. If you are looking for a slick production that sounds like it was engineered for the American Idol crowd, then this CD is NOT for you.Michael's voice is not that of a young man, but his song selections match his vocal ability beautifully. If you want music with depth and humor, then buy this CD."
Timing Is Everything
Deborah Thompson | Freedom, CA USA | 07/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some of us waited a long time for more songs from this man, and patience pays off--his maturity and life experience show through on these songs. There is a nice mix of blues, country (but not twangy), and old standards. I especially love the pretty, but sad, Moulin Rouge ("Where Is Your Heart?") and the last song "But Beautiful".This also is not a CD that has been overly-engineered the way so many are today. The rises and falls of musical nuances are left in, and you know you are listening to real music, not some canned stuff where each cut has been mixed to sound like every other cut.If it's possible to wear out a CD, I certainly will this one."
He's still got it
TulsaTV | Tulsa, Oklahoma | 12/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The title came from a comment once made to MP by "Thumbs" Carllile that he had a "good voice...for coolin' soup".
If you enjoyed the low-key charm of Parks' earlier albums, you will certainly like this one. These musicians have that subtle ESP swing thing going for them. Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer Byron Berline is the violinist on this date. Highlights are "Rockin' Chair" by Hoagy Carmichael, "But Beautiful" by Van Heusen/Burke, Johnny Cash's "Big River", and a song written by MP himself, "Down New Orleans Way", which fits beautifully into the set. I find myself playing this CD a lot...it's a bit like Chet Baker meets Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1