(Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I (William Trader)
For The Good Times (Kris Kristofferson)
Pocket Of A Clown (Dwight Yoakam)
Crying Time (Buck Owens)
Cold, Cold Heart (Hank Williams)
You Can Depend On Me (Charles Carpenter-Louis Dunlap-Earl Hines)
Husbands And Wives (Roger Miller)
It Only Hurts Me When I Cry (Dwight Yoakam-Roger Miller)
Take These Chains From My Heart (Hy Heath-Fred Rose)
"There's a sophistication in country music, particularly in the songs that were written in the 1950s and'60s, that sometimes gets overlooked," says Malo. "I wanted to make an album that showed these songs can be treated as... more » pop standards, because that's what they are, really. It's just that the artists who had success with them were country artists, although Tony Bennett had a hit with a Hank Williams song, so it isn't that unusual for the genres to cross each other." In approaching this material, Malo and his band--Robert Chevrier (piano), Jay Weaver (bass), Tom Lewis (drums) and Jim Hoke (saxophone, clarinet and pedal steel)--drew their inspiration from the classic Nashville productions of the era. "This record definitely pays homage to the kind of country music Owen Bradley created," Malo acknowledges. "But the Ray Charles album Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music was the specific inspiration for this one. Ray proved that country music can be sophisticated and jazzy as well, and we wanted to do our take on it." Raul Malo Photos More from Raul Malo
"There's a sophistication in country music, particularly in the songs that were written in the 1950s and'60s, that sometimes gets overlooked," says Malo. "I wanted to make an album that showed these songs can be treated as pop standards, because that's what they are, really. It's just that the artists who had success with them were country artists, although Tony Bennett had a hit with a Hank Williams song, so it isn't that unusual for the genres to cross each other." In approaching this material, Malo and his band--Robert Chevrier (piano), Jay Weaver (bass), Tom Lewis (drums) and Jim Hoke (saxophone, clarinet and pedal steel)--drew their inspiration from the classic Nashville productions of the era. "This record definitely pays homage to the kind of country music Owen Bradley created," Malo acknowledges. "But the Ray Charles album Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music was the specific inspiration for this one. Ray proved that country music can be sophisticated and jazzy as well, and we wanted to do our take on it." Raul Malo Photos More from Raul Malo
Marshmallow World & Other Holiday Favorites
You're Only Lonely
The Nashville Acoustic Sessions
Today
"To sound this good should be a crime. Over the years, Raul Malo has made exceptional music. The kind of music that makes you either stand up and shuffle (good or bad), grab the person next to you for a slow dance around the livingroom or curl up so close to them that you could hear their heart beating over the swelling notes of Malo's operatic vocals. The man can sing. Pure and simple.
This disc, a follow up to his last great album, is a slow burner of classics, some well known -- other's a bit under the radar. Like any great showman, there is a slow build to almost every song that just oozes with style. And unlike the processed popular music of today there is a genuine groove and "feel" to the songs. "Welcome to My World," with it's slow, tinkling piano is magic. The pep of "Pocket of a Clown" hides the down turn of the lyrics. But the standout for me is Owens' "Cryin' Time." Ray Charles does an utterly breathtaking version of it, and another with Streisand as a duet. And Malo doesn't let the song or the masters who sung it before him down.
I could gush about this disc for ages. But also, I should mention that Raul Malo also puts on a kick butt live show as well. Pick up the CD, pick up a few. Give them to friends -- heck, give them to enemies. They'll say: I used to hate [insert your name here] but they have great music tastes. I'm gonna get [insert your name here] a muffin. And who doesn't like muffins?"
Listening to this cd is pure pleasure!
cmp | Miami, Fl USA | 07/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In my opinion, Raul Malo has the most beautiful male voice in music today. His voice, timeless classic songs, and an impeccable production add up to a treasure of an album.
Whether you are a fan of country classics or not; this is an album I am certain you will enjoy. Raul gives each song the respect it deserves. His inimitable style and phrasing imbues each piece with a freshness that is irresistible!"
Smooth and Sexy
Adele Beck | Santee, CA United States | 07/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Raul Malo has scored again with "After Hours". You don't have to be a country music fan to love this album. With his magnificent voice, Raul and his fantastic band comprised of Robert Chevier on piano, Jay Weaver on base guitar, and Tom Lewis on drums, have once again produced a record worth listening to. Following in the footsteps of the greats, Sinatra, Martin, Orbison, and Elvis, Raul and his band have created music that's smooth, sexy, and will definitely put your husband, wife, lover, partner in the mood. I've ordered multiple copies for all my friends. Don't miss this opportunity to sway with the master, Raul Malo."
Absolutely Fabulous!
C. Bailey | Wisconsin, USA | 07/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't tell you how much I love this CD! I love it more than "You're Only Lonely", and that CD has been playing in my house every single day for almost a year. "After Hours" has a Live feel that is fabulous. It makes the listener feel as if they are in a swank nightclub from the 1950's. If I had to choose a favorite song, I think it would be "You can Depend on Me" followed closely by "Cold, Cold Heart". The only way I could have been happier with this CD is if it had 20 of these songs instead of 10. I hope there will be a second album!"