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 A Fresh Approach To Jim Reeves Music By Tony Byworth on August 27, 2014 Finely complimenting his in-depth biography "Jim Reeves: The Untold Story", Larry Jordan - who's been carrying the mantle for Reeves and his music over recent years - now brings the singer's story to life on record. The title is somewhat misleading as this much more than just new recordings: during this double cd's 144 minute playing time, there's music, narration and interviews in the chronological telling of this timeless singer's career. Hosted by Dan Hurst, with comments throughout by author Jordan, the biographical aspects of this collection gain even greater authenticity with excerpts from Reeves himself, culled from interviews that covered such items as recordings and hits, life on the road, his tour bus and South Africa. Besides several of these being released for the first time, there's also a chance to hear the singer as a news reader on his first radio job (KJRI in Henderson, Texas) and widow Mary Reeves revealing facts about her husband. On the music front, there's 39 tracks (as well as two radio adverts and an instrumental from Reeves' band, the Blue Boys), 17 of them are from Jordan's previous, now deleted Voice Master releases, the remainder are new including RCA overdubs. To pinpoint a few items, there's seven "live" recordings including songs from his network radio show, a couple of fine duets with religious performer Barbi Franklin (Making Believe and How's The World Treating You?) and a new presentation of his classic Distant Drums accompanied by a full orchestra. As is already well known, Jim Reeves had eclectic music tastes and could tackle a range of genres with equal ease, heard here as he moved from novelties (Mexican Joe) to country (A Fool Such As I, I Missed Me) to pop (Love Letters In The Sand, Scarlet Ribbons), alongside gospel (Precious Memories) and, even, with a touch of jazz accompaniment (Mona Lisa). Exactingly produced by Larry Jordan, this great collection will appeal to all Jim Reeves fans, as well as others with an interest in popular music, and much more preferable to yet another bargain basement compilation of out of copyright material.  Jim Reeves......the New Recordings By J.K. walker on August 26, 2024 Quite an enjoyable CD set of new material and narratives. I really enjoyed this project. Loved the new material and how the Jim Reeves story was told with oral history and recordings. Great gift for Jim Reeves fans. Jimmy Walker NEW RECORDINGS still BEST OF THE BEST By Lee Nelson on August 26, 2014 I received my new CD yesterday and immediately listened to it. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I've been a Jim Reeves fan from the beginning. I never get tired of listening to Jim sing. This new CD has some songs that I do not have in my collection and am sure glad to get them. The old songs are so beautiful that I am glad I can listen to them when ever I want to. My daughter remembers when my husband and I would put his LPs an the record player and would listen to them for hours on end. Thanks Larry for the enjoyment I look forward to. Lee Nelson Jim Reeves the new recordings By Jacqueline on August 23, 2012 I got this for a big Jim reeves fan and he thought it was great, I don,t no what all the fuss is about. If it was not for Larry Jordan all the new material of Jim we would not have any of these cd,s. thank god he is there to do it There has been only 16 out of the 42 songs all ready been realised.My friend has enjoyed the interviews with Jim and. Commentary with Larry & Dan Hurst. My friend recommends the Jim reeves fans to buy cd. The "Voice of Velvet" never sounded better! By Beth on August 23, 2013 As a long time Jim Reeves fan, I am in love with this release! Jim's vocals never sounded better - much more resonate, clear and yes, "velvety" than the original RCA recordings. Each song has been remastered in a way that essentially make them brand new. For instance, the strings, flute and orchestrastration on "Scarlet Ribbons" is a complete and beautiful transformation of the original, which only had Jim and his guitar. Wow! That "big orchestra" sound also breathes new life into "Distant Drums." I never heard that before and with the solid male chorus of background singers, it's a MAJOR improvement over the previously released version (that became a #1 hit). Two other highlights are "Making Believe" and "How's the World Treating You," which are new duets featuring Jim Reeves and Barbi Franklin. Their voices blend incredibly well and it sounds like they just recorded this recently. It's hard to believe Jim and Barbi weren't gazing into eachother's eyes while singing. I love the steel guitar added to "I Know One" along with the harmonizing Arne Benoni does with Jim on that song. The sax on "You Belong To Me" is the perfect compliment to this classic and lends an unexpected "jazzy" feel. "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" closes the collection, again with Jim's voice being remastered and centered. The original background singers are replaced with a truly beautiful blend of some smooth singers who do justice to Jim. Additionally, the song "Linda" really took me by surprise because I've never, EVER heard it before! Mr. Larry Jordan has to be the foremost expert on Jim Reeves in the world (his book is very detailed, a solid read) and his comments on this new CD are very articulate. Dan Hurst, the man who narrates Jim's life story, has a voice of silk that is simply a pleasure to listen to. This release is far from "boring" as a another reveiwer claimed. In fact, it's a MUST HAVE for Reeves fans EVERYWHERE! Exciting New Jim Reeves Release By Ron on August 22, 2012 I have some additional thoughts on this wonderful release. In addition to the new RCA overdubs, live material and Jim Reeves spoken word, there are wonderful duets that are much better than the duets with Debra Allen and also some live recordings that, while a few fans may already have them, they don't have them in as good a quality as has been accomplished with this release. If you are a Jim Reeves fan, you have to have this release. Worth a place in anyone's collection By Paul Mechem on August 22, 2013 A very interesting and unusual release containing interviews with Jim Reeves and biographical info from Larry Jordan with narration by Dan Hurst. With several new overdubs and a couple of previously unreleased tracks it really deserves to be in everyones collection. it contains some overdubs which have been previously released on the "Voicemasters" cd's but since not everyone will have those i do not see that as a drawback... Considering the age of the material involved the sound quality is excellent. the choice of overdubs is interesting as they are mainly Jim's lesser remembered songs ("I know one" being a particular favourite of mine) i recommend this cd without hesitation. Jim Reeves: The New Recordings By Shevanthi Perera on March 12, 2013 Verified Purchase
As an ardent Jim Reeves' Fan ,this new CD set, The New
Recordings is truly a gem - definitely a priceless
keepsake to cherish for years to come. This musical
journey thru time including rare and previously
unreleased music freshly overdubbed ; narrations,
commentaries of Jim and his interviews are just one
way to showcase this velvet voice of the great Jim
Reeves, one of the world's most popular singers.
The overdubbed RCA masters were just breathtaking and I just loved the new facelifts they received. I also love the fact that I can dance a Rumba, a Waltz, a Fox Trot, a Swing etc. to a good number of his songs which definitely have a pop flair. Thank you Larry for your time, hard work and dedication in undertaking this wonderful project. This truly is one way to keep Jim's legacy alive, especially for future generations. A definite keepsake for all Jim Reeves' Fans. Jim Reeves...fab, just what all fans have waited for By Jeepster2 on January 28, 2014 Verified Purchase I purchased this as a Christmas present for my Brother in law, a devoted Jim Reeves fan to the point of obsession. He just loves this CD...& RECOMMENDS TO ALL FANS..
FANTASTIC 5 stars
plus!
By Jim on January 12, 2014 Verified Purchase
I've been a Jim reeves fan all my life. Absolutely
loved this double cd set.Now I want to by the book
and read Larry Jordan's entire bio on Mr.
Reeves.This cd set is a must have for any real Jim
Reeves fan. Jim. S
Excellent
By Gary M on March 10, 2013 Verified Purchase A Great CD Set. If you're a Jim Reeves fan as I am, you'll find a lot of new recordings and information about Jim that you may not have known. Larry Jordan took great care in compiling this set. If you're serious about Jim Reeves, order this...you won't be sorry! This
is now one of my favorite Elvis
albums
By Customer on November 18, 2015 Verified Purchase
This
is now one of my favorite Elvis albums!
Love what they did to the song Fever.For
most part,most of the songs sound
better! And I like the way the songs
flow,A nice album to listen too.The only
song that they could not make sound
better is reconsider baby! Hope they
make another album!
This CD sounds like Elvis recorded it today By Michael S. Anthony on November 11, 2015 Verified Purchase Always been an Elvis fan. This CD sounds like Elvis recorded it today. One fantastic CD. A treat for my ears By Gemma on January 1, 2013 Verified Purchase It was
truly lovely to listen to the
beautiful tones of jim reeves once
more.
We look forward to playing it over and over again Great Disc By Alistair Mearns on December 3, 2012 Verified Purchase  Nice try but better luck next time! By Joe McGreevy on October 4, 2015 Verified Purchase I don't normally take the time to write reviews most of the music I buy I like pretty much like. I took a chance with this Elvis CD and what I find is that the new instruments in the background are a little too busy and also the overdubs are really cutting through too much. Elvis's voice is full and rich and the overdubs are thin and too loud. I just don't think the whole thing works very well. I would like to say however that the musicians played very well. It's just that they overplayed. Jim Reeves is incomparable By Gary Bryson on November 22, 2012 Verified Purchase Jim Reeves has been my favorite singer since I first heard him back in the 60's. Best voice of all time. These songs are all good, as are the rearrangements. But what makes these tunes special is the voice of the great Jim Reeves. The new 2 CD set - Outstanding! By David John Cole on October 10, 2012 Verified Purchase I have had to come on here and recommend the new CD set 'the New Recordings'. This is an absolute 'must-have' addition to your Reeves collection. You will definately NOT be disappointed! Larry Jordon: Thank you so much for all your time, hard work and dedication. This truly is brilliant! You must be so proud... I know JIm would have been. To those out there trying to put down this collection - you don't know what your talking about! Here's to the next Reeves album!! Nice Surprises By Nancy C. Marshall on September 21, 2012 Verified Purchase Lots of
neat things, good introductions, excellent
music and a few surprises, Jim Reeves fans
will enjoy this cd set very much.
New Jim Reeves By Peter Joiner on September 20, 2012 Verified Purchase Good mix of music, up to date collectors will have most of the tracks, interesting summary throughout makes this very different from the norm, acts as an introduction to the book available. Most Jim Reeves fans will enjoy this and believe it needs a place in their collections. Great Accompaniment to Larry Jordan's book "Jim Reeves: His Untold Story" By David Ray on September 5, 2012 Just when you think that there may never be another great Jim Reeves release........Larry Jordan comes through again. Not only does this cd contain new overdub songs that have been remastered, but also rare moments such as Jim announcing for KGRI Radio, the world news. What a treat to hear the young voice of Jim Reeves and I could be wrong but this may be some of the earliest recordings of his voice in a spoken mode. This also includes many new never heard before interviews of Jim Reeves. There are 42 songs on this 2 cd set with many extra little treats mixed in with the narrative that separates each song. The narrative done by Dan Hurst is as smooth between tracks as Jim's voice is on each song. Which makes an excellent transition from song to song. But some of the most touching moments are when "Jim Reeves, His Untold Story" author Larry Jordan being interviewed by Dan Hurst tells of his life of being a Jim Reeves fan and his first encounter with Mary Reeves. What brings this narrative all to life is when Larry mentions his father who encouraged him to write Mary Reeves as a young boy and then passed away soon after Mary's reply back to Larry. Listening to Larry tell this story helps to conjure up the images of the movie "Field of Dreams" where a Father's love for his boy is everlasting and vice versa. This is not your normal cd of "Greatest Hits". This goes beyond normalcy and brings you into a world that Jim still belongs in. It's as if he's never left us. And thanks to the hard work of Larry Jordan, he never will. There are many great songs on this 2 cd set. Just to name a few that really stand out I would have to start with "Mona Lisa". With the new accompaniment added, there is a whole new flavor to this song that has never been heard before. I love it. Although I've always thought it was an ok song.......I now think it's great! Another great one included in this set is "Padre of Old San Antone". This was another one that has never been one of my favorites but now it's right near the top. It just too beautiful to even describe. Words could never do it justice. Let your ears be the judge of this. This song is followed by "Precious Memories" which also has never sounded better. It sounds as if Jim recorded this in the studio just last week. Being myself a huge Elvis fan, I don't like to see his songs covered by anyone else. And although I've always liked Jim's version of "Fool Such As I", on this cd there is a Hawaiian flavor to it which almost makes me feel like I am hearing this for the very first time. I absolutely love this. Before anyone corrects me.....I know others have recorded this song before Elvis.....but really, who is this song associated most with? Elvis! But Jim here on this version gives even the King a run for his money. I can go on and on of just how good this 2 cd set is. But you have to be the judge and purchase this to hear what has to be the best Jim Reeves recording to hit the market in many years. Of course there will be a couple of critics out there who will never be satisfied of any new material of Jim being released. But if you ever notice on those negative reviews it's usually the same one or two people who are doing the postings. People that are so jealous that they were never able to accomplish themselves what people like Larry Jordan has done with his book and his Voicemaster recordings. If you listen to these negative people you'll be missing out on what has been a pleasurable experience repeated over and over since I purchased this 2 cd set. I just love it. This is one time I say to all to follow the crowd and buy this cd set. And if you haven't purchased the book yet either, get that also. True Jim Reeves' fans will love this cd set. One last note before I go......at this very moment I am listening to Jim and Barbi Franklin sing "Making Believe" which is on disc 2 of the set. This one song alone is worth purchasing "Jim Reeves,The New Recordings". I can't pick a favorite song though. lol. As soon as I think I have found one, another one starts playing and I have to change my mind. That's what a great album or cd should do to you while listening to it. I would stay here and write more but it would keep me from listening to more of this great cd. Thanks for giving us this great music. David Ray |
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