Gentleman Of Leisure

Gentleman Of Leisure

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Jesse Winchester has made such a good living writing songs for the likes of Wynonna Judd, Emmylou Harris, and Reba McEntire that he doesn't really have to make his own albums. In fact, the revealingly titled Gentleman of Leisure is only his second album in 18 years. It was worth the wait, for it sounds like one of Lyle Lovett's late-1990s albums. There's the same dry, wry voice; the same weird mix of '40s swing, '60s R&B, and '70s progressive country; and the same conversational lyrics that seem casual at first but contain memorable aphorisms. Lovett's Texas sensibility is replaced, though, by Winchester's Memphis roots, which are reinforced by Steve Cropper's presence on songs about Elvis and a favorite soul-music club. Producer Jerry Douglas has also called in bluegrass guitar whiz Bryan Sutton, blues-guitar virtuoso Mike Henderson, country star Vince Gill, and gospel's Fairfield Four. Winchester's songwriting is the star attraction, though, thanks to music that marries hillbilly tunefulness to swampy Delta grooves and Zen lyrics that explore how love can strip us of pride and power and still make us strong. --Geoffrey Himes

Tracks:

Club Manhattan
Sweet Little Shoe
That's What Makes You Strong
No Pride At All
Gentleman Of Leisure
Wander My Way Home
Evil Angel
Just Cause I'm In Love With You
Just Like New
You Tickle Me
Freewheeler
Sweet Loving Daddy
I Wave Bye Bye
Wander My Way Home (Reprise)

Amazon.com

Jesse Winchester has made such a good living writing songs for the likes of Wynonna Judd, Emmylou Harris, and Reba McEntire that he doesn't really have to make his own albums. In fact, the revealingly titled Gentleman of Leisure is only his second album in 18 years. It was worth the wait, for it sounds like one of Lyle Lovett's late-1990s albums. There's the same dry, wry voice; the same weird mix of '40s swing, '60s R&B, and '70s progressive country; and the same conversational lyrics that seem casual at first but contain memorable aphorisms. Lovett's Texas sensibility is replaced, though, by Winchester's Memphis roots, which are reinforced by Steve Cropper's presence on songs about Elvis and a favorite soul-music club. Producer Jerry Douglas has also called in bluegrass guitar whiz Bryan Sutton, blues-guitar virtuoso Mike Henderson, country star Vince Gill, and gospel's Fairfield Four. Winchester's songwriting is the star attraction, though, thanks to music that marries hillbilly tunefulness to swampy Delta grooves and Zen lyrics that explore how love can strip us of pride and power and still make us strong. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

on "Worth it for 2 songs alone".......2006-10-14

He's right about the two songs: 'That's What Makes You Strong' and 'No Pride At All' will move you in mysterious ways - if you don't buy the album at least buy those two tracks. This man has unusual wisdom and wonderful songwriting ability. I was a huge fan of his first two albums 30 years ago - I am glad that his is still capable of great music. Yes, there are a few lightweight ditties on it, but overall it is so much better than most of what's out there... (therefore 5 stars). And his lead guitarist is Steve Cropper(!) Oh - how could I forget - 'Wander My Way Home' is the only song by a white guy on my person best Gospel mix - it is wonderful (with the Fairfield Four). There is a LOT to like here.

Worth it for 2 songs alone.......2006-03-15

There are two songs on this album that are great: "No Pride at All" and "That's What Makes You Strong". The combination of powerful emotion with songwriting craft at its highest level result in stunning songs. I played "No Pride at All" for a friend of mine, a guy with a heavy metal background. (The song is very mellow instrumentally). It totally caught him off-guard; he literally broke down in tears. The next time he came over he said, "I want to hear my song". I put in on and left him alone in the living room.

"No Pride at All" is also very mellow instrumentally, but absolutely devastating emotionally. And "devastating" is the only word I can use to describe it.

The other songs vary from above average to good, but the presence of these two songs makes the album a must-buy, in my opinion.

-rr

Superb.......2006-02-26

This is one of the best albums ever recorded in America. Every song is a masterpiece. A must!

Definitely worth the wait.......2005-08-07

I can't say much more than what's already been said. "Gentleman of Leisure" is the epitome of cool, with some of the sweetest ballads to ever come out of my speakers. Do all your friends a favor and turn them on to this.

Beautiful.......2001-06-17

This recording is just a wonder. I have owned this cd for about a year, and I cannot get enough of it--and it is rare nowadays for a record to have such an impact on me. I have bought it for at least three other friends and family members already. Take a listen, and you won't be able to stop either.

Average customer rating:

What glory for genius?
A fresh mix of styles

Gentleman of Leisure
Jadell
Manufacturer: Ultimate Dilemma
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
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Organisatio
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Compared to What
Keep On
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Album Details

On this Album Jadell Shows He is at the Forefront of a New Generation of UK Producers who Are Reinventing Hip Hop and Beats. Taking his Immaculate Influences, Twisting and Compressing them Into Something that Will Kick You Into Next Week.

Customer Reviews:

What glory for genius?.......2002-04-14

What is the point of making such inspirational, brilliant music if the bored, inert public does not recognize it as transcending all barriers of "criticism"? Jadell is a master pop composer, capable of distilling the soul of recent pop music styles into a pure elixir of pleasure, but the horror of corporate music still rules our globe. There is no need to connect Jadell with anyone, to diminish the solitary glory of the best funk he elucidates, to deny the integrity of his work - all that you must do is listen, be angry that pop invention is so unheeded, and resolve to continue to seek out the nearly anonymous heroes that can yet still be heard banging around our junk heaps.

A fresh mix of styles.......2000-01-17

I first heard Jadell on the Battlecreek EP along side Deadly Avenger and wanted to hear more of his work. This is a refreshing mix, combining just about every musical genre, jazz/soul/funk/rock all mixed up with some hip-hop beats thrown over the top. Sometimes this reminds me of DJ Shadow and Groove Armada with a laid back attitude. favourite tracks include Organization - a 70's car chase soundtrack and Brand New Sound - a funky hip-hop tune with a great bass-line. If you like your musical styles mixed up into something new then you'll probably like this.

Average customer rating:

funky and slick

Gentleman of Leisure
Jadell
Manufacturer: Ultimate Dilemma
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SCFZ
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

Organisatio
Brand New Sound
Compared to What
Keep On
Space Bed
Before the Fall
Sure Shot
Beat of Ages
Homecoming
Mother Otherness
I'm With You

Customer Reviews:

funky and slick.......2000-08-07

i gave this CD a spin at Tower Records and it's that fine balance i'm looking for in a playful retro-Beck-like sort of way. i think it's a little more sophisticated. mostly instrumental but some good male/female guest vocals. that's about as much as i can contribute on a first spin.

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