JIM REEVES FAN FORUM

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by JULIE (Webmistress) on May 23, 2014, 4:20 am
Board Administrator

We know that many of you are receiving your copies of the incredible new 8-CD set, "The Great Jim Reeves" this week and no doubt will be tremendously impressed by what you find when you open the package. The entire thing is so beautiful, from the rich color picture of Jim on the cover, to the high gloss graphics, the silver trim, the colorful disks. And that's just the cosmetic aspects.

THE SOUND quality on this set will blow you away. Such pretty music with the world's greatest male singer showcased in fresh new settings! IT'S ALL SO VERY EXCITING.

***BUT YOU CAN HELP US***

We're putting together a press release and want to include some fan reviews. So if you have received your set, please post your comments on the Fan Forum or write me privately at juliecj@iowatelecom.net (Be sure to let me know if it's okay to use your name).

This press release will be going out to media large and small and here's your chance to get some free publicity yourself.

So sharpen your pencils, collect your thoughts, and write us something we can use to help educate other Reeves fans as to just how special this glittering new release really is. But do it RIGHT AWAY as the press release is going to be put together over the weekend. Ok? Thanks -- JULIE

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Keith Kent <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Keith+Kent' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2014, 7:43 am, in reply to "TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

I have never been a great fan of overdubbing or adding additional music to tracks of any artist. In the past when vinyl was king the Jim Reeves overdubbing I found to be very insipid and weak. It did nothing to enhance the Jim Reeves sound.

The new release The Great Jim Reeves, relating to the music of Jim Reeves comprises of a wonderful new booklet with new insights into the work of Jim Reeves and the 8 new CD's.

I have listened to The Great Jim Reeves CD's with interest, hopefully to give a new dimension to the artist.
With the exception of a few tracks the whole package does make you want to listen to his music again and again.
The clarity of Jim's voice is wonderful. For someone who has listened to Jim Reeves music since 1971, it is inspiring.
My opinion only. I found the gospel CD the hardest to come to terms with. For example, "Where do I go from here". The gentle quietness has been replaced with a strong guitar and a harshness overall to the CD. The only other thing I would mention is the extra instruments to He'll Have To Go. It is mentioned in the booklet the song "Stand At Your Window" did not need any work to it as its already perfection, I really think He'll Have To Go was musical perfection. I know I will probably the only one to mention this but this is a review.

Larry Jordan has once again come up with some great work along with his team. Great credit must go to Larry in his efforts to keep the name of Jim Reeves prominent. It is now up to the public to write to radio stations etc and push Jim's music.
I have no problem in urging you to buy this collection. The Great Jim Reeves.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Larry Jordan on May 23, 2014, 2:01 pm, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

Wow. I'm amazed. The gospel CD is the hardest to come to terms with?

Wow again.

That is my favorite of all the CDs and as Tony Wall (whom I have not communicated with whatsoever on this matter) wrote, it's worth the price of the whole set. The elegance and fresh treatment of those songs is incredible, due to the extraordinary musicianship.

Mr. Kent, you say you've "never been a great fan of overdubbing" so WHY DID YOU BUY THIS CD SET? There are hundreds of CDs out there that contain the same old same old tracks by Jim.

Jim Reeves would have never had 34 charted hits after his death, or remained on the charts for 20 more years after he died, if Mary had followed your line of thinking. Updating Jim's sound gets him radio airplay worldwide.

"He'll Have To Go" only has very soft strings behind it...something that JIM HIMSELF WANTED as evidenced by the fact he had charts written to add strings when he performed with the Nashville Symphony and also sang with orchestras here and there, including on his last European tour in 1964.

But to each his own taste. I appreciate your writing in but one thing this CD set does NOT have is "harshness." Maybe your stereo system isn't adjusted properly.

But don't take my word for it fans. LISTEN FOR YOURSELF by clicking the link below, which will let you hear some samples of gospel music on the new set.

Link: GOSPEL MEDLEY

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Shevanthi Perera <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Shevanthi+Perera' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2014, 4:15 pm, in reply to "TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

What can I say?? This 8-CD masterpiece outshines any other production by any other producer and definitely a glorious way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jim's passing. A breathtakingly superb - another great VM production which is absolutely stunning. These classics tells the story of a man, his style, of how and what he sings and the manner in which he projects these feelings which continue to capture the heart of untold millions.

It was also wonderful to read and know the background details of these gems - on how these were written, sung and recorded. Thanks to Sara for all her hard work and research into the background facts of these songs.

The clarity of Jim's voice comes alive and stands out in the collection without a doubt. This masterpiece is also filled with tasteful new musical settings that showcase this great artist, not to forget the handsome color pic on the cover of the silver case and the overall range and selection of the music. I loved all the CDs however, my favorites were the Narrations, the Gospel and the Nashville Sound. The gospel songs, in particular envelopes his view of God and the intensity of his faith which in turn gave him a great sense of strength. His dramatic voice in the Gospel songs touches deeply in times of pain and grief.

Thanks Larry for this latest wonderful amazing work you just released and for continuing to keep Jim's legacy alive. Thanks to all those who participated to give this new life to all his recordings.

There is no words to describe the sound quality of this CD and as you said Larry "Hearing Jim talk was almost as enjoyable as listening to him sing." It is so true. This CD set is a gem - a keepsake for years to come and I would urge all JR fans to obtain this collection.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Doris Gath <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Doris+Gath' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2014, 4:53 pm, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

Harshness? I don't hear any harshness in any of these songs. Jim's voice is so clear it gives me the feeling that he is standing right in front of me.

I have always liked all of Jim's songs as he came out with them, and wrote disc jockeys or whatever we in the fan club could do to promote him as he was getting started.

But now that I have heard these wonderful overdubs the old versions sound really flat. Jim stands out so much clearer and sharper than ever!

There is no way to describe the feeling I get when I hear these old songs in a new way. It is as if he has come to life again and that is a wonderful feeling.

Thank you, Larry, for the insight and knowledge to bring these great songs out once again. And Sara, you did such a wonderful job researching each and every one of the songs giving us the history of each. Thank you so much.

Keep up the good work, Larry. You deserve all the accolades anyone can get!

Always for Jim, Doris

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Anita Lee Cooper <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Anita+Lee+Cooper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2014, 8:21 pm, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

I could not stop loving this new set of Jim Reeves CD's and spent an entire evening playing them on headphones to not wake the neighbors in my apartment building on the day they arrived.Jim's voice SHINES THROUGH as never before on any other recording or overdub.They are already a favorite among my most cherished recordings in my collection.

Anita L. Cooper

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Ron McBride <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Ron+McBride' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 25, 2014, 6:38 am, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

I'm a bit perplexed at Mr. Kent's review. Of course, he is entitled to his opinion, and taken as a whole, the review is good. Personally, I have to say the gospel cd is one of my favorites. I don't think I had ever really "listened" to JR's gospel songs, but the instrumentation goes with the songs so well, and you can hear Jim Reeves so clearly, listening to these versions caused me to stop what I was doing and actually "listen" to them. I see nothing wrong with overdubs because, here we are 50 years after the death of the man, and a lot of people are still talking about Jim Reeves and still buying his music. That wouldn't have happened without Mary and the RCA overdubs. I agree with Mr. Kent that some of the RCA overdubs weren't that well done, but they kept Jim Reeves music alive for many years. Now Larry has taken the torch and is carrying forward the music of Jim Reeves into the 21st century. I think "The Great Jim Reeves" will be The definitive Jim Reeves release, as a showcase for just how good the man was, just as Larry's bio of Jim Reeves has become the definitive biography of the man. Well done, well done.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 25, 2014, 12:21 pm, in reply to "TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

On my way to church this morning I stopped by the post office to check the mail. In my box was "THE GREAT JIM REEVES" cd set.

After church, I put the Gospel CD in my car player. I wanted to begin with it since several of you have said it is your favorite. When I arrived home I had listened to about half of it. I then put it on my home stereo and listened to the whole thing.

That might be the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. I listened to it while reading the booklet that came with the set, concentrating on the section of the book that dealt with the Gospel CD. I am very grateful to Larry and his daughter Sara for the booklet, which I just LOVED! More comments about the booklet to come in other posts.

Back to the music. Larry, what a beautiful job you and the arrangers, and the musicians did. I am tremendously impressed with your work. I especially loved the instrumentation on "It Is No Secret". I would love to see Stuart Hamblen's face when he hears that for the first time! Maybe I'll get to.

I have been a fanatic about Jim Reeves' voice since I first remember hearing it as a teen. I can say that I have never heard Jim sound better than he sounds on that CD.

If you have friends or family who are Christians, and who are not familiar with Jim's music, letting them hear this CD would be a great way to introduce them to The Great Jim Reeves.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Larry Jordan on May 25, 2014, 2:43 pm, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

Glad you are enjoying the CD set, "The Great Jim Reeves." For those who have not ordered it as yet, in the 48 page booklet that accompanies it, called "Songs & Recordings," Sara and I write about each song, and tell how John Wayne factors into Stuart Hamblen's decision to compose this particular number. We also describe Stuart's personal struggles and how he was inspired by The Rev. Billy Graham to overcome them.

The song uses basic "diatonic" chords or triads. So we had the strings impose extended harmonies like 6ths, 7ths and 13ths, imparting a nostalgic feel, especially on the ending with its melodic and contrapuntal movement. Listen closely to how it ends...

Click the link below for an excerpt. These strings were done in Nashville.

Link: "It Is No Secret"

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by JULIE (Webmistress) on May 25, 2014, 4:49 pm, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"
Edited by board administrator May 25, 2014, 4:54 pm

Gary, I agree wholeheartedly with your idea about introducing people to Jim's music through that gospel CD. It is actually a spiritual experience to sit there and listen to that incredible voice sing those beautiful songs, especially with the new polish on Jim's voice and the pretty accompaniment. As Larry and Sara wrote, Jim never sounded better than when he sang those hymns, because he felt them so deeply.

One of my personal favorites is "Have Thine Own Way Lord." Larry tells me that Arne Benoni played guitar on that new overdub and it is just superb. -- JULIE

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Julie, I have read many comments on Jim's music on YouTube, and Amazon where the commenter said "My Dad played Jim's music when I was growing up", or I heard Jim Reeves at home all the time when I was a kid." Well, the people under age 40 might not have been exposed to Jim's music like that. I know a lot of people who may have NEVER heard Jim Reeves sing. A talent like Jim Reeves only comes along once in a lifetime, and really, not even that often. It would be sad to have such a wonderful voice go unheard.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Mike Slater <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Mike+Slater' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 26, 2014, 2:03 am, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

Gary, you're absolutely right. It's sad to think there are actually people in this world that have never heard Jim sing, but as you said, those under 40 might not have been exposed to his music like some of us were. I'm one of those who grew up listening to Jim because he was my Mom's favorite. She was even lucky enough to see Jim's legendary Carnegie Hall performance. Unfortunately, I was too young to ever get to see Jim perform in person. I was only 12 years old when he died. Music has suffered terribly through the last few decades, in my opinion. We'll never see another singer as great as Jim again.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 26, 2014, 9:20 am, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

Mike, you and I are about the same age. I was also 12 when Jim died. I think it was a year or two later that I became a fan and started buying his records and playing his songs on juke boxes.

I have heard singers who date back to the 1920's up to the present day, some of which I enjoy hearing. But I have never heard a singer whose voice I like as much as I like Jim's. Or that affected me the same way. And I don't expect that will change.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Well,Gary, we're about the same age and we think alike too! I couldn't agree with you more. My Mom bought all of Jim's records up until she passed away in 1976. I was already a fan and started buying them myself after that. When I think of all the unreleased material on Jim that's come out since my Mom died, it makes me sad because she would have loved all of it--especially the great Voicemasters CD's. In 1967, my parents and I visited Jim's gravesite in Texas. That's a day I'll never forget...

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 26, 2014, 9:04 pm, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

Mike, you were very young when your Mom died. The Lord allowed my Mom to stay around until 2002. She loved Jim's music too. I miss her everyday, as I'm sure you still miss your Mom.

I can well remember playing Jim's records on juke boxes years ago. But I can't seem to remember playing any other singer's records. I think Jim was the only singer I was willing to spend my money to hear.

I hope to visit Jim's gravesite before I leave out of here. If I do get to go, I imagine it will be a very emotional experience. It is surprising the effect that someone you never met can have on you. I can't see myself being emotional at the grave of any other singer or famous person.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Manendra Pedris <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Manendra+Pedris' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 30, 2014, 8:22 am, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

Gary,

You must definitely try to go to the gravesite. It's beautifully kept. And, yes, it IS a very emotional experience. It was for me when I visited last October. And this coming from someone who wasn't even born when Jim died.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Steve Mitchell <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Steve+Mitchell' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 1, 2014, 9:46 pm, in reply to "Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

The gospel is the best. I use it for my Quiet Time in the study.Very soothing to frayed nerves. It actually quiets down folks with dementia.

Re: TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Posted by Tom Croteau <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Ray+Croteau' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on June 2, 2014, 6:34 am, in reply to "TELL US WHAT YOU THINK"

I received my copy of The Great Jim Reeves a couple of days ago, and cannot get enough of it!! The clarity of Jim's voice on EVERY SINGLE TRACK is above reproach. Just a beautiful job. The booklet is , of course, well written, and very readable. There has been no one in my memory of music history that has done such a marvelous and respectful job of preserving, and furthering, the memory of a music legend as the Jordan family. I, for one, give you my sincerest thanks!!

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