Vince Gill's Latest Release...4 CDs, 43 songs with

He is really talented and I enjoy his work. I just wonder why he went overboard with so many songs? Trying to made a huge splash on his comeback? 43 just seems excessive.

I was of the same mindset as you until I saw him in concert last week and he explained the background on this 4-CD release. He originally wrote all the songs for a one-LP release. But, that is where fate takes over. There is more to the story here:

http://www.vincegill.com/bio/index.php

I am grateful that his label supported the release of all the songs. If it was a scenario of a few good songs and alot of filler, that would be one thing. However, there isn't a bad apple in the bunch. How many single CD, 10-song releases can we say that about lately?

And, these songs sounded phenomenal "live" at the Meyerson Symphony Center.

Best,
Mary

A buddy just brought this over yesterday. I've listened to discs one and two, so far. I've always admired Vince Gill's voice and guitar playing, but I have to say I'm pretty blown away by the consistent quality of the songwriting. And, needless to say, the playing is also first-rate throughout, with a wonderful array of guest singers and players. This is an excellent collection of music.

That being said, I feel that the overall sound is actually a bit too slick. I also hear lots of Pro-Tools stuff going on, I think. Drum tracks in particular are a bit too perfect (and the kick drum and toms sound to me like they were triggered after the fact).

Also, on disc two there are some weird-ass piano sounds, even on the Diana Krall track (too closely mic'd and not natural sounding). I'm being picky here, but I'm a professional musician, and that's just how I'm hearing it.

For a more natural sounding recording in a similar vein (country, bluesy, jazzy, poppy), check out the newest Big Al Anderson CD--great stuff, too. He was the guitarist in NRBQ and is now doing his own thing (he also co-wrote some of the tunes on the Vince Gill discs).