| | John Stevens Red CD John Stevens Discography of CDs
(6 Customer Reviews)
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Personnel: John Stevens (vocals); Erika Christensen (vocals); Bob Mann (guitar, keyboards); Lisa Dondlinger, Gil Romero, Sidney Page, Charles Everett, Joel Derouin, Phillipe Levy, Haim Shtrum (violin); Janet Lakatos (viola); Vahe Hayrikyan, Armen Hayrikian (cello); Roger Rosenberg, Bob Sheppard (saxophone); Warren Leuning, Bob Millikan (trumpet); Randy Andos (trombone); Chip Jackson, Kenny Ascher, Bill Mays (piano); David Finck (bass instrument); Paulinho DeCosta (percussion); Michael Markman (violin); Harry Shirinian (viola); Armen Ksadjikian (cello); Lou Marini (saxophone); Lew Soloff (trumpet); Jim Pugh (trombone); Lee Musiker (piano); Allan Schwartzberg (drums). Audio Mixers: Ryan Petrie; Bill Schnee. Photographer: Nick Spanos. Arranger: Bob Mann. John Stevens was a contestant on the third season of American Idol -- the season that had a notable lack of male contestants. There was John -- cleverly nicknamed "Red" by millions, due to his red hair; Jon Peter Lewis, an enthusiastic, ironic dork who came along just a little bit too early to benefit from the Napoleon Dynamite zeitgeist; George Huff, a sweet and shy neo-soul singer; and Matthew Rogers, a barrel-chested ex-football player who wanted to be a soulman but gravitated toward country. Each of these four contestants -- who represented a third of the grand total of 12 finalists -- had their own niche, but Stevens stood out because he specialized in the Great American Songbook, which is a roundabout way of saying that he was a Frank Sinatra wannabe. Not only did he sing in a different style than the other contestants, but he was painfully shy, which made him quite endearing to a certain portion of the viewing audience who kept him around longer than his shaky vocals and inconsistent performances deserved. Stevens didn't win fans because of his voice -- it was OK, but it lacked warmth and depth, and he was far too mannered, borrowing heavily from Frank, Dean, Bobby Darin, and, especially, how Harry Connick, Jr. synthesized all of those singers when Stevens was a toddler -- but he won fans because he was a unique television personality. He was a scared, sweet kid who won the hearts of young girls and grandmas alike, in a fashion not unlike Clay Aiken in season two, but without his smarminess. Those were the qualities that not only sustained Stevens throughout the show, but landed him a major-label contract, which is something a lot of his fellow contestants did not get. Instead of cranking out an album right away, Stevens and Maverick took their time, working on the record for about a year and finally releasing Red (well, what else was it going to be called?) in the summer of 2005. That time was spent not rethinking Stevens' sound, but helping him grow into his sound. Clearly, he's had some vocal lessons since American Idol, since he sounds relatively assured -- not only does his voice not quaver, but he varies his phrasing, giving momentum to the songs. Of course, his phrasing is borrowed wholesale from Sinatra, Martin, Darin, and Connick, something that's all the more evident because he's performing all-too-familiar standards associated with those singers. The difference between Red and what Stevens did on television is that his homage is better and more effective on record, since he's grown as a vocalist and the record is crisply, professionally produced. It's such a sharp production that the record makes Stevens seem like a more effective vocalist than he actually is, and that will no doubt satisfy both his young and old fans, who, depending on their age, will either enjoy hearing these songs for the first time or will be delighted to hear a young singer carry the torch. But for anybody who doesn't fall into those two categories, Red is a dull ride because of the predictability of the material and Stevens' performance. And the thing is, it didn't need to be that way. The two times that the record breaks from the well-worn book of American standards, the a John Stevens Red Songs | 1. | Come Fly With Me | $0.99 | |
| 2. | My Blue Heaven | $0.99 | |
| 3. | Someone to Watch Over Me | $0.99 | |
| 4. | Here There and Everywhere | $0.99 | |
| 5. | All of Me | $0.99 | |
| 6. | This Love | $0.99 | |
| 7. | I Only Have Eyes For You | $0.99 | |
| 8. | Let's Fall in Love - (with Erika Christensen) | $0.99 | |
| 9. | It Had to Be You | $0.99 | |
| 10. | Shadow of Your Smile, The | $0.99 | |
| 11. | Don't Get Around Much Anymore | $0.99 | |
| Red Music Review Average Rating: (3.7 out of 5 stars)    List All Reviews My Kind of Music! In this age when most singers think screaming is talent, John Stevens 'Red' has the music, songs and voice to prove that thinking is wrong. I am not disappointed in this CD and I believe with more experience, John Stevens will be around a long time. We need more releases like this one. Submitted by rhunter (Charleston, WV)  Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
John Stevens He sounds pretty good. But despite what people say he does not sound like Sinatra. He is lacking the maturity in his phrasing and the ability to take liberties with the melody of the songs. He sings very in tune but also in a very straight manner. It would be nice to hear him explore various melodic pathways and be more adventurous. Submitted by Paul (La, Ca, USA) Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
John Stevens He sounds pretty good. But despite what people say he does not sound like Sinatra. He is lacking the maturity in his phrasing and the ability to take liberties with the melody of the songs. He sings very in tune but also in a very straight manner. It would be nice to hear him explore various melodic pathways and be more adventurous. Submitted by pnowell1983 (La, Ca, USA) Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
Steven's wins! I have been rooting for you since you tried out for American Idol and I knew you were a sure bet! You are a very talented young man and I am very proud of you! This CD is beautiful and should be added to everyone and anyone's cd collection! Great job! Submitted by Melissa H. (Colorado) Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
John is in HIS ELEMENT!!! This album is really, really, really very good, though to some it may seem almost too simple and too laid back. For me personally, I think that is the charm about it. Teen John Stevens sings these mostly crooner-classics so relaxed that it appears they just fall out of his mouth, with no grand efforts to hit high notes or to prove anything. Therein lies the joy of this collection! It is easy to listen to and easy to enjoy, like a soft pillow or favorite old blanket. John should have a nice career performing these types of songs, if (1) the record label will really promote him, (2) he can break free from the American Idol stigma, and (3) if he remains true to himself, as he is here, and just sings... Highlights are "Someone To Watch Over Me," "Here There And Everywhere," and for me, the best selection on the CD, "All of Me." GO JOHN!!!!! Submitted by mistercarter2u (Richmond, VA) Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
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