John Denver's music has always expressed themes of peace, harmony, and nature, and there is yet another dose of this spirit right here for those who love him. Imagine John Denver, the ever-so charismatic, message-bearing singer/songwriter/prophet, delivering songs with a high-intensity group of fellow musicians. It is here, during the recording sessions of Autograph, that Denver pulls out his magic, singing joyous mountain-music jams and sweet, teary-eyed ballads with his backup group, his friends the Sharks. Johnny and the Sharks come through here with grace and pizzazz, delivering messages of laughter, hope, and wisdom through strong folk storytelling. The opening of the record sustains with rich color and enchantment, attached to a wistful, lighthearted jam. "Dancing With the Mountains" is certainly danceable, as much as "In My Heart" is smooth and easygoing, ready for the slow-dance scene. "The Ballad of St. Anne's Reel" is filled with texture, percussive wittiness, and vibrant, long-lasting jamming. The Sharks and Denver go airborne during this tune, appearing to soar to higher heights with eagles in cobalt mountain skies. Denver's merry charisma shines through with delightful resonance during his yodeling and singing in "Wrangell Mountain Song," a song about how "time goes by so slowly": a song about the excitement of anticipation. Dashing further away from Denver's pop-folk rock ballad formula is the hauntingly beautiful tune "Whalebones and Crosses," a charming, prophetic statement of grief, gratitude, and compassion for those sailors and loved ones, those fallen fathers lost to the perils of sea. "American Child" rings clear with visions of the icy blue seas of Alaska, and the adventurous trek of a child to pursue his dreams, to find a sense of solitude and fulfillment. The land of the midnight sun soon unfolds into the following tune of deep lyrical sentiment, "You May Say the Battle Is Over." "Most men are ruthless, but some will still weep when the gifts we were given are gone," is a strong statement of a melody that carries themes of peace, and of those who wish and pray, "let the war be over." Autograph is a genuine and sentimental statement displaying the strong and crafty songwriting of John Denver. ~ Shawn M. Haney
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Personnel: John Denver (vocals, 6- & 12-string guitars); Herb Pedersen (acoustic & electric guitars, banjo); James Burton (acoustic & electric guitars, dobro); Denny Brooks (acoustic guitar); Danny Wheetman (mandolin, harmonica); Jim Horn (reeds); Glen D. Hardin (keyboards); Emory Gordy, Jr. (bass); Hal Blaine (drums, percussion); Renee Armand-Horn (background vocals).
(*) MP3 for this song is from a different CD. Listen to the sound sample to be sure this is the version you're looking for.
Autograph Music Review
Customer Autograph Reviews
Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)
Some great new songs Some of the music on this album was entirely new to me. I am loving listening to it. Submitted by coss (Greeley, CO, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 4 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
AUTOGRAPH JOHN HATED TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS. HE WANTED HIS AUTOGRAPH TO BE HIS MUSIC AND WHAT PEOPLE GOT OUT OF THEM. THERE ARE TWO ADDED BONUS TRACKS ON THIS CD WHICH WAS NOT ON THE ORIGINAL ALBUM. THE TWO WONDERFUL SONGS ARE "DANCE LITTLE JEAN" AND " ON THE WINGS OF AN EAGLE,LATER RECORDED ON THE "FOREVER JOHN" CD. THERE ARE MANY BEAUTIFUL SONGS ABOUT ALASKA ON THIS CD AND AFTER BEING IN ALASKA LAST YEAR, THESE SONGS CAME TO LIFE. THE SONG "BALLAD OF ST ANNE'S REEL" WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF WITH THE PERFECTLY TIME FIDDLES. ENJOY! RON GRAINGER
Submitted by RONATCHARDEES (WILDER, KY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
I believe this CD/Record has been the best of John Denver+ Long time ago I looked everywhere in Mexico for this CD, on those days it was a Record, and couldn't find it, until a trip to Houston, I was lucky to get it. I love John Denver's music and regret he passed away so young. The world lost a wonderful author and singer. Submitted by fjoseph_bravo (Mexico City) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
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Some great new songs
I believe this CD/Record has been the best of John Denver+
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