Reviews

Reviews of, "Me and My Dream"

Key to Ratings: i lowest, to iiiii highest.

Review from Rachel Rosenfeld aka "PattyAnne Collins", WLBJ, WFMP, WIZO 1970-1987
Rating: iiiii
The Andrea Bocelli of Country Western Music, August 4, 2007
By R. Rosenfeld "Really Rachel" (Boston Area MA USA)
     For anyone who thought Country music was corny or unsophisticated, take a good dose of Jim Glaser and call me in the morning. The youngest of the Glaser Brothers (Tompall, Chuck and Jim, whose early career was the backup group for Marty Robbins), Jim's tremendous tenor range and quality was the signature of the group's blend. In his career as a solo performer, Jim charted "You're Gettin' To Me Again" as a huge number one hit.
     There was always something hungry and reaching in Jim's voice that kept his fans hooked and wanting more. Now, in maturity, there is fulfillment of the potential of his extraordinary voice and talent. All of the notes, range and tone are there as they always have been, but now there is more.... a fullness, richness and depth in the singing and an interpretation of the songs themselves that takes the listener on a musical, intellectual and emotional journey.
     The harmonies (background vocals include Jim and his gifted daughter Lynn) are a work of art and the production is superb.
     Andrea Bocelli could learn from listening to Jim Glaser,truly one of the most magnificent voices of our time. What a pleasure.
     Thanks, Jim, for sharing your gift with us. We hope there are many more albums of this caliber to come.

Review from John D. Lewis at http://coquet-shack.com/2005/10/jim-glaser-me-and-my-dream.html
Rating: iiiii
JIM GLASER: Me And My Dream.
     Ok, this is an album from 2004 and it's a mix of oldies and newer tracks. I'm pretty sure even Jim wouldn't mind me describing him as a "getting-oldie".
I'm reviewing it because it's an object lesson in what country music can be: lyrically relevant; musically simple; well produced without too many "clever" overdubs or effects and, most important, it's sung by a guy who can actually sing.
     Jim Glaser doesn't flatten out or speak the last word of every line. He doesn't need to. He can hit the notes and then he can hold them.
Take "She's Free, But She's Not Easy" (a 1979 song.) We've all seen the lady in question, and few of us understand her. But listen to Mr Glaser not only hit the notes, but sing them with real feeling. And wonderful harmony lines from Lynn Glaser Harr too. Superb!!
And listen to the lyrics on "If I Had You To Love Over Again" - that amazing couplet at the start of the chorus. (Wish I'd written that one.)
     Or try "Mason-Dixon Line", you can almost feel that cold Chicago wind. You can certainly hear the heartache of a loveless marriage in "Happy Hour Blues".
     Jim's co-writers, Cathie Pelletier, Jimmy Payne, Paul Gauvin and Steve Hambree pen classic country music. It's there in the simplicity of "Don't Say Love", or the fiddles and lyrics on "Georgia Sunshine", and the country classic "Who were You Thinkin' Of?"
In a very brave move, Jim decided to use a scratchy original recording he'd made of "Hard Times. It works, because the album closes just like so many of Jim's gigs did, with this a cappella classic.
     The album's title comes from a line in "When Will It Be My Turn?" - the album's signature song. Like all the great songwriters, Jim Glaser knows that the best ones come right from the bottom of a big heart.
     I'm told he had decided to hang up the guitar when his recording contract was cancelled in the mid-eighties. It's our good fortune that he didn't.
And it would do no harm for the hats and modern-day "country" singers flooding out of Nashville on the tidal wave of profit-driven CDs to take a listen to this.
     They might learn that simple songs with good lyrics ARE the best, if they are sung rather than grunted.
     THANK YOU Mr Glaser!!

Larry Delaney, in the April issue of Canadian COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS, writes:
          (The review can be read online at:    http://www.countrymusicnews.ca/news.ihtml?step=2&article_id=610 )
     Jim Glaser, the youngest of The Glaser Brothers, has resurrected his solo career with this album filled with re-makes of older material from his past, and some tasty new tunes.
     As a solo recording act Jim Glaser was the most successful of the three Glaser brothers, scoring 22 Billboard charted hits (1968 – 1986) compared to brother Tompall Glaser’s 8 Billboard singles and brother Chuck’s lone entry. As a trio, The Glaser Brothers also scored 22 chart hits (1966 – 1982). Incredibly, only Jim Glaser scored a #1 hit, with his Noble Vision release You’re Getting’ To Me Again topping the charts in 1984.
     On Me And My Dream, Jim Glaser re-cycles his 1976 chart hit She’s Free But She’s Not Easy, and his 1973 single I See His Love All Over You; as well as The Glaser brothers’ 1982 album cut, Happy Hour Blues. Also on the familiar list for some will be the love song Don’t Say Love, cut in the 70’s by Jim Glaser’s songwriting partner Jimmy Payne, and later as a 1979 chart entry by Connie Smith.
     Likely the most memorable song included here is the Jim Glaser tune Who Were You Thinkin’ Of, recorded first by the late Doug Sahm, and more recently a single by the Tex-Mex group The Texas Tornados. Who Were You Thinkin’ Of is one of three songs on this album (also United Airlines and If I Had You To Love Over Again) that were co-written by Jim Glaser with his longtime band member Paul Gauvin, a native of Moncton, New Brunswick.
     Among the other new tunes on the album are solid efforts like Mason Dixon Line, Georgia Sunshine and When Will It Be My Turn, a proposed theme song for Jim Glaser’s as yet unpublished novel, Drowning on The Third Coast.

Sherry Maves, from Illinois
Rating: iiiii
     I'll never forget, back in the eighties when I was writing a music column, how I was first captivated by the beautiful melodic voice that earmarks Jim Glaser's music. Adding to that, in my book, his style, his ability to sing harmony, and his mastery of poignant lyrics makes him one of country music's all time great artists. And folks, he's still "got it" in the newly released "Me and My Dream" CD, a compilation of new material as well as some oldies but goodies from his previous albums.
     I wonder if anyone from United Airlines has heard this little slice of island rhythm entitled "United Airlines." Hmm, do you suppose it might convince somebody to lower some rates in the name of love? Never mind that the guy needs to take a look at himself to see who is to blame in this scenario.
     "Who Were You Thinkin' Of", first recorded in the late 70's, is a snappy little tune that keeps you humming long after you've heard the last verse. Love those horns and that little Tex Mex flavor! With a similar subject thread running through the lyrics, Jim's warm vocals just grab your heart with "I See His Love All Over You." Let's hope you aren't having trouble with your honey, or these two songs might put questions in your mind!
     An expression of inner conflict as well as empowerment for women, "She's Free But She's Not Easy" was a top Billboard tune from 1979 that addresses issues that women of all ages often face. Jim really nails a convincing delivery of this message in a classic country song..
     Among my top picks off this CD is "If I Had You To Love Over Again." The melody showcases that signature Glaser voice, and the lyrics have so much to say about regret and wishing to make amends if given the chance. Love has been a constant theme for music, and the Glaser/Payne "Don't Say Love", recorded by Connie Smith in the 70's, has a message that is as fresh and meaningful today as it was then.
     A little clever tongue in cheek word play is going on in "Mason-Dixon Line", and the story plays out like a scene in a movie.
     Then grab your partner for a little Texas two-step and whirl around the room to "Georgia Sunshine," a peppy little ditty that just makes you smile. According to the liner notes, the idea in this song was to paint a picture within the lyrics using lines or phrases as brush strokes. Check it out yourself, and I think you'll see how much the goal was accomplished.
     Also woven throughout this CD are songs that address broken dreams and the way they affect people in the afternoon of their life. Tompall and The Glasers first recorded "Happy Hour Blues" in the early 80s, in which Jim so aptly paints yet another song picture. "When Will It Be My Turn" is pure, straight from the heart, Jim Glaser as he laments the frustrations of one who has spent his life trying to become a star in the music business. While it may not be terribly commercial, it is painfully authentic, sung with such heart, and it ranks as one of my top picks on this project.
     Finally, I get goose bumps when I hear Jim sing "Hard Times," I often thought he could be an incredible gospel singer, and his wonderful a cappella rendition of this old Stephen Foster spiritual, "Hard Times", only convinces me that he could, indeed. It doesn't get any better than his stellar presentation of this time honored composition.
     Jim has been away from the studio far too long. Welcome back, old friend! A great CD that is testament to a great talent.

Norma, from Illinois:
Rating: iiiii
     A week ago, you got my initial view on your new album, "Me And My Dream". I have listened to it again and again, not to pick it apart, but because I love it. Most people already know how much I appreciate your music, but, I present my case here lacking prejudice.
     Not withstanding, is your voice of course. It is a 'given' for those of us who know you. For those who do not, venture into Jim's world and to coin a phrase previously adopted on an album cover, years ago, "The Wonderful World of Tompall and the Glaser Brothers", enter into the wonderful world of Jim Glaser. Jim, you truly have made a wonderful world of your own with your "Dream".
     This whole album can boast of a 'now' sound to some fantastic classics, like older versions of "I See His Love All Over You", (1970), "She's Free But She's Not Easy", (1979), both written by you and another accomplished song writer, Jimmy Payne, and the ever coveted, "Hard Times", written by Stephen Foster, from your live performance in 1987. I can't think of anyone else who could do justice to "HardTimes" singing it a cappella, barbershop style, as you have done.
     Ah, but, that "Happy Hour Blues"...I found something else. What is that old cliche', "who was that masked man?"... so goes what I think about those guitar chords throughout the song. When I first heard it, I knew there was something that was unique, but I was listening to the whole abum at that time and was anxious to hear the next song. I now listen to that song over and over again, waiting to hear them. If you arranged that Jim, kudos, even if you didn't, no matter. I can't say enough about how much the whole arrangement appeals to me. My absolute favorite! My additional thanks to you and Cathie Pelletier for writing it.
     I have been known to buy an album for just one song hoping others might appeal to me maybe lucking out and finding one or two more selections worth going back for. But your album is of the calibre that makes one buy it knowing that all selections will be good. Your name speaks for itself.
     You have got a definite 5 from me.

Kelvin Henderson, from England:
Rating: iiiii
     When doing a review of Jim Glaser's new CD was mentioned to me I thought firstly what would I say about someone I have so much respect for, not only as an artiste but as an articulate, intelligent fellow whom I have gotten to know as a friend. Not knowing where to start, it was comforting to know I had already started to review, "Me and My Dreams," that is, unsolicited I had recommended the album to my friend and reviewer (for Maverick magazine) Frank Bradshaw. Fortunately, his response was similar to mine: "I have seen Jim a couple of times," followed by "terrific singer!" (I hope Frank doesn't mind the quote!)
     I could go on about the first time I went to Nashville and, within minutes of arrival, was in a studio with Jim; or the songwriting seminar I attended and how inspiring Jim was to a young aspiring singer/songwriter from Blighty--but I'll save that for another time.
     Some of these songs were familiar through Jim's co-writer of a number of his biggest hits--and my first introduction to the talent of Jim--Jimmy Payne. It was good to know that Glaser had made the songs his own by interpretation as well, of course, as by the fact that they are his own, too.
     The album has hardly left my turntable since obtaining my copy. Ten of the eleven tracks are originals, the exception being the classic Stephen Foster composition, "Hard Times". As a Presenter/Producer for the BBC, (British Broadcasting Company) I would say that the album is worth 5 stars. And for confirmation, contact me, Kelvin Henderson, email address: kelvinhenderson2@blueyonder.co.uk

Carmen, from Louisiana:
Rating: iiiii
     I listened to Me and My Dream with much care, taking in every note you sang and every melody played.
I'll still say what I've always said, your voice is like warm honey.
     The album is wonderful...your selections are varied which show a pleasing variety of style.
You mentioned "Georgia Sunshine" as painting a picture, and I believe that Mason Dixon is a bit like a romance novel in a song. "Who Were You Thinking Of" has a Marty Robbins flare to it, its very good.
     The packaging of the C.D. is excellent. whoever designed it did a wonderful job. Your picture on the front is awesome, the burlap back ground with your picture in a frame gives it a warm, relaxed and comfortable feel. The information about each song was also a nice touch.
     I rise to my feet in a one person standing ovation to you for a beautiful album that I will cherish always. I highly recommend this album with a caution that it will seep into your soul. like the smell of wood smoke on an autumn day.

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