[.ca] Larry Carlton

This Is The Most Depressing Album I Ever Heard:
The first time I listened to "Room 335", I realized that even if I had another 200 years, I could never play guitar at the level of this true master musician. As the record continued, so did the feeling that everything I dreamed to hear from a guitar, was now coming out of my hi-fi. These tracks are all at once thoughtful and exciting; soulful and funky, with imaginative, but well founded melodies and sexy rhythms; tireless, blistering, bluesey solos; simple, yet creative arrangements; and the often-imitated, but never-duplicated "sweet" guitar tone. Larry's music seems familiar, and it should be: his guitar and orchestrations have been the key ingredient for many a TV or movie soundtrack, not to mention the countless major stars and top recording artists that have benefitted from his abilities. And, even though he never pretends to be a "real" vocalist, those particular songs lend to this album an added freshness and even more musical variety, at the same time demonstrating that he is a complete musician. Personally, I think the vocal tracks are included more for the ladies, because there's plenty of guitar lines to bring the guys to their knees. Larry's guitar playing is just mind-blowing: a single phrase will have you believing that you're listening to Charlie Parker, alternating with B.B. King, Tom Scott, Eric Clapton, and Louie Armstrong. You can tell that there's no "flash-and-dash" with Larry; each note is well planned and perfectly executed; even his 32nd notes never sound rushed or frantic. Each line is dripping with serious musicality and wailing passion, steeped in tradition, and thrust into the future, leaving the pack behind, and carving out his own unique place in the world of music. This album brings Larry Carlton out of the shadows of the back-line, and puts him permanently in the spotlight. And after hearing it, if you are a rock or blues player like me, you will just want to pack up your Les Paul, and roll your Marshall into the nearest dumpster. If you play jazz or fusion, then I feel very sorry for you too. We all have a lot to learn, beginning right at the door to Room 335.

Nowhere to go but down:
What sil871 doesn't seem to understand is that Larry Carlton sounds like Steely Dan because he WAS the sound of Steely Dan for at least two albums, on guitar anyway, and that Walter and Donald loved the guy and his music and let him do a lot of the arranging BECAUSE HE WAS SO GOOD. He still is, and you can see flashes of his former self in concert, but he had nowhere to go but down after this album, because nothing else he's done ever sounded as fresh or cohesive or inspired. It may be 25 years old, but put this on and listen to what good instrumental blues/jazz/rock should sound like. And then throw most of your smooth jazz CD's in the garbage.

Which group is this again?:
I can't quite remember correctly, but when I put on this cd a few days ago, I had to take it out of my cd player and look at it again, just to make sure that it said Larry Carlton on it. I believe when I pulled it out it did say Larry Carlton on it, but I would have just as much expected it to say Steely Dan on the front. This group has about as much their own sound as a dog its own apartment. And "sounding" like Steely Dan isn't as much a crime as "recreating the sound of" Steely Dan, which it seems that this group has done to a tee. I disagree with the notion that this music could make an old blues man cry. I do, however, believe that this cd could make Donald Fagen and Walter Becker cry, and then cause them to take litigative action against Larry Carlton for copyright infringement. I'm not saying this is horrible music, I like it, but I know it certainly should not be sold in the cd store under Larry Carlton.

High Praise to a Master Guitarist:
For jazz/rock/blues guitar albums this is the highest point...the pinnacle...the Master at his strongest moments...that all others should be judged by. I hear beautiful blues phrasing that touch me deep in my soul...that would make any traditional black bluesman smile....or cry. I hear beautifully orchestrated jazz chord progressions by a super slick yet tasteful backup band. I hear intelligent arrangements which bring out the best elements in every song. I hear rock riffs and tasteful string bending that makes Jimmy Page sound like a substirute school teacher. Get the point yet? If you're looking for the best jazz/rock/blues music in the last 30 years, your search has ended here. Period.

Can we go higher than 5 stars?:
In looking over the other reviews, I couldn't agree more. I have this "album" in my attic. It was, and still is the most incredible piece of jazz-rock fusion ever recorded. Larry is at his best-fiery guitar work that is timeless. I recently saw Larry in concert. He is still amazing. This disc is only for serious guitar lovers-first rate.

• Room 335
• Where Did You Come From
• Nite Crawler
• Point It Up
• Rio Samba
• I Apologize
• Don't Give It Up
• (It Was) Only Yesterday