[.ca] Shangri-La West

sparse and beautiful:
This CD reminds me of Jackrabbit Slim by Steve Forbert. Sparse instrumentation with his wonderfully rugged, scratchy voice. A great combination. Most songs are great but a couple are a little uneven.

There are some things that stick with you.:
I fell in love with Jessie's music within the span of hearing him play one song live at the Roxy,.I fellin love all over again while listening to his record (Shangri-la West) for the first time.His passion ,humor and insight are so refreshing,and that sexy voice doesn't hurt none either. Everyone I have turned on to his record loves it and we can't wait to hear whats next.Keep on keeping on Jessie. Kristin

Run Don't Walk:
Musicians still write great songs, but few still make great albums. Jesse does both and Shangri-La West is one of those rare gems I've heard over the last ten years that never left my CD player once I hit play. I own hundreds of other CDs where I have no idea what exists beyond track five, but this one was memorized start to finish within a week. Previous comparisons to Dylan, early Springsteen, Van Morrison, Tom Waits, and other icons are no mistake, but also no substitute for Jesse's raw originality. The company of those iconic likenesses only help those who have already heard Jesse express with words the deep levels these songs reach musically. You just have to hear it. Somehow, he's already earned veteran status with just one album.

Fresh and Groovy:
I saw Jesse DeNatale at the recently renovated Cafe du Nord in San Francisco a few weeks ago. It was spine tingling. I couldn't get a few of the songs out of my head. I bought this CD and am listening to it right now. It's just one of those CDs you'll like hearing from the first time you play it.

A brilliant album:
If you're like me you've been feeling lately like the music scene has been utterly stale. There just hasn't been that much out there worth listening to that captures either your heart or your imagination. Well, this CD might very well restore your faith. Part rootsy growl, part sweet whisper, Jesse DeNatale's voice will stay in your head and his CD will stay in your player. His tales of love and loss casts a spell, evocative of such artists as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Robbie Robertson and Van Morrison without being the least bit derivative. Personal favorites are "Riding Glove" and "Bohemian Ghosts." Check this CD out - you won't be sorry.

• Twilight King
• Rosie
• Riding Gloves
• Angel Baby
• Sister Lucy
• Bohemian Ghosts
• All in the Name
• Shangri-La West
• Saint William
• Greenfield Lane