Garth Hudson Presents Canadian Band [Import]

Very highly recommended!
FIVE STARS plus.

Celebrity compilation tribute albums are so over. Well-known artists phone in (literally, as digital impulses mean they never even have to leave their own home studios) tired performances of an artist's greatest hits as a tribute. They are usually lacking any passion and are a waste of time. One track might be good, the rest seldom qualify for even b-side status. Play them once and ignore.

"Garth Hudson presents a Canadian Celebration of The Band" is different. Way different and way better. Not only are the often young and earnest performers all Canadians, they are all motivated to turn in splendid performances of some of the most beautiful and deepest songs by the Band. Some picks are obvious, others are obscure, but all ring true...with crisp, clear vocals so previously misheard lyrics stand out as the beautiful things they are. There is no Robbie participation, but Garth plays on every track and the most under-appreciated performer in rock history shines. No hog, he lays back and puts subtle touches where they belong. The biggest star here is Neil Young, who turns in the familiar This Wheel's On Fire with the Sadies. Several songs from the Basement tapes are here, performed by the likes of the Cowboy Junkies, The Road Hammers, Chantal Kreviazuk. Great Big Sea does a beautiful version of Knockin' Lost John, one of Robbie's most beautiful songs, The Moon Struck One by Raine Maida is beautiful as well. I have listened to this disc many times and have gained a whole new appreciation for the songs Robbie Robertson wrote as well as the several covers and Dylan songs performed here.

Not one clunker in the bunch, seriously. Almost as good as a Band disc, and surprisingly pure, heartfelt and shimmering. Garth Hudson is a modest, unassuming genius. He has produced and performed on one of the best releases of the year here, and I hope it does not go unnoticed in the holiday rush.
Jim Linderman Dull Tool Dim Bulb

Not usually a big fan of tributes but this one is different. Surely nobody has a better right to pay tribute to The Band than its master keyboard maestro Garth Hudson. As a long term fan of the group I did know most of the songs but the inclusion of a few genuine "obscurities" such as "Sleeping" raise this well above the usual rehash of betterlknown songs such as "The Weight". Just buy it- you will not be disappointed. Wonderful version of the Last Waltz song "Out of the Blue" in particular. Lovely album in every way and Garth plays on every track

Just previewed the album on Itunes. Sure made me appreciate the original versions of these songs! Stick to The Band, folks. These are pretentious sounding "interpretations."