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TERRY CALLIER time Peace (Verve/Universal) Terry's vocal's are strongly reminiscent of Gil Scott-Heron and Taj Mahal. Terry tells story songs, blended with jazz, folk, & soul. 'Lazarus Man' is about the man Jesus raised from the dead. The song tells of a journey where Lazarus walks the Earth in search of peace for his tormented soul. 'Keep Your Heart Right' is a folk ballad that features the deep and unusual bass playing of Eric Hochberg. 'Aka New York Al' is a good example of strong melodies. 'Traitor To The Race' features low key rap that resembles Gil Scott-Heron's poetry. 'C'est La Vie' is one of the best heart felt goodbyes I've ever heard. 'Coyote Moon' borders on country, but fits into the mood of time Peace. Terry's rendition of Curtis Mayfield's 'People Get Ready' is a breath of fresh air, that moulds into 'Brotherly Love' as a medley, and this shows Terry's real soulful, tender side. 'No More Blues' features British jazz guitarist Jim Mullen, and is one of Terry's strongest ballads. Finally the title track is almost Afro-Latin featuring Afro-American saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. Terry's lyrics on time Peace are both intense and memorable. Gazz LifeTime (Blue Thumb/Universal) This exquisite album comes hot on the heals of timePeace. Terry had several albums released from 1964 until 1979, then dissappeared into obscurity until his reappearance with timePeace in 1998, that served as his major reintroduction into the music world. I personally have played timePeace in excess of 100 times, and never tired of it. Terry's roots are in folk-soul, yet Terry now adds blends of jazz with R&B. His lyrics display such a depth of emotion, my guess Terry has had a lot of pain in his life, and recently he has discovered so much joy. Terry's vocals are deep, warm and resonant. A few lyrics from 'When My Lady Danced' (opening track on LifeTime) reads "behind the final curtain, there's so much that we don't know, still I must be thankful for the little things I see"; this sounds so melancholy, as I gather from the lyrics that Terry's lady may have passed on. This song is a blend of beautiful poetry upon reflective visions. 'Sunset Boulevard' is reminiscent in style to 'Lazarus' from timePeace and its theme is redemption; no matter how high & mighty, or lowly, this song will tell you where you are at. 'Comin' Up From Babylon' is a biblical message with a reggae beat. Terry really knows how to write great melodies and 'Holdin' On' has got a jazzy-romantic-sensuality, and also a drug addicts confession i.e. "sugar that's the longest damned line in town, but even crap like that can't keep me down". 'Where A Lark Is Singing' is just Terry (vocals and guitar) and Eric Hochberg (acoustic bass); and this song echoes a benign sadness. 'Nobody But Yourself' is about living on a reputation of fame and fortune, and the complacency that it can bring. Again Terry showcases his ability to write a great jazz melody in '4 Miles' and this features some exceptional soprano sax playing from Gary Plummley. 'Love Can Do' features a duet with Beth Orton, who also has a voice to die for! Whether you are religious or not, 'Love Can Do' is one of those songs that touches the sensitive spots of ones soul. 'When The Music Is Gone' has plenty of those gospel lyrics. 'Fix The Blame' is about those who accuse everyone else except themselves, or accuse those that are not like them, and accuse us for the mistakes that have happened. 'I Don't Want To See Myself (Without You)' is Terry's testimony, and this features The Visual Ministry Choir. Finally the title track is also a testimony, and Terry uses this song to convey what God can do for you. LifeTime is an album that makes you feel, and makes you think. Whether you have any religious inclination or not, LifeTime is well worth checking out. Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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