The piano work is good, the vocals are good pitch and tone, but this cd fails to impress me. No, that's not quite right. I found myself actually gritting my teeth while listening to this album and can't quite put my finger on why.

I think it may be that this singer sounds like he's trying to sing opera to jazz tunes. I think his music lacks soul and personality ... at least the singing. Even the piano work, while certainly good, sounds a bit mechanical and at times, almost forced.

Another thing that's bothering me about this cd is it's all covers, with the exception of two songs. I am of the personal opinion that covers should only be played live.

Song Samples
/True Love /Nicole, Will You Marry Me? /Fly Me To The Moon /My Funny Valentine
/I Think We Are In Love /Heartaches /Your Song /

I think Mr. Skelton would be a good addition to any jazz group as a pianist and backup singer, but I don't think I'll be rushing out to buy any solo work he releases.
Bill Carrera...EvO:R Reviewer.

Readers Respond:

We all have pinions and we want to allow readers to respond to any comments that we have made about their music. You may agree or you may want to burn the website down following a review, but when the smoke clears we are all friends and we all have our opinions.

First response:
Hey Bill,
Just thanking you for reviewing CDs like Meade's that normally get very little coverage of any type, that's all reserved for the latest Justin Timberlake effort. One thing to know is that this is the first all standards CD Meade has done, he has many originals, and they are in my estimation some of the best in the Richmond area. But he loves the classics, and so therefore this CD.

Also, we'd love to exchange links, we have two sites www.rockitz.org and www.floatingfolk.com

Thanks
Brooke Saunders
Rockitz Floating Folk Festival

---

Second Comment
My wife and I are big Meade Skelton fans, and happened to stumble upon Bill Carrera's "review" of Meade's album Songs Of Love. We could not disagree more.

Meade Skelton is probably the best singer Ive ever heard. The most distinctive voice, and a fine piano player.

Notably, Mr Carrera did not seem to criticize the other people in his reviews nearly as much. I sense a tinge of jealousy, perhaps?

Who is he to say Meade's music has no soul or personality?

Meade's voice has the most personality and soul of any singer I have ever heard. Also the reviewer was incorrect about Meade's original songs. There were actually two on the album (this was corrected).

Its obvious Mr Carrera has no taste in music whatsoever.



Sincerely,
Robert Young.