Great Accompaniment to the Larry Jordan's book "Jim Reeves, His Untold Story"
Review by David Ray

Just when you think that there may never be another great Jim Reeves release........Larry Jordan comes through again. Not only does this cd contain new overdub songs that have been remastered, but also rare moments such as Jim announcing for KGRI Radio, the world news. What a treat to hear the young voice of Jim Reeves and I could be wrong but this may be some of the earliest recordings of his voice in a spoken mode. This also includes many new never heard before interviews of Jim Reeves. There are 42 songs on this 2 cd set with many extra little treats mixed in with the narrative that separates each song. The narrative done by Dan Hurst is as smooth between tracks as Jim's voice is on each song. Which makes an excellent transition from song to song. But some of the most touching moments are when "Jim Reeves, His Untold Story" author Larry Jordan being interviewed by Dan Hurst tells of his life of being a Jim Reeves fan and his first encounter with Mary Reeves. What brings this narrative all to life is when Larry mentions his father who encouraged him to write Mary Reeves as a young boy and then passed away soon after Mary's reply back to Larry. Listening to Larry tell this story helps to conjure up the images of the movie "Field of Dreams" where a Father's love for his boy is everlasting and vice versa. This is not your normal cd of "Greatest Hits". This goes beyond normalcy and brings you into a world that Jim still belongs in. It's as if he's never left us. And thanks to the hard work of Larry Jordan, he never will.

There are many great songs on this 2 cd set. Just to name a few that really stand out I would have to start with "Mona Lisa". With the new accompaniment added, there is a whole new flavor to this song that has never been heard before. I love it. Although I've always thought it was an ok song.......I now think it's great! Another great one included in this set is "Padre of Old San Antone". This was another one that has never been one of my favorites but now it's right near the top. It just too beautiful to even describe. Words could never do it justice. Let your ears be the judge of this. This song is followed by "Precious Memories" which also has never sounded better. It sounds as if Jim recorded this in the studio just last week. Being myself a huge Elvis fan, I don't like to see his songs covered by anyone else. And although I've always liked Jim's version of "Fool Such As I", on this cd there is a Hawaiian flavor to it which almost makes me feel like I am hearing this for the very first time. I absolutely love this. Before anyone corrects me.....I know others have recorded this song before Elvis.....but really, who is this song associated most with? Elvis! But Jim here on this version gives even the King a run for his money.

I can go on and on of just how good this 2 cd set is. But you have to be the judge and purchase this to hear what has to be the best Jim Reeves recording to hit the market in many years. Of course there will be a couple of critics out there who will never be satisfied of any new material of Jim being released. But if you ever notice on those negative reviews it's usually the same one or two people who are doing the postings. People that are so jealous that they were never able to accomplish themselves what people like Larry Jordan has done with his book and his Voicemaster recordings. If you listen to these negative people you'll be missing out on what has been a pleasurable experience repeated over and over since I purchased this 2 cd set. I just love it. This is one time I say to all to follow the crowd and buy this cd set. And if you haven't purchased the book yet either, get that also. True Jim Reeves' fans will love this cd set. One last note before I go......at this very moment I am listening to Jim and Barbi Franklin sing "Making Believe" which is on disc 2 of the set. This one song alone is worth purchasing "Jim Reeves,The New Recordings". I can't pick a favorite song though. lol. As soon as I think I have found one, another one starts playing and I have to change my mind. That's what a great album or cd should do to you while listening to it. I would stay here and write more but it would keep me from listening to more of this great cd. Thanks for giving us this great music.

A Fresh Approach To Jim Reeves Music
By Tony Byworth

Finely complimenting his in-depth biography "Jim Reeves: The Untold Story", Larry Jordan - who's been carrying the mantle for Reeves and his music over recent years - now brings the singer's story to life on record. The title is somewhat misleading as this much more than just new recordings: during this double cd's 144 minute playing time, there's music, narration and interviews in the chronological telling of this timeless singer's career.

Hosted by Dan Hurst, with comments throughout by author Jordan, the biographical aspects of this collection gain even greater authenticity with excerpts from Reeves himself, culled from interviews that covered such items as recordings and hits, life on the road, his tour bus and South Africa. Besides several of these being released for the first time, there's also a chance to hear the singer as a news reader on his first radio job (KJRI in Henderson, Texas) and widow Mary Reeves revealing facts about her husband.

On the music front, there's 39 tracks (as well as two radio adverts and an instrumental from Reeves' band, the Blue Boys), 17 of them are from Jordan's previous, now deleted Voice Master releases, the remainder are new including RCA overdubs. To pinpoint a few items, there's seven "live" recordings including songs from his network radio show, a couple of fine duets with religious performer Barbi Franklin (Making Believe and How's The World Treating You?) and a new presentation of his classic Distant Drums accompanied by a full orchestra. As is already well known, Jim Reeves had eclectic music tastes and could tackle a range of genres with equal ease, heard here as he moved from novelties (Mexican Joe) to country (A Fool Such As I, I Missed Me) to pop (Love Letters In The Sand, Scarlet Ribbons), alongside gospel (Precious Memories) and, even, with a touch of jazz accompaniment (Mona Lisa). Exactingly produced by Larry Jordan, this great collection will appeal to all Jim Reeves fans, as well as others with an interest in popular music, and much more preferable to yet another bargain basement compilation of out of copyright material.

Just superb!
By Dorothy

A real must for those who love and appreciate Jim Reeves voice. These 'new' recordings are superb, and Jim's voice has wonderful clarity (mainly on CD 2) enhanced by new musical backings. There are some great recordings of tuneful and catchy songs that I have not heard before, including duets. I have played these 'new' recordings many times since receiving the CDs and never tire of hearing them. I have enjoyed Jim Reeves singing for over 50 years. I have also liked listening to other singers over the years but, for me, none can compare to the beautiful, mellow, velvet and soothing voice of Jim Reeves. Thank you Larry Jordan for your efforts in creating these 'new' enhanced recordings. Recommended.

For fans like us all around the world who are virtually raised ...
By SAMBUDHA MAULIK

For fans like us all around the world who are virtually raised on his music this is the perfect material

Jim Reeves...fab, just what all fans have waited for
By Jeepster2

I purchased this as a Christmas present for my Brother in law, a devoted Jim Reeves fan to the point of obsession.
He just loves this CD...& RECOMMENDS TO ALL FANS..

Jim Reeves: The New Recordings
By Shevanthi Perera

As an ardent Jim Reeves' Fan ,this new CD set, The New Recordings is truly a gem - definitely a priceless keepsake to cherish for years to come. This musical journey thru time including rare and previously unreleased music freshly overdubbed ; narrations, commentaries of Jim and his interviews are just one way to showcase this velvet voice of the great Jim Reeves, one of the world's most popular singers.

The overdubbed RCA masters were just breathtaking and I just loved the new facelifts they received.

I also love the fact that I can dance a Rumba, a Waltz, a Fox Trot, a Swing etc. to a good number of his songs which definitely have a pop flair.

Thank you Larry for your time, hard work and dedication in undertaking this wonderful project. This truly is one way to keep Jim's legacy alive, especially for future generations.

A definite keepsake for all Jim Reeves' Fans.

The new 2 CD set - Outstanding!
By Mr. David John Cole

I have had to come on here and recommend the new CD set 'the New Recordings'. This is an absolute 'must-have' addition to your Reeves collection. You will definately NOT be disappointed!

Larry Jordon: Thank you so much for all your time, hard work and dedication. This truly is brilliant! You must be so proud... I know JIm would have been.

To those out there trying to put down this collection - you don't know what your talking about!

Here's to the next Reeves album!!

NEW RECORDINGS still Best of the best
By Lee Nelson

I received my new CD yesterday and immediately listened to it. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I've been a Jim Reeves fan from the beginning. I never get tired of listening to Jim sing. This new CD has some songs that I do not have in my collection and am sure glad to get them. The old songs are so beautiful that I am glad I can listen to them when ever I want to. My daughter remembers when my husband and I would put his LPs on the record player and would listen to them for hours on end. Thanks Larry for the enjoyment I look forward to. Lee Nelson

Nice Surprises
By Nancy C. Marshall

Lots of neat things, good introductions, excellent music and a few surprises, Jim Reeves fans will enjoy this cd set very much.

New Jim Reeves
By Peter Joiner

Good mix of music, up to date collectors will have most of the tracks, interesting summary throughout makes this very different from the norm, acts as an introduction to the book available. Most Jim Reeves fans will enjoy this and believe it needs a place in their collections.

The "Voice of Velvet" never sounded better!
By Beth

As a long time Jim Reeves fan, I am in love with this release! Jim's vocals never sounded better - much more resonate, clear and yes, "velvety" than the original RCA recordings. Each song has been remastered in a way that essentially make them brand new. For instance, the strings, flute and orchestration on "Scarlet Ribbons" is a complete and beautiful transformation of the original, which only had Jim and his guitar. Wow!

That "big orchestra" sound also breathes new life into "Distant Drums." I never heard that before and with the solid male chorus of background singers, it's a MAJOR improvement over the previously released version (that became a #1 hit).

Two other highlights are "Making Believe" and "How's the World Treating You," which are new duets featuring Jim Reeves and Barbi Franklin. Their voices blend incredibly well and it sounds like they just recorded this recently. It's hard to believe Jim and Barbi weren't gazing into eachother's eyes while singing.

I love the steel guitar added to "I Know One" along with the harmonizing Arne Benoni does with Jim on that song. The sax on "You Belong To Me" is the perfect compliment to this classic and lends an unexpected "jazzy" feel. "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" closes the collection, again with Jim's voice being remastered and centered. The original background singers are replaced with a truly beautiful blend of some smooth singers who do justice to Jim. Additionally, the song "Linda" really took me by surprise because I've never, EVER heard it before!

Mr. Larry Jordan has to be the foremost expert on Jim Reeves in the world (his book is very detailed, a solid read) and his comments on this new CD are very articulate. Dan Hurst, the man who narrates Jim's life story, has a voice of silk that is simply a pleasure to listen to.

It's a MUST HAVE for Reeves fans EVERYWHERE!