title: Lester Young at the Patio Lounge, Dec. 1956: Some Contrary Opinions

text:
Produced by a German firm under the Original Jazz Standards label, this CD, Lester Young Washington Sessions, offers seven tracks originally recorded by pianist Bill Potts while Lester Young played with Potts' trio at a week-long engagement at Olivia Davis' Patio Lounge in Washington, D.C. in December, 1956.

The seven tracks included here happen to be identical with those contained on a CD issued by Original Jazz Classics (ojc) as volume 1 of a five-disc set. The seven tracks are the following:

1. Jeepers Creepers
2. Fast B-Flat Blues
3. A Foggy Day
4. I Can't Get Started
5. When You're Smiling
6. Tea For Two
7. D.B. Blues

Much has been written about these historic recordings and much of it is available on the Internet in the form of reviews, listener comments, and press articles about Potts and his role in the original recordings. That is where I suggest people look for information and critical commentary about these sessions because there are no liner notes included with this German CD. Instead of liner notes explaining the circumstances that led Lester Young to take this particular engagement and perhaps some critical appraisals of his performances, one finds three pages of lists of other items in the firm's catalog of jazz CDs.

Although many comments regarding these recordings praise both Young's playing and that of his rhythm section, the Bill Potts Trio, I must take issue with some of the comments made. For example, one person wrote that the trio's playing was "swinging but unobtrusive" and another stated that it offered Young "empathetic support." I generally agree that the trio is adequate as a time keeper but also feel that, at times, drummer Jim Lucht becomes a bit of a showboat and actually does intrude upon Young's playing. This is particularly evident towards the end of both When You're Smiling and Tea For Two. On the other hand, pianist Potts and bassist Norman Williams perform well in backing Young and seldom seem obtrusive, especially on long passages where Young sits out and allows his young rhythm section to play without him. On a more positive note, my favorite track, D.B. Blues, presents Young and the trio as having found a compatible common groove.

As for Lester Young's playing, one listener stated that this session "represents the pres in top form" and another wrote that it was "as magnificent as ever," adding that "he still had a firm grip on his playing skills." Here, too, I must respectfully disagree. It seems to me that Young's full, rich tone and normally smooth delivery is, at times, compromised by what sounds like inadequate breath control and excessive slurring of certain phrases.

One other comment seems to be somewhat misguided: one reviewer referred to the "polite" audience that attended these performances. Perhaps that is a reference to the rather tepid applause that follows each song and sometimes follows a solo, but it does not describe the recurring crowd noise picked up by the recorder,which clearly captures instances of rather loud talking during several of the solos by Young and Potts. There is also what sounds like talking among the musicians themselves on several tracks, but this does not seem to intrude upon the music quite as much as the crowd noise.

By all accounts, in late 1956 Lester Young was in ailing health, which was largely caused by and worsened by his dependence on alcohol. Assuming that Bill Potts, a musician who reportedly revered Young and his musical legacy, would be aware of Young's physical condition as well as his addictions, it was striking, to say the least, to learn that it was Potts (who worked in a D.C. recording studio and had access to then-current equipment)who overcame Young's initial reluctance to have Potts record the sessions  by buying Young a large bottle of cognac.

For anyone wishing to find proof that in 1956 Lester Young was still capable of greatness on the tenor sax, I strongly recommend the January 1956 CD[[ASIN:B0018BF2ZS Jazz Giants '56]] (found on the Verve label),an album that bears repeated listening. Regarding the CD under review, however, it will largely be of historic interest for those fans wishing to purchase a low-cost sampler of Young's Dec. 1956 Patio Lounge sessions.


title: Not what I was looking for

text: Thought I was getting great CDs with songs that are hard to find. Turns out they were versions of the songs that I've never heard before. Not worth the money if you are looking for ones that you heard on the radio. All songs were different recordings than the ones we hear on the radio. Very disappointing. I don't recommend it.


title: A day song from a universal place

text: This was the first I heard of Abdullah Ibrahim. It was simply music to move through the day with. Basic western voicing--piano, drum. saxophone--but a universal narrative. It just moved. And moved me.


title: Five Stars

text: great


title: NICE  SWINGIN'  GROOVE

text:
Mr. Schalk lays down some tasty swinging grooves.His compositions have heart,soul and chops.The trio backs him admirably with some very nice solos by Dave Kikoski,a first call NY pianist.If you dig modern Jazz guitar check out Wolf.

His earlier recording "Rainbows..." is also very nice.

  Dr. Jeff ( "Jeff's Jazz", Radio Antenna Uno, ITALY )


title: Good music

text: I have all seven volumes of mostly rare material. Alot of good rhythm and blues too.


title: Wow!

text: This set is awesome!


title: Awesome!

text: Awesome!


title: Top of the line

text: Top of the line, great value.


title: Top of the line

text: If you want to get some great Coleman Hawkins buy this. An unbelieveable value with great sound.


title: Great stuff

text: Great stuff!


title: A rare gem

text: A beautiful record that never saw the light of day. Far superior to any other American Songbook covers. Fontana makes each song his own, with an amazing jazz combo to back him up. This is a slow simmer that burns deep. The standout is an original composition "December in my Heart", which to my mind is the best cut among these stellar classics. Play it after hours with the lights down low when the ice cubes have all but melted away.


title: Five Stars

text: Great disc, great srevice


title: Modern pop for the soul.

text:
From the snow capped vistas of Norway comes Kate Havnevik, a modern day Nordic siren ready to enchant us with her imaginative debut and to make her mark in modern pop music. Melankton, the album's title, comes from a book Kate read and it means dark rose -quite fitting for a darkly poetic piece of music that is often dramatic, very alluring and should appeal to a broad range of music listeners. As much as I hate comparisons I think if you are fans already of Bjork, Dido, Royksopp, Hooverphonic or Imogen Heap, I am pretty sure you will find lots of things to enjoy on Melankton.

  Some listeners might be familiar with her background vocals. Kate sang on Royksopp's techno hits "Only This Moment" and "Circuit Breaker" from their last album The Understanding, she also worked on a couple of songs on Carmen Rizzo's electronic record called Lost Art Of The Idle Moment. But fans might  have even heard of her on television. Beautifully mirroring life's tender and powerful moments some of the album tracks were featured on the hit TV drama Grey's Anatomy, generating a buzz & prompting viewers to seek her out.

  Creating the album Kate recorded the core string arrangements first. The vocals were recorded in her bedroom studio where she could capture the right feel and sound for each song. Voice (often supple and hushed), lyrics (intimate and warm) and melodies (leisurely drawn out) are the main elements with no strict formula writing for the album and no focus on having one or two big singles. Kate's goal was to have the album be a piece of music as a whole and it's evident when one listens how nicely bound the tracks are for the entirety of the record.

  Several very talented collaborators from quite different backgrounds were enlisted to make Melankton. Guy Sigsworth (of Frou Frou fame) co-wrote 4 tracks in the album and helped Kate with his masterful electronic beats, Carmen Rizzo did some additional programming, Maria Huld Markan provided string arrangements (she has worked with Sigur Ros and Amina), Froydis Re Werke, an exceptional horn player lended her talents (she is the main teacher in horn at the Royal College of Music in Oslo), the talented contemporary jazz player Arve Henriksen provided some dazzling and very emotional trumpet sounds for a couple of the albums highlights and lastly there is the magnificent 16 piece string orchestra from Bratislava Slovakia adorning the dramatic background of most of these tracks. With all this marriage of lush sounds mixed together, one would think this is a schizophrenic piece of work, but the neat techno arrangements blend effortlessly with the organic orchestral sounds.

  Kate's songs have various themes. Enjoying life's precious moments I think is the most resounding one. "Se Meg" is sung in Norwegian - the lyrics mean `See me as I am and take what comes' so clearly this isn't a song about relationship compromises but rather one of acceptance. The trumpet sounds on that track sound like lonely ships passing by, lulling us with their romantic solitary sounds, making that one of the most serene and romantic moments in the whole album. On "I don't know you" she knows the stars, the wind the sky and waves yet she would like to know her partner better so she pleads for him to show who he is to her. Isn't that always such a vulnerable state? To really get to know someone and to really show ourselves as we are to someone we love with all our little flaws? Equally emotional and romantic is "Kaleidoscope", where she abandons her worries and sees the world through a kaleidoscope of colors mesmerized by sincere love. On "Unlike Me" she sings about time not existing, living in the moment, with no guarantees in life we should live our lives intensely and love every minute of it, "every minute alive" as she insists. On "New Day" she is admiring a beautiful day starting up with her lover awaking with "morning stars" in his eyes, ready for what this new day will have to bring, it is one of the more upbeat tracks in the album, due to the energized electronic beats kicking in mid way through and closing this delightful album on a high note.


title: Five Stars

text: Excellent!


title: Five Stars

text: All perfect


title: Nice classic country.

text: Is well worth listening to. The live songs don't have the best sound quality. But that's just the era there from.


This is a great album. Joe blow is really showing his range. Talking about some new stuff. That's cool. Keep it movin Joe Blow.


title: renowned teacher Maesto Dennis Sandole; under appreciated genius

text: Any documentation Of Dennis Sandole  is like finding a hidden treasure


title: Beyond compare.

text:
My lifetime of studying and playing and hearing Bach….this is gospel. No less. I recommend it to  all  the world.

Annie


title: Great Texas music!

text: The Tejas Brothers are the best Texas band to come along in years! Their music is fresh, creative, and fun. And they are excellent performers -- good musicians and energetic entertainers. Listening to the CD is almost as good as seeing them live -- and that's saying a lot! These guys are going to be really big really soon -- so discover them now and you can brag about it later on.


title: Five Stars

text: Great tenor and superb tracks beautifully transcribed. I have several of Heddle Nash 78 rpm recordings.


title: Miles Davis 1960 European tour.

text: This was one of Miles Davis' greatest quintets in my opinion. All Star lineup of great musicians.I purchased this CD...and others by Miles Davis because I wanted to hear more of Wynton Kelly's piano playing.I wasn't disappointed.


title: Love all the songs on this one

text: Love all the songs on this one.  Some from his album of gospel/hymns.  Some from great band themes. Love Auld Lang Syne. Plan to use it on New Years


title: Doris Day

text: I would not choose any less rating for such a classic singer. Her music will live forever. A definete must for those that love mellow songs.


title: Delivery date and time

text: Excellent cd, always a frustration is although properly sealed the plastic case hinge was broken


title: Delivery date

text: Excellent cd


title: Two great LPs on one CD!

text:
Finally - and for the first time – two more legendary Mercury albums by the famous pianist, “Baby, But Grand!” and “And We Got Love”, both from 1967, have been reissued on one digitally remastered CD!

Tracklist:
1. That’s Life
2. What Now My Love
3. Serenata Romantica
4. The Spy With A Cold Nose
5. Shne-Boo-Bedee-Bop
6. The More I See You
7. And We Were Lovers
8. Beautiful Hong Kong Girl
9. Lost Love
10. Big Big River
11. The Glory Of Love
12. Black Eyes
13. The Last Waltz
14. Lazy
15. A Banda
16. Casino Royale
17. Zabadak
18. The Happening
19. It Must Be Him
20. I Wonder
21. Don’t Sleep In The Subway
22. A Touch Of Heidelberg


title: Another brilliant reissue!

text:
Finally - and for the first time - the legendary third Polydor album of the famous group (which equals the American Kapp LP “Songs For My Love“) and a bunch of rare singles have been reissued on a digitally remastered CD!

Tracklist:
1 Sailor (Your Home Is The Sea)
2 Seagull, Fly To Your Home (Möwe, du fliegst in die Heimat)
3 Fisherman Of Capri (Capri Fischer)
4 La Paloma
5 Beyond The Sea (La Mer)
6 The Setting Sun (Abendsonne)
7 Serenade
8 Moonlight Madonna (Poeme)
9 Glowworm (Glühwürmchen)
10 The Windmill Is Turning (Alte Mühlen, junge Herzen)
11 Lili Marleen
12 Auld Lang Syne (Wenn wir heut' auseinandergeh‘n)
13 Rote Rosen Der Liebe (Don’t Forget I Still Love You)
14 Dear Heart
15 Brot Und Butter (Bread And Butter)
16 Alles Versteh'n Heisst Alles Verzeih'n (Things To Remember)
17 Fern Im Tiefen Süden (Wyoming Lullaby)
18 Wenn Der Tag Zu Ende Geht (Crystal Chandelier)
19 Weisst Du Wohin? (Somewhere My Love)
20 Ich Wünsche Dir Glück
21 All’ Deine Liebe (Wish Me A Rainbow)
22 Wo Die Liebe Beginnt
23 Schneewalzer
24 Mit Einem Blumenkranz Im Haar
25 Rosen Für Elisabeth


title: Two great albums on one CD!

text:
Finally - and for the first time - the legendary first two Polydor albums of the famous group (which equal the American Kapp LPs “Serenade For Elisabeth” and “Serenade For A Lady In Love“) have been reissued on a digitally remastered CD!

Tracklist:
1 Serenade For Elisabeth
2 Waltz Music (Bei Walzermusik)
3 Annabelle
4 Music For Falling In Love (Musik zum Verlieben)
5 Bell Serenade (Glocken-Serenade)
6 The Round Dance (Der Reigen)
7 Toselli Serenade
8 La Montanara
9 Bells Ring To The Stars (Glocken klingen zu den Sternen)
10 Serenade From "The Millions Of Harlequins" (Serenade aus "Die Millionen des Harlekin")
11 O, Mein Papa
12 Dream Melody (Traum-Melodie)
13 Finkenwalzer
14 Ständchen
15 Largo Aus „Xerxes“
16 Hör‘ Mein Lied, Violetta
17 Mary Lou
18 Indian Song
19 Kerzen-Serenade
20 Liebe, Die Nie Vergeht
21 In Mir Klingt Ein Lied
22 Tiritomba
23 Hinter Den Blauen Bergen
24 Concerto D’amour
25 Wiegenlied


title: Amazing tracklist

text:
A legend of European film music just turned 90. Peter Thomas' scores for "Space Patrol", "Chariots Of The Gods?", the Edgar Wallace and Jerry Cotton film series and many more are well known all over the world, but he also recorded great orchestral albums in the Sixties and Seventies. PETER THOMAS SOUNDS combines the majority of these albums plus singles on five remastered CDs! Box set includes the complete albums CLASSICS À LA POP (1967), PIANO STRINGS (1968), ORGANIC (1968), DANCING NINOTSCHKA (1967), THE P.T.S.O. PRESENTS (1968), VIVA LA FERIA (1969), SURAMERICANA (1970), SOUND NEWS (1976), P.T.O. IN DISCOLAND (1977) and SYMPHONIES OF THE 3rd KIND (1980). Music also incorporates versions of Thomas' film themes such as "Natascha" (from "Die vollkommene Ehe"), "Karlsbad" (from "Babeck"), "Andante novembra" (from "11 Uhr 20"), "Melissa", "Der Stoff, aus dem die Träume sind", "Die Buchholzens", "Theme From Chariots Of The Gods?" and several themes used in the TV series "Der Kommissar" and "Derrick". 5 CDs in Jewelbox plus 20 page booklet with German/English liner notes, discographical data, rare photos and album covers.

Disc 1
01 Nevertheless
02 I Wish You Love
03 Georgy Girl
04 The Way You Look Tonight
05 Embraceable You
06 From This Moment On
07 Those Were The Days
08 Natascha
09 Barefoot In The Park
10 I Love You And You Love Me
11 Domenica
12 Tune For Love
13 Karlsbad
14 Silver Clouds For Marjorie
15 This Guy's In Love With You
16 Jumpin' Jack Flash
17 A Man Without Love
18 Yummy Yummy Yummy
19 This Wheel's On Fire
20 (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
21 Honey
22 Like To Get To Know You
23 Simon Says
24 Lazy Sunday
25 Slimfinado
26 Rix-Time
27 Just A Simple Cliché
28 Tingo-Tingo-Tango

Disc 2
01 Eine Schwarzwaldfahrt
02 Oktoberfest-Polka
03 Charles Meets Joan The Bastian
04 I Bring You Roses, Yellow Roses
05 Se-Re-Na-De
06 Who's Cryin'
07 I Like Ludwig
08 Dance Of The Hours
09 Schubert En Vacances
10 Pizzicato Leo
11 Slow Waltz De Frederic
12 O Santa, O Lucia
13 Pardon Me, Mrs. Carmen
14 Sleep Well, Little Boy
15 Katuschka-Mammuschka
16 My Sister The Naughty Girl Kalinka
17 Doswidanje Panje
18 Mmm "Moskau-Moskwa-Mitternacht"
19 Lara's Theme
20 Brüderchen In Leningrad
21 Dance Ninotschka
22 Wodka Wodka
23 Olga's Tune
24 Pjotr Iljitsch T., My Grand-Grand-Father
25 I Like Troika
26 It Sounds Like Evening Bells
27 Walking Through The Vienna Wood
28 Any Spanish How
29 Delilah
30 Cadenza

Disc 3
01 Bonnie And Clyde
02 Lady Madonna
03 Somethin' Stupid
04 Cabaret
05 Rice Is Nice
06 Love Is Blue
07 Valleri
08 Cinderella Rockefella
09 Words
10 Mas Que Nada
11 Eloise
12 Vou Dar De Beber A Dor
13 Palabras
14 Cuando Llega Mi Amor
15 Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da
16 La Playa
17 Iliza
18 Nostalgia
19 Paola
20 Viva La Feria
21 Let The Sunshine In
22 Piano Merengue
23 Palmeras
24 Gente
25 La Burrita
26 Que Bonita Es Mi Tierra
27 Andante Novembra
28 Misionera
29 Limbo Rock

Disc 4
01 Ponteio
02 La Cana
03 Mi Cafetal
04 Noche De Ronda
05 Die Buchholzens
06 Der Stoff, Aus Dem Die Träume Sind
07 Agent "X" Melodie - Thomas, Peter
08 Theme From Chariots Of The Gods?
09 House Of The Rising Sun
10 Brazil
11 Night And Day
12 Only You
13 Melissa
14 Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
15 Begin The Beguine
16 The Shadow Of Your Smile
17 You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
18 Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
19 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
20 Ohne Dich Ist Es Nacht
21 Opium
22 Discoland
23 Don't Take Away The Music / You Make Me Feel Like Dancing / T.S.O.P. / Now Is The Time

Disc 5
01 Besame Mucho
02 Sunny
03 Chanson D'amour
04 Amor Amor Amor / True Love / Caravan / In A Persian Market
05 Daddy Cool
06 Buona Sera
07 Land Of Make Believe
08 Dreams Of P.T.O.
09 The King Kong Dance
10 Swan Lake
11 Galactic Cathedral
12 Hologram Of The New World
13 River To Eternity
14 Hero's Dream
15 Milkyway Meeting
16 Unfinished Visions
17 Space Explosion


title: Tracklist

text:
1 Old Devil Moon 03:24
2 My Funny Valentine 06:02
3 It Never Entered My Mind 05:24
4 Solar 04:43
5 I'll Remember April 07:55
6 Walkin' 13:26
7 Morpheus 02:22
8 A Night In Tunesia 07:24
9 How Am I To Know? 04:41
10 Love Me Or Leave Me 06:54
11 `Round Midnight 05:24

Original recordings, 1953 - 1956
Digitally remastered


title: A Masterwork of a truly under-appreciated Band

text: I have been a card-carrying Crusaders fan since High School in 1972 living in Connecticut when i plucked The Second Crusade from my older Brother's Vinyl collection (I wrote a separate review for that Album).  My Brother also  had a few Albums from when they were known as the Jazz Crusaders, namely Old Socks New Shoes and Chile Con Soul (a fantastic Latin-Jazz themed album). I saw them live twice in New York while In College, and at the Hollywood Bowl in 1980. When I moved to LA in the early Eighties I discovered ( at an amazing Vinyl Warehouse called the Record Collector, formerly in Pasadena now on Melrose, check it out!)  they had recorded 16 Albums under the Pacific Jazz Label in the Sixties, which i started to purchase. I was thrilled when Mosaic remastered them all onto 6 CD's in a Box Set and i could hear them all again for what seemed like the first time.<br />These Guys all grew up together as teens in the Houston area so there is a telepathy about their playing from the early days to their last times together. Joe Sample,  "Big Daddy" Wayne Henderson, Nesbitt "Stix" Hooper and Wilton Felder were a Core 4 of Jazz that explored straight ahead, blues, rock, Latin, R&B and the Standards and put their own remarkable fingerprints onto the interpretations. The Box comes with a great Booklet that gives a history of the Band. The Fates kept them out of the hub of the Jazz world in New York, and I believe if they had played sets at the Village Vanguard or Village Gate, the Newport Rhode Island Jazz Festival or the London House in Chicago in the Sixties that they would have been much more of a household name in Jazz History. They did record live at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, CA, so i implore you to add the Live recordings to this Box Set and you will have an exhilarating musical experience.


title: Four Stars

text: Pretty cool album.


title: Very Funny

text:
This CD is very funny for people who grew up in an English-speaking country (like Australia, Canada, or the USA) with Italian parents or grandparents.  It is impossible not to laugh while listening to it.
Basically, Joe Avati humorously recites events and discusses observations about growing up with Italian family members in Australia.  He also sings some of his own funny songs.
Of course, some people with get more of the jokes and laugh harder and longer than others.  But overall, most will agree that the CD is hilarious and very good.  Even if you don't find it funny, you won't have trouble finding someone to give it to.


title: Awesome

text: Great music


title: Tres bien

text: I've been a big fan of Ms. Farmer's for over a decade now and her latest album does not disappoint.  'Love Dance' is my favorite track, 'though there are many awesome tracks.  And you don't have to understand French to enjoy it either.  The remixes on disc 2 are excellent, too.  Reminds of damning the night away in Montreal's hottest nightclubs.


title: Great album

text: Great album. Fast shipping. Highly recommended!!!


title: Nice CD

text: Nice CD. Fast shipping. Highly recommended!!!


title: Very nice!

text: Very good cd. Fast shipping. Highly recommended!


title: Five Stars

text: Great prices fast delivery


Five Stars


title: Five Stars

text: Great prices with fast delivery! Must buy CD'


title: Five Stars

text: Great deal fast delivery


title: Underrated band!

text: These albums from Saga are really good. Sound on these cd's is great. Behaviour is worth the price alone. Recommended!


title: Easy to handle and carry in your purse

text: Help to keep your finger without pain while you work. Easy to handle and carry in your purse.


title: at times too flashy and too fast

text: Rubenstein overdoes it at times


title: Great session

text: excellent sound quality, top-notch playing


title: Five Stars

text: Thank you!!


title: Five Stars

text: Exhilarating performces by all (Lacy only on 2 tracks).


title: A Tribute To

text:
Who ever did the music for The tribute to the Williams Brothers, Douglas Miller,
Kim McFarland, Heaven did a good job because the music is awesome. If I
could I would give the another five star rating.


title: God Is

text:
God is, yes my God is good, I just love these young
grew up listening to this group for as long as I can
remember. The music on this CD is awesome and
I wouldn't change a thing about it. The Music is so
beautifully arranged.


title: Great one!

text: Another great CD by Fernando de la Mora.  This "revival" of some DANZONES and BOLEROS was long overdue, and his voice and interpretation does them justice.  Great job!


title: Great music!

text: I have been a fan of Fernando de la Mora for quite some time and his interpretation of  these well-known songs is superb.  This CD did not disappoint me.


title: A Great "Hidden" CD

text: This CD might not have the best of sound, but is it certainly worth buying. I've had it for years, and always find it a very pleasant listening experience.I think these were "test pressings", as arrangements  are different. Her "You're Mine You" is slow and romantic,  completely different from what she ended up recording for Capitol. Other  songs are not anywhere else, "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue  Sea", "Surrey With the Fringe on Top", "Accentuate the  Positive", and "Fools Rush In" will send chills through you.  There are 20 songs here, not on any "legit" album. I much prefer  her versions HERE to the ones that came out commercially, as these are  laid-back, and her good mood most definitely comes through just fine.


title: Three Among Many Good 'uns.

text: Excellent Music played by those who are Among The Best in the Business. Although all these musicians have Passed on - their music lives on thanks to Recordings such as<br />this One !


title: I am a very happy Amazon purchaser.

text: Great Price and the item was in condition as described. I am very happy with the purchase. Tip Top quality.


title: MAMÁ

text: Great cd


title: Beware the CD!

text: The CD is not the same session as the LP. The vinyl is a beautiful recording. The CD has good but unrelated “best of” tracks. Beware?


title: Tra la la, Tra la la la...

text: Large colection of the Banana Splits Songs we used to hear that days. A rare and superb CD to your collection.


title: Itchycoo Park and Tin Soldier are timeless classic rock. ...

text: Itchycoo Park and Tin Soldier are timeless classic rock.  Have heard recent remakes by younger bands, which re-introduced me to this old album from my collection.


title: I think Marty Robbins was mis-cast.

text: Just my opinion.


I am really stingy with stars. This is a really nice example of all the participant's talents. Good sound as well. I wondered about the cornet, trombone, bass grouping, but it works wonderfully.


title: Great Packaged set

text: Little known fact that these are actually 2.5 performance vinyl. Nice bonus. Note that side B contains songs and not a control tone.


title: “Listen, play, love, revere — and keep your trap shut.”

text: This quote about Bach’s music by Albert Einstein sums up what I have to say about this work. Gerlinde Otto’s recording is my go to. I am not in a position to say it’s better than the many other performances of the Well Tempered Clavier Book 2 that are available, but it’s the one I use as the standard. I am posting this ‘review’ because no one else has.  Her performance deserves  attention. An example. I found the leisure she brings to the prelude in F minor (12) unexpected, but paves the way for her powerhouse performance of the fugue. Hearing this, no one needs to tell me to keep my trap shut.


title: A Personal Favorite

text: I came across this album in the Redlands library in the 1980s (libraries, our debt to you in incalculable!). Aside from providing exposure to some wonderful carols, Robert Spencer's lute and guitar playing on this album inspired me to begin classical guitar lessons. I'm glad that, after all these years, it's still available. There are reasons to hang on to the old turntable. For me, this recording is one.


Wow. Roots music at its best.  Can you believe Blue Grass and Chuck Berry?  No?  Listen to this.


title: Really deep and inspired Christian music

text: This music is artistic; it does not follow the typical formula for worship music. Rather it will draw you into a closer, and deeper relationship with God. He will literally use this music to change your heart and your life.


title: The best Christian music ever

text: Isa's music is not only artistic and a unique but also it will help you to open your heart to a deeper more intimate and personal relationship with God every time.


title: Perfect Album

text: This is a fantastic Miles album front to back. A perfect for a collector.


title: Bourelly Black Rock

text: A++++++++


title: Four Stars

text: Electric is great, but Peace is hit and miss... still I would recommend.


title: The '60s in Good Form

text: Not my most favorite music except for a few special songs that are associated with special events.  It is a good selection of '60s music.


title: Just listen!

text: I love jazz trombone from the '40s and '50s.  many memorable "I was there" experiences.  The kids today don't even know what music is.  A pleasure for the ear.


title: Five Stars

text: Loved it!!


Excellent sounding single disc compilation (remastered in 1999) of most of the "essential" tracks:  1. The Very Thought of You  2. It’s Only a Paper Moon  3. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66  4. Mona Lisa  5. Unforgettable  6. L-O-V-E  7. This Can’t Be Love  8. Smile  9. Lush Life  10. That Sunday, That Summer  11. Orange Colored Sky  12. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons  13. Tenderly  14. Autumn Leaves  15. Straighten Up and Fly Right  16. Avalon  17. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore  18. Too Young  19. Nature Boy  20. Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup  21. Almost Like Being in Love  22. Thou Swell  23. Non Dimenticar  24. Our Love is Here to Stay  25. Unforgettable (with Natalie Cole)


title: It's great!

text: It's great!

attachment_type: IMAGE


title: A Must for the I-I-I, Me-Me-Me Mentality

text: Patch the Pirate is the best kids' music producer I know.  I always know that it will provide fun and yet inspirational music for their rooms or for car trips.  You just can't beat Patch!


title: Another Great Patch Adventure!

text: I love the Patch the Pirate series.  He is really good with words and music both.  I buy them for my grandchildren and never have to worry about content.


title: Great music.

text: My sister lives in Norway (married a Norweigian) and sent this to me as a birthday present several years ago when it came out in Europe. It wasn't until about 6 months later that I began to listen to it regularly. The music is great. It's hard to explain though. It's dark (which, I like). I don't speak Norwiegian, so I can't understand a word. I am sure I would enjoy it more if I understood what the singer's lyrics meant. Interestingly enough, the producer on the album is Sylvia Massy. She also produced Tool's first LP, Undertow. I can hear the similarities in the production of the two albums. I am not saying Seigmen sounds like Tool. The engineering and overall audio production are similar (to my ears). I still listen to this album at least once a week. Definately one I keep handy.


title: Not the right product.

text: The product is advertised as the Special Japan Edition based on the photos and the title, but the disk I received was the deluxe edition.


title: 20 Year Reunion Tour

text:
Recorded live during their reunion tour in 2017, this cd features original members PAUL SIZE- BILL BATEMAN & JOHNNY RAY BARTEL.  "BIG PETE" Van Der PLUMM handles vocals & harp reminiscent of the late LESTER BUTLER.
TRACK LISTING
1. Time To Cry
2. Mr. Highway Man
3. Wish You Would
4. Blackwater Roll
5. She's Dangerous
6. Blue Light
7. Taildragger
8. Who Do You Love
9. Checking On My Baby
10. No Fightin'
11. Devil Woman
12. Automatic
13. Backstroke/ You Were Wrong


title: TRACK LISTING

text:
1.  Get On Boy! (4:30)
2.  Keith's Theme Song (2:26)
3.  Why You Wanna Leave Me (4:16)
4.  Went Out Last Night (3:51)
5.  Hun (3:17)
6.  Going To Mc Donalds (2:50)
7.  Murdock (2:23)
8.  Moving On The Groove (3:25)
9.  Rising To The Top (3:36)
10.  My Name Is Jen (3:03)
11. Soileau Zydeco (2:47)


title: TRACK LISTING

text:
1. Work With Me Annie
2. Sexy Ways
3. Don't Change Your Pretty Ways
4. Rock & Roll Wedding
5. Open Up The Back Door
6. Rock Granny Roll
7. Tore Up Over You
8. Is Your Love For Real?
9. The Twist
10. Teardrops On Your Letter
11. Kansas City
12. Sugaree
13. Finger Poppin Time
14. Let's Go Let's Go Let's Go
15. What Is This I See
16. I'm Gonna Miss You


title: TRACK LISTING

text:
1. Petite Fleur/ When The Saints Go Marching In
2. Roller Coaster/ Sweet Fire
3. Love For Sale/ Bags Groove/ My Cherie Amour
4. Three For The Festival
5. Boogie Man Song
Roland Kirk- tenor, stritch, marizell, siren, stylephone, flute, vocal
Ron Burton- piano
Vernon Martin- bass
Harold White- drums
Joe Habad Texidor- percussion


title: TRACK LISTING & PERSONNEL

text:
ORIGINALLY RELEASED ON THE BARRELHOUSE LABEL THIS JAPANESE IMPORT FEATURES THE ORIGINAL RELEASE ON CD.......
1. Take A Little Walk With Me
2. Honey Bee
3. Rock Me
4. I'm Worried
5. It Hurts Me Too
6. Shake Your Moneymaker
7. Sloppy drunk
8. Treat Me The Way I Do You
9. Dust My Broom
10. Blow Wind Blow
11. Hoochie Coochie Man

PERSONNEL
Joe Carter vcl;gtr
Water "Big Red" Smith gtr
Johnny Junious drums


title: TRACK LISTING

text:
1. Things Ain't What They Used To Be (M.Ellington-T.Parsons)
2. I Thought About You (James Van Heusen-Johnny Mercer)
3. Tell It The Way It Is (Addison Amor-Walter Bishop, Jr)
4. Falling In Love With Love (Richard Rodgers-Larry Hart)
5. Dottie's Theme (Addison Amor)
6. Dinkum (De Louis Rey)
7. Summertime (Dubose Heyward-George Gershwin)
8. Easy To Love (Cole Porter)
9. 33RD Off 3RD (Addison Amor-Walter Bishop, Jr)
10.Love For Sale (Cole Porter)
11.Our Romance Is Over (Ruth Leventhal-Wm.S.Lee)
12.Getting Off The Ground (Walter Bishop)


title: Powerful CD

text: As described, thanks!


title: The C.I.M.P. Experience

text:
C.I.M.P. has, for some time now, championed the under-exposed creative musician. They have a headquarters in upstate New York that includes a recording space called "the spirit room". It's here that the invited musicians are allowed to create music as they please, in an atmosphere that allows for certain informalities. The musicians are apparently well fed and rested before tackling the spirit room set up which can pose a variety of difficulties for the recording engineer - all of which you can read about in the liner notes. The recording technique brings you as close as possible to what you would hear if you were actually in the room while the music was being recorded. There are no filters. There is no compression. There is no equalizing. The dynamic range is greater than anything you have ever heard before on disc. The final product is music to be listened to, examined, studied, and enjoyed for what it is, in its purest form.

On the other side, the contra-bass is often difficult to hear in the mix. Adjusting the controls on your system helps in some cases. At any rate, it's a sound world that has much to offer to the listener of creative improvised music.

John O'Gallagher is an alto and soprano saxophonist who sounds firmly grounded in the tradition, yet has his own way of expanding those borders. It's an arresting attack and a strident tone that help push the music forward. Two versions of Billie's Bounce bookend what sounds like a mostly improvised interior. O'Gallagher is on the mark throughout.

Bassist Kamaguchi and drummer Rosen are consistantly interesting players who firmly support O'Gallagher throughout both volumes of Rules Of Invisibility. There's a dynamic going on that makes this one special. Anyone interested in straight ahead to slightly out alto/soprano saxophone
trio stuff would be wise to investigate these two volumes.


title: Raise the Roof with Wild Bill Davison

text:
Wild Bill must have loved playing with these guys. There are a few more cd's of Wild Bill with the Alex Welsh band on the Jazzology label, all of them recorded live when Bill was touring England almost fifty years ago. This was the first in the series to be released on cd.

It sounds like the small club room was packed to the rafters and there was probably some difficulty involved with the placement of the microphone. There is no fan interference however, and the recording quality is quite acceptable.

This was one of those nights where everything worked out perfectly. Bill and Alex's band were loose yet suitably stimulated, more than likely by a preferred beverage or two. The crowd was into it all the way, preferred beverage and all. Listen to the laughter and hooting between numbers, especially when Bill throws out some hilarious comments.

Better still, listen to Wild Bill play his cornet with this exceptional band. The tunes will be familiar to anyone with an interest in this type of music. The performance is electric. The musicians are feeding off the audience and the fact that they are playing with an American legend. Every time I listen to this recording I imagine that if I were in the audience that night, I would probably have floated home afterward. I've never heard a recording that so obviously leaves the impression that such a great time was had by all.

Bill Davison left us many recordings throughout his lengthy career. There is some classic earlier stuff that belongs in your collection and if you're reading this you probably already own it. You may want to be more selective with his later recordings where he sat in with local bands. Sometimes the results were less than memorable. Thankfully, with this cd, that's not the case.

"Blowin' Wild" is as good as it gets. It was a night to remember. It is a listening experience that, if you let it, will likely bring you that elusive sense of euphoria, however momentary and fleeting. The first time you hit the replay button I'm sure you'll be muttering something like "Wild Bill lives" or "pass me the whiskey" or even something profane, something that can't be printed on these pages, something that Wild Bill himself might have uttered on a bandstand somewhere in mid-America after his first quart of scotch, so many years ago.


title: Not Enough Nif-Nuf

text:
Nif-Nuf recordings was started in 1999 to document the wonderfully swinging mainstream jazz music played by Australians and visiting Americans(mostly)at Bob Barnard's first Jazz Party weekend in Melbourne. It's now an annual April event and John Trudinger has done a stellar job of production over the years. Guests have included Ralph Sutton, Marty Grosz, Dan Barrett, Bob Havens, John Sheridan, Nikki Parrott, Evan Christopher, and (Canadian)Jim Galloway. All of the performances are first rate and showcase the visitors as well as introducing some phenomenal Australian talent...like George Washingmachine(violin). Other exceptional Australians to note include Chris Taperell on piano, Len Barnard-drums, Jo Stevenson-alto sax, John Scurry-guitar, Leone Heale-bass, Graham Coyle-piano, Peter Gaudion-trumpet, and Dan Barnett on the trombone.
  Bob Barnard's cornet and Danny Moss's tenor get my highest rating for their remarkable contributions on these well recorded discs. The music is mostly familiar material from the American songbook with some splendid Australian tunes thrown in for good measure. If you're looking to survey some of the exceptional music found on the Nif-Nuf label, try the 'Highlights' disc from this or any previous year. It's great stuff.

* Chris Taperell, Len Barnard, and Danny Moss have all passed on. Fortunately they've left us with many enduring examples of their brilliant musicianship. You'll find much of it on these Nif Nuf recordings.


title: Get this one

text:
I like this one. Kowald and Ali sound good together. There is a sense of playfulness to their dialogue. They never seem to ramble. They lead and follow one another up, down, and all around. They capture your attention from the very beginning and never let you go. Any instrument could play on top of what these guys offered and, indeed, the success of this recording is based, in no small measure, on their contributions.

Assif Tsahar plays the tenor saxophone like it's a combination flame thrower/gattling gun, full bore and with lots of intensity. It's gutsy, full of energy, and comes at you like a maniac on the loose. Comparisons?  Early David Murray comes to mind...but not really...I think Mr. Tsahar plays himself, which is probably the ultimate goal of any creative musician. On this recording, he shows he can more than hold his own in the company of two master musicians.

Don't pass this one up if you have an affinity for saxophone trios. It's a great listen with lots of variety. Again,the rhythm section(with the late Peter Kowald on bass)was unbeatable and brilliant. It's on Tsahar's own Hopscotch label and the sound quality is great.


title: higher plain

text:
Alan Silva is heard on the bass fiddle throughout these duets with bass clarinetist/c-melody saxophonist Oluyemi Thomas. After just one listen, it will be obvious that his mastery of both arco and pizzicato techniques is still intact. He has a great history with this music and his story is a captivating one. This well recorded concert from October of 1999 is a welcome reminder of his continuing brilliance.

Oluyemi Thomas was unknown to me. He's a west coast musician who records and performs with, among others, his vocalist wife. His music is very much in a spiritual vein, removed entirely from the trappings of swing and bop. His bass clarinet work will make you sit up and take notice. It's a voice that transcends catagorization. Clear in tone and articulation, it's nowhere near the slurry overblown sounds of many of today's reedmen.

Together, Silva and Thomas explore sonic territory that few would even attempt to reach. That's not to say that the music is overwhelming or chaotic in any way. In fact, it's peaceful, sometimes mournful, and always soul stirring. Appropriate, considering...

The Unitarian Church in Amherst, Mass. provided the venue for this concert and a good choice it turned out to be. The acoustics were great and the recording sounds superb. Alan Silva and Oluyemi Thomas gave quite a sermon that afternoon...[...]


title: Scenic Route

text:
These digital concert recordings are from March and May of 1998. The first four numbers are from Musique Action in France and the fifth is from London's Red Rose club. The total time is sixty seven and a half minutes. All of the instruments are used without amplification and the sound quality of the recordings is excellent. There is no noise from the audience at all. Sounds like studio to me.

John Butcher plays soprano and tenor saxophones and is endlessly creative on both; scurrying, popping the pads, exploring and stretching thresholds of sound and volume at will. Evan Parker may have been an early influence but everything heard here is from Butcher's own musical vocabulary.

Durrant and Russell are just as unique. There doesn't seem to be any reference point for either of them. Derek Bailey for Russell-maybe. Durrant's in a class all alone. He may be better known for his use of electronics in experimental musical settings than he is for his violin playing. On this disc, his bowing and plucking fits comfortably between guitar and saxophone. It's pure improvisation and engaging as all get-out.
  Throughout the program, the players seem to take their time. Nothing sounds hurried. Instruments drop in and out in an apparently random way.  It's a fascinating listen.

Emanem continues to document freely improvised music from a host of creative talents. Many of these players have been doing their own thing  for decades now. If you enjoy free improvisation, particularly if you are familiar with any of these players, by all means, jump in. It's tremendously rewarding stuff.


title: Boundless

text:
The 15 numbers,totalling over 70 minutes,on this disc were digitally recorded in Welwyn Garden City back in January of '98. All of the numbers are freely improvised and offer the listener an insight into the brilliance of these two musicians.
  Lol Coxhill is the senior member here. His playing is strong and deliberate. All of the idiosyncracies and mannerisms of his technique blend well with Veryan Weston's piano which, to these ears, is heard more in a supportive role. That's not to say that Mr. Weston doesn't have his moments. In fact, he's one of today's most interesting piano players and the support he lends Mr. Coxhill is nothing short of amazing.
  Lol Coxhill's squawks, squeeks, burps, and slurrs are just part of his arsenal. There are moments of sublime beauty on this disc where his playing is clean and precise, the idiosyncracies momentarily closetted. With Veryan Weston as his musical partner, this disc is a listener's delight and is highly recommended.
*Veryan Weston's "Gateway to Vienna"w/ Mark Saunders & John Edwards as well as "Temperment"by Weston & Jon Rose, both on Emanem are also highly recommended to those with a passion for the finest in challenging musical improvisation.


title: absolutely brilliant

text: 70 minutes of improvised brilliance, beautifully recorded for the wonderful Nuscope label. With textures, tempos, and intensities that vary throughout the program, it's exquisite music for concentrated listening. Mr. Kaufmann, in particular, displays a pianistic prowess that is ideal for this type of music. The classical underpinnings of his technique sound graceful and elegant at times, allowing Gratkowski and de Joode to add colour and fire to the surroundings. This is a beautifully realized effort, outstanding by any measure, and well worth the purchase.


title: Five Stars

text: Was what it said it would be.


title: Rockin'!!!

text: This is such a great CD! It rocks from start to finish. I saw them play live and seriously the front woman is totally AMAZING. She really got the crowd going and plays the hell out of her guitar. I can't think of another female rocker who plays like this. Highly recommend!


title: CBS all star soft jazz

text: wonderful session a capsule of the earl 80's smooth jazz music with a big band feel. I do not know what influence Bob James had in the make up of the ensemble or the project but it sounds like one of his albums from his Tappen Zee label at the time.  I am still waiting for a dvd release.


title: You've Got An Empty Cup

text:
Got this pick earlier in the week.

So far up to 'Comes A Time' Nice and warm.'76 sound.

The music before the outro on Half Step is very nice despite no lead from Garcia.

Thoughts on Dead shows vary depending on personal experience. I could view this show very differently at another date considering  how and why I listened to it.

Sugaree was quite nice but the S&D was a wimp  version (one of the draw backs of 1976)
Comes A Time is always great but I do not understand the love of The Other One. Although the album version of That's It For The Other One defined me for a time in 2003, I really am not excited by it after the 60's. They should have dropped it and kept 'Dark Star'

The non stop music is ok but not anything amazing. When they finally made the change to Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad I was feeling just fine with the decent jam prior but happy to be going into regular territory.

Nothing to special about this pick (how I feel today) but no doubt some good stuff. Still better then every thing new music has to offer.

Great album cover. The bonus disc (have not heard yet) continues the album cover to make it  like a Skull & Roses cover. You have to hold one against another but it works.

Please release some 80's-90's shows, David.

All DEAD live shows are 5 star. Still feel dirty for giving the Denver Road Trips 4 stars.

What was I thinking in 2011?


title: Rocking Hard After All those Years

text:
Tuesday 22/7/2014 12:21am

Listening to this on my ipod now...WOW! (even got The Godfather playing in my room for good measure)

Had a magical moment with this release years ago and can not believe I waited so long to hear it again.

This release is the complete 4/1/88 show but also has filler from the previous night. Some first set songs from 3/31/88 are on the first disc; which is fine because it just feels like a part of the show. No worries there. The second cd is the complete second set from 3/31/88 and then the 3rd cd is the second set of the 4/1/88 show.

Jerry's playing is perfect, while Bobby's singing is top notch. The whole band is feeling the energy and no doubt having a great time.

I love latter day Dead and this is just one example of how great they still were.

In one Letterman interview, Garcia even talks about "X chemistry" and about "being on" he then goes on to say "it use to be we failed way more than we succeeded"

Most deadheads would agree that 1968-1977 is prime Dead, and the best years of the band (I agree) However, there was just something special about them in the latter years; the spring tour of 1990 is a perfect example.

It will not be to everyone's liking, but give it a try and you just might like it. In the end, the band just really kicks ass here.


title: 1990 - The Best Tour Of Them All

text:
Only a few years ago I came to the realization that 1990 was my favourite year for live Grateful Dead. The music is perfect and the band members are all on fire. Sadly, Brent Mydland would die later in the year and Jerry Garcia would sink back into old habits. There were still top shows left in the Grateful Dead tank, but this was the highest the band ever reached on a whole tour in their latter years.

If you happen to fall asleep early one day and find your self awake before the sun comes up, by all means listen to some of this music. It is just exactly perfect.


title: A Good Start For Road Trips

text:
Hey...what's up?  You feelin' good?

That's good. I'm alright.

Listening to this now. First cd is done and they are rocking Shakedown....wait!  just ended...what will be next...sorry for the delay...I need to keep typing all this for some reason....come on...what is next?

..................Passenger!  I need to go turn it up!  Now that will piss off the neighbours. Love it!!!!

When I first listened to this years ago, I thought it was stale and a bad choice. How wrong I was. Dancing>Tower is amazing Dead that I keep coming back to. The Shakedown is soooo funky. Amazing.

If you're already a fan and don't have this...BUY IT. If you are new to the Grateful Dead and want great live material, then buy Dick's Picks 3 or 18. 4 or 8 if you want crazy psychedelic Dead.

This album is good. Prefer complete shows like most deadheads. However, this cd feels like a whole show. Brent Mydland (keyboards) was new to the band and they were feeding off his energy. You will to, if you buy this.

Later....gater ;)


title: Some Of The Best Dead Ever!

text:
Other people have reviewed this release in great detail, so there is no use in me writing a long review. But I will say that I initially bought this just because I need to have everything released by The Grateful Dead. When I first got it I listened to and liked the first cd and gently fell asleep with it in my ear. Earlier this year I listened to all 6 cds and was blown away beyond belief. Amazing sound, amazing playing. The band was on fire!

If you like latter day Dead and do not have this...BUY IT. If you are not a fan of this era or are interested in it....BUY IT. All the extra stuff inside is really fun and does make it a great box set. But the music is the most important thing, and the music contained herein is some of, if not, the BEST live Dead I have ever heard.


title: Rocking introduction

text: If you have the first compilation disc from Kenny and Sara Brown's annual North Mississippi Hill Country picnic, you'll want this one; and if you don't, better get them both. This is a great sampler, with artists ranging from Luther Dickinson and the North Mississippi All Stars to T Model Ford, who's still making music in his 9th decade, and despite a stroke. Rev. John Wilkins gets things off to an excellent start with a beautiful, better-start-dancing version of "You Got to Move"; other highlights include Alvin Youngblood Hart's "Big Mama's Door," which all but turns up the volume by itself, Blue Mountain's "Midnight in Mississippi," and Kenny Brown's keep-the-party-going version of "Shake Your Money Maker." (Rumor has it that Devil Down is bringing out a recording of Kenny Brown's entire live set--if it's all like this, that's going to be the album of the year). The disc has a few novelties--the South Memphis String Band shows up in disguise (electrified, they apparently turn into Loose Shoes), and the NMAS medley starts with Luther playing nothing but a cord (or else sticking a fork in a socket; the amazing thing is, they turn it into music)--and it ends with a surprisingly touching "Stand By Me" by Duff Durrough. All in all, perfect picnic music: fire up the grill, grab a beer, crank it up.


title: Dance along with sauntering hips!

text:
One of my old favorites that I bought from a discount bin in the mid 90's and lost in a fire in 03. So glad I reacquired this one.
If you want to feel happy!
If you want to dance and rock your hips!
If you have a dinner party and need nice background or conversation starter music!
I love this compilation!


title: Way overpriced,did not receive as advertised.

text: I paid 27.00 dollars for a cd that had nothing but a booklet with the song words in it and nothing as advertised.


Excellent Monk concert from his well-documented 1961 European Tour. The sound is very good and Monk is in very good form. The bonus tracks were recorded for TV in Bussum; April 1961. There is a low quality video copy of part of this that circulates among collectors, but it is nice to have it in a much more complete audio format as presented here. Huge thanks to the Dutch Archives for releasing this vintage Monk!


title: Perfect for my little one

text: This is perfect for at home learning. Very sturdy


title: A Surprise Hit!

text:
Normally, holiday recordings with one or two requisite offbeat or little known tracks are a turn off for me. But I felt this disc worth the risk after hearing Pizzarelli's deft handling of "What are You Doing New Year's Eve" on a Holiday at Pops Christmas concert two years ago.
Turns out it was my one of my favorite purchases last holiday season. Aside from his terrific covers of old favorites, Pizzarelli demonstrates his talent for range with a beautiful version of "Snowfall" and a loads-of-fun recording of "Santa Claus is Near."

If you're still lamenting the passing of Old Blue Eyes and fear the old-time-charm of Holiday recordings from the 40s and 50s is long gone, give yourself a great gift by buying this album.  Review by L. Bruce

Track listing:

1. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
2. Let's Share Christmas
3. White Christmas
4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
5. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
6. Sleigh Ride
7. Chirstmas Time Is Here
8. I'll Be Home for Christmas
9. Santa Claus Is Near
10. The Christmas Song
11. Snowfall
12. Silent Night


title: Track list for this import cd

text:
ONE NIGHT
DON'T LEAVE ME NOW
BABY I DON'T CARE
TREAT ME NICE
I WANT TO BE FREE
I NEED YOU SO
HARD HEADED WOMAN
TRUBLE
DON'T
KING CREOLE
CRAWFISH
NEW ORLEANS
LOVER DOLL
YOUNG DREAMS
DON'T ASK ME WHY
DIXIELAND ROCK
SANTA BRING MY BABY BACK
SANTA CLAUS IS BACK IN TOWN


title: Going strong at 87!

text:
B.B. King is one of America's few, long-standing musical treasures whose stature has grown to an unassailable, international level. Despite his 87 years, King continues to tour, perform and to grow in influence, casting a shadow that reaches far beyond the blues scene from whence he first came. His warm, down-home vocal style, his distinctive, talking blues guitar playing, and his songs that sing of love's joys and hardships Sweet Sixteen, How Blue Can You Get?, Help The Poor, The Thrill Is Gone and countless others are all indelibly imprinted elements in the modern musical heritage. --Ashley Kahn

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. Miss Martha King
2. When Your Baby Packs Up And Goes
3. B.B. Boogie
4. She's Dynamite
5. Three O' Clock Blues
6. Woke Up This Morning
7. Blind Love
8. When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer
9. You Upset Me Baby
10. Ten Long Years
11. Bad Luck
12. Troubles, Troubles, Troubles
13. Early In The Morning
14. Everyday I Have The Blues
15. (I've) Got A Right To Love My Baby
16. It's My Own Fault
17. Walking Dr. Bill
18. Rock Me Baby
19. You Ask Me
20. Blues At Midnight
21. Sneakin' Around
22. How Blue Can You Get?
23. I Wonder Why
24. Please Accept My Love
25. Help The Poor
26. Never Trust A Woman
Disc: 2
1. Everyday I Have The Blues
2. Sweet Little Angel
3. Please Love Me
4. All Over Again
5. Tired Of Your Jive
6. Cherry Red
7. Don't Answer The Door, Parts 1 & 2
8. Night Life
9. Gambler's Blues
10. Sweet Sixteen, Parts 1 & 2
11. Worried Dream
12. Paying The Cost To Be The Boss
13. Watch Yourself
14. Lucille
15. Why I Sing The Blues
16. Confessin' The Blues
17. The Thrill Is Gone
Disc: 3
1. Nobody Loves Me But My Mother
2. Chains And Things
3. Hummingbird
4. Worry, Worry
5. Ghetto Woman
6. Ain't Nobody Home
7. Guess Who
8. I Like To Live The Love
9. Lucille Talks Back
10. Don t Make Me Pay For His Mistakes
11. Let The Good Times Roll
12. Mother Fuyer
13. When It All Comes Down (I ll Still Be Around)
14. Better Not Look Down
15. There Must Be A Better World Somewhere
16. Nightlife / Please Send Me Someone To Love
17. Make Love To Me
Disc: 4
1. Into The Night
2. When Love Comes To Town
3. Take Off Your Shoes
4. I'm Moving On
5. There Is Always One More Time
6. Monday Morning Blues (Blues For Mr. G)
7. Playin' With My Friends
8. Confessin' The Blues
9. Blues Man
10. I ll Survive
11. Caldonia
12. Ain't That Just Like A Woman
13. Monday Woman
14. Ten Long Years
15. Early In The Morning
16. Key To The Highway (live)
17. See That My Grave Is Kept Clean


title: Sinatra's Best Ever!

text:
Industry Reviews
Ranked #34 in NME's list of the 'Greatest Albums Of All Time.'

...Features Sinatra in ebullient mood....set against a backdrop of inspired Nelson Riddle arrangements played by Hollywood's finest. Sometimes the solos were so magical, they almost upstaged Frank's own vocals...

Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century
Vibe (19991201)

Ranked #23 in Rolling Stone's 50 Coolest Records - ...Classic songs meet the classic voice...His most muscular vocals...
Rolling Stone (20020411)

Track Listing
1. You Make Me Feel So Young
2. It Happened in Monterey
3. You're Getting to Be a Habit With Me
4. You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me
5. Too Marvelous For Words
6. Old Devil Moon
7. Pennis From Heaven
8. Love Is Here to Stay
9. I've Got You Under My Skin
10. I Thought About You
11. We'll Be Together Again
12. Makin' Whoopee
13. Swingin' Down the Lane
14. Anything Goes
15. How About You ?


title: A Superb If Incomplete Introduction To The Reprise Years.

text:
I'll be honest. When I first heard about this cd through The Sinatra Family Forums back in February, I was ready to tear it to shreds. I thought to myself, "Frank's gone 10 years now, and they're marking the event with yet another compilation with same songs repackaged for the umpteenth time?" Even when it was announced that the songs were to be digitally remastered and a never before released bonus track was to be included, my anger and resentment towards this compilation still stuck.

However, as the release date grew nearer and I got word from several people who were able to hear it before it officially hit the market told me it was totally worth it, I slowly warmed up to it and by last week was all set on buying it.

When I received the cd this afternoon, I was extremely excited, even though I thought myself, "I heard these songs thousands of time before." The first thing that struck me was how beautiful the packaging was: the cd comes in a cardboard case with one of the best pictures of Frank ever taken. The cd's booklet is made from a elegant, smooth velvet like material and the liner notes by Charles Pignone as well as the various rare photos of Frank at work are excellent. Honestly, the packaging alone is enough to grab your attention.

But enough about the artwork. What about the music?

As stated already, my biggest concern with this collection was that I heard all these songs before. I had already received the mammoth "Complete Reprise Studio Recordings" boxed set, which had all these songs (except one) as well as over 400 additional tracks, all of which featured more than satisfactory sound quality. Still, undaunted, I popped the cd onto my Ipod and went for a listen.

Needless to say, I was blown away.

The sound quality is INCREDIBLE. To hear the opening notes of "Come Fly With Me" bristle with sharpness and clarity is in itself a major thrill, and to hear Frank's voice with such depth and range only adds to the fun.
Seriously, there were parts of certain songs I never noticed before. Listen to how beautiful the harp sounds on "Bewitched" (remastered from the original 35MM tapes) or how sharp and clear Count Basie's classic piano ticklings on the intro to "The Best Is Yet To Come" sound, or how fresh and powerful the horns on "New York, New York" blaze through the speakers. Sonically, the album is as close to flawless as humanly possible.

Furthermore, knowing that many fans would be concerned with the whole "I've heard these songs before" stigma, the producers included several little bonuses on certain songs to surprise faithful listeners:

(WARNING: If you don't me to spoil these surprises, skip this section!)

-The tag on "Come Fly With Me" has been changed from "And don't tell your momma" to another line from an alternate take, "Pack a small bag."
-Though sources say otherwise , "The Best Is Yet To Come" seems to be a different mix (possibly spliced together from another take). Listen to how Frank phrases "Come the day you're mine" on the bridge, it's different from previous releases.
-"Strangers In The Night" is extended, with a few more "Do be do be do's."

But the real surprise, however, is the never before released track. "Body And Soul," an old standad Frank first recored for Columbia in 1947, dates back to the "L.A. Is My Lady" sessions in 1984 with Quincy Jones. For whatever reason, Frank was dissatisfied with the initial take on the song, and left it off the album.

24 years later, however, Frank Sinatra Jr. dusted off Frank's vocal track, removed Jones' arrangement, and instead recorded a new orchestral backing that fits the song beautifully. Listening to this new majestic chart for the song, you'd never guess it was initially planned for the overly produced "L.A. Is My Lady" (a potential masterpiece marred by too many slick, 1980s' style production values). It sounds like it was supposed to be on "Sinatra & Strings."

And if the orchestration isn't enough, what about The Man himself? Here's Frank, in the autumn of his years, still better than anyone around, punching out a timeless stanard with the same passion and fury that permeated through his most beloved recordings. It is a truly tour de force performance that was worth the wait.

For all the pros for "Nothing But The Best," there are, however a few cons. My main gripe, and it might be asking for a bit too much, is that it could've been two discs. There are a lot of Frank's best recordings from the Reprise era missing, such as "In The Still Of The Night," "The Coffee Song," "You're Nobody 'Till Somebody Loes You," "Come Rain Or Come Shine," (or anything from "Sinatra & Strings," which is undeservedly snubbed), "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Ol' Man River," (arguably his best recording ever), "I Have Dreamed," "Soliloquy," "All Or Nothing At All," (either the 1961 ballad rendition or the thrilling 1966 swing version would have sufficed) and many others could've been included, to give the cd a bit more diversity instead of the typical hits. Also, while they were arguably done better in their initial Capitol incarnations, his redoings of "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "All The Way," "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning," "How Little We Know," and others are still excellent renditions and are worth including.

But in the end, this nitpicking adds little. The fact of the matter "Nothing But The Best" is still an excellent compilation with unbeatable sound with 22 songs ung by the greatest singer popular music has ever heard.  Review by Anthony Nasti

1. Come Fly with Me
2. Best Is Yet to Come, The
3. Way You Look Tonight, The
4. Luck Be a Lady
5. Bewitched
6. Good Life, The
7. Girl from Ipanema, The
8. Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)
9. Summer Wind
10. Strangers in the Night
11. Call Me Irresponsible
12. Somethin' Stupid
13. My Kind of Town
14. It Was a Very Good Year
15. That's Life
16. Moonlight Serenade
17. Nothing But the Best
18. Drinking Again
19. All My Tomorrows
20. My Way
21. Theme from New York, New York
22. Body and Soul - (previously unreleased)


title: Greatly Missed!

text:
One of  Memphis' last practitioners of barrel house blues and boogie woogie piano, Mose Vinson was family and a regular fixture at Center programs and festivals for over twenty year before his death in 2002.  His music sessions transformed the Center's Beale Street locations into something special.  You never knew who might show up and learn from Mose.  One week it might be Rufus Thomas.  Another, it might be Marcia Ball or Cybill Shepherd. But audiences, especially children, were drawn to Vinson who would light up at the presence of youngsters. He loved to call them up on stage to playfully give them piano lessons.

Mose Vinson began tinkling the ivories as a child. Though young people often had  to work in the fields around his native Holly Springs, Mississippi, he knew his hands were not made to pick cotton!  By his teens, he had begun playing jazz and blues and joined a touring show, establishing himself as a musician.  "I just play my own style," he says.  "I never did practice anyone else's style."  He played local juke house and parties throughout the '30s and '40s in rural communities and neighborhoods in Mississippi and Tennessee. In the early 1950s, Sam Phillips asked Mose Vinson to accompany a number of Sun Records blues artists, most notably James Cotton in 1954.  During that time, Phillips also had Vinson cut some tracks, but they remained unreleased until the 1980s.

In 1997, Mose had his day in the sun when "Mose Vinson: Piano Man", an album of his favorite blues, boogie woogie, and religious tunes, was produced by Jim Dickinson, Knox Phillips and Center for Southern Folklore Executive Producer, Judy Peiser.  The 2007 Memphis Music & Heritage Festival was dedicated to his memory and re-released "Mose Vinson: Piano Man" with a Poster showing Mose playing at a country juke house.


title: Rare Early Blues!

text:
Early Blues, RCA Victor Records featuring tracks previously released on 78 rpms(U.S. pressing, mono 1966 promo LP pressed for a pharmaceutical company).

Tracks :

Rocks in My Bed - Leroy Carr
I've Been Treated Wrong - Washboard Sam
Lonesome Road - Lonnie Johnson
What Have I Done Wrong? - Walter Davis
I'm on My Last Go-Round - Leadbelly (Huddie Ledbetter)
How Long, How Long Blues - Wingy Manone
Session 2
Black, Brown and Beige: The Blues - Duke Ellington
Blues for Yesterday - Louis Armstrong
That Ain't Right - Mildred Bailey
Blues in the Night - Artie Shaw/"Hot Lips" Page
Blues in My Heart - Ethel Waters
Rocks in My Bed - Joe Williams


title: Flawless!

text: Strauss' minor masterpiece Daphne gets a sumptous recording here with Popp, Goldberg, Schreier and Moll all in top form. Popp, especially, is in resplendent vocal estate. Haitink shapes the score with care and the digital recording is clear and nicely balanced. Popp's rendition of the closing transformation scene has yet to be equaled - it's incredibly moving.  Review by Scott Jelsey


title: Masterful Mendelssohn interpretation!

text:
When I was a child, my mother, a violinist, first introduced me to Yehudi Menuhin's recording which was breathtaking. I listened to it time and again. Mendelssohn's became my absolute favorite Violin Concerto! I've heard many recorded versions, have seen it performed live several times including twice with the CSO in Chicago.

But I have never felt the rush of emotions, nor have been so drawn INTO the music until I heard this recording by Cho Liang Lin! It's by far the most masterful, the most evocative performance I've ever heard! I can't imagine any other performance that comes CLOSE to his. While I LOVE Itzhak Perlman's style and really enjoy the virtuosity of Joshua Bell, no other violinist comes close to Lin's interpretation. Just listen to the 2nd Movement. Lin NEVER fails to bring tears to my eyes -- it's hauntinglly beautiful. Lin is amazing.

Review by C. Tinucci


title: Twangy Stars on a Twangy-star scale

text:
1  Bye Bye Blues
  2  Roarin'
  3  A Happy Girl
  4  Goofus
  5  American Patrol
  6  Out on the Town
  7  Undecided
  8  Born Free
9  St. Louis Blues March
  10  Hello, Dolly
  11  A String of Pearls
  12  Wicked Woman from Wickenburg


title: Essential!

text:
If you like the blues at all, you'll be absolutely blown away by this live performance. Just the first 15 seconds thrill: Muddy Waters' deep deep vocal tones with an abrupt break to the familiar guitar/drums/bass/harp riff of his classic, "Mannish Boy." (And that's not even the best song on the CD.)
The audience is totally into it, both on this song and the entire album--screaming, yelling, whistling, shouting--making this almost as exciting as "James Brown at the Apollo," and certainly among the best live blues ever recorded. The sound quality is excellent, credit the mix to Dave Still at "The Schoolhouse and Hit Factory."

The group is unbelievably talented and plays with great empathy: Muddy Waters on vocals and guitar, "Pine Top" Perkins (piano), James Cotton (harp), additional guitar from Johnny Winter, Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, and many others. I don't hear any softening of Muddy Waters' voice; he is as authoritative, soulful, and unique as ever. Muddy Waters set a very high (probably unsurpassed) standard for anyone who followed. It's sheer delight to hear his inventive singing and slide guitar so well recorded and backed.

Perhaps the most memorable concert I ever attended was a late 1970's performance at the Roxy in L.A. As Muddy Waters walked up to the stage, I felt a sense of transcendentalism, as if History were climbing the stairs. And then he tore the roof off.  The music on this LP recaptured some of that experience for me.

Along with "Mannish Boy" and the great "She's Nineteen Years Old," other Morganfield compositions (there's one number written by Sonny Boy Williamson) include "Streamline Woman," "Baby Please Don't Go," "Howling Wolf," and "Deep Down in Florida." 'Wolf' features Waters' bee-stingingly intense slide guitar, one that can righteously cut through the thickest, meanest heart and soul. With just a few perfectly played notes, Waters' slide guitar dredges buckets of emotion. "Gainesville'--perhaps the best song here ("Yeah I believe I'll go back to Gainesville...just to see an old friend of mine.")--has amazing solos by "Pine Top" Perkins, Johnny Winter, and James Cotton, who blows some of the purest and most stirring harp notes in blues.

This is the liturgy of the blues, the thick ooze of the traditional and the familiar wrapped with enough personal style to uncover new emotion. Powerful, raw, and spine tingling, this is the blues as only McKinley "Muddy Waters" Morganfield could play it.

Review by M. Allen Greenbaum


title: Sets the Standard

text: From May-June 1946 when Lu Watters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band had their first postwar sessions. For the particularly strong set, the program is divided between memorable originals by the leader (highlighted by "Big Bear Stomp" and "Emperor Norton's Hunch") and rags (including Turk Murphy's "Trombone Rag," "Harlem Rag" and "That's A Plenty"). The two- trumpet frontline of Watters and Bob Scobey set the standard for dixieland bands of the next 20 years.  Review by Scott Yanow


title: Willie's Best!

text:
With simple piano accompaniment you hear Willie's voice so strong and confident, so pure, so rich, and sometimes that nasal quality even sounds good. Willie's sister Bobbie has played with him throughout his career, but here, her talent is rewarding and this combination couldn't sound better. It was recorded in 1986.

The toe tapping, inspirational "Where The Soul Never Dies" and "Lily of the Valley" are the jewels on this CD. You can't help but sing when "Are You Washed in the Blood" plays.

The popular "Old Time Religion", a traditional song evolved when singers rode their horses from small town to town, holding singing classes, inspirational in nature.

The story goes that "Sweet Bye and Bye" was written by Webster-Bennett, and J.P. Webster made a complaint about his health and Webster remarked: "Everything will be all right in the sweet by and by." There, the phrase was born. Willie perfects this catchy tune.

This CD always lifts me up. It is truly an act of spiritual devotion. I love it! ... MzRizz


title: Rare Live Tracks!

text:
1. John Hiatt - "Buffalo River Home"
Always one of our favorite performers, John Hiatt was escorted to Studio C by a crowd of important record executives in Boulder for a national radio convention. Ginger enjoyed a sneak preview of the yet unreleased "Perfectly Good Guitar" CD. So impressed by our humble Studio C recording. A&M later released two songs from this session on national promotional CDs.

2. The Subdudes - "Angel To Be"
The "Dudes" returned home to Colorado for this trial run of new songs not yet recorded for their 3rd CD release. Later that week, they would be among the first to perform on the stage at the newly reopened Ogden Theater. Before the session was finished, Steve Amedee had put down his tambourine and began beating out the rhythm on a plastic water jug. Too much fun!

3. Bugs Henderson - "Gitterbugs Part 2"
Bugs has been a top requested artist at KBCO for years. When he finally come to Colorado for a series of shows, we were happy to make room for his entire band in our tiny Studio C. This would be our first fully electric session ever, and was it rockin'!

4. Melissa Etheridge - "No Souvenirs"
Melissa was the first artists to perform in what we now know as Studio C. She returned 5 years later to perform songs from her soon to be released new CD "Yes I Am". Doug Clifton asked for a personal favorite as an encore, and the result was this passionate version of a true KBCO classic.

5. Barenaked Ladies - "If I Had a Million Dollars" "We are very excited to be in the hometown of Mork and Mindy." That Is how this fun filled Studio C session began, and this "Orkan" version of " If I Had a Million Dollars".

6. Stephen Allen Davis - "Highway, Highway"
This Colorado artist has written hundreds of songs recorded by others. In fact. word came down as we finished this CD that Joe Cocker has recorded this one. Stephen has worked hard to give our local scene direction through his Boulder Music Association. and was In Studio C for the Local Edition with Scott Arbough to showcase songs from his new CD.

7. Bodeans - "Idaho"
Hot off the stage at E-Town the day before, the Bodeans graced Studio C with an afternoon preview of their sold out show at the Fox Theater. Oz ted us through an extended session of old and new Bodeans favorites that included this acoustic treatment of "Idaho" off the brand new CD.

8. The Story - "So Much Mine"
KBCO listeners fell for this duo early in their career from an appearance at the KBCO 15th Birthday Concert at the Denver Zoo in 1992. The beauty of the unique harmonies come through loud and clear during a session the day of The Story showcase at the Mercury Cafe.

9. The Iguanas - "Nervous"
All six members of the Iguanas packed into our little space to serenade Ginger one afternoon in advance of their first appearance at the Fox Theater. Saxophone player Derek Huston created a sound reflector for the end of his horn out of an old vinyl record and a Bic lighter because he was having trouble hearing. "Nervous" remains a top requested Studio C song.

10. Squeeze - "Everything in the World"
Chris Difford and Glenn Tillbrook:made their Studio C debut the afternoon before a sold out Ogden Theater concert. As the session began Chris whispered "unplugged Colorado style" a phrase that has since become popular around the studio. After this recording, Squeeze autographed a guitar they were playing and gave it away at an in-store appearance at Sound Warehouse in Denver.

11. The Samples - "Nitrous Fall"
KBCO night owl Kevin Mackenzie made a daytime appearance on the air to interview this popular Boulder based band. The Samples were gearing up for a concert at Red Rocks to be followed by a national tour in support of their new CD.

12. Patti Scialfa - "Big Black Heaven"
Patti had her band in Boulder for a nations radio convention. This session would be among her first five performances followed that evening by her first public appearance before a sold out show at the Fox Theater. The haunting sound heard in the background is a violin played by Patti's long time musical friend Soozie Tyrell.

13. Loudon Wainwright III - "Cardboard Boxes"
Just ask anyone around KBCO about the most requested song. and surety this one comes to mind. Loudon stopped by the morning after his E-Town appearance at the Boulder High School Auditorium to treat Doug Clifton to our favorite moving song.

14. Emilio - "Tommy Bolin Tribute"
Scott Arbough invited this Denver based trio to perform live on the air for the KBCO Local Edition. Much attention hod been drawn to the band by the few songs that had been featured on the local show. With their CD not yet finished. this searing tribute to one of Boulder's great players is the first time any Emilio song has been available. It rocks!


title: Precurser to Silk Degrees!

text: On his fourth album My Time, Boz Scaggs' pop side truly begins to surface in earnest -- or, rather, he begins to channel his smooth soul into a pop package, pushing the funky workouts that dominated the previous Boz & Band toward the background and putting emphasis directly on the song. There's still a bit of grit here -- "Full-Lock Power Slide" charges forward on blaring guitars and organs -- but Scaggs takes a cue from "Hello My Lover" and "Freedom for the Stallion," the Allen Toussaint tunes he covers here, and gives this an easy, relaxed feel, one that's classy and seductive without being gauche. This is elegant, soulful music, with Scaggs effortlessly hitting his marks on both the strutting "Hello My Lover" and his original heartbreak ballad "Might Have to Cry." One of the best things about My Time is how his impeccably chosen covers fit seamlessly with his originals, to the point that it's hard to tell that "Old Time Lovin'" is an Al Green tune, which also points out Scaggs growth as a songwriter. And not only are his songs getting better, they're getting more distinctive and, in retrospect, the cheerful "We're Gonna Roll," and especially the opening "Dinah Flo," point the way toward Silk Degrees.


title: Incredible!

text:
Pat Metheny's credibility with the jazz community went way up with the release of this package, a superb collaboration with a quartet of outstanding jazz musicians that dared to be uncompromising at a time when most artists would have merely continued pursuing their electric commercial successes. From the disbanded Keith Jarrett American quartet came bassist Charlie Haden and tenor Dewey Redman -- who alternates with and occasionally plays alongside tenor Michael Brecker -- and Jack DeJohnette provides more combustible drumming than Metheny had ever experienced on record before. Yet Metheny's off-kilter wandering on solo electric guitar is a comfortable fit for the post-bop rhythmic crosscurrents of this music. Indeed, Haden and Metheny are in total sympathy, perhaps celebrating their mutual Missouri roots.  One remarkable track is "Open," a group improvisation that finds DeJohnette shaping the track's direction with a pushing solo and Metheny and the saxes emerging at the end.

  1. Two Folk Songs
  2. Every Day
  3. Goin' Ahead
  4. '80/'81
  5. The Bat
  6. Turnaround


title: Adventurous Jazz with a bit of Funk!

text:
1. Blunt Object
2. Lord Is Listenin' To Ya, Hallelujah!
3. Time And Us
4. Still In The Room
5. Real Life Hits
6. Song Sung LongPersonnel: Steve Slagle (flute); Tony Dagradi (tenor saxophone); Michael Mantler (trumpet); Vincent Chancey (French horn); Gary Valente (trombone); Earl McIntyre (bass trombone); Carla Bley (piano); Arturo O'Farrill (organ); Steve Swallow (bass instrument); D. Sharpe (drums).


title: Former Mingus alumnus!

text: The first of Bobby Jones' two sets as a leader features Jones on tenor, soprano, and a bit of clarinet in a group including a pair of fellow Charles Mingus alumnus (altoist Charles McPherson and pianist Jaki Byard), bassist Richard Davis, drummer Mickey Roker, percussionist Sue Evans, and (on "'Stone Bossa" and "Keepin' up With Jones") guest appearances by Bob Dorough on electric piano. All but one of the seven tunes are by Jones, and these include "Thanks to Trane," "Blues for the Brown Buddha" (dedicated to Charlie Parker), and "As the Crow Flies" (which Jones called "a free-form hillbilly tune"). Although Byard is actually the most impressive soloist throughout the wide-ranging set, Bobby Jones sounds fine on the frequently quirky inside/outside music.


title: extremely quirky, talent

text: "Randy Newman creates something new under the sun," read the banner on the back of Newman's debut album, but it was more that, in keeping with the intended irony of the statement, Newman was intent upon taking clichés and using them to satirize social conventions, a popular parlor game in the late '60s. Thus, we have "Love Story" (predating the sappy book/movie of the same title), in which the lovers retire to Florida and pass away, "So Long Dad," in which a son squares things with his old man, and "Davy the Fat Boy," in which an affectionate friend exploits the title character. But there were also songs like "Living Without You" and "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today," which were so painfully lonely you wished they weren't so sincere. Taken together, this was an audacious first album by a major, if extremely quirky, talent.


title: Biography

text:
Finbar Furey has left his mark on the music of Ireland for more than four decades. As the lead singer and uillean pipes player for The Fureys, a group he shared with his brothers Eddie, Paul and George, Furey helped to guide the evolution of Ireland's traditional music. Since leaving the band to pursue a solo career in 1993, Furey has continued to attract attention with his gutsy approach to the music of the Emerald Isle.

A native of Dublin's Coombe district, Furey was raised, from the age of five, in Ballyfermot. From earliest memory, music played an essential role in the family home. His father, Ted, a horse dealer by profession, played fiddle and pipes and his mother played melodeon and five stringed banjo. By 1958, Finbar and Eddie were performing, along with their father, at informal jam sessions at O'Donoghue's Bar. Finbar quickly exhibited extraordinary skills as a musician. winning three all-Ireland championships on uillean pipes. In 1964, he placed first in the world championship. Together with Eddie, Finbar made a powerful impression at the Tralee International Festival in 1961, winning major awards in the main event, the pub event and the street event.

Emigrating to Scotland, in 1966, Finbar and Eddie were soon playing in folk music clubs, colleges and universities throughout Great Britain and Europe. Their greatest break came when they were invited to be the opening act for the Clancy Brothers' tour of the United States in 1969. The enthusiastic reponse they elicited resulted in them becoming headliners with Paul and George joining their older brothers.

In 1993, Furey left the group to launch a solo career.


title: All Star Line-up!

text: Arrangements by Oliver Nelson.  Sidemen include Chick Corea, Dave Pike, Jimmy Heath and Carmell Jones!


title: All Music Guide

text:
A sorely underexposed figure and a major influence on Miles Davis, pianist Ahmad Jamal isn't generally ranked among the all-time giants of jazz, but he impressed fellow musicians and record buyers alike with his innovative, minimalist approach. Jamal's manipulations of space and silence, tension and release, and dynamics all broke new ground, and had an impact far beyond Jamal's favored piano trio format. As an arranger, Jamal made the most of his small-group settings by thinking of them in orchestral terms: using his trademark devices to create contrast and dramatic effect, and allowing the rhythm section a great deal of independence in its interplay. Nonetheless, his ensembles were always tightly focused as well, following their leader through sudden changes in tempo or time signature, and often carrying the main riff of a tune.

Jamal's own playing was a model of economy; because he didn't overwhelm listeners with his technique, his flashes of virtuosity had significantly more impact. His lines were spare and light, yet melodically and harmonically inventive, and driven by complex left-hand chord voicings that broke with Bud Powell's right-hand emphasis. A chamber-like sensibility and a classical formality permeated much of his playing, yet he swung like a jazzman without fail. Miles Davis greatly admired him, borrowing liberally from his repertoire and arrangements, and encouraging his pianist Red Garland to imitate Jamal's playing as closely as possible


title: Outstanding

text: Looks Like Me is playing hardball. The band's third CD, Foreword, is fantastic. All 11 tracks are super solid, the production on this record is outstanding. Heavy rock and alt-rock fans around have a lot to listen for from this band. LLM declares its influences to run from Tool to U2 to Pearl Jam to Radiohead, and that is not far from the truth. Lead singer Lance May has a lot of Eddie Vedder in him with moments of Jeff Martin (Tea Party) and Scott Stapp (without the awful tongue-swallowing singing style that perme-ates Creed's records, thankfully). May's voice is huge and automatically engaging. He moves through each track with both emotion and power without becoming overbearing or redundant. The band's style remains centered in a sort of dark, modern guitar rock sound but diverges here and there for a great mix of well-written tunes. "Walk Away" is an enigmatic, brooding and serious song featuring the thunderous drum work of Greg Sands and a beautiful surprise ending from guitar and piano player Quinton Montgomery. Track six opens with a melancholy guitar solo but soon becomes the happy pop rock tune, "Nowhere to Go," suggestive of older Big Head Todd stuff. "Friend" hits harder with big and crunchy power chords and a relentless bass pulse from Brian McClure throughout the verses. Just the stuff we need to sink our teeth into. Although hailing from Colorado Springs, Looks Like Me tours regularly and is already starting work on its next record. The four members clearly love what they are doing. And they do it very well.


title: All Music Guide

text:
Review by Ron Wynn

Instrumental pop and light jazz set that introduced Lorber as a leader and also featured contributions from a then unknown vocalist who went on to achieve Urban Contemporary success in her own right--Karyn White.

Tracks

  1  Funky Gospel

  2  Glisten

  3  Deva Samba

  4  Refunk

  5  Terry's Lament

  6  Lift Off

  7  Chinese Medicinal Herbs

  8  Water Music

  9  River Winds

  10  Cousin Stu


title: Tracks

text: 1. Nightingale 2. City lights 3. Laughter in the rain 4. Back home again 5. My eyes adored you 6. You're the first, the last, my everything 7.Look in my eyes pretty woman 8. Near you 9. Sweet surrender 10. Only you 11. Once is not enough.


title: if You love Jazz, You must listen to this LP

text:
if You love Jazz , You must listen to this LP .
a rock of the swing era .
To cherish and to fill your spirits.
Vic  Perroni


title: Some good rarities here

text: I just like the songs on here.  They're simply "good" by themselves in a nice little compilation.


title: Absolutely good.

text: Good.


title: Couldn'the be any better

text: Just great.


title: Five Stars

text: Outstanding


title: Not your usual organ trio set.

text: This not your normal organ trio set.  These art top notch musicians.  They play with power and strength and hold your attention.  I like James Carter's playing.


title: Great condition

text: Exo great album


title: A real winner

text: This collection has impeccable performances of some of Haydn's most glorious works. It is a source of sheer delight.


title: Torn When Arrived

text: Product listed as new, which very well may be the case but there was about a 1.5 inch tear in the upper right corner of the poster when I received it. Considering it was packed well for shipping and the shipping tube was unharmed I can only assume this happened beforehand. However the poster is exactly what I was looking for.


title: 5 for the music, 1 for sound quality

text: Originally a 10 inch LP- the megarare "Al Haig in Sweden"- with several bonus track added, this would surely be one of the best Al Haig's albuns, if sound quality was not so poor. This is almost unforgivable for a studio session recorded as late as in 1974. He has a great rhythm section in NHØP and Ed Thighpen, and he is particularry inspired, mainly on the phenomenal "Have You Met Miss Jones". What a pity!


title: Bad sound

text: ...but with reservations. Keep your vynil, or buy one in good condition: the sound of this CD does not make justice to the richness of sound of the NY Philharmonic and of the Brubeck Quartet in this masterpiece.


title: Ravi and Bud Shank Presaged Indian Influence in American Psychedelic Rock with this Album

text:
An historically important record, this album was the first ever released introducing Ravi Shankar, and a classical Indian musical form to the US.  Millions worldwide now recognize the greatness of the form, and the jazz element of improvisation was no doubt why Bud Shank got into the jam.

Always a pleasurable listen when the mood strikes me.[[ASIN:B0018RWDKE The Pacific Jazz Years]]


title: Fast Shipping!

text: Fast-shipping! Great album!


title: "All the things you are" by Jack Jones

text:
I have found this to be a great album. This is Jack Jones, in his hey day.
These are some of his best singles, as well as tunes, from some of his best albums. I must say, I really enjoyed listening to all of these songs.
I have also purchased, quite a few MP3 download albums. It's wonderful to be able to play your music within a matter of minutes and the prices are exceptionally good.


title: Joyful listening.

text: The New Reformation Band is a joy to listen to.


This is, in my opinion, the best recording of this great work that is available.  Cookie Chung puts in just the right grace notes to make her performance heart-rending.


title: His best stuff

text: This is Lurrie Bell's best CD IMHO. He is on fire the whole way !


title: West 54 Records 1971 Live recording with great Japanese players

text: This 1971 live recording features Waldron alongside some unknown, yet amazingly talented, Japanese Jazz musicians.  West 54 Records released the recording on LP in 1980.  It an extremely interesting entry in Waldron's discography.  Quartet on side 1, trio on side 2.


title: Reissue of Great 1983 Jazz-Blues Album

text:
This CD reissue of Carrie Smith 1983 album "Only You Can Do It" is very rare, and unfortunately so.  Subtitled "A Tribute to Andre Franklin", the album contains some very deep cuts of soul-jazz torch songs and ballads.  A very enjoyable ride which sounds like its being played on a Quiet Storm radio station.  Part of 3-volume series featuring the compositions of Gladys Shelley, also including ''[[ASIN:B000NCQP9K My World Is You]]'' by Toni Arden and ''Doin' Things for Her'' by Vinnie Knight.

Tracklisting
1. Only You Can Do It
2. Doin' Things For Her
3. It Only Takes One Man
4. Workin' Couple
5. He Will Call Again
6. How Did He Look
7. What a Body
8. Some Rainy Day
9. Mystique
10. No Man is Going to Change Me


title: Peaceful energy

text: Love the cd.  The CD wis even better than I expected.  I/we listen to the CD almost everyday.  The music brings such a deep peace within our home.


title: Essential Ambient/Dub/Techno/Glitch Music.

text: This is the remastered reissue of the 2008 release of this compilation of Pole's first three albums. If you are like me, and you love atmospheric music, especially music influenced by the dub genre, then this is a must own. I can't believe how long I went without listening to these classic ambient dub albums! I have been listening to this compilation non stop for the last week! Worth every penny. But hurry up, I think both the CDs and Vinyls are selling fast.


title: Five Stars

text: Masterpiece of modern noise/experimental/tape music. A total trip! The hype is true!


title: Great product. Shipping was fast and packaging was very ...

text: Great product.  Shipping was fast and packaging was very protective.  Product worked flawlessly and the quality is better than expected.  I would recommend this product to anyone who is considering ordering one of their own.


title: Some important additions to the Gilels discography

text: Emil Gilels was among the greatest pianists of the 20th century and for some reason he played and recorded relatively little Chopin. This is a shame because some of the Chopin works he did record -- the E minor Concerto, the two mature sonatas, the G Miinor Ballade, and the A-flat Major Polonaise -- rank among the best ever made. This recording of the Preludes, which appears for the first time in the West, is in that class. Though he apparently played this work only four times (in the 1952-1953 season) and then dropped it from his repertory, this live performance, in what was then Leningrad, is utterly magisterial. It reminds me very much of the 1953 studio recording of Rubinstein except that it is even better -- the playing more virile, more subtly nuanced and more exciting. as well as technically more assured. The sound is surprisingjy good for a Soviet era recording -- as good as most Western recordings of the era. The 1963 live performance Schubert Sonata in A Minor (D. 783) receives terrific performance -- a little wilder and more exciting than the pianist's New York studio recording about a year later. The Schubert-Kabalevsky rarity -- the Russian composer's transcription for solo piano and orchestra of Schubert's great Fantasy in F Minor for piano duet (D.940) -- was written specifically for Gilels, who was, so far as I know, the only pianist who ever played it. It's a somewhat silly piece, but no more so than Liszt's somewhat similar reworking of the "Wanderer" Fantasy. Nevertheless, Gilels, with the great Kiril Kondrashin leading the Moscow Philharmonic, gives it a thrilling ride.


title: russian mark

text:
An injury to right hand led to his almost complete withdrawal from concertizing between 1949 and 1959 and he may not always have been at his best in the decade and a half left to him. But when Yakov Flier (1912-1977) was at his best, he was fully the equal of his exact contemporaries, Richter and Gilels. His recording activity -- even during the 10 years when he eschewed public performance - was quite extensive. In the early 1990s, the Japanese Triton label briefly issued nearly all his recordings on nine CDs. But since his recordings are now -- except for those on an APR release devoted to him in its Russian Piano Tradition Series - hard to find, these two newly issued discs on the Russian Vista Vera label are especially valuable. APR's release of Flier's Chopin's "Funeral March" Sonata, Kabalevsky's 24 Preludes and two Rachmaninoff Preludes capture Fliere in the middle 1950s. Magnificent though those performances are, Vista Vera's release of recordings from 1946 to 1948, before Flier's technique was compromised by injury, make us understand why some aficionados -- Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, among them -- preferred Flier to Richter and Gilels.

Volume One opens with a heartfelt performance of the Bach-Feinberg Largo that has a dramatic ebb and flow, as well as a sheer beauty of sound, that makes that of Arcadi Volodos (Sony) sound glib and mannered. The Bach-Busoni Chaconne is emotionally searching, brilliantly executed and imaginative enough to make a listener believe that the piece was written for the grand piano and not the violin. A Brahms's Intermezzo is yearning without being cloying and four of the composer's Waltzes captivate and charm.  Two Albeniz pieces are notable for Flier's idiomatic manner with their delicate, intricate melodies and abrupt dynamic changes. The five concluding pieces show us one of the twentieth century's greatest Chopin interpreters. He brings strength, poetry and technical finesse to two nocturnes and plays two mazurkas with a carefully turned line, with simplicity, sensitivity and remarkable control. In the mighty F-sharp Minor Polonaise, Flier easily encompasses the stupendous outbursts of its bravura octaves as well as the gentle lyricism of its central mazurka.

The second disc opens with an incomparable performance of the Strauss-Grunfeld Paraphrase of Die Fledermaus and is thereafter devoted to Liszt. Among the spectacular performances are a "Funerailles," in which the  sweet thunder and strategic deployment of the octave passages demonstrate why Flier reminded some of his countrymen of Vladimir Horowitz. His virtuosity in the composer's10th and 12th Transcendental Etudes would take one's breath away -- were it not that it is subordinated to a musicality that makes a listener pay attention to the music's agitated drama rather than to its superficial glitter. The poetry and drama of his interpretation of Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2 has been matched only by that of Flier's compatriot and friend, Sviatoslav Richter.


title: Flier, the romantic par excellence


title: lots of fun

text: Great movie you going to love it I loved it Salman Khan's fans will love it


title: A good birthday gift

text:
Last May, we spent a fifteen in Rome, Italy.

There my wife bought me a cd audio "1946", my year of birth : an English edition with 20 titles but without case (only in a paper bag).

I wanted to buy her in the same store a birthday gift with the year 1949 : unavalaible.

Finally, back to our home in Paris, France, I found the solution : it was to buy it in the US, through Amazon.com ! Ah what can we do today with internet !

This 1949 edition has an advantage upon the English : it's enclosed in a crystal case and there are 24 tracks against 20. And there is a beautiful booklet giving you lot of explanations.

As for the recordings themselves, no problem : I like old records of songs. I own albums of 4 or 5 cds each of  Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Duke Ellington and others recorded before WWII.

The Time Life collection is perfect for the sound as it has been remastered.

If you like this kind of music (Frankie Laine, Doris Day, Bing Crosby, ecc.), don't hesitate to buy it. It's worthvalue for the price, and you will enjoy a lot of good music.

Otherwise buy Britney Spears and the young generation. As for me the choice is made.