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September 2009
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Odeon: Brazilian Dances |
| Label: |
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Fleur de Son (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Ernesto Nazareth |
| Performer: |
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Antoine Zemor |
| ISBN: |
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9786312741572 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00856092001896 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFDS 57989 |
| Cat.#: |
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FDS 57989 |
| Period: |
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20th century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The piano music of Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth (1863-1934) is steeped in Latin dance rhythms. Delightful and fun to listen to, the music is lighthearted with clear, cantabile, Chopinesque melodies. The influences of Nazareth's years playing at the Odeon movie theater in Rio are ever-present and the music at times has an anachronistic feel much like the piano rags of Scott Joplin. A noble collection of piano pieces by the composer whom Villa-Lobos termed "the true incarnation of the Brazilian soul." Recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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2 Piano Trios |
| Label: |
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Hungaroton (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Carl Gottlieb Reissiger |
| Performer: |
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Trio Art Nouveau |
| ISBN: |
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9786313098118 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754017248 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHUGR32488 |
| Cat.#: |
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HCD 32488 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A world premiere recording of the Trio no. 7 in E major op. 85 and the Trio no. 15 in G major op. 164. These two trios are very large four-movement works in the language and mannerism of early Romanticism. Influences of Beethoven, Schubert, and especially Mendelssohn can be heard. Very skillful playing by the Trio Art Nouveau on what are, at times, very challenging pieces. I fell in love with these works from the first hearing. Recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| $21.98 |
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| Title: |
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L'Arbre de Jesse: Gregorian chant and medieval polyphony |
| Label: |
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Glossa (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Anonymous |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Gilles Binchois / Dominique Vellard |
| ISBN: |
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9786312790938 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754014056 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGLSA32302 |
| Cat.#: |
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GCD P32302 |
| Period: |
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Medieval |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The theme of this recording of chant is the "tree of Jesse," the Biblical description of Christ's lineage. There are antiphons, lessons and canticles, tropes, tracts, alleluias, and others all on Biblical texts having to do with the lineage of Jesse. The Gilles Binchois Ensemble's ethereal, otherworldly singing style is beautifully showcased by the acoustics of the French church in which they recorded. Recommended for all collections supporting music history or the study of ancient music. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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But This Is This |
| Label: |
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Centaur (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Mark Winges |
| Performer: |
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Various Performers |
| ISBN: |
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9786312790860 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00044747293325 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCENT2933 |
| Cat.#: |
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CRC 2933 |
| Period: |
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20th-21st centuries |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The American composer Mark Winges has written for various ensemble sizes: orchestra, large chorus, solo song, keyboard music, and chamber ensembles -- which is the focus of this recording. His chamber music can be characterized as optimizing the interplay and struggles between instrumental parts. The mood of his music is sometimes serious, sometimes playful but always satisfying. Though for the most part he avoids strong tonality there is a tendency to have some kind of pitch center which gives the music a relatively organized feel. All the pieces on this recording are stellar contributions to the chamber music repertoire but the centerpieces are the title piece (for organ and percussion) and the string quartet Gloss. His use of the bass clarinet in some of the other ensembles deserves special mention; I think any bass clarinet player would be ecstatic to have parts that require such a full range of the instrument's capabilities. Recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Piano concerto no. 1 in D minor op. 15/Piano concerto no. 20 in D minor KV 466 |
| Label: |
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Archipel (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Johannes Brahms/Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Wilhelm Kempff; Sachsische Staatskapelle Dresden; Berliner Philharmoniker / Franz Konwitschny, Herbert von Karajan |
| ISBN: |
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9786312788737 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754013899 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDACHP0454 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARPCD 0454 |
| Period: |
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18th-19th centuries |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue |
| Comments: |
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These recordings were made in the mid-1950s and at times the limitations of the source tape are evident. But the performances are extraordinary. I always gauge the success of a performance of this early Brahms concerto by the lengthy and slow middle movement which also contains the cadenza. Kempff's execution of this concentrated, difficult, and absolutely beautiful movement is remarkable and applaudable. The other two fast movements are better known and much loved but the 2nd movement is the gluten required to hold the piece together. The performances of both these concertos are very well executed. The source tape limitations force me to recommend it only for those collections supporting graduate programs in piano performance. (MJB) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Praise and Glory: Music from Medingen Convent |
| Label: |
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Cantate (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Anonymous |
| Performer: |
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Schola & Ensemble Devotia Moderna |
| ISBN: |
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9786312899914 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754015008 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCTAT58033 |
| Cat.#: |
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C 58033 |
| Period: |
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Medieval |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This disc makes available, for the first time, recordings of Latin songs and meditations from the late-medieval liturgical and prayer books housed at Medingen Convent. The music consists of plainchant, but not of the Gregorian variety -- bells and drums accompany melodies that seem strangely free and as often cheerful and exalted as solemn. Those who love Hildegard von Bingen will be sure to enjoy this excellent (but, at 36 minutes, scandalously brief) recording. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Sacred Flame: European Sacred Music of the Renaissance and Baroque Era |
| Label: |
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Collegium (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Cambridge Singers; La Nuova Musica / John Rutter |
| ISBN: |
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9786312906261 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00040888013426 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLGM134 |
| Cat.#: |
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COLCD 134 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance/Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Love him or hate him, composer and conductor John Rutter knows how to pick a program of sacred music. This one draws on the work of composers working on both sides of the Protestant Reformation, including pieces by Monteverdi, Palestrina, Lassus, Hassler, Desprez, Buxtehude and others -- a slightly unusual blend, but a lovely one. The choir's sound is as rich and creamy as always. Recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Missa Si Bona Suscepimus; Lamentations; Magnificat; Motets |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Dominique Phinot |
| Performer: |
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Brabant Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
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9786313116218 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571176963 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHPONCDA67696 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA 67696 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Ever heard of Dominique Phinot? Me either, but this glorious disc has ensured that I'll be seeking out more of his work. The parody mass presented here (based on Claudin de Sarmisy's motet "So Bona Suscepimus," which helpfully opens the program) is especially fine, but the eight-voice polychoral motets are stunning as well. The Brabant Ensemble has never yet made a mediocre album, but this one stands out even among its previous offerings. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Missa Cellensis |
| Label: |
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Carus (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Franz Joseph Haydn |
| Performer: |
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Anima Eterna / Jos van Immerseel |
| ISBN: |
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9786312992080 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00409350832475 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCARUC83247 |
| Cat.#: |
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83.247 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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It's something of a scandal that the bicentennial of Haydn's death hasn't generated more fanfare. But it has still resulted in a modest bumper crop of new recordings of pieces both familiar and obscure, and this excellent performance of Haydn's "Cecilia" Mass is one happy result. Richly and warmly recorded at the Dresden Frauenkirche, the Anima Eterna orchestra (on period instruments) is in top form, as is each of the vocal soloists, especially soprano Lydia Teuscher. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Complete Wind Quintets |
| Label: |
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New Classical Adventure (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Franz Danzi |
| Performer: |
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Das Reicha'sche Quintett |
| ISBN: |
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9786313074150 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00885150601266 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNCLA60126 |
| Cat.#: |
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60126-377 |
| Period: |
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Classical/Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The price seems a bit steep for an unexpanded reissue, but this box very handily brings together three excellent mid-1990s recordings of Danzi wind quintets to create a single complete-works package that should be of interest to any library collecting in the bridge period between the classical and romantic eras; in addition, the Reicha'sche Quintett's period-instrument approach is so lushly sweet that the package seems well worth the cost. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Ein Kagel-Schubert Projekt |
| Label: |
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Farao (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Mauricio Kagel/Franz Schubert |
| Performer: |
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Sax Allemande |
| ISBN: |
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9786312741565 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754013479 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFARA108038 |
| Cat.#: |
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B 108038 |
| Period: |
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Contemporary |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Here's a very interesting and eclectic project: Sax Allemande asked Kagel to compose a piece for them and he came up with a stage work written several years before, Der mundliche Verrat, to which he'd written a piano score. The work was comprised of short character pieces which he felt would work nicely in saxophone trio transciptions. Sax Allemande took his transcriptions and interspersed them with the movements of two incomplete string trios by Franz Schubert, and created a new multi-movement work. The wide variations in mood and styles make for a quite different listening experience and the incredible musicianship of the trio makes this project a solid addition to the saxophone repertoire. Recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| $21.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sonatas (K. 281, 310, 332, 576) |
| Label: |
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Accent (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Linda Nicholson |
| ISBN: |
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9786312737223 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754013134 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDACCE24190 |
| Cat.#: |
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ACC 24190 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Mozart's piano sonatas, though not as generally well-known as the piano concertos, are perfect examples of the classical ideals of balance and elegance. Pianists know them as surely as they know Beethoven's piano sonatas or Bach's Well-tempered Clavier. The fortepiano used in this recording was built in 1797, a few years after Mozart's death but is nevertheless nearly identical to the instrument that Mozart would have used in composing and playing. Linda Nicholson gives a very accurate and somewhat lighthearted performance of all these sonatas. Recommended. (MJB) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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My Walking Stick |
| Label: |
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Black Hen (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Jim Byrnes |
| ISBN: |
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9786312932109 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00775020936423 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBKHM0054 |
| Cat.#: |
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BHCD0054 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Winner of multiple Juno Awards (think Canadian Grammies), bluesman Byrnes cuts a heartfelt swath across blues, gospel, and R&B territory, in the process creating a distinctive record heavily stamped with his own sound. Backed by a gospel trio on a number of cuts, with lots of fine guitar playing and tasteful organ adding flavor, highlights of this fine recording include a cover of The Band’s “Ophelia,” Mel Tillis’ “Walk On Boy,” and the title track by Irving Berlin. Very nice stuff. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Time To Stand |
| Label: |
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Belleville (dist. Red)
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Artist:
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Belleville Outfit |
| ISBN: |
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9786312913641 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00884501119221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBEVL0111922 |
| Cat.#: |
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111922 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Peppering their original material with a catchy Western swing beat and some tasty Gypsy jazz chops, this Austin band is catching lots of attention on the festival circuit. With an abundance of hot licks and some dazzling interplay from two guitarists, piano, and fiddle, the Belleville Outfit sounds like a wonderfully giddy blend of Bob Wills, Django’s Hot Club, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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The Glass Bead Game |
| Label: |
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Young God ( dist. Revolver)
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Artist:
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James Blackshaw |
| ISBN: |
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9786312904700 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00658457004029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDYNGG40 |
| Cat.#: |
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YG40 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This 12-string guitarist combines influences from the progressive folk world with minimalism to create a remarkable release that sounds like something truly different. Orchestrated for piano, strings, vocals, and his guitar, this is intense, dramatic music that also has meditative qualities. Blackshaw uses swirls of cascading notes and harmonic drones to create a shifting soundscape of considerable beauty. He is accompanied by several other musicians, including Lavinia Blackwall, vocalist, who add extra layers of complexity to the mix. This is original stuff, not to be missed. (JW) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Double Play |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Liz Carroll & John Doyle |
| ISBN: |
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9786312783596 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00766397450223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOMS974502 |
| Cat.#: |
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7 4502 2 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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There seems to be some great Irish music coming out of Nashville these days, as this release will attest. With Ms. Carroll on fiddle and Mr. Doyle on guitars, occasional vocals, and other instruments, it’s hard to go wrong. Their musicianship is never short of excellent and there is clearly a chemistry between the two that comes out in a hundred little ways. They mix jigs, reels, and ballads for as fine and diverse a batch of tunes as one could ask for. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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Bridges |
| Label: |
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Yellow Dog
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Artist:
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Mary Flower |
| ISBN: |
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9786312672470 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00823800164228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDYDR YD21642 |
| Cat.#: |
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YDR 1642 |
| Genre: |
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Blue |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Being compared to Bonnie Raitt and Leon Redbone suggests that Mary Flower is pretty good. Winning blues and flatpicking guitar awards confirms it, and this new album screams it from the rooftops. This Portland-based guitarist and singer-songwriter combines acoustic blues, ragtime, jazz, and gospel to create a highly satisfying album. Flower mixes her originals with older tunes from the 1920s and 1930s, singing in a fine alto, and surrounded by excellent guest artists. But what stands out is the sound of that sweetly swinging Piedmont-style guitar playing. This is a must for guitar fans. (JW) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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I'm Going Down to North Carolina: The Complete Recordings of Red Fox Chasers 1928-31 |
| Label: |
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Tompkins Square (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Red Fox Chasers |
| ISBN: |
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9786313117895 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00894807002219 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTPKS2219 |
| Cat.#: |
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TSQ 2219 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The Red Fox Chasers, from northwest North Carolina, formed after meeting a fiddler convention and were unusually prolific in their recordings of Appalachian folk music. The string band performed ballads of love and tragedy, gospel, minstrel tunes, their own versions of Charlie Poole songs and other works that reflected their regional roots. The remastered compilation includes thorough liner notes about the songs themselves and the recordings. (MC) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Nuance: The Bennett Studio Sessions |
| Label: |
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Motema Music (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Lynne Arriale |
| ISBN: |
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9786312926962 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00181212000221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMTEM22 |
| Cat.#: |
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MTM-00022 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Arriale normally fronts a trio, but here she runs a quartet of guests from her piano, and what a group it is. With the late Randy Brecker on trumpet/flugelhorn, George Mraz on bass, and Anthony Penciotti on drums, one expects great work. With a majority of originals, Arriale’s composing and arranging leaves lots of room for improvisation by the guys, and they display a wonderful chemistry. The DVD contains a concert of the same program as the studio CD, which provides different, extended versions while showing the group in action. This is a fine release. (JW) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Rush Life |
| Label: |
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Motema Music (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Antonio Ciacca Quintet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312440468 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00181212000153 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMTEM15 |
| Cat.#: |
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MTM-00015 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This Italian pianist, previously with both the Steve Lacy and Benny Golson groups, lives in New York City, working with Jazz at Lincoln Center, but this is his first U.S. release as a frontman. With a quartet of New York’s best he moves through a set of standards and new pieces. Ciacca runs the show, but leaves plenty of room for soloing, and the duo of Stacy Dillard on sax and Joe Magnarelli on trumpet make for a delicious sweet/sour combination that contemporary jazz fans will find intriguing. A well-conceived and enjoyable album. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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Remembering Weather Report |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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Miroslav Vitous |
| ISBN: |
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9786313035038 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517881372 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001303902 |
| Cat.#: |
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2073 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Vitous was Weather Report’s first bassist, helping shape an early sound that favored open collaboration between all musicians. This new recording is based on his impressions of his time with Weather Report, and listeners expecting to hear the heavily rhythmic, funky music of later Weather Report will be surprised. The sound is influenced by Dvorak, Ornette Coleman, and Wayne Shorter, with plenty of space for collective improvisation. The playing is inspired and moving, the overall feel quiet yet intense, the results a joy to hear. Rather than being a set of Weather Report tunes, it’s a manifestation of the creative genius Vitous originally brought to the band, and continues to perfect today. Highly recommended. (GH)
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Turning Gate |
| Label: |
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Motema Music (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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New Jazz Composers Octet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312469889 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00181212000191 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMTEM00019 |
| Cat.#: |
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MTM-00019 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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They’re not quite so new anymore, having been together for ten years now, but they still sound fresh on their third release. David Weiss and compatriots use this hybrid vehicle, part combo/part orchestra, to showcase their compositions and arrangements. The result is a rich orchestral sound that is also very dynamic and economical. Five pieces in ten tracks, the longest is the Faith Suite, by Xavier Davis, pianist, a six movement sprawling work with two parts separated from the others. It works beautifully anyway, and this disc is highly recommended for big band and mainstream jazz fans. (JW) |
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| $18.00 |
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| Title: |
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Quiet Joy |
| Label: |
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SBE Records
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Artist:
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Jennifer Lee |
| UPC: |
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69088004023 |
| Cat.#: |
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SBECD040 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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One might not expect an album called Quiet Joy by a San Francisco Bay musician to be filled with excellent bossa nova-influenced originals, but that’s exactly what singer/guitarist Lee does on this gem of a record. Favoring quartet/quintet arrangements anchored by bass, percussion, and Peter Sprague’s superlative guitar work, Quiet Joy is a delightful recording that digs deeply into Brazilian music while highlighting Lee’s considerable talents as a singer and songwriter. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Mostly Coltrane |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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Steve Kuhn Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786313035021 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602527011141 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001303602 |
| Cat.#: |
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2099 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This tribute disc is custom-made to please someone like me, who has always appreciated John Coltrane much more as a composer than as a saxophone player. Kuhn was the pianist in Coltrane's first quartet as a leader, and here he leads an absolutely stellar quartet (Joe Lovano, David Finck, and the brilliant Joey Baron) on a program consisting mostly of tunes written by or associated with Coltrane. The group swings and free-associates with equal authority, and nearly levitates on the gorgeous "Welcome" and the contemplative "Central Park West." Amazing musicians interpreting transcendant music -- what more could one ask for? (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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One Way/Detour |
| Label: |
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Zoho (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Bob Albanese Trio with Ira Sullivan |
| ISBN: |
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9786312845324 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00880956090528 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDZHOR200905 |
| Cat.#: |
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ZM 200905 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Pianist and composer Bob Albanese plays with a firm but sweet sense of swing and writes in a style that beautifully balances complexity and lyricism. His trio is joined here by saxophonist and flutist Ira Sullivan for a very fine program that focuses mainly on originals, but also features a few very well-chosen standards -- among them the too-rarely-recorded "Ugly Beauty" by Thelonious Monk. This is a deepy satisfying album, and is very highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| Title: |
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UUVVWWZ |
| Label: |
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Saddle Creek (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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UUVVWWZ |
| ISBN: |
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9786313030842 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00648401013726 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSADL10137 |
| Cat.#: |
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LBJ-137 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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UUVVWWZ have been compared to Lydia Lunch, Beefheart and Deerhoof, all for reasons that are sonicaly apparent. There is a distinct no-wave vibe here, but also a jazz influence with a healthy dose of eccentricity and indie rock chutzpah. Guitars are jagged and dissonant and/or bluesy, then drawn back to minimal one-note lines while other layers gather momentum. A rose among the perfect thorns of the instrumental structures is vocalist Teal Gardner, who can sing charmingly blank lines like Suzanne Vega’s hipster kid sister or shriek ecstatically like Karen O. This debut leaves one with an excited anticipation of possibilities yet to be explored and ideas to be realized. For cool kids of all ages and worthwhile. (TWB) |
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| Title: |
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See Mystery Lights |
| Label: |
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DFA (dist. Revolver)
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Artist:
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Yacht |
| ISBN: |
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9786313130146 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00829732221824 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDFAR2218 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2218 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Yacht list Yoko Ono, The Descendents, Steve Reich and Andrew W.K. among their influences. And if that doesn’t sound serious enough, they also name Carl Sagan, Arthur C. Clarke, and many others ranging from visual artists to rappers to geographical places (Marfa, TX, hence, the Mystery Lights). On the surface this sounds like an intricate and elaborate dance/club/trance record. Closer listening reveals innumerable sonic textures, not to mention the texts and Claire L. Evans’ vocals, sounding here like Kate Pierson, and there something like Bjork. As though channeling Kazantzakis, they explore the existential, spiritual, and hedonistic. The sound you hear is (what’s left of) the line between formal composition and experimental rock and other music being erased. Recommended. (TWB) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Avanti! |
| Label: |
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Cuneiform
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Artist:
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Miriodor |
| ISBN: |
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9786312917175 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00045775028828 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCUNE750288 |
| Cat.#: |
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Rune 288 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Those will younger ears will hear math-rock and post-rock in Miriodor's off-kilter time signatures and whimsically episodic arrangements; those with older ears may wonder if they're listening to a Henry Cow reunion album, made with updated equipment and more horns. Anyone with adventurous ears is sure to get a kick out of this venerable Quebecois quartet's music, which draws on nearly three decades of experience exploring the fringes of avant-pop instrumental music. Very cool. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Gone: The Promises of Yesterday |
| Label: |
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Numero Group
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Artist:
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24-Carat Black |
| ISBN: |
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9786313029716 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00825764102520 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNUMG41025 |
| Cat.#: |
|
025 |
| Genre: |
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Soul |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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24-Carat Black's debut album was released in 1973 to mixed success, a victim of changing tastes and, perhaps, its own overreaching musical ambition. Tapes for the follow-up languished in a Chicago basement for decades, before being partially resurrected (only six tracks having escaped the ravages of age and detrioration) as this brief but fascinating CD. Clearly a product of its time, this music is nevertheless unique in its blend of dark thoughtfulness and funky grooves. The sound quality is less than stellar and the songs themselvesmay be a bit too weird for most listeners -- but holy cow, listen to that arrangement on "I'll Never Let You Go." In many ways, this is top-notch musicmaking. (RA) |
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| $15.99 |
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| Title: |
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The Liberty of Norton Folgate |
| Label: |
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Yep Roc (dist. Redeye)
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Artist:
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Madness |
| ISBN: |
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9786313123124 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00634457221123 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDYP 2211 |
| Cat.#: |
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YEP 2211 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Those who were prompted by 2005's Dangermen Sessions album to expect more ska revivalism from these godfathers of the TwoTone scene may find themselves a bit flummoxed by this album, which finds Madness revisiting the pop/music-hall hybrid sound that brought them huge international success in the mid-1980s. Some will be disappointed and some pleased, but no one can deny the craft and authority that these veterans bring to their revivified career. (RA) |
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| $19.99 |
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| Title: |
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In the Studio With Martin Hannett |
| Label: |
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Interstate/Dandelion (dist. Redeye)
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Artist:
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Joy Division |
| ISBN: |
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9786312207771 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00811792010036 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDITST10798 |
| Cat.#: |
|
10798 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This downright weird compilation is for completists only -- but if you're a Joy Division completist, it may seem a bit like the Holy Grail. The two discs consist not just of studio outtakes from the band's legendary sessions with producer Martin Hannett, but also reference tracks, sound samples, warm-ups and even metronome adjustments. Much of this material can only barely be called music, but it all comes together like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle to form a more complete sonic impression of those groundbreaking sessions. For specialist collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Retrospective |
| Label: |
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Planet Mu (dist. Revolver)
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Artist:
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Bizzy B |
| ISBN: |
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9786313096022 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00600116814524 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPNTM145 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ZIQ145 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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What comes across in this wonderful retrospective collection is the sheer excitement that was generated by the emergence of jungle (later to be called drum'n'bass) in the early 1990s. Bizzy B was a prime mover in the music's evolution, and many of the 12-inch singles collected here have never before been available on CD (two have never been issued previously at all). The sound is consistently hard and frequently harsh, the reggae influences that would later be leached out of the drum'n'bass sound still subtly evident here. Perhaps not essential for every library collection, but this compilation documents the scene-changing work of a major talent and should be seriously considered by all specialist collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Woodstock 40 Years On: Back To Yasgur's Farm |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786313098996 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227985882 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN519761 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 519761 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (6-discs) |
| Comments: |
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As a teenage music fan growing up in the 1970s, the 1970 3-LP Woodstock soundtrack was an iconic musical touchstone, helping define the era and shaping my generation’s musical tastes. Of course, the 1970 LP was just a sample – overdubbed at times and out of chronological sequence - of what happened on those three days on Yasgur’s farm in August 1969. Rhino’s new 6 CD set, Woodstock 40 Years On… provides the most complete document of the Festival’s music to date. Presented in chronological order, including several selections from everyone who performed (with the exception of three acts due to licensing agreements), and complete with extensive annotation, this gives the best sense of how the music itself was presented. In addition to the bands and songs already famous from the 1970 LP and movie, there are over 30 previously unreleased cuts, including material by Ravi Shankar, Bert Sommer, the Grateful Dead, the Incredible String Band, Joe Cocker, and others. There’s even a set list outlining every song played at Woodstock. Rhino’s done its typical great packaging for this, complete with a 76 page, richly illustrated booklet. Essential for any rock collection. (GH) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| Title: |
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Siwan |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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Jon Balke |
| ISBN: |
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9786313016082 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517801516 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001300702 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2042 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Conductor/keyboardist Balke’s latest project is an exploration of the music and poetry from Al-Andalus, or Muslim Iberia, as it existed from the 730 to 1492. Featuring the vocals of Moroccan singer Amina Alaoui, and accompanied by trumpeter Jon Hassell and a small host of musicians, the result is a mesmeric, delicately beautiful recording offering modern interpretations of the rich musical and cultural heritage of Al-Andalus. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Our World |
| Label: |
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VP (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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T.O.K. |
| ISBN: |
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9786313155873 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00054645185721 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVP 1857 |
| Cat.#: |
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VPCD 1857 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Following in the footsteps of such distinguished pop-reggae artists as Third World and Aswad, T.O.K. blend soul, hip hop, soca and dancehall elements to create a pan-Caribbean pop sound that is sure to please all but the most po-faced traditionalists -- a group among which, incidentally, I would normally count myself, but I find T.O.K.'s sound just irresistibly fun. Though I'm not a big fan of the more sexist and gangsterish lyrics, I do find myself bopping along helplessly to nearly every groove. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dub Plate Style |
| Label: |
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Pressure Sounds
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Artist:
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Delroy Wilson |
| ISBN: |
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9786313106806 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00689492092719 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPSRS20927 |
| Cat.#: |
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PSCD64 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This album is something of an anomaly. Originally issued as a rather generic two-LP set in 1978 with the title 20 Golden Hits, it was quickly deleted and has since become something of a collector's item. What makes it musically unusual is that it consists of the great Delroy Wilson singing over dub mixes created by producer Prince Jammy at King Tubby's studio. Normally dub mixes were reserved for DJs (rappers) rather than singers, but Wilson makes each track his own in his inimitable, soul-inflected style. All reggae collections should seriously consider picking up this fine reissue. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Rishte |
| Label: |
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World Village (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Najma Akhtar & Gary Lucas |
| ISBN: |
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9786313031733 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00794881915125 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWLDV450008 |
| Cat.#: |
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450008 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If you loved Gary Lucas's Edge of Heaven album (and believe me, you did), on which he delivered his own unique take on 1950s and 1960s Chinese pop music, then you know that you want to hear his collaboration with indian singer Najma Akhtar. Layers of acoustic, electric and slide guitar, tabla, and violin swirl around Akhtar's soaring, golden voice and create a constantly shifting tapestry of colors with an occasionally distinctly bluesy edge. Brilliant. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Sarabah |
| Label: |
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Piranha (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Sister Fa |
| ISBN: |
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9786313031719 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00826863233429 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPRHAPIR2334 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2334 |
| Genre: |
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African Hip Hop |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Senegal native Sister Fa (who now makes her home in Berlin) sings and raps in four languages; on her debut album she blends funk, hip hop and reggae elements to create that rarest of musical commodities: a truly unique hip hop sound. She's as good a singer as she is a rapper, and her ease at alternating between the two vocal approaches is both impressive and thrilling. No world music collection should pass up this gem of a debut. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Coconut Rock |
| Label: |
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ESL (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada |
| ISBN: |
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9786313001552 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00795103015128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDESLR151 |
| Cat.#: |
|
151 |
| Genre: |
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Latin |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The two masterminds behind this band -- one from an Afrobeat revival group and the other from a Latin dance band -- met during a car breakdown. They ended up working together on this slightly twisted, pan-Caribbean effort that incorporates elements of cumbia, descarga, political funk, soul, and modern electronica. Not every track works perfectly, but that's what happens when you take chances -- and the sound of this group taking chances is a joyously invigorating one. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Mazel Tov, Mis Amigos |
| Label: |
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Rebootstereophonic
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Artist:
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Juann Calle and His Latin Lantzmen |
| ISBN: |
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9786313101344 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00824247018525 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRBTS17 |
| Cat.#: |
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RSR 017 |
| Genre: |
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JEKL |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Should you do the merengue or the hora? This reissue of a 1961 release invites the question with Latin jazz takes on traditional Yiddish and Jewish melodies. “Juan Calle” is actually John Cali, and the Lanztmen included Ray Barretto, Wilie Rodriguez, Charlie Palmieri, Clark Terry and Doc Cheatham. The intersecting cultures make this one for scholars as well as more casual music fans seeking a twist on the familiar for their next family celebration. (MC) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
