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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Harry Partch Collection, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
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New World
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Composer:
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Harry Partch |
| ISBN: |
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9786308846397 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308846392 |
| UPC: |
|
093228062127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNEWW80621 |
| Cat.#: |
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80621-2 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Prepared Music, Microtonal Music, Avane-Garde Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
New World Records has begun to re-release this CRI anthology. The first volume collects a span of Partch's work, from the meditative Eleven Intrusions to Ulysses at the Edge. Any library not owning Partch's work on CD must purchase this series. This innovative composer and instrumentalist deserves a wider listening among newer audienecs. (DC) |
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| Title: |
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Lost Songs of a Rhineland Harper |
| Label: |
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Deutsche Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Sequentia |
| ISBN: |
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9786308764370 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630876437X |
| UPC: |
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828765893923 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDHM 58939 |
| Cat.#: |
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82876-58939-2 |
| Period: |
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Medieval |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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It's an open question as to whether we can really reconstruct the sound of music from 1,000 years ago, but few groups undertake that challenge quite as vigorously as Sequentia, led by harpist and singer Benjamin Bagby. The songs on this album are taken primarily from a 12th-century collection of Latin and German songs known simply as the Cambridge manuscript; they are performed with elegant simplicity and recorded with exceptional clarity (this disc is in hybrid CD/SACD format). Strongly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Eleven-String Baroque |
| Label: |
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Deutsche Grammophon
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Goran Sollscher |
| ISBN: |
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9786308654824 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308654825 |
| UPC: |
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028947481522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000300002 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0003000-02 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a very fine collection of lute and guitar works by such baroque masters as Silvius Leopold Weiss, Francois Couperin, Johan Helmich Roman and J.S. Bach, all arranged for eleven-string guitar and performed by the man who may be the most important classical guitarist of his generation. The program on this disc is a well-chosen mixture of familiar and obscure pieces, and should be considered essential to any guitar collection (and seriously considered for all classical collections). (RA) |
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| $19.99 |
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| Title: |
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Rosary Sonatas |
| Label: |
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Avie
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Composer:
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Heinrich Biber |
| Performer: |
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Pavlo Beznosiuk; David Roblou; Paula Chateauneuf; Richard Tunnicliffe |
| ISBN: |
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9786308792069 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308792063 |
| UPC: |
|
822252003826 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAVER38 |
| Cat.#: |
|
AV0038 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Biber's 15-part cycle of "Mystery Sonatas" for violin and continuo are recorded on a fairly regular basis. However, this may be the first one on which the sonatas themselves are interspersed with spiritual readings from a rosary psalter. These are performed by the British actor Timothy West, and will offer either additional depth and illumination to the proceedings or a steady stream of annoying interruptions, depending on one's purposes and mindset at the time of listening. The performances and recording quality are very fine. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7 |
| Label: |
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Archiv
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Composer:
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Johann Wilhelm Wilms |
| Performer: |
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Concerto Koln/Werner Ehrhardt |
| ISBN: |
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9786308654206 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308654205 |
| UPC: |
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028947450825 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000299802 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0002998-02 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Johann Wilhelm who? Yes indeed, this is yet another case of a composer who was lavishly celebrated in his own era having fallen into undeserved obscurity between then and now. Performing on period instruments, Concerto Koln makes a powerful argument for Wilms' genius on this recording of two of his middle-period symphonies. Strongly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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English Hymn, Vol 5: Lead, Kindly Light |
| Label: |
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Hyperion
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Wells Cathedral Choir; Rupert Gough/Malcolm Archer |
| ISBN: |
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9786308708367 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308708364 |
| UPC: |
|
034571121055 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDP12105 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDP 12105 |
| Period: |
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19th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is the fifth installment in a wonderful anthology of English hymns, most of them texts dating from the 18th and 19th centuries set to tunes from the 19th and early 20th. Accompanied by organist Rupert Gough, the Wells Cathedral Choir sings these pieces beautifully, and though the recorded sound is maybe just a bit soft in the middle the overall listening experience is wonderful. Collections supporting choral programs or curricula in religious music should snap up the whole series. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fast Fantasy |
| Label: |
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Albany
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Composer:
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Wuorinen, Charles |
| Performer: |
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Fred Sherry; Charles Wuorinen; Tom Kolor |
| ISBN: |
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9786308422805 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308422800 |
| UPC: |
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034061065821 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDALBYTROY658 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TROY658 |
| 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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No one would categorize Charles Wuorinen's music as easy listening, nor would he want you to. But he is perhaps one of the five or ten most important composers of the last century, and Albany Records has taken on the admirable task of producing a series of recordings documenting his remarkable output. This volume in the series focuses on compositions for cello, all of which were written for cellist Fred Sherry. On many of the pieces, Sherry is accompanied by Wuorinen on the piano. As challenging as the music sometimes is, it is also frequently lyrical and always rewards close listening; the performances and sound quality are excellent. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Guitar Music From Brazil |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Graham Anthony Devine |
| ISBN: |
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9786308531408 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308531405 |
| UPC: |
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747313229529 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8557295 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.557295 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If you are looking to improve your collection of guitar music, just buy as many Naxos guitar recordings as you can. They’re all great! This one in particular is interesting in that it presents lesser-known (in the US) works from a variety of Brazilian composers. (GM) |
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| $14.99 |
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| Title: |
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Masterworks of the New Era, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
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ERM Media
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Philharmonia Bulgarica/Robert Ian Winstin |
| UPC: |
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607221669223 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ERM-6692 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is the first installment in what will be a 12-disc series of new performances of works by living American composers. All performances are by the very fine Philharmonica Bulgarica, which is to be commended for its command of a wide variety of contemporary classical styles and its apparent ability to learn and persuasively perform a large number of new compositions within a relatively short timeframe. This series should be serious considered for all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Adew Dundee: Early Music of Scotland |
| Label: |
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Dorian
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Baltimore Consort |
| UPC: |
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053479031426 |
| Cat.#: |
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DOR-90314 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Baltimore Consort has released a number of albums exploring the early music of the British Isles, and this is actually the second one to focus on songs and tunes from Scotland (the excellent On the Banks of Helicon, DOR-90139, was the first). As usual, the line between folksong and art music is a bit difficult to draw here, and as always the group plays and sings with a winning combination of elegant precision and infectious energy. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Messiah Remix |
| Label: |
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Cantaloupe
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Composer:
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Various Interpreters |
| ISBN: |
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9786308819902 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308819905 |
| UPC: |
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713746293529 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CA21020 |
| Cat.#: |
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CA21020 |
| Period: |
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Baroque/Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical/Electronic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The concept: invite a number of cutting edge electronic composers, DJs and avant-dance producers to tweak, rearrange, deconstruct and otherwise discombobulate extracts from the most beloved piece of religious music in the Western canon. Provocative? You bet. Musically insightful? Eh. Scanner could have done better than this, and so could Tod Machover; R. Luke DuBois' "Convolution" is abstract but deeply engaging; Dalek's "Deadverse Remix" is funky but features a lackluster rapper. Interesting, but not essential. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Classic Ocarina |
| Label: |
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Dorian
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Chuckerbutty Ocarina Quartet/Michael Copley |
| UPC: |
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053479326027 |
| Cat.#: |
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DOR-93260 |
| Period: |
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Various |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Okay, laugh if you want, and in fact the members of the Chuckerbutty Ocarina Quartet will at least smile along with you. But director Michael Copley offers an amusing and interesting defense for the instrument and for these arrangements and interpretations of works by Beethoven, Sor, Verdi and others (along with the odd Romanian and Japanese folk melody). The instrument's soft, pooty tone is charming, if not always completely endearing. Interesting and fun. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Le Roi Danse |
| Label: |
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Deutsche Grammophon
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Composer:
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Jean-Baptiste Lully |
| Performer: |
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Musica Antiqua Koln/Reinhard Goebel |
| ISBN: |
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9786308656200 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308656208 |
| UPC: |
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028947706328 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000289636 |
| Cat.#: |
|
477 063-2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is a two-disc set not because it offers more than 80 minutes of music (it doesn't) but because it offers both Super Audio and conventional CD "layers," making it playable on the new SACD machines as well as regular CD players. The music is the soundtrack to a film about the life of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Musica Antiqua Koln has become a bit more restrained over the last decade, and the music benefits greatly from the group's more decorous approach. Most of the compositions presented here are by Lully, but there are others by Jacques Cordier, Michel Lambert and Robert Cambert as well. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis |
| Label: |
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Gimell
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Composer:
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Thomas Tallis |
| Performer: |
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Tallis Scholars/Peter Phillips |
| ISBN: |
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9786308708329 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308708321 |
| UPC: |
|
755138120327 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDGIM203 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CDGIM 203 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Libraries that already own the four discs from which this all-Tallis program is drawn will have no need of this nicely packaged and budget-priced two-disc set. But it will serve as a splendid introduction to the work of this vocal ensemble for those needing a place to start, and it would be hard to improve upon this group's renditions of great works (including the spectacular 40-voice motet Spem in Alium) by its namesake composer. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Weihnachtshistorie |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Johann Rosenmuller |
| Performer: |
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Cantus Colln/Konrad Junghanel |
| ISBN: |
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9786308819780 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308819786 |
| UPC: |
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794881752829 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMC901861 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMC 901861 |
| Period: |
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Late Renaissance/Early Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Though his name is known today primarily to early-music specialists, Johann Rosenmuller was a star pupil of Heinrich Schutz and one of the most influential composers of 17th-century Germany. What is billed here as his "Christmas story" is in fact a thematically organized collection of several large-scale vocal works written between 1645 and 1655. Cantus Cooln has demonstrated its feeling for the Rosenmuller oeuvre previously (see Vespro della Beata Vergine, HMC 901611.12), and is just as convincing on this fine recording. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Martian Counterpoint |
| Label: |
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Albany
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Composer:
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David Rakowski |
| ISBN: |
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9786308690297 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308690295 |
| UPC: |
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034061068129 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDALBYTROY681 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TROY 681 |
| Period: |
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21st Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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David Rakowski is an amazingly inventive composer. This is a great sampler of his music, giving 6 of his piano etudes (he has over 60 now), some chamber music and the brilliant “Ten of a Kind” for ten clarinets and wind ensemble. (GM) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Don't Look For A Heartache |
| Label: |
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Hightone
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Artist:
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Jimmie Dale Gilmore |
| Performer: |
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Jimmie Dale Gilmore |
| ISBN: |
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9786308324437 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308324434 |
| UPC: |
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012928816625 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHIGT8166 |
| Cat.#: |
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HCD 8166 |
| Period: |
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modern |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western/Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Jimmie Dale Gilmore of Lubbock, Texas has achieved legendary status amoung the fans of alternative country and folk music during his 59 years on this earth. His distinctive "high country nasal" voice and twangy arrangements give a traditional flavor to his music. This CD features songs from his two 1980s offerings and should not be missing from any collection of alternative country or West Texas music. Gilmore has actually begun touring again with his old band, the Flatlanders. This is Texas bar music at its best! (JM) |
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| Title: |
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My Name Is Deke |
| Label: |
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Hightone
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Artist:
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Deke Dickerson |
| ISBN: |
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9786308597916 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308597910 |
| UPC: |
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012928817127 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHIGT8171 |
| Cat.#: |
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HCD 8161 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Rockabilly |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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His name is Deke, and he's one of the most consistently satisfying retro-country/rockabilly singers and guitarists on the scene. His love of the old stuff is entirely unironic, his guitar chops are pitch-perfect, and his voice is rich, deep and resonant. Your library might not need his whole catalog, in which case this generously packed best-of will do you just fine. It's also great for staff parties. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Draw Closer |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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| Performer: |
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Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz |
| UPC: |
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682161054322 |
| Cat.#: |
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82161-0534-2 |
| Genre: |
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Old-Time |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Multi-instrumentalist Tracy Schwarz (formerly of the New Lost City Ramblers) and singer Ginny Hawker offer a winning program of old-time and gospel songs on this album, which was produced by the great Dirk Powell. Some of these songs (like "Little Willie" and "The Dying Ranger") are potboilers, but everything is delivered with impressive skill and conviction. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Country Memories/Cool Water |
| Label: |
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BGO
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Artist:
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Slim Whitman |
| ISBN: |
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9786308681097 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308681091 |
| UPC: |
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5017261206312 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBGO 631 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BGOCD631 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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If you're looking for a good way to fill in gaps in the country music area of your collection, check out the ongoing series of twofer sets from BGO Records. This disc brings together two classic Slim Whitman albums, both originally issued in 1968. Today he may seem like the king of country kitsch, but in context it's easier to hear the glory of his voice, even if his producers tended to be a bit heavy-handed. (Other entries in this series include titles from Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard and others.) (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $16.00 |
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| Title: |
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Bishop's Move |
| Label: |
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Victo
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Artist:
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| Performer: |
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Evan Parker Trio & Peter Brotzmann Trio |
| UPC: |
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777405009326 |
| Cat.#: |
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VICTO cd 093 |
| Genre: |
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Avante-Garde Jazz, Free Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A live performance CD containing one 73 minute track of a jazz improv "supergroup"....it works. Parker and Brotzmann, two of Europe's most innovative sax players, combine their combos for some motivated results. The separate identities of each trio come through, even as they form a whole new entity. Recommended for any jazz collection. (DC) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Inspect For Damaged Gods |
| Label: |
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Mulatta
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Artist:
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Soldier String Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786308656217 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308656216 |
| UPC: |
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788572878622 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMTT 8 |
| Cat.#: |
|
MUL008 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Soldier String Quartet, led by violinist Dave Soldier, is one of the more adventurous ensembles out there; like Kronos, they tend to arrange unusual stuff (like Bo Diddley and Robert Johnson songs) but Soldier is also a prolific composer in his own right. These pieces include what sound like adaptations of pop songs from the 20s and funk from the 1970s. Weird and wonderful. (RA) |
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| $14.99 |
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| Title: |
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Barcelona in 48 Hours |
| Label: |
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Strudelmedia
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Artist:
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Edward Ratliff |
| Performer: |
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Rhapsodalia |
| UPC: |
|
693879000822 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD008 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/Soundtrack |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Composed to accompany a short film of the same name on which he collaborated with filmmaker Anja Hitzenberger, Edward Ratliff's music on Barcelona in 48 Hours is an unusual and impressionistic mixture of jazz, electronica, cabaret kitsch and minimalist tango tunes. Strange as that description may make it sound, this music is actually all very engaging, and would nicely complement any film music or jazz collection. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Diaspora Hollywood |
| Label: |
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Tzadik
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Artist:
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Steve Bernstein |
| ISBN: |
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9786308515019 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308515019 |
| UPC: |
|
702397719120 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKHI TZA7191 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TZ 7191 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Trumpeter Steven Bernstein offers an impressionist and idiosyncratic take on ancient Jewish melodies, interpreting them in a style loosely based on West Coast jazz. There's some great flute playing courtesy of Pablo Calogero and some fine vibes playing courtesy of former X drummer D.J. Bonebrake, and if the music seems to wobble on the edge of formlessness at times, it never teeters over into chaos or boring abstraction. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Book of Silk |
| Label: |
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Ropeadope
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Tin Hat Trio |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308612572 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630861257X |
| UPC: |
|
699675153229 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKHI ATM51532 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
Avant-Classical Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Many reviewers say the Tin Hat Trio defies any standard description, but I have to add that they defy any standard superlatives, as well. The fourth CD from this composer's collective continues to amaze and delight. This time around, harpist Zeena Parkins and tuba player Bryan Smith join in for more unique, thoughtful and surprising music. This may not be the "jazz" one might normally find in the library, but it would be a tremendous loss if it didn't show up on your shelves. (DC) |
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|
 |
| |
| $12.97 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Best of Coleman Hawkins |
| Label: |
|
Prestige
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Coleman Hawkins |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308717642 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308717649 |
| UPC: |
|
025218350426 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFMP 183504 |
| Cat.#: |
|
PRCD-5704-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
If your library needs a quick way to beef up its jazz collection (or establish one), your best bet may be to simply grab all of the discs in the Fantasy label group's new "best of series," which includes collections of work by Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Bill Evans and many others. This Coleman Hawkins collection is, of course, wonderful -- but so are all the others I've heard in the series so far. They should maybe be budget-priced rather than midline, but hey. The music's worth it. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Virtuoso in New York |
| Label: |
|
Pablo
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Joe Pass |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308716263 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630871626X |
| UPC: |
|
025218097925 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFMP 180979 |
| Cat.#: |
|
PACD-2310-979-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This is a collection of previously unreleased solo guitar tracks by one of the true masters of the idiom. The sessions were recorded in June of 1975, and show Pass at his best, interpreting such standards as "How Long Has This Been Going On?" and "A Ghost of a Chance," along with some less well-known tunes. Not necessarily essential for all jazz collections, but those with a guitar focus will definitely want to pick it up. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Complete Prestige Recordings |
| Label: |
|
Fantasy/Milestone/Prestige
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Dexter Gordon |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308818998 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308818992 |
| UPC: |
|
025218444224 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFMP 184442 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11PRCD-4442-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (11-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
You could argue endlessly about whether tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon's best work was recorded during his Blue Note or Steeplechase or Columbia years, but it seems to me that the 88 tracks (17 of them previously unreleased) on these 11 discs measure up nicely to the best of his work for other labels. The sound quality is consistently excellent (or at least very good), and Fantasy has done its typically stellar job with the practical but aesthetically pleasing packaging. No jazz collection should be without this set. (RA) |
|
|
| ROCK/POP |
|
 |
| |
| $13.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Delivery Man |
| Label: |
|
Lost Highway
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Elvis Costello & the Impostors |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308756689 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308756687 |
| UPC: |
|
602498624296 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000259302 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B00025930-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Costello's appetite for writing and recording different styles of music has not dimmed his ability to play rock & roll, and here he delivers a mature work that is sometimes gloriously loud and sometimes heart-breakingly quiet. Recorded very quickly in Oxford, Mississippi, this album has a 'concept' which need not interfere with one's enjoyment of the usual first-rate songwriting, and the listener can always just kick back and enjoy the sound of Costello and his terrific band, the Impostors, at the height of their powers making a beautiful, and sometimes messy, racket. (SA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Keep That Lovelight Shining |
| Label: |
|
Trojan
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Slim Smith |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308515651 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308515655 |
| UPC: |
|
060768046122 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD607680461 |
| Cat.#: |
|
06076-80461-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
He's not exactly a household name today (even among most reggae fans), but as a member of the Techniques and then later a successful solo performer, Slim Smith parlayed his sweet tenor voice and soulful delivery into one of the more influential musical careers in 1960s and 1970s Jamaica. This 48-track collection offers an excellent overview of his work during the ska and rock steady years. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Forget Yourself |
| Label: |
|
Spinart
|
|
Artist:
|
|
The Church |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308306402 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308306401 |
| UPC: |
|
750078013425 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSART780134 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SPART 134 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The more things change, the more they stay the same: it doesn't matter what else is happening in the world of pop music, you can always count on The Church to bring you rapturously swirling and beautifully crafted psychedelic pop music. Maybe they haven't delivered a really indelible hook since "Unguarded Moment," but Forget Yourself should be very happily received by this band's international cult. (RA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Smile |
| Label: |
|
Nonesuch
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Brian Wilson |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308781360 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308781363 |
| UPC: |
|
075597984620 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNONEN79846 |
| Cat.#: |
|
79846 |
| Genre: |
|
Popular Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
A newly recorded version of Smile, the Beach Boys album Brian Wilson abandoned almost forty years ago, may not seem like a good idea on paper, but in practice it succeeds better than anyone would have expected. The new versions of the songs that did get released way back when ("Heroes and Villains," "Surf’s Up," "Cabinessence," and, especially, "Good Vibrations") sound a little strange, but they gain resonance by appearing in beautifully arranged suites. A triumph. (SA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Inferno |
| Label: |
|
Sanctuary
|
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Artist:
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Motorhead |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308541025 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308541028 |
| UPC: |
|
060768524125 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD607685241 |
| Cat.#: |
|
06076-85241-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Forget about Keith Richards. The real ageless superhero of rock'n'roll is Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, whose gravel-throated roar and elephantine bass playing have powered the first (and some would say the only) successful punk-metal fusion project since its inception almost 30 years ago. Motorhead's latest shows that it has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Scissor Sisters |
| Label: |
|
Universal
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Scissor Sisters |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308623400 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308623407 |
| UPC: |
|
602498206577 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000277202 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B00027720-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The Scissor Sisters have created something new and wonderful constructed from genres past. Whether it is the disco meets Frankie Goes to Hollywood cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," or the 70's songwriting style (reminiscent of Elton John and the Bee Gees) found throughout, this disk is a pleasure. (DB) |
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|
|
| Title: |
|
London Calling (Legacy Edition) |
| Label: |
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CBS/Epic
|
|
Artist:
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Clash |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308780356 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308780359 |
| UPC: |
|
827969292327 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOLM92923 |
| Cat.#: |
|
E3K 92923 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Rolling Stone called London Calling the best album of the 80s, and it was right. This brilliant reissue package combines the original album (remastered) with a bonus disc of recently discovered rehearsal tapes from the London Calling period and a DVD that includes a documentary about the making of the album, early music videos and home video footage of the recording sessions. There's also a lavish 36-page booklet with previously unpublished photos and recollections by surviving band members. Essential. (RA) |
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|
|
| Title: |
|
Once, Twice, Three Times a Maybe |
| Label: |
|
Rykodisc
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Perfect |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308755316 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308755311 |
| UPC: |
|
014431065224 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRYKO310652 |
| Cat.#: |
|
10652 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New/Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
This album was originally planned for release back in 1997 under the title Seven Days a Week, but its release was cancelled at the last minute by the band's fickle record label. Rykodisc has finally brought it to light in a resequenced, remixed version, and thank heaven it has -- this is one of the most satisfying power-pop records of the last decade. Bandleader Tommy Stinson is the former bass player for the Replacements and the current bassplayer for (believe it or not) Guns'n'Roses. Very highly recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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|
|
| Title: |
|
i |
| Label: |
|
Nonesuch
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Magnetic Fields (The) |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308433139 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308433136 |
| UPC: |
|
075597968323 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNONE79683 |
| Cat.#: |
|
79683 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Stephin Merritt never seems to run dry of good tunes and even greater lyrics and this album is no exception. The disk contains catchy songs (and a few ballads) about the usual subjects; love, life and loss. The music is synth-free, but uses cello and guitar to great effect. (DB) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Ghost Is Born |
| Label: |
|
Nonesuch
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Wilco |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308467424 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308467421 |
| UPC: |
|
075597980929 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNONE79809 |
| Cat.#: |
|
79809 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
More solid songwriting from this Chicago band. While the sound of the album is simpler compared to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and Summer Teeth, the arrangements are still unusual and interesting. (GM) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Discreet Music |
| Label: |
|
Astralwerks
|
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Artist:
|
|
Brian Eno |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308851292 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308851299 |
| UPC: |
|
724386649324 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCDISASW66493 |
| Cat.#: |
|
66493 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Brian Eno is generally credited with coining the term "ambient music," and it was with this 1975 release that he actually defined it: this is music designed not for attentive listening, but as a background for other activities. Three of the album's four tracks are actually a drastic reconstruction of Pachelbel's famous canon. This disc is strongly recommended to all pop music collections, along with Eno's other ambient releases that are being reissued at the same time: Ambient 1: Music for Airports, Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror and, especially, the gorgeous On Land. (RA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Get Away From Me |
| Label: |
|
CBS/Epic
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Nellie McKay |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308313813 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308313815 |
| UPC: |
|
827969066423 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOLM90664 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
Pop |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This nineteen-year-old is wise beyond her years and has the lyrics and music to prove it. Her debut release is a two-disk set that ranges in styles from jazz and cabaret to hip-hop and rap; nothing is off limits. A very auspicious begining to what I hope is a long and lively career. (DB) |
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|
| Title: |
|
Trust Not Those in Whom without Some Touch of Madness |
| Label: |
|
Thrill Jockey
|
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Artist:
|
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Thalia Zedek |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308740671 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308740675 |
| UPC: |
|
790377014822 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTJ 70148 |
| Cat.#: |
|
Thrill 148 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Thalia Zedek fronted some of the more innovative "noise" bands in to the 80's and 90's and has recently been releasing material under her own name. This latest CD is a somber, reflective work. It rarely rises to the ear-splitting harshness of her earlier music, but Zedek takes each song and creates such pathos and emotion that you can't help but be drawn in. If one had never heard Zedek before, this CD may draw comparisons to Patti Smith and Marianne Faithfull. If one knows Zedek's genre, this is so much more. Highly recommended. (DC) |
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|
| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| |
| $14.00 |
| |
|
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| |
|
| Title: |
|
Folk and Pop Sounds of Sumatra, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
|
Sublime Frequencies
|
|
Artist:
|
|
|
| Performer: |
|
Various |
| UPC: |
|
626776728223 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SF001 |
| Genre: |
|
Sumatran Pop Music, Sumatran Folk Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
You have to hand it to the Sublime Frequencies label. They seem intent on capturing the ephemeral cassette culture of so many regions from which we often never hear pop music. While the actual quality of the music contained on this CD varies greatly, it is a far cry from the usual Indonesian compilations that contain only traditional Sumatran genres. A must-add for any library that wants to spice up their Smithsonian-based world music collection. (DC) |
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|
|
| Title: |
|
Ethiopiques, Vol. 18: Asguebba! |
| Label: |
|
Buda Musique
|
|
Artist:
|
|
|
| Performer: |
|
Various |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308561085 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308561088 |
| UPC: |
|
723724700321 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROBUD822892 |
| Cat.#: |
|
82289-2 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
After 18 volumes, Buda Musique's Ethiopiques series is still going strong. The variety of music that emerges from these compilations is astonishing. This latest addition to the collection focuses on the amzaris -- those who ure listeners into the dance. A fascinating look into this region's culture and music. (DC) |
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|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Ce Soir-la |
| Label: |
|
World Village
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Lo'jo |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308796104 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308796107 |
| UPC: |
|
713746802721 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD 468027 |
| Cat.#: |
|
468027 |
| Genre: |
|
World |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The French world-music ensemble Lo'Jo takes its time getting into an interesting groove on this, its umpteenth album since forming in 1982. Once they do (on the wonderful "Cinq Cauris Ocre"), they unfortunately don't stay there long, lapsing back into the sludgy and self-indulgent ruminations that make up most of this disc. Despite some bright moments, Ce Soir-La is a disappointment overall. (RA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Boomerang |
| Label: |
|
Wrasse
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Daara J |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308825705 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308825700 |
| UPC: |
|
740042610521 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCDISWRA105 |
| Cat.#: |
|
WRASS 106 |
| Genre: |
|
African/Hip-hop |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Brilliant Senegalese hip-hop from these local favorites, who rap in multiple languages (mostly French, occasionally English or something that sounds like Portuguese), sometimes at speeds that beggar the imagination. Most of these grooves are slow, dark and funky, though, and none of the lyrics seem to be about pimps, hos or bling bling. No world-music collection should be without this brilliant disc. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Feast Of Silence |
| Label: |
|
Narada Records
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Vas |
| Performer: |
|
Vas (Azam Ali and Greg Ellis) |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308482304 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308482307 |
| UPC: |
|
724357733724 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNARA77337B |
| Cat.#: |
|
70876-18497-2-1 |
| Period: |
|
Modern |
| Genre: |
|
New Age/Alternative Folk Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Vas (Latin for "vessel") has combined their heritages and musical styles to produce their first new CD in three years. The influence of Azam Ali's Middle Eastern background is readily apparent and her vocalizations are hypnotic. The music has a dark and moody ambience and yet is not lifeless as is much new age music. Azam employs the use of non-language speech to convey her/Vas music's presence. With an expanded use of instrumentation on "Feast of Silence," the result is a complelling addition to modern, alternative folk music. (JM) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Libertango |
| Label: |
|
Compass
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Sharon Shannon |
| ISBN: |
|
9786308743610 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308743615 |
| UPC: |
|
766397439228 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOMS974392 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 4392 2 |
| Genre: |
|
World/Celtic |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Sharon Shannon has always been just a bit more musically adventurous than the average Irish accordion player, and here she really stretches out on a collection of tunes both old and new many of which are given a Latin twist: note, for example, the horn section on "Whitestrand Sling" and the congas on "An Phailistin." Others are treated in a more conventional style; Sinead O'Connor makes an appearance on two songs, and a rapper named Marvel throws down on the last track. Very nice. (RA) |
|
