August 2004
Look for "Rick's Pick"


CLASSICAL

 
$11.98
 
Title:    Deutsche Volkslieder
Label:    EMI Classics
Composer:    Johannes Brahms
Performer:    Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf; Gerald Moore
ISBN:    9786308509643
ISBN-10:    6308509647
UPC:    724358550221
Prod.#:    BECDEMIC85502
Cat.#:    5 85502 2
Period:    Romantic
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    Reissue (2-discs)
Comments:    Have there ever been better exponents of Brahms lieder than Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau? And have they ever sounded better than they did in the mid-1960s? Even if you think the answer is "yes" on both counts (I say "no" myself), this budget-priced twofer will be a valuable addition to just about any collection, as a point of stylistic comparison if nothing else. (RA)

 
$16.98
 
Title:    Opera Duets
Label:    Virgin Veritas
Composer:    George Frideric Handel
Performer:    Patrizia Ciofi; Joyce Di Donato; Il Complesso Barocco / Alan Curtis
ISBN:    9786308510335
ISBN-10:    6308510335
UPC:    724354562822
Prod.#:    BECDVIRG45628C
Cat.#:    5 45628 2
Period:    Baroque
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    Personally, I find these two singers just a bit heavy and fruity in their interpretations. But this is a nice overview of duets from Handel's operas, and will be valuable to any collection supporting a vocal program. The period-instrument accompaniment is excellent, as is the recording quality. (RA)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Temple Of Chastity: Codex Las Huelgas - Music From 13th Century Spain
Label:    Signum
Composer:    N/A
Performer:    Mille Fleurs
ISBN:    9786308437786
ISBN-10:    6308437786
UPC:    675754714222
Prod.#:    BECDSGM 043
Cat.#:    SIGCD043
Period:    Medieval
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    The devotional songs found in the 13th-century Las Huelgas codex are recorded on a regular basis, but rarely with the kind of raw energy and spirit demonstrated by this three-voice women's ensemble and harpist Jan Walters. This disc will not only fit the needs of most classical collections, but will also nicely complement other recordings of the same repertoire. (RA)

 
$18.98
 
Title:    Missa Contrapunctata; Requiem; Missa Festivalis et Brevis; Te Deum
Label:    Hungaroton
Composer:    Gregor Joseph Werner
Performer:    Choir and Orchestra of Schola Cantorum Budapestiensis / Janos Mezei
ISBN:    9786308495779
ISBN-10:    6308495778
UPC:    675754723125
Prod.#:    BECDHUGR32160
Cat.#:    HCD 32160
Period:    Classical
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    This sumptuously beautiful disc offers several world-premiere recordings of sacred choral works by the man whom Haydn replaced in the Ezsterhazy court in 1761. Though he is nearly forgotten today, this disc shows Werner to have been a composer of remarkable gifts, and the performances and recording quality are both excellent. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA)

 
$18.99
 
Title:    Requiem
Label:    Deutsche Harmonia Mundi
Composer:    Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performer:    Arnold Schoenberg Choir; Concentus Musicus Wien; various soloists / Nikolaus Harnoncourt
ISBN:    9786308664663
ISBN-10:    6308664669
UPC:    828765870528
Cat.#:    82876 58705 2
Period:    Classical
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    Your library may already own more than one performance of Mozart's famous Requiem mass, but this one will be a worthy addition anyway: it represents a new approach to the work by the famous period-instruments conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt, as well as what is probably the first such recording in SACD (super audio CD) format. The performance, which was recorded live, is exquisite. (RA)

 
$16.99
 
Title:    Transfiguration de Notre Seigneur Jesus Christ
Label:    Naive
Composer:    Olivier Messiaen
Performer:    Koor van de BRT Bruxelles; Groot Omroepkoor & Radio Symfonie Orkest Hilversum; Play; various soloists/Reinbert de Leeuw
ISBN:    9786308274626
ISBN-10:    6308274623
UPC:    822186821701
Prod.#:    BECDNAIV2170
Cat.#:    MO 782170
Period:    20th Century
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New (2-discs)
Comments:    This is a beautifully performed, but rather lackadaisically recorded, rendition of Olivier Messiaen's first truly large-scale choral work. His idiosyncratic harmonic and structural sensibilities remain simultaneously puzzling and thrilling, and his devotional (almost mystical) bent is fully in evidence. Every library should own a performance of this work, but perhaps one that is more carefully produced than this one. (RA)

 
$6.98
 
Title:    Piano Works
Label:    EMI Classics
Composer:    Ludwig van Beethoven / Robert Schumann
Performer:    Jonathan Biss
ISBN:    9786308450983
ISBN-10:    6308450987
UPC:    724358589429
Prod.#:    BECDEMIC85894
Cat.#:    5 85894 2
Period:    Romantic
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    The young Jonathan Biss demonstrates musical wisdom well beyond his years on this very impressive debut recording of masterworks from the Romantic period. His playing is emotionally acute yet tastefully restrained, and his execution is technically flawless yet warm and graceful. And the CD is only seven bucks. (RA)

 
$16.97
 
Title:    Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet
Label:    Warner Classics
Composer:    Sergei Prokofiev
Performer:    Nikolai Lugansky
ISBN:    9786308418501
ISBN-10:    6308418501
UPC:    825646125524
Prod.#:    BECDWARC61255
Cat.#:    61255-2
Period:    20th Century
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    Nikolai Lugansky has already demonstrated his impressive facility with and insight into the piano music of the late 19th and early 20th centuries with previous recordings of works by Chopin and Rachmaninov; here he takes on several demanding Prokofiev pieces, to thrilling effect. The two sonatas and ten-part suite were composed between 1917 and 1939, and offer a nice overview of the composer's artistic development. (RA)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Motets
Label:    ECM
Composer:    Guillaume de Machaut
Performer:    Hilliard Ensemble
ISBN:    9786308395567
ISBN-10:    6308395560
UPC:    028947240228
Prod.#:    BECDUMG B000185902
Cat.#:    B0001859-02
Period:    Medieval
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New
Comments:    This is the repertoire that the Hilliard Ensemble, with its spare, almost vinegary sound and effortless blend, was born to perform. And although Machaut's "L'Homme Arme" mass is well known, his motets are much less frequently recorded. Put one and one togeter, and they add up to yet another essential purchase for classical collections. (RA)

 
$25.98
 
Title:    Das Wohltempierte Klavier Buch I
Label:    ECM
Composer:    Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer:    Till Fellner
ISBN:    9786308413766
ISBN-10:    6308413763
UPC:    028947604822
Prod.#:    BECDUMG B000228502
Cat.#:    B0002285-02
Period:    Baroque
Genre:    Classical
Release type:    New (2-discs)
Comments:    Bach's keyboard music is really a perfect fit for the ECM style of sound production: clear and shimmery, with a tasteful touch of echo. And Till Fellner plays these works on a modern piano in a refreshingly straightforward, respectful style, with a gentle but commanding touch. Very highly recommended to all music collections. (RA)

COUNTRY/FOLK

 
$18.98
 
Title:    Between Here And Gone
Label:    Columbia
Artist:    Mary-Chapin Carpenter
ISBN:    9786308433641
ISBN-10:    6308433640
UPC:    696998661929
Prod.#:    BECDCOLM86619
Cat.#:    86619
Genre:    Country
Release type:    New
Comments:    Mary Chapin Carpenter is a rarity in country/folk music. She is able to effortlessly cross over from her country roots to "Top 10" popular radio and even into "Women's music." Her eighth CD, "Between Here and Gone" shows a real maturity in her considerable talent as a songwriter. It would be a welcome addition to any modern folk or country collection. (JM)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Deeper Waters
Label:    Koch
Artist:    Robin & Linda Williams
ISBN:    9786308294969
ISBN-10:    6308294969
UPC:    033651017325
Prod.#:    BECDKHI RHR173
Cat.#:    RHR CD 173
Genre:    Folk
Release type:    New
Comments:    This is an original work from a classic husband and wife duet who have performed together for over 30 years. Consisting almost entirely of original songs, the album deals with all manner of human experience; it belongs in any collection of American folk music. (JM)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Bluegrass Number 1's
Label:    Rounder
Artist:    Various Artists
ISBN:    9786308426940
ISBN-10:    6308426946
UPC:    011661053120
Prod.#:    BECD116 6105312
Cat.#:    11661-0531-2a
Genre:    Bluegrass
Release type:    Compilation
Comments:    For collections that are thin on bluegrass music -- or that just need a good overview of the state of the art in modern and traditional bluegrass -- this collection of number-one hits (according to the Bluegrass Unlimited radio survey) will make a valuable addition. Note in particular the fine contributions from the always underrated Laurie Lewis. (RA)

 
$16.98
 
Title:    Parting Glass
Label:    Artemis/Triloka
Artist:    Emer Kenny
ISBN:    9786308612558
ISBN-10:    6308612553
UPC:    801298504221
Prod.#:    BECDKHI TRI85042
Cat.#:    ARTCD-228
Genre:    Celtic
Release type:    New
Comments:    Kenny's warm, breathy voice contrasts nicely with the electro-acoustic grooves that accompany her on this collection of traditional Irish songs. The songs may all be potboilers ("Parting Glass," "Sally Garden," even, heaven help us, "Scarborough Fair") but she gives them new life on this very satisfying album. Highly recommended. (RA)

 
$15.95
 
Title:    Great High Mountain
Label:    Rebel
Artist:    Ralph Stanley
ISBN:    9786308603525
ISBN-10:    630860352X
UPC:    032511113023
Prod.#:    BECDREBE1130
Cat.#:    REB-CD-1130
Genre:    Bluegrass
Release type:    Best of
Comments:    Not just another best-of, this compilation of Ralph Stanley tracks covers his 30 years with the Rebel label and includes eight previously unreleased tracks. Stanley's inimitable voice and underappreciated banjo picking are both very nicely showcased here. Expect demand based on the enduring O Brother, Where Art Thou effect. (RA)

 
$13.98
 
Title:    Cold Mountain
Label:    Epic
Artist:    Original Soundtrack
Performer:    Jack white, Alison Krauss, others
ISBN:    9786308231513
ISBN-10:    6308231517
UPC:    696998684324
Prod.#:    BECDCOLM86843
Cat.#:    CK86843
Period:    Bluegrass/Old Time
Genre:    SOUNDTRACK
Release type:    New
Comments:    I normally would not reccommend a soundtrack but the performances on "Cold Mountain" are exceptional reditions of traditional country and mountain tunes and feature unique performers like Jack white of the pop group White Stripes, Alison Krauss and the Sacred Harp Singers At Liberty Church. The music has a lonely, hard quality and is an excellent introduction to this musical genre. (JM)

JAZZ

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Live At The Village Vanguard
Label:    Allegro
Artist:    Uri Caine Trio
ISBN:    9786308557736
ISBN-10:    6308557730
UPC:    025091010226
Prod.#:    BECDAGROWTR102
Cat.#:   
Genre:    Jazz Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    Caine's piano stylings go beyond the standard repertoire. This live recording features his own compositions as well as his incredibly unique take on Van Heusen and Berlin. This CD is an exemplary example of modern jazz. (DC)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Live At Yoshi's, Vol 1
Label:    MaxJazz
Artist:    Jessica Williams
ISBN:    9786308624070
ISBN-10:    6308624071
UPC:    610614021027
Prod.#:    BECDRD 140210
Cat.#:    MXJ 210
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    Accompanied by bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Victor Lewis, pianist Jessica Williams delivers a fine, if somewhat restrained, live set of standards (with a couple of nice original compositions as well). Highlights include her lovely take on "Say It Over and Over Again" and a bluesy rendition of Monk's "Mysterioso." Very nice. (RA)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Slickrock
Label:    MaxJazz
Artist:    Denny Zeitlin
ISBN:    9786308497513
ISBN-10:    6308497517
UPC:    610614020921
Prod.#:    BECDRD 140209
Cat.#:    MXJ 209
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    Danny Zeitlin's piano style -- and the accompaniment of bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson -- hark back explicitly to the glory days of Bill Evans, both in terms of rhythmic flexibility and lush, romantic tone. Zeitlin's original compositions are especially gorgeous. Highly recommended. (RA)

 
$16.99
 
Title:    Left End
Label:    Perfected Music
Artist:    Rick Peckham
Cat.#:    PM1001
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    There's always room at the jazz table for another adventurous guitarist who doesn't think that a respect for tradition has to entail slavish emulation of Wes Montgomery's tone. That said, Rick Peckham's approach is sometimes surprisingly aggressive, though repeated listenings reveal lots of musical depth. Not essential for all libraries, but any jazz collection should seriously consider this one. (RA)

 
$13.98
 
Title:    Coral
Label:    Columbia
Artist:    David Sanchez
ISBN:    9786308643798
ISBN-10:    6308643793
UPC:    827969031360
Prod.#:    BECDCOLM90313
Cat.#:    CH 90313
Genre:    Latin Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    I'm not normally a fan of jazz with strings, but this collection of lush ballads, sassy bossas and surprising adaptations by saxophonist David Sanchez is magnificent and really quite irresistible. Part of the credit goes to Carlos Franzetti's exquisite orchestral arrangements, but Sanchez' playing is impressively sensitive and nuanced throughout. Very highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA)

 
$16.98
 
Title:    Illuminations
Label:    Telarc Jazz
Artist:    McCoy Tyner
ISBN:    9786308555220
ISBN-10:    6308555223
UPC:    089408359927
Prod.#:    BECDTELA83599
Cat.#:    CD-83599
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    This is a nice collection of originals and standards on which Tyner is accompanied by an expert (if slightly bland) array of accomplished sidemen young and old. Maybe not revelatory, but certainly exciting enough to be worth a listen, and it goes without saying that a new Tyner album is a must-buy for any comprehensive jazz collection. (RA)

 
$15.98
 
Title:    Blueprint Project
Label:    Creative Nation Music
Artist:    Blueprint Project
UPC:    794465742529
Cat.#:    004
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    Saxophonist Jared Sims, guitarist Eric Hofbauer and pianist Tyson Rogers normally perform and record without a bassist and drummer, but here they are helped out by Cecil McBee and Matt Wilson, to fine effect. Their sound is still adventurous, but McBee and Wilson make sure the center holds while giving the three soloists all the space they need. (RA)

 
$15.98
 
Title:    Monk 'Round The World
Label:    Hyena/Thelonious Records
Artist:    Thelonious Monk
ISBN:    9786308567896
ISBN-10:    6308567892
UPC:    825005932329
Prod.#:    BECDRD 59323
Cat.#:    TMF 9323
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New (2-discs)
Comments:    The audio half of this two-disc set is great -- seven live tracks from the mid-1960s -- but the DVD half is what's really exciting. It's a 28-minute film of Monk and his quartet performing live in London during the same period, and although the sound is mediocre, the chance to watch Monk in action is priceless. An essential purchase. (RA)

 
$16.98
 
Title:    Devotion
Label:    Telarc Jazz
Artist:    Courtney Pine
ISBN:    9786308626821
ISBN-10:    6308626821
UPC:    089408362125
Prod.#:    BECDTELA83621
Cat.#:    CD-83621
Genre:    Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    Traditionalists will sniff that this isn't real jazz at all. The rest of us will luxuriate in the kaleidoscopic assortment of funky grooves, the brilliant soloing, and the sophisticated arrangements (while skipping over the silly interlude tracks). This is Pine's best solo album in years. OK, it's his first solo album in years, but still. (RA)

ROCK/POP

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Heroes To Zeros
Label:    Caroline
Artist:    Beta Band
ISBN:    9786308453380
ISBN-10:    6308453382
UPC:    724357800525
Prod.#:    BECDCDISASW78005
Cat.#:   
Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music
Release type:   
Comments:    With Heroes to Zeros, the Beta Band has made their first completely self-produced album (and the notoriously self-critical group is reported to be content). They have crafted a pop album full of inspired melodies while retaining their uncommon sound in the process. (DB)

 
$13.98
 
Title:    Going Somewhere
Label:    Compass
Artist:    Colin Hay
ISBN:    9786309376831
ISBN-10:    6309376837
UPC:    00766397440620
Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974406
Cat.#:    7 4406 2
Genre:    Rock
Release type:    Reissue
Comments:    Colin Hay made his name as lead singer of Men at Work, an Australian band that had several worldwide hit singles in the early 1980s. On this solo album (originally issued in 2000 on his own Lazy Eye label, and reissued here with two bonus tracks) he indulges his taste for the acoustic singer-songwriter format, and he does that tradition proud. His songs are just as tuneful and engaging as they were when he was in Men at Work, but with added emotional depth. Recommended. (RA)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    A Boot And A Shoe
Label:    Nonesuch
Artist:    Sam Phillips
ISBN:    9786308418037
ISBN-10:    630841803X
UPC:    075597980721
Prod.#:    BECDNONE79807
Cat.#:   
Genre:    Pop
Release type:    New
Comments:    Sam Phillips has successfully completed her transformation from pop chanteuse to torch singer. This album was recorded and mixed in a spare, open manner, allowing Phillips' lovely voice and the literate confessionalism of her songs to shine. (DB)

 
$13.98
 
Title:    Whiskey Tango Ghosts
Label:    4AD
Artist:    Tanya Donelly
ISBN:    9786308590573
ISBN-10:    6308590576
UPC:    652637241822
Prod.#:    BECD4AD 72418
Cat.#:    72418
Genre:    Rock
Release type:    New
Comments:    The solo albums of this former Throwing Muses frontwoman have been getting steadily quieter and, frankly, less exciting over the years. This one continues that trajectory, but still offers some exquisite moments of off-kilter pop songcraft. Highlights include the gorgeous "Promise" and the relatively sturdy and hooky "Butterfly Thing." (RA)

 
$15.98
 
Title:    Classics Re-Grooved
Label:    Koch
Artist:    Various Artists
ISBN:    9786308567704
ISBN-10:    6308567701
UPC:    099923957225
Prod.#:    BECDKHI KOC9572
Cat.#:    KOC-CD-9572
Genre:    Dance
Release type:    New
Comments:    You may not want to tell the Music Department that you're ordering this collection of classical-electronica fusion. A Detroit house setting of "Fur Elise"? A trip-hop arrangement of Saint-Saens' "The Swan"? A trancey breakbeat remix of Schubert's "Ave Maria"? Hmmm... maybe you'd better keep this one behind the desk. (Hey, at least I didn't put it in the Classical section.) (RA)

 
$11.98
 
Title:    Offshore Presents Troubled Waters
Label:    Single Cell
Artist:    DJ Clever
ISBN:    9786308611346
ISBN-10:    6308611344
UPC:    675640100221
Prod.#:    BECDCDISGTC4
Cat.#:    SC1002
Genre:    Dance/DJ
Release type:    Compilation
Comments:    This is a bracing DJ mix of sometimes rather experimental jungle and breakbeat singles compiled from the Offshore Records catalog and put together by DJ Clever. Alternating jazzy and soulful sounds with spacey ambience, Clever offers a kaleidoscope of textures and moods while keeping the beats hard and fast. Recommended for all dance music collections. (RA)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Adventures In Black Sunshine
Label:    Narada
Artist:    Incognito
ISBN:    9786308659980
ISBN-10:    6308659983
UPC:    724357086325
Prod.#:    BECDNARA70863
Cat.#:    70863
Genre:    Pop/Jazz
Release type:    New
Comments:    Occupying the shadowy region along the borders that divide pop, soul and smooth jazz, Incognito has been making appealingly funky and jazzy pop music for more than two decades now. The band's latest effort is among its most sophisticated and best, and would make a fine introduction to its catalog for any library with a collecting interest in pop music. (RA)

 
$18.98
 
Title:    Goodbye Cruel World
Label:    Rhino
Artist:    Elvis Costello
ISBN:    9786308646782
ISBN-10:    6308646784
UPC:    081227648626
Prod.#:    BECDRHIN76486
Cat.#:    R2 76486
Genre:    Rock
Release type:    Reissue (2-discs)
Comments:    Yes, this was Elvis Costello's worst album -- no argument there. But the lengthy bonus disc that accompanies this Rhino reissue is one of the best; the alternative versions reveal the songs themselves as dark, brooding treasures that should have been given different treatments on the original album, as well as bringing to light other gems from the same period. Also note that Costello's Kojak Variety and the underrated Almost Blue are being reissued at the same time. All three are very highly recommended. (RA)

 
$16.98
 
Title:    Dub From The Secret Vaults
Label:    ROIR
Artist:    Twilight Circus
ISBN:    9786308427589
ISBN-10:    6308427586
UPC:    053436828526
Prod.#:    BECDROIRROIR8285
Cat.#:    RUSCD 8285
Genre:    Reggae Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    Twilight Circus is multi-instrumentalist Ryan Moore, who has been making traditional dub-style reggae in his home studio and releasing the results on his own M label for almost twenty years. This album brings together previously unreleased material from his capacious vaults, and it's wonderful. Any reggae collection should have at least a handful of Moore's releases, and this one is a great place to start. (RA)

 
$18.98
 
Title:    Graceland
Label:    Rhino
Artist:    Paul Simon
ISBN:    9786308625817
ISBN-10:    6308625817
UPC:    081227890421
Prod.#:    BECDRHINR78904
Cat.#:    R2 78904
Genre:    Rock/World
Release type:    Reissue
Comments:    Rhino is reissuing Paul Simon's entire solo catalogue as a nine-disc box set, but the discs are all available separately as well, which is good news for libraries. The best of the lot is this remastered version of Graceland, Simon's 1986 masterpiece, which includes three demos and unreleased versions as a bonus. Check out the other eight titles as well, and compare to your holdings; this is a good opportunity to fill in gaps. (RA)

WORLD/ETHNIC

 
$15.99
 
Title:    Live in Krakow
Label:    Label Bleu
Artist:    David Krakauer
ISBN:    9786308675478
ISBN-10:    6308675474
UPC:    794881731664
Cat.#:    LBLC 6667
Genre:    Klezmer
Release type:    New
Comments:    Krakauer seems able to comfortably perform in any musical genre, from classical to traditional to hardcore punk. His deep love of Klezmer, as both a traditional art form as well as contemporary sounding board has long been known, but this recording of live performances in Poland is beyond even his ultra-high level of showmanship. Accompanied by a turntablist and his cronies from Klezmer Madness, Krakauer elevates each son (and his audience) to new heights. Highly recommended! (DC)

 
$14.00
 
Title:    Cambodian Cassette Archives: Khmer Folk and Pop Music, v. 1
Label:    Sublime Frequencies
Artist:    Various
UPC:    626776752426
Cat.#:    SF011
Genre:    Cambodian Pop Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    Once again, libraries provide us with hidden gems. This CD is culled from over 150 decrepit cassettes found in the Oakland Public Library. An eclectic compilation of several decades of pop music from Cambodia, it spans genres and preserves a fast disappearign music legacy. Hopefully, more volumes will be issued. (DC)

 
$12.98
 
Title:    Indestructible Asian Beats: Urban Tigers From the Concrete Jungle
Label:    Manteca/Union Square
Artist:    Various Artists
ISBN:    9786306435999
ISBN-10:    6306435999
UPC:    698458202321
Prod.#:    BECDUSQ MTC23
Cat.#:    MANTCD023
Genre:    World
Release type:    Compilation
Comments:    I know it probably seems like I'm constantly recommending this Asian Massive worldbeat stuff, but I'm sorry -- there's just so much great material coming out in this genre these days. This one brings together bracingly funky concatenations of "Asian dub, tabla experiments, indo-funk, bhangra breaks and Bollywood beats." I can't help it; it's just too much fun. (RA)

 
$16.98
 
Title:    Selwa
Label:    Six Degrees
Artist:    Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbetts
ISBN:    9786308720437
ISBN-10:    6308720437
Cat.#:    11042
Genre:    World
Release type:    New
Comments:    This long overdue follow-up to Drolma and Tibbetts' 1997 collaboration (Cho, on the Rykodisc/Hannibal label) finds the two continuing their exploratory fusion of Tibetan and Western sounds and textures, and if anything, it's even better than the first album was. Drolma's singing is reedy and gorgeous, and Tibbetts' electro-acoustic accompaniments are tasteful and fascinating. Very highly recommended. (RA)

 
$15.00
 
Title:    Great Jewish Music
Label:    Tzadik
Artist:    Jacob do Bandolim
Cat.#:    TZ 7192
Genre:    Choro, Brazilian-Jewish Music
Release type:    New
Comments:    Tzadik's "Great Jewish Music" Series takes an unexpected but well-deserved tour towards South America. Jacob do Bandolim was one of the founders of Choro music, Brazil's instrumental, improvisational form. On this CD, the Tzadik regulars perform their own interpretations of the master's work. An excellent introduction to one of Brazil's foremost musical treasures. (DC)

 
$17.98
 
Title:    Day of Colours
Label:    Real World
Artist:    Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali
ISBN:    9786308601101
ISBN-10:    6308601101
UPC:    724357177023
Prod.#:    BECDREA 71770
Cat.#:    71770
Genre:    World
Release type:    New
Comments:    Rizwan Ali Khan and Muazzam Ali Khan are nephews of the late, great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, generally considered the modern era's greatest exponent of the devotional Sufi music known as qawwali. This album is a straightforward, relatively traditional collection of qawwali songs, beautifully played and sung. They may not be quite up to their uncle's standard of emotion and virtuosity, but then, no one else is either. (RA)

© CD HotList 2004