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| CLASSICAL |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Altre Follie 1500 - 1750 |
| Label: |
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AliaVox (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Hesperion XXI / Jordi Savall |
| ISBN: |
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9786309781895 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309781898 |
| UPC: |
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07619986098449 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD AV9844 |
| Cat.#: |
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AV 9844 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
While it's not true that all classical music is simply popular music that has endured long enough to acquire a patina of timeless dignity, it's not completely untrue either. Much of what we now think of as "art music" used to be dance music. And, as this fine collection of Portuguese folias illustrates, there was a time when popular music was deliberately co-opted by the gentry and turned into art music. Few musicians are better qualified to explore this period and its repertoire than Jordi Savall and his band. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Quintet for Clarinet & Strings; Quintet for Horn & Strings; Quartet for Oboe & Strings |
| Label: |
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Challenge (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Kuijken String Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786309689573 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309689576 |
| UPC: |
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00608917214529 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROCHRSACD72145 |
| Cat.#: |
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SACC72145 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The clarinet quintet is one of Mozart's most beloved chamber works; the horn quintet and oboe quartet are perhaps less well known. All are played beautifully here on period instruments by a group led by the always wonderful Kuijken brothers (violinist Sigiswald and cellist Wieland), with Super Audio CD sound quality. Recommended to all period-instrument collections. (RA) |
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| $5.98 |
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| Title: |
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Cathedral Sounds |
| Label: |
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Arte Nova (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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John Dunstable |
| Performer: |
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Clemenic Consort |
| ISBN: |
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9786309689726 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630968972X |
| UPC: |
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00723721189952 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROANO340550 |
| Cat.#: |
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ANO 340550 |
| Period: |
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Medieval |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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When this disc was originally issued in 1995, it included several world premiere recordings amongst its various offerings. Ten years later, the Clemencic Consort sounds just as supple and smooth as they did then, and these brilliant examples of late Gothic polyphony are just as thrilling. And the reissue only costs six bucks! If your library missed it the first time, take advantage of the latecomer's benefit. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Ohm +: The Early Gurus of Electronic Music [3CD & DVD] |
| Label: |
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Ellipsis Arts (dist. Rykodisc)
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Composer:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309732590 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309732595 |
| UPC: |
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00052296369026 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 963690 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD3690 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical/Electronic |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
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When it was originally issued in 2000, this three-disc set offered one of the best overviews of 20th century electronic music ever released. For the reissue, it's been improved by the addition of a DVD with interviews and performance footage by the likes of Alvin Lucier, Robert Moog and Pauline Oliveiros. If your library already has the original edition, it's probably not worth the cost to replace it with this one -- but if you didn't snag it the first time around, this is your chance to correct the error. No classical collection should be without this excellent boxed set. (RA) |
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| $33.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sonatas and Trio |
| Label: |
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Fineline Classical (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Joseph Martin Kraus |
| Performer: |
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Vaughan Schlepp; Antoinette Lohmann; Frank Wakelkamp |
| ISBN: |
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9786309689641 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309689649 |
| UPC: |
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00608917240429 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROCHRFL72404 |
| Cat.#: |
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FL 72404 |
| Period: |
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Classical/Early Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Like Mozart, Joseph Martin Kraus was a child of the classical period and helped to usher in the romantic. You can hear that transition approaching in these delightful sonatas for violin, cello and piano, played beautifully here on period instruments. Kraus was known as a musical rule-breaker, but his music is never forbidding or self-indulgent; he was a melodist of great talent and even at its most adventurous his music is sweetly appealing and approachable. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Mexican Piano Music |
| Label: |
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Cedille (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Manuel Ponce |
| Performer: |
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Jorge Federico Osorio |
| ISBN: |
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9786309724083 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309724088 |
| UPC: |
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00735131908627 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCED 086 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDR 90000 086 |
| Period: |
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Romantic/20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Mexican composer Manuel Ponce is far better known for his guitar compositions than for his keyboard music, but pianist Jorge Federico Osorio makes a compelling case for the latter category of Ponce's work on this thoroughly enjoyable collection of light but sophisticated pieces. The program includes a set of lovely mazurkas as well as Ponce's Suite Cubana and two etudes written for Artur Rubinstein. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $12.00 |
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| Title: |
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Music of Baroque Bohemia |
| Label: |
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Nibiru (dist. Premiere Music)
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Composer:
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Jan Josef Ignac Brentner |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Inegal/Viktora |
| UPC: |
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8595056601445 |
| Cat.#: |
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0144-2211 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If you've never heard of Jan Josef Ignac Brentner, you're not alone. Like so many fine composers of his time (late 18th century) and place (Czechoslovakia), Brentner enjoyed significant popularity in his time and is virtually unknown today. Prepare to be pleasantly shocked at the quality of these motets, offertories and other sacred works -- all of them in world-premiere recordings -- and impressed by the solid but joyful performances by Ensemble Inegal (and especially by the brilliant soprano Gabriela Eibenova). Very strongly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Oboe Quintets & Quartets |
| Label: |
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Regis (dist. Premiere Music)
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Composer:
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Franz Krommer |
| Performer: |
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Tagore String Trio; Sarah Francis |
| UPC: |
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5055031312016 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1201 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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How often do you find a budget-priced new release that includes world-premiere recordings of two chamber works by a major (well, okay, not entirely major) composer? This is a very well-played program of two quartets and one quintet for oboe and strings by Franz Krommer, a contemporary of Haydn and composer at the imperial court of Vienna. The sound quality is rich and clear, and although Sarah Francis' occasional tendency to fall off the ends of her notes (especially in the Rondo section of the second quartet) gives a sometimes jarring, jazzy flavor to the music, the group's overall sound is superb. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $32.95 |
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| Title: |
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Six Sonatas for Violin and Fortepiano |
| Label: |
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Helicon
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Ani Kavafian; Kenneth Cooper |
| UPC: |
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060550513221 |
| Cat.#: |
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KL 5132 |
| 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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Bach's six sonatas for violin and keyboard are recorded regularly, usuall with harpsichord, occasionally on the modern piano. As far as I can tell, this is the first recording of them using modern violin and fortepiano -- an approach that Cooper and Kavafian justify nicely in their liner notes without arguing that this is necessarily the way the pieces "should" be played. The unique sound of the fortepiano brings a fascinatingly unusual flavor to these familiar pieces, and this disc should be considered essential to any collection that supports a period-instrument performance curriculum. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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You Are (Variations); Cello Counterpoint |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Composer:
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Steve Reich |
| ISBN: |
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9786309630094 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309630091 |
| UPC: |
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00075597989120 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONEN79891 |
| Cat.#: |
|
79891-2 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Something you don't read in classical liner notes every day: "In the eighth variation one may hear echoes of James Brown." Steve Reich remains the most consistently intriguing and musically compelling of the 1960s generation of "minimalist" composers (a label he rejects). This four-part choral work is appended by a new entry in his "counterpoint" series of solo instrument compositions, this one for cello. The program is stingy, offering less than 39 minutes of music, but this is an essential purchase nonetheless. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Requiem Pro Defuncto Archiepiscopo Sigismundo; Missa in Honorem Sanctae Ursulae |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Michael Haydn |
| ISBN: |
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9786309254795 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309254790 |
| UPC: |
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00034571175102 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDA67510 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CDA67510 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Michael Haydn has, unjustly, remained in the shadow of his older brother Franz Joseph for over 250 years. Given the consistently high quality of his music, especially his sacred works, we can only hope that recordings like this one will continue to appear. This very nice pairing of two masses (83 minutes of music spread out over two discs at a single-disc price) features sumptuous playing and brilliant singing, particularly by the soloists, and there is an interesting juxtaposition between the heartsick Requiem mass (composed shortly after the death of Haydn's infant daughter) and the relatively joyful Saint Ursula mass. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dominos |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys |
| ISBN: |
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9786309644992 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309644998 |
| UPC: |
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00011661611221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDF116 6161122 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-6112-2 |
| Genre: |
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Cajun |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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One of the finest and most popular traditional Cajun bands working today, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys have been making wonderful records for years. This one is a DualDisc release that includes, on one side, another wonderful program of new and old songs in the Cajun tradition, and on the other side a full-length DVD program with interviews and live performances. Excellent. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Four Dead Batteries (Original Soundtrack) |
| Label: |
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Hightone
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309791542 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309791540 |
| UPC: |
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00012928818827 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN8188 |
| Cat.#: |
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HCD 8188 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Western Swing |
| Release type: |
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Soundtrack |
| Comments: |
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Movie soundtracks are rarely interesting -- and frankly, the movie tie-in is by far the least interesting thing about this one. What makes it worthwhile is that it compiles ten stellar tracks by the Hot Club of Cowtown (along with five by Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, which the Hot Club's bandleader formed following that group's demise in 2004). Let this collection lead you into the Hot Club's fine catalog -- and here's looking forward to the first album from his new group. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Hard And The Easy [CD & DVD] |
| Label: |
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Zoe Records
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Artist:
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Great Big Sea |
| ISBN: |
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9786309664969 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309664964 |
| UPC: |
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00601143108020 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD011 4310802 |
| Cat.#: |
|
01143-1080-2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Here's another very enjoyable album from the gem of Newfoundland's neo-folk scene, a band that brings rockish energy to the traditional music of Maritime Canada. The Hard and the Easy offers consistently well-chosen, rollicking fare, and apart from one or two missteps (like the Sponge Bob-worthy "The Mermaid"), the sea songs and ballads are all delightful. The package includes a documentary DVD that features interviews and footage of the band playing together on a back porch and at a party. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Duo |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Darol Anger & Mike Marshall |
| ISBN: |
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9786309755902 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309755900 |
| UPC: |
|
00011661016828 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDROUR168 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0168-2 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Fiddler Darol Anger and mandolinist Mike Marshall were both recent alumni of the pioneering David Grisman Quintet when this album was first released in 1983, and thus part of the scene that spawned what came to be known as New Acoustic Music -- a jazzy take on bluegrass tradition, or a bluegrass take on jazz tradition, depending on your perspective. The Duo is a wonderful document of the period that has held up well over time and was long overdue for the reissue treatment. (RA) |
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| $29.99 |
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| Title: |
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Good For What Ails You: Music Of The Medicine Shows 1926-1937 |
| Label: |
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Old Hat Enterprises (dist. Redeye)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309642882 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630964288X |
| UPC: |
|
00670725100523 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDEOLDH1005 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1005 |
| Genre: |
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Folk & country |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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What a time to be a fan of American roots music! This year has seen some fine reissues but Good for What Ails You, a fascinating and entertaining collection of songs performed by musicians that cut their teeth on the medicine show circuit, may be the best of the lot. The recordings date from 1926-1937, and represent the kind of lively, occasionally comic, fare that would attract a crowd before the quack made his pitch to the local rubes. The track selection is unusual and uniformly high quality, the 72 page booklet is informative and packed with great historical photographs, and the sound is excellent. Buy and recommend! (SM) |
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| $39.98 |
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| Title: |
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You Ain't Talkin' To Me: Charlie Poole And The Roots Of Country Music |
| Label: |
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CBS/Legacy
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Artist:
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Charlie Poole, Charlie & Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309347732 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630934773X |
| UPC: |
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00827969278024 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM92780 |
| Cat.#: |
|
92780 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Be warned that this is not a comprehensive set of Charlie Poole's recordings. Rather, over the course of three CDs, we get a solid representation of Poole's sound, plus the original recordings of the (often pop) tunes he covered, and some other fine old-timey bands who were directly influenced by Poole's records. A fascinating overview illustrating how the folk and pop worlds were not nearly as separate in the late 19th century and early 20th century as many think, and the impact that commercial recordings had on the evolution of old-time music. It's hard to believe that a major label put this out. Our hats are off to the folks at Columbia Records. (SM) |
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| Title: |
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Mighty River Of Song [CD & DVD] [Box] |
| Label: |
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Topic
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Artist:
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Watersons |
| ISBN: |
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9786308273100 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308273104 |
| UPC: |
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00714822400220 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTOPI4002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TSFCD4002 |
| Genre: |
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British Folk |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (5-discs) |
| Comments: |
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A wise person once said "Beware of 'important' albums -- they're like 'interesting' people." But the output of the Watersons, a British folk music dynasty that has joined with that of the Carthy family to produce some of the most exciting, innovative and energetic traditional music played or sung anywhere in the world, has been both objectively "important" and musically delightful for four decades. This wonderful boxed set brings together recordings from throughout their career, some of which are long out of print and some of which are previously unreleased. The package includes a documentary film about the family and, strangely, a complete UK discography in fold-out poster format. No collection of British or American folk music should be without this lovingly compiled and beautifully packaged box. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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At The Wood's Heart |
| Label: |
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Topic
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Artist:
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June Tabor |
| ISBN: |
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9786309670786 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309670786 |
| UPC: |
|
00714822055727 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTOPI557 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TSCD557 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Has any British singer mastered traditional folk songs as well as June Tabor? One listen to her latest effort once again reaffirms her command of the genre. Her arrangements are quiet and thoughtful, as she’s accompanied by Martin Simpson’s guitar, Huw Warren’s piano, and a few other instruments on mostly traditional selections. Lest we be tempted to cast Tabor as merely a traditionalist, she effortlessly tosses off modern gems like Anna McGarrigle’s “Heart Like A Wheel” and Ellington’s “Do Nothing ‘Til You Hear From Me” with the same beauty and grace that she gives a Child ballad. (GH) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $14.95 |
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| Title: |
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Amsterdam Funk |
| Label: |
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Small Town SuperJazz
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Artist:
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Free Fall |
| UPC: |
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600116839527 |
| Cat.#: |
|
STSJ095CD |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music, Free Form Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
A modern jazz trio with no percussion that has some of the most innovative bass clarinet lines around? Hmmm...Must be Free Fall, another Ken Vandermark association. The CD is a brilliant melange of modern jazz styles from both sides of the Atlantic. A welcome addition to any library trying to expand their jazz collection beyond the standards. (DC) |
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| Title: |
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New Grass |
| Label: |
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Verve (originally released on Impulse Records)
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Artist:
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Albert Ayler |
| ISBN: |
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9786309624840 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309624849 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498802724 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000426902 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0004269-02 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Ayler's 1968 release is not exactly what one expects from such a master of free jazz. It's a very R&B album, complete with back beat and backup singers. It was called Ayler's "sell-out" album and is dismissed by most jazz fans. However, this reissue shows that some interest should be paid to this recording. One may not this it's "classic" Ayler, but in some essence, it is. It shows the makeup of his influences and his versatility. It certainly doesn't sound like it was fashioned to be a top 40 album, like so many "sell-outs" often are. It's very different, but it's unmistakingly Ayler. Definitely worth adding to a libary's jazz collection, if only to show how diverse one artist's output can be. (DC) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Shades Of Jade |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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Marc Johnson, |
| Performer: |
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Marc Johnson; Joe Lovano; Eliane Elias; Joey Baron; John Scofield |
| ISBN: |
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9786309626530 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309626531 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498714775 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000506002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ECM 1894 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Bassist Johnson initially gained fame as a member of legendary pianist Bill Evans’ trio in the late 1970s. Since then, Johnson’s career has been highlighted by a small but distinguished set of offerings as a leader, and this sextet recording stands as one of his finest. A soft yet sizzling intensity permeates this disc, driven by the interplay between Johnson’s bass, Eliane Elias’ piano, and Joey Baron’s delicate drumming. Featuring original compositions by Johnson and pianist Elias, the rhythm section sets the mood, offering space for some gorgeous tenor sax from Joe Lovano and elegant guitar from John Scofield. The tunes move along on a sharply focused, yet relaxed gait, unfolding with a gently swinging beauty. (GH) |
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| $12.99 |
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| Title: |
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Uncertain Path |
| Label: |
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Symbol System
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Artist:
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Rob Levit |
| UPC: |
|
829757732121 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0401 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Jazz guitarist Rob Levit shows off his impressive range on this trio album, which finds him covering Sting (on a lovely version of "Fields of Gold") and Bob Marley ("Waiting in Vain") as well as exploring bluesy, Caribbean and bristly experimental moods on his own compositions. Listeners will hear hints of early Pat Metheny and John Scofield here from time to time, but ultimately Levit's sound is quite personal and multifaceted. Very nice stuff, recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $24.98 |
| |
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
One Up, One Down: Live At The Half Note |
| Label: |
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Impulse!
|
|
Artist:
|
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John Coltrane |
| Performer: |
|
John Coltrane; Alan Grant; McCoy Tyner; Jimmy Garrison; Elvin Jones |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309610140 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309610147 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498621431 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000238002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0002380-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Historically, this recent find from the Coltrane vaults is an important addition to ‘Trane’s catalog in that it captures the “classic quartet” in the spring of 1965, during the recording time of Transition and just prior to the quartet’s demise. Soon after, Coltrane’s spiritual quest would move irrevocably into the stratosphere. The playing is fierce and vital, and the quartet’s energy is palpable – it’s a fitting swan song of one of jazz’s finest groups. Taped from radio broadcasts, the selections are culled to fit the airtime and include the radio host’s voice over, which captures some of what it must have felt to hear this magnificent music from your radio in 1965. Extensive liner notes by Coltrane scholar Ashley Kahn provide analysis and context. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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It Is Written |
| Label: |
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ACT Music
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Artist:
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Peter Apfelbaum & The New York Hieroglyphics |
| ISBN: |
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9786309593931 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309593935 |
| UPC: |
|
00632375943721 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHNR 759437 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9437-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz Music, Jazz-Fusion |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
It's been a while since we've heard Apfelbaum and his Hieroglyphics pals on a CD. With an eclectic group backing him up on each track, Apfelbaum explores a variety of influences and melodies to create one fine musical work. This is not traditional jazz, but rather something that takes from everywhere else. with a great group of players and an innovative composer, any library would be hard pressed not to collect Apfelbuam. (DC) |
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| |
| $16.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Live at Athenaeum Jazz |
| Label: |
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Capri
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Artist:
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Mike Wofford Trio |
| UPC: |
|
054987406720 |
| Cat.#: |
|
74067-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This is the first publicly-released recording from the 15-year-old jazz series at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in San Diego, where pianist Mike Wofford has been a regular feature for much of that time. His elegant phrasing, impressive chops and perfect taste in standards are all fully in evidence here, as are the formidable skills of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Victor Lewis. I do wish the piano had been miked a bit more closely, though. Strongly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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 |
| |
| $107.98 |
| |
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
A Musical History [CD & DVD] [Box] |
| Label: |
|
|
|
Artist:
|
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The Band |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309633767 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309633767 |
| UPC: |
|
00724357740906 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCAP 774090 |
| Cat.#: |
|
72435-77409-0-6 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (5-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Previous attempts at compilations of The Band's music may have left a lot to be desired, but this one is obviously intended to be the big one -- one DVD and five discs of music that attempt to encompass the entirety of the group's work up until The Last Waltz. Capitol's reissues of the individual albums had a smattering of alternate takes and such, but almost a third of the tracks here are previously unreleased on CD, and the entire first disc is given over to material recorded before Music From Big Pink, their first album as The Band. This set is recommended for all libraries, with the only caveat being that it comes packaged as a 9.5 x 11.5" hardbound book with 112 pages of text and photos bound together with the slipcases for the discs. (SA) |
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| |
| $64.98 |
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|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
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Children Of Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From The Second Psychedelic Era (1976-1996) |
| Label: |
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Rhino
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309535221 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309535226 |
| UPC: |
|
00081227463922 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRHIN74639 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 74639 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Rhino’s Nuggets series examines the legacy of 1960’s guitar-based, psychedelic-tinged garage rock, and Children of Nuggets chronicles 1976-96. While their influences evolved from a basic “three chords and the truth” approach to rock, the myriad of bands on this 4-CD set showcase just how interesting and diverse the genre became during this era. There’s a rich trove of cult favorites and college radio staples, including the Soft Boys, the dB’s, the Plimsouls, Rain Parade, That Petrol Emotion, and dozens of others, each creating their own fresh take on what was developing into a rich rock tradition. In an era when corporate interests turned rock into a largely vapid wasteland, there were plenty of exciting bands making refreshing original music well underneath the commercial radar; some of their best material can be found in this set. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Fabric 24 |
| Label: |
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Fabric
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Artist:
|
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Rob Da Bank |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309605641 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630960564X |
| UPC: |
|
00802560004722 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDK7 FAB47 |
| Cat.#: |
|
47 |
| Genre: |
|
Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Despite their carefully cultivated air of party-hearty decadence, DJ-mix albums are usually a pretty dreary affair: an hour or so of soundalike house grooves or ho-hum breakbeats. Count on Rob Da Bank to break the mold with this wildly eclectic collection that includes everything from Pepe Kalle's joyful African jazz to the Fiery Furnaces' bitter take on "I Wish I Was Single Again," and from N.O.H.A.'s brilliantly funky "Balkan Hot Step" to Futurehead's twitchy cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love." Spectacular. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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On The Wheels Of Solid Steel [CD & DVD] |
| Label: |
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Ninja Tune (dist. Caroline)
|
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Artist:
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DJ Kentaro |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309640956 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630964095X |
| UPC: |
|
00625978110928 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNJTN109 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD109 |
| Genre: |
|
Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
If you're not going to dance, then buckle your seatbelt, because this is not your old, chilled-out Ninja Tune fare: on Wheels of Solid Steel DJ Kentaro serves up some of the most exciting and energetic junglist breakbeats to hit the decks in years. Great selections from the likes of DJ Food, the Herbaliser and Coldcut are on the menu, as is a fun DVD with animated videos and live DJ footage. (RA) |
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|
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| |
| $19.99 |
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| |
|
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| Title: |
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The Right Spectacle: The Very Best of Elvis Costello: The Videos |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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|
Artist:
|
|
Elvis Costello |
| ISBN: |
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9786309633248 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309633244 |
| UPC: |
|
00603497040926 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BEDDRV 970409 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 970409 |
| Genre: |
|
Music Video - Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
This is a very handy compilation of music videos from the length of Elvis Costello's career, from the raw and rather amateurish pre-MTV clips made to promote his first two albums through the increasingly professional and intriguing videos from his Trust and post-CBS periods, up to his triumphant return to form on "Sulky Girl" and "13 Steps Lead Down." Also included is a fun selection of British TV appearances -- but sadly, his incendiary first appearance on Saturday Night Live is left out. (RA) |
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| |
| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
|
Solid Gold Hits [CD & DVD] [Edited] |
| Label: |
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Capitol Records
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Artist:
|
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Beastie Boys |
| ISBN: |
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9786309691651 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309691651 |
| UPC: |
|
00094634416825 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCAP 44168 |
| Cat.#: |
|
44168 |
| Genre: |
|
Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Release type: |
|
Best of (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Love them or hate them, the Beastie Boys brought rap to white America in the late 1980s, and although this set doesn't bring together all of the weird delights featured on the two-disc Sounds of Science, this one is probably a better choice for collections that just need a concentrated compilation of hits. The Fatboy Slim remix of "Body Movin'" is a nice touch, and I defy anyone not to fall under the funky spell of either "Root Down" or their comeback single "Ch-check It Out." The version under review here is the edited version, with a companion DVD of videos for all of the songs featured; unedited versions with and without the DVD are also available. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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No Direction Home: The Soundtrack (Bootleg Series Vol 7) |
| Label: |
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CBS/Legacy
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Artist:
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Bob Dylan |
| ISBN: |
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9786309538246 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309538241 |
| UPC: |
|
00827969393727 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOLM93937 |
| Cat.#: |
|
C2K 93937 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Fok Revival |
| Release type: |
|
New/Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This fine audio CD set is a companion to Martin Scorsese’s excellent Dylan bio of the same name, and continues to document more of Dylan’s back pages. Ripe with previously unreleased treasures, the selections offer a succinct chronological overview of Dylan’s musical development from his earliest years to his 1966 electric tour. Disc one documents his transition from folk hero to singer/songwriter, while the second disc offers fascinating alternate takes from the Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde sessions that showcase both the wide range of Dylan’s influences and his ability to radically reinterpret his own material at the drop of a hat. The more Dylan reveals, the more intriguing he becomes. (GH) |
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 |
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| $34.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fillmore West 1969 |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Grateful Dead |
| ISBN: |
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9786309697158 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309697153 |
| UPC: |
|
00081227319328 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRHIN73193 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 73193 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
The Dead’s 1969 double LP Live/Dead stands as one of the most significant live albums in the rock canon. It reveled in extended improvisation (“Dark Star”) and challenged the listening assumptions of many rock fans. It also captured the Dead in their element – live, in front of an audience, and helped install the band as one of rock’s most successful live acts. Fillmore West 1969 is culled from the same set of concerts that produced Live/Dead, and provides further evidence of how progressive this band was in 1969. Recommended. (GH) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Rasta Still De Bout |
| Label: |
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Minor 7 Flat 5 (dist. Caroline)
|
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Artist:
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Josie Mel |
| ISBN: |
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9786309839770 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309839772 |
| UPC: |
|
00673795211526 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDGVAT52115 |
| Cat.#: |
|
15 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
You've got to love this: the song "Consecrate Yourself" is followed immediately by one titled "Let's Party." Ah, reggae -- still representing popular music's only perfect confluence of the sacred and the profane. On this album Josie Mel is helped out by such eminent production teams as Mafia & Fluxy, Steely & Clevie and (of course) Sly & Robbie, and he hits way more often than he misses. The worst miss is "I Love You," on which he sings in the wrong key; the best hit is the title track, on which he brags about his religious faith and delivers a hook that will stick in your brain for weeks. (RA) |
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| $14.00 |
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| Title: |
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Radio Pyongyang: Commie Funk and Agit Pop from the Hermit Kingdom |
| Label: |
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Sublime Frequencies
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Artist:
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|
|
| Performer: |
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Various |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD SF023 |
| Genre: |
|
Pop Music, World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Sublime Frequencies returns with another incredible example of found radio broadcasts. This CD contains an audio collage of media releases, short wave radio and field recordings all emanating from North Korea. It's a heady remix of propaganda, operatic highs and pop-rock quirks. As there's not much else out there on CD available from North Korea, this is an eye-opening find. You can view this as either a post-ironic view or a teasing peek into an isolated culture. Recommended for libraries' world music collection for its sheer originality. (DC) |
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| Title: |
|
Ethiopiques 20: Live In Addis |
| Label: |
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Buda Musique (dist. Allegro)
|
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Artist:
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Either / Orchestra |
| ISBN: |
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9786309599865 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309599860 |
| UPC: |
|
03341348601212 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROBUD860121 |
| Cat.#: |
|
860121 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Every new volume of Buda Musique's Ethiopiques series opens a new window on North-West African popular music. But while many of the recordings in the series are decades old, Live in Addis was recorded in 2004 at the Third Ethiopian Music Festival. Boston jazz faves Either/Orchestra are joined by a variety of local singers and instrumentalists (many heard on earlier volumes) for some original takes on Ethiopian music. It's amazing to hear the cross-pollination on influences on both sides. A perfect addition to any library. It also seems that Buda is now releasing collections of music from Zanzibar. Start making shelf space now! (DC) |
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| Title: |
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Blue Mongol |
| Label: |
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Sunnyside
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Artist:
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Roswell Rudd and the Mongolian Buryat Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786309680907 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309680900 |
| UPC: |
|
00016728114721 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSSCI281147 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SSC1147 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music, Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This CD is an unexprected surprise. Although one often expects Roswell Rudd to offer an innovative take on jazz, the pairing of his expert trombone work with that of Mongolian throat singing sounded so natural, while at the same time offered a new twist at every turn. Most of the tracks on the CD are traditional Mongolian tunes and Rudd's touch is both innovative and comfortable. A very nice addition for any world or jazz music collection. (DC) |
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| $18.00 |
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| |
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| Title: |
|
Studio One Classics |
| Label: |
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Soul Jazz (dist. Forced Exposure)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| UPC: |
|
5026328100968 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SJR CD96 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Compilations of classic tracks from Jamaica's famous Studio One are fairly common, but good luck finding another one with this kind of variety (everything from early ska by the Skatalites to early dancehall by Michigan and Smiley) and this kind of consistent quality. The UK's Soul Jazz label is perhaps the best source for this classic material. Highly recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
|
Wintersongs |
| Label: |
|
Diaphonica
|
|
Artist:
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Kitka |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309704184 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309704184 |
| UPC: |
|
801821902722 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2004 |
| Genre: |
|
World |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Here is a wonderful collection of seasonal songs from Eastern Europe -- Christmas songs from Hungary and Moravia (the latter featuring lovely and subtle overtone singing), winter songs from Latvia and Romania, New Year songs and various others from Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and even Israel. The singing is by turns sweet and acerbic, and the songs are a revelation. Strongly recommended. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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|
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| Title: |
|
First Flight: Early Calypsos From The Emory Cook Collection |
| Label: |
|
Folkways
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Mighty Sparrow |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309732774 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309732773 |
| UPC: |
|
00093074053423 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFOLK740534 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SFW CD 40534 |
| Genre: |
|
Calypso |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
The Mighty Sparrow is one of a group of elite calypsonians (a group that also includes Lord Kitchener and Lord Melody, for those who want to dig further) whose records brought infectious melodies, incisive social criticism and bawdy humor to thousands of listeners in the Caribbean during the 1940s and 1950s. This generous collection brings together 18 of his finest recordings from that period along with extensive notes and a few photos. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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