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| CLASSICAL |
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| |
| $19.98 |
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 |
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| Title: |
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Trinity Sunday at Westminster Abbey |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Choir Of Westminster Abbey / James O'Donnell |
| ISBN: |
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9786309895066 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309895060 |
| UPC: |
|
00034571175577 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD CDA67557 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CDA67557 |
| Period: |
|
Various |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This is a lovely and varied program of devotional and liturgical music by an assortment of British composers from both ancient and modern times. Divided into Matins, Eucharist and Evensong portions, the program includes works by such usual suspects as Benjamin Britten (the Te Deum in C), Herbert Howells and Thomas Tomkins, as well as such lesser-known composers as George Elvey and Edward Bairstow. The sound is curiously dry, but still quite attractive. Recommended. (RA) |
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 |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Shakespeare in Song |
| Label: |
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Chandos (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Phoenix Bach Choir / Charles Bruffy |
| ISBN: |
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9786308694677 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308694673 |
| UPC: |
|
00095115503126 |
| Prod.#: |
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BESACNDS5031 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CHSA 5031 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This disc (pricey because of its Super Audio format) presents a delightful assortment of modern choral works written on texts of Shakespeare, by composers both famous (Frank Martin, Ralph Vaughan Williams) and relatively obscure (Steven Sametz, the wonderful Matthew Harris). The styles vary from dissonant and abstract to jaunty and lyrically tonal, and all of the pieces are beautifully performed by the Phoenix Bach Choir. Recommended. (RA) |
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 |
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| $12.97 |
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| Title: |
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Lieder; Motets; Instrumental Works |
| Label: |
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Pandore
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Composer:
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Ludwig Senfl |
| Performer: |
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Farallon Recorder Quartet |
| UPC: |
|
825346888026 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD-5101 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Ludwig Senfl studied with Heinrich Isaac while at the court of Maximilian I in the early 16th century; upon Isaac's death, he took over as cour composer. This excellent disc includes recorder quartet arrangements of an assortment of Senfl's works both sacred and secular, and will not only delight the ear but should also help to shed light on an unjustly neglected master of Renaissance polyphony. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Seven Mirrors |
| Label: |
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New World Records
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Composer:
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Chinary Ung |
| Performer: |
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Quake; Gloria Cheng; Walter Gray; Rob Tucker; La Jolla Symphony / Harvey Sollberger |
| ISBN: |
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9786309222558 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309222554 |
| UPC: |
|
00093228061922 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNEWW80619 |
| Cat.#: |
|
80619-2 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
In addition to the eight-part title composition for solo piano, this disc includes a mysteriously lovely chamber piece titled Spiral VI, a duo for cello and percussion titled Grand Alap, and the symphonic Grand Spiral ("Desert Flowers Bloom"). Ung's music is generally fairly lyrical, though at times quite strange; all of it is worth hearing and can be recommended to any collection supporting a curriculum in composition. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Piano Trios |
| Label: |
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Arabesque
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Composer:
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Felix Mendelssohn |
| Performer: |
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Claremont Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786308988400 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6308988405 |
| UPC: |
|
00026724678622 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARAB6786 |
| Cat.#: |
|
Z6786 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The three young women who make up this trio play with both impressive maturity and deep conviction on this pair of Mendelssohn piano trios (opp. 49 and 66), delivering them with startlingly visceral energy and powerful feeling. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Interior Design |
| Label: |
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Bridge
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Composer:
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Steven Mackey |
| Performer: |
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Curtis Macomber; Aleck Karis; Susan Palma-Nidel; Maureen Gallagher; Gregory Hesselink |
| ISBN: |
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9786309810458 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309810456 |
| UPC: |
|
00090404918322 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBRIDBCD9183 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9183 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Steven Mackey's quirky, eccentric, yet quite accessible musical approach will be familiar to those who enjoyed his arrangements of Jimi Hendrix and Willie Dixon songs for the Kronos Quartet. This album includes a two-movement sonata for violin and piano, the title work (for violin solo) and an angular but very lovely flute quartet titled Humble River. Macomber's violin playing is exceptionally fine. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Works For Trumpet |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Alison Balsom |
| ISBN: |
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9786309926753 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309926756 |
| UPC: |
|
00724355804723 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEMIC58047 |
| Cat.#: |
|
5 58047 2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
For the most part, these aren't works for the trumpet at all, of course -- they're transcriptions of works for other solo instruments, including voice. Balsom has previously impressed with her excellent performances of baroque music on valveless trumpet, and here she shows an equal facility on the modern version of the instrument. Highlights include a lovely setting of Bach's Concerto in C BWV 1055 and the sweet and gentle "Bist du bei mir" from the Anna Magdalena Notebook. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Mass in D minor; Salve Regina |
| Label: |
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Chandos (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Johann Nepomuk Hummel |
| Performer: |
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Collegium Musicum 90 / Richard Hickox |
| ISBN: |
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9786309745798 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309745794 |
| UPC: |
|
00095115072424 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCNDS0724 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CHAN 0724 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Richard Hickox and Collegium Musicum 90 continue their survey of the masses of Johann Nepomuk Hummel with this world-premiere recording of his D minor mass and Salve Regina setting. As with the previous volumes in this series, the sound is a bit dry but nicely detailed, and the choir and orchestra both perform with a nice balance of fervor and restraint. The music itself brings to mind late Haydn, which is a compliment -- here's looking forward to more installments in this long-overdue examination of an underappreciated composer. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Works for Cello and Piano |
| Label: |
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Centaur (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Ludwig van Beethoven |
| Performer: |
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Tanya Tomkins |
| ISBN: |
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9786309741011 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309741012 |
| UPC: |
|
00044747272924 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCENT2729 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CRC 2729 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Recordings of Beethoven's chamber works for cello and piano aren't exactly hard to come by -- unless they're played on period instruments, as is the case on this fine release by cellist Tanya Tomkins (playing a Panormo cello from 1811) and Eric Zivian (playing a Lagrassa fortepiano from 1815). The program includes the G minor and D major sonatas, along with Seven Variations on a Theme from The Magic Flute and, for textural variation, the Eleven Bagatelles for Piano, op. 119. Interestingly, the darkness of Beethoven's melodies comes across more clearly than usual on Tomkin's gut-strung instrument (and is almost a little bit comic on the Mozart variations). Performances and recording quality are both top-notch. (RA) |
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 |
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| $17.94 |
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| Title: |
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Cello Concertos Complete |
| Label: |
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Brilliant Classics (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Luigi Boccherini |
| Performer: |
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Enrico Bronzi; Accademia i Filarmonici di Verona |
| ISBN: |
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9786309723369 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309723367 |
| UPC: |
|
00675754868123 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBRIL92618 |
| Cat.#: |
|
92618 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
|
New (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
To have all of Boccherini's delightful cello concertos in a single, three-disc set is very handy -- and to be able to get it at this super-budget price is even better. Unfortunately, cellist and conductor Enrico Bronzi's performances, while rhythmically alive and energetic, are marred throughout by poor intonation. I truly wish I could recommend this set, but I can't. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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Wired |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Michael McGoldrick |
| ISBN: |
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9786309942524 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309942522 |
| UPC: |
|
00766397442426 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOMS974424 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 4424 2 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Given the flugelhorn solo on "Strange Journey" and the drum loops and breakbeats scattered elsewhere throughout the album, it's a little hard to know exactly how to categorize this album, but Irish flute virtuoso Michael McGoldrick does a good job of making the issue a moot one. His sharp, reedy tone and his great taste in tunes combine with a love of funky beats to create a fresh and exciting take on traditional Irish music. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Downriver |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Karen Matheson |
| ISBN: |
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9786309983343 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309983342 |
| UPC: |
|
00766397442525 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOMS974425 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 4425 2 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
With Downriver, singer Karen Matheson steps away from her usual setting as a member of Scottish neotrad group Capercaillie and delivers a solo album of quiet intensity. Dominated by acoustic instruments and prominently featuring both piano and ethnic percussion, Downriver brings to mind the recent work of June Tabor, though Matheson's singing is much lighter and her song choices still tend strongly toward traditional Celtic material rather than art songs. Capercaillie fans will be sure to love this album, and traditionalists who abandoned that band long ago to its synthesizers and drum machines will want to give it a listen as well. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $20.98 |
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| Title: |
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Folk Roots, New Routes |
| Label: |
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Fledgling
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Artist:
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Shirley Collins & Davy Graham |
| ISBN: |
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9786309670755 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309670751 |
| UPC: |
|
05020393305228 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFLDG3052 |
| Cat.#: |
|
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| Period: |
|
1960s |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
This pairing of traditional British folk singer Shirley Collins and jazz-folk-blues-world guitar virtuoso Davy Graham was a fairly revolutionary idea in 1964--likely alienating many a folk purist--and was a direct and obvious influence on British folk-rock bands such as Fairport Convention and Pentangle. But far more important than its historcial significance are the surprises Folk Roots, New Routes brings even after repeated listens and its many moments of nearly heart-stopping beauty. Essential for any folk collection. (SM) |
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 |
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| $14.99 |
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| Title: |
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Cannonball |
| Label: |
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Big Karma
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Artist:
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Mark David Manders |
| ISBN: |
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9786309651716 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309651714 |
| UPC: |
|
00602257501226 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDDBLXBGK5012 |
| Cat.#: |
|
10001 |
| Genre: |
|
Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Mark David Manders isn't going to set the world on fire with his singing, which is more pleasant than exceptional, but his fifth album is a very enjoyable exercise in acoustic-based honky tonk country music and includes a couple of attention-grabbing standout tracks: the rollicking "Take a Look Around" and the more introspective "Frio River." (RA) |
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| $38.98 |
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| Title: |
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Starlight On The Rails: A Songbook |
| Label: |
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Daemon/Koch
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Artist:
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Utah Phillips |
| Performer: |
|
Utah Phillips and others |
| ISBN: |
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9786309279552 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309279556 |
| UPC: |
|
00767691904726 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDAMN19047 |
| Cat.#: |
|
AKO041 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
|
New (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This four-CD set by 70-year-old Utah Phillips is an excellent collection of narratives and musical offerings by one of America's premier poet/songwriter/storytellers. Many of the offerings are narratives that are Phillips' "stock in trade" tales of life's underdogs. He does not preach, but lets the story tell itself. Phillips is decidedly left-of-center in his views, but that does detract from the quality of his music. This anthology belongs in any modern folk collection. (JM) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Forerunner |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Cottars |
| ISBN: |
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9786309907790 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309907794 |
| UPC: |
|
00011661706422 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD116 6170642 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11661-7064-2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Cottars are two pairs of young siblings from Cape Breton who have now officially emerged from the "aren't they talented and cute" ghetto into something approaching full artistic maturity, and their latest album is an impressive document of what will probably become a significant modern folk franchise. Singer Fiona MacGillivray has one of the best voices to emerge from Canada in recent years, and the group's arrangements are respectful of tradition without being bound by it. Well worth hearing. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Life's A Ride |
| Label: |
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Imusic/Sbme
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Artist:
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Donna The Buffalo |
| Performer: |
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Donna the Buffalo |
| ISBN: |
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9786309281371 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309281372 |
| UPC: |
|
00801190120420 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDIMUS01204 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1204-2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk-Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
It may be difficult to classify Donna the Buffalo's musical style, as it is a combination of folk, country, jazz, zydeco and alternative rock. The band has been together for 17 years and sold over 100 thousand CDs. Life's a Ride is vintage Buffalo and will have you tapping your feet from the first tune onward. Donna the Buffalo is an important musical entity and Life's a Ride belongs in any modern folk/country music collection. (JM) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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East Coast Cool |
| Label: |
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Omnitone (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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John McNeil |
| ISBN: |
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9786309915139 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309915134 |
| UPC: |
|
00686281521122 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROOTI15211 |
| Cat.#: |
|
15211 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Trumpeter and composer John McNeil's conception of "cool jazz" isn't exactly the same as Chet Baker's or Miles Davis' was. His style might more usefully be called "cool and dry." Melodically abstract, emotionally reserved, and alternating regularly between composed and improvised sections, the music on this disc is challenging if generally enjoyable. (RA) |
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| $14.99 |
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| Title: |
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Mountains And Plains |
| Label: |
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Louie Records
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Artist:
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Rich Halley Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786309943231 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309943235 |
| UPC: |
|
00641125271427 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDLOUI035 |
| Cat.#: |
|
035 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
It's rare to hear a pianoless jazz trio swing as mightily as Rich Halley's does on "Problematic" or rock as funkily as it does on "The Rub." Elsewhere things are a bit more shapeless, but even then there are plenty of fascinating sounds to enjoy (check out drummer Dave Storr's subtle percussion on "The Spring," for example). For all adventurous jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Maverick |
| Label: |
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Pelosenel Q Lo (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Carli Munoz |
| ISBN: |
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9786309823069 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630982306X |
| UPC: |
|
00660662491723 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDPSNL1004 |
| Cat.#: |
|
PQL 1004 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
On his latest outing, pianist Carli Munoz is joined by an all-star rhythm section consisting of bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jack Dejohnette on a nicely-chosen program of original compositions and standards, and the result is an album of exceptional loveliness. Munoz has a delicate but authoritative touch, and Gomex and Dejohnette build a gently complex rhythmic foundation for his playing. The rich, clear sound quality of the recording is worth special note. Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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September Suite |
| Label: |
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215 Records
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Artist:
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Amina Figarova |
| ISBN: |
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9786309670458 |
| ISBN-10: |
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630967045X |
| UPC: |
|
00898841000217 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD215R2021 |
| Cat.#: |
|
215-2021 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This dark and haunting suite of jazz compositions documents the emotions that writer and pianist Amina Figarova experienced following the attack on the World Trade Center, which took place while she was visiting friends in Brooklyn. The music's emotional weight is significant, but its structure is graceful and Figarova avoids heavy-handed or facile gestures that could easily have cheapened the music and the feelings it seeks to express. A must for any library supporting a jazz composition curriculum. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Complete Verve Studio Master Takes |
| Label: |
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Verve
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Artist:
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Billie Holiday |
| ISBN: |
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9786309369390 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309369393 |
| UPC: |
|
00602498803028 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000429102 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0004291-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (6-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
During the last five years or so of her short (1915-59) life, Billie Holiday tended to cover familiar fare with a mixture of comfortable ease and world-weariness. This set documents Lady Day in late fall, and while the seasons had not necessarily been kind to her by then, she still managed to sing every tune with a delivery that nobody could match. Essential for any jazz collection. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Music of Jerome Kern |
| Label: |
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Centaur (dist. Qualiton)
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Artist:
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Jerome Kern |
| Performer: |
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Audubon Quartet |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309740984 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309740989 |
| UPC: |
|
00044747272429 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCENT2724 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CRC 2724 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Arranging jazz standards and show tunes for string quartet is pretty much old hat these days, but on this disc the (now tragically disbanded) Audubon Quartet makes a solid case for the unique appropriateness of Jerome Kern's songs for this kind of treatment. You'll hear the heartbreaking tenderness of "The Folks Who Live on the Hill" and the smoldering-passion-disguised-as-resignation of "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" with new ears. You've also never heard a "Pick Yourself Up," like this one before, in an energetic, almost guttural arrangement by Elliott Weiss. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
One |
| Label: |
|
Thirsty Ear/All Saints
|
|
Artist:
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|
Matthew Shipp |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309943774 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309943774 |
| UPC: |
|
00700435716629 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTHRS357166 |
| Cat.#: |
|
57166 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
On his latest album, the celebrated jazz pianist and experimentalist Matthew Shipp steps out on his own, playing what sounds like a combination of composed and improvised pieces that vary in energy and interest from the dense and boogying "Gamma Ray" to the ruminative "The Encounter. Impressionistic washes of sound intersect with fleet boppish lines and angular thrusts of dissonance, and the whole thing is intriguing if a bit exhausting. His fans will eat it up. (RA) |
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|
| Title: |
|
Town Hall, New York City, June 22, 1945 |
| Label: |
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Uptown
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Artist:
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Charlie Parker; Dizzy Gillespie |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309457400 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309457403 |
| UPC: |
|
00026198275129 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUPT 2751 |
| Cat.#: |
|
UPCD 27.51 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This disc, which makes available a long-lost recording of a set by bebop's most influential quintet, generated a huge response when it was released in late 2005, and with good reason. The sound quality is, after the first track, remarkably good, and Gillespie is in top form. (So is Parker, once he arrives -- he was late, as usual, and Don Byas had to sit in for him on the first half of the first tune.) The set list is no surprise ("Night in Tunisia," "Hot House," "Salt Peanuts," etc.) but the band cooks with such intensity that these familiar tunes sound new again. Essential to any jazz collection. (RA) |
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| |
| $16.95 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Days of Wine and Roses: Live at the Jazz Standard |
| Label: |
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ArtistShare
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Artist:
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Maria Schneider Orchestra |
| Cat.#: |
|
ArtistShare 0017 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New/Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
A disciple of the arranger/conductor Gil Evans (of Miles Davis collaboration fame), Grammy-award winning composer/arranger/conductor Maria Schneider is arguably the most important big band leader practicing today -– and certainly the most interesting. This eagerly-awaited reissue of a rare, live recording from 2000 finds her fronting her 17-piece orchestra on a set of nine originals and standards. Schneider’s a master of arranging, weaving her reed, trumpet, and trombone sections into a rich tapestry, where everything seems to fit like clockwork. Much like Ellington, she lets her talented soloists roar and soar along and above the background. This is orchestral jazz at its finest: exciting, engaging, and utterly beautiful. Very highly recommended. (GH). |
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| ROCK/POP |
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 |
| |
| $24.99 |
| |
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Item |
| Label: |
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Rhino Home Video
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Artist:
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New Order |
| ISBN: |
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9786309626073 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309626078 |
| UPC: |
|
00603497048229 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BEDDRV 970482 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 970482 |
| Genre: |
|
Music Video - Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This generously packed two-DVD set will appeal not only to fans of New Order, but also to those of the band's predecessor, Joy Division, which features prominently in the documentary on the second disc. The first disc consists of New Order videos and live footage, and offers a very good overview of the work of one of postpunk pop music's more inscrutable and yet strangely attractive bands. Recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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|
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| Title: |
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Fabric Live 24 |
| Label: |
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Fabric (dist. Studio)
|
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Artist:
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Diplo |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309699930 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309699938 |
| UPC: |
|
00802560004821 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDK7 FAB48 |
| Cat.#: |
|
48 |
| Genre: |
|
Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Fabric Live series has been a consistently exciting source of new sounds in breakbeat electronica, and Diplo's entry is no exception. His collection focuses on Miami sounds, but includes snatches of artsy techno, reggaeton, dancehall reggae and electropop as well. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $34.99 |
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| Title: |
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Who: Tommy And Quadrophenia Live With Special Guests |
| Label: |
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Rhino Home Video
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Artist:
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The Who |
| ISBN: |
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9786309758392 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630975839X |
| UPC: |
|
00603497050024 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BEDDRV 970500 |
| Cat.#: |
|
OPDV-970501 |
| Genre: |
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Music Video - Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Pete Townshend’s rock operas are best known from their double-LP studio recordings, multi-tracked events with strings and horns adding to the Who’s inimitable power trio. As a big fan of the raw, live version of Tommy from the Isle of Wight, I was a bit skeptical that the post-Keith Moon Who could pull off Tommy and Quadrophenia on stage. Townshend’s approach was to enhance the basic Who stage set with additional musicians, and the sound is much like that of the original studio albums -– he even dons an acoustic guitar for much of Tommy. An additional disc of many of their hits fills out the third disc. A pleasant surprise, and a unique live record of two of rock’s most original concept recordings.
(GH)
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|
|
| Title: |
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Falling Up |
| Label: |
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Toucan Cove (dist. Madacy)
|
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Artist:
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Digby |
| ISBN: |
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9786308503054 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6308503053 |
| UPC: |
|
00628261052325 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMADA50523 |
| Cat.#: |
|
50523 |
| Genre: |
|
Popular Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Never heard of them? Your patrons haven't, either. Do everyone a favor and pick up this startlingly attractive roots-rock album by a band that sounds equally influenced by Weezer and Tom Petty. I know, I know, but trust me on this. (RA) |
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 |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Ashamed |
| Label: |
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Lujo
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Artist:
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Suffering & The Hideous Thieves |
| ISBN: |
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9786309561183 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309561189 |
| UPC: |
|
00751937271123 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROLUJ32 |
| Cat.#: |
|
032 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
It's hard to tell whether Jason Suffering's preoccupation with religious imagery arises from sincere belief or horrified fascination, and he's probably happy to leave you guessing. In any case, he's much more fun to listen to than Nick Cave, and he sometimes writes tunes in waltz time. Put this one in front of your patrons and watch your street cred rise. (RA) |
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 |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Learn To Talk/Country Of Blinds |
| Label: |
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ReR/Fred
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Artist:
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Skeleton Crew |
| ISBN: |
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9786309959669 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309959662 |
| UPC: |
|
00752725901420 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRERU08 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ReR/FRO 8/9 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Skeleton Crew was guitarist Fred Frith, cellist Tom Cora and (on the band's second album, Country of Blinds) keyboardist and harpist Zeena Parkins. Together they created a unique brand of agit-prop avant-rock that combined spiky experimentalism with politically charged lyrics and actual hooks that took you by surprise. This reissue combines both albums (originally issued in 1984 and 1986) into a midline-priced two-disc package and should be seriously considered by all adventurous pop music collections. (RA) |
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|
| WORLD/ETHNIC |
|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Sounds From A Bygone Age, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
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Indigo/Asphalt Tango (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
|
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Artist:
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Ion Petre Stoican |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309954282 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309954288 |
| UPC: |
|
04015698635126 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD ATR0805 |
| Cat.#: |
|
6351-2 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
No amount of listening to 1930s gypsy jazz will prepare you for this raw, thrilling document of Romanian gypsy dance music circa 1970. Violinist Ion Ptere Stoican leads a large ensemble here, but the dominant voices are his violin and the cimbalom, a hammered dulcimer that improvises alongside him like a jazz piano. Unique, fascinating and fun. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Latin Travels 2: A Six Degrees Collection |
| Label: |
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Six Degrees
|
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309585134 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309585134 |
| UPC: |
|
00657036112124 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSXDR361121 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11212 |
| Genre: |
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Latin Music/Electronica |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Usually when a label releases a disproportionately large number of various-artist compilations, it's a warning sign -- the music is going to sound cheap and prefab, and much of it will be recycled from one release to another. Six Degrees is an exception to that rule: almost every one of their globetrotting ethno-electronica collections is not only worth purchasing for your library, but for your home collection as well. This one features brilliant contributions from Los Mocosos, Latin Soul Syndicate, Tim "Love" Lee, DJ Tripp and many others, and can't be recommended strongly enough. Look up the label's whole catalog, while you're at it: http://www.sixdegreesrecords.com. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Play-Station |
| Label: |
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Asphalt Tango (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Motion Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786309641618 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309641611 |
| UPC: |
|
04015698605921 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD ATR0705 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0705 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
What can you say about an album by a Polish accordion trio? Well, probably only one of two things: either buy it immediately or run away screaming -- it's hard to imagine a middle ground. This one falls into the "buy immediately" category, though you may want to skip a track or two (like the goofy imitation of a fly). More interesting are the ersatz turntablism and the minimalist "Transeaccordion." Not every library will need it, but for those with adventurous collections, this is a worthwhile curiosity. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
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|
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| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Fuji Satisfaction: Soundclash In Lagos |
| Label: |
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Piranha
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Artist:
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Ade Bantu & Adewale Ayuba |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309586179 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309586173 |
| UPC: |
|
00826863199824 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD PIR1998 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1998 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Further evidence that Euro-African hip hop is something of a hit-and-miss affair. This one hits more than it misses, but the misses can be kind of painful. Should be seriously considered for modern world music collections; others should consider it an optional purchase. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Honeysuckle (Mesk Elil) |
| Label: |
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Wrasse (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Souad Massi |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309682857 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309682857 |
| UPC: |
|
00875232005624 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDWRSR170 |
| Cat.#: |
|
170 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Algerian singer-songwriter Souad Massi has released a string of captivating acousto-electric albums over the past few years; the latest is another gorgeous blend of Western and North African influences; her lyrics are all in Arabic, and most of the instrumentation is African as well, but the occasional incursion of funky Western beats breaks up the mood nicely. And her voice is a thing of silken beauty. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $16.98 |
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|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Pinero |
| Label: |
|
American Clave
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Artist:
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Kip Hanrahan |
| ISBN: |
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9786309799203 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309799207 |
| UPC: |
|
00692863058528 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDACLA1056 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1056 |
| Genre: |
|
Latin Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
American composer and arranger Kip Hanrahan has, in my opinion, a very mixed musical record. However, he hits more than he misses with this soundtrack album, which includes some brilliant long-form Caribbean jazz jams along with the usual self-indulgent instrumental twaddle that too often characterizes his work. This one is worth hearing, if not an essential purchase. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Silver & Gold: 1973-1979 |
| Label: |
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Blood & Fire
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Artist:
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Prince Far I |
| ISBN: |
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9786309731630 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309731637 |
| UPC: |
|
00783564004928 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRD 640049 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BAFCD 049 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Prince Far I was one of the few truly unique reggae artists of the 1970s, a deejay (or "toaster," exponent of the proto-rap art form that came into its own during the late 1960s and 1970s in Jamaica) with a growling delivery and strong preference for songs of racial and spiritual uplift. Tragically killed by burglars in 1983, his recordings remain popular among lovers of roots reggae. This collection brings to light some unjustly neglected rarities as well as some less compelling material, but fans will be clamoring for it. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Zabalaza |
| Label: |
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Escondida
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Artist:
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Thandiswa Mazwai |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309683144 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309683144 |
| UPC: |
|
00617465652523 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDLECD6525 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ESC 6525-2 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
South African singer Thandiswa Mazwai, who made her name as a member of the very popular band Bongo Maffin, delivers a powerful solo debut with Zabalaza, which finds her excelling in everything from mbaqanga and xhosa songs to gorgeous gospel and subtly shaded jazz numbers. Very strongly recommended to all world-music collections. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $19.98 |
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|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Syliphone Years |
| Label: |
|
Sterns Music USA
|
|
Artist:
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|
Bembeya Jazz National |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309883476 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
630988347X |
| UPC: |
|
00740042302129 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSTEN3021-22 |
| Cat.#: |
|
STCD 3021-22 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Bembeya Jazz were a popular Guinean band, and the years referred to in the title are the late 60s to mid 70s -- a time when west African music was still under the spell of Cuban influence but also finding its own voice. This collection compiles singles and album tracks that would be literally impossible to hear otherwise, and Stern's deserves a lot of credit for bringing to light yet another of the region's seemingly inexhaustible bounty of brilliant bands before their unique sound is lost to history. (SA) |
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|
 |
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| $25.98 |
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|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Rhythm Tree |
| Label: |
|
March Hare (dist. Phantom Sound & Vision)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Baka Beyond |
| ISBN: |
|
9786309300546 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309300547 |
| UPC: |
|
06764998017276 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDPHAM707586 |
| Cat.#: |
|
MAHACD 20 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This disc is a delightful cross-cultural meeting between musicians from Europe, the British Isles and the Cameroon rainforest. It's the kind of fusion that too often results in music that is long on heartwarming politics and short on compelling musical results, but just listen to the gorgeous "Sad Among Strangers" or the densely complex "Boulez Boulez" to see how great this type of thing can sound when it's done right. Very nice. (RA) |
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