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| CLASSICAL |
|
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| |
| $18.98 |
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 |
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| Title: |
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Quintets K 516 & K 593: Version with Flute, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
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Hungaroton (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Campanile |
| ISBN: |
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9786310160931 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310160931 |
| UPC: |
|
00675754906429 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHUGR32352 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HCD32352 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
|
Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This is the first time these two rearrangements of Mozart string quintets (for flute with violin, two violas and cello) have been recorded, and while most classical collections will want to own a copy of this disc, I wish I could recommend its quality more unreservedly. Though most of the program is delightful, on the first movement of the G minor quintet Hajo Bäss is playing noticeably (though not dramatically) out of tune. It's a fly in an otherwise rich ointment, but doesn't detract from the recording's research significance. Recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Sacred Choral Music |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Felix Mendelssohn |
| Performer: |
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Choir Of St. John's College / Hill |
| ISBN: |
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9786310221571 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310221574 |
| UPC: |
|
00034571175584 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDA67558 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CDA67558 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Mendelssohn was one of the greatest pure melodists of the romantic period, and that gift is nowhere more in evidence than in his sacred vocal music. This wonderful recording brings together sixteen of his choral works, including several psalm settings and a gorgeous Ave Maria. The singing by the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, is spectacular. Highly recommended to all collections. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Virtuoso Violin Music at the Court of Catherine the Great |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Ivan Yevstafyevich Khandoshkin |
| Performer: |
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Anastasia Khitruk; Dmitry Yakubovsky; Kyrill Yevtushenko |
| ISBN: |
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9786310219134 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6310219138 |
| UPC: |
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00747313002870 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8570028 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.570028 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Violinist Anastasia Khitruk offers fiery and passionate performances on this fine program of late-18th-century Russian sonatas and folksong settings by court composer Ivan Yevstafyevich Khandoshkin. The three sonatas are for violin alone, and she really shines on these pieces. The six folksong settings bring in viola or cello as well, and are also charming, though not quite as musically exciting. Recommended overall. |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Teatro Lirico |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Stephen Stubbs |
| ISBN: |
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9786310119595 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6310119591 |
| UPC: |
|
00028947631019 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000592302 |
| Cat.#: |
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ECM 1893 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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On this very attractive disc, lutenist Stephen Stubbs leads a quintet that also includes violin, viola da gamba, harp and guitar through a nicely-selected collection of sonata movements, dances, improvisations and suites. Drawing on 17th-century sources from Italy and Slovakia, he creates a varied but sonically unified program, all of it quite lovely and vaguely melancholy. Manfred Eicher's typically warm and wet production style works surprisingly well here. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Caput |
| Label: |
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Glossa
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Composer:
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Johannes Ockeghem |
| Performer: |
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Grandelavoix / Schmelzer |
| ISBN: |
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9786310153155 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310153153 |
| UPC: |
|
00675754905125 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGLSA32101 |
| Cat.#: |
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GCD P32101 |
| Period: |
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Late Medieval/Early Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The practice of machicotage (improvised embellishment of certain plainchant passages) was controversial in Ockeghem's time, but far from rare in practice. The vocal ensemble Grandelavoix uses the composer's Missa Caput to illustrate the practice, with interesting results. Unfortunately, attractive singing seems to have been sacrificed on the altar of authenticity here, leaving a recording that is of undoubted educational value but not much interest as a listening experience. (In fact, on a grumpier day I might have suggested a slightly different spelling of the album title.) (RA) |
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 |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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String Quartet Op. 96; Quintet with Piano Op. 81 |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Antonin Dvorak |
| Performer: |
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Jerusalem Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786310221472 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6310221477 |
| UPC: |
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00794881800629 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMC901899 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMC 901899 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Dvorak's "American" string quartet remains one of his best-loved and most immediately accessible. It's paired here with his earlier opus 81 piano quintet, which, like the quartet, was written very quickly during a particularly powerful burst of musical energy. Both are played splendidly by the Jerusalem Quartet, with pianist Stefan Vladar on the quintet. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Stokowski: Bach Transcriptions |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Bournemoth Symphony Orchestra / Serebrier |
| ISBN: |
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9786310311944 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310311948 |
| UPC: |
|
00747313288328 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8557883 |
| Cat.#: |
|
8.557883 |
| Period: |
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Baroque/Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Those who aren't already familiar with Leopold Stokowski's orchestral transcriptions of Bach arias, chorales, and fugues, this disc will come as something of a shock: Stokowski's style is big, florid and sometimes downright turgid, but even with their occasional heaviness they communicate both the genius of the original work and Stokowski's reverence for the master. The program also includes the arranger's own "Two Ancient Liturgical Melodies" and settings of Purcell and Handel. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hungarian Dances from the 17-18th centuries |
| Label: |
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Hungaroton (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Istvan Nemeth; Viktoria Herencsar; Peter Ella |
| ISBN: |
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9786310160924 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310160923 |
| UPC: |
|
00675754906320 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHUGR32339 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HCD32339 |
| Period: |
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Baroque/Early Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Whether this music really counts as "classical" in anyb meaningful sense is kind of debatable, but when a harpsichord is involved it seems like a more accurate designation than "folk." In any case, what this album offers is a nice program of mainly traditional dance melodies from 17th and 18th century Hungary played on the tarogato a close relative of the clarinet, accompanied variously by harpsichord and cimbalom (a dulcimer-like instrument). Consistently fascinating, less consistently in tune, these melodies will be of significant interest to many ethnomusicology collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Hamburgische Festmusiken |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach |
| Performer: |
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Himlische Cantorey; Les Amis de Philippe / Remy |
| ISBN: |
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9786310220390 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
631022039X |
| UPC: |
|
00761203710829 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777108 |
| Cat.#: |
|
777 108 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The increasing interest in J.S. Bach's most famous and accomplished son has led to the gradual discovery of more and more neglected works; hence this wonderful collection of sacred choruses and cantatas written after he departed the court of Frederick the Great for a new position in Hamburg. These are delightful works, as you'd expect, and the performances are first-rate. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Renaissance Portugal: Sacred Music Of Cardoso And Lobo |
| Label: |
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Coro (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Manuel Cardoso; Duarte Lobo |
| Performer: |
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The Sixteen / Christophers |
| ISBN: |
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9786309663078 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309663070 |
| UPC: |
|
00828021603228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOOR16032 |
| Cat.#: |
|
COR16032 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This recording makes a strong argument for both Cardoso and Lobo as composers who deserve more attention than they typically get. The program features three motets by the former and two by the latter, along with a mass setting by each; Lobo's is the relatively well known requiem mass, while Cardoso's is a Marian mass, Missa Regina Maeli. All the pieces are performed beautifully, though the sound is rather dry in the typical Sixteen style. (RA) |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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String Quintet D 956; String Quartet D 87 |
| Label: |
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Profil/Hanssler
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Composer:
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Franz Schubert |
| Performer: |
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Vogler Quartett |
| ISBN: |
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9786310312088 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310312081 |
| UPC: |
|
00881488505122 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDPFIL05051 |
| Cat.#: |
|
PH05051 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Vogler Quartett turns in very persuasive accounts of two of Schubert's chamber works on this very fine live recording, conveying the composer's youthful brio, his backward-looking affection for the classical tradition and his anguished romanticism all at once. The sound quality is remarkably rich and focused and the playing is exemplary. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Salve Regina: Motets |
| Label: |
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Ars Musici (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Jacobus Vaet |
| Performer: |
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Dufay Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
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9786310156644 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310156640 |
| UPC: |
|
00675754905422 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDARSM1397 |
| Cat.#: |
|
AM 1397-2 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Ever heard of Jacobus Vaet? No? Me either. He was a contemporary of Palestrina and Lassus, and was apparently very well regarded in his time. This sumptuous recording by the Dufay Ensemble (actually their third collection of works by this composer) amply demonstrates why, and prepare to be especially impressed by the sweet tone of countertenor Alain Ebert. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $26.98 |
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| Title: |
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Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of |
| Label: |
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Yazoo/Koch
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309990525 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309990527 |
| UPC: |
|
00016351220226 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDYZOO2202 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2202 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
The big scoop here is the inclusion of a Son House 78 that was recorded in 1930, has eluded record collectors for decades, and has never been reissued. And these two House sides embody the theme of this whole wonderful collection of old-time country and blues 78s: Rare and obscure records from the 1920s and 1930s that actually live up to the hype built by fans and collectors. With Yazoo's usual perfect mastering, and presented in a DVD-length box with artwork by R. Crumb, this is essential for any American roots music collection. The only possible complaint is that the liner notes are entertaining, but not terribly informative. (SM) |
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| Title: |
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Harlan Country USA: Songs of the Coal Miner's Struggle |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Various |
| ISBN: |
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9786310218076 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310218077 |
| UPC: |
|
00011661402621 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD116 6140262 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-4026-2 |
| Genre: |
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|
| Release type: |
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Soundtrack |
| Comments: |
|
Rounder’s recent collection of coal-mining songs is an expanded soundtrack to Barbara Kopple’s award-winning 1976 documentary Harlan County, USA, and serves as a good introduction to Appalachian coal mining songs. It’s music born of struggle and loss, largely written and performed by musicians with direct familial contact with coal mining. As a specific sub-genre of protest music, Appalachian coal mining songs include some classic selections that are well-known outside of the region, including Sarah Ogan Gunning’s “Come All You Coal Miners,” Merle Travis’ “Dark As A Dungeon,” and Florence Reece’s “Which Side Are You On?” Strong pro-union themes dominate this collection, along with cries against injustice and the evils of capitalism. Those familiar with the genre will note that many of these selections were previously released on other Rounder offerings, including They’ll Never Keep Us Down, Coal Mining Women, and Come All You Coal Miners. (GH)
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dark Holler: Old Love Songs And Ballads |
| Label: |
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Folkways
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786309672223 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309672223 |
| UPC: |
|
00093074015926 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFOLK740159 |
| Cat.#: |
|
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| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Dark Holler includes two old and long-unavailable Folkways records featuring field recordings of mostly unaccompanied ballad singing compiled by folklorist/musician/photographer/filmmaker John Cohen in the mountains of North Carolina in the early 1960s. Singer Dillard Chandler performs more than half of the 26 tracks and he is absolutely mesmerizing, but most everyone shines on traditional ballads that had been known in this area for centuries. The set also includes a DVD of Cohen's film The End of an old Song, a fascinating--if occasionally contrived--portrait of Dillard Chandler. It features some very moving singing by Chandler and his neighbors. (SM) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Stiffs Lovers Holymen Thieves |
| Label: |
|
Topic Records
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Artist:
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Tim Van Eyken |
| ISBN: |
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9786310290904 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310290908 |
| UPC: |
|
00714822056526 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTOPI565 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TSCD565 |
| Genre: |
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British Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
A veteran of five years’ touring with the esteemed British folk group Waterson:Carthy, Tim van Eyken is making his own mark in the world of traditional and traditionally-influenced Brit folk. Much of the recording evokes the electric "trad:arr" realm of Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, with Oliver Knight’s electric guitar adding punch to selections like “Fair Ellen of Ratcliffe.” Other selections are unplugged, such as the gentle “Australia,” with van Eyken’s acoustic guitar accompanied by Nancy Kerr’s viola and Colin Fletcher’s double bass. Acoustic or electric, van Eyken is a master at recasting traditional material and making it his own. Very fine, indeed. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Complete Reprise Sessions |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Gram Parsons |
| ISBN: |
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9786309427847 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309427849 |
| UPC: |
|
00081227466923 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN74669 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 74669 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
As the years go by, with the mainstreaming of Nashville commercial country and the healthy development of alt-country, the influence of Gram Parsons as the “father of country rock” is ubiquitous. He boldly blended genres into what he dubbed “cosmic American music,” and was equally adept in putting his own mark on tunes by such seemingly different artists as Aretha Franklin and the Louvin Brothers, showing the common thread that exists between soul and traditional country in the process. Alas, Parson’s brilliance burnt out in a drug and alcohol overdose after a handful of seminal albums. This set collects his two solo recordings – GP and Grievous Angel – but also includes a third CD of mostly unreleased alternate takes from the sessions. The newly found material adds context and depth to these classic recordings, providing insight into how he crafted his songs and developed his harmonies with his musical protégé Emmylou Harris. While these important albums have been reissued again and again, the addition of the alternate takes makes this the definitive collection. Highly recommended. (GH)
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| $10.98 |
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| Title: |
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Travelin' With The Blues |
| Label: |
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Arhoolie (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Tom McFarland |
| ISBN: |
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9786309356147 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6309356143 |
| UPC: |
|
00096297905524 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDARHO9055 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9055 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Tom McFarland was no innovator, but he was a fine and soulful singer and a pleasingly scrappy guitarist. This reissue of his 1978 debut album adds three previously unreleased bonus tracks to the original program, and it remains a very fine example of stripped-down, trio-format blues. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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American Favorite Ballads Vol 4 |
| Label: |
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Smithsonian Folkways
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Artist:
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Pete Seeger |
| ISBN: |
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9786310200095 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310200097 |
| UPC: |
|
00093074015322 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRD 740153 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SFW CD 40153 |
| Genre: |
|
Folk |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Two points to make here: First, someday we're not going to have Pete Seeger anymore, and what are we going to do then? Second, you may think your library already has a good selection of 1950s and 1960s Seeger recordings and so you're all set. But check again: are any of them on CD? (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Steppin' in the Boiler House |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Mark Schatz |
| ISBN: |
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9786310324692 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310324691 |
| UPC: |
|
00011661055926 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDROUR559 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11661-0559-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Old Timey |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Mark Schatz is not only one of the most solid bass players and tasteful producers in the bluegrass/folk/old-time universe, but also an exceptionally fine clawhammer banjo player. His latest solo album focuses on the latter, and it's a delightful collection of classic fiddle tunes and new compositions that is sure to have you buck dancing around the room from the first track. Highly recommended to all country and folk collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Daybreak: Fainne An Lae |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310046617 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310046616 |
| UPC: |
|
00766397442822 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOMS974428 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 4428 2 |
| Genre: |
|
Celtic |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's voice doesn't have the dark individuality of June Tabor's or the sweet crystal clarity of Karan Casey, but it has something somewhere between, and her ability to interpret songs both old ("Slan le Maigh," "The Parting Glass") and new ("Western Highway") with equal insight and grace makes this a must-hear album. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
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 |
| |
| $13.00 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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You Don't Know Me |
| Label: |
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None
|
|
Artist:
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Jack Brass Band |
| UPC: |
|
606041202221 |
| Cat.#: |
|
JBBCD002 |
| Genre: |
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New Orleans Brass Band |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
If you like the sound of New Orleans-style brass bands, but wish someone would do something just a bit different with it, then this is the group for you. Firmly grounded in the traditional verities, the Jack Brass Band is nevertheless perfectly happy to adapt tunes by Stevie Wonder, Horace Silver and Michael Jackson to their own tight-but-raucous ends. Beautifully played and sharply recorded, this is a very fine album. (Available via CDBaby.) (RA) |
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| |
| $16.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Kali's Son |
| Label: |
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Bardo (dist. City Hall)
|
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Artist:
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Jonas Hellborg |
| UPC: |
|
647882004421 |
| Cat.#: |
|
044 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/World |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
A new album from bassist/composer Jonas Hellborg is always cause for celebration -- assuming you have a taste for complex, beautiful, multicultural, jazzy, funky freak-outs, that is. The tragic death of guitarist Shawn Lane robbed Hellborg of perhaps his most exciting foil, but this trio set with percussionist Selvaganesh and electric sitarist Niladri Kumar is brilliant in its own way. Start with this one, and then start working back through his solo catalog -- you'll be amazed. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Return |
| Label: |
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HEP (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Original Dixieland Jazz Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786310300481 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310300482 |
| UPC: |
|
00603366108429 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROHEP1084 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HEP CD 1084 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
The Original Dixieland Jazz Band was a pioneer of the genre (in fact, it was the first to be called a "jazz band") and it remains one of the most exciting trad jazz bands to listen to. This wonderful collection brings together recordings made between 1935 and 1938 and includes stellar performances by trumpeter Nick LaRocca and clarinetist Larry Shields, with plenty of fine vocal performances by pianist J. Russel Robinson. An essential jazz purchase. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Chuck Redd Remembers Barney Kessel: Happy All The Time |
| Label: |
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Arbors (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Chuck Redd |
| ISBN: |
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9786310115498 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310115499 |
| UPC: |
|
00780941131420 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROARB19314 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ARCD 19314 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This fine album is a sweet and heartfelt tribute to the late guitarist Barney Kessel. The fact that the session is led by vibraphonist Chuck Redd and only features guitar on six of the album's twelve tracks seems a bit strange, but there's no questioning the swinging energy generated by this shifting lineup of jazz stars, or the genuine affection they invest in these tunes, all of which were either written by Kessel or strongly associated with him. A warm and wonderful album. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Bebop Basson |
| Label: |
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Guild/Zah Zah
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Artist:
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|
|
| Performer: |
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Daniel Smith |
| ISBN: |
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9786310249063 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6310249061 |
| UPC: |
|
00795754982022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGUILZZCD9820 |
| Cat.#: |
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ZZCD 9820 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
At first glance, you might say to yourself "Bebop bassoon? There's no way that's going to work."
And you'd be right. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Legendary Prestige Quintet Sessions |
| Label: |
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Prestige
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Artist:
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Miles Davis Quintet |
| ISBN: |
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9786310217741 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310217747 |
| UPC: |
|
00025218444422 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDPSGR44444 |
| Cat.#: |
|
PRCD4-4444-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
These 1955/56 quintet sessions mark the point where Miles Davis kicked his drug habit and began to distinguish himself as a major bandleader and innovator. He was fronting his first great quintet, with John Coltrane on tenor sax, Paul Chambers on bass, pianist Red Garland, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Recorded over two dates in 1955 and 1956, this is some of the most engaging small group jazz of the decade, and resulted in five albums: The New Miles Davis Quintet, Relaxin’, Steamin’, Workin’, and Cookin’. An additional CD includes rare live material from this era, plus enhanced content that includes five transcriptions of Miles Davis trumpet solos. Coltrane’s playing is lyrical and expressive, Miles’s trumpet is angelic, and the whole groove is gently sublime – these are musical giants, slowly waking to their explosive potential. Essential. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got that Swing |
| Label: |
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Sons Of Sound
|
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Artist:
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Fred Wesley & the Swing'n Jazz All-Stars |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310228853 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310228854 |
| UPC: |
|
00656607002925 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSOFS20029 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SSPCD029 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
On his latest album, trombonist and James Brown alumnus Fred Wesley downplays his more raucous, funky side in favor of more contemplative jazz fare. The pieces featured here were written or arranged by commission for student ensembles, and while none is simplistic or pedagogical in any obvious way, all have a certain gentle charm that makes the album irresistible. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| |
| $17.00 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Diaries of Private Henry Hill |
| Label: |
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MJ12
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Artist:
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Blow Up Hollywood |
| UPC: |
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837101164078 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Yes, these guys win the Worst Band Name of the Year award, and yes, this is a concept album -- that's two strikes right there. But give it a chance. Based on the diaries of a young soldier who died in Iraq in 2004, this song cycle does nothing to hide the band's view on the war, but neither does it descend into mere sloganeering, and the music is consistently both interesting and enjoyable even as the subject matter becomes progressively more harrowing. Hand-sell this one to faculty teaching political science and current events. (Available from the band at http://www.hollyskite.com/merch.php) (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Dirty Little Secret |
| Label: |
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M.C. (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Katharine Whalen |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310247335 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310247336 |
| UPC: |
|
00607735005623 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMCRC56 |
| Cat.#: |
|
MC-0056 |
| Genre: |
|
Popular Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Katharine Whalen got her start as a singer and banjo player for the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and her Betty-Boop-meets-Billie-Holiday vocal style fit in perfectly with the band's passionate appropriation of 1920s hot jazz and jump blues. When the band broke up she made a solo album in a similar vein, but Dirty Little Secret finds her exploding genre boundaries. Now her voice is more individual and refined, and the sounds on this album draw as much on electronica as on vintage jazz. It's a surprisingly pop-smart and endlessly hooky effort. Recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Let Love In |
| Label: |
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Warner
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Artist:
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Goo Goo Dolls |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310039855 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310039857 |
| UPC: |
|
00093624974826 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDWARN49748 |
| Cat.#: |
|
49748 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
I tend to think there are two kinds of people in the world: those who admit that they love the Goo Goo Dolls, and those who won't admit that they love the Goo Goo Dolls. Keep it to yourself if you want, but if you aren't swooningly taken in by the first eight bars of the first song on their latest power-pop effort, then you may need to see a doctor. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Speak and Spell (Deluxe Edition) |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Depeche Mode |
| ISBN: |
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9786310160900 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310160907 |
| UPC: |
|
00081227759322 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN77593 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 77593 |
| Genre: |
|
Popular Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
You could certainly argue that Depeche Mode's debut album hasn't aged particularly well, and that its title gives an all-too-accurate indication of the simplistic melodies and nursery rhyme lyrics contained within. But in 1981 this was seriously groundbreaking stuff, and anyone who was an artsy and misunderstood teen at the time will likely burst into tears at hearing these surprisingly affecting electropop songs again. And the bonus DVD contains a brief documentary film, four additional tracks, and the whole album in Dolby 5.1. An essential pop document. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
|
Living with War |
| Label: |
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Warner
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Artist:
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Neil Young |
| ISBN: |
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9786310220284 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310220284 |
| UPC: |
|
00093624433521 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDWARN44335 |
| Cat.#: |
|
44335-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
It’s hard not to think back to Neil Young’s Ohio when you hear this new record. As with his previous reaction to the Kent State killings, Young has crafted a passionate response to war and violence, following his muse to create a sometimes sloppy, sometimes sublime, but consistently heartfelt album of protest music. Written and recorded in a matter of days, Living With War is Young at his best: loud, raw, and immediate. A number of these tunes, such as “Let’s Impeach The President” and “Lookin’ For A Leader” are off-the-shelf anthems, begging to be heard again and again over the upcoming election season – and perhaps for other election seasons to come. Like Picasso’s Guernica and its response to Franco’s atrocities, Young has melded art and politics in response to specific events. And like Guernica, there’s plenty in Living With War that has staying power, and will transcend the immediate political season. (GH) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Orchestra of Bubbles |
| Label: |
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Bpitch Control (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Ellen Allien |
| ISBN: |
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9786310271057 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6310271059 |
| UPC: |
|
00661956712524 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBPTC125 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BPC125 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This is Allien's collaboration with Sascha Ring, who records under the name Apparat. As with much of the electronic music coming out of Germany nowadays, this project is made for the club as well as for home listening, and it successfully combines Allien's poppier tendencies with Apparat's more severe production style. Highly recomended as a good introduction to the sound of contemporary Berlin. (SA) |
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| $14.48 |
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| Title: |
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Better Off La Peste |
| Label: |
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Dionysus/Bacchus Archives
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Artist:
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La Peste |
| ISBN: |
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9786309937568 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6309937561 |
| UPC: |
|
00053477010423 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBCHA11104 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BA11104 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
La Peste was one of the darlings of the early-80s Boston New Wave scene; their single "Better Off Dead" (their only widely-distributed recording) remains legendary. This disc compiles 26 tracks of scrappy, snotty punk rock and includes both sides of that single, along with homemade demos and live tracks. The sound is mostly pretty good, but this stuff hasn't necessarily aged very well. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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His Hands |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks/Honest Jons
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Artist:
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Candi Staton |
| ISBN: |
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9786310073460 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
631007346X |
| UPC: |
|
00094634983228 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDATWR49832 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ASW 49832 |
| Genre: |
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Soul |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
In 2004, the Honest Jons imprint released a 26-track compilation of classic Muscle Shoals recordings by legendary souls singer Candi Staton. Now comes this album of brand-new recordings in a similar vein, and she sounds as good as ever. Gratefully, no effort whatsoever was made to update Staton's sound: this is raw, earthy southern soul music, most of it heartbroken, and all of it spectacular. Highly recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Shine of Dried Electric Leaves |
| Label: |
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Six Degrees
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Artist:
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Cibelle |
| ISBN: |
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9786310157641 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310157647 |
| UPC: |
|
00657036112520 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSXDR361125 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11252 |
| Genre: |
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World/Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Six Degrees label is known for providing consistently enjoyable electro-world music, and the debut by this French singer is no exception. But it's a bit more avant-garde in tone than you might expect; various ethnic elements shoot in and out of the mix in an almost dubwise style. But just when you're about to succumb to bewilderment, a song like "Phoenix" reaches out and caresses your face with a gentle melody and warm cello. Definitely worth hearing. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Bobby Bobylon |
| Label: |
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Heartbeat
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Artist:
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Freddie McGregor |
| ISBN: |
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9786310183862 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310183869 |
| UPC: |
|
00011661781528 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD116 6178152 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11661-7815-2 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Reggae singers with really great voices almost always end up going pop eventually, and Freddie McGregor was no exception. But in his early days he was a gritty rootsman all the way, and his Studio One recordings from the 1970s remain some of his most powerful. This long-overdue reissue of his Bobby Bobylon features remastered sound and eight bonus tracks, including extended showcase mixes and DJ combinations. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dog Daze |
| Label: |
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Arhoolie (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Csokolom |
| ISBN: |
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9786310112473 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6310112473 |
| UPC: |
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00096297052327 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARHO523 |
| Cat.#: |
|
523 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Technically, this Transylvanian group is a string quartet with a bass instead of a cello. In practice, they're like a Balkan version of a cross between the Kronos Quartet and Cordelia's Dad -- with an occasional hint of Bob Wills thrown in for good measure. Sound intriguing? It should. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Kal |
| Label: |
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Asphalt Tango (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Kal |
| ISBN: |
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9786310167435 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
631016743X |
| UPC: |
|
04015698648829 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHMD ATR0906 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD-ATR 0906 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Gypsy music seems to be indestructible. It doesn't matter what kind of musical chaos you throw it into -- combine it with reggae, electronica, rock'n'roll, jungle, whatever -- it will emerge stronger and cockier. Kal, a Gypsy band from Belgrade, demonstrate the principle on this thrilling and exhausting album, on which you'll hear skanking backbeats, wah wah guitars, wailing accordions, drum loops, keening violins, and at least one tuba-driven tango. Brilliant. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Bunny Lee Rock Steady Years |
| Label: |
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Moll-Selekta (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Various |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310274140 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310274147 |
| UPC: |
|
04015698585728 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMOL 13 |
| Cat.#: |
|
MOLL-SELEKTA 13 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Bunny Lee is not as famous as Duke Reid or Coxsone Dodd, but he made rock steady records just as good as either of those legendary producers did. This compilation of tracks from 1967-68 catches Jamaican music right before it became political and apocalyptic, when the songs were about love and soulful singing and sweet harmonies were still the order of the day, and it fills a gap in the less documented history of this style. (SA) |
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| $15.98 |
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|
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| Title: |
|
Ay Caramba! |
| Label: |
|
Cumbancha
|
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Artist:
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|
Ska Cubano |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310318974 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
6310318977 |
| UPC: |
|
00890846001015 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCUMH1 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CMB CD 1 |
| Genre: |
|
Ska/Cuban |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
There's absolutely no reason why a fusion of Jamaican ska and Cuban mambo and son should be anything other than a hugely enjoyable rhythmic party, and the guys in Ska Cubano don't disappoint. Led by British ska singer Natty Bo and Cuban singer Beny Billy, this pick-up band jumps nimbly from style to style, blending them here and focusing on one or the other there, and it's tons of fun. Warning: Listening to this album will probably make you start dancing around behind the desk with fruit on your head. (RA) |
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