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December 2007
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Piston/Foote/Berger: American Music for Cello |
| Label: |
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Albany
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Luis Leguia |
| ISBN: |
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9786311598368 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034061097228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAR TROY972 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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An excellent album of American works for cello. Three cello and piano pieces are framed by two works for cello and orchestra. Two premiere recordings of Walter Piston pieces are included along with works by Berger, Foote, and Evett. Technically proficient and emotional performances by both Leguia and pianist Robert Freeman. A unique aspect of this recording is that Leguia performs on a Luis & Clark Carbon Fiber Cello which gives the music a deep, rich tone. Highly recommended. (MB) |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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Wind Concertos, Vol. 1 |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Georg Philipp Telemann |
| Performer: |
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La Stagione Frankfurt; Camerata Koln / Michael Schneider |
| ISBN: |
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9786311655504 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203703227 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777032 |
| Cat.#: |
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777 032-2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Vivaldi is generally the guy tagged as the most prolific concerto composer of the baroque period, and maybe he does win on numbers alone. But if you factor out all the thematic repetition, the man left standing is probably Telemann, a composer who was not only amazing productive but also capable of much more musical variety. This is a very fine collection of five wind concertos -- for various combinations of recorder, flute, horn, and oboe -- played by two of Europe's top period-instrument ensembles and promising subtitled "volume 1." Here's looking forward to future installments. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Piano Quintet in A Major, op. 81; Quartet in E-flat Major, op. 51; Romance for Violin, op. 11 |
| Label: |
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MSR Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Antonin Dvorak |
| Performer: |
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Windscape |
| ISBN: |
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9786311505052 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00681585117521 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSRCMS1175 |
| Cat.#: |
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MS 1175 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Windscape is a wind quintet that plays Dvorak's music with an unusual degree of sensitivity and insight, tapping into all the emotion of the composer's chamber music without milking it too heavily, as some are tempted to do. This is also a nicely chosen program, which includes an arrangement for violin and wind quintet of Dvorak's Romance for Violin and Orchestra, op. 11. Recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Young Maverick |
| Label: |
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CBC
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Glenn Gould |
| ISBN: |
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9786311655801 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00059582203026 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCBC PSCD2030 |
| Cat.#: |
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PSCD20306 |
| Period: |
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Various |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (6-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Here is a startlingly fine bargain: six discs of early Glenn Gould recordings offered for less than the normal price of two. The reason for the attractive pricing lies in the fact that these are reissues of monophonic radio broadcast recordings, rather than the best-selling studio recordings of the period -- but the sound quality is very good and the performances are fascinating. The program includes the predictable Bach pieces (Goldberg Variations, various partitas and inventions) as well as concertos by Beethoven (with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra) and both solo and large-scale pieces by Schoenberg, Webern and Berg. Gould fans will be thrilled to have these classic recordings in a convenient, compact package. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Saint-Saens/Brahms/Bach: Two Organ Landmarks in Columbus |
| Label: |
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Raven
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Composer:
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Camille Saint-Saens; Johannes Brahms; Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Timothy Edward Smith |
| ISBN: |
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9786311505489 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034069690025 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRVN OAR900 |
| Cat.#: |
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OAR-900 |
| Period: |
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Various |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This two-disc set may be of interest especially to librarians who develop collections in Ohio. Timothy Edward Smith (minister of music at the First Congregational Church in Columbus, OH) performs a wide variety of solo pieces for organ on two different organs (W.W. Kimball organ (1931); Rudolf von Beckerath Organ (1972)) both of which reside at the First Congregational. This set provides a wide range of organ repertoire (17th-20th centuries) and also features a transcription, by Mr. Smith, of Saint-Saen's "Carnival of the Animals." Excellent playing, and beautiful sounding instruments.(PS) |
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| Title: |
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Media Vita: Polish Passion Songs |
| Label: |
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Dux (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Bornus Consort |
| ISBN: |
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9786311557105 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754001513 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDUX 0279 |
| Cat.#: |
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0279 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The passion song (relating various aspects of Jesus' crucifixion) has a long and rich tradition in Polish sacred music, and this remarkable disc brings together ten varied examples taken from a number of 16th-century codices. There are plainchants, polyphonic works, and songs accompanied by drones -- all of them filled with a blend of wonder and dread, and all of them deeply moving. Highly recommended to all early music collections. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Symphonies no 5 & 7-9, etc; Vltava |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Antonin Dvorak; Bedrich Smetana |
| Performer: |
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Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra / Various Conductors |
| ISBN: |
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9786311525920 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05099950087822 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEMIC878 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is a reissue of a set that was released by Brilliant Classics two years ago. Before that, they were released on three separate discs in the late 1980's andearly 1990's by EMI. These are terrific recordings. The Oslo Philharmonic sounds excellent and Janssons' interpretations are very convincing.(PS) |
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| Title: |
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String Quartets Op 9 |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Franz Joseph Haydn |
| Performer: |
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London Haydn Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786311643105 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571176116 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDA67611 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA67611 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Lots of classical ensembles play on period instruments these days, but the London Haydn Quartet takes the idea one step further -- playing from editions published during the composer's lifetime, thus preserving quirks and anomalies that were later ironed out in more heavily edited versions. The playing on this two-disc set is warm and wonderful, and the liner notes include helpful points about some of the unusual features of these pieces in their 1790 (Longman & Broderip) editions. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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Ordinary Seasons |
| Label: |
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Polecat Creek (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Polecat Creek |
| ISBN: |
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9786311601266 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00837101383936 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPLCT065 |
| Cat.#: |
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065 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Polecat Creek is the award-winning North Carolina duo of Kari Sickenberger and Laurelyn Dossett, who are masters at combining traditional Appalachian musical styles and instrumentation with superlative original songwriting. They have great voices and sing harmonies like a dream, resulting in a CD that’s lyrically rich, musically compelling, and a joy to listen to. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Woodshop |
| Label: |
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Adventure Music
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Artist:
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Darol Anger & Mike Marshall |
| ISBN: |
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9786311169636 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00823421103729 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDADSI1037 |
| Cat.#: |
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AMA 1037-2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Pop |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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With four feet firmly planted in the New Acoustic world, Anger and Marshall continue their long collaboration on this release, with occasional help from other musicians. However, most of the work is theirs, and theirs, and theirs, with multi-tracking on various fiddles, mandolins making them sound alternately like a duo, or a jam band, or an orchestra, sometimes within the same tune. Borrowing from various traditions, and referencing themes ranging from the Beatles to Bach won’t please traditionalists of any stripe, but will be an eye-opening experience for those unfamiliar with the beautiful soundscapes they have been working to create. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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Live From the Ruhr Triennale |
| Label: |
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Train Wreck
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Artist:
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Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez |
| ISBN: |
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9786311547441 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00670501002720 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTRWR027 |
| Cat.#: |
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TW0027 |
| Genre: |
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Country |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Veteran songwriter Chip Taylor’s diverse career includes penning Janis Joplin’s “Try,” the pop hit “Angel of the Morning,” hits for Waylon Jennings, and the garage band classic “Wild Thing.” Of late he’s turned to stripped-down acoustic country fare in collaboration with fiddler/harmony singer Carrie Rodriguez. This 2005 live date is a gem, featuring beautiful versions of Taylor’s songs and selected covers. The vocal delivery and harmonies are delightful, and the backing band features jazz guitarist Bill Frisell and steel guitarist Greg Leisz. With the right elements, a live date can be a magical event. This is such a date. Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Flatt & Scruggs TV Show Vol. 1 [DVD] |
| Label: |
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Shanachie Records
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Artist:
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Flatt & Scruggs |
| ISBN: |
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9786310904740 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00016351061195 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDSHAN611 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Period: |
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1960s |
| Genre: |
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Music Videos - Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Any bluegrass lover will find something to like on this DVD release containing two classic 30 minute Flatt and Scruggs Grand Ole Opry television shows from August 1961 and February 1962. Shown in their entirety including brief Martha White Flour ads and cooking demonstrations, these shows primarily feature Flatt and Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys playing traditional bluegrass and gospel songs as well as some of their own compositions. The band is obviously playing at the top of their form at this point and their enthusiasm is contagious. These live shows were recorded on two-inch videotape and occasionally scratches in the film and audio irregularities can be detected, but don’t detract much from these historic shows. (CLHD) |
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| $28.98 |
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| Title: |
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Blue Sky Boys |
| Label: |
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JSP (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Blue Sky Boys |
| ISBN: |
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9786310852485 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00788065778224 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDJSPI7782 |
| Cat.#: |
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JSP7782A-E |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (5-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The exceptional vocal harmonies and large repertoire of early country, folk, and gospel make the Blue Sky Boys stand out from other early country duo acts. While the remastering makes this release very palatable to modern ears, the limitations of the original recordings are still noticeable. Some listeners may also find the instrumental accompaniment (most prominently mandolin and guitar) too reserved and the material on this 5 CD set a bit repetitive. The close harmonies of this brother act are excellent, though, and served as an inspiration for later duos such as the Louvin Brothers and the Everly’s. As with other JSP sets, the price makes buying this set versus a single CD very appealing. (CLHD) |
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| Title: |
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Dona Got a Ramblin' Mind |
| Label: |
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Music Maker Relief Foundation (dist. Redeye)
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Artist:
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Carolina Chocolate Drops |
| ISBN: |
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9786310511955 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00601163000762 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDEMMR076 |
| Cat.#: |
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MMCD 76 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This excellent recording of African-American string band revivalists, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, reminds listeners that white musicians were certainly not the only ones playing old-time music for dances in years past. Most of the songs and tunes on this recording will be familiar to fans of old-time music, but African-American influences including the use of snare drum, jug, and harmonica can also be identified. The Carolina Chocolate Drops have worked extensively with elder African-American fiddler Joe Thompson to build upon his knowledge and this release shows that there is still life and value in the lingering African-American string band tradition. (CLHD) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Upfront And Down Low |
| Label: |
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Verve Forecast
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Artist:
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Teddy Thompson |
| ISBN: |
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9786311316306 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517329997 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000890802 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0008908-02 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Thompson’s previous CD, Separate Ways, was a showcase for his exemplary singing and songwriting. He changes tack on his latest, delivering a set of country covers originally done by the likes of George Jones and Merle Haggard. Not surprisingly, he recreates this material in his own image, sometimes using lugubrious string arrangements, other times adding a more country-rock flavor. A highlight is Ernest Tubb’s “Walking the Floor Over You,” with some heartbreaking, twangy guitar work from Teddy’s dad Richard. While not quite as engaging as his own songs, this new recording extends Thompson’s originality beyond singing and songwriting, showing that’s he’s capable of rendering any tune his own. (GH) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Raising Sand |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Robert Plant & Alison Krauss |
| ISBN: |
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9786311567951 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661907522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6190752 |
| Cat.#: |
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1166190752 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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An unlikely combination to be sure, but the effect is quite satisfying: Robert Plant scales back his usual Led Zeppelin sound for a darker timbre that compliments Alison Krauss’s light, airy vocal texture. T Bone Burnett’s production is structurally sparse and arid, allowing Marc Ribot’s distinctive technique to add contour to the album’s sonic landscape. Creative song choices interweave country, folk, blues, and R&B, resulting in an incredibly pleasing listening experience. (AJ) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Make Someone Happy |
| Label: |
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MSI Music (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Sophie Milman |
| ISBN: |
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9786311385999 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00803057007721 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKOCH270077 |
| Cat.#: |
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7437157 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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An incredible voice! A wide range of tunes from Rodgers/Hammerstein to Stevie Wonder, a cover of the Guess Who's Undun, jazz standards like "Fever," and even a Hebrew folk song arranged for voice, piano, and cello. The musicians are technically dazzling and lend great support to Milman's voice. A "must have" for any jazz collection, library or personal! (mb) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Three |
| Label: |
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Origin Records
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Artist:
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Upper Left Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786311488584 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00805558249020 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDORGN82490 |
| Cat.#: |
|
82490 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A laid-back jazz trio dominated by the piano of Clay Giberson. The album is solid jazz instrumentals mainly composed by members of the group. Most of the 13 tracks are absolutely enjoyable, but the jazz version of Neil Young's "Don't Let It Bring You Down" has got to go. Recommended. (MB) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live At The 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival |
| Label: |
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Monterey Jazz Festival Records
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Artist:
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Miles Davis |
| ISBN: |
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9786311411483 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072303102 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMTJF30310 |
| Cat.#: |
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MJFR-30310 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This marvelous, previously unreleased 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival recording captures Miles Davis’ quintet with his great mid 60’s rhythm section (Herbie Hancock, piano; Ron Carter, bass; and Tony Williams, drums) and saxophonist George Coleman. Miles is playing tunes from his late 50’s set list, but with an intensity and abandon not heard a few years prior to this recording. For instance, his solo attack on “So What” is fierce and unrelenting, a far cry from the gentle version heard on “Kind of Blue.” The whole gig is driven by William’s drums, hinting at the new direction this band would take with Wayne Shorter stepped into the saxophone role in 1965. The recording is excellent, the performance exquisite. (GH) |
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| $10.98 |
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| Title: |
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My Favorite Things: Coltrane at Newport |
| Label: |
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Impulse!
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Artist:
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John Coltrane |
| ISBN: |
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9786311275580 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517350540 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000907602 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0009076-02 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This live set combines two performances (1963 and 1965) at the Newport Jazz Festival. Both sets feature Coltrane with pianist McCoy Tyner and bassist Jimmy Garrison, with drummer Elvin Jones on the ’65 date and drummer Roy Haynes sitting in for Jones on the 1963 date. Both performances are excellent – this is Coltrane at his live best, playing long, intense, breathtaking solos. What’s most intriguing is the contrast between the drummers’ styles on Coltrane’s marvelous take on “My Favorite Things” – Jones is a polyrhythmic fury, while Haynes prefers a softer, more shuffling approach. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fantasy |
| Label: |
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Palmetto (dist. Red)
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Artist:
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Bill Mays & The Invention Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786311396704 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00753957212827 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPMTO2128 |
| Cat.#: |
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PM 2128 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Recorded in 2001 and 2005, this mix of duo and trio performances reflects this pianist’s interests in both chamber jazz and a bright, elegant, mainstream approach. With Marvin Stamm on trumpet and flugelhorn, joined by Alisa Horn on cello for some pieces, they mix Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Gershwin, standards, and some Mays originals, including the three-movement title work. Together they create a beautiful blend of colors and textures that make it ideal for late night listening. (JW) |
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| $59.98 |
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| Title: |
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Interplay |
| Label: |
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Prestige Records/Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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John Coltrane |
| ISBN: |
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9786311492659 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072302044 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPSGR530204 |
| Cat.#: |
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PRCD5-30204 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (5-discs) |
| Comments: |
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John Coltrane wasn’t always the domineering saxophonist and bandleader of legend. In the late-50’s, he was a member of Miles Davis’ band and often played a supporting role on other musician’s recordings. This 5-CD box collects the 1956-58 Prestige recording sessions where Coltrane played as a sideman. Several of these were “tenor conclaves” where Trane would jam with other tenor saxophonists such as Hank Mobley, Al Cohn, and Paul Quinichette, while other sessions find him accompanying drummer Art Taylor and pianist Mal Waldron. It’s a smorgasbord of some of the finest jazz musicians of the era, and the playing is consistently exciting, especially the sessions with guitarist Kenny Burrell. A 60 page booklet includes extensive liner notes by Coltrane scholar Lewis Porter and a detailed discography of each session. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $17.97 |
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| Title: |
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Let It Snow |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Chanticleer |
| ISBN: |
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9786311481615 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227996710 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN284988 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 284988 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/Holiday |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Chanticleer, America's finest all-male chorus, has made several Christmas albums in the past, but this one is different: whereas earlier ones focused on Renaissance and classical music, this one is jazzier and poppier, with elaborate orchestral jazz arrangements alongside sweet and simple a cappella settings. The songs are almost all familiar favorites, and this disc will appeal greatly to the group's huge fan base. (RA) |
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 |
| |
| $16.95 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| Title: |
|
Sky Blue (Standard Edition) |
| Label: |
|
artistShare
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Maria Schneider |
| Performer: |
|
Maria Schneider Orchestra |
| UPC: |
|
616892914129 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
Orchestral jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Grammy-award winner Maria Schneider’s latest is a magnificent work of contemporary big band arranging. She writes engaging charts and voices her horn sections with a beauty that few composers match. The centerpiece is the 22-minute “Cerulean Skies,” an evocative musical portrait of Peru ripe with naturalistic imagery. As Gil Evan’s former assistant, who once wrote for the Mel Lewis big band, Schneider is a link to some of jazz’s finest orchestras. In her capable hands, the state of composition and the jazz orchestra is alive and thriving. A masterpiece, pure and simple. Very highly recommended. (Note: This CD is available directly from artistShare: http://www.artistshare.com ) (GH) |
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| Title: |
|
Live at the Pittsfield City Jazz Festival |
| Label: |
|
SeaBreeze
|
|
Artist:
|
|
New England Jazz Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311070383 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00017231214229 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROSBJ2142 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SBJ-2142 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This concert at the first CityJazz Festival in 2005 must have brought the house down! An amazing band of sixteen, directed by pianist Walt Gwardyak, they mix a variety of styles and time signatures in mostly original compositions in their fourth release. The faster tunes almost seem like a NASCAR race, with quick starts, stops, hairpin turns, and breakneck displays of virtuosity and daring, while the slower tracks give individual musicians room to stretch out, tell a story, and blend in endless variation that makes a really good big band such a pleasure to listen to. (JW) |
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| ROCK/POP |
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Night Falls Over Kortedala |
| Label: |
|
Secretly Canadian (dist. ADA)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Jens Lekman |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311540411 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00656605016023 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSCTC50160 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SC160 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Destined for a devoted cult following, Night Falls Over Kortedala is soaring and orchestral, yet endearingly awkward, indie pop that manifests itself as limited-budget Righteous Brothers. Lekman’s words and arrangements are lush and romantic, at his best on “Your Arms Around Me.” He includes such oddball touches such as references to asthma inhalers and kangaroo pouches, giving the whole affair a fun yet daft off-kilter edge when matched with his slight Swedish accent. (MC) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Beauty & Crime |
| Label: |
|
Blue Note
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Suzanne Vega |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311269572 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00094636827025 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBNOT68270 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0946 3 68270 2 5 |
| Genre: |
|
Popular Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Suzanne Vega’s latest is a complex portrait of post-9/11 New York City. Musically rewarding, her songs create a gallery of images, ranging from 40’s movie stars and casual urban crime, as well as homages to Edith Wharton, firemen in the shadow of the burning World Trade Center, and her departed brother, artist Tim Vega. Like Lou Reed’s 1989 masterpiece, New York, this is the artistic work of a mature, gifted songwriter coming to terms with the city she calls home. Recommended. (GH) |
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|
 |
| |
| $15.95 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
The Lowdown Unauthorized |
| Label: |
|
Video Music, Inc.
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Led Zeppelin |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311473603 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00823564606729 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDVMI SXY007 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SXKYCD007 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This is a 2-disc set that contains spoken word material only: a 70 minute biography of the band, and interviews with its three surviving members. The interviews (conducted by Steven Rosen) are very informal and offer access to some rare primary source material. The package indicates that these were "made at the height of the Zeppelin phenomenon in 1977", but Robert Plant seems to have been interviewed after that since he mentions the album "Coda" which was posthumously released in 1982. Surprisingly, Plant's interview is the shortest (11 min.) while the other two are at least 25 minutes in length.(PS) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Miracle of Five |
| Label: |
|
Redeye Distribution
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Eleni Mandell |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310885629 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00775020756823 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDREDEZED005 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ZED-005 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Armed with a sensual voice, Eleni Mandell crafts exquisite songs that evoke another time, yet bristle with an understated energy and urgency that is far from anachronistic. The songs are atmospheric, with Mandell’s nylon-stringed guitar, bass, vibes, and soft drums create a mood that’s engagingly hypnotic. She is joined by Wilco’s Nels Cline on guitars and X’s D.J. Bonebrake on vibes. Highly recommended. (GH)
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|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
100 Days, 100 Nights |
| Label: |
|
Daptone Records (dist. Redeye)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311565087 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00823134001220 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDDPTN012 |
| Cat.#: |
|
DAP-012 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
If this had been issued on vinyl and without a URL on the back cover, it could pass for a late ‘60s lost soul classic. No, this isn’t an obscure reissue but a new release with a deliberately vintage vibe, from the horn-accented old school sound to the jack design. Although belter Jones and the Dap-Kings are only on their third album, these soul stalwarts bring years of road-honed experience that have advanced their chops but not their aesthetics. The package includes an uncredited bonus disc compiling artists on the same label. (MC) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Anthology |
| Label: |
|
Mute
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Can |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311595886 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00724596937228 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDMRCD69372 |
| Cat.#: |
|
9372-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This remastered reissue with extensive liner notes covers the Krautrock pioneers’ career from their 1968 debut to their 1991 contribution to the Until the End of the World soundtrack. Buzzy, drony, repetitive and avant-garde, these are often positive characteristics. Drawing on influences such as samba and the Velvet Underground, they also invented their own new sounds. Tracks such “Uphill” still sound modern several decades on, while others are minimal to the point of coming across half-baked. (MC) |
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|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Rare and Unreleased Recordings From the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul |
| Label: |
|
Rhino
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Aretha Franklin |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311550052 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00081227997038 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRHIN272188 |
| Cat.#: |
|
272188 |
| Genre: |
|
Soul/Rhythm & Blues |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
What’s not to love here? Two discs of gems that chart Aretha Franklin’s transition from R&B maven to the queen of funky soul and beyond. The demos and outtakes reveal her vocal acuity from the starting blocks, and her flexibility during the recording process. As time goes on, the music matures around her vocal clarity and interpretational direction, which seem to remain constant (if not intensified) throughout the collection. (AJ) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
I-Empire |
| Label: |
|
Geffen
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Angels and Airwaves |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311601211 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00602517485648 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B001010102 |
| Cat.#: |
|
001010102 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Angels & Airwaves' second release continues the anthemic themes and sounds of We Don't Need to Whisper. This time around, the influence of singer Tom DeLonge's former band, Blink 182, is more apparent and the sound comes in somewhere between U2-inspired, 80's synth, space rock and pop-punk. I-Empire is definitely catchy, melodic with an expansive sound and sonically soaring. Tom's distinctive voice and ability to write catchy, guitar-driven rock will hopefully keep this band creating music for some time. It may take a listen or two to appreciate this recording in full. Recommended. (PB) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
La Cucaracha |
| Label: |
|
Rounder
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Ween |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311612781 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00011661907720 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD116 6190772 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1166190772 |
| Genre: |
|
Popular Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
On their first Rounder release, Ween sounds remarkably seasoned and confident. The inclusion of horns suggests a backdrop of Boognish-lounging goodness, a far cry from the sometimes jagged production of their early albums. Although it’s nice to know that Gene & Dean haven’t lost their penchant for dirty humor, it now balances out quite well with their incredibly original style of songwriting and arranging skills, which seem strong as ever. (AJ) |
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|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Hvarf/Heim |
| Label: |
|
XL Recordings/Beggars Group
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Sigur Ros |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311615089 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00634904030728 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDXL 40307 |
| Cat.#: |
|
40307 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
If you like Sigur Ros, you will like this recording. That being said, this release is a compilation of rerecorded songs from their first CD Von, unreleased recordings, and a live disc of music captured in the documentary Heima. There is nothing new, it is Sigur Ros in their most intimate and expansive. This Icelandic band creates music that balances precariously between the achingly beautiful and extremely monotonous however at their best, their music is awe-inspiring, art-rock that will raise the hair on your neck...in a good way. Their music often builds into a final cacophony of dissonant brilliance and you cannot walk away from listening to this band without being affected. I would recommend their documentary, Heima for a visually and musically powerful experience, it should not be missed. (PB) |
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|
 |
| |
| $13.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Chase This Light |
| Label: |
|
Interscope
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Jimmy Eat World |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311574003 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00602517457676 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000992402 |
| Cat.#: |
|
000992402 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
As a fan of Jimmy Eat World, I was highly anticipating the release of Chase this Light. It is classic Jimmy Eat World, with few departures from their signature sound.
Those new to the band should expect large guitar hooks, anthemic power-pop and a studio sheen courtesy of producer Butch Vig. To veteran fans, there are however a couple of surprises to keep listeners interested. Overall, it is easy to listen to but doesn’t have the catchiness of past releases nor the creativity that this band is capable of. It is a good cd from a great band. Recommended for popular music collections. (PB)
|
|
|
 |
| |
| $14.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
We Are Him |
| Label: |
|
Young God Records/Revolver USA
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Angels Of Light |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311412961 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00658457003527 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDYNGG35 |
| Cat.#: |
|
YG-35-1 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Since Michael Gira disbanded Swans, he has pursued many projects. This is his 6th album as Angels of Light and it is arguably the band's most accomplished and accessible work to date. Backing musicians include Akron/Family among many other underground notables. Though he plays an acoustic guitar in this project, it would seem that Gira is incapable of music that does not contain dark, challenging, sublime undercurrents. The drones, dirges and his pitch-bending “howls” are all here in full force. But there is an almost country-Americana feel to many of the tracks as well. Still, it is Gira, which here means menacing, sinister, dark moods along the road to redemption. (TB)
|
|
|
 |
| |
| $13.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
The Flying Club Cup |
| Label: |
|
Ba Da Bing!/Revolver U
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Beirut |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311452547 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00600197005521 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBDBG55 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BING055 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Beirut is the music project of Zach Condon. This, his second full-length, is his first release with an actual band. Having moved to Brooklyn from New Mexico he developed a collective of players for live shows. This album is inspired by and evokes a French pop sensibility full of Gallic sights, sounds and flavors. Not only are the songs gorgeous explorations of the world of Jacques Brel, the arrangements, now including strings and lots of voices, are lush, fully realized and sophisticated. This is an artist to watch. (TB) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
A |
| Label: |
|
Kemado (dist. Red)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Turzi |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311429266 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00184923000597 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKMDO59 |
| Cat.#: |
|
KEM059 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
A is the full-length debut of the French band Turzi. The music here is psychedelic, narcotic, minimalist electronica. Most of their compositions were born in the context of their visceral, enthralling live performances. A was mostly recorded live and partially improvised. While some of the tracks are entirely instrumental, others include ominous sung or spoken vocals. Turzi rightly views itself in the context and tradition of Pan European experimental musicians and Krautrock pioneers such as Can, Faust, Neu!, and Kraftwerk to name just a few of their sonic ancestors. This is the sound of the future in European electronica. Recommended. (TB) |
|
|
| WORLD/ETHNIC |
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Creation Rebel |
| Label: |
|
Trojan
|
|
Artist:
|
|
DJ Spooky |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311547434 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00060768058125 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTROJ80581 |
| Cat.#: |
|
80581 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae/Hip Hop |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
As a selector and remixer of other people's music, DJ Spooky has few peers, and here he is unleashed on the deep catalog of the Trojan label. Unlike the straight retrospective compilation over which he presided last year, this is a collection of remixes, some of them drastic -- he takes on everyone from Bob Marley and Augustus Pablo to Mutabaruka and Barrington Levy, sometimes isolating vocal tracks and sometimes layering house beats or hip-hop turntablism on top of the classic reggae grooves. The result is bracingly fun and exciting. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Gil Luminoso |
| Label: |
|
DRG
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Gilberto Gil |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310981390 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00021471161823 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDDRG 31618 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Gilberto Gil, one of the leading lights of Brazilian popular music since the 60s, has not released much music since he became his country’s Minister of Culture four years ago. This album finds Gil rummaging through his vast songbook for a collection of solo performances, just him and his guitar. While it’s not the best introduction to his music (I would recommend Soy Loco Por Ti America), it’s a very beautiful and intimate portrait of the artist. (SA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
The Classic Guinean Guitar Group |
| Label: |
|
Sterns Music USA
|
|
Artist:
|
|
African Virtuoses |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311379639 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00740042302426 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSTEN3024 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3024 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
This is a reissue of an album recorded in the early 1980s by a trio of brothers who went by the name African Virtuoses. It’s all-acoustic, guitar-based instrumental music reflecting the brothers’ Guinean heritage, but from this perspective it’s not exactly revelatory. Very pleasant and sweet in that typical west African way, but it’s hardly going to revolutionize our understanding of the music of the region. Just another piece of the puzzle. (SA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Zulu Rock |
| Label: |
|
Ze Records (dist. Forced Exposure)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Lizzy Mercier Descloux |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310101460 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
03760137350078 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDZERC26 |
| Cat.#: |
|
26 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Descloux made a couple of well-received post-punk albums (1979's Press Color and 1981's Mambo Nassau) and then seemed to disappear, but fortunately for us Ze has reissued those records, as well as this one, which for some reason went virtually unheard at the time of its creation in 1984. Two years before Paul Simon introduced the world to Zulu jive, Descloux made this record in South Africa and managed to combine a variety of African and Caribbean influences to create a uniquely original sound, with vocals sometimes in French and sometimes in accented English. A true original, Descloux died in 2004. Includes five bonus tracks. (SA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Unit of Resistance |
| Label: |
|
ROIR
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Raz Mesinai's Badawi |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311604854 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00053436830727 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDROIR368307 |
| Cat.#: |
|
RUSCD8307 |
| Genre: |
|
Electronica |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Raz Mesinai has been creating raw, experimental, politically-charged music with a deep connection to both reggae and the Middle East for over a decade now. Unit of Resistance consists of remixes of tracks recorded in a spirit of defiance during the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York, and finds Mesinai collaborating with such like-minded musicians as DJ Spooky, DJ Rupture, Juakali and Kode 9, and the results sound a bit like what Muslimgauze might have done in the same mood -- but more varied in tone and texture, with brooding drones cutting through jittery breakbeats and angrily-wielded spoken-word samples sputtering through the mix at times. It's a dark and challenging set of pieces, and well worth hearing. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Folk Songs |
| Label: |
|
ECM
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Trio Mediaeval |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311535820 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00028947661795 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000988802 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2003 |
| Genre: |
|
Folk |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
A group normally devoted to early music, the Trio Mediaeval have incorporated Norwegian folk music into their live performances for some time. This album is devoted to those arrangements, and includes the odd percussion and Jew's harp part as well. The music is haunting and spare, and beautifully sung. (RA) |
|
|
 |
| |
| $26.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Nights From The Alhambra |
| Label: |
|
Verve
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Loreena McKennitt |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311411728 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00774213011107 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B000945900 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0009459-00 |
| Genre: |
|
Popular Music |
| Release type: |
|
Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Nights From the Alhambra documents McKennitt and her band live at the palace of Charles V in Spain on 2 CDs and 1 DVD. Selections include her beautiful version of Tennyson’s “The Lady of Shallott” as well as her original material from The Book of Secrets and An Ancient Muse. This exquisite live recording captures the full essence of McKennitt’s engaging blend of traditional material and multicultural Celtic influences. The accompanying DVD includes the entire concert, highlighted by excellent sound quality and camera work. (GH) |
|
© CD HotList 2004 |
