February 2007
Look for "Rick's Pick"

CLASSICAL
$22.98	Title:    Bolivian Baroque Vol 2 Label:    Channel Classics (dist. Harmonia Mundi) Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Florilegium; Arakaendar Bolivia Choir ISBN:    9786310668758 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00723385248064 Prod.#:    BECDHMD CCSSA24806 Cat.#:    CCS SA 24806 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    The past decade has seen a gradual flowering of interest in music written in Central and South America during the baroque period -- some of it by transplanted Europeans, and some by the local musicians they trained; some of it written in a strictly European style, and some incorporating the languages, instruments, rhythms and melodies of local tradition. Like its predecessor (Channel Classics CCS SA 22105), this disc presents examples of music from missions in Bolivia during this period, and is both fascinating and deeply musically satisfying. Strongly recommended to all classical collections. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Requiem in C Minor; Marche Funebre; Elegiac Song Label:    Telarc Composer:    Luigi Cherubini; Ludwig Van Beethoven Performer:    Boston Baroque / Martin Pearlman ISBN:    9786310847801 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00089408065828 Prod.#:    BECDTELA80658 Cat.#:    CD-80658 Period:    Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    In its time, Luigi Cherubini's Requiem setting was generally regarded as one of the finest of the period and was hugely popular; by the end of the 19th century, though, it had fallen from favor and was rarely heard. This excellent (and beautifully recorded) period-instrument performance by the formidable Boston Baroque makes a powerful case for its restoration to the standard repertoire, and should have a place in every classical collection. (RA)
$8.99	Title:    Triodion; Ode VII (Memento); I Am the True Vine; Dopo la Vittoria Label:    Naxos Composer:    Arvo Part Performer:    Elora Festival Singers / Noel Edison ISBN:    9786310522203 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00747313023974 Prod.#:    BECDNAXO8570239 Cat.#:    8.570239 Period:    20th Century Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Naxos continues its very fine series of recordings of works by Arvo Part, who has emerged over the past two decades as one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century. This disc consists entirely of works for unaccompanied choir, most of them sacred pieces, and all of them characterized by his now-familiar sound: quiet intensity carried forward slowly by relatively static harmonic movement. Part's music may make some listeners impatient, but his influence and popularity are great enough to make this a highly recommended recording for all libraries. (RA)
$19.98	Title:    Music for Compline Label:    Harmonia Mundi Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    stile antico ISBN:    9786310799322 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00093046741921 Prod.#:    BECDHMD HMU907419 Cat.#:    HMU 907419 Period:    Renaissance Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    As sort of a companion volume to the Byrd disc also covered in this issue, libraries may wish to consider this very attractive collection of sacred works for evening worship written by Byrd and his contemporaries Thomas Tallis, John Sheppard, Robert White and (a new one to me) Hugh Aston. This is the debut recording of an excellent young British vocal ensemble called stile antico, a group that shows tremendous promise. (RA)
$11.98	Title:    Romance & Caprice: Works for Solo Bassoon & Piano Label:    MSR Classics (dist. Albany) Composer:    Various Composers Performer:    Frank Morelli; Gilbert Kalish; Harry Searing ISBN:    9786310617671 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00681585117224 Prod.#:    BECDMSRCMS1172 Cat.#:    MS 1172 Period:    Romantic Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    This is a delightful collection of pieces either written or transcribed for bassoon and piano, featuring works by Schumann, Elgar, Rachmaninov, Saint-Saens and others. As the title suggests, these are mostly fairly lightweight numbers, but Morelli's virtuosity is impressive (especially on the transcription of Paganini's Caprice op. 1, no. 24 for violin) and the program is very well chosen. My only complaint: where's the Poulenc? (RA)
$11.98	Title:    20th Century Clarinet Concerto Label:    MSR Classics (dist. Albany) Composer:    Daniel Wolff; John Bavicchi; Paul Hindemith Performer:    Gary Dranch; Orquestra de Camara da Ulbra; Orquestra Filarmonica de Buenos Aires / Tiago Flores, Arkady Leytush ISBN:    9786310690452 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00681585118023 Prod.#:    BECDMSRCMS1180 Cat.#:    MS 1180 Period:    20th Century Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Daniel Wolff's clarinet concerto is a pleasant but ultimately rather insubstantial thing, written in a lyrical and explicitly Brazilian style. Bavicchi's is more spiky and modernist, and Hindemith's interesting but somewhat arid work (written in 1947 for Benny Goodman) is a standard part of the 20th-century repertoire. The three pieces together offer a nice overview of the clarinet concertos of the period, and all are very well played. (RA)
$19.98	Title:    Laudibus in sanctis Label:    Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi) Composer:    William Byrd Performer:    The Cardinall's Musick / Andrew Carwood ISBN:    9786310853017 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00034571175683 Prod.#:    BECDHMD CDA67568 Cat.#:    CDA67568 Period:    Renaissance Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    William Byrd was not only the greatest British composer of his era (and, some would argue, of all time), but was also an unapologetically Catholic composer at a time when being Catholic was very dangerous. This disc offers sacred works from two of his collections: Cantiones Sacrae (1591) and the 1605 Gradualia. The latter includes the complete Propers for Lady Mass in Easter Tide as well as a gorgeous Regina Caeli setting. The Cardinall's Musick perform with powerful energy and a creamy vocal blend. Highly recommended. (RA)
$19.98	Title:    Keyboard Suites Label:    Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi) Composer:    Jean-Philippe Rameau Performer:    Angela Hewitt UPC:    034571175973 Cat.#:    CDA67597 Period:    Baroque Genre:    Classical Release type:    New Comments:    Few things sound quite as lovely as baroque keyboard music played on the modern piano, particular when the music is as exquisite as Rameau's and the pianist as exquisite as Angela Hewitt. Having already released several spectacular performances of Bach's keyboard masterworks, she now turns her attention to the music of 18th-century France's premier keyboard composer, with similarly ravishing results. Essential. (RA)
COUNTRY/FOLK
$15.99	Title:    Other Side of the Glass Label:    Borealis (dist. Burnside) Artist:    Paul Mills UPC:    773958117129 Cat.#:    BCD 171 Genre:    Country/Folk Release type:    New Comments:    Fleet-fingered guitarist and regular-guy singer Paul Mills offers a nice collection of songs and virtuosic instrumentals on his latest album, including a borderline-rock number titled "Clank Remembers," great arrangements of "Dallas Rag" and "Whiskey Before Breakfast," and the jazzy "With a Twist." Despite his unsmiling demeanor in the cover photo, there's plenty of wry humor on offer here, and most of it comes across just fine. (RA)
$15.99	Title:    The West Was Burning Label:    Sugar Hill Artist:    Martha Scanlan ISBN:    9786310807164 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00015891108520 Prod.#:    BECDSUGA1085 Cat.#:    SUG-CD-1085 Genre:    Folk Release type:    New Comments:    Martha Scanlan's voice is quavery in a way that evokes Buffy Sainte-Marie, and that might turn you off at first. But listen to her lyrics, and let yourself sink aurally into Dirk Powell's insightfully raw production, and you'll find yourself gradually entranced by her quiet portraits of the West's wide-open spaces and her gentle probing of the heart's tiny secrets. This album is a precious gem of modern folk music. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Honk Toot Suite Label:    Compass Artist:    Eamonn Coyne & Kris Devar ISBN:    9786310848686 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00766397444826 Prod.#:    BECDCOMS974448 Cat.#:    7 4448 2 Genre:    Celtic Release type:    New Comments:    What looks at first glance like just a nice collection of Irish reels and jigs played by a top-notch guitarist and a top-notch tenor banjo player turns out to be something a bit more complex, involving songs (gorgeously sung), barndances (played in jazzy swing rhythms), and original tunes that nod to tradition without bowing to it. Very, very nice. (RA)
$24.98	Title:    Live in Paris and Toronto Label:    Quinlan Road Artist:    Loreena McKennitt ISBN:    9786310673905 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00774213991089 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B000795702 Cat.#:    079570 Genre:    Celtic Folk/Pop Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    Singer, songwriter and harper Loreena McKennitt has been a favorite of Celtic folk-pop fans since the 1980s, and this two-disc set (a track-for-track live version of the Book of Secrets plus a second that focuses on material from earlier in her career) offers a fine overview of her work. (RA)
$14.98	Title:    Last Train to Lubbock: The Early Years Label:    DBK Works Artist:    Waylon Jennings ISBN:    9786310371818 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00646315012620 Prod.#:    BECDDBKW126 Cat.#:    126 Genre:    Country & Western Release type:    Reissue Comments:    This much-reissued album finds the very young Waylon Jennings, fresh out of his tenure as a member of Buddy Holly's band, exploring a surprising variety of sounds as he searches for his own musical identity. If your library doesn't already own this material in another guise, it's definitely worth picking up -- if only for the pleasure of hearing him sing "Jolie Blon." (RA)
$5.98	Title:    Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams Label:    St. Clair Artist:    Roy Clark & Joe Pass ISBN:    9786310762227 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00777966628523 Prod.#:    BECDSTCR62852 Cat.#:    62852 Genre:    Country/Jazz Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Country guitar great Roy Clark and jazz guitar great Joe Pass teamed up to record this album of Hank Williams tunes in 1994, shortly before Pass's untimely death. The album quickly went out of print and became a much-sought-after collector's item, and those who spent $100 for the original on eBay will be furious to see that a reissue is now available for six bucks. (The rest of us can be smug.) For both jazz and country collections. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular Label:    Rounder Artist:    Tony Trischka ISBN:    9786310849102 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00011661054820 Prod.#:    BECD116 6105482 Cat.#:    11661-0548-2 Genre:    Bluegrass Release type:    New Comments:    No surprises here -- every track is pretty much what you'd expect: banjo virtuoso Tony Trischka teaming up with a wide array of his colleagues, having a blast playing everything from straight-up tradgrass (with Earl Scruggs and Bill Emerson) to experimental modernism (with Bela Fleck) and stuff that falls somewhere in between (with Alison Brown and Noam Pikelny). And it's not only instrumentals, either -- there are enjoyable if workmanlike performances of such classic songs as "Live and Let Live" and "Fox On the Run" as well. Excellent overall. (RA)
$12.99	Title:    Phonograph Label:    Arclight/Select-O Artist:    Phonograph ISBN:    9786310798332 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00733792705128 Prod.#:    BECDACLK7051 Cat.#:    ar17 Genre:    Country Rock Release type:    New Comments:    Phonograph hails from Brooklyn, but their label is in Austin, and it's hard to say which city has a greater influence on the band's laconic, rootsy sound. Guitarist Abe Seiferth's range of tones is all city, but singer Matthew Welsh sure drawls like a country boy, and Phonograph's eponymous debut generally sounds more like it's saying "aw, shucks" than "fuggedaboudit." So for now we'll call them "country rock" and we'll see what happens next. (RA)
JAZZ
$10.98	Title:    Impulse Story Label:    Impulse! Artist:    Keith Jarrett ISBN:    9786310249865 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602498551073 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B000656402 Cat.#:    B0006564-02 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Pianist Jarrett began his stellar solo career in the 1970s with the Impulse! label, recording a handful of excellent acoustic albums while much of the jazz world was dabbling in fusion. This release culls representative material from his time with the label, when he was leading a great quartet featuring drummer Paul Motian, bassist Charlie Haden, and saxophonist Dewey Redman. This set is filled with consistently fine material, and serves as a nice overview of Jarrett’s early solo work as a leader. Recommended. (GH)
$17.98	Title:    I'm All Smiles Label:    Blue Line Artist:    Nate Najar Trio ISBN:    9786310895376 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00669910639368 Prod.#:    BECDORH 106393 Cat.#:    BLM1006 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    I don't know if he'd consider it a compliment (it really is meant as such), but what acoustic jazz guitarist Nat Najar's latest album keeps reminding me of is Pat Metheny's Bright Size Life. His rendition of Michel Legrand's "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" is especially reminiscent of the floating loveliness of that early Metheny album -- though when Najar gets bluesy (on a very fine original) or crisply swing-y (on another very fine original) he sounds like no one else but Nate Najar. That's a compliment, too -- a big one. (RA)
$15.98	Title:    Wish List Label:    Sons Of Sound Artist:    Mike Holober ISBN:    9786310446233 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00656607002420 Prod.#:    BECDSOFS20024 Cat.#:    SSPCD024 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    Pianist and composer Mike Holober is at his best on this quintet date, which features his delicate and complex compositions played with a mixture of grace and muscular virtuosity by an all-star cast of sidemen that includes guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel and bassist John Patitucci. Excellent. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    To Whom Who Keeps A Record Label:    Water Records Artist:    Ornette Coleman ISBN:    9786310608655 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00646315718720 Prod.#:    BECDWTRR187 Cat.#:    187 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    Reissue Comments:    These are classic recordings from 1959 and 1960 (originally issued in 1975 and apparently only in Japan) featuring Ornette Coleman's best quartet: bassist Charlie Haden, trumpeter Don Cherry, and drummers Billy Higgins (1959) and Ed Blackwell (1960). They find the group swinging joyfully and powerfully -- those who think of Coleman as an atonal honker will be surprised and delighted by the sweet tunefulness of his compositions. (RA)
$14.97	Title:    Bunny/Bunny Berigan & His Boys Label:    Collectables Artist:    Bunny Berigan ISBN:    9786310816012 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00090431784723 Prod.#:    BECDCOLL7847 Cat.#:    7847 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    Reissue Comments:    If your jazz collection could use a quick and easy introduction to the work of legendary swing trumpeter Bunny Berigan, then consider adding this twofer reissue, which combines Bunny (1959) and Bunny Berigan & His Boys, both comprised of material recorded in the 1930s. Both the big-band arrangements and Berigan's lustrous tone shine through the occasional sonic problems always inherent in recordings transferred from ancient 78s. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    When Baden Meets Trane Label:    Blue Toucan Music Artist:    Glauco Sagebin ISBN:    9786310827254 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00783707864129 Prod.#:    BECDMRIR0002 Cat.#:    BTM002 Genre:    Jazz Release type:    New Comments:    People have been blending Brazilian music with American jazz styles for decades now, but rarely with the kind of grace and good humor evidenced on this piano trio session, led by Glauco Sagebin. This may be the most charming arrangement of "Fascinatin' Rhythm" ever, "Rio Negro" swings with a kind of jittery, distracted energy that is both joyful and infectious. His balladic arrangements of Jobim tunes are lovely, too. Recommended. (RA)
ROCK/POP
$34.98	Title:    Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards Label:    Anti Artist:    Tom Waits ISBN:    9786310790756 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00045778684427 Prod.#:    BECDANTR86844 Cat.#:    86677-2P Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New Comments:    Waits’ expansive vision rambles through these three discs, a split of new recordings and oddities and outtakes from various projects. Each disc sports a title – Brawlers features electric rumbles, Bawlers embodies Waits’ after-hours balladry, and Bastards is pure Waits eclecticism. It’s arguably his strongest outing in years, and features unexpected political laments (“Road to Peace,” about a Palestinian boy caught in the middle of the crisis) as well a quirky electric rambles such “Fish in the Jailhouse.” Very highly recommended. (GH)
$13.98	Title:    Hip Hop is Dead Label:    Def Jam/Columbia Artist:    Nas ISBN:    9786310761916 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00602517028296 Prod.#:    BECDUMG B000722902 Cat.#:    1718420 Genre:    Rap, Hip-Hop Release type:    New Comments:    Nas is one of the more influential hip hop artists of the last fifteen years, but his latest album is less significant for the quality of his rapping (above average, but not up to his own previously-set standards) than for the thematic content, which is indicated by the album title. Listening to him waffle about the state of hip hop is as much fun as the beats and his legendary flow. (Also available in an edited version, BTKey BECDUMG B000723002.) (RA)
$14.98	Title:    Moments in Movement Label:    Kill Rock Stars/Touch N Go Artist:    Macromantics ISBN:    9786310846712 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00759656041126 Prod.#:    BECDKRS 60411 Cat.#:    KRS411 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New Comments:    Romy Hoffman got her start as a teenaged guitarist in the band Noise Addict. But a trip to the US from her native Australia led to a deep fascination with hip hop, which finds its expression in this strange and wonderful disc. Erudite and articulate lyrics combine with funkily experimental rhythms to create on of the year's most startling releases. Highly recommended. (RA)
$16.98	Title:    Dirt Label:    Water Records Artist:    Paul Kelly ISBN:    9786310556413 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00646315718423 Prod.#:    BECDWTRR184 Cat.#:    184 Genre:    Soul Release type:    Reissue Comments:    Originally issued in 1972, this was the debut album from soon-to-be soul sensation Paul Kelly. Its reissue is very welcome, though the full-line price seems a bit hard to justify. Still, this disc should be seriously considered by any deep pop collection -- especially one that includes the original vinyl version. (RA)
$19.98	Title:    Louder Now: Partone Label:    Warner/Reprise/Maverick Artist:    Taking Back Sunday ISBN:    9786310733753 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00093624444022 Prod.#:    BECDWARN44440 Cat.#:    Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New (2-discs) Comments:    Taking Back Sunday's many fans will be very excited to see the release of this CD-plus-DVD package, which includes not only the band's third blast of hard, tight and emotional rock but also a wealth of live and documentary footage. Every pop collection should own this album, preferably in this (putatively "limited") edition. (RA)
$17.98	Title:    This is Remixed Hits: Mashups & Rare 12' Remixes Label:    Hypnotic/Cleopatra Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786310672694 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00741157167924 Prod.#:    BECDCLEO1679 Cat.#:    CLP 1679 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    Boxed Set (3-discs) Comments:    Bow Wow Wow remixed by Razed in Black? Warrant remixed by Sigue Sigue Sputnik? Billie Holiday viciously reconstituted by Pleasure Device? If all of this sounds like fun to you -- and it should -- then you'll get a huge kick out of this three-disc set of obscure and bizarre mashups and remixes. Trust me, you haven't lived until you've heard Tom Jones grunting "She's a Lady" over a drastically altered house mix. Crazy. (RA)
$19.95	Title:    Not a Photograph: The Mission of Burma Story Label:    MVD Artist:    Mission Of Burma ISBN:    9786310600567 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00022891454991 Prod.#:    BEDDVMI DR4549 Cat.#:    DR-4549 Genre:    Music Video - Pop/Rock Release type:    New Comments:    This isn't really the story of Mission of Burma, Boston's most famed art-punk band -- it's rather the story of the band's triumphant reunion, 19 years after its final gig. Consisting mostly of recent footage taken during the band's reunion tour and in recording sessions for its reunion album, it does also feature some historical footage of Burma's early-80s heyday. This DVD will mostly be of interest to the band's fans, rather than to those whose interest in the time and place is more academic. (RA)
$13.98	Title:    Songs From The Underground - NYC Subway Label:    Headset Productions/Big Daddy Artist:    Various Artists ISBN:    9786309470966 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00660662205016 Prod.#:    BECDHDST20501 Cat.#:    HP20501 Genre:    Popular Music Release type:    New Comments:    In no other big American city (with the possible exception of Boston) is the culture of street music as richly developed as it is in New York and especially in the tunnels of the subway system. This disc celebrates that culture, collecting a variety of singers, songwriters and instrumentals working in a variety of genres. These are not, thank heaven, field recordings, but rather professional studio productions -- and the music is of surprisingly consistent high quality. Recommended. (RA)
WORLD/ETHNIC
$17.98	Title:    Vieux Farka Toure Label:    World Village (dist. Harmonia Mundi) Artist:    Vieux Farka Toure ISBN:    9786310919232 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00713746806521 Prod.#:    BECDHMD 468065 Cat.#:    468065 Genre:    World Music Release type:    New Comments:    Vieux Farka Toure is the son of legendary Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure, who died shortly after contributing to his son's debut album. Vieux's style is deeply influenced by that of his father, but he brings his own voice to bear on that tradition, creating an album that promises great things for the future of Mali's guitar music. (RA)
$13.98	Title:    Cansei De Ser Sexy Label:    Sub Pop Artist:    CSS ISBN:    9786310314006 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00098787071726 Prod.#:    BECDSUBP70717 Cat.#:    SPCD 717 Genre:    Rock, Alternative Music Release type:    New Comments:    Except for the title (Portuguese for 'tired of being sexy') you might not recognize this mostly female group as Brazilian, since they sing in a kind of simplified English and there's no hint of samba or anything self-consciously ethnic. Instead they go for an international trash-pop sound, evoking everything from the B-52's to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Very danceable, very fun, and very of-the-moment, but libraries beware: the language is occasionally... unladylike. (SA)
$18.98	Title:    Boulevard de L'Independance Label:    Nonesuch Artist:    Toumani Diabate's Symmetric Orchestra ISBN:    9786310370095 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00075597995329 Prod.#:    BECDNONE79953 Cat.#:    79953-2 Genre:    World Music Release type:    New Comments:    Diabate's orchestra is "symmetric" because instrumentally it is equally traditional (balafon, hand percussion, and Diabate's own kora) and modern (electric guitar/bass/drums, horn and string sections). This amazing music has been honed during a regular weekly gig at a club in Bamako over a decade, but if there's any criticism it's that this music is almost too good -- too much going on and too much virtuosity. But this is certainly one of the most impressive African releases of recent years. (SA)
$16.98	Title:    Sigil Label:    Riverboat (dist. World Music Network) Artist:    Nuru Kane ISBN:    9786310153780 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00605633004120 Prod.#:    BECDRVB R330041 Cat.#:    TUGCD1041 Genre:    World Music Release type:    New Comments:    A different kind of musical blending -- Senegalese musician mixes his country's musical traditions with not only Malian guitar but also the gnawa trance music of Morocco. And the album was recorded in Scotland as well as Paris. But Kane brings great focus to his sound that bridges both sides of the Sahara and creates something new and unique. (SA)
$16.98	Title:    Brazilliance Label:    Blue Toucan Music Artist:    Marco Figueira ISBN:    9786310827308 ISBN-10:    UPC:    00783707855127 Prod.#:    BECDMRIR0001 Cat.#:    BTM001 Genre:    World Release type:    New Comments:    Brazillian singer and guitarist Marco Figueira moved to New York in 1988, and while his home country is still the strongest single element in his sound you can hear more than a hint of his adopted city in his instrumental textures and in the restless energy of his arrangements. If you love the sound of sambas and bossa novas but sometimes wish they'd hurry up just a bit, check out Marco Figueira. (RA)

© CD HotList 2004