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| CLASSICAL |
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| |
| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Art Of Melancholy |
| Label: |
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Accent (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Daedalus / Roberto Festa |
| ISBN: |
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9786310866321 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00675754963026 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDACCE30128 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ACC 30128 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This twofer reissue brings together two late-90s recordings by Ensemble Daedalus: John Dowland's Anatomy of Melancholy collection, along with similarly-themed works by Italian contemporaries (originally Accent 98128) and a collection of Italian vocal works titled Saturn and Polyphony (originally Accent 98130). Together, the two discs present a nicely varied account of one of the most inexplicably popular themes in 15th-century Europe, but one that gave rise to some of the period's loveliest music. If your classical collection doesn't already include these titles, this is your chance to snap them up at half price. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Suitte d'un Gout Etranger |
| Label: |
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AliaVox (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Marin Marais |
| Performer: |
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Jordi Savall et al. |
| ISBN: |
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9786310853079 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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07619986398518 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD AVSA9851 |
| Cat.#: |
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AVSA 9854 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Jordi Savall, probably the world's leading exponent of the viola da gamba, is particularly qualified to present this delightful selection of "foreign-sounding" works by Marin Marais, who was probably the greatest composer for that instrument. These brief pieces are written in a wide variety of national styles: Arabic, American, German, even Tatar, but all are unmistakable products of the French baroque and of Marais' particular genius. Recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Combattimento |
| Label: |
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Virgin Classics
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Composer:
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Claudio Monteverdi |
| Performer: |
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Rolando Villazon; Patrizia Ciofi; Lehtipuu; Le Concert d'Astree / Emmanuelle Haim |
| ISBN: |
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9786310838724 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094636335025 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVIRG63350 |
| Cat.#: |
|
63350 2 |
| Period: |
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Late Renaissance/Early Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Steve Reich put it this way: "National differences do count for something -- imagine Karajan conducting Gershwin. You wouldn't want to hear that, would you?" He may have had a point, but then how do you explain the deeply idiomatic interpretations of these Monteverdi arias and duets by a Mexican and a Finn (along with an Italian soprano)? Doesn't matter, really -- what matter are the sensuous beauty and crystalline sound quality of the performances. Even if your library has multiple complete recordings of Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda, this exceptional collection of excerpts may well be a worthwhile purchase. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Missa Pater Peccavi: Motets and Instrumental Music |
| Label: |
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Helios (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Andrea Gabrieli |
| Performer: |
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His Majesty's Consort of Voices; His Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornetts / Timothy Roberts |
| ISBN: |
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9786310919188 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571152653 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDH55265 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDH 55265 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Andrea Gabrieli wrote some of the most luminous and graceful religious and instrumental music of the sixteenth century, and this very nice collection -- which includes the complete mass indicated in the title, its sections interspersed with brass ricercars and the occasional motet -- shows him at his best. Those who normally shy away from the Hyperion label's high list prices should welcome this reissue on that label's midline Helios imprint. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Complete Works for Violin and Piano |
| Label: |
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Newport Classics
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Composer:
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Franz Schubert |
| Performer: |
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Arnold Steinhart; Seymour Lipkin |
| ISBN: |
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9786310935515 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00032466017421 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNEWP60174 |
| Cat.#: |
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NCD 60174/2 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Listening to Schubert's chamber music is one of those pleasures that seems almost universal -- like hearing George Jones sing a barroom lament or Aaron Neville sing a tender love song, it's hard to imagine anyone not enjoying the experience. This two-disc set brings together all of Schubert's compositions for piano and violin, all beautifully played by Arnold Steinhart and Seymour Lipkin and each piece more achingly lovely than the last. Essential. (RA) |
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 |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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In C |
| Label: |
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Da Capo (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Terry Riley |
| Performer: |
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Ars Nova Copenhagen; Percurama Percussion Ensemble / Paul Hillier |
| ISBN: |
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9786310838946 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00636943604922 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDACP8226049 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.226049 |
| 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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It's hard to imagine that any music library doesn't already own recordings of multiple performances of this foundational minimalist work, but since the performing parameters are so loose, each version tends to sound quite different. This one is spectacularly lovely, and while it probably makes little sense to call any one version "definitive," this is perhaps the most enjoyable one I've heard. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Deep Spaces |
| Label: |
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New Albion
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Composer:
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Stephen Scott; Bowed Piano Ensemble; Victoria Hansen |
| ISBN: |
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9786310872216 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00022551013223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNA 132 |
| Cat.#: |
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NA132 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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As its name suggests, the Bowed Piano Ensemble is a group devoted to the performance of music for the piano that doesn't necessary use the keyboard -- sometimes it's struck like a percussion instrument, sometimes the strings are bowed using ingenious means, sometimes they're plucked using guitar picks. The resulting music is frequently gorgeous, and this collection of pieces by group leader Stephen Scott (which also features the sensitive singing of soprano Victoria Hansen) makes an excellent introduction to their work. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Complete Violin Concertos Vol. 2 |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Georg Philipp Telemann |
| Performer: |
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L'Orfeo Barockorchester; Elizabeth Wallfisch. |
| ISBN: |
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9786310941134 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203708925 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777089 |
| Cat.#: |
|
777 089-2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Elizabeth Wallfisch, directing the spectacular Orfeo Baroque Orchestra from the violin, continues her brilliant survey of Telemann's violin concertos with this disc, which should find a home in any collection that includes baroque music. She does an excellent job of displaying not only Telemann's melodic genius, but his humor and whimsy as well, and the recording quality is stellar. Essential. (RA) |
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 |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Liber Evangeliorum: Verse and Music from the Age of Charlemagne |
| Label: |
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Christophorus (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Otfrid von Weissenburg |
| Performer: |
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Ensemble Officium / Wilfred Rombach |
| ISBN: |
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9786310702797 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754959920 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCRSE77279 |
| Cat.#: |
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CHR 77279 |
| Period: |
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Pre-medieval |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The music and recitations on this disc are from the Liber Evangeliorum, a translation into ancient German of the gospel text. The translator was an obscure ninth-century monk named Otfrid, and the recitations are alternated with Gregorian chants taken from the St. Gallen manuscript. This recording may not be essential for all classical collections, but those with an interest in early music will want to snap it up. Ensemble Officium sing beautifully. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Vespero Delli Cinque Laudate |
| Label: |
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Dynamic (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Francesco Cavalli |
| Performer: |
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Coro Claudio Monteverdi; Quoniam Ensemble; Ensemble de Saquebouttiers / Bruno Gini |
| ISBN: |
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9786310866703 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754965327 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDYNA520 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CDS 520 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Francesco Cavalli came along a few decades after Monteverdi, but fans of his more-famous near-contemporary will find much to love in the lush layered voices and stately grace of these sacred works, particularly the gorgeous title piece. Beautifully performed, very nicely recorded. Recommended to all early music collections. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Notturni |
| Label: |
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Hungaroton (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Michael Haydn |
| Performer: |
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Savaria Baroque Orchestra / Pal Nemeth |
| ISBN: |
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9786310866802 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754964320 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHUGR32413 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HCD 32413 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
No one gets more excited than I do when a new recording of works by Joseph Haydn's criminally neglected kid brother is released. So it pains me to have to report that this collection of delightful nocturnes is marred by sometimes painfully out-of-tune violins. This disc may be of significant value for academic collections, since these works are rarely recorded -- but as a listening experience it's something of a frustration. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Ballad of America, Vol. 2 |
| Label: |
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Victory Audio/Video Services
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Artist:
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Matthew Sabatella |
| ISBN: |
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9786310968841 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00644611000426 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVAV SLP0004 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Every library has recordings of someone singing the classic American folk songs -- you know, "Go Tell Aunt Rhody," "On Top of Old Smokey," Skip to My Lou" -- right? Well, don't be so sure. You might want to double-check your collection, and if any of these songs are missing, then seriously consider picking up this, the second volume of Matthew Sabatella's ongoing survey of historical American songs. The arrangements are fresh but traditional, the singing is great, and each track comes with historical notes. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Kings of the Texas Swing [CD/DVD] |
| Label: |
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Goldenlane (dist. Cleopatra)
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Artist:
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Asleep at the Wheel |
| ISBN: |
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9786310906928 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00741157168327 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLEO1683 |
| Cat.#: |
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CLP 1683 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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I'm not sure there's anyone playing Western swing as well as Asleep at the Wheel these days, and as great as they are in the studio, it's onstage that they really shine. See and hear for yourself on this charming CD/DVD set -- the DVD includes 23 performances, very nicely recorded and filmed; the CD redacts the program to 14 tracks. The packaging is a bit lackluster -- no notes, no musician credits, no information about where the concert was recorded (though the DVD programming does include some of that information) -- but the musical content is unimpeachable, as is the two-for-one price. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Gaining Wisdom |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Donna Hughes |
| ISBN: |
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9786310881003 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661055421 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6105542 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0554-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Country/Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Donna Hughes has a lovely voice, and she's a very fine songwriter. On her first major release she's also blessed in her production and recording team -- Tony Rice plays guitar and produces and the session players include Sonya Isaacs, Sam Bush, and Carl Jackson, among many others. Her singing could be a bit more energetic, but the songs really are great, and the album is a pleasure overall. (RA) |
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 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Songs of the Open Road |
| Label: |
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Appleseed Records
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Artist:
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Kennedys |
| ISBN: |
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9786310533803 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587109729 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1097 |
| Cat.#: |
|
APR CD 1097 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This marvelous collection by Maura and Pete Kennedy features beautiful arrangements and playing by multi-instrumentalist Pete, as well as the couple’s wonderful harmonies. For this, their eighth release, they concentrate on covers, including memorable arrangements of the Byrds’ “Eight Miles High,” Gram Parsons’ “Sin City,” Jimmy Webb’s “Galveston,” as well as tunes by Mahalia Jackson, John Stewart, Nick Lowe, and others. They cast new light on some old favorites here, resulting in a highly polished folk-rock gem. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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 |
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| $20.00 |
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| Title: |
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Awake My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp [DVD] |
| Label: |
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Awake Productions
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Artist:
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| Cat.#: |
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AP-001 |
| Genre: |
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Country/Gospel |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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[PLEASE NOTE: THE $20 PRICE IS FOR INDIVIDUALS ONLY. FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES THE PRICE IS $200; FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES IT'S $88. DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SMALLER ACADEMIC LIBRARIES; CONTACT INFO@AWAKEMYSOUL.COM.] This is a beautiful and touching documentary that gives an overview of the history of Sacred Harp singing, but more importantly, it offers a more detailed and nuanced treatment of the modern Sacred Harp phenomenon, featuring interviews with participants in current singing collectives and profiles of notable composers in the genre. This is a moving and inspiring portrait of a style of music that could easily have fallen into a black hole of musical history, but has gained a new life in recent decades. Strongly recommended to all library collections. (Unfortunately, it must be ordered directly from the company -- and I recommend using the online form rather than trying to get a phone response.) (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Try Me One More Time |
| Label: |
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Appleseed Records
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Artist:
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David Bromberg |
| ISBN: |
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9786310925875 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587109927 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1099 |
| Cat.#: |
|
APR CD 1099 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Try Me One More Time is the first album of new material in 17 years from this esteemed guitarist and legendary sideman. He delivers a comfortable set of blues and traditional tunes, featuring his fine picking and wry arrangements. There are no surprises here, and if you didn’t know any better, you might think this was a lost album of material from the 1970’s, the heyday of Bromberg’s solo career. Yet, it’s a new outing, and a welcome return. (GH) |
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| $16.00 |
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| Title: |
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Elana James |
| Label: |
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Snarf
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Artist:
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Elana James |
| UPC: |
|
783707387109 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD8203 |
| Genre: |
|
Country/Swing/Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Elana James was the fiddler for Hot Club of Cowtown until that band's sudden demise a couple of years ago. As sad as that demise was, it's led to a phoenix-like rise for this amazingly talented musician, who is not only a very fine fiddler in a variety of styles but also a seductive singer and sly songwriter. Her self-titled debut is a solid winner, a blend of country, jazz and Western swing standards and originals that is almost impossible to listen to sitting still. There's something sweet and magical about this album, but it's frustratingly hard to put your finger on -- it may simply be that she's a good and happy person with jaw-dropping talent, and that all of those elements combine to make her music irresistible. (RA) |
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| $19.99 |
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| Title: |
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Bluegrass - Country Soul: Legendary 1971 Bluegrass Festival [DVD] |
| Label: |
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Time Life Music
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310370613 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00610583334999 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDTLIFM19264 |
| Cat.#: |
|
M19264 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
It would be pointless to pretend that part of this film's charm isn't its retro-kitsch kookiness (dig those plaid pants and massive beehive hairdos!). But you'll be stopped mid-giggle by the hair-raising power of Ralph Stanley's "Man of Constant Sorrow" (with Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley) or the soulful newgrass sound of the Country Gentlemen. There are several excellent performances by the Osborne Brothers and a wonderful profile of the Japanese band Bluegrass 45 as well. Priceless stuff. (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Live in Tokyo at the Blue Note |
| Label: |
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Sunnyside
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Artist:
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Mingus Big Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786310535333 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00016728304221 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSSCI283042 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SSC 3042 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Charles Mingus' personality was so exaggerated and outsized that it sometimes overshadowed both the astonishing quality of his compositions and the often subtler brilliance of his arrangements. The big band that carries on his name does a great job of showcasing both on this live recording from New Year's eve 2005. The soloists are all excellent, but it's the ensemble sections that really shine and that make you feel the continuing presence of the composer. Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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A Love Supreme: The Legacy of John Coltrane |
| Label: |
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Telarc Jazz
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Artist:
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Turtle Island Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786310966229 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00089408068423 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTELA80684 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD-80684 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
There is every reason to expect a string quartet, when it tries to swing, to fail miserably. Many have tried, and most have failed. But the Turtle Island Quartet has made a career out of proving that it can be done, and that it can be made to look easy. Just listen to the off-beat comping and the cellist's completely natural pizzicato walking lines on "Moment's Notice" -- then go from there. Are they shedding any really new light on this material? Maybe not, though their interpretation of the title track is quite interesting and creative. Either way, though, it sure is fun to listen to. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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5 for Freddie: Bucky's Tribute to Freddie Green |
| Label: |
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Arbors (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Bucky Pizzarelli |
| ISBN: |
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9786310919805 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00780941134421 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAGROARB19344 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ARCD 19344 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
I've been trying to think of who rivals Bucky Pizzarelli as the modern master of swing rhythm guitar, and I'm having a hard time coming up with a name. Maybe that's why it seems so natural for him to be leading this quintet on a tribute to Freddie Green, Count Basie's guitarist and the man whom most would agree is the all-time greatest in the genre. If this album errs at all it's on the side of politeness and safety, but there's not a single track that isn't a joy to hear. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Guitar Therapy Live |
| Label: |
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Exowax
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Artist:
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Mike Keneally Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786310422510 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00687322408020 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDEXOW2408 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2408 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz-Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Call it rock or jazz-rock, but this is certainly not "fusion" in any normal sense of the term. Mike Keneally's two-guitar, bass and drums quartet makes instrumental music that combines the drive and aggressiveness of rock with the harmonic complexity of jazz, and when he sings you'll think you're hearing a mixture of King Crimson and Frank Zappa. Is that a compliment? Oh, yes. (RA) |
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 |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Buenos Aires Tango Standards |
| Label: |
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Zoho (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Pablo Aslan |
| ISBN: |
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9786310913179 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00880956070223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROZMR200702 |
| Cat.#: |
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ZM 200702 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The problem with trying to fuse jazz and tango styles is that tango music is notoriously non-swinging -- it's built, in fact, on a lurching rhythm that is about as antithetical to swing as it's possible for a rhythm to be. So how do you handle that? If you're bassist and arranger Pablo Aslan, you split the difference: sometimes you sacrifice one rhythm and sometimes the other, but you make the tension between them work for you, and you keep the arrangements sharp and intelligent. You also recruit excellent soloists. The result is always fascinating and sporadically brilliant. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Not Too Late |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Norah Jones |
| ISBN: |
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9786310846606 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094637451625 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT74516 |
| Cat.#: |
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0946 3 74516 2 5 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Somehow, I have the feeling that Norah Jones' third CD will be seen as a transition vehicle, where Jones and bassist/collaborator Lee Alexander began to expand their songwriting skills and continued to hone Jones’ distinctive sound. The songs are small, loosely crafted affairs that provide a vehicle for her smoky, late-night vocals, and the instrumentation is relaxed and subtly varied – a bit of organ in the background here, the occasional marimba there help make things interesting. Overall, this is a mature recording from a young and rising star, providing a fine snapshot of her talents, but leaving you eager for what’s to follow. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Die Blaue Nixe |
| Label: |
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Between the Lines (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Gebhard Ullmann; Chris Dahlgren; Art Lande |
| ISBN: |
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9786310912240 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00608917121629 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROBTL71216 |
| Cat.#: |
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BTLCHR 71216 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/Avant-Garde |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Reedman Gebhard Ullman never makes it easy for you, and the fact that he and his two collaborators (pianist Art Lande and bassist Chris Dahlgren) are all credited with "toys" as well as their more conventional instruments is a hint as to what you might hear on this freely improvised, 50th-birthday album. But while some of his music in the past has devolved into skronky noise, these fifteen tracks are mostly soft and contemplative -- with some notable detours into frantic atonality -- and often lyrically lovely in the most straightforward way. Well worth hearing. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Bill Frisell, Ron Carter, Paul Motian |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Artist:
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Bill Frisell, Ron Carter, Paul Motian |
| ISBN: |
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9786310446196 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597989724 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONEN79897 |
| Cat.#: |
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79897-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Frisell is in stellar company here, with Carter’s understated bass and Motian’s subtly expressive drumming meshing beautifully with Frisell’s distinctive guitar playing. The tunes are eclectic (including originals, Monk, and Hank Williams), as you’d expect from a Frisell project. There’s plenty of room for improvisation, with a playful twist or two added to keep things fun. All told, this is a fine outing from three masters. (GH) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| Title: |
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Becoming A Cliche |
| Label: |
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Realworld
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Artist:
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Adrian Sherwood |
| ISBN: |
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9786310955957 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094638473824 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRLWD84738 |
| Cat.#: |
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384 738 2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock/Electronica/Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Adrian Sherwood made his name as a wildly original and experimental producer and owner of Britain's On-U Sound label, home to some of the wildest reggae and dub recordings of the 1980s and 1990s. His recent emergence as a solo artist finds him exploring all maner of rock, reggae and worldbeat sounds, all with his trademark disregard for musical boundaries and expansive sonic perspective. And he's still cashing in IOUs from A-list musical friends, which means that his solo albums are chock full of excellent guest appearances. Don't miss this one. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Sermon on Exposition Blvd |
| Label: |
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New West
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Artist:
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Rickie Lee Jones |
| ISBN: |
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9786310881584 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00607396611225 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNWST6112 |
| Cat.#: |
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NW6108 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Drawing inspiration from Lee Cantelon’s The Words, Rickie Lee Jones has created a stunning song-cycle loosely based on the words of Jesus. It’s a fascinating assemblage of viewpoints, a scattered set of observations and commentaries from folks who came into contact with Jesus Christ, cutting across time from the Jerusalem of Jesus’ time to modern America. Sprawling in concept, yet intimate and personal in delivery, Jones’ has crafted a masterpiece of modern beat poetry and music. This is delightfully compelling, nearly hypnotic material, where her vamps and musings achieve a significance that far outweighs the words and music alone. A brilliant, unique work of art. (GH) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Don't Tell Columbus |
| Label: |
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Bloodshot
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Artist:
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Graham Parker |
| ISBN: |
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9786310978000 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00744302014029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBLOD20140 |
| Cat.#: |
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BS 140 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Graham Parker's return to active duty has been one of the more welcome developments in pop music over the past ten years, and if his recent albums don't offer much hint that the musical world has changed in the past twenty years, well, what's wrong with that? There will always be room for more sharply observed (not to say splenetic) guitar rock, and few have delievered it better than he. No surprises here, just one more chapter in the life of one of England's finest songwriters. (RA) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Broadcasting |
| Label: |
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Victory
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Artist:
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Comeback Kid |
| ISBN: |
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9786310892344 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00746105032323 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVICY323 |
| Cat.#: |
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VR3232 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Hardcore punk and heavy metal have been enmeshed in an intramural wrestling match for a good two decades now, and it's hard to tell who's winning -- listen, for example, to Comeback Kid, whose guitar sounds and chord changes are pretty metallic but whose headlong tempos and tuneless yelling are all hardcore. And they're just one example among many. Look around at your patrons: the more boys you see wearing tight black t-shirts and dyed-black diagonal bangs, the more likely it is you need this disc. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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I'm Here Baby |
| Label: |
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Blue Witch (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Big Pete Pearson |
| ISBN: |
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9786310935270 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00724101940729 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBWTC102 |
| Cat.#: |
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BWR 102 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Blues shouter Big Pete Pearson has been on the scene for over 50 years, working mostly in the Phoenix area. It took until 2001 for his first album to be released; his second continues his exploration of classic blues & R&B sounds, and features guest appearances by such stellar sidemen as Ike Turner and Joey DeFrancesco. If you miss the sounds of Howlin' Wolf and Big Joe Turner, then turn to Big Pete Pearson for sweet relief. (RA) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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In Gut's House |
| Label: |
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Mute (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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UT |
| ISBN: |
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9786310542102 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00724596933428 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMRCD9334 |
| Cat.#: |
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9334-2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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When Ut formed in the late 1980s, the female trio's jagged, forbidding guitar rock was all the rage. Now that approach is back (let's see, how many reincarnations of Gang of Four have we seen in the past 18 months?), so the Mute label has wisely seen fit to reissue Ut's back catalog. You may not need every disc, but this one makes a very good introduction to their sound. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Honey And Salt |
| Label: |
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Populuxe
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Artist:
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Dead Rock West |
| ISBN: |
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9786310988757 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00691065111826 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCINW65111 |
| Cat.#: |
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PLX1118 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Good old-fashioned power pop, with hints of country and an appealingly trashy edge -- if you like your rock sweetened with boy-girl harmonies and chiming multilayered guitars, then Dead Rock West is the band for you. (RA) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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8-Bit Operators: The Music of Kraftwerk |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310814759 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094637118924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATWR71189 |
| Cat.#: |
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ASW 71189 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The music of Kraftwerk, with its chilly Teutonic ambience and computerized stiffness, has always been an anomaly in pop music. But it's also always been strangely popular, and this slightly hilarious (but strangely compelling) tribute album feels like a natural: versions of Kraftwerk songs arranged using sounds from computer games. Does that sound like a one-joke novelty? Give it a listen -- some of these arrangements are brilliant, and all are lots of fun. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Palermo Nuevo |
| Label: |
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Escondida
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Artist:
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Tango Jointz |
| ISBN: |
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9786310641805 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00617465652929 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDESDD56529 |
| Cat.#: |
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ESC 6529-2 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Tango Jointz is a project of producer Claus Zundel and some like-minded Argentine performers who are interested in the idea of taking traditional tango forms and placing them in the context of electronic dance music. It's a fun idea and one that works fairly well on this album, though whether it will turn out to be a fertile new direction for tango music or only a mildly interesting one-off remains to be seen. My money is kind of on the latter. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Maria Bethania Sings the Vinicius De Moraes Songbook |
| Label: |
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DRG Brazil
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Artist:
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Maria Bethania |
| ISBN: |
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9786310533940 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00021471161625 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDRG 31616 |
| Cat.#: |
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31616 |
| Genre: |
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Latin |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The celebrated Brazilian singer Maria Bethania came up under the tutelage of the late songwriter Vinicius de Moraes, whose music she celebrates with this touching and bittersweet album. It includes not only songs but also a handful of poems and prose extracts. Most of the songs are given minimalist settings, but every so often there's a florescence of strings and the emotional density changes -- the result is a tremendously moving tribute and a lovely listening experience. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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No Place To Be [CD/DVD] |
| Label: |
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Epic
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Artist:
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Matisyahu |
| ISBN: |
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9786310798462 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886970337427 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM03374 |
| Cat.#: |
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03374 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Now that the novelty effect of Matisyahu's Hasidic-roots-reggae fusion has worn off a bit, it's time to see whether his approach has legs. In other words, we need a follow-up album to his major-label debut of last year, but what we've gotten is a stopgap: five new versions and remixes of old tracks plus a rather weird Police cover (in two different mixes). As a makeweight, the package also includes a fine live DVD. All of this is fun and his fans will surely be pleased, but where's the new content? (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Reggaeton Mixes |
| Label: |
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Goldenlane (dist. Cleopatra)
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Artist:
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Bob Marley |
| ISBN: |
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9786310532424 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00741157160420 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLEO1604 |
| Cat.#: |
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CLP 1604 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae/Reggaeton |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The urge to remix old Bob Marley recordings is apparently an irresistible one, but given the quality of the original content and the talent of so many who have taken on the project, it's shocking how rarely the results have been listenable. The latest attempt comes from a variety of producers working in the reggaeton style -- a sort of Latino-dancehall hybrid. And really, it works quite well -- maybe not revelatory, but Chosen Few's take on "Keep on Moving" is tons of fun, as is the Spanglish rap on "African Herbsman." Recommended. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Diwan 2 |
| Label: |
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Wrasse (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Rachid Taha |
| ISBN: |
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9786310592398 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00875232006423 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWRSR181 |
| Cat.#: |
|
181 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Taha has has always mixed the sound of Algerian rai with other influences, notably rock and electronica. This album is a throwback to the rootsier style of the first Diwan album (1998), but the influences here extend to French and Egyptian music. Another fine album from a major 'worldbeat' talent. (SA) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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African Nights: From Dakar to Cuba: Swinging to the Rumba Beat |
| Label: |
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Sheer Legacy (dist. Ryko)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310691107 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00878068000412 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 800041 |
| Cat.#: |
|
800041 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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The musical connection between Cuba and Africa is both obvious and mysterious – rhythms that traveled to the Caribbean via the African diaspora somehow came back to Africa via recordings which influenced the development of modern African music. This compilation has some of the biggest names in African music (Nico, Grand Kalle, Franco, Tabu Ley, the Star Band, Bembeya Jazz National, Orchestra Baobab, etc.) playing Cuban songs (like Guantanamera) or music heavily influenced by Cuban styles. It’s both a history lesson and a dance party. (SA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Rough Guide to Salsa Dura NYC |
| Label: |
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Rough Guides/World Music Network
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310910918 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00605633117721 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWMN 331177 |
| Cat.#: |
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RGNET1177CD |
| Genre: |
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Salsa |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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This is a fun and nicely selected overview of traditional salsa bands currently working the New York scene -- no frills, no electronic fripperies, just lots of tight horn sections and thrillingly frantic rhythms. (RA) |
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