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April 2007
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| $21.98 |
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| Title: |
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Jonas; Dixit Dominus; Magnificat; Judicium Extremum [SACD] |
| Label: |
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Coviello Classics (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Giacomo Carissimi |
| Performer: |
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Lautten Compagney; Capella Angelica / Wolfgang Katschner |
| ISBN: |
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9786310699837 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754959821 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOCL20602 |
| Cat.#: |
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COV 20602 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The practice of setting Biblical texts for non-liturgical use was still a relatively new phenomenon when Giacomo Carissimi wrote these oratorios in the mid-16th century. Their historical significance is real, but the quality of the performances is what makes this disc such a joy -- albeit an expensive one. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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In Sure and Certain Hope |
| Label: |
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MSR Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Nicholas White |
| Performer: |
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Tiffany Consort & String Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
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9786310958521 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00681585116425 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSRCMS1164 |
| Cat.#: |
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MS 1164 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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In observance of the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack on New York City, a concert of choral music by the young composer Nicholas White was performed at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Mahattan. As this document of that concert shows, it was an evening of stunning devotional beauty -- White's music is modern but eminently accessible, and the combination of text settings chosen for the program is exquisite. Very highly recommended to all libraries. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Nocturnes |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Morten Lauridsen |
| Performer: |
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Polyphony; Britten Sinfonia / Stephen Layton |
| ISBN: |
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9786310919287 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571175805 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDA67580 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA67580 |
| Period: |
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Modern |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Expect demand for the latest collection of lovely choral works by Morten Lauridsen, a composer whose star has been rising steadily over the past few years. I don't find this new set quite as compelling as the Lux Aeterna album of a couple of years ago (see CD HotList March 2005), but this one is sure to circulate where that one has. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Motets, Chansons and a Magnificat |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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NIcolas Gombert |
| Performer: |
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Capella Alamire; Woodman Consort of Viols; Noel Bisson / Peter Urquhart |
| ISBN: |
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9786310763040 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00747313018079 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8570180 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.570180 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a very nice collection of sacred and secular pieces by Nicolas Gombert, a composer who wrote during the period that separated Josquin from Palestrina and who should really get more attention than he does. The Capella Alamire sings gorgeously, as usual. Every early music collection should own a copy of this disc. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Music for the Court of Maximilian II |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Cinquecento |
| ISBN: |
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9786311023877 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571175799 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDA67579 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA67579 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A jaw-droppingly beautiful collection of a capella choral works by Jacobus Vaet, Antonius Galli, Pieter Maessens and Orlando Lassus performed by the male six-voice ensemble Cinquecento. All were written for the 16th-century Hapsburg court, and they run the gamut from Vaet's sweetly straightforward antiphon "O Quam Gloriosum" to Galli's brilliant parody mass on "Ascendit Post Filium." Cinquecento's sound is creamy and sweet, and the music is exceptionally fine. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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A Bridge to Bach |
| Label: |
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Bridge
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Andrew Rangell |
| ISBN: |
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9786310958224 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00090404921629 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBRIDBCD9216 |
| Cat.#: |
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9216 |
| Period: |
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Various |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Andrew Rangell is one of the foremost living interpreters of Bach on the modern piano, and with this fascinating program he examines the instrumental works of composers who had an impact on Bach (Sweelinck, Tomkins, etc.) as well as a fugue by Beethoven. He takes some interesting liberties with dynamics and tempo, as one might expect, but always manages to do so in a way that illuminates rather than obscures the source material. Any collection that supports a keyboard curriculum should own this disc. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sonatas for Violin & Piano |
| Label: |
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Cedille (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Robert Schumann |
| Performer: |
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Jennifer Koh; Reiko Uchida |
| ISBN: |
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9786311045923 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00735131909525 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCED 95 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDR 9000 095 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Violinist Jennifer Koh gives a very nice account of these three sonatas, all of which are landmarks of the romantic era. Her playing is passionate but disciplined -- a mark of real maturity when dealing with music that could so easily be overplayed. Uchida takes her cue from Koh, and accompanies her with almost self-deprecating modesty. The recorded sound is warm and dry; at times you wish you could hear more detail in the piano, but the sound is quite good overall. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Concerti Grossi Op 3; Sonata a 5 |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Georg Friedrich Handel |
| Performer: |
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Academy of Ancient Music / Richard Egarr |
| ISBN: |
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9786310919263 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00093046741525 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMU907415 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMU 907415 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This new recording of Handel's very popular Opus 3 set of concerti grossi came out accompanied by lots of good press, and maybe that fact raised my expectations too much. But I confess that compared to, say, the English Concert's version with Trevor Pinnock (or even the AAM's earlier version under Christopher Hogwood) I find this one a bit to restrained -- maybe even occasionally a bit mopey. Note in particular the final movement of the second concerto, which really ought to sparkle and instead just kind of sits there. The orchestral sound is lovely and the group's tone is sweeter than I remember it being under Hogwood, but the performances just don't sound very fresh. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Complete Piano Music |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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John Adams |
| Performer: |
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Ralph van Raat; Maarten van Veen |
| ISBN: |
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9786310939131 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00636943928523 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8559285 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.559285 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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No composer has combined the elements of mid-20th-century minimalism, 19th-century romanticism, and American vernacular music as successfully as John Adams. This excellent disc brings together his four works for piano: Phrygian Gates, American Berserk, China Gates, and Hallelujah Junction, all played with energetic authority by the young Ralph van Raat. American Berserk, the most recent work, is particularly exciting -- a strange blend of Conlon Nancarrow and Franz Liszt. (RA) |
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| $13.25 |
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| Title: |
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Sonatas & Triosonatas |
| Label: |
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Musica Ficta/Pavane (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Jean-Baptiste Loeillet et al. |
| Performer: |
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La Caccia |
| UPC: |
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5410939800728 |
| Cat.#: |
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MF8007 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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These are lovely works for recorder and continuo written by two Loeillet cousins, both named Jean-Baptiste; one lived and worked in London, and the other in Ghent. The pieces are all sweetly and beautifully performed by the chamber ensemble La Caccia, and the recorded sound could not be better. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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Peacetime |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Eddi Reader |
| ISBN: |
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9786310911212 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00766397444925 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOMS974449 |
| Cat.#: |
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7 4449 2 |
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Folk Pop |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Here's another gorgeous collection of traditional and modern folk and folk-pop from the pride of Glasgow. Reader is still one of the most affecting singers to come out of the British Isles in twenty years, and her latest is a triumph. Note the tasteful blend of trad and original songs, and note that she still interprets Robert Burns better than anyone this side of Jean Redpath. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Stars in My Crown |
| Label: |
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Red House
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Artist:
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Jorma Kaukonen |
| ISBN: |
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9786310981499 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00033651020226 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDH202 |
| Cat.#: |
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RHR CD 202 |
| Genre: |
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Americana, Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Five years ago, guitarist Kaukonen (of Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane fame) caught everyone’s attention with his laid-back, rootsy acoustic offering, Blue Country Heart. This new disc continues in that same vein, featuring some of Nashville’s finest musicians in an elegantly rendered, beautifully played set of spirituals and originals. There’s a bit of country-laced reggae (“By the Rivers of Babylon”), an old Hot Tuna favorite (Lightning’ Hopkins’ “Come Back Baby”), a fine take on Johnny Cash’s “The Man Comes Around,” plus a handful of Kaukonen’s originals. Jorma is unquestionably one of the finest and most original interpreters of Americana playing today, and he’s getting better with every recording. Very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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More Behind The Picture That The Wall |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver |
| ISBN: |
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9786310938578 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661058828 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6105882 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0588-2 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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For most bluegrass bands, secular music is the rule and an all-gospel album is an exception. For Doyle Lawson, exactly the opposite is true -- and it's a bit startling for his latest album to open with a song about how cute a young woman is in her new dress. But there's no mistaking the group's airtight harmony singing (a byproduct of its years-long focus on gospel music) and fans are sure to enjoy every minute. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Get on Board!: Underground Railroad and Civil Rights Freedom Songs, Volume 2 |
| Label: |
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Appleseed
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Artist:
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Kim & Reggie Harris |
| ISBN: |
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9786310794266 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587109828 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1098 |
| Cat.#: |
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APR CD 1098 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Harris’ second disc of Freedom Songs continues in the same spirit as their previous volume, 1997’s Steal Away. Combining folk, gospel, blues, and a bit of rap, the Harrises gather a range of guests to create a powerful collection of songs associated with the quest for African American equality. Guests include Bernice Johnson Reagon (of Sweet Honey in the Rock), Magpie, and Danny Glover (who recites passages from Frederick Douglass over a moving version of “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning.”) This is historically important material, true to its traditional heritage, yet delivered with a fresh, lively contemporary folk flair. Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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A Kinder Season |
| Label: |
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Borealis (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Eve Goldberg |
| ISBN: |
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9786310857169 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00773958117723 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBRLS177 |
| Cat.#: |
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BCD177 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Canadian singer-songwriter Eve Goldberg has that rarest of voices -- one that draws no undue attention to itself, but waits for you to notice its loveliness on your own. On her latest album she presents a program of original songs all informed, to some degree, by the recent death of her mother. But if you're expecting morose contemplations of grief and mortality, think again: her approach is much more nuanced than that, and her songs are simple and generously beautiful. Highly recommended to all folk collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Blues De Musicien |
| Label: |
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Arhoolie (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Pine Leaf Boys |
| ISBN: |
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9786310981291 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00096297053324 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARHO533 |
| Cat.#: |
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633 |
| Genre: |
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Cajun |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A great new album from one of the youngest and freshest bands on the traditional Cajun scene. It's hard to put a finger on what it is that makes the Pine Leaf Boys special -- they don't depart very much from the basic sounds of traditional Cajun music, though they do throw in the odd twist (like a French version of a Kitty Wells song or a slow-grinding blues number). Mainly it just seems to be their energy and joie de vivre. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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What's Up? |
| Label: |
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Telarc Jazz
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Artist:
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Very Tall Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786310932286 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00089408366321 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA83663 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-83663 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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With the passing of legendary bassist Ray Brown in 2002, it was inevitable that some previously neglected performances would find their way onto the market. This disc consists of previously unreleased tracks from the same three-night stand that resulted in the 1999 release The Very Tall Band (Telarc Jazz CD-83443). The very tall musicians are Brown, pianist Oscar Peterson and vibist Milt Jackson -- all of whom are of significant stature not only physically but also musically, as both discs make clear. If your copy of the first album has been circulating, you should probably acquire this one as well. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Back on the Corner |
| Label: |
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Tone Center
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Artist:
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Dave Liebman |
| ISBN: |
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9786310848624 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00026245405325 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 454053 |
| Cat.#: |
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TC 40532 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This album is kind of a curiosity -- presented as something of a tribute to Miles Davis by saxophonist Dave Liebman, who played on Davis' groundbreaking On the Corner album, it nods towards that album's funk foundation while exploring more abstract realms as well. Note the unusual two-bass, two-guitar (including Mike Stern and Anthony Jackson) configuration. And note how fuzzy the line seems to be between noodly self-indulgence and genuine inspiration, both of which are generously present here. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Last First Kiss |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Artist:
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Tony Desare |
| ISBN: |
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9786310847849 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00089408365126 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA83651 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-83651 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Tony Desare is a young and rising master of the romantic ballad, a pianist and singer who is equally at home writing his own songs and interpreting standards like "How Deep Is the Ocean" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me." Last First Kiss features both of those as well as a handful of other classics and covers, along with such first-rate original fare as the title track and "I'll Never Have Enough of You." And the opening track is a Prince cover -- how about that? Very nice. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Department of Good and Evil |
| Label: |
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Savoy Jazz
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Artist:
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Department of Good and Evil featuring Rachel Z. |
| ISBN: |
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9786310982502 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00795041763020 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSVY 17630 |
| Cat.#: |
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SVY 17630 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Pianist and composer Rachel Z has a very personal style, one that is well supported here by her group Department of Good and Evil. She likes to take unusual pop songs -- examples in this case include the Police song "King of Pain" and the Joy Division classic "Love Will Tear Us Apart" -- and give them lush, romantic jazz settings. The effect is usually quite effective, though the source material isn't always recognizable. Her original tunes are very good as well. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Baseline: The Guitar Album |
| Label: |
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Challenge (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Hein Van de Geyn |
| ISBN: |
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9786311030844 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00608917013528 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROCHR70135 |
| Cat.#: |
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CHR 70135 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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To be both bassist and bandleader poses an interesting challenge: do you put yourself in front and risk boring all of your non-bass-playing listeners, or do you figure out a way to lead while keeping your instrument in its traditional, supporting role? With both his choice of John Abercombie as a sideman (in addition to regular guitarist Ed Verhoeff) and the title of his latest disc, Hein Van de Geyn makes his intentions clear: he writes the tunes and holds down the rhythm section, but showcases the guitarists' limpid tone and adventurous soloing. The result is quietly glorious. And the bass solos aren't bad either. (RA) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Panorama |
| Label: |
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Towner Galaher Records (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Towner Galaher |
| ISBN: |
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9786310935195 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00616892806721 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTNRG8067 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Drummer Towner Galaher leads a furiously tight quintet on this set of standards and original compositions, including a Cuban-style arrangement of Hart & Rodgers' "Have You Met Miss Jones?" and a gently (and appropriately) idiosyncratic take on Charles Mingus' elegy to Lester Young, "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat." Galaher has a strong grip on numerous jazz styles and rhythmic approaches, and seems intent on showing them all off -- and good for him. The album's a delight. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Library of Congress Recordings by Alan Lomax |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Jelly Roll Morton |
| ISBN: |
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9786310894966 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661189720 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6118972 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-1897-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz / Blues |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Jelly Roll Morton, the self described “Originator of Jazz,” was not only an important figure in the development of jazz, but also an egotistical storyteller who liked to embellish a tale to enhance his own reputation. In 1938, folklorist Alan Lomax recorded Morton for the Library of Congress, and Jelly Roll not only played some of his greatest works (“King Porter Stomp,” “Tiger Rag,” etc.), he also regaled Lomax with stories about the songs – and himself. This single CD set has highlights from the LOC’s 8-CD Morton box set, and includes extensive liner notes about Morton, Lomax, and the recording process. This is essential material for any jazz collection. (For a fuller perspective on Morton and his music, check out the chapter on Morton in Martin Williams’ The Jazz Tradition, one of the basic texts on jazz history). (GH) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dedication |
| Label: |
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Patois
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Artist:
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Wayne Wallace |
| ISBN: |
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9786310794174 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00801821907222 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRNLG7222 |
| Cat.#: |
|
001 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The temptation, when you're arranging for big band, is always to go for the overkill. With all those brass instruments available to do your bidding, who can resist? With Latin jazz the temptation is even stronger, since the style is built on the whole idea of layering. Wayne Wallace doesn't entirely resist the temptation, but he doesn't let it get away with him either, and the result is a richly textured and powerfully swinging album. Note in particular the harmonic choices he makes on his own "Dedication" -- very, very nice. (RA) |
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 |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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John Bunch at the Nola Playhouse Salutes Jimmy Van Heusen |
| Label: |
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Arbors (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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John Bunch |
| ISBN: |
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9786310610023 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00780941132625 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROARB19326 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARCD 19326 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
If you've ever wondered why John Bunch has been referred to as the "Fred Astaire of the piano," here's your chance to find out. Elegant and light-fingered, Bunch plays with seemingly effortless grace, and if this program leans heavily (indeed, almost exclusively) on standards of the most obvious and even hackneyed kind, well, think about the number of times you've watched Fred Astaire do the same dance over and over. Did you get tired of seeing it? I didn't think so. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Burial |
| Label: |
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Hyperdub Records (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Burial |
| ISBN: |
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9786310636160 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05024545413021 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHYDUHDB001 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The London underground club scene continues to generate new genres of electronic music, and the latest one is called ‘dubstep.’ Not rap-oriented like its cousin ‘grime,’ it is often purely instrumental, and it features slower tempos, deep bass, and a dread atmosphere. This album by the mysterious Burial came out of nowhere to make a number of year-end top ten lists, and it deserves the accolades, especially for making a sustained album-length statement in a scene more oriented to 12” singles. That scene can be sampled on two excellent compilations, Tectonic Plates and Mary Ann Hobbs’ Warrior Dubz, as well as on the Dubstep Allstars series. Other fine long-form examples include Skream’s self-titled album, Boxcutter’s Oneriric, Kode9 & the Spaceape’s Memories of the Future, and The World is Gone by the artist known as Various. (SA) |
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| $29.98 |
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| Title: |
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Farewell to the World (10th Anniversary Edition) [DVD] |
| Label: |
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Capitol
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Artist:
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Crowded House |
| ISBN: |
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9786310835457 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094637034194 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDCAP 70341 |
| Cat.#: |
|
3703419 |
| Genre: |
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Music Video - Pop/Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Originally issued in 1996, this DVD documents the final concert by much-beloved pop band Crowded House on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. It was an extremely emotional evening, but one marked by the band's trademark whimsical humor as well as the predictable tears and cathartic pop hooks. This two-disc, 10th-anniversary edition adds several songs to the original footage as well as a second DVD with documentary content and interviews. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Alright, Still |
| Label: |
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Capitol
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Artist:
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Lily Allen |
| ISBN: |
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9786310849966 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094637546628 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCAP 75466 |
| Cat.#: |
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79661 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Lily Allen's approach to pop music isn't exactly unique, but her blend of bouncy pop, ska and reggae sounds is unusual in the U.S. and has generated significant buzz -- her single "Smile" has garnered quite a bit of interest. And the combination of her casual vulgarity and her sweet, chirpy voice only adds to the novelty appeal. Expect demand (and if you need an edited version, it's available as BT Key BECDCAP 79661). (RA) |
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| Title: |
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West |
| Label: |
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Lost Highway
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Artist:
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Lucinda Williams |
| ISBN: |
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9786310881355 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602498583487 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000693802 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0006938-02 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
West, Lucinda Williams’ eighth studio album, is perhaps her most poetic work to date, one that alludes to the influence of her father (award winning poet Miller Williams) in the liner notes. Reflective and deeply personal, West is a study on loss and transition –- the death of her mother, the end of a relationship, the possibility of new beginnings -- at times somber, at times twinged with a sly wit. The music is perfect, matching the mood of the individual songs, thanks to Hal Willner’s production and musicians such as guitarist Bill Frisell. This is a mature recording by one of the most thoughtful and artistic songwriters working today. Recommended. (GH) |
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 |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Lady Croissant: Live in NYC at Bowery Ballroom |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Sia |
| ISBN: |
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9786311044247 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00094638125822 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATWR81258 |
| Cat.#: |
|
ASW 81258 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Having been quite underwhelmed by her last studio album, the prospect of a live album didn't exactly fill me with anticipation. (And the fact that this one opens with a terribly-produced new studio song didn't help.) But strangely, I find her garbled Van-Morrison-meets-Elizabeth-Fraser vocalisms more compelling in a live context, and the accompaniment is lush and beautiful throughout. It's almost enough to get me to give the studio album another chance... (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Hope & Sorrow |
| Label: |
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Decon (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Wax Tailor |
| ISBN: |
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9786311071854 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00850717001483 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDECN47 |
| Cat.#: |
|
DCN 47 |
| Genre: |
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Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
This kaleidoscopically varied exploration of funk, techno, hip hop and downtempo electronica from French DJ/producer Wax Tailor will come as a more than pleasant surprise -- unless you're one of the fortunates who have heard his similarly impressive debut album Tales of the Forgotten Melodies. A reasonably dextrous turntablist, he's most impressive as a cut-and-paste artist, nimbly and funkily juxtaposing elements from a variety of sound sources and creating a unified musical statement that manages somehow to soothe the soul and move the hips at the same time. Highly recommended to all pop collections. (RA) |
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 |
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| $9.98 |
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| Title: |
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20 Ways to Float Through Walls |
| Label: |
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Crammed (dist. Rykodisc)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310910734 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00876623004622 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRD C230046 |
| Cat.#: |
|
Cram 129 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Founded by Aqsak Maboul alumnus Marc Hollander, the Crammed label has been an adventurous purveyor of electronic, avant-garde and ethnic music (sometimes all, er, crammed together) for more than 25 years now. This excellent (and budget-priced) compilation offers an overview of the label's output -- everything from Tartit's strangely static plunking-and-keening to Tuxedomoon's twisted avant-pop, with the occasional stop at Bebel Gilberto's club night and the Flat Earth Society's big-band rehearsal space along the way. Dizzying and wonderful. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Teknochek Collision |
| Label: |
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Barbes
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Artist:
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Slavic Soul Party |
| ISBN: |
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9786311059647 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00881626905128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 269051 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BR0015 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Americans playing a sort of Brooklyn variant on traditional Balkan brass-band music, Slavic Soul Party make exactly the kind of music their name would lead you to expect: tight (but not claustrophobic) arrangements of new and old tunes arranged with dancing in mind. They feature an accordion and occasionally break into a one-drop reggae rhythm, both of which may lead purists to blanch. But purists are generally people who need to read liner notes less and dance more. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Rough Guide to Bollywood Gold |
| 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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9786310978628 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00605633118223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWMN 331182 |
| Cat.#: |
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RGNET1182CD |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
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In India, the primary vehicle for the transmission of pop music has been movies, which that country produces at a rate several times higher than that of Hollywood. This compilation brings together fifteen major hits in a variety of styles, from surf-guitar sounds to much more traditional Hindi songs; the result is a fine overview of popular Indian movie music of the past several decades. Sound quality varies widely, but the songs are all lots of fun. (RA) |
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 |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Upsetter Selection: A Lee Perry Jukebox |
| Label: |
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Trojan
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Artist:
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Lee Perry |
| ISBN: |
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9786311023419 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00060768056626 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTROJ80566 |
| Cat.#: |
|
80566 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
The marketplace is positively saturated with collections of solo and production work by the notorious reggae bandleader and producer Lee "Scratch" Perry. But this is the first one consisting of selections made by the man himself -- his own idea of what constitutes the best of his work. The program runs the gamut from his early ska and rock steady recordings to his later roots material, and while most of it will be familiar to fans, there are a few surprises on the program as well ("Kimble the Nimble"?). Worth the price for Perry's liner notes alone. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Aman Iman: Water Is Life |
| Label: |
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World Village (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Tinariwen |
| ISBN: |
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9786311003015 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00713746806729 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD 468067 |
| Cat.#: |
|
468067 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Tinariwen is a Tuareg band from Mali that has been playing its strange, bluesy brand of Sahara Desert rock for a number of years in its native region and is now starting to enjoy significant international attention. Expect the hipper world-music fans among your patrons to ask for this one. (RA) |
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 |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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An Ancient Muse |
| Label: |
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Verve
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Artist:
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Loreena McKennitt |
| ISBN: |
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9786310680934 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00774213121097 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000792002 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0007920-02 |
| Genre: |
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New Age Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is harpist/singer McKennitt’s first set of new material since her hugely popular 1997 recording, The Book of Secrets. In many ways, An Ancient Muse is an extension of that earlier album. She continues to expand her vision of Celtic music, incorporating both Celtic and Middle Eastern instrumentation in her richly textured compositions, while finding inspiration from her travels in Greece and Turkey, as well as from the verse of Rumi and Homer. McKennitt has staked out her own intriguing niche of the Celtic/New Age periphery, and she continues to share her vision on this fine new disc. (GH) |
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 |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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See Mi Yah Remixes |
| Label: |
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Burial Mix (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Rhythm & Sound |
| ISBN: |
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9786310363950 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00827670802327 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBRLMBMX001 |
| Cat.#: |
|
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| Genre: |
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Reggae Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Rhythm & Sound is the electro-dub project of Berlin-based duo Moritz Von Oswald and Mark Ernestus, who record minimalist techno as Basic Channel. The original See Mi Yah was a whole album based on a single rhythm, with different singers and MCs presenting their takes on what amounted to one long song. On this remix album, several high profile European and American producers – for example, Francois K., Carl Craig, Vainqueur, Ricardo Villalobos – take turns with the material. This album is a good example of the evolution of dub and its influence on the more avant garde elements of the club music scene. (SA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Ce |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Artist:
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Caetano Veloso |
| ISBN: |
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9786310831497 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597998122 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNONEN79981 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Caetano Veloso is in his 60s and has made dozens of albums, but the grand old man of modern Brazilian music has decided to throw his fans a curve. Rather than make another arty, bossa-based album of classics, he’s assembled a group of young musicians that includes his son Moreno and gone after a more contemporary sound. It’s not exactly a rock album, and it’s definitely not one of his best, but the fresh approach is a welcome shake-up, and it bodes well for Veloso’s next move. (SA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Originalite |
| Label: |
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Sterns Music USA
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Artist:
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Franco & O.K. Jazz |
| ISBN: |
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9786310067445 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
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| UPC: |
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00740042990227 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTENRETRO2X |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
|
|
| Comments: |
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The late Franco was one of the originators of the Congolese rumba style and a true giant of African music. These are his earliest recordings from the late 50s, the ones that made his reputation as a guitarist and bandleader, and the freshness of these tracks comes through, even if they were remastered from 78s. Finally people besides collectors get a chance to hear the roots of modern Afropop. (SA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
