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May 2007
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Third Book of Lamentations |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina |
| Performer: |
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Westminster Cathedral Choir / Martin Baker |
| ISBN: |
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9786311105733 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571176109 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDA67610 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA67610 |
| 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 new Palestrina recording by the Westminster Cathedral Choir is always cause for rejoicing, even if the content of the recording itself is more doleful. These three long works were written for services leading up to Easter Sunday: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The choir sings with the kind of meltingly lovely tone that generally characterizes their recordings, and the music is as gorgeous as you'd expect. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Piano Sonatas |
| Label: |
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Naive
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Composer:
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Joseph Haydn |
| Performer: |
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Fazil Say |
| ISBN: |
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9786311026489 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00822186050705 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAIVV5070 |
| Cat.#: |
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V 5070 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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As a live performer, Fazil Say has a reputation somewhat similar to Leonard Bernstein's -- there's no questioning the sincerity of his enthusiasm, but couldn't he tone it down just a bit and stop calling so much attention to his own enjoyment? In the studio, it's easier to hear what his ebullient personality brings to the music and not to be distracted by his mannerisms. What he brings to these Haydn piano sonatas is a sense of humor and vitality that is always appropriate with that composer's work, and the result is a brilliant listening experience. The recorded sound is crisp and sweet. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Three String Quartets; Souvenir De Florence |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Composer:
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Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky |
| Performer: |
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Ying Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786311069240 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00089408068522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA80685 |
| Cat.#: |
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2CD-80685 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The Ying Quartet brings fiery energy to their account of these four chamber works by Tchaikovsky, all of them showcasing the composer's simultaneous feeling for the classical verities and the developing Romantic tradition, and for both his Russian heritage and his deep German influences. Most collections will already own good performances of the first string quartet and the sextet, but quartets nos. 2 and 4 are less frequently heard, and everything in this package is well worth another listen. Note the two-for-one pricing, by the way. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Romantique |
| Label: |
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Archiv
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Composer:
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Jacques Offenbach |
| Performer: |
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Les Musiciens Du Louvre; Jerome Pernoo / Marc Minkowski |
| ISBN: |
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9786310928029 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00028947764038 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000823802 |
| Cat.#: |
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477 6403 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Composer Jacques Offenbach was also known in his time as the "Liszt of the cello," and the concerto he wrote for himself is notorious in its difficulty but still lyrical and lovely. This disc features a world-premiere recording of the original version of that piece (featuring soloist Jerome Pernoo) along with several selections from Offenbach's more famous operatic works. Essential to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Il Divino Boemo |
| Label: |
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Archiv
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Composer:
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Josef Myslivecek |
| Performer: |
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Concerto Koln |
| ISBN: |
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9786310928043 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00028947764182 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000823402 |
| Cat.#: |
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477 6418 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Bohemian composer Josef Myslivecek was a close friend of Mozart and generally acknowledged to have been an influence on his more famous friend's style. But Myslivecek's work has been neglected in the centuries since his death, and the wonderful Concerto Koln are here to try to redress things with this lovely collection of sinfonias. If their elegant-but-gutsy playing and the melodic charm of these pieces don't do it, we may have to give up. That would be a shame. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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This England: Music from The Time of Shakespeare |
| Label: |
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Bard (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Folger Consort |
| ISBN: |
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9786311087312 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00837101283298 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFLGRBDCD12832 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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This is a collection of songs and dance pieces written by contemporaries of Shakespeare (Morley, Dowland, Hume, Holborne, etc.) and performed by the Folger Consort, the ensemble-in-residence at the Fogler Shakespeare Library. The group has now been together for 30 years, and this compilation draws on many of their recordings over the past three decades. Most early music collections will likely already own the original albums from which these selections are taken, but those with a less comprehensive interest in the period may want to pick this one up as a valuable overview. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Celebration: Horn Music of Randall Faust |
| Label: |
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MSR Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Randall Faust |
| Performer: |
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Andrew Pelletier et al. |
| ISBN: |
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9786310958507 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00681585116821 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSRCMS1168 |
| Cat.#: |
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MS 1168 |
| 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 decide whether one should be more impressed by the adventurous but lyrical writing of Randall Faust, or by the virtuosic but tasteful playing of the young Andrew Pelletier. Both are very impressive, and this disc is a delight -- one that should find a place in the collection of any library supporting a brass curriculum. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Violin Concertos |
| Label: |
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Profil (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Joseph Haydn; Michael Haydn; W. A. Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Camerata Salzburg / Lukas Hagen |
| ISBN: |
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9786311027684 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00881488701524 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPFIL07015 |
| Cat.#: |
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PH07015 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is really a very lovely recording of two excellent violin concertos from the classical period -- one by Joseph Haydn and one by his criminally neglected younger brother Michael, along with a makeweight E major Adagio by Mozart. The recorded sound is perhaps just a little bit dry, but the playing by the Camerata Salzburg (and especially by its leader, violinist Luka Hagen) is first-rate. Worth the price for the Michael Haydn work alone. (RA) |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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Capricci, Canzoni & Sonatas |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Johann Vierdanck |
| Performer: |
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Parnassi Musici |
| ISBN: |
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9786311026120 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203720521 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777205 |
| Cat.#: |
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777 205-2 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Johann Vierdanck was a young singer, violinist and cornettist studying under Heinrich Schutz in the Dresden court. Schutz was startled and thrilled by the young man's talent, and nurtured it. This delightful collection of instrumental pieces was one result of that tutelage, and is very nicely played by the Freiburg-based ensemble Parnassi Musici. (RA) |
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| $9.98 |
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| Title: |
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Journey |
| Label: |
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Atma (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Les Boreades |
| ISBN: |
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9786311086780 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00722056103725 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAMAAATM21037 |
| Cat.#: |
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ALCD2 1037 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Despite the strange packaging (a plastic snapcase and an insert pamphlet featuring a large picture of a sea turtle), this is a relatively straightforward and conventional collection of light baroque works from the likes of Purcell, Schmelzer, Corette, Telemann and others with a few unusual choices thrown in. What sets the disc apart from similar collections is the lightfooted energy and panache of the players, who sound like they're having a ball. Your patrons will too. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Bach Edition - Complete Works of J.S. Bach |
| Label: |
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Brilliant (dist. Koch)
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Various |
| ISBN: |
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9786310544564 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00842977031027 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBLLT93102 |
| Cat.#: |
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93102 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set |
| Comments: |
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The price and the format (155 CDs in sleeves, packaged in a long fliptop box) might lead you to expect cheap and half-baked presentation and, even worse, cheap and half-baked performances. Prepare to be impressed. The performers include La Stravaganza Koln (under Andrew Manze), the Brandenburg Consort, the Sixteen, the Choir of King's College Cambridge, Trio Sonnerie, and soloists Japp ter Linden, Trevor Pinnock, Jordi Savall, and Bob van Asperen. The performances are on period instruments, and while the usual arguments will be arise about small-scale cantata settings (ably performed by the Netherlands Bach Collegium), there's no questioning the general quality of these recordings. This is a truly amazing bargain, and a rare opportunity for any library to quickly acquire this essential repertoire in an affordable and easy-to-shelve (though maybe less easy to circulate) format. I wish the liner notes were provided in book rather than CD-ROM form, but you can't have everything. Excellent. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dislocation Blues |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Chris Whitley & Jeff Lang |
| ISBN: |
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9786311021910 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661219120 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6121912 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-2191-2 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This was the last recording that American bluesman Chris Whitley made before succumbing to lung cancer in late 2005; it finds him alternating songs with his Australian colleague Jeff Lang in a stripped-down and largely acoustic setting. Lots of slide, lots of growly and heartfelt vocals, a tasteful minimum of drums, and a heartbreakingly wonderful version of "When I Paint My Masterpiece" all make this a powerful, spare and unusually moving album. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Second Grace: The Music of Nick Drake |
| Label: |
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World Village (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Christopher O'Riley |
| ISBN: |
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9786311105559 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00713746806620 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD 468066 |
| Cat.#: |
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468066 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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So the question is this: how well does the music of an English folksinger/songwriter translate to the solo piano format? And the answer is: eh, not so much. Christopher O'Riley is a very fine pianist and heaven knows Drake was a genius, but filling up the spaces in Drake's spare melodies with arpeggios and broken chords just results in a sound about halfway between Philip Glass and Bruce Hornsby. This was a great idea, but the result is a bit disappointing. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Over the Hills |
| Label: |
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Red House
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Artist:
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Lucy Kaplansky |
| ISBN: |
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9786310981482 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00033651020028 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDH200 |
| Cat.#: |
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RHR CD 200 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Singer/songwriter Kaplansky, long a stalwart of the New York City folk scene, opts for a mixed program of originals and covers on this fine new recording. Her playing and compelling singing are consistently engaging. Known for her own songs, the pleasant treat here is her take on a number of covers. She gives Roxy Music’s “More Than This” a haunting treatment, thanks to pedal steel and National steel guitars. She also adds a fine version of June Carter Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” as well as Loudin Wainwright’s delightfully droll “Swimming Song.” Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Sound, Sound Your Instruments of Joy |
| Label: |
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Topic
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Artist:
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Watersons |
| ISBN: |
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9786311061640 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00714822056427 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTOPI564 |
| Cat.#: |
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TSCD 564 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This is a long-overdue reissue of a 1977 LP by the Watersons, one of England's greatest folk groups. Consisting mostly of a cappella ensemble songs, the program includes sacred tunes from both America and the British Isles -- everything from Southern gospel to English Christmas carols to shapenote hymns to New England spiritual anthems. The remastered sound is excellent, and the Watersons' sharp, reedy singing voices are showcased beautifully. Essential to all folk collections. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Last Suit You Wear |
| Label: |
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McCoury Music
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Artist:
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Larry Sparks |
| ISBN: |
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9786311104699 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00829305000429 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMCCY0004 |
| Cat.#: |
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MCM0004 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Larry Sparks is a legend in bluegrass circles, and here's why. On this album, notice how he manages to expand the emotional range of bluegrass tradition without seeming to "innovate" in any noticeable way (except maybe for the piano on a couple of tracks). And his voice? Only Ralph Stanley can claim to have aged so well. Excellent. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Three Score and Ten |
| Label: |
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Appleseed Records
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Artist:
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Peggy Seeger |
| ISBN: |
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9786310981550 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587110022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1100 |
| Cat.#: |
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APR CD 1100 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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For her 70th birthday party, Peggy Seeger hosted a big concert that celebrated traditional folksong, plus political and social songs from her own catalog and those of her esteemed peers. And such a peerage gathered for this event! Peggy’s joined by her brother Mike, her half-brother Pete, and a slew of great British musicians, including Norma Waterson, Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, and Billy Bragg. A festive mood and two CDs worth of great songs put this in the “essential” category. (GH) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Family First |
| Label: |
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Miles High Productions (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Mark Sherman |
| ISBN: |
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9786310935164 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00725543860026 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMLHP8600 |
| Cat.#: |
|
8600 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Mark Sherman is both a very accomplished composer and also one of the most gifted improviserz on the vibraphone, a man whose fluid grace and rock-solid swing have made him a first-call player on the New York scene. This album is a warm and winning selection of quintet tracks, most played in a straight-ahead, hard bop style. Recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Once More with Feeling: The Clarinet Virtuosity of Phil Bodber |
| Label: |
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Arbors (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Phil Bodner |
| ISBN: |
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9786311069820 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00780941134728 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROARB19347 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARCD 19347 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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This disc is technically a compilation, as it consists of recordings made at various times during the 1960s and 1970s. However, it does not appear that any of them has been commercially available prior to this -- Bodner made them for his own enjoyment. The sessions find him working with such luminaries as Gene Bertoncini, Milt Hinton, Hank Jones, Dick Hyman and others, always in a traditional swing style and always with his trademark elegance and effortless grace. Bodner remains one of the finest clarinetists in jazz. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Lawn Chair Society |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Kenny Werner |
| ISBN: |
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9786310959832 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094637489628 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT74896 |
| Cat.#: |
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0946 3 74896 2 8 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Keyboardist Werner’s Lawn Chair Society is a study in textures and moods, pleasantly rambling from ballads to blowfests as it covers lots of stylistic territory. While solidly mainstream in many ways, Werner’s playful use of electronics and his willingness to let reedman Chris Potter and trumpeter Dave Douglas cut loose a bit give this CD its own, unique character. Overall, an extremely creative and satisfying recording. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Latest Outlook |
| Label: |
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Zoho (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Stryker / Slagle Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786311030745 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00880956070322 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGROZMR200703 |
| Cat.#: |
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ZM 200703 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a very nice straight-ahead jazz album from an excellent quintet co-led by guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Steve Slagle. The two leaders share composing duties, and they include one Charles Mingus tune as well on this eight-track set, which also features two guest appearances by saxophonist Joe Lovano. Recommended. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live at Birdland |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Steve Kuhn Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786310934693 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094637299227 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT72992 |
| Cat.#: |
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0946 3 72990 2 7 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Take three esteemed jazz veterans who have played together, off and on, for several decades. Toss in a handful of chestnuts, then use them as vehicles for collaborative exploration and expression – in the best of all jazz worlds, this is the formula for exciting, memorable trio work. Pianist Kuhn, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Al Foster rise to the occasion with aplomb and finesse, making this a great jazz trio disc that feels both new and comfortably familiar. Fine stuff, indeed. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Live at the Barrel 1952 |
| Label: |
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Delmark
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Artist:
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Dewey Jackson |
| ISBN: |
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9786310589367 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00038153024628 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDELM246 |
| Cat.#: |
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DE 246 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Recorded live in spring of 1952, this album is an all-too-rare document of the work of one of St. Louis' finest traditional jazz trumpeters. The sound is a bit primitive, but Jackson's feverishly virtuosic playing (and that of his small ensemble) cuts through the audience chatter and the surface noise handily. Note in particular Don Ewell's wonderful version of "Maple Leaf Rag." Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Reckless Search for Beauty |
| Label: |
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Patois
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Artist:
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Wayne Wallace |
| ISBN: |
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9786310794167 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00837101244992 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRNLG2449 |
| Cat.#: |
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PRCD002 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This brilliant and colorful Latin jazz set could not have been more aptly titled -- trombonist Wayne Wallace is an excellent player, but here he shines most brilliantly as a composer and an arranger. His horn writing is among the best in the business, and his ability to fuse American funk and Cuban influences (listen to the intro to "Rhythm & Rhyme") is unparalleled. This disc should find a home in every jazz collection. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Prezens |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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David Torn |
| ISBN: |
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9786311088975 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517098756 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000865002 |
| Cat.#: |
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ECM 1877 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a sharp, at times almost corrosive, program of modern and postmodern jazz from one of today's most intriguing guitarists. Torn uses heavily treated guitars along with sampling and other technologies to creat sounds that are sometimes otherworldly and sometimes bracingly funky; his collaborators include reedman Tim Bern, drummer Tom Rainey and keyboardist Craig Taborn. Recommended to all adventurous jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Time and Time Again |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Artist:
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Paul Motian |
| ISBN: |
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9786311038215 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517011373 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000858502 |
| Cat.#: |
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ECM 1992 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Paul Motian on drums, Bill Frisell on guitar, Joe Lovano on saxophone. That is all ye know, and all ye need to know. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Northern Stars |
| Label: |
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Time Life Music
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310945927 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00610583191028 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTLIFM19297 |
| Cat.#: |
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M19297 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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The subtitle "A Canadian Singers and Songwriters Collection" is a little bit misleading -- these aren't what we usually mean when we say "singer-songwriters." They're pop, rock, and folk artists who have little but their national heritage in common: Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, the McGarrigles, Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne -- it's a motley crew to be sure, but the result is a fun and nicely varied album. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Doors |
| Label: |
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Elektra / Rhino Records
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Artist:
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Doors |
| ISBN: |
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9786310966892 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227999834 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN101184 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 101184 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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It’s often said that the Doors’ first album is one of the great debut records in rock, a claim that still holds true forty years after it hit the record shelves in 1967. The magic mix of Ray Manzarek’s organ, Robby Krieger’s guitar, John Densmore’s drums, and poet Jim Morrison’s vocals was unlike anything before or since. This disc is packed with classics, from the psychedelic, sexual “Light My Fire” to the dark, myth-drenched “The End.” This newly remastered edition is corrected to the proper pitch by the album’s original engineer, correcting the slightly off-pitch version we’ve been listening to since 1967. While the rest of their catalog (except Morrison Hotel) sounds a bit dated, their first LP is truly essential. (GH) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Thrivemix Presents: Electro |
| Label: |
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Thrive
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310665603 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00651249076129 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTHRV907612 |
| Cat.#: |
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90761-2 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Attractively priced, trendily packaged, generously packed with sharp, trashy, continuously-mixed electropop -- what's not to like? Apart from the fact that the music will be hopeless dated within a couple of years, that is? But when that happens you can just put the discs in the back room for a few years until the sound comes around again. And it will; there's not a musical element here that hasn't been popular more than once over the past two decades. Choice cut: the Scissor Sisters' "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'." Sure you don't, honey. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Morrison Hotel |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Doors |
| ISBN: |
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9786310966939 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227999858 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN101173 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 101173 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Morrison Hotel was the Doors’ fifth studio LP, and stands with their eponymous first album as their most consistently solid recording. Opening with the blistering “Roadhouse Blues,” (with Morrison’s telling burst of alcoholic angst, “Well, I woke up this mornin’/I got myself a beer/ the future’s uncertain/ And the end is always near”) this album was their most blues- and rock-drenched session, featuring such iconic Doors fare as the politically-charged “Peace Frog” and the balladesque “Indian Summer” and “The Spy.” Rhino’s expanded reissue includes several rehearsal takes of “Roadhouse Blues,” providing intriguing insight into the band’s creative process. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Out Of The Woods |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Tracey Thorn |
| ISBN: |
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9786310798011 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094638390121 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATWR83901 |
| Cat.#: |
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ASW 83901 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Expect demand from Gen-Xers for this solo outing by the singer from Everything But the Girl. Thorn's voice is as clear and strong as ever, and on this album she continues to explore the electronic textures that typified her group's work in the 1990s -- except without the heavy house and techno beats that sometimes overwhelmed her vocals. The melodies are poppy and sometimes regretful, and the settings are varied but nearly always perfect. A wonderful record. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Myths of The Near Future |
| Label: |
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Geffen
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Artist:
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Klaxons |
| ISBN: |
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9786310934211 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517206526 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000862902 |
| Cat.#: |
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12054 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Klaxons came on the scene with a bang this year, trailing rapturous press behind them. I keep listening for the Bomb Squad elements, the drum'n'bass beats, and the art-school concepts, and missing them. But I do hear the delirious falsetto on "Golden Skans," I do see the sly Tom Tom Club and Thomas Pynchon references, and okay, maybe "It's Not Over Yet" sounds just a little bit jungly. Maybe. In any case, it's lots of fun. Expect demand from that kid with the floppy hair who's always asking if you have the Test Icicles album yet. (RA) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters |
| Label: |
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Fat Cat Records (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Twilight Sad |
| ISBN: |
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9786311071885 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00600116995520 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFTCT55 |
| Cat.#: |
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fatCD55 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Not since the Proclaimers has a band been this proud of its Scots burr. Unlike the Proclaimers, however, Twilight Sad are equally entranced with the sound of big, noisy guitars. Also hooks, though you sometimes have to fight through a thicket of big, noisy guitars to get hooked by them. It's worth the effort, though. Try to ignore the pretentious song titles. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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12 Segundos de Oscuridad |
| Label: |
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WEA International
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Artist:
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Jorge Drexler |
| ISBN: |
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9786310513850 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00825646382828 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWEA 63828 |
| Cat.#: |
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63828-2 |
| Genre: |
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Latin Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Jorge Drexler is a Uruguayan singer-songwriter who has achieved significant success in his native country and Europe. His eighth album deserves more widespread attention: his sound is less stereotypically "Latin" than you might expect, and he actually covers Radiohead here -- there's more than a hint of electronica and trip hop woven in among the Spanish lyrics and the lilting guitar melodies. Very nice. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Englishman |
| Label: |
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Greensleeves
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Artist:
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Barrington Levy |
| ISBN: |
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9786310848310 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00601811000922 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGNSV110009 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Reggae Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Barrington Levy got his start around 1979, just when roots reggae was giving way to the emerging dancehall sound. His voice is now one of the hallmark sounds of that transitional period, and this classic album (originally released in 1979 and reissued here with four bonus tracks) finds him at his freshest, backed by the mighty Roots Radics band. If you have a reggae collection, you really must have this album. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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M'Bem Di Fora |
| Label: |
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Times Square/Four Quarters
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Artist:
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Lura |
| ISBN: |
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9786310981314 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00822545180128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFRQT1801 |
| Cat.#: |
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FQT-CD-1801 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Cape Verdean by way of Portugal, where she now lives, Lura sings the songs of her native land (both modern and traditional) with warmth and supple energy -- everything seems very relaxed and medium-tempo, but there's a restless vibrancy to the music that makes it quite intoxicating. And Lura's voice is a consistent delight. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Concerto em Lisboa [CD/DVD] |
| Label: |
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Times Square
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Artist:
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Mariza |
| ISBN: |
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9786310981352 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00738572906023 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTSQR9060 |
| Cat.#: |
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TSQCD9060 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Mariza is one of the most acclaimed living fadistas, a young woman with a rich, powerful alto voice perfectly suited to the drama and dark passion of fado. On this live recording she performs a nice variety of songs from that tradition, and her accompanying group (including a string section) supports her spectacularly well -- if it weren't for the audience reaction, you would never guess from the sound or performance quality that this was a live recording. The CD is accompanied by a DVD containing a TV documentary on Mariza and the history of fado that should be welcome in any library collection. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Tamburitza!: Hot String Band Music: From the Balkans to America, 1910-1950 |
| Label: |
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Arhoolie (dist. Koch)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310981598 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00096297705124 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARHO7051 |
| Cat.#: |
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7051-52 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Recorded on 78 rpm discs between 1910 and 1950, these 48 tracks are an absolutely delightful document of tamburitza, the string-band music brought to the United States in the early part of the 20th century mainly by Serbian and Croatian immigrants. The sound quality is better than you might expect (though far from perfect), and both the singing and the multilayered instrumental arrangements are wonderful. A must for any ethnomusicology collection. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Life Goes in Circles: Sounds from the Talent Corporation, 1974 to 1979 |
| Label: |
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Pressure Sounds (dist. Navarre)
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786310672298 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00689492058623 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPSRS52 |
| Cat.#: |
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PSCD 52) |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Every time another top-notch collection of 1970s reggae rarities surfaces, I experience a small twinge of fear: what if this is it? After all, a finite amount of music was recorded in Kingston during that decade, so we have to run out some time. It hasn't happened yet, but when it does, the Pressure Sounds label will probably be the one to issue the last CD compilation. This collection, drawn from the vaults of producer Tommy Cowan, suggests that we may be starting to get close to the bottom: the songs vary from okay to quite good (and all those dub versions are certainly welcome), but the sound quality is mostly pretty awful and there's just a bit too much filler. Comprehensive reggae collections should have this disc, but others can probably pass it up. (RA) |
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| $15.99 |
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| Title: |
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Lonquen: Tribute to Victor Jara |
| Label: |
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Petroglyph (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Francesca Ancarola |
| ISBN: |
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9786311051948 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00827474001223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPTHR122 |
| Cat.#: |
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TK 58135 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This album is singer Francesca Ancarola's tribute to the late songwriter and political dissident Victor Jara, who was murdered shortly after Chile's 1973 coup d'etat. The songs are performed in a variety of settings, from the solo voice on the title track to the richly orchestrated "Canto Libre," but everything is delivered with a pleasing combination of structural sophistication and sonic simplicity. With political music there's always the risk that the music itself will be given short shrift (melodies being, of course, less important than liberty and justice and equality), but that hasn't happened here. Recommended. (RA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
