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| CLASSICAL |
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| $34.98 |
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| Title: |
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Twenty-Four Negro Melodies |
| Label: |
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Albany
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Composer:
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Samuel Coleridge-Taylor |
| Performer: |
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David Shaffer-Gottschalk |
| ISBN: |
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9786311158661 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00034061093022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAR TROY930 |
| Cat.#: |
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TROY 930/31 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
On this two-disc set pianist David Shaffer-Gottschalk (a fascinating name, given the repertoire he plays here) has interpreted the entirety of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Opus 59, a collection of 24 "Negro Melodies" taken from a variety of American, African, and West Indian sources. Coleridge-Taylor's treatments are fullsome and quite romantic, and Shaffer-Gottschalk plays them with notable energy and affection. Recommended to all collections of both classical and traditional music. (RA) |
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| $15.00 |
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| Title: |
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Die Schone Mullerin |
| Label: |
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U. Wisconsin-Madison School of Music
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Composer:
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Franz Schubert |
| Performer: |
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Paul Rowe; Martha Fischer |
| ISBN: |
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9781931569125 |
| ISBN-10: |
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1931569126 |
| UPC: |
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9781931569132 |
| Prod.#: |
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BK0006847341 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a lovely interpretation of Schubert's famous song-cycle, based on poems by Wilhelm Muller. Baritone Paul Rowe has a richly lovely voice and wonderful control, and pianist Martha Fischer accompnies him beautifully. The sound quality is excellent, with a rather dry, recital-hall ambience. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Clarinet Concertos |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Franz Krommer; Louis Spohr |
| Performer: |
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Julian Bliss; Sabine Meyer; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields / Sillito |
| ISBN: |
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9786311300824 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094637978627 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEMIC79786 |
| Cat.#: |
|
79786 2 |
| Period: |
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Late Classical/Early Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This disc finds the world-renowned clarinet virtuoso Sabine Meyer teaming up with her student, the young Julian Bliss, on three concertos from the late classical and early romantic repertoire: each plays one concerto by Louis Spohr, and they share the spotlight on a double concerto by Franz Krommer. Their playing is frankly thrilling, especially on the gorgeous Krommer work. This is a marvelous disc. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Thesée |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Jean-Baptiste Lully |
| Performer: |
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Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra & Chorus / O'Dette |
| ISBN: |
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9786311241875 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203724024 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777240 |
| Cat.#: |
|
777 240-2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Rarely recorded in its entirety, Thesée is one of Jean-Baptiste Lully's greatest accomplishments as an opera composer. This performance is a complete triumph, one characterized not only by exceptional ensemble playing, but also by a remarkable collection of soloists. No collection with an interest in baroque music can afford to be without this brilliant set. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Great Handel |
| Label: |
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EMI Classics
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Composer:
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Georg Friedrich Handel |
| Performer: |
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Ian Bostridge; Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment / Bicket |
| ISBN: |
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9786311300817 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00094638224327 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDEMIC82243 |
| Cat.#: |
|
82243 2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Ian Bostridge is one of the most celebrated tenors of his generation, and this light but lovely collection offers an excellent illustration of why that's the case: his dark-hued voice is a joy to hear, and it's showcased nicely on this program of Handel arias. There's a good variety of both sacred and secular material, but he really shines on the slower, more meditative numbers. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is gorgeous, as always. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Mozart at Eight: Sonatas for Keyboard and Flute, K. 10-15 |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Performer: |
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Carol Wincenc; Gena Raps |
| ISBN: |
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9786310763026 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00747313026371 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8570263 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.570263 |
| 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 title of this disc refers not to the suitability of the music for evening listening, but rather to Mozart's age at the time of composition. He wasn't partial to the flute and didn't write much for that instrument later in life, so this rarely-recorded set of sonatas is interesting and enjoyable, if rather slight in comparison to what he would compose later (you know, when he was, um, fourteen). Wincenc and Raps play on modern instruments, and if Wincenc's vibrato is sometimes a little bit too intense for my own tastes, the performances are nevertheless energetic, tight and focused. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Anthems and Verse Anthems |
| Label: |
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Helios (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Orlando Gibbons |
| Performer: |
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Winchester Cathedral Choir |
| ISBN: |
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9786311247396 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571152288 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD CDH55228 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDH55228 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Orlando Gibbons was one of the finest composers of English church music during the early 17th century, and this collection of anthems is beautifully sung by the Winchester Cathedral Choir -- if your library doesn't own the original 2000 release, then this is a great opportunity to fill the gap at mid-price. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Eine Marienvesper |
| Label: |
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CPO
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Composer:
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Orlando di Lasso |
| Performer: |
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Weser-Renaissance Bremen / Manfred Cordes |
| ISBN: |
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9786311092941 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203718221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777182 |
| Cat.#: |
|
777 182-2 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I've almost (almost!) given up on critiquing recordings by Weser-Renaissance Bremen, because their performances are always so exquisite and their repertoire always unimpeachable. This latest release (curses!) gives me no excuse to start getting critical now. Lasso's setting of sacred Marian texts is luminous, the singing is pure and crystalline, the recorded ambience luscious. Someday they're going to screw up, and I'll be ready... (RA) |
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 |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Rabassa: Requiem |
| Label: |
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La Ma de Guido (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Pere Rabassa |
| Performer: |
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Harmonia Del Parnas / Montagut |
| ISBN: |
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9786311270066 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00849757000761 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDLMDGLMG2076 |
| Cat.#: |
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LMG 2076 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This set of works by the relatively little-known Barcelonan composer Pere Rabassa offers an interesting window on the baroque sacred music of the Catalan region. Rabassa's setting of the Requiem is exuberant, at times startlingly so, and it's performed with great energy by Harmonia del Parnas. In addition to the Requiem, the program includes Rabassa's setting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah. Recommended to early music collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Tic, Toc, Choc |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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François Couperin |
| Performer: |
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Alexandre Tharaud |
| ISBN: |
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9786311154564 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00794881834426 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMC901956 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMC 901956 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Pianist Alexandre Tharaud is well known for his interpretations of Ravel and Chopin, but has always harbored a fascination for French baroque keyboard music. His second foray into that repertoire (following a similar exploration of the music of Rameau) finds him working through a slightly eccentric assortment of miniatures, all of them played in a style clearly influenced by his time spent among the Romantics. The result is a very unusual and quite delightful listening experience, one that combines a period-faithful ornamentation style with unabashedly 19th-century expressiveness. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sé |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Lùnasa |
| ISBN: |
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9786309983367 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00766397442228 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOMS974422 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7 4422 2 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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As a (mediocre) Irish flute player myself, I tend to see Lùnasa as a showcase for the (brilliant) flutist Kevin Crawford, but those with a broader perspective will have an easier time seeing the whole picture: a small, tight ensemble that seamlessly blends original and traditional tunes into thrilling dance sets. Note in particular the subtle but innovative way they incorporate the playing of string bassist Trevor Hutchinson. (RA) |
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|
 |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Thirtieth Anniversary Special |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Dry Branch Fire Squad |
| ISBN: |
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9786311107072 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661058521 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6105852 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0585-2 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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Best of |
| Comments: |
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At this point, the Dry Branch Fire Squad is basically mandolinist and bandleader Ron Thomason, who has presided over a constantly-shifting lineup for thirty years and has resolutely kept the band focused on a paradoxical blend of hardcore traditional bluegrass, understated protest folk songs, gospel, and old-time music. His wry and self-effacing humor are best experienced live, but this collection offers a very fine overview of the band's studio recordings. (RA) |
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 |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Exile |
| Label: |
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429 Records
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Artist:
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Steve Reynolds |
| ISBN: |
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9786309951649 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00795041754523 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSVY 17545 |
| Cat.#: |
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FTN 17545 |
| Genre: |
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Folk/Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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With his acoustic fingerpicking and harmonica and his Dylan/Petty drawl, Steve Reynolds is obviously working from a pretty rootsy reference point -- but the tightly compressed sound and claustrophobic acoustics of his debut album (and frequent incursions of rockish guitars and drums) give his music an urgency not usually found among his singer-songwriter colleagues. A little less intense whispering and a few more really deep hooks would make this album even better, but it's not bad at all as is. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Across The Black River |
| Label: |
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Loftus Music (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Kevin Burke & Cal Scott |
| ISBN: |
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9786311172865 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00634479468377 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDLFTS001 |
| Cat.#: |
|
LM001 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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On this wonderful album, fiddler Kevin Burke and guitarist Cal Scott go well beyond Celtic borders to explore both modern and traditional music that draws on French, American, English and other traditions. While their playing has plenty of energy, there's none of the frenetic show-offiness that too often afflicts trad Irish players, and each tune is presented like a rare, polished jewel -- even when it's as hoary and familiar as "The Wind That Shakes the Barley." Excellent. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Shaken By A Low Sound |
| Label: |
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Signature Sounds
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Artist:
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Crooked Still |
| ISBN: |
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9786310371931 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00701237200026 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSIGS2000 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SIG-2000 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Crooked Still is one of the most original bands on the new acoustic music scene. Their wonderfully fresh approach begins with their instrumentation: bass and cello provide a facile foundation for Gregory Liszt’s four-finger banjo playing and Aoife O’Donovan’s gorgeous vocals. It’s a compelling mix, aided by excellent arrangements and a set list that includes traditional fare, songs by Bob Dylan and Robert Johnson, and the captivating “Ecstasy,” arranged from an early 19th century Sacred Harp songbook. Very highly recommended. (GH)
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| Title: |
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After Hours |
| Label: |
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New Door
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Artist:
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Raul Malo |
| ISBN: |
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9786311164075 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517300699 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000876102 |
| Cat.#: |
|
000876102 |
| Genre: |
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Country |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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As leader of the Mavericks, Raul Malo showed no compunction about mixing country music with Latin music, ska, soul, and pop. (How many other country bands can you think of that recorded regularly with horn sections?) As a solo artist, he's been even more stylistically promiscuous. And on this one he keeps things subtly off-kilter: the songs are all country classics, but the arrangements tend towards big-band swing and lounge-lizard combos. And as always, it's all brilliant. Not only is his voice among the most sumptuously beautiful in all of pop music, but his ability to turn unlikely juxtapositions into pure musical gold is unparalleled. Essential. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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In Good We Trust |
| Label: |
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Stony Plain
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Artist:
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Harry Manx & Kevin Breit |
| ISBN: |
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9786311102930 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00772532132022 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTON1320 |
| Cat.#: |
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SPCD 1320 |
| Genre: |
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Popular Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Noted session and touring guitarists Manx & Breit join forces to create a beautiful, richly textured set of roots-oriented work. Tastefully produced multi-tracking blends various slide, acoustic, lap steel, and national steel guitars, as well as mandolin, bazouki and other instruments on this set of covers, traditional material, and originals. This one stayed in my CD player for days – it’s so good, I couldn’t get enough of it. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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For Sentimental Reasons |
| Label: |
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Kind Of Blue (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Bobby Hutcherson |
| ISBN: |
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9786311186435 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761191002074 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKDOP10020 |
| Cat.#: |
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KOB 10020 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Iconic vibraphonist Hutcherson creates an elegant mood on this set of standards and ballads. Fans of Hutcherson’s classic 60's bop records on Blue Note will find this recording somewhat subdued, evoking the lush feel of Milt Jackson and the Modern Jazz Quartet. It may not be the blistering bop of his youth, but Hutcherson strives for beauty and understatement, and achieves both brilliantly. A fine, seasoned recording by a master. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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Tennessee 2004 |
| Label: |
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ROIR
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Artist:
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Praxis |
| ISBN: |
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9786311210505 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00053436830123 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDROIR368301 |
| Cat.#: |
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RUSCD 8301 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Praxis is a quartet led by bassist Bill Laswell and featuring guitarist Buckethead, keyboardist Bernie Worrell and drummer Brain. The group's studio work would probably be more accurately be called avant-funk than jazz, but this live set from the 2004 Bonnaroo festival finds them working in a very jazzy, jammy vein. The sound is unbelievably sharp and clear for a live recording, and Buckethead is unbelievable. Prepare to have your brain melted. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Folk Songs For Far Out Folk |
| Label: |
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Reboot Stereophonic
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Artist:
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Fred Katz |
| ISBN: |
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9786311270127 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00824247014428 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRBTSRBS7 |
| Cat.#: |
|
RSR 007 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Fred Katz's orchestral-jazz reimaginations of traditional American, African and Jewish melodies would be easy to dismiss as hilariously kitsch period-pieces -- there's no mistaking the late-1950s tonalities of these arrangements, and sometimes they can get pretty funny. But listen more closely and you'll hear hints of real brilliance here. This is also the first time you'll hear "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" swing. And by the way, that's Johnny T. Williams on piano -- a man who would go on to write the film scores to all the Star Wars movies. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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People Will Say We're in Love |
| Label: |
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Arbors (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Nicki Parrott & Rossano Sportiello |
| ISBN: |
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9786311324196 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00780941133523 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARBRARB19335 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARCD 19335 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The obvious comparison for this disc is the celebrated set of bass-and-piano duo recordings by Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown -- but Ray Brown didn't sing, and if he had, there's no way he would have sounded as good as Nicki Parrott. No drums, and none needed -- these two swing with plenty of force all by themselves. Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Caravan |
| Label: |
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Riverside/Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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Art Blakey |
| ISBN: |
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9786311215043 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072301870 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRVSD30187 |
| Cat.#: |
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RCD-30187 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This 1962 date features one of drummer and bandleader Blakey’s finest front lines -- saxophonist Wayne Shorter, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, and trombonist Curtis Fuller. Pianist Cedar Walton and bassist Reggie Workman round out the sextet. Nobody drove a solid bop band like Blakey, and this album showcases great musicians in top form, led by one of the best bandleaders in jazz. This Keepnews Collection reissue features extensive liner notes about the recording process by the original (and reissue) producer, Orrin Keepnews, and features two alternative takes as bonus tracks. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Trio of Doom: John McLaughlin, Jaco Pastorius, Tony Williams |
| Label: |
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Sony Legacy
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Artist:
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John McLaughlin/Jaco Pastorius/Tony Williams |
| ISBN: |
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9786311262498 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00827969645024 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM96450 |
| Cat.#: |
|
82796 96450 2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Fusion fans rejoice! This previously unreleased 1979 live CD from the Havana Jam festival is a blistering set with three of fusion’s finest heros - bassist Jaco (of Weather Report), guitarist McLaughlin (of Mahavishnu Orchestra), and drummer Williams (of Lifetime). Incendiary? You bet -- the trio certainly lives up to their Jaco-dubbed moniker. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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You & The Night & The Music |
| Label: |
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Openart Records
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Artist:
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Jackie Ryan |
| ISBN: |
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9786311254158 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
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| UPC: |
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00822154072920 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDOPN 7292 |
| Cat.#: |
|
OA 07292 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Jackie Ryan has one of those rich, powerful voices that can make even the gentlest invitation sound like a romantic command -- check out, for example, her strongly swinging take on "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," a song that is usually interpreted in a softer, more wistful style. But who needs one more wispy-voiced jazz waif? Ryan's wise to use the power she's got, and this album makes a very strong argument for her approach. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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 |
| |
| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Essential Jaco Pastorius |
| Label: |
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Sony Legacy
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Artist:
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Jaco Pastorius |
| ISBN: |
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9786311262382 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886970128728 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM01287 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697 012872 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Summarizing the impact of groundbreaking revolutionary electric bass player Jaco Pastorius, Bill Mikowski states in the liner notes, “Simply put, there was bass before Jaco and bass after Jaco.” This two disc set presents a representative overview of his brief career, including material from his solo LPs, his work with Weather Report, and session work with Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny. There was nobody like Jaco, and this set sums up his brilliance well. (GH) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| $24.98 |
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| Title: |
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Three from the Vault |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Grateful Dead |
| ISBN: |
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9786311248751 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227998318 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN162812 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 162812 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
The Vault series represent a different level of live Dead releases -- these were recorded from multitracked masters, and have superior sound to the two-track Dick’s Picks series. This set features a 1971 gig with the original quintet, with memorable extended takes of “That’s It For the Other One,” “Good Lovin’,” and “Smokestack Lightnin’” Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Underground Communication |
| Label: |
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Om
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Artist:
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Bassnectar |
| ISBN: |
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9786311079881 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00600353075429 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDOM 30754 |
| Cat.#: |
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254 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Bassnectar is the best thing to happen to dance music since the turntable. After I recovered from my initial exposure to 2005's Mesmerizing the Ultra, all I could do was hope it wouldn't take too long for the next joint -- and here it is. Play this one for your staff and watch them completely lose it. (RA) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Release The Stars |
| Label: |
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Geffen
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Artist:
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Rufus Wainwright |
| ISBN: |
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9786311147573 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517301610 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000876702 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0008767-02 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Rufus Wainwright’s latest is a dense gem. The songs deal with love, nightclubs, travel, and lament, all mixed in a thick, lush array of instruments. This is thoughtful, polished, melodic pop with a brain, leaving you humming the melodies as you dig through the tiny print on the lyric sheet to fully catch what Rufus is singing about. Nice stuff. (GH) |
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 |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Duke Robillard's World Full of Blues |
| Label: |
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Stony Plain
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Artist:
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Duke Robillard |
| ISBN: |
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9786311304884 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00772532132329 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTON1323 |
| Cat.#: |
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SPCD 1323 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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For this outing, blues guitarist Robillard presents a smorgasbord of blues styles - ranging from jump blues to Chicago style to R&B influenced tunes. It’s two CDs of great fun, featuring Robillard’s originals and covers of tunes by such notables as T-Bone Walker, Bo Diddley, Jimmy Reed, and Memphis Slim. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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A Fine Adjustment of Time |
| Label: |
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Malicious Damage
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Artist:
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Analogue Mindfield |
| ISBN: |
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9786311199848 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00823566420729 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMLDR621 |
| Cat.#: |
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MD621 |
| Genre: |
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Rap/Hip-Hop/Dub/Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
One of the beautiful things about England is the way it has attracted and absorbed a huge variety of musical traditions from Africa, Europe and the U.S., and nurtured an equal variety of blended musical scenes. Analogue Mindfield is one product of that process: a quartet whose output combines electronica, dub, jungle, hip hop, rock and funk in almost equal proportions and never lets up the energy. Check out the surf guitar on "On Her Majesty's Secret Pissup." Brilliant! (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hit The Bit |
| Label: |
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Compost (dist. Caroline)
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Artist:
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Ben Mono |
| ISBN: |
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9786311172490 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00673794225524 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPTR255 |
| Cat.#: |
|
|
| Genre: |
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Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Bavarian DJ Ben Mono bucks the minimal-techno trend of his native region to provide weird, glitchy and deeply funky electronic dance music that he calls Bit-Hop: a combination of electro, techno, hip-hop and funk sounds. Too many of the rappers featured here fall back on silly chest-beating and cliched lyrical tropes, but the music is consistently booty-rific. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Cinematographic |
| Label: |
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Victory
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Artist:
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Junior Varsity |
| ISBN: |
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9786311195109 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00746105034624 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDVICY346 |
| Cat.#: |
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VR346 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Ignore the emo combovers in the band photo and the label's rep as the last great bastion of screaming post-hardcore angst: the Junior Varsity are pop songwriters of rare talent, and their latest album offers everything from anthemic rock hooks to swinging, jazzy pop songs that wouldn't sound out of place (with slightly different arrangements) in a 1930s ballroom. Not a single song on this album is boring, and fully half of them are brilliant. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Walls |
| Label: |
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Shitkatapult (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Apparat |
| ISBN: |
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9786311099308 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00881390168422 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSKAP84 |
| Cat.#: |
|
084 |
| Genre: |
|
Electronica |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Apparat (the nom de disque of Sascha Ring) joins the ranks of electronica artists moving towards more song-oriented (not exactly pop) forms. His earlier music tended to be a bit severe, but Orchestra of Bubbles, his collaboration with Ellen Allien, was very successful at opening up his sound into new areas. This album ranges from Radiohead territory to almost classical textures, and it mixes vocal and instrumental tracks in a way that will please listeners who come at it from either the rock/pop or the electronic angle. (SA) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Asa Breed |
| Label: |
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Ghostly International
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Artist:
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Matthew Dear |
| ISBN: |
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9786311179543 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00804297906522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGTYI65 |
| Cat.#: |
|
65 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Matthew Dear makes hardcore techno under the name of Audion, but he also makes more song-oriented music under his own name. Audion music is the epitome of abstract instrumental electronica, but Dear’s own music is more personal –- he’s more of an indie singer-songwriter using some electronic techniques. His breakthrough album Leave Luck to Heaven (2003) may be more exciting because of the palpable sense of discovery, but Asa Breed shows Dear’s growth as a singer, and it’s a more sophisticated example of the synthesis of both sides of his art. (SA) |
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| $11.99 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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On All Frequencies |
| Label: |
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Modus Vivendi
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Artist:
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Subatomic Sound System |
| UPC: |
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881034016379 |
| Cat.#: |
|
MVM-009 |
| Genre: |
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Hip Hop/Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Subatomic Sound System is, as its name suggests, a cooperative of hip hop MCs, turntablists, reggae Djs, producers and instrumentalists that has no respect for stylistic barriers and happily flits between rap, dub, downtempo, broken beat and reggae sounds. A brilliant melange of styles and rhythms, sure to appeal to anyone with an eclectic taste in beats. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Are You Lookin' at Me? |
| Label: |
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Compass
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Artist:
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Colin Hay |
| ISBN: |
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9786311094709 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00766397445328 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOMS974453 |
| Cat.#: |
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7 4453 2 |
| Genre: |
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Rock |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Those who remember Colin Hay only as the voice of 80s hitmakers Men at Work may be surprised by his latest solo album on a number of levels: for one thing, his solo work sounds nothing like the Police; instead, it's modest but solid acoustic-guitar-based pop/rock. For another, he actually speaks with a Scottish accent -- which will come as a shock to anyone who only knew him as the frontman for his resolutely Aussie former band. These songs are full of subtly lovely touches and reward repeated listening. Highly recommended. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| Title: |
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Live at the Market Theatre |
| Label: |
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Times Square/Four Quarters
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Artist:
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Hugh Masekela |
| ISBN: |
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9786311312018 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00822545180524 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFRQT1805 |
| Cat.#: |
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FQT-CD-1801 |
| Genre: |
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World/Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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To call Hugh Masekela a legend would be to put it almost too mildly; the fact that he's still playing with such sharpness and energy at age 68 is almost as impressive as the achievements of his youth. This two-disc set documents a recent concert and demonstrates the ongoing vitality of his unique jazz/township fusion style. Highly recommended to all jazz and ethno collections. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Tatoom |
| Label: |
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Heads Up
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Artist:
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Andy Narell |
| ISBN: |
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9786310932262 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00053361312220 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHEAD3122 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HUCD 3122 |
| Genre: |
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World/Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
No one has done more than Andy Narell to expand the reach and scope of steel pan music. He almost singlehandedly reinvented the pan as a jazz instrument, and he continues to explore new ways to blend Caribbean calypso and American jazz styles. His latest should find a place in every jazz and world music collection. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Cubacuba 2: The Official Guide to Cuba |
| Label: |
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Gossip
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311108239 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00607938060627 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDGSSP606 |
| Cat.#: |
|
0125 |
| Genre: |
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World/Ethnic |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Don't be put off by the word "official" in the title -- this isn't a musical excursion into socialist realism or an eat-your-peas ethnomusicological overview. It's an hour-long party that will make you want to dance around the room with fruit on your head. As I was telling my wife the other day: whenever I listen to Cuban music I find myself wondering again why I spend so much of my time doing things other than listening to Cuban music. Like working, for example. (RA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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El Barrio: Gangsters, Latin Soul & The Birth Of Salsa 1967-75 |
| Label: |
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Fania/Universal Music
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311275412 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
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| UPC: |
|
00877313003130 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD773 1303132 |
| Cat.#: |
|
130313 |
| Genre: |
|
Latin - Tropical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
In the late sixties Latin sounds started to mix with funk and soul, and this collection offers a selection of some of the results. No really famous tracks here, though there are some well-known names, like Ray Baretto amd Eddie Palmieri, but this horn- and piano-based music -- almost no guitars within earshot –- is the unique product of a particular time and place (the subtitle is "Nu Yorican Sounds 1966-1970"). All the history and sociology may not matter if a dancefloor is nearby. (SA) |
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 |
| |
| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Roots Man Dub |
| Label: |
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Heartbeat
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Artist:
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G.G.'s All Stars |
| ISBN: |
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9786311168806 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00011661783225 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6178322 |
| Cat.#: |
|
11661-7832-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
In the early 1970s, dub emerged as a hugely influential reggae subgenre. By stripping all or most of the vocal track from a song and drastically remixing the remaining instrumental tracks, dub's exponents created something entirely new and spawned modern remix culture. Alvin Ranglin was one of the master of the genre, and this two-disc set reissues his original Roots Man Dub album along with no fewer than eighteen bonus tracks. A very fine introduction to this fascinating musical world. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Lumiere |
| Label: |
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Riverboat (dist. World Music Network)
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Artist:
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Bob Brozman Orchestra |
| ISBN: |
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9786311319154 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00605633004625 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRVB 330046 |
| Cat.#: |
|
TUGCD1046 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This is the Bob Brozman Orchestra not in the sense that it's an orchestra led by Bob Brozman, but rather in the sense that the orchestra IS Bob Brozman, overdubbed on a bewildering array of stringed instruments and playing music derived from equally bewildering array of world traditions. Brozman being who he is, the whole thing is a complete riot of fun and excitement. Ethnomusicological purists will scoff at some of the stylistic blends he achieves here ("Ska Waltz Train," heh heh), but again, that's why we at CD HotList tend to bar musical purists of any sort at the door. All they do is spoil the party. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Ape-ology |
| Label: |
|
Trojan
|
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Artist:
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Lee Perry & The Upsetters |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311283172 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00060768057623 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTROJ80576 |
| Cat.#: |
|
06076-80576-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Gathering together the three scariest and most disturbing albums of Lee "Scratch" Perry's career (Super Ape, Return of the Super Ape, and Roast Fish, Collie Weed & Cornbread) is either the most brilliant or the foolhardiest thing the Trojan label has ever done. I, naturally, am inclined to the former view -- but my brain has been permanently altered by long exposure to the musical products of the Black Ark, so heed my advice with caution. In all honesty, I can't say that every collection ought to have this two-disc compilation. But every reggae collection certainly should. (RA) |
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| Title: |
|
Supermoon |
| Label: |
|
Heads Up
|
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Artist:
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|
Zap Mama |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311334706 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00053361313227 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHEAD3132 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HUCD 3132 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Marie Daulne has been making brilliant and funky Afro-European music since the early 1990s, at first leading an esemble called Zap Mama and now basically serving as Zap Mama herself with a shifting array of helpers. On her latest album these include bassist Will Lee, drummer Tony Allen, saxophonist Lenny Pickett, and bassist Me'shell Ndegéocello, among many others. As always, the result is richly harmonized and powerfully pop-smart. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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