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October 2008
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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String Quartets |
| Label: |
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Dux
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Composer:
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Juan Crisostomo de Arriaga |
| Performer: |
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Prima Vista Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266402 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754009519 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDUX 0577 |
| Cat.#: |
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0577 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Arriaga (1806-1826), who is not nearly as well known as a multitude of his contemporaries, displayed absolute genius as a composer from a very early age until his untimely death at the age of 20. These three quartets show an extraordinary aptitude for independence of line as well as very forward-looking harmonic and formal language. Although we have other extant pieces by him, these quartets provide an enjoyable window into his unique style that deserves to be heard. Recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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String Quartets 7, 8, 9 and 10 |
| Label: |
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Da Capo (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Per Norgard |
| Performer: |
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Kroger Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312149088 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00636943605929 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDACP8226059 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.226059 |
| Period: |
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Contemporary |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Per Norgard is perhaps Denmark's most important living composer, and while "importance" doesn't necessarily translate into "listenability," the four string quartets that make up this program are consistently intriguing even in their frequent spikiness and occasional near-aridity. Norgard never loses sight of his classical antecedents, nor of his own duodecaphonic and spectralist past, but he integrates a wide variety of compositional techniques and melodic gestures to create something that is both new and ultimately quite inviting. The Kroger Quartet's playing is exceptionally fine; I wish the recorded sound were just a bit closer and more intimate. Recommended to all new music collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Consort Music & Airs for Flute - Holborne, Dowland, Scheidt, etc / Martin, Sempe, Capriccio Stravagante |
| Label: |
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Paradizo (dist. Allegro)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Julien Martin; Capriccio Stravagante / Skip Sempé |
| ISBN: |
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9786311976869 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05425019972011 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPRDZ1 |
| Cat.#: |
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PA0001 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a thoroughly lovely and enjoyable collection of consort music played by a top-notch period-instruments ensemble that prominently features recorder player Julien Martin as a soloist. The works featured include the usual suspects (Holborne, Scheidt, Dowland) as well as one or two slightly less familiar composers (Brade, Ferrabasco). The sound is sharp and a bit vinegary, but the playing is exquisite and the program is very nicely put together. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Harp Consorts |
| Label: |
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Atma (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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William Lawes |
| Performer: |
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Maxine Eilander; Les Voix Humaines |
| ISBN: |
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9786312320371 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00722056237222 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAMAA2372 |
| Cat.#: |
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ACD2 2372 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Because I love Renaissance music, I always expect to enjoy consort music more than I usually do. Maybe it's the unrelieved fuzziness of texture that you tend to get whenever multiple viols are playing together; maybe it's the unrelieved melancholy of so many of the genre's top composers. In any case, I found this collection of pieces by William Lawes for harp consort to be completely wonderful. The combination of harp, lute, violin and violas da gamba provides just the right amount of timbral variety, and the pieces themselves are nicely balanced between traditional languor and a little hint of something that just might be actual cheerfulness. Very highly recommended to all early music collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Crystal Tears |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Andreas Scholl ; Concerti di Viole / Julian Behr |
| ISBN: |
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9786312109969 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00794881868520 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMC901993 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMC 901993 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Few countertenors are as exquisitely equipped to do justice to the lute song tradition as Andreas Scholl, who here presents a program of songs by the usual suspects (primarily John Dowland, but also John Ward, William Byrd, Robert Johnson and several others) all given the particularly spry and sweet-voiced treatment that has become his trademark. He is accompanied by the wonderful chamber ensemble Concerti di Viole, led by Julian Behr. The package also includes a DVD containing a brief documentary on the making of the album. Excellent. (RA) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Play of Daniel |
| Label: |
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Harmonia Mundi
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Composer:
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| Performer: |
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Dufay Collective |
| ISBN: |
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9786312220213 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00093046747923 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHMD HMU907479 |
| Cat.#: |
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HMU 907479 |
| Period: |
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Medieval |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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It takes some guts to record a new version of The Play of Daniel, a medieval liturgical drama that will always be associated with the work of early music pioneer Noah Greenberg and his New York Pro Musica. But the Dufay Collective takes on the challenge with admirable success. The playing on this recording is excellent, and the singing is generally top-notch as well -- though there are a few moments of audible strain in the high voices (notably on the chorus "Jubilemus Regi Nostro"). Overall, this is a welcome update of a venerable classic. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Sackbutt: Trombone in the 17th & 18th Century |
| Label: |
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Channel Classics (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Jorgen van Rijen; Combattimento Consort Amsterdam / Jan Willem de Vriend |
| ISBN: |
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9786312219989 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00723385267089 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCNLCCCSSA26708 |
| Cat.#: |
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CCS SA 26708 |
| Period: |
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Baroque/Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The sackbutt, an unfortunately-named predecessor of the modern trombone, is notoriously difficult to play, but Jorgen van Rijen makes it sound astonishingly easy on this light and charming collection of sonatas and concertos by Albrechtsberger, Bertali, Schmelzer and other notable composers of the baroque and classical periods. His intonation is nearly perfect, and his tone and phrasing are exquisite, as is the playing of the Combattimento Consort Amsterdam. For all early music collections and any library supporting a brass program. (RA) |
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| $16.99 |
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| Title: |
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Preussische Quartette 7-9 |
| Label: |
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CPO (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Ignaz Pleyel |
| Performer: |
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Pleyel Quartett Koln |
| ISBN: |
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9786312100898 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203731527 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777315 |
| Cat.#: |
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777 315-2 |
| Period: |
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Classical/Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The influence of Joseph Haydn is clear in these string quartets by his student Ignaz Pleyel, and yet there is a lightness and freshness about Pleyel's music that is all his own. He can probably be fairly criticized for excessive lightness sometimes, but there's something to be said for pleasant music, especially when it's composed with as much attention to structural detail and played with as much gentle affection as the Pleyel Quartett Koln gives these works. This disc may not be an essential purchase for every library, but it's difficult to imagine anyone listening without loving it immediately. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Joshua Pierce: The Schubert Recordings, Vol. 2 |
| Label: |
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MSR Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Joshua Pierce |
| ISBN: |
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9786312204114 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00681585120521 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSRCMS1205 |
| Cat.#: |
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MS 1205 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Joshua Pierce has become one of my favorite pianists in recent years, and the next time someone asks me why, I'm just going to refer them to this disc of Schubert impromptus (opp. 90 and 142), which Pierce plays with the perfect balance of inwardness and emotion. You can't play Schubert well without understanding his strange and tragic personality, and on this disc you get the feeling that the composer is being channeled through the pianist. Is there higher praise than that? (RA) |
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| $47.92 |
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| Title: |
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Chamber Works |
| Label: |
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Supraphon
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Composer:
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Antonin Dvorak |
| Performer: |
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Panocha Quartet; Suk Trio & guests |
| ISBN: |
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9786312265597 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00099925392123 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUPP3921 |
| Cat.#: |
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SU 3921-2 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This boxed set provides good coverage of some of Dvorak's most important chamber works: all three string quintets, both piano quintets, both piano quartets, and the string sextet. The performances are consistently superb, making this compilation a welcome addition to your chamber music collection. If you don't own the original issues or your collection is weak on Dvorak chamber music, the price makes this recording of previously released material worth buying. Recommended. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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The Four Seasons |
| Label: |
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Sony Classical
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Composer:
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Antonio Vivaldi |
| Performer: |
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Joshua Bell; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields |
| ISBN: |
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9786312394587 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886971101324 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM11013 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697-11013-2 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Yet another recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons! But, hey, it's Joshua Bell's first recording of baroque music and he plays with great fervor and abandon at times and then delivers some of the most beautiful, delicate melodic passages I've ever heard. He absolutely plays like a god. This performance certainly gives his famous Stradivarius a tremendous workout. Even if you have 200 other recordings of this piece in your collection, you still need to get this one. In addition to the Vivaldi, Bell gives an electrifying performance of Giuseppe Tartini's "Devil's Trill" sonata with John Constable on harpsichord. A definitive recording. (MJB) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Strangers In Another Country: The Songs of Bruce |
| Label: |
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Red House
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Artist:
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Rosalie Sorrels |
| ISBN: |
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9786312251873 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00033651021421 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDREDH214 |
| Cat.#: |
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RHR CD 214 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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One folk icon pays tribute to another on this collection of songs by the late Bruce “Utah” Philips, performed by his long-time friend Rosalie Sorrels. It’s a great selection of Utah’s songs that captures his humor, activism, and keen eye for portraying people and places. Sorrels is joined by Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason, Bryan Bowers and others on this fine tribute. (GH) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sparks of Ancient Light |
| Label: |
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Appleseed
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Artist:
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Al Stewart |
| ISBN: |
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9786312407065 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587111227 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1112 |
| Cat.#: |
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APR CD 1112 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Stewart is best know as a writer of historical ballads who had big hits with his mid-70’s LPs Year of the Cat and Time Passages. His star’s been rising again as of late, having signed with the great folk label Appleseed a few years ago. Sparks of Ancient Light is his second CD for the label, and it’s full of great songs with historical themes: one song is about a Carthaginian navigator, c.500 BC, another is about the fall of the Shah of Iran, while others deal with the 1950s (“(A Child’s View of) The Eisenhower Years,” “Elvis at the Wheel”). No songwriter crafts such vivid historical landscapes and characters as Al Stewart, and his latest finds him as sharp as ever. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $29.98 |
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| Title: |
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Point Of No Return |
| Label: |
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Bear Family (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Jim Ford |
| ISBN: |
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9786311730096 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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04000127169938 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBFAM16993 |
| Cat.#: |
|
16993 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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If Jim Ford is remembered at all these days, it’s because he was the co-writer of “Niki Hoeky,” recorded by Aretha Franklin, P.J. Proby, and Bobby Gentry, among others, and also because Nick Lowe, who recorded Ford’s “36 Inches High” on the Jesus of Cool album, has cited him as a primary influence. A Kentuckian by way of New Orleans, Ford recorded only one album, 1969’s Harlan County (also previously released by Bear Family with extra tracks). Sadly Ford died last year, just as he was re-emerging from a long chemically dependent retirement and being rediscovered. Point of No Return, a grab bag of stray tracks subtitled Previously Unreleased Masters, Lost 45 & Rare Demos, reveals traces of his genius for country soul, a mixture of black and white styles reminiscent of Swamp Dogg and Arthur Alexander on one end of the spectrum and Charlie Rich and Tony Joe White on the other. An essential archival release. (SA) |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Last Country Album |
| Label: |
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Shuffle5 Records (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Heybale! |
| ISBN: |
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9786312182283 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00678572958922 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSHFR005 |
| Cat.#: |
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5 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Heybale! is an Austin-based quintet of veteran country musicians. The lead guitarist and pianist both played with Merle Haggard, so it’s not surprising that a Bakersfield twang dominates the sound. The cover photos tell the story, picturing dancers swaying in a dimly lit bar, folks playing dominoes, and an wizened old man standing by the roadside -– the songs are about road-weary people, busted relationships, and nights spent in honky-tonks. There are plenty of originals, plus tunes by Tom T. Hall and Willie Nelson. True tears-in-your-beer tunes. (GH) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sorrow Be Gone |
| Label: |
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Big Book (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Loose Acoustic Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786312112020 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094922916266 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBBKR15 |
| Cat.#: |
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BBR 15 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This group is a hoot. They sound vaguely familiar -— one hears echoes of ancient psych/folk groups like the Holy Modal Rounders -—but their humor is contemporary and their style is entirely their own. The songs are mostly by Ken Cooper or Richie Lawrence, members of the trio, but with ten guest artists, they’ve got a different band on each track. They throw in a bit of Cajun styling, and the biggest laugh is "Pinball Wizard" done to the tune of "Wabash Cannonball." This one is great for hippies old and young. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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Boombox Squaredance |
| Label: |
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Foghorn Music
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Artist:
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Foghorn Stringband |
| ISBN: |
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9786311662588 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6311662582 |
| UPC: |
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00751937306825 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFOGH3 |
| Cat.#: |
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0044 |
| Genre: |
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Old-time |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Square dance it is! These tunes were originally recorded in 2004, but when you’re listening to old-time string band music it probably doesn’t matter much. These folks from Portland, Oregon keep it simple—fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, and bass, all crowded around one microphone. Their purpose is to drive your feet, and they do so with a set of mostly up-tempo instrumentals, impeccably played and with great enthusiasm. The only drawback is the homemade packaging, which will require some reprocessing for libraries. This one is great for anyplace where square dancing or contra dance are in fashion. (JW) |
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| $16.90 |
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| Title: |
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Norwegian American Music |
| Label: |
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Azalea City Recordings
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Artist:
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The Berntsons |
| UPC: |
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611781070320 |
| Cat.#: |
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ACCD-0703 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If you’re looking for some seriously old-time music, here it is. The Berntsons play waltzes, schottishes, marches, and square dances, mostly Scandinavian folk tunes brought to rural Wisconsin over a hundred years ago, and played at home parties for generations. While the family has been playing since the early 20th century, the current incarnation includes matriarch Eleanore Berntson Lundeberg on pump organ, son Karl on guitar and other instruments, and friends Andrea Hoag and Loretta Kelley on violins. The sound is different and delightful, and the musicianship is impeccable. This is a forgotten corner of ethnic Americana well worth exploring. (JW) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $14.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Tree Of Life |
| Label: |
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Metropolitan (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Todd Herbert |
| ISBN: |
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9786312168188 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6312168182 |
| UPC: |
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00667961112823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMPLN1128 |
| Cat.#: |
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MR 1128 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Coltrane-influenced sax players are everywhere. So what makes Todd Herbert special? Well, he’s absorbed other influences along the way, playing with Freddie Hubbard and others, which gives him, to these ears, a trumpeter’s take on the tenor sax. He also writes his own tunes, which sound like standards that you just never heard before. Fronting a quartet with piano and a great rhythm section, Herbert shines on the interplay between sax and piano. This is a fine mix of uptempo tunes and ballads, that any contemporary jazz fan should enjoy. |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Forests |
| Label: |
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Zoho (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Brazilian Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786312239376 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6312239373 |
| UPC: |
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00880956080628 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDZHOR200806 |
| Cat.#: |
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ZM 200806 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Piano, bass, and drums are hardly a unique combination, but Helio Alves, Nilson Matta, and Duduka Da Fonseca create some unique and beautiful music together. They don’t just play Brazilian jazz, but rather, they take Brazilian tunes and make them sound like New York jazz. Call them samba jazz if you like, but with this trio it’s hard to tell where the samba and the jazz are grafted together. It’s all seamless, and gorgeously played. Here they contrast several Brazilian classics with original works in a blend that varies from melancholy to upbeat, while always being melodic and tasteful. (JW) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Imagina: Songs of Brazil |
| Label: |
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Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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Karrin Allyson |
| ISBN: |
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9786311866900 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6311866900 |
| UPC: |
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00888072304284 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCONJ30428 |
| Cat.#: |
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CCD-30428 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Allyson has dipped into Brazilian waters before on several albums, but never so deeply and with such conviction. This set of bossa novas, the majority written by Antonio Carlos Jobim years ago, feature the singer front and center, backed by a group of able American musicians filling in around her soft, sensuous voice. Partly sung in Portuguese, partly in English, the outing provides a user-friendly introduction to one style of Brazilian music with a strong jazz tint. This is more than just a jazz singer hopping a plane. She does credible and attractive work here. |
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| Title: |
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The New Crystal Silence |
| Label: |
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Concord Jazz/Universal
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Artist:
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Chick Corea and Gary Burton |
| ISBN: |
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9786311785249 |
| ISBN-10: |
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6311785242 |
| UPC: |
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00888072306301 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCONJ230630 |
| Cat.#: |
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CCD 2-30630 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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One need not be familiar with Crystal Silence, the duo’s original release from 1973, to enjoy this sprawling two-disc set. It stands by itself as a remarkable achievement. Corea, the composer on piano, works fluently with Burton, the improviser on vibes. What’s surprising is not the second disc of live duet performances, but rather the first of the set. Here they work with arranger Tim Garland and the Sydney Symphony to present several of Corea’s compositions, in an orchestral jazz format that is stunningly attractive. The two discs together show how far these great musicians have come over the past few decades, and where they’re going. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Stompin' The Blues |
| Label: |
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Arbors Jazz
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Artist:
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Harry Allen-Joe Cohn Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312092674 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00780941135329 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARBR19353 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARCD 19353 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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No label delivers modern recordings of classic swing-era jazz with as much consistently pleasurable quality as Arbors, and few combos on the Arbors roster swing as hard and as sweetly as the Allen-Cohn quartet. On this very fine program, guitarist Cohn and tenor saxophonist Allen apply their chops to a collection of fairly predictable standards ("I Only Have Eyes for You," "You're Dirving Me Crazy") and perfectly idiomatic Allen originals. Especially on the ballads, Allen's playing recalls the sweet, breathy lyricism of Lester Young, and Cohn is both a sensitive accompanist and a tastefully virtuosic soloist. Very, very nice. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Coincidence |
| Label: |
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Whaling City Sound
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Artist:
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Joe Beck & John Abercrombie |
| ISBN: |
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9786311818930 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00687606004023 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWGCS40 |
| Cat.#: |
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wcs 040 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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These two veterans of previous guitar duo match-ups work through a dozen tunes, some classic, some freshly composed, and do an incredible job of it. Combining traditional and modern stylings, the two intertwine beautifully, trade off solos, and dazzle guitar fans with their technique. Several blues numbers keep the action grounded, and give it a grit that one would normally require a rhythm section for. An excellent production. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Shivers |
| Label: |
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Stony Plain
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Artist:
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New Guitar Summit |
| ISBN: |
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9786312172376 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00772532132824 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTON1328 |
| Cat.#: |
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SPCD 1328 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz/Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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New Guitar Summit is an apt name for this group in one sense, but not in another: yes, they're like a summit meeting of Boston guitarists (Jay Geils, Duke Robillard, Gerry Beaudoin), but no, there's nothing new about them. These guys are elder statesmen, and the music they play is strictly old-school: "Flying Home," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Everybody's Crying Mercy," etc. And is it all an unmitigated delight? Oh heavens, yes. For all guitar collections. (RA) |
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| $18.50 |
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| Title: |
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Lifelines |
| Label: |
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Orbus
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Artist:
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Bruno Raberg |
| UPC: |
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700261247830 |
| Cat.#: |
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OM0508 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Swedish bassist Raberg fills these two discs with a varied bag of compositions, ranging from tunes bristling with an understated intensity to airy, bucolic songs with a folkloric feel. He fronts a quartet of drums, sax, and guitar, and much of the beauty comes from his interaction with guitarist Ben Monder, who imparts a subtle airiness or a simmering intensity as befits each tune. An ECM vibe permeates the disc, providing a pristine sonic landscape for Raberg’s beautiful tunes to unfold. Excellent modern jazz –- highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Nature of The Beat |
| Label: |
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Patios
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Artist:
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Wayne Wallace |
| ISBN: |
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9786312277750 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00799793600824 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRNLG6008 |
| Cat.#: |
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PRCD 006 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Trombonist Wallace fronts a Latin big band on this well-named disc that explores variations on Latin and funk styles, keeping your toes tapping while some very tasteful playing keeps your ears engaged. Selections include originals plus great arrangements of standards, such as a funk version of the Gershwin’s “Fascinatin’ Rhythm” and a cha-cha take of Herbie Hancock’s “Come Running to Me.” Very nice work. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dream Flight |
| Label: |
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Act Music & Vision Records/All
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Artist:
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E.L.B. (Peter Erskine, Nguyen Lê, Michael Benita) |
| ISBN: |
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9786311982488 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00614427946720 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAMSV9467 |
| Cat.#: |
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9467-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is E_L_B’s (Erskine, Lê, Benita) latest album since 2000, when they debuted on ACT. Dream Flight presents a wide range of expression (“from subtle whispers to wild electricity, lyrical songs to complex rhythm games”) and all within an improvisatory context. E_L_B respond well to one another and make an effort to contribute equally to the music making –- although Nguyen Lê is often in the lead. Dream Flight includes 11 tracks, each of which are composed by a member of the group -- including their guest, saxophonist Stéphane Guillaume. (PS) |
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| $10.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Hawk Flies High |
| Label: |
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Riverside/Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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Coleman Hawkins |
| ISBN: |
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9786312114130 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072305052 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRVSD30505 |
| Cat.#: |
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RCD-30505 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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One of the great tenor saxophonists of all time -– indeed, his work in the 1920s defined the tenor’s crucial role in jazz -– Hawkins still had amazing chops late in his career, as this marvelous 1957 session clearly shows. Joined by a diverse band that included bop trombonist J.J. Johnson and swing drummer Jo Jones, Hawkins swings, bops, and blows beautiful ballads. Great stuff from one of the era’s most esteemed elder statesmen. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $19.00 |
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| Title: |
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Whirled Chamber Music |
| Label: |
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ViolinJazz
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Artist:
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Quartet San Francisco |
| UPC: |
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700261224312 |
| Cat.#: |
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JCCD105 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is an utterly delightful collection of jazz and pop tunes arranged for string quartet. Neither a novelty confection nor a postmodern highbrow artifice, Whirled Chamber Music simply presents great tunes in sophisticated but joyful arrangements. The quartet itself puts it just right in the liner notes: "When the music says swing, we swing; when the music says groove, we groove." Selections include pieces by Raymond Scott, Duke Ellington, Burton lane, and Tower of Power. Brilliant. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| Title: |
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S-M Backwards |
| Label: |
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Smalltown Supersound (dist. Revolver)
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Artist:
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Serena-Maneesh |
| ISBN: |
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9786312261186 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00600116844620 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSSSD146 |
| Cat.#: |
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146 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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If you didn’t get their eponymous full-length (2005) debut, you should. This is a compilation of their first two EPs, previously only available in Norway (plus remixes and videos). Often compared to the Velvet Underground and My Bloody Valentine, band mastermind Emil Nikolaisen has a much more varied background than that (including glam-punk, Christian extreme metal, and jangle pop ensembles) and it all flowers and explodes in Serena-Maneesh. It is experimental, atmostpheric rock at its best. Most of the pieces here are not songs as much as droning pop experimentation, but the walls of noise and thin threads of reverby, melodic vocals weave a complex, life-affirming, hypnotic rock fabric. (TWB) |
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| Title: |
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Do It! |
| Label: |
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Domino (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Clinic |
| ISBN: |
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9786311954621 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00801390017322 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDOMN00173 |
| Cat.#: |
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173 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Liverpool’s best are darkly mischievous, minimalist absurdists who utilize a vast catalog of diverse pop sounds, with vocals that lie somewhere between John Lennon and Black Francis.
Devious Velvets guitars with a Suicide organ grind and a garage punk aesthetic.They’ve toured with Radiohead, yet are virtually unknown on American shores. Eccentric and sometimes a bit unsettling, their music is nevertheless intriguing and addictive. Their sound references Can, Neu!, early bluesmen and doo-wop among many other influences. From the start this band has been enigmatic, yet somehow accessible. And way underrated. (TWB)
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hercules and Love Affair |
| Label: |
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Mute
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Artist:
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Hercules and Love Affair |
| ISBN: |
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9786312140863 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00724596939222 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMRCD69392B |
| Cat.#: |
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509920811020 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Disco is not a dirty word for Hercules and Love Affair, and band led by Andrew Butler and fronted by numerous vocalists. (No one is named Hercules, and Love Affair are not backing singers). Bouncy bass lines and synthesized strings recall Donna Summer’s arrangements, while singer Antony’s falsetto evokes the similarly mono-monikered Sylvester as well as Jimmy Somerville, which ties into the album’s synth pop aesthetic. But unlike their antecedents, Hercules and Love Affair never quite churn up the necessary energy, ultimately becoming mired in midtempo monotony. (MC) |
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| Title: |
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Visiter |
| Label: |
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French Kiss (dist. Red)
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Artist:
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Dodos |
| ISBN: |
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9786311912713 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675640912527 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFKSS033 |
| Cat.#: |
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FKR 033-2 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The full-length debut from this San Francisco duo is at times densely textured, full of clattering and stuttering. Meric Long plays a furious acoustic guitar while Logan Kroeber bashes away on percussion. Even with the occasional horn accent, heavier instrumentation would be overwhelming. Yet, “Winter,” one of several more restrained tracks, recalls the delicate melancholy of the Magnetic Fields. It succeeds by creating driving rhythm and finding a balance between the complex and the spare.
(MC) |
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| $25.98 |
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| Title: |
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I, Flathead |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Artist:
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Ry Cooder |
| ISBN: |
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9786312121916 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597993431 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONE465916 |
| Cat.#: |
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465916-2 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is the third thematic disc in Ry Cooder's “California Trilogy,” which began in 2005 with Chavez Ravine and continued with last year’s My Name Is Buddy. I, Flathead examines post-WWII car racing and roadhouse culture, told through the fictional eyes of Kash Buk and peppered with racers, aliens, Johnny Cash fans, steeel guitar players, and other colorful characters. Musically, Cooder continues to mine and appropriate the blues, border music, and old rock n’ roll into his own unique mix. One highlight is the bouncing “Pink-O-Boogie,” a McCarthy-era themed laugh at J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI. The CD also includes a novella by Cooder that’s a combination of pulp racing fiction and science fiction – an engaging, if quirky, combination. Overall, it’s thematically fascinating and musically wonderful. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Forever Changes |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Love |
| ISBN: |
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9786311983188 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227993849 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN428796 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 428796 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Arthur Lee’s band Love emerged in the 60s from the same L.A. scene that gave birth to the Byrds, but Love always remained somewhat of a cult band. 1967’s Forever Changes was their third LP, noted for its deft blending of string arrangements with guitars and rock rhythms, creating an unusual mix that stands with such LPs as the Beatles’ Revolver or the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds in its original approach to the 60’s rock genre. It’s a compelling slice of romantic psychedelia that stands up very well today. Noteworthy is the iconic opening track, “Alone Again Or,” with its mariachi feel and haunting, stop-on-a-dime chorus. “Alone Again Or” has become a classic in its own right, and has been covered by such diverse musicians as Matthew Sweet, the Damned, Sarah Brightman, and Calexico. In typical Rhino treatment, the second CD includes alternate mixes of the entire album, plus a handful of outtakes and demos. Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul Edition |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Otis Redding |
| ISBN: |
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9786311983171 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227993894 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN422140 |
| Cat.#: |
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R2 422140 |
| Genre: |
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Soul |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Otis Redding’s third LP was one of the great 1960s soul recordings. Recorded in July 1965, Otis Blue defines the Memphis Volt sound, propelled by the great rhythm section of Booker T & the MGs with Steve Cropper on guitar and Booker T. Jones on organ and piano, plus the tasty Memphis horns. Redding sings several covers by his idol Sam Cooke, including “Change Gonna Come” and “Shake,” plus Smokey Robinson’s “My Girl” and his signature take on the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.” Packed full of classics? Oh, yeah –- and we haven’t gotten to the Redding originals: Otis introduces “Respect,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and “Old Man Trouble” on this recording. Rhino’s two-CD reissue includes both the stereo and mono versions of the original LP, plus an additional 18 cuts including demos and live cuts. Very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Simply Grand |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Irma Thomas |
| ISBN: |
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9786312229582 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661220225 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6122022 |
| Cat.#: |
|
122022 |
| Genre: |
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Soul |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Some (okay, most) soul and R&B singers start losing their pitch and their tone as they age. Irma Thomas -- who has now been recording for nearly fifty years(!) and is rightly regarded as the queen of New Orleans soul music -- just seems to get warmer with age, her voice taking on a certain rich graininess and her vigor not flagging at all. On her latest album she's joined by an all-star cast of local helpers that includes Dr. John, Henry Butler, Marcia Ball and Norah Jones, among many others. Spectacular. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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City of Dreams: A Collection of New Orleans Music |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311567647 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661219625 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6121962 |
| Cat.#: |
|
612196 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
City of Dreams: A Collection of New Orleans Music plays like a love letter to the wide variety of music currently played in New Orleans. Although the tracks on this CD were actually recorded over the last three decades, all sound remarkably contemporary and many of the artists such as Marcia Ball, Art Neville, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band continue to perform today. The set is divided into four categories: Big Easy Blues (New Orleans rhythm and blues,) Street Beat (music of and music inspired by the parades,) Funky New Orleans (bass and drum driven funk,) and Ivory Emperors (a variety of New Orleans piano music.) The music of this set represents some of the best, most funky, and most representative music of contemporary New Orleans. If you know what it means to miss New Orleans, this set will flare your yearnings to return and make others want to go, too. (CLHD) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Mars LP: The Complete Studio Recordings NYC 1977-1978 |
| Label: |
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No More (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Mars |
| ISBN: |
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9786312196891 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00618801001425 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNMRC014 |
| Cat.#: |
|
No. 14 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Do you loves you some vintage Downtown skronk? Of course you do. Of all the noisy No Wave bands that proliferated in New York around the turn of the 1980s, few were noisier than Mars, a quartet that could barely play its instruments and yet ground its abrasive way into the boho hearts of an entire underground scene. This music isn't for the faint of heart or tender of ear, but if your patrons tend to check out Massacre and DNA reissues, they'll be thrilled with this comprehensive overview. Academic collections that support the study of avant-rock should consider this disc an essential purchase. (RA) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| Title: |
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A Town Called Addis |
| Label: |
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Real World
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Artist:
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Dub Colossus |
| ISBN: |
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9786312452768 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00884108015520 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRWRCR80155 |
| Cat.#: |
|
155 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae/World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
What's funner than dub? Dub that's written and recorded in Ethiopia as an accompaniment to a variety of local singers. Dub Colossus is composer and multi-instrumentalist Nick Page (formerly of Transglobal Underground), and this project is the result of time he spent in Addis Ababa, collaborating with local musicians on a fusion of Azmari, reggae and Ethiopique sounds. The result is every bit as dreamy, bass-heavy and thrilling as you might expect. Highly recommended to all world music collections. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dub |
| Label: |
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Heartbeat
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| Performer: |
|
Dub Specialist |
| ISBN: |
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9786312400332 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
|
00011661784222 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD116 6178422 |
| Cat.#: |
|
178422 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Dub Specialist was the pseudonym of the late producer Clement Dodd, who owned and ran the legendary Studio One and occasionally mixed his own dub versions. This collection of Dodd mixes was originally issued in 1995 as 17 Dub Shots from Studio One; this reissue features a slightly revised tracklist. The rhythms will be familiar to fans of early reggae: they are taken from classic singles by the Heptones, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis and many others. Dodd wasn't the world's greatest remix artist, but many of these versions are very good. For reggae collections. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
|
China Lounge feat. Shanghai Divas |
| Label: |
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Black Flame (dist. Allegro)
|
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Artist:
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|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312395317 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
04018382885524 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBLFL88552 |
| Cat.#: |
|
88552 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Funky and fun, this collection brings together thirteen pieces of Chinese electronic pop, many of them featuring winsome vocals by various female singers, all of them mixed by DJ Red Buddha. The prize for best song title goes to The Shanghai Restoration Project for "Pudong New District," a love song that doesn't seem to have anything to do with urban renewal; the prize for most meltingly gorgeous melody goes to Sow Keng Poon" for "Lover's Tears." Great stuff. (RA) |
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 |
| |
| $19.98 |
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|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Basic Channel 2 |
| Label: |
|
Basic Channel (dist. Forced Exposure)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Basic Channel / burial Mix |
| ISBN: |
|
9786312223641 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00827670143123 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBSCC002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BCD-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Electronica |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Before ‘minimal’ took over techno (and clubs and turntables and iPods and you get the idea), in fact before anyone even called it ‘minimal,’ Basic Channel was issuing twelve-inchers that had almost no information on them. Now that the style is so popular that there’s been a backlash, we can look back to the early 90s and see that those records were where it was born. We also now know that Basic Channel was and is the Berlin production team of Moritz Von Oswald and Mark Ernestus, the men who are also behind the more dub-oriented Rhythm & Sound imprint. BCD-2 is the second digital reissue of selected tracks and edits from those original records (the first, BCD, was issued in 1995), and contemporary listeners can discover for themselves how what became ‘minimal’ originated – no vocals, no melodies, only relentless synthetic textures and rigorous variations on the 4/4 rhythm. Historically significant, but not for the faint of heart. (SA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
