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February 2008
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Selected Masterpieces |
| Label: |
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Dynamic (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Johann Nepomuk Hummel |
| Performer: |
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Various Performers |
| ISBN: |
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9786311685716 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00675754003579 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDYNA5541 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDS 544/1-6 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (6-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Works for solo piano (discs 1-3), works for violin or viola and piano (disc 4), complete works for cello and piano (disc 5), and works for flute, viola, or mandolin and fortepiano (disc 6) are included in this set. A superior recording of chamber works by this composer who studied with Mozart and was a friend of Beethoven. Hummel's music anticipates the harmonic language of Chopin and all the performances in this set are superb. The musicians all play with incredible precision and clarity. A necessity for the audiophile. Highly recommended. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Prestidigitations |
| Label: |
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MSR Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Judith Zaimont |
| Performer: |
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Judith Zaimont; American Ragtime Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
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9786311406571 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00681585123829 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSRCMS1238 |
| Cat.#: |
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MS 1238 |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Judith Zaimont shows her playful side with this set of chamber rags for solo piano, duo, and ensemble. Basing her compositions in ragtime rhythms she challenges the boundaries of the form, but keeps the feel of ragtime at the core. She uses a variety of tempos and moods, from lively to introspective, and presents three different versions of her “Reflective Rag” arranged for various instruments. With help from the American Ragtime Ensemble and other folks, she gives us a delightful and charming series of contemporary works with a foot in the past. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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L'Orfeo |
| Label: |
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Naive
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Composer:
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Claudio Monteverdi |
| Performer: |
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Concerto Italiano / Rinaldo Alessandrini |
| ISBN: |
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9786311608647 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00709861304394 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNAIVOP30439 |
| Cat.#: |
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OP 30439 |
| 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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I'm not prepared to say that you have to be Italian to perform Monteverdi right. But I'm prepared to say that I'll take Rinaldo Alessandrini's bright, joyful rendition of this masterwork over, say, Nicholas Harnoncourt's any day. Both the performances and the sound quality are spectacular, and make this recording stand out in a crowded field of competitors. (RA) |
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| $16.98 |
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 |
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| Title: |
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Phantasies, Ayres & Chaconys |
| Label: |
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Deux-Elles (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Henry Purcell; Matthew Locke |
| Performer: |
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Flautadors |
| ISBN: |
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9786311693254 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00666283112320 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDELSDX1123 |
| Cat.#: |
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DXL 1123 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The viola da gamba is a lovely instrument, but the more of them you put together in a room the harder it is to hear what each of them is doing. That's why consort music of the kind presented here is so nice to hear played by recorders -- the musical tone is still pretty, but the contrapuntal lines are clearer. The British ensemble The Flautadors performs recorder-quartet arrangements of these suites and fantasias with just the right combination of brio and restraint, and are very well (if just a bit sharply) recorded. (RA) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Britannia |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Atlanta Symphony Orchestra / Donald Runnicles |
| ISBN: |
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9786311599358 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00089408067723 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA80677 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-80677 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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20th century British composition is nicely showcased on this thoughtfully-selected program, which includes such obvious favorites as Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance and Peter Maxwell Davies' Orkney Wedding as well as more startling fare, such as Mark-Anthony Turnage's rather abrasive Three Screaming Popes James MacMillan's highly impressionistic Britannia. The performances are all excellent, though there's a certain back-of-the-hall feeling at times -- one wishes the details were more clear on the MacMillan piece in particular. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Grandes Symphonies (1744) Nos. 1-6 (Set 1) |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Franz Xaver Richter |
| Performer: |
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Helsinki Baroque Orchestra / Aapo Häkkinen |
| ISBN: |
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9786311314005 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00747313281824 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8557818 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.557818 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I can't seem to stop beating the drum for Franz Xaver Richter, an unjustly neglected composer from the Mannheim court who wrote some of the most delightful symphonies I've heard in years. The pieces on this disc actually date from his Paris period, but are just as good as what he later wrote in Mannheim. The Helsinki Baroque Orchestra is in very fine form here. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Gregory Partain, Vol II |
| Label: |
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MSR Classics (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Gregory Partain |
| ISBN: |
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9786311255162 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00681585123126 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMSRCMS1231 |
| Cat.#: |
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MS 1231 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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I can't find any evidence that there was ever a CD titled Gregory Partain Volume 1, but if there was, I'd like to hear it -- his playing on this varied program of works by Beethoven, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Scarlatti, and contemporary composer Larry Barnes is superb. Highly reccomended. |
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| Title: |
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Cello Suites Transcribed for Marimba |
| Label: |
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Blue Griffin (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Gwendolyn Burgett Thrasher |
| ISBN: |
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9786311722961 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00649288342503 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBLGFBG151 |
| Cat.#: |
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BGR151 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This spectacular recording does two things: it allows the listener to hear these familiar works of Bach in an entirely new way, and also to hear the marimba in an entirely new way. Exposed as it is on what is sometimes very spare and contemplative music, the idiosyncrasies of the instrument's tone are fully exposed and prove to be both lovely and fascinating. This is no novelty recording: Thrasher plays with insight and elegance, and the overall listening experience is really quite wonderful. Very highly recommended to all classical and percussion collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Johannespassion |
| Label: |
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Carus (dist. Albany)
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Composer:
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Gottfried August Homilius |
| Performer: |
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Dresdner Kreuzchor; Dresdner Barockorchester / Roderich Kreile |
| ISBN: |
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9786311597484 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00409350832611 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCARUC83261 |
| Cat.#: |
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83.261 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is the world-premiere recording of a marvelous Passion setting by yet another baroque composer who was much beloved in his time, but is largely forgotten today. Homilius is believed to have been one of Bach's star pupils, and that theory is certainly supported by the quality of his writing on this gorgeous work. The performance is excellent, and Tobias Berndt is especially impressive as Jesus. Very highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| $31.00 |
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| Title: |
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Madrigals for a Tudor King |
| Label: |
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Obsidian
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Composer:
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Philippe Verdelot |
| Performer: |
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Alamire; Lynda Sayce / David Skinner |
| UPC: |
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00658592070323 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD703 |
| 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 one of the first releases from the excellent new Obsidian label, and marks the first time that this particular collection of madrigals by Philippe Verdelot (for use by the court of Henry VIII) has been recorded in its entirety. Alamire's singing is exemplary and the recorded sound is excellent as well -- this will be a label to watch closely in coming years. As yet it has no American distributor, so the disc must be ordered from the UK and is quite expensive -- but it's worth it. No early music collection should be without it, and most general classical collections would benefit as well. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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String Quartets Nos. 1 and 5 |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Elliott Carter |
| Performer: |
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Pacifica Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786311761953 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00636943936221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8559362 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.559362 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Elliott Carter has said that "each new piece is a crisis in my life," which, given his breathtaking output over the course of more than 70 years, must mean that his life has been unbelievable stressful. This disc brings together his first string quartet, written in 1951, with his last, from 1995; the earlier piece is fierce and densely atonal, while the latter is no less complex and challenging but is also more light-hearted. Carter's music is always difficult, but it also aways rewards careful listening, and the Pacifica Quartet plays with an almost shocking level of facility. Amazing. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan Live at the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965 [DVD] |
| Label: |
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Sony Music Video
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Artist:
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Bob Dylan |
| ISBN: |
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9786311623480 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886971446692 |
| Prod.#: |
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BEDDSYMV14466 |
| Cat.#: |
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[none] |
| Genre: |
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Music Video - Concerts |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Dylan’s performances at the 1963-65 Newport Folk Festivals are the stuff of legend. In ’63, he was the darling of the folk set, performing original acoustic tunes like “Talking World War III Blues” that were the cutting edge of political commentary. By 1965, he blew away the folk audience with a scorching electric mini-set with Mike Bloomfield’s dazzling lead guitar adding fire to “Maggie’s Farm,” igniting a controversy and making the final move to rock superstar with his next number, “Like A Rolling Stone.” Much has been written about this transformation from folky to electric Dylan, but nothing documents it better than this brilliant film by Murray Lerner, consisting exclusively of footage shot at Newport. Historical films of the rock era don't get any more essential than this. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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American Favorite Ballads - Vol. 5 |
| Label: |
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Folkways
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Artist:
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Pete Seeger |
| ISBN: |
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9786311599815 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00093074015421 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFOLK740154 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SFW CD 40154 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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Pete goes Western in this last volume of the reissue of his American Favorite Ballads series from 1957-1962. This release includes whatever was left off the other volumes, combined with a hefty dose of his Frontier Ballads from 1954 and a few other songs that fit thematically into the cowboy genre. Here Seeger picks his banjo and sings old songs that every kid should know by heart, but probably doesn’t anymore. Pick up the whole series, if you haven’t already. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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The Definitive Collection 1947-1966 |
| Label: |
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Time Life Music
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Artist:
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Stanley Brothers |
| ISBN: |
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9786311068243 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00610583196221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTLIFM19303 |
| Cat.#: |
|
19303 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This set includes tracks from all phases of the career of one of the most influential bluegrass acts of all time. Long before O Brother, Where Art Thou? introduced the world to the singing of Ralph Stanley, the Stanley Brothers made a name for themselves playing the old-time mountain music and gospel songs they had grown up with. The Stanley Brothers began before the term “bluegrass” was coined and avoided calling themselves bluegrass musicians, but few acts influenced the genre more. This collection explains through well-recorded musical tracks and extensive liner notes the impact of their career. (CD) |
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| Title: |
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Sowing The Seeds: A 10th Anniversary |
| Label: |
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Appleseed
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311427675 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587110220 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1102 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD 1102 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New/Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This marvelous 2-CD sampler highlights some of the best material from the first decade of Appleseed Recordings, a great indie label dedicated to traditional and contemporary folk music. A strong progressive spirit drives the label, embodied by the looming presence of Pete Seeger’s voice and vision. Culled from the label’s recordings are songs by Seeger, Eric Andersen, Tom Paxton, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Peggy Seeger, John Stewart, and other folk icons. A further treat are a few new songs recorded for this CD, including Ani DiFranco’s take on Seeger’s “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” a new version of Donovan singing his classic anti-war song “Universal Soldier,” and a duet of Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen breathing fresh life into Springsteen’s powerful ballad “Ghost of Tom Joad,” which simultaneously evokes Steinbeck’s dust bowl and Bush’s contemporary America. An excellent collection from one of the finest folk music labels of our time. Very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Dans Les Airs |
| Label: |
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Borealis (dist. Burnside)
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Artist:
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Le Vent Du Nord |
| ISBN: |
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9786311601808 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00773958118928 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBRLS189 |
| Cat.#: |
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BCD189 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This Quebecois quartet continues to make some of the most infectiously beautiful recordings on the market -- the slightly crooked rhythms, the call-and-response vocals, the heartbreakingly beautiful melodies will all be familiar to fans of this particular tradition, but there are Breton influences in there as well, and when they break into sudden tight vocal harmony the effect is both unusual and thrilling. If you have patrons who still mourn the demise of Malicorne and the evolution of La Bottine Souriante into a horn-driven R&B band, then you'll want to snap up this disc without delay. (RA) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Midnight Special |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Jimmy Smith |
| ISBN: |
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9786311526163 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094639277520 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT92775B |
| Cat.#: |
|
92775 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
|
Reissue |
| Comments: |
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This was Jimmy Smith’s 18th album for Blue Note Records and features Stanley Turrentine (tenor sax), Kenny Burrell (guitar), and Donald Bailey (drums). This was also his first serious move into working with a quartet that featured the tenor saxophone. Stanley Turrentine filled this role well and went on to become one of Jimmy Smith’s favorite bandmates. The recording session for Midnight Special also spawned the material for Back at the Chicken Shack which is naturally considered to be its companion album.(PS) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Even In The Midst... |
| Label: |
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Cuneiform
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Artist:
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Ahleuchatistas |
| ISBN: |
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9786311444511 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00045775026121 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCUNE20261 |
| Cat.#: |
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Rune 261 |
| Genre: |
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Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A couple of years ago (April 2006, to be exact) I recommended this band's third album in fairly feverish terms, and I'm back to do the same again with their fourth. This time there's a wider variety of mood and tempo, but the trio's arrangements are still dauntingly complex, and their song titles are still political, but the (all-instrumental) tunes are still approachable and fun even as they challenge your ears and your ability to dance in complex meters. Very nice. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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This Meets That |
| Label: |
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EmArcy
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Artist:
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John Scofield |
| ISBN: |
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9786311480762 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517462403 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000977402 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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There are lots of smart jazz musicians out there, but few with the sharp wit and incisive, no-nonsense style of guitarist John Scofield. Pair him with the pure goodheartedness of someone like Bill Frisell (a pairing that actually does take place on one track on this album) and you have something close to modern-jazz nirvana -- but even with just his trio and the helpmate horn section hired for this date, his ideas are always more interesting than average and his playing is stellar. Sure, he makes a weird misstep once in a while, but that just keeps things interesting. Highly recommended to all jazz collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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River:The Joni Letters |
| Label: |
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Verve
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Artist:
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Herbie Hancock |
| ISBN: |
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9786311546260 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517448261 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B000979102 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0009791-02 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Joni Mitchell’s music has frequently had a jazzy element – she’s surrounded herself with some of modern jazz’s finest musicians (saxophonists Wayne Shorter and Michael Brecker, bassist Jaco Pastorious, guitarist Pat Metheny, etc.) and the great bassist and composer Charles Mingus’s swan song was a collaboration with Mitchell. So it’s really not a surprise that someone of Herbie Hancock’s stature would return the favor, as it were, by recording an album of Joni’s tunes. The results are strikingly beautiful, as Hancock, saxophonist Shorter, bassist Dave Holland and others use Mitchell’s tunes as a springboard for improvisation. A few guest vocalists add some spark, including Joni herself, Norah Jones, Leonard Cohen, and a wonderfully spirited take on “Edith and the Kingpin” by Tina Turner. The great treat, though, is the dynamic between Shorter and Hancock, who bring to mind their marvelous collaborations in Miles Davis’ legendary 1965-68 quintet, even tossing in a version of Shorter’s “Nefertiti” from that era to sweeten the pot. Very highly 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 Recordings
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Artist:
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Quartet San Francisco |
| UPC: |
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700261224312 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Classical Crossover |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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QSF is a genre-hopping string quartet (2 violins, viola, cello) that has lots of fun with jazz and funk/pop tunes. Featuring a heavy diet of Raymond Scott tunes (you know, the Looney Tunes music) plus a diverse set of songs by the likes of David Grisman, Chick Corea, Tower of Power, Leonard Bernstein, and the Average White Band, this set’s quirky but intriguing. QSF is gathering some attention – this CD’s nominated for a Grammy for Best Classical Crossover Album, as was their previous CD. It’s great fun, and well worth checking out. (GH) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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If You Love Me (L'Hymne a L'amour) |
| Label: |
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Cam Jazz (dist. Ryko)
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Artist:
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Richard Galliano Quartet, featuring Gary Burton |
| ISBN: |
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9786311431955 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00016728502221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRD 285022 |
| Cat.#: |
|
5022 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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One might be put off by the prospect of jazz accordion, and then compounding the strangeness by adding vibraphone, but this album really works. Galliano and Burton defy borders stylistically as well as geographically, taking on a handful of tunes by Piazzolla, with a bit of Bach, Piaf, and Bill Evans for good measure. The group’s instrumental choices and arrangements create a mellow and peaceful soundscape that is certainly unique, and very satisfying for both fans of jazz and world music. (JW) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Jazz Pops |
| Label: |
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Collector's Choice/Hepcat
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Artist:
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Neal Hefti & His Jazz Pops |
| ISBN: |
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9786311589120 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00617742083620 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCLLC8362 |
| Cat.#: |
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CCM-836 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
|
Hefti is no longer a household name, but the master arranger and bandleader was very popular in the 1950s and 1960s (he wrote the Batman theme, but don’t hold that against him), having worked with Woody Herman, Basie, and Sinatra. For this 1962 album, now reissued, he collects the cream of Los Angeles session musicians for a “Sunday afternoon in the park” concert featuring an assortment of jazz and pop favorites. Easy listening to some, it doesn’t get played much better than this. Fans of irony will love the jaunty version of “Exodus.” (JW) |
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| ROCK/POP |
|
 |
| |
| $15.98 |
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Never Look Back |
| Label: |
|
Treehouse Productions (dist. Burnside)
|
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Artist:
|
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Tom Gillam |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311534809 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
|
00837101379632 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTRHS91207 |
| Cat.#: |
|
91207 |
| Genre: |
|
Americana, Roots Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Roots rocker Gillam’s making a splash these days, making many “best of” lists with his three-guitar band Tractor Pull. He’s a fine, original songwriter, penning hard-driving tunes like “Rescue Me,” memorable, wistful songs like “Where is Bobby Gentry?” or Skynardesque bar rockers like “Devil in My Heart.” A must for fans of Americana or roots rock. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Shrunken Heads |
| Label: |
|
Yep Roc (dist. Redeye)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Ian Hunter |
| ISBN: |
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9786311126998 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00634457215221 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDREDEYEP2152 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2152 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Since his glory days as the lead singer and principle songwriter for the glam-rock band Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter has consistently wed thoughtful lyrics to contemporary guitar and piano-driven rock music. Hunter’s latest release fits neatly into his catalog and allows Hunter his first chance to comment on 9/11 (“Soul of America”) and Hurricane Katrina (“How’s Your House”), but also to offer songs about aging (“I Am What I Hated When I Was Young”) and unrequited love (“Read ‘em ‘n’ Weep). Previous fans will enjoy this disc and new listeners will discover the songwriting skills that keep older listeners anxious for a new Ian Hunter recording. |
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|
 |
| |
| $20.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
|
Preludes: Rare & Unreleased Recordings |
| Label: |
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New West
|
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Artist:
|
|
Warren Zevon |
| ISBN: |
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9786311099827 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00607396611720 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDNWST6117 |
| Cat.#: |
|
6117 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Designed to appeal primarily to Warren Zevon fans, this collection includes six previously unreleased songs and several early demos from the late songwriter. These songs, found by Zevon’s son on reel-to-reel tape in one of the singer’s storage units, show how many of Zevon’s songs including “Werewolves of London,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” and “Carmelita” evolved from early demo recordings to fully produced album tracks. For demos, the sound quality throughout is very good and the interview with Zevon included on disc two will interest songwriters whether or not they're familiar with Zevon’s gritty and often melancholy work. |
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| Title: |
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The Brit Box: UK Indie, Shoegaze, and Brit-Pop Gems of the Last Millenium |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
|
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311626092 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00081227998356 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN159804 |
| Cat.#: |
|
R2 159804 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Rhino continues its unofficial series of box sets covering underground/alternative music scenes, this time focusing on British music from the mid ’80s to 1999. Although the scope and artists overlap with Left of the Dial: Dispatches From The Eighties Underground and A Life Less Lived: The Gothic Box, the tracks are well-chosen as representative of the theme. They hit almost all the iconic songs and bands. The decline in the BritPop scene in the late ‘90s is documented in the insightful liner notes and reflected in shortage of anthems on the final disc. (MC) |
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| Title: |
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The Black and White Album |
| Label: |
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A&M/Octone
|
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Artist:
|
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Hives |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311567487 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00602517508071 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUMG B001003002 |
| Cat.#: |
|
B0010030-02 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
It turns out the Hives aren’t just garage-revival one-hit wonders. Their fourth album finds them punchy, loud but precise, with a cache of new potential hits. It starts strong with a string of guitar-driven and infectiously upbeat numbers but sags in the middle when they venture too far from their signature garage sound; for example “T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.” shows they can’t pull off soul pastiche with Beck’s flair. Then they rebound for the finish, even when Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist evokes Screamin’ Jay Hawkins on “Puppet on a String.” (MC) |
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|
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| Title: |
|
Well Deep: 10 Years of Big Dada Recordings |
| Label: |
|
Big Dada (dist. Revolver)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311660881 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00625978410028 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDBGDA100 |
| Cat.#: |
|
BDCD100 |
| Genre: |
|
Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
This compilation, sequenced by Scottish DJ A La Fu and originally envisioned as a radio show, celebrates the first decade of UK hip hop label Big Dada. There are no huge names but there are a few lesser-known and well-regarded ones such as Roots Manuva, Spank Rock and Diplo. While the underground rap sounds are far from unified, there is a recurring aesthetic of syllabically-packed lyrics and uncomplicated synthizer backing. Some of it is political, some tracks are about pursuing girls, but it is far from the mainstream world of champagne and hos. (MC) |
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|
 |
| |
| $12.98 |
| |
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| |
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| Title: |
|
The Postmarks |
| Label: |
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Unfiltered/EMI
|
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Artist:
|
|
Postmarks |
| ISBN: |
|
9786310877860 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00829917801025 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDUNFI10 |
| Cat.#: |
|
10 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
If Stereo Total are musical descendants of Serge Gainsbourg, The Postmarks would be more from the lineage of Francoise Hardy, or a young, breathy Astrud Gilberto, both in the flavor of the songs and in the delivery of vocals, which are captivatingly sung by co-songwriter/chanteuse Tim Yehezkely . (The even have a new single out called “One Note Samba.”) Possibly one of the most promising full-length pop debuts of 2007, this elegant album features Bacharach-like orchestrations -- comparisons abound, along with softly playful, plaintive, melancholy melodies and lyrics. (TB) |
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|
 |
| |
| $17.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
|
| Title: |
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The Else |
| Label: |
|
Zoe
|
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Artist:
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They Might Be Giants |
| ISBN: |
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9786311269619 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00601143111723 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECD011 4311172 |
| Cat.#: |
|
1117-2 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Something has happened to They Might Be Giants -- they still have a sense of humor, but the studied wackiness of their early work has been gradually eroding in recent years, to be replaced by a darker perspective. No more songs about prosthetic foreheads and obscure American presidents; instead, songs with titles like "Shadow Government" and "Withered Hope," and while they're kind of kidding, you get the feeling that down deep, they aren't kidding at all. How are the tunes? Hooky as always, though not as immediately irresistibly so as they used to be. The Dust Brothers add a nice electro sheen to the Giants' traditionally retro-pop sound. (Note: my copy came with a bonus disc of miscellaneous B-side-type material, but I don't know whether it's a standard inclusion.) (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Roots & Grooves |
| Label: |
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Heads Up
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Artist:
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Maceo Parker |
| ISBN: |
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9786311809532 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00053361313425 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHEAD3134 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HUCD 3134 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock/Jazz/Funk |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Saxophonist Maceo Parker is best known as the former leader of James Brown's band, and it's a bit unfortunate that his illustrious past has tended to overshadow his brilliant solo work. This two-disc set finds him paying tribute to Ray Charles on disc 1 and then revisiting and expanding on his funk roots on disc 2. He is helped out by the WDR Big Band, one of the finest large jazz ensembles working today, and he is absolutely at the top of his form, energized and inspired by the band he's working with and bringing fresh energy to some familiar songs and tunes. And did I mention that he also sings? And that this very large band plays JB-style grooves with all the nimbleness and tightness you could ask for? If this album doesn't win a major award this year I may cut off one of my ears in protest. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Magic |
| Label: |
|
CBS/Epic
|
|
Artist:
|
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Bruce Springsteen |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311526675 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00886971706024 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDCOLM17060 |
| Cat.#: |
|
88697 170602 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Springsteen’s latest with the E-Street Band (now an octet) has the melodic power and bouncing energy of the bands legendary 70’s records. Amazingly, the E Street band’s trademark guitars/keyboards/sax/pounding drums sound still electrifies three and a half decades after Born to Run made Springsteen a superstar. The songs on Magic sound like a natural progression from ’75-era Springsteen, filled with characters that, in many ways, are the same working class folks who populated Darkness on the Edge of Town and The River, only older, wiser, and facing different struggles. It’s the most listenable Springsteen album in decades, and well worth adding to your collection. (GH) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Stars of The Lid and Their Refinement of The Decline |
| Label: |
|
Krany (dist. Revolver)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Stars Of The Lid |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311044216 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00796441810024 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDKNKY100 |
| Cat.#: |
|
100 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Austin’s drone-prone, ambient duo shine in all their ultra-minimal glory on this two-disc album. At it since 1994, their debut release was Music For Nitrous Oxide (Brian Eno, Philip Glass, anyone?). While their earlier works utilized guitar feedback, garbled voices, analog hiss, and generally “dirty” elements, they opt here for the lush, subtle textures of violin, cello, and quiet velvety brass. With some tracks lasting 15 minutes or longer, it’s a grower. All atmosphere and mood, pensive, understated, at times darkly ominous, intriguing dreamscapes. Recommended. (TB) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Damn Near Righteous |
| Label: |
|
Westlake Entertainment
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Bill Medley |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311495124 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00798622357427 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDWESLWLV3574 |
| Cat.#: |
|
WLV3574 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock/R&B |
| Release type: |
|
(2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
A first solo effort from this Righteous Brother after the death of Bobby Hatfield. Medley's growling baritone is strictly R&B and captures you from the very first note. Great song choices; a notable highlight is the cover of the Beach Boys' "In My Room" sung in trio with Brian Wilson and Phil Everly. The 2-disc set includes the audio CD and a DVD of a lengthy interview with Medley plus videos of four of the albums tracks. The music is fantastic and the mood is laid back. An historic recording. Highly recommended. (MJB) |
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|
 |
| |
| $11.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
This Fool Can Die Now |
| Label: |
|
Too Pure (dist. Beggars Group)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Scout Niblett |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311541708 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00644918020820 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDTOOP80208 |
| Cat.#: |
|
208 |
| Genre: |
|
Rock, Alternative Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Scout Niblett’s initial shows and recordings featured her stark, at times charming voice and idiosyncratic lyrics (think Jonathan Richman or Half Japanese), accompanied by electric guitar and/or drums which she played while singing. The spare instrumentation is still there, but dynamic contrasts are more pronounced, as are differences in color and timbre -- pure, soft, cooing, acoustic and then loud, fuzzy, throaty, angular. While compared favorably to Cat Powers and PJ Harvey, each recording since her 2001 debut, Sweet Heart Fever, seems to become more inimitably unique. (TB) |
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|
| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| Title: |
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Nosso Tempo |
| Label: |
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Anzic (dist. Ryko)
|
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Artist:
|
|
Choro Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311408667 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00896434001030 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAZICA340010 |
| Cat.#: |
|
7201 |
| Genre: |
|
Jazz/World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Wow. Ever heard of choro? It's a dance music that developed in Rio de Janeiro in the late 19th century, and has sometimes been referred to as "tropical Dixieland" -- when it's referred to at all, which is not nearly enough, and now I can't get this fantastic disc out of my player. Led by clarinetist Anat Cohen, the Choro Ensemble plays with lightness and humor, and yet they swing as hard as a lead pendulum and seem to dance two feet above the ground at the same time. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to hit the play button again... (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $19.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
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| Title: |
|
Sounds from a Bygone Age, Vol 4 |
| Label: |
|
Asphalt Tango
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Toni Iordache |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311237625 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
04015698139327 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDAPTTATR1307 |
| Cat.#: |
|
CD-ATR1307 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The ?ambal is a relative of the hammered dulcimer, and has been an essential feature in Romanian wedding bands for centuries. Toni Iordache was perhaps the most virtuosic player ever, having been clocked at no fewer than 25 notes per second at peak speed. This disc brings together classic Iordache recordings from the 1960s and 1970s, and show not only his technical skill but his taste and musical sensitivity as well. Recommended to all world music collections. (RA) |
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|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Myrtate: Traditional Songs From Greece |
| Label: |
|
Raum Klang
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Theodora Baka |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311686935 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00675754003630 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRAUM2303 |
| Cat.#: |
|
2303 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
A very well put together production. Baka is backed by traditional instruments (Ud, lute, lyres, and percussion). All the musicians are fantastic; the music is haunting and plaintive. This CD really grows on you with repeated listenings. The program notes include the texts and discussions of each piece to enhance the listening experience and understanding of Greek traditional music. Highly recommended for all collections (MJB) |
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|
|
| Title: |
|
Summer Records Anthology 1974-1988 |
| Label: |
|
Light In The Attic
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311455395 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00826853002929 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDLITA029 |
| Cat.#: |
|
LITA029 |
| Genre: |
|
Reggae |
| Release type: |
|
Compilation |
| Comments: |
|
Summer Records was a label established in 1974 to document the reggae scene that had suddenly blossomed among Toronto's Jamaican immigrant population. This album is a compilation of singles and unreleased material from the label's vaults, and while it's understandably mixed in quality, the best tracks are excellent and the album as a whole is a highly valuable musical document of an important segment of the Jamaican musical diaspora. (On the flip side of the CD is a DVD documentary on the Toronto reggae scene and focusing on label head Jerry Brown in particular.) (RA) |
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| |
| $16.00 |
| |
|
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| |
|
| Title: |
|
Esta Tierra es Tuya |
| Label: |
|
Sones de México
|
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Artist:
|
|
Sones de México Ensemble Chicago |
| UPC: |
|
822052040724 |
| Cat.#: |
|
SM-0407 |
| Genre: |
|
Son |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
This Chicago-based ensemble plays the traditional sones of Mexico in a spirit both traditional and revolutionary -- notice, for example, their delightful appropriation of Bach's third Brandenburg concerto, and the slyly political highjacking of the Woody Guthrie song for which the album is named. Great playing, great singing, a little rabble-rousing, and a sense of humor -- what more could you ask for? (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $18.98 |
| |
|
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| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu |
| Label: |
|
Heads Up
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Ladysmith Black Mambazo |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311722756 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00053361313326 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDHEAD3133 |
| Cat.#: |
|
HUCD 3133 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
The latest collection of a capella Township polyphony from South Africa's most popular import is a tribute to Shaka Zulu, who organized the fractious tribes of the region in resistance to colonial powers in the late 18th century. Those who don't speak Zulu may have a hard time following the gist of the songs, but the group's complex and gorgeous harmonies transcend linguistic barriers. (RA) |
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|
 |
| |
| $16.98 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Title: |
|
Mehr |
| Label: |
|
Faryaad (dist. City Hall)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Pouya Mahmoodi |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311730386 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00634479687815 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDFARY1001 |
| Cat.#: |
|
FA1001 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
I'm certainly prepared to believe that this constitutes "underground" music in Iran, but here in the U.S. it will sound pretty tame. Mahmoodi blends elements of rock, jazz, and various Persian classical traditions into a fusion that is attractive enough but rarely gets very exciting on this album. "Noban" is very pretty, "Si Pareh" has a great time signature, and there's great guitar playing throughout -- but too many of these songs sound limp and the singing generally lacks passion, or even commitment. (RA) |
|
|
|
|
| Title: |
|
Maškarada |
| Label: |
|
Crammed Discs (dist. Ryko)
|
|
Artist:
|
|
Taraf De Haïdouks |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311499894 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00876623005643 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDRD C230056 |
| Cat.#: |
|
40 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Get this: an all-classical program as performed by a Balkan Gypsy dance band. I'm not going to tell you any more than that. Just buy it. (RA) |
|
© CD HotList 2004 |
