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September 2008
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Audivi Vocem |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Composer:
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Thomas Tallis; Christopher Tye; John Sheppard |
| Performer: |
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Hilliard Ensemble |
| ISBN: |
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9786312105626 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00028947663539 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001127402 |
| Cat.#: |
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B00274-02 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Tallis, Tye and Sheppard are the three towering names in English choral music of the Tudor period, and the five-voice, all-male Hilliard Ensemble is the world's foremost small ensemble performing this repertoire. Put them together and you get, predictably enough, an album of limpid beauty and hushed devotion. The program's arrangement is a little bit quirky (why break up Tye's Missa sine nomine in this way?), but the singing is as luminously wonderful as it always is from this group. (RA) |
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| $18.99 |
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| Title: |
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Works for Piano |
| Label: |
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Chandos (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Joseph Marx |
| Performer: |
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Tonya Lemoh |
| ISBN: |
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9786312224273 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00095115147924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCNDS10479 |
| Cat.#: |
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CHAN 10479 |
| Period: |
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Romantic/20th century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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You would never guess from listening to his music that Joseph Marx was a mid-20th-century composer -- his fierce conviction (held against intense pressure) that tonal music was still valid and relevant comes through here in dreamy, romantic, and emotional piano pieces that share more with Brahms and Liszt than with Schoenberg or Webern. Tonya Lemoh is an ideal exponent for these lovely and at times mysterious works. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Chamber Music |
| Label: |
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Pavane Imports
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Composer:
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Claude Debussy |
| Performer: |
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Trio Portici |
| ISBN: |
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9786311955222 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754005771 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPAV 7520 |
| Cat.#: |
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ADW 7520 |
| Period: |
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Romantic/20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Included in this collection are the violin and piano sonata, the string trio, the cello and piano sonata, and two solo piano pieces, Reverie and the famous Claire de lune. Although the CD is a little short (less than 60 minutes), the performances are worth the price. The compositions themselves are Debussy at his best; there is a cantabile melody in the cello in the 3rd movement of the string trio that, all by itself, makes this recording worth owning. Some excellent chamber music repertoire. Recommended. (MJB)
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| Title: |
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Il Martirio di Santa Cecilia |
| Label: |
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CPO (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Alessandro Scarlatti |
| Performer: |
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Various soloists; I Barocchisti / Diego Fasolis |
| ISBN: |
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9786312149149 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00761203725823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCPO 777258 |
| Cat.#: |
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777 258-2 |
| 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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Recently discovered and never before recorded, Scarlatti's long-lost oratorio is given a brilliant performance here by a cast led by the wonderful soprano Nancy Argenta. This is the first recording I've heard by the supporting ensemble, I Barocchisti, led by Diego Fasolis, and it's left me hungry for more. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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12 Concerti a Quattro, op. 7 |
| Label: |
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New Pan Classics (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Henricus Albicastro |
| Performer: |
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Collegium Marianum ; Collegium 1704 / Vaclav Luks |
| ISBN: |
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9786312267034 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754009687 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNWPN10124 |
| Cat.#: |
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10124 |
| 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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These pieces are exceptional examples of the late 17th century Italian concerto grosso. Even though Albicastro was not Italian but possibly German or Bavarian, he is obviously very comfortable writing in the Italian style. His writing is very much like Corelli except that Albicastro uses more instrumental color like shawms or oboes and when he uses lute or theorbo allows the instrument to have more prominence whereas with Corelli the bowed string instruments were sacrosanct and always dominated. The performances are absolutely superb. Collegium Marianum and Vaclav Luks are very animated in their playing which gives the listener a sense of connection with this music that you do not get with many recordings of baroque music which seem more detached and stoic in their delivery. A wonderful find. Highly recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Everybody's Vaughan Williams |
| Label: |
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Telarc
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Composer:
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Ralph Vaughan Williams |
| Performer: |
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Various Performers |
| ISBN: |
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9786312133117 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00089408073823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTELA80738 |
| Cat.#: |
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2CD-80738 |
| Period: |
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Romantic/20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is one of the first entries in a new series from the Telarc label, one that brings favorite works by popular composers to the market at super-budget pricing, in top-notch performances. In this case, the program includes Vaughan Williams's Fantasia on 'Greensleeves', The Lark Ascending, and several other equally beloved works in performances by Andre Previn with the Royal Phil and Leonard Slatkin with the St. Louis SO; the original recordings date from the 1980s, but still sound fresh and warm. Any library that needs to quickly build a core classical collection should investigate the whole Everybody's Classics series, which already includes volumes dedicated to Mozart, Prokofiev, Beethoven, and other basic-repertoire composers. (RA) |
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| $18.99 |
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| Title: |
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Quatuor pour la fin du temps; Les offrandes oubliees; Theme et variations |
| Label: |
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Chandos (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Olivier Messiaen |
| Performer: |
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Gould Piano Trio; Robert Plane |
| ISBN: |
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9786312224280 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00095115148020 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCNDS10480 |
| Cat.#: |
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CHAN 10480 |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Messiaen's dark masterpiece is given a luminous, slightly jittery reading here by the Gould Piano Trio with clarinetist Robert Plane, and is complemented nicely by the Theme et variations for piano and violin and a piano transcription of Les Offrandes oubliees, both of which predate the quartet by ten years. This isn't exactly new ground, but the quality of the performances makes this disc solidly recommendable for all but the most minimal classical collections. (RA) |
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| $11.98 |
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| Title: |
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Concertos For Wind Instruments |
| Label: |
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Supraphon
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Composer:
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Carl & Anton Stamitz |
| Performer: |
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Prague Chamber Orchestra / Frantisek Vajnar |
| ISBN: |
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9786312265603 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00099925394820 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUPP3948 |
| Cat.#: |
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SU 3948-2 |
| Period: |
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Classical |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Written at the time of Mozart, the three concertos on this album are stellar examples of that classical balance of elegance and light-heartedness found in many of the works of that era. The concertos are for clarinet, French horn, and two flutes and the difficult solo parts are performed flawlessly and enjoyably by these Czech musicians. A nice, easy listen but very difficult to play. Recommended for all collections but especially those supporting applied programs in woodwinds. (MJB) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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L'Harmonie Des Nations: European Music At The Bavarian Court |
| Label: |
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Accent (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Stylus Phantasticus |
| ISBN: |
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9786311857595 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754005665 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDACCE24200 |
| Cat.#: |
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ACC 24200 |
| Period: |
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Baroque |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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In the late 17th century, the ruler of Bavaria made a series of disastrous political decisions that, through a series of circumstances that are interesting but irrelevant here, resulted in a startlingly rich variety of court music in Munich. This delightful disc features chamber works by Johann Pachelbel, George Muffat, Johann Christoph Pez, Evaristo Fekuce dall'Abaco and Johann Caspar Kerll, all of whom were either retained by or associated with the Bavarian court during this period. The playing is lovely, if not always quite as energetic as one might like, and the selections are excellent. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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D'Amore |
| Label: |
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ECM
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Garth Knox; Agnes Vesterman |
| ISBN: |
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9786312140979 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00028947663690 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001127502 |
| Cat.#: |
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476 6369 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance; Contemporary |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Violist Garth Knox takes up a strange and archaic instrument for this dark, fascinating album: the viola d'amore, an instrument that hit its small peak of popularity and influence in the late Renaissance. Alone and with cellist Agnes Vesterman, Knox plays a motley collection of modern compositions for the instrument along with more ancient selections by Marin Marais and Tobias Hume; the bittersweet melancholy of the older works combines with the acerbic flavors of the newer ones to make a startling and wonderful program. Highly recommended to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| Title: |
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Coal Digging Blues |
| Label: |
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West Virginia Univ Press
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9781933202112 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| Prod.#: |
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BK0006934250 |
| Cat.#: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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These historic recordings collected by folklorist George Korson during two field recording sessions in the spring of 1940 document many varieties of songs sung by West Virginia coal miners and showcase how these songwriters and performers adapted existing songs or musical genres to meet current needs. In the hands of these songwriters and performers “Oh, Susannah” becomes “Going Democratic,” “White House Blues” becomes “It’s On in Washington,” and “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” becomes “How Beautiful Union Must Be.” The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) sponsored Korson’s field work and local UMWA members introduced him to local musicians during the collecting trips documented by this recording. The performances range in style, but include tracks representative of traditional folk, country blues, and gospel quartet; almost all are clearly pro-union. There is some audible static, but less than might be expected from field recordings made in 1940.
(CLHD)
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fast Paced World |
| Label: |
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Sugar Hill
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Artist:
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The Duhks |
| ISBN: |
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9786312330981 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00015891404226 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUGA14042 |
| Cat.#: |
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SUG-CD-4042 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Duhks’ latest CD features two new faces, French-Canadian siblings Sarah and Christian Dugas on vocals and drums, with Sarah adding four original songs to the set list. There’s a slight shift toward pop/rock in their arrangements and original fare now, including a full drum set on many tracks, but the basic sound is still trademark Duhks, deeply enmeshed in traditional fare with a modern spin. This fine young band continues to evolve and grow, adding yet another take on traditional material. Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Modern Hymns |
| Label: |
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Appleseed
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Artist:
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Darrell Scott |
| ISBN: |
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9786312277958 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00611587111128 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAPPL1111 |
| Cat.#: |
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APR CD-1111 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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With Modern Hymns, songwriter Darrell Scott (who has penned hits for Garth Brooks, the Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, and others) delivers covers of songs that inspired him as a youth. Accompanied by a great band anchored by British folk bassist Danny Thompson, Scott sings songs by Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, John Hartford, and others. Highlights include a highly individualistic reading of Paul Simon’s wistful “American Tune” and a gorgeous take on Leonard Cohen’s “Joan of Arc,” with Mary Gauthier, Alison Kraus, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers on vocals. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| $20.98 |
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| Title: |
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Bound To Go: Folksongs And Spirituals |
| Label: |
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Waterbug (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Andrew Calhoun |
| ISBN: |
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9786311988718 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00753114008324 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWATB83 |
| Cat.#: |
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WBG0083 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This CD features Chicago-based singer Calhoun’s interpretations of 35 African-American folk songs and spirituals. The songs are delivered with minimal instrumental accompaniment, each sung by one or more voices, in an effort to present the songs as authentically as possible. The liner notes include annotation and sources for each song, plus an introductory essay and an extensive bibliography. The combination of great interpretations and contextual notes make this a welcome addition to any collection. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Seeing Things |
| Label: |
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Columbia
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Artist:
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Jakob Dylan |
| ISBN: |
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9786312121701 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886970232821 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM02328 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697 023282 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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For his first solo album away from the Wallflowers, Jakob Dylan opted for an acoustic record with legendary producer Rick Rubin (who revitalized Johnny Cash’s career with American Recordings). This is singer/songwriter material, delivered with sparse arrangements and harmony vocals from Z. Berg, letting the strength of the songwriting and performances carry the album. And while the strong moral tone of such songs as “Evil is Alive and Well” and “War is Kind” bring his father Bob’s work to mind, what this really evokes is early Bruce Cockburn, full of passion, conviction, and a keen poetic sense. Well done. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Cuilidh |
| Label: |
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Spit & Polish
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Artist:
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Julie Fowlis |
| ISBN: |
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9786311056783 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00823566420521 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSPIP32 |
| Cat.#: |
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SPIT032 |
| Genre: |
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Celtic |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This is a spirited and lovely record by one of Scotland's finest young traditional singers. Fowlis has distinguished herself for both the beauty and clarity of her voice and for her insistence on focusing exclusively on Gaelic songs. Cuilidh includes traditional ballads of surpassing loveliness as well as lilting puirt-a-beul numbers and a handful of modern gaelic songs as well. A splendid disc, highly recommended to all folk collections. (RA) |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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In The Moment |
| Label: |
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Culburnie
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Artist:
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Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas |
| ISBN: |
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9786311578674 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00755997012221 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCBRN122 |
| Cat.#: |
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CUL122D |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Fiddle and cello make an unusual pairing, but that hasn’t stopped these two from releasing their second CD together. And the pairing is delightful, as the music floats, swings, reels, and bounces somewhere in the region between traditional Scottish music and progressive acoustic. One also hears elements of jazz and classical music in the mix. Fraser’s fiddle does most of the melody, while Haas provides rhythm and counterpoint. This is very enjoyable listening. (JW) |
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| $10.98 |
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| Title: |
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Hoodoo Lady |
| Label: |
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Snapper
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Artist:
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Memphis Minnie |
| ISBN: |
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9786312008163 |
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| UPC: |
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00636551005029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSNPR50 |
| Cat.#: |
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SBLUECD050 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Part of Snapper Records’ Complete Blues series, this is a compilation of songs that survey approximately three decades (1920’s-40’s) of Memphis Minnie’s career and illustrate developments in her technique and musical style. “Shout the Boogie”, for example, departs from her typical blues style and strongly incorporates elements of boogie-woogie. All tracks are sung by Memphis Minnie except for “When the levee breaks” (familiar to Zeppelin fans), which is sung by Joe McCoy who was Minnie’s second husband and musical partner during the 1930’s. (PS) |
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| Title: |
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Coal |
| Label: |
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Thirty-One Tigers/Red/Captain Potato Records
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Artist:
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Kathy Mattea |
| ISBN: |
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9786311970942 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00689076532600 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDTYTG7653260 |
| Cat.#: |
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7653260-2 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Mattea has been a “roots” artist for years, driving the line between country and folk music, veering depending on her muse. This time it’s different. These classic songs by Billy Edd Wheeler, Merle Travis, and others represent her family roots, in the coal towns of West Virginia. She sings them with a fervor that we’ve heard before on earlier releases, but never with such consistency, because this stuff hits her where she lives. Able backing by Marty Stuart and friends help her along, but Mattea’s a cappella singing of “Black Lung Coal” sends chills down the spine. (JW) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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The SteelDrivers |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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SteelDrivers |
| ISBN: |
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9786311753958 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661059825 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6105982 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0598-2 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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New bluegrass bands spring up like weeds, some traditional, some progressive, many quite good. The Steeldrivers have a unique sound, though, that makes them stand out. Chris Stapleton’s vocals belong more in honky-tonk or blues than bluegrass, and his growling delivery offers a new spin on top of the classic style of the rest of the band. The result is a different sort of harmony than one would expect, and a great set of songs doesn’t hurt either. Bluegrass with an emphasis on blues sound pretty good. (JW) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Loaded |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Wood Brothers |
| ISBN: |
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9786311957585 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00094639636525 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT96365 |
| Cat.#: |
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0946 3 96365 2 5 |
| Genre: |
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Blues |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This country/blues-flavored Americana might not be surprising from brother Oliver, a bluegrass guitarist, but is unexpected from Chris, normally a member of the jazz group, Medeski, Martin, & Wood. The result is a rough-hewn sound, reminiscent of Dr. John, the Band, and other folks nobody should mind sounding like. The solid songs of lost love and bad choices are mostly originals, and vary from simple duos to full band workups with help from Chris’s band mates, as well as Amos Lee. The beautiful guitar work lends a sweetness to it that makes you feel good after listening to it. (JW) |
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| JAZZ |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Vibe Over Perfection |
| Label: |
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Dig Music
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Artist:
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Jamie Davis |
| ISBN: |
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9786312216650 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00766057069925 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDIMS570699 |
| Cat.#: |
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DIG 133 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Standards shouldn’t be just the same old rehash when it comes to big band music. A singer needs to bring something different to the table. Davis brings a truly outstanding baritone, in the tradition of Joe Williams, which is a hard thing to find these days. He also has a fine sense of interpretation and delivery. Backed by the Count Basie Orchestra, conducted by Shelly Berg, with beautiful arrangements, this release is a fine one for fans of big band jazz and great vocalists. (JW) |
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| Title: |
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You Are There |
| Label: |
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Emarcy
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Artist:
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Roberta Gambarini & Hank Jones |
| ISBN: |
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9786311810309 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517497276 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001062202 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0010622-02 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Don’t bother with this one unless you like gorgeous songs beautifully sung and elegantly played, in a simple voice and piano format. Gambarini’s singing is seductive, clear, swinging, strong, and soft simultaneously, floating over and leaving space for elder statesman Jones to create a luxurious carpet of piano below. There are no overdubs, and most tracks were recorded in one take. The results are amazing. In the notes, Gambarini explains the song choices and enthuses over the experience. My only complaint is that I needed a magnifying glass to read them. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Live At 'The Birds Eye' |
| Label: |
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Miles High Productions (dist. City Hall)
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Artist:
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Mark Sherman Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786311960325 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00718122707928 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMLHP8606 |
| Cat.#: |
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MHR-8606 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
|
Veteran vibraphonist/composer Sherman, who won Downbeat magazine’s “Rising Star” award last year, fronts a vibes/piano/drums/bass quartet on this sizzling, live two-disc set. You’ll hear the influence of Bobby Hutcherson’s approach to bop and Milt Jackson’s sense of swing in Sherman’s mallet work. The musicianship is superb, and the extended selections give each musician a chance to stretch. This is excellent material, firmly rooted in the jazz vibes tradition, yet sounding consistently exciting and fresh. Recommended. (GH) |
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| $9.95 |
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| Title: |
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Panama Suite |
| Label: |
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artistShare
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Artist:
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Danilo Perez |
| Performer: |
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Danilo Perez Big Band |
| Cat.#: |
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AS0075 |
| Genre: |
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Latin Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Danilo Perez Big Band’s Panama Suite is a 15-minute, three-part suite that incorporates Panamaian folkloric elements into an expressive big band sound. It’s a beautiful big-band tribute to Perez’s Panamanian homeland, recorded at the Berklee College of Music. Fittingly, proceeds from the sale of this go to the Danilo Perez Foundation, which promotes arts in Panama and supports musicians and students through scholarships. My only caveat is its length – 15 minutes is a bit short for a single CD. (GH) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Vinho Do Porto |
| Label: |
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MCG Jazz (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Portinho Trio |
| ISBN: |
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9786312319092 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00612262103322 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMCGJ1033 |
| Cat.#: |
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MCGJ1033 |
| Genre: |
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Latin Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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On this sweetly swinging Latin jazz program the Portinho Trio is joined by trombonist and percussionist Jay Ashby, whose mellow sound brings a nice added dimension to fare like "Satin Doll" (played here with a distinctively Latin lilt) and the gorgeous midtempo "Aquarelo do Brasil." Elsewhere pianist Klaus Mueller takes the lead, as on the resolutely swinging "Pools." Very, very nice. (RA) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| Title: |
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Roots Rock Riot |
| Label: |
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Bieler Bros (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Skindred |
| ISBN: |
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9786311552506 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00874007002028 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBLRB70020 |
| Cat.#: |
|
874007002028 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Not since Bad Brains has a band blended punk, dancehall reggae and metal with such icewater-in-the-face brilliance as Skindred, and their second album is just as hard and crunchy as their debut (the utterly brilliant Babylon), though maybe not quite as immediately hooky. Those who skanked their brains out to the first album will be clamoring for this one, though, and those who haven't heard either yet need to be brought out of darkness and into the light. (RA) |
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| $12.98 |
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| Title: |
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Konk |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Kooks |
| ISBN: |
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9786311930489 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05099951937522 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATWR19375 |
| Cat.#: |
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ASW 19375 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Kooks’ sophomore release is jangly, shambling and brimming with songs about girls. Their almost singular focus would not matter if they had more fresh perspective. “Do You Wanna” is one of the least convincing come-ons committed to music, its lyrics too flatly literal while not swaggering enough in its delivery to overcome its lyrical deficits. “Mr. Maker” stands out for its unusual subject matter, sizing up a man’s workaday existence. Despite the shortcomings, it is nonetheless bouncy with its pairing of acoustic and electric guitars. (MC) |
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| $13.98 |
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| Title: |
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Momofuku |
| Label: |
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Lost Highway
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Artist:
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Elvis Costello |
| ISBN: |
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9786312030065 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517665835 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001110902 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0011109-02 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
There is no stauncher Elvis Costello fan than myself, and I continue to be thrilled at both his reunion with two of the original Attractions and his return to the rock'n'roll fold after various bizarre sojourns into other territories. But I'm probably not the only fan who wishes he'd tighten up his sound a bit. There are real gems hidden in the sonic murk of Momofuku -- like the Latin sway of "Harry Worth," and the gently sweetness of "My Three Sons" -- but it's hard not to wish they weren't so well hidden. A fine album, but not among his best. (RA) |
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| |
| $19.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Weezer (The Red Album) |
| Label: |
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Geffen
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Artist:
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Weezer |
| ISBN: |
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9786312128434 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517726451 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUMG B001133602 |
| Cat.#: |
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B0011336-02 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The latest self-titled album from Weezer doesn't depart dramatically from the band's big-guitars-and-big-hooks formula, though there's a noticeable move towards slightly goofier themes ("underwear" show up twice near the top of the program) and bandmembers other than Rivers Cuomo are more prominent as singers and songwriters than usual. There's also a hint of oncoming midlife crisis in the lyrics, which bodes well for even greater depth and subtlety on future releases. Expect demand. (And note that the version under review is the "deluxe" version, which includes four bonus tracks and enhanced liner materials.) (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Vee-Jay Box Set: The Definitive Collection |
| Label: |
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Shout! Factory
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786311445884 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00826663104851 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSOTF310485 |
| Cat.#: |
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| Genre: |
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Soul/R&B |
| Release type: |
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Boxed Set (4-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Throughout Vee-Jay’s short life as an independent record company this black-owned business identified and released tracks by a number of influential and often inspirational musicians. This four-CD box set includes tracks from many of these musicians including Jimmy Reed, The Spaniels, John Lee Hooker, The Staple Singers, and The Four Seasons and illuminates the various musical forces that came together and often melded in Chicago between 1953 and 1966. Many of the tracks, be they primarily in the style of the blues, rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, or gospel, betray influences from the other styles recorded by Vee-Jay and showcase the vigor that emerged from this cross-fertilization of styles. This is an eye-opening collection for anyone familiar with Motown and/or Stax, but not fully aware of Vee-Jay’s contributions to the popular music of the era.
(CLHD)
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Silverlined |
| Label: |
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Sugar Hill
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Artist:
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Donna The Buffalo |
| ISBN: |
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9786312146292 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00015891404721 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUGA4047 |
| Cat.#: |
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SHR-CD-4047 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Festival favorites Donna the Buffalo return with more of what makes them such a hit on the jam-band scene. Mixing folk, reggae, Cajun, and other roots sounds into an instantly identifiable sound, Silverlined delivers what makes Donna the Buffalo so beloved among their fan base – danceable, infectiously fun music, packed with socially conscious lyrics. As they used to say on American Bandstand – “I’ll give it an 85, ‘cause you can dance to it.” Indeed! (GH) |
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| Title: |
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A Thousand Shark's Teeth |
| Label: |
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Asthmatic Kitty
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Artist:
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My Brightest Diamond |
| ISBN: |
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9786312237013 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00656605857725 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDMDNR042 |
| Cat.#: |
|
46 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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These are artsongs by pop composer, classically trained multi-instrumentalist, and singer Shara Worden. VanDyke Parks did it. Now, like Kate Bush or Bjork singing in a cabaret, comes My Brightest Diamond. She creates theatrically inflected, atsmospheric dreamworlds that are as melodically compelling as they are, alternately, darkly emotive and soothing. The music is lush and inventively orchestrated. Her classical training is apparent in the number of vocal colors utilized and the agility of her voice. Elegantly composed and sung, these are songs full of longing and possibility. (TWB) |
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| Title: |
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This Gift |
| Label: |
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Domino (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Sons and Daughters |
| ISBN: |
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9786311759660 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00801390016325 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDOMN00163 |
| Cat.#: |
|
163 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This Glasgow band are proud fans of artists ranging from Johnny Cash to the Smiths, and the Velvets to Leonard Cohen, and it is all working for them on this infectious, Bernard Butler (Suede)-produced record. They still come from a folk-rock place, but with a playful pop sensibility. On the chorus of the title track lead vocalist Adele Bethel sounds eerily similar to a Throwing Muses-era Kristin Hersh. When she sings with guitarist Scott Paterson it is reminiscent of John Doe and Exene Cervenka. This album is a celebration; a wild party where you wouldn’t be surprised if at any minute Morrissey jumped on stage and started singing along. (TWB) |
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| Title: |
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Songs in A&E |
| Label: |
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Fontana
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Artist:
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Spiritualized |
| ISBN: |
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9786312073949 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602517665422 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFTAI5422 |
| Cat.#: |
|
FONINT5422 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
As the British pop music press would say, “It’s a grower!” Though not as immediately accessible as Jason Pierce’s earlier work with the hypnotically droning Spaceman 3, this album's charms emerge slowly. Death is a recurring theme, ironic since most of it was written before Pierce’s near-fatal bout with pneumonia. From “You Lie You Cheat,” drenched in feedback and fuzz, to the spare, tender lullaby “Goodnight Goodnight,” from the gospel to the classical influences and arrangements, Pierce’s weary voice unites and brings an unexpected edge the seemingly disparate elements. (MC) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| Title: |
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Alive |
| Label: |
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Wrasse (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Sa Dingding |
| ISBN: |
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9786312232162 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00875232006829 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWRSR213 |
| Cat.#: |
|
WRASS 213 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Part Chinese and part Mongolian, Sa Dingding has fully embraced both sides of her ethnic heritage and sings in a variety of languages, including one she made up herself(!). On Alive she incorporates both ancient and modern musical elements, combining traditional instrumentation and melodies with electronic beats and synthesizer textures. The effect is far from the New Age noodling one might expect, though: these are sharp, bracing songs in sometimes challenging arrangements. Class it under Avant-Pan-Asian-Electro-Folk, and hand-sell it to your more adventurous patrons -- it's well worth the trouble. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Dancing In The Light |
| Label: |
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World Village (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Artist:
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Lakshmi Shankar |
| ISBN: |
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9786312109754 |
| ISBN-10: |
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|
| UPC: |
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00713746804923 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWLDV468049 |
| Cat.#: |
|
468049 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
Lakshmi Shankar is a greatly respected Indian singer who specializes in bhajans, Hindu devotional songs of a darker and more melancholy nature than the devotional qawwali music that was made popular in the West by the hugely influential Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Here she is accompanied by tabla, sarangi and tambura and improvises new melodies on several traditional texts; her singing is astringently lovely and remarkably supple. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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Global Drum Project |
| Label: |
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Shout! Factory
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Artist:
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Mickey Hart; Zakir Hussain; Sikiru Adepoju; Giovanni Hidalgo |
| ISBN: |
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9786311526569 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
|
00826663107067 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDSOTF31070 |
| Cat.#: |
|
826663-10706 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
|
The Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart has long been a champion of pan-cultural rhythms, and here he joins forces with similarly inclined colleagues from India, Nigeria and Puerto Rico (along with several other guests) to create a richly satisfying kaleidoscope of acoustic and electronic beats, samples and subtly infectious melodies. Though always rhythmically dense and complex, this music is also strangely gentle and contemplative even when the tempos are quick. Recommended wherever world music and/or Grateful Dead recordings are in demand. (RA) |
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 |
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| $16.98 |
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| |
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| Title: |
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Passion of Rumi |
| Label: |
|
Quartertone
|
|
Artist:
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Shahram Nazeri; Hafez Nazeri |
| ISBN: |
|
9786311249604 |
| ISBN-10: |
|
|
| UPC: |
|
00786417101027 |
| Prod.#: |
|
BECDQRTT1010 |
| Cat.#: |
|
QTCD-1010 |
| Genre: |
|
World Music |
| Release type: |
|
New |
| Comments: |
|
Released to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the birth of Rumi, Persia's greatest poet, this disc consists of Rumi texts set to music by Hafez Nazeri and sung by his father Sharham, accompanied by a variety of stringed and percussion instruments. To Western ears this music may seem sparse, dark and rather severe, but patient listening reveals both hidden musical depths and sometimes startlingly conventional delights (consider, for example, the gorgeous barbat playing on "Journey to Eternity"). Recommended to world music collections. (RA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
