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May 2009
Look for "Rick's Pick" 
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| CLASSICAL |
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| Title: |
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Impromptus, op. 90 (D. 899) ; Wanderer Fantasy, op. 15 (D. 760) |
| Label: |
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K&K Verlagsanstalt (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Franz Schubert. |
| Performer: |
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Franz Vorraber |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266785 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754009236 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKKV 05 |
| Cat.#: |
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KuK 05 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Schubert meant his impromptus to sound completely spontaneous, like on-the-spot improvisation. Easy to say, hard to do--especially when the player is faced with a note by note score to follow. Franz Vorraber, playing the Bechstein D 280 no. 191784 grand piano, achieves just that feeling of spontaneity. The piano is phenomenal because the player uses its full range of capabilities, the player even more so. A stunning performance of some of the best known piano repertoire. Highly recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Sonatas for Cello and Piano |
| Label: |
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Live Classics
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Composer:
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Francis Poulenc; Nikolay Myaskovsky; Benjamin Britten |
| Performer: |
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Natalia Gutman ; Viacheslav Poprugin |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266815 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754008994 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDLVCL209 |
| Cat.#: |
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LCL 209 |
| 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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This program features three excellent pieces from the cello repertoire. Poulenc's chamber music is the heart of his output; this sonata contains his usual dichotomy between the jocular and the serious. Myaskovsky's sonata is very lyrical in the first two movements and thrillingly bombastic in the third. Britten's sonata recalls the five-movement arch form of Bartok and is strongly dissonant and serious. Natalia Gutman is a cellist's cellist--highly virtuosic but always expressive and focused. Viacheslav Popugrin is no mere accompaniment; these pieces require a great deal of technical prowess from the pianist to provide a convincing performance and Mr. Popugrin delivers simple, exact, and emotionally stunning performances. An excellent addition to any chamber music or cello music collection; highly recommended even for general collections. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Symphony In C Major, op. 81/Piano Concerto No. 6, op. 90/Overture To |
| Label: |
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Christophorus (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Ignaz Moscheles |
| Performer: |
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Liu Xiao Ming; Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt / Nikos Athinaos |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266655 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754009670 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCRSE0135 |
| Cat.#: |
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CHE 0135-2 |
| Period: |
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Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Moscheles is one of those composers who seems always to be neglected in favor of the "greater stars" active during his lifetime: Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and others. Moscheles was one of the great piano virtuosos of his time and spent lots of time with his fellow musicians, especially Mendelssohn. His compositional style is all his own although it betrays some influence of Mendelssohn in the way melodic themes are created and used. This album of pieces by Moscheles was a great eye-opener to me. This composer deserves a place in the romantic literature and in music history. His music is as compelling,innovative, virtuosic and unique as Mendelssohn's or Chopiin's. A thoroughly enjoyable set of orchestral pieces by an early romantic. Recommended for all collections. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Mass in B minor BWV 232 |
| Label: |
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Naive (dist. Naxos)
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Composer:
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Johann Sebastian Bach |
| Performer: |
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Les Musiciens du Louvre / Marc Minkowski |
| ISBN: |
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9786312816997 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00822186051450 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAIVV5145 |
| Cat.#: |
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V 5145 |
| 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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Like many renditions of Bach's monumental B Minor Mass, this one puts forward a musical argument: in this case, for the use of a vocal ensemble made up of ten soloists rather than a choir. Minkowski's approach may be historically aggressive, but the sound is unstintingly lovely and the pared-down arrangements shed an interesting and unusual light on this most familiar of the baroque masterworks. Highly recommended to most classical collections and all period-instrument collections. (RA) |
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| $8.99 |
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| Title: |
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Violin Concerto; Distant Reflections; String Quartet No. 1 |
| Label: |
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Naxos
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Composer:
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Jonathan Leshnoff / Markland Thakar / |
| Performer: |
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Baltimore Chamber Orchestra / Wetherbee; Carpe Diem String Quartet |
| ISBN: |
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9786312775249 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00636943939826 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNAXO8559398 |
| Cat.#: |
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8.559398 |
| Period: |
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Contemporary |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A new addition to the Naxos label's American Classics series, this recording features three works by the New Jersey born composer Jonathan Leshnoff: his Violin Concerto, performed by the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and violinist Charles Wetherbee; Distant Reflections, also performed by the BCO; and the String Quartet no. 1, performed by the Carpe Diem String Quartet which is in residence at Ohio Wesleyan University. (PS) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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Piano Sonatas (op. 2, no. 2 ; op. 57) |
| Label: |
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K&K Verlagsanstalt (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Ludwig van Beethoven |
| Performer: |
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Lilya Zilberstein |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266778 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00675754009717 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDKKV 02 |
| Cat.#: |
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KuK 02 |
| Period: |
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Classical/Romantic |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Not much can be said of the sonatas on this album -- Beethoven's piano sonatas speak for themselves. Zilberstein's performance on the special Bechstein D 280 grand piano, however, does deserve some comment. She is technically amazing and highly precise. The overall quality of the performance is studied and academic, missing the joyful exuberance and storminess expected in a performance of Beethoven. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The clarity and genius of the composition itself is brought to the forefront with great mastery; every line, every detail is evident in Zilberstein's performance. Highly recommended to all collections. (MJB) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Pablo Garibay, Guitar |
| Label: |
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Fleur de Son (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Pablo Garibay |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266662 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00856092001674 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDFDS 57982 |
| Cat.#: |
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FDS 57982 |
| Period: |
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20th century |
| Genre: |
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Classical Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Pablo Garibay has been making quite a name for himself in the guitar world, winning many competitions and prizes. This recital-length set of pieces allows him to cover a wide range of compositional styles and textures. He always displays a very deliberate take-charge playing style while maintaining a sensitivity to the subtle and quiet voice of the classical guitar. The pieces on this disc represent different nationalities and cultures not just Spain and Latin America which represent the bulk of the literature for this instrument. Garibay handles each piece masterfully and with a calmness that compels the listener to pay attention to this subtle and quiet solo instrument. Recommended. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Piano Music |
| Label: |
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Centaur (dist. Qualiton)
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Composer:
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Rodolfo Halffter |
| Performer: |
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Silvana Santinelli |
| ISBN: |
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9786312266372 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00044747292823 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCENT2928 |
| Cat.#: |
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CRC 2928/2929 |
| Period: |
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20th Century |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Rodolfo Halffter never had formal training in music. He loved to read treatises on music, especially those by Schoenberg, and he loved several composers, most notably Manuel de Falla. The result in his compositional style is a harmonic system completely his own, with some Spanish, Latin American, and serial touches to it. His piano music is in a category unto itself. It took several listenings for me to understand his style. Once I did, I came to consider Halffter's music a significant contribution not just to literature for the piano but to music in general. Highly recommended. (MJB) |
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| Title: |
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Ministriles Reales |
| Label: |
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Alia Vox (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Hesperion XX-XXi / Jordi Savall |
| ISBN: |
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9786312847847 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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07619986398648 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDALV AVSA9864 |
| Cat.#: |
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AVSA 9864 A+B |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This two-disc set is an unusual sort of compilation. It consists of brief instrumental works from various composers of the 15th and 16th centuries, many of which have been featured on previous Hesperion XX and XXI recordings as interstitial music that filled the spaces between vocal pieces. Extensive liner notes combine with the usual lovely Alia Vox packaging, the liltingly exquisite performances, and midline pricing to make this a very attractive purchase for any early music collection. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Music from the Chirk Castle Part-Books / Stephen Rice, The Brabant Ensemble |
| Label: |
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Hyperion (dist. Harmonia Mundi)
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Composer:
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Various Composers |
| Performer: |
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Brabant Ensemble / Stephen Rice |
| ISBN: |
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9786312848141 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00034571176956 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDHPONCDA67695 |
| Cat.#: |
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CDA67695 |
| Period: |
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Renaissance |
| Genre: |
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Classical |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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"Important" records are by no means always "enjoyable" ones. This one is most decidedly both. It consists of Tudor gems by the likes of Byrd, Tallis, Hooper and Sheppard, all taken from the recently-rediscovered Chirk Castle manuscripts and many of them never heard (let alone recorded) since they were hidden away over 300 years ago. The Brabant Ensemble's singing is up to the group's usual high standard, and the music is a treasure. Essential to all classical collections. (RA) |
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| COUNTRY/FOLK |
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| $15.98 |
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| Title: |
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Sara Watkins |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Artist:
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Sara Watkins |
| ISBN: |
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9786312836155 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597984002 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONE516987 |
| Cat.#: |
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516987-2 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Country |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Sara Watkins’ name may not ring any bells as a solo act, but as a founding member and fiddler/singer with the powerhouse bluegrass act Nickel Creek, she packs a mighty musical lineage into her 27 years. Accompanied by a roster of guest stars (Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, pedal steel wizard Greg Leisz, and fellow Nickel Creeker Chris Thile), Watkins plays a varied songlist that ranges from quiet, entrancing numbers to good ol’ hoedowns. Those worried about the extended Nickel Creek hiatus need not fear – the same sparkling, wonderful take on tradition is alive and well on Sara Watkins’ first solo disc. Recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Your Heart Is a Glorious Machine |
| Label: |
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Signature Sounds
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Artist:
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Sometymes Why |
| ISBN: |
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9786312787303 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00701237201924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSIGS2019 |
| Cat.#: |
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SIG 2019 |
| Genre: |
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Folk Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Sometymes Why is a trio featuring three of the most distinctive and impressive women singers in the neo-traditional folk music scene: Aoife O’Donovan from Crooked Still, Ruth Ungar Merenda from the Mammals, and Uncle Earl’s Kristin Andreassen. Surprisingly, they shun traditional tunes and concentrate on their own original work, finding a creative outlet in this trio that doesn’t fit within the musical identities of their other groups. The result is a quietly captivating album filled with gorgeous singing that begs close, and repeated, listening. Highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Live In London |
| Label: |
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Sony
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Artist:
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Leonard Cohen |
| ISBN: |
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9786312823841 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00886974050223 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDCOLM405022 |
| Cat.#: |
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88697405022 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Now in his mid-70’s, poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen digs deep into his well-known canon on this two-CD live concert from July 2008. Backed by a septet and a three-voice female chorus, Cohen plays beautiful, often-moving versions of many of his classics, including “Suzanne,” “Everybody Knows,” “Sisters of Mercy,” “Bird on The Wire,” and “Hallelujah.” Many familiar tunes sport new arrangements, breathing life into these hearty chestnuts, while some tunes, such as “First We Take Manhattan” and “Democracy,” take on an anthemic air in this live setting. A great career overview that comes very highly recommended. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Second Season |
| Label: |
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Pinecastle
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Artist:
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Kristin Scott Benson |
| ISBN: |
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9786312645764 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00755757651424 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPCR 576514 |
| Cat.#: |
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PRC 6514 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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She’s young, she’s a dynamite banjo player, and for her second release she has again surrounded herself with a remarkable array of bluegrass talent. While Benson doesn’t sing much, that doesn’t stop her from being the center of attention. Her amazing solos and constant presence in the ensemble dominate over guest vocalists such as Larry Cordle and Larry Stephenson, and great work by guitarist David Grier and fiddler Jim Van Cleve. A mix of songs and instrumentals, this showcase is a pleasure. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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No Turning Back |
| Label: |
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Rural Rhythm
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Artist:
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Lonesome River Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786312410720 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00732351104020 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHY R511040 |
| Cat.#: |
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RHY-1040 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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They’ve been around for more than 25 years, and while the membership of the group has changed over that time, the quality has not diminished one bit. Still fronted by banjo wizard Sammy Shelor, the band provides a fine mix of fast and slow tunes, with the occasional country-flavored song thrown in for variety. Originals sit comfortably next to tunes by Ralph Stanley and Larry Cordle. In all, the Lonesome River Band has given us another album of exemplary contemporary bluegrass. (JW) |
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Written In Chalk |
| Label: |
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New West
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Artist:
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Buddy & Julie Miller |
| ISBN: |
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9786312777144 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00607396615827 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNWST6158 |
| Cat.#: |
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NWWT 61582 |
| Genre: |
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Country & Western |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Buddy and Julie Miller have each made numerous solo albums, but fortunately for us they’ve decided to record as a duo again for a second time. As usual, most of the originals were written by Julie, though some of them are sung by her husband, and Buddy’s guitar-playing demonstrates once again why he is in great demand among such alt-country artists as Emmy Lou Harris. Harris is just one of the many guest artists here, which also include Robert Plant, all showing the high regard in which the duo is held among its peers. (SA) |
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| Title: |
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Bluegrass & Beyond |
| Label: |
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Rounder
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Artist:
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Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press |
| ISBN: |
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9786312768654 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00011661060326 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECD116 6106032 |
| Cat.#: |
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11661-0603-2 |
| Genre: |
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Bluegrass |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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No living bluegrass musician has earned the right to mess with the tradition quite as thoroughly as mandolinist and singer Bobby Osborne, who has been both a leading exponent of the genre and a boundary-pushing maverick for more than 50 years (that's 50 years). At 76 his tenor voice is as powerful and clear as always, and his taste in material both traditional and modern remains exquisite. Check out the Eagles and Eddie Rabbit covers, and the starkly gorgeous "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul?". Brilliant. (RA) |
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| $15.50 |
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| Title: |
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Jiig |
| Label: |
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Fallen Angle
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Artist:
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Ian Robb |
| UPC: |
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807669100122 |
| Cat.#: |
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FAM 06 |
| Genre: |
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Folk |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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A new Ian Robb recording is always cause for celebration -- you know you're in for lots of hearty and heartfelt singing, thrilling close harmonies, and concertina-driven dance tune sets. Best of all, Robb has fantastic taste in both songs and tunes, and his latest solo album (with James Stephens, Ian Clark and Greg T. Brown) is filled with numbers that will roll and bounce around in your head for days afterwards and spill out while you're driving with the windows up. You won't sound as good as he does, though. Guaranteed. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Country Club |
| Label: |
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Yep Roc
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Artist:
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John Doe and the Sadies |
| ISBN: |
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9786312877578 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00634457219229 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDYP 2192 |
| Cat.#: |
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CD-YEP-2192 |
| Genre: |
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Country |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Even when he was helping to define the sound of Los Angeles punk rock with X in the early 1980s, you could hear in his voice (and more than a little of his songwriting) that John Doe's heart was in the honky tonk. On this collaboration with neotrad country outfit the Sadies he just gives up and wallows, singing vintage country material by Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller and others -- Bakersfield two-steps, outlaw raveups and down-and-out barstool weepers. Doe's voice is a national treasure, and he's at his absolute best here, even when the material as is hoary as "Fool Such As I" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night." Brilliant. (RA) |
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| $15.00 |
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| Title: |
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Rising Fawn Gathering |
| Label: |
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Plectrafone
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Artist:
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Norman & Nancy Blake; Boys of the Lough; James & Rachel Bryan |
| ISBN: |
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9786312691037 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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824761040125 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDWJBL38 |
| Cat.#: |
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824761-040125 |
| Genre: |
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Folk music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Joined by the Boys of the Lough and James and Rachel Bryan, the Blakes' large group of musicians together explores the intersections and commonalities of old-time Southern and Celtic music. This recording had been planned since the early 1980s, but it took decades for them to finally get together at Rising Fawn, Georgia. The results are excellent. Alternately spritely and wistful, the group plays waltzes and marches, emigration songs and instrumental duets. A lovely time was clearly had in the making, and listeners will enjoy a similar experience when they give it a try. (JW) |
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| JAZZ |
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| Title: |
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Spaceton's Approach |
| Label: |
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Origin
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Artist:
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Clay Giberson |
| ISBN: |
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9786312465126 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00805558252129 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDORGN82521 |
| Cat.#: |
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82521 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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This exceptional piano trio, led by Giberson, recorded these tracks in concert in 2007 and 2008. With David Ambrosio on bass, and Matt Garrity on drums, they reveal a melodic, light touch on seven extended pieces, five of them originals. Filled with lightness, and space for stretching out, and combining simple ideas in complex ways, they could be the 21st century version of West Coast jazz. The three musicians interact with fluidity and chemistry, making this one of the best trio outings so far this year. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Flowing |
| Label: |
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Jazzheads (dist. Allegro)
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Artist:
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Randy Klein |
| ISBN: |
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9786312450856 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00809819116427 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDJZHD1164 |
| Cat.#: |
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JH 1164 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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In jazz, the solo pianist goes out on a limb; it’s scary being out there by yourself. Klein makes it even harder, but ultimately more rewarding, with an album of a dozen pure improvisations. Known as a lyricist, here he goes strictly instrumental. He claims the music just “flows” through him, but however he does it, he does it remarkably well. One searches for comparisons, and Vince Guaraldi comes to mind, but only in a most general way. Quiet but not “smooth,” both contemplative and lyrical, Klein’s work should be thoroughly enjoyed by piano fans. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Celebrates 100 Years of Benny |
| Label: |
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Arbors Jazz
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Artist:
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Dave Bennett |
| ISBN: |
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9786312685395 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00780941138924 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDARBR19389 |
| Cat.#: |
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ARCD 19389 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Some make a big deal of the fact that the young clarinettist Dave Bennett looks remarkably similar to the young Benny Goodman. But what matters is that he plays with a light, sweet tone and an irrepressible sense of swing on this wonderful tribute to Goodman's small-ensemble work. Featured sidemen include the great Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar and Dick Hyman on piano. Very, very nice. (RA) |
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| $18.98 |
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| Title: |
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The Very Best of Prestige Records |
| Label: |
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Prestige Records/Concord Jazz
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Artist:
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Various Artists |
| ISBN: |
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9786312805441 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00888072312395 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPSGR31239 |
| Cat.#: |
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PRS-31239 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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An extensive jazz collection really ought to own just about the entirety of the Prestige label's back catalog, which includes seminal titles by the likes of Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Roland Kirk, Eric Dolphy and many other bebop and post-bop legends. But if your shelf space and/or budget are limited (and whose aren't these days?), then give your patrons an excellent overview of one of jazz's most prolific labels and one of its most exciting periods with this budget twofer. Good liner notes, great photos, and full personnel listings make this collection a valuable historical document, too. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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The Best of Bill Frisell, Volume 1: Folk Songs |
| Label: |
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Nonesuch
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Artist:
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Bill Frisell |
| ISBN: |
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9786312764748 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00075597986334 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDNONE516092 |
| Cat.#: |
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516092-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Guitarist Bill Frisell has been happily blurring the lines that divide folk, country and jazz music for a couple of decades now, and good for him. This first volume in a planned series of compilations brings together his treatments of tunes like "Shenandoah," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Wildwood Flower" and "Sittin' On Top of the World," as well as country-flavored originals and a heartbreakingly powerful rendition of the John Hiatt song "Have a Little Faith in Me." No other guitarist sounds like Frisell, and no one else has his particular brand of insight on this repertoire. Very highly recommended. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Dearly Beloved |
| Label: |
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Blue Note
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Artist:
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Stanley Turrentine |
| ISBN: |
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9786312399643 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05099921536328 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBNOT15363 |
| Cat.#: |
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50999 2 15363 2 8 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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Reissue |
| Comments: |
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The organ trio in jazz is an acquired taste; people either love it or ignore it altogether. This remastered 1961 session is hard to ignore, since it features one of the finest tenor sax players of the era, accompanied by Shirley Scott, organ (Turrentine’s future wife), and Roy Brooks on drums. Turrentine knew what he was doing, having played with Jimmy Smith on earlier releases, and here he steps up with his bluesy best. Scott does remarkable work as well, supplying the bass lines with her organ. The trio mix blues, hard bop, and even spirituals in a satisfying combination that will thrill jazz organ fans. (JW) |
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| $16.98 |
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| Title: |
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Introducing Sunny & Her Joy Boys |
| Label: |
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Stony Plain
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Artist:
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Sunny & Her Joy Boys |
| ISBN: |
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9786312822691 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00772532134125 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSTON321341 |
| Cat.#: |
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SPCD1341 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Sunny & Her Joy Boys is a marvelous side project of blues guitarist Duke Robillard that delves into well-known and relatively obscure 1930’s-era jazz vocal tunes. It’s a loving romp through songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and other era bands. The joy comes in the delivery – Introducing Sunny and her Joy Boys features vocalist Sunny Crownover, two acoustic archtop guitars (including the aforementioned Mr. Robillard), bass, and clarinet/alto sax, resulting in warm, rich arrangements where the strings and Sunny’s voice blend perfectly, with the reeds adding a fine period touch. Very, very nice. (GH) |
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| Title: |
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Returns |
| Label: |
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Eagle Rock Media (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Return To Forever |
| ISBN: |
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9786312553892 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00826992014920 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDERM ER201492 |
| Cat.#: |
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ER 20149-2 |
| Genre: |
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Jazz Fusion |
| Release type: |
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New (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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Chick Corea’s Return To Forever was one of jazz/rock fusions’ biggest bands (along with Weather Report), cranking out a series of landmark albums in the mid 1970’s. The “classic” electric RTF (keyboardist Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White, and guitarist Al Di Meola) regrouped and toured in the summer of 2008, and this two-disc set catches them live. I was a devoted RTF fan in my youth, buying every LP when it came out, and I have to say that the playing on this reunion tour is much, much better than the original 70’s material – by far. Playing extended, reworked takes on the original tunes (they stretch “Song to the Pharaoh Kings” to 27 minutes), each musician brings decades of experience to this live material. It’s a pleasant surprise to hear these old favorites played with greater skill, passion, and excitement than ever before. Recommended. (GH) |
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| ROCK/POP |
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| Title: |
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Hush |
| Label: |
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Polyvinyl (dist. ADA)
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Artist:
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Asobi Seksu |
| ISBN: |
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9786312737643 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00644110017024 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPOLV00170 |
| Cat.#: |
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PRC-170-2 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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If their previous album, Citrus (a gem, by the way), was more Moose and Loveless-era My Bloody Valentine, Hush is more akin to the atmospherics of Slowdive and Cocteau Twins. Here James Hanna has stripped away the walls of chaotic guitars, revealing well-crafted songs and much more of singer Yuki Chikudate’s very beautiful voice. Singing in English and Japanese, she can sound girlish or soulful, wispy and ethereal or intense and dramatic. This record has a sophisticated and deceptive simplicity, filled with understated ranges of color and texture and lush, gorgeous, ambient pop. (TWB) |
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| Title: |
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Kingdom Of Rust |
| Label: |
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Astralwerks
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Artist:
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Doves |
| ISBN: |
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9786312831402 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05099969313424 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDATWR93134 |
| Cat.#: |
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ASW 93134 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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It has been four years since the last album by the Manchester trio and this one was worth the wait. They’ve been compared to Coldplay and Elbow and they do create soaring melancholy indie rhapsodies, and here they make good on all the promise of their impressive earlier efforts. It is anthemic rock by everyman sad sacks, not “rock stars” as such. This makes it refreshingly just about the music itself, which more than stands on its own. There are tinges of Kraftwerk and country, Liquid Liquid and chiming Brit-pop guitars, and other innumerable subtleties, that together create a dreamy euphoric yearning that you'll want to experience again and again. (TWB) |
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| $19.98 |
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| Title: |
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To Terrapin: Hartford '77 |
| Label: |
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Rhino
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Artist:
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Grateful Dead |
| ISBN: |
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9786312836124 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00081227986902 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDRHIN6008 |
| Cat.#: |
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GRA2-6008 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New (3-discs) |
| Comments: |
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To Terrapin catches one night at the end of the Dead’s 1977 tour, a time when this incarnation of the Dead had been playing and touring together for 5 years. The entire gig is a fine example of the delicate balance between tight scripting and free-form mayhem that was a hallmark of the Dead’s best live shows. The final, hour-long medley of seven songs, including “Terrapin Station,” “Wharf Rat,” and Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away,” defines the Dead’s live sound and ability to transition between songs as well as anything on record. Jerry Garcia is in particularly fine form, ripping off inspired solos as the band chugs along behind him like a finely tuned locomotive. Recommended. (GH)
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| $17.98 |
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| Title: |
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Let's Get Lit |
| Label: |
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Linus Entertainment
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Artist:
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Mojo Gurus |
| ISBN: |
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9786312798583 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00803057010523 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDLINS270105 |
| Cat.#: |
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2 70105 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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The Tampa-based Mojo Gurus are a high-energy bar band that tips its hat to southern rock influences with a sly grin – imagine a combination of NRBQ’s mirth and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s guitar-based sound. Toss in a bit of surf and twang just to sweeten the pot and you begin to get some idea of what these folks are up to. (GH) [ED. NOTE: This disc is available by special order only, and supplies may be limited.] |
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| Title: |
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The Stars Are Out |
| Label: |
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Sugar Hill
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Artist:
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Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles |
| ISBN: |
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9786312818953 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00015891404622 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDSUGA14046 |
| Cat.#: |
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SUG-CD-4046 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Boston-based singer-songwriter Sarah Borges is at her whiskey-voiced, country-tinged best on this, her second album for the Sugar Hill label. Evenly split between originals and covers, the program finds Borges continuing to develop both her lyrical edge and her roots-rock energy, with results that are sure to please fans of Neko Case and Kathleen Edwards. You have to give props to a girl who covers both Clive Gregson and Smokey Robinson on the same album. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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No Pussyfooting |
| Label: |
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Opal/DGM
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Artist:
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Fripp & Eno |
| ISBN: |
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9786312452645 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00633367500724 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDDGMR675007 |
| Cat.#: |
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DGM5007 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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Reissue (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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This is the first of two early-1970s albums made by guitarist Robert Fripp (King Crimson) and keyboardist Brian Eno (Roxy Music, at the time). Both consisted of Eno's synthesizer loops and tape manipulations over which Fripp played guitar solos. Of the two, Evening Star (B&T Key BECDDGMR670516) is the prettiest, but the two-track No Pussyfooting is the more interesting reissue. Instead of the expected outtakes and previously-unreleased oddities, it instead adds reversed versions of both tracks and a half-speed version of one of them. The music itself is genius, and the alternate versions are surprisingly fascinating. Recommended very strongly to all comprehensive rock collections. (RA) |
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| $9.98 |
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| Title: |
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Fortress Round My Heart |
| Label: |
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Upper 11 (dist. Fontana)
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Artist:
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Ida Maria |
| ISBN: |
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9786312845775 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00602527023816 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDUPERB001282802 |
| Cat.#: |
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BECDUPERB 001282802 |
| Genre: |
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Pop/Rock Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Norwegian singer Ida Maria makes her mark as spirited and endearingly vulnerable on her debut. Her husky voice reinforces the earthy sexiness of her lyrics, while the catchiness of “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” offsets its melodic resemblance to the theme song from the Banana Splits TV show. The backing band, like her delivery, is appealingly rough around the edges, giving the album a human feel and suffusing it with energy. (MC) |
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| WORLD/ETHNIC |
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| Title: |
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Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band |
| Label: |
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Easy Star (dist. Red)
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Artist:
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Easy Star All-Stars |
| ISBN: |
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9786312866954 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00657481101827 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDESST1018 |
| Cat.#: |
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ES-1018 |
| Genre: |
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Reggae |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Just like the previous two similarly-themed Easy Star All-Stars albums (Dub Side of the Moon and Radiodread), this one was a really terrible idea. And just like the others, it's a complete triumph. It's a track-for track reggae version of the Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band featuring the talents of such A-list reggae singers as Luciano, Max Romeo, Sugar Minott and even the legendary deejay U Roy, and although it really shouldn't work it absolutely does -- thanks to both the studio band's rock-solid rhythms and the long-established professionalism of those A-list singers. Scoff if you want, but give it a listen before passing judgment. And expect demand. (RA) |
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| Title: |
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Infinity |
| Label: |
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Barbes
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Artist:
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Warsaw Village Band |
| ISBN: |
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9786312840275 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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00881626918029 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDBRBR269180 |
| Cat.#: |
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BR0021 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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New |
| Comments: |
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Here's another blast of inspired multiethnic musical craziness from Poland's foremost avant-folk ensemble. You'll hear funk, hip hop, Scandinavian fiddle tunes, Polish dance tunes, and all kinds of other elements thrown into a mix that also includes astringent Balkan harmony singing and rockish songwriting. It's always good to keep your patrons guessing a little bit, and it's safe to say that many of them will be puzzled -- though delighted -- by this gem of an album. (RA) |
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| $34.98 |
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| Title: |
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Ragga Twins Step Out!: Birth Of A Sound |
| Label: |
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Soul Jazz
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Artist:
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Ragga Twins |
| ISBN: |
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9786312282662 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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05026328201900 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDPHAM1364233 |
| Cat.#: |
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SJR CD 190 |
| Genre: |
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Dance, DJ |
| Release type: |
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Compilation (2-discs) |
| Comments: |
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The Ragga Twins were a pair of MCs who worked with the production team Shut Up And Dance in the early 90s. They brought the influence of reggae and hip-hop to the UK rave scene and in the process ushered in the style that came to known as jungle and/or drum & bass. Soul Jazz has thankfully rescued these tracks from semi-obscurity and provided listeners with a very entertaining history lesson. (SA) [ED. NOTE: This disc is available by special order only, and supplies may be limited.] |
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| $25.98 |
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| Title: |
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Volume One: The Vodoun Effect: Funk & Sato from Benin's Obscure Labels, 1972-1975 |
| Label: |
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Analog Africa (dist. Forced Exposure)
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Artist:
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Orchestre Poly Rhythmo De Cotonou |
| ISBN: |
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9786312582298 |
| ISBN-10: |
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| UPC: |
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04260126060661 |
| Prod.#: |
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BECDAGAA064 |
| Cat.#: |
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AACD 064 |
| Genre: |
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World Music |
| Release type: |
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Compilation |
| Comments: |
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Soundway has already released a collection by this relatively obscure group (The Kings of Benin Urban Groove 1972-80), but now Analog Africa is continuing the effort to make them better known. Here the focus is on the recordings the group made for various tiny labels outside of their main recording contract during their heyday. Adding to the uniqueness is the fact that, in addition to their usual afrofunk, there are examples of ‘sato,’ a rhythm used in the local vodoun rituals and virtually unknown outside of this collection. Not a major addition to the library of African music, but an extremely well-done look into a special niche, with extensive documentation in a 44-page booklet to explain the context. (SA) |
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© CD HotList 2004 |
