What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Amazon had this one for $5.46 and it is a Super Audio Compact Disc! How could I not get it!! :handgestures-thumbup:

From the back of the case: Remastered for SACD by Steve Hoffman.

Man Of The World - Reflections on Peter Green -- SACD

Various Artists

2003 Audio Fidelity

Previously Released Material, July 12, 2004
By C. S. Junker "soul_survivor" (Burien, WA USA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Man of the World: Reflections on Peter Green (Audio CD)
The first thing you should know is that this disc contains 15 selections from the two-disc tribute "Rattlesnake Guitar" which was released about six years ago and is still available. The only difference is that the selections are presented here in Super Audio CD (SACD) format. Contrary to the listing here, it is dual layer; that is, it will play on a conventional CD player.

"Rattlesnake Guitar" is about as good as it gets. If you already have that set, you don't need this one. Had the advertisement here mentioned it, I wouldn't have purchased material I have --- the difference in audio between CD and SACD is not always worth the extra money. (I could have looked more closely at the track listing, of course.) (Also, the back cover of the disc clearly indicates that it's "adapted" from "Rattlesnake Guitar." One of the risks of shopping on-line as opposed to looking at a disc in a store.)

If you're at all a fan of Peter Green, or British Blues in general (Cream, John Mayall, early Jethro Tull, etc.) by all means buy "Rattlesnake Guitar." It's the best tribute album of any kind I've ever heard --- performances are almost uniformly excellent and complement the originals.

The only reason for buying this SACD is if you absolutely have to have these tracks in Super Audio. Even so, you're only getting half the album.

Track listing

1. Oh Well - Billy Sheehan
2. Showbiz Blues - Rory Gallagher
3. Green Manalishi, The
4. Looking for Somebody - Snow White
5. Love That Burn - Lonesome Dave Peverett
6. Rattlesnake Shake - Vince Converse
7. Ramblin' Pony - Harvey Mandel
8. If You Be My Baby - Lonesome Dave Peverett
9. Baby When the Sun Goes Down - Southside Johnny
10. Black Magic Woman - Larry McCray
11. Crying Won't Bring You Back - Luther Grosvenor
12. Stop Messin' Round - Savoy Brown
13. Albatross - Paul Jones
14. Leaving Town Blues - Rory Gallagher
15. Man of the World - Ian Anderson

 

[Dennie]

A Message From The People -- Remastered CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup: :eusa-clap:

Ray Charles

1972/2009 Concord Records
A Message From the People, Ray Charles' 1972 classic, is finally available after being long out of print. As part of Concord Music Group's reissue series, the album has been digitally remastered and the results are fantastic. This is a very special album in the Charles discography, with each of the ten songs carefully chosen by the artist to express his feelings about the state of society. Never heavy-handed, the album's focus is squarely on social consciousness. Many of the sentiments expressed in these songs ring very true in these economically-challenged times.

Charles' vocals throughout are among his most passionate ever committed to tape. His frustration is palpable in "Hey Mister," a funky work-out with lyrics imploring politicians to bring aid to the needy and poor. There is jubilation in his reading of what is often referred to as The Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Speaking of anthems, over the years there have been occasional attempts at replacing "The Star Spangled Banner" with "America the Beautiful." That's unlikely to ever happen, but Charles' version (which closes the album) can arguably be considered the definitive reading of that classic patriotic song.

An extraordinary cover of Melanie Safka's "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma" was a minor hit on the R&B charts in 1972. The song is about the over-commercialization of music. Ironically, it was licensed to Quaker Oats some years ago and used as a jingle ("Look what they've done to oatmeal"). It's a brilliant rearrangement, demonstrating the artistry Charles invested in songs that were not originally his own. It's a nice bit of light humor, too, amidst a relatively serious-minded collection (especially when Charles attempts a verse in French).

Turning John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" into a country/soul stunner was a great idea. The cheesy, badly dated synth solo he dropped into the middle of it was not. It isn't the only time his taste wavered on this album (check out that intro to "Abraham, Martin, and John"), but thankfully these minor missteps are far and few. Mostly what is heard loud and clear throughout is exceptionally deep soul vocals. "Heaven Help Us All" is an impassioned highlight along those very lines.

My only complaint about this release is the lack of any real liner notes. The single-folded page has only the most bare bones information regarding songwriting credits. Ray Charles is listed as producer, while arrangements are credited to Quincy Jones, Sid Feller, and Mike Post. That's an impressive roster, but no details are provided as to who arranged which songs. Joe Adams, who is credited with conceiving the striking album cover, contributed a paragraph's worth of thoughts about the making of the record. Not that any of this should dissuade someone from buying the album; I just wish there was more background - or critical - analysis included.

Concord Music Group is doing a great thing by making long out-of-print Ray Charles albums available again. A Message From the People represents a true high point in Ray Charles' celebrated discography. I can't wait to continue collecting their reissue series.
~ Review by The Other Chad ~

~ Track Listings ~
01. Lift Every Voice and Sing
02. Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong
03. Heaven Help Us All
04. There'll Be No Peace Without All Men as One
05. Hey Mister
06. What Have They Done to My Song, Ma
07. Abraham, Martin and John
08. Take Me Home, Country Roads
09. Every Saturday Night
10. America the Beautiful

 

[Dennie]

Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin -- CD

Brian Wilson

2010 Disney Records

In the summer of 2009, Walt Disney Records approached Wilson about recording his own arrangements of songs from Disney films; however, Wilson first wanted to record an album of Gershwin covers, which the label agreed to support.[8] He and band member Paul Mertens picked the songs to record based on Wilson's vocal range, and which ones he thought he could sing "appropriately."[9]

In addition to the covers, the Gershwin estate granted Wilson access to over 100 unfinished Gershwin songs and fragments for the project to use for new material. Two songs were completed by Wilson and Scott Bennett (who provided lyrics) based on these fragments: "The Like In I Love You" and "Nothing But Love," which serve as the first and last full songs on the album, respectively.[9]

Recording of the album began at the start of 2010.[8] Wilson served as producer, with Mertens writing out the arrangements as well as the linking pieces between tracks. The instrumental tracks were produced using his backing band, who also supplied backing vocals; however, the Rhapsody in Blue harmonies that bookend the album were done entirely by Wilson.[2] According to Mertens, Wilson would spend eight hours a day in the studio perfecting vocal tracks.[8]

Mixing took place in the spring.[10] Disney's reaction to the final product was positive, though they hired recording engineer Al Schmitt to remix the original tracks prepared by Wilson.[8]
1. "Rhapsody in Blue/Intro" George Gershwin 1:07
2. "The Like In I Love You" G. Gershwin, Brian Wilson, Scott Bennett 3:20
3. "Summertime" G. Gershwin, DuBose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward, Ira Gershwin 3:13
4. "I Loves You, Porgy" G. Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward, I. Gershwin 3:38
5. "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'" G. Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward, I. Gershwin 2:45
6. "It Ain't Necessarily So" G. Gershwin, Du Bose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward, I. Gershwin 3:58
7. "'S Wonderful" G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin 2:48
8. "They Can't Take That Away from Me" G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin 2:51
9. "Love Is Here to Stay" G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin 2:59
10. "I've Got a Crush on You" G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin 2:41
11. "I Got Rhythm" G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin 2:43
12. "Someone to Watch Over Me" G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin 3:06
13. "Nothing But Love" G. Gershwin, Wilson, Bennett 3:24
14. "Rhapsody in Blue/Reprise" G. Gershwin 0:38

 

[Dennie]

Jazz 'Round Midnight -- CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup: bscene-drinkingcheers:

Astrud Gilberto

1996 Verve Records

More thematically-programmed than many of Verve's compilations, the Jazz 'Round Midnight series focuses on the quiet, romantic side of the label's artists. Astrud Gilberto is a perfect match for this series. Her simultaneously childlike and alluring voice defines the quiet, romantic elements of the bossa nova style she popularized worldwide with the enormous success of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "The Girl from Ipanema," recorded with her then-husband Joao Gilberto and the Stan Getz Quartet in 1963.

After that classic, JAZZ ROUND MIDNIGHT focuses little on Gilberto's trademark Brazilian sambas, instead favoring her unique interpretations of jazz standards. Gilberto's bossa nova versions of "Fly Me To the Moon," "The Shadow Of Your Smile," and "Here's That Rainy Day" epitomize romantic languor. "I feel so gay in a melancholy way" goes the key line of the standard "It Might As Well Be Spring," and no sentiments could better encapsulate Astrud Gilberto's gift.

Track listing

1. Girl from Ipanema, The
2. Fly Me to the Moon
3. Non-Stop to Brazil
4. Only Trust Your Heart
5. It Might as Well Be Spring
6. My Foolish Heart
7. Misty Roses
8. Tu Meu Delirio
9. Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)
10. Manha de Carnaval
11. If You Went Away
12. Here's That Rainy Day
13. I Will Wait for You
14. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
15. Once upon a Summertime
16. Shadow of Your Smile, The

 

[Rope]

Rope

 

[Dennie]

Deuces Wild -- CD

B.B. King

1997 MCA Records
Amazon.com

B.B. King, probably the most celebrated living blues player, has come a long way from Itta Bena, Mississippi, and this CD illustrates just how far. A series of guest shots by such artists as Van Morrison, Tracy Chapman, Eric Clapton, Mick Hucknall, Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, Joe Cocker, Marty Stuart, the Rolling Stones, and Willie Nelson, Deuces Wild is far removed from the blues King played in the '40s and '50s. It's more like psychodrama, especially in the case of the Cocker track, "Dangerous Mood." Nobody here, celebrity notwithstanding, is just going through the motions. The album's crass concept is redeemed by, among others, drummers Steve Jordan, Jim Keltner, and Charlie Watts. Although it's an overblown international project with no affinity for the meaning of the blues, the players and their love for the music triumph. --Stanley Booth

1. If You Love Me - (with Van Morrison)

2. Thrill Is Gone, The - (with Tracy Chapman)

3. Rock Me Baby - (with Eric Clapton)

4. Please Send Me Someone to Love - (with Mick Hucknall)

5. Baby I Love You - (with Bonnie Raitt)

6. Ain't Nobody Home - (with D'Angelo)

7. There Must Be a Better World Somewhere - (with Dr. John)

8. Confessin' the Blues - (with Marty Stuart)

9. Paying the Cost to Be the Boss - (with The Rolling Stones)

10. Dangerous Mood - (with Joe Cocker)

11. Keep It Coming - (with Heavy D)

12. Cryin' Won't Help You - (with David Gilmour/Paul Carrack)

13. Night Life - (with Willie Nelson)

 

[Dennie]

Clapton -- CD

Eric Clapton

2010 Reprise Records

Product Description
Co-produced by guitarist and long-time collaborator Doyle Bramhall II, ‘Clapton’ features an all star cast of musical collaborations started with the legendary JJ Cale, drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond - and the sessions later added guests including Steve Winwood, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint, and Derek Trucks. Clapton created a collection that touches on everything from century-old traditional brass bands to little-known country blues to brand-new originals. The result is both relaxed and revelatory, and unlike anything the guitarist has done in his legendary career.

‘This album wasn't what it was intended to be at all,’ says Eric Clapton. ‘It's actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It's an eclectic collection of songs that weren't really on the map - and I like it so much because if it's a surprise to the fans, that's only because it's a surprise to me, as well.

Track list:
01. Traveling Alone
02. Rocking Chair
03. River Runs Deep
04. Judgment Day
05. How Deep Is The Ocean
06. Milkman
07. Crazy About You Baby
08. That’s No Way To Get Along
09. Everything Will Be Alright
10. Diamonds Made From Rains starts at 1:40
11. When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful
12. Hard Times
13. Rolling And Tumbling
14. Autumn Leaves

 

[Botch]

Dennie, how do you like the Wilson does Gershwin CD? I've been tempted to pick it up...

 

[Flint]

Dennie, how do you like the Wilson does Gershwin CD? I've been tempted to pick it up...

You didn't ask me, but I'll give my opinion anyway.

If you like Gershwin, this is an amazing recording and performance. I love it deeply and have listened to it at least two dozen times since I received it upon its release.

If you are not a fan Gershwin, well, it is Gershwin.

 

[Botch]

I am a Gershwin fan, so it's added to the list. Thanks Flint!

 

[PaulyT]

Well, you also gotta be a Brian Wilson fan... I'm not sure I fall in that category, at least not yet. I've got that Gershwin album, too, as well as "Smile", and haven't really gotten into either of them. (Flint now hates me.) But to be fair, I've only listened to them once or twice. I liked some of the Gershwin arrangements, others I found a little ... dunno the right word, kitchy maybe. Maybe I'm just not used to Wilson's style; I never liked the Beach Boys either. :shock:

Anyway, finally got this one:

So far I like it a lot, and much more than the other two of hers I've gotten recently - Illusions and Bossa Nova Stories, the latter of which actually put me to sleep! But again, these may take a few listenings to grow on me, which I will do at some point. I'm still struggling to digest all the albums I've gotten in the last month or so based mostly on recs in this thread!

 

[Dennie]

I am a Gershwin fan, so it's added to the list. Thanks Flint!

Are you a Beach Boys Fan? Or at least a Brian Wilson Fan?

I agree with Pauly, you have to like Brian or it helps a lot.

I've only listened to it once and I had company over at the time, so I need to listen to it again before I can answer honestly.

My first impression was WOW, this is different. I do like the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson. But this is not Ella and Louis doing Gershwin, it is more like the Beach Boys doing Gershwin. Please don't get me wrong, I liked it, but I'm going to have to give it another listen.

Dennie :twocents-mytwocents:

 

[Aaron German]

Well, you also gotta be a Brian Wilson fan... I'm not sure I fall in that category, at least not yet. I've got that Gershwin album, too, as well as "Smile", and haven't really gotten into either of them. (Flint now hates me.) But to be fair, I've only listened to them once or twice.

One of these days you'll come around. You can't resist good music forever.

 

[Dennie]

Well, you also gotta be a Brian Wilson fan... I'm not sure I fall in that category, at least not yet. I've got that Gershwin album, too, as well as "Smile", and haven't really gotten into either of them. (Flint now hates me.) But to be fair, I've only listened to them once or twice.

One of these days you'll come around. You can't resist good music forever.

Hey Aaron,

Just because Pauly thinks it is Good Music, dosen't mean Flint will think it is good music! Or Visa Versa!

Just because I like Tom Waits, dosen't mean you'll like Tom Waits or should like him!

Count Basie said: If it sounds good, it is good!

So, I guess that also means: If it dosen't sound good........! bscene-drinkingcheers:

Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Speaking of Good Music......

Time Out CD

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

1959/1997 Columbia/Sony Music

Amazon.com essential recording

Boasting the first jazz instrumental to sell a million copies, the Paul Desmond-penned "Take Five," Time Out captures the celebrated jazz quartet at the height of both its popularity and its powers. Recorded in 1959, the album combines superb performances by pianist Brubeck, alto saxophonist Desmond, drummer Joe Morrello and bassist Gene Wright. Along with "Take Five," the album features another one of the group's signature compositions, "Blue Rondo a la Turk." Though influenced by the West Coast-cool school, Brubeck's greatest interest and contribution to jazz was the use of irregular meters in composition, which he did with great flair. Much of the band's appeal is due to Desmond, whose airy tone and fluid attack often carried the band's already strong performances to another level. Together, he and Brubeck proved one of the most potent pairings of the era. --Fred Goodman

All pieces composed by Dave Brubeck, except "Take Five" by Paul Desmond.
Side one

1. "Blue Rondo à la Turk" – 6:44
2. "Strange Meadow Lark" – 7:22
3. "Take Five" – 5:24

Side two

1. "Three to Get Ready" – 5:24
2. "Kathy's Waltz" – 4:48
3. "Everybody's Jumpin' " – 4:23
4. "Pick Up Sticks" – 4:16

 

[Aaron German]

Well, you also gotta be a Brian Wilson fan... I'm not sure I fall in that category, at least not yet. I've got that Gershwin album, too, as well as "Smile", and haven't really gotten into either of them. (Flint now hates me.) But to be fair, I've only listened to them once or twice.

One of these days you'll come around. You can't resist good music forever.

Hey Aaron,

Just because Pauly thinks it is Good Music, dosen't mean Flint will think it is good music! Or Visa Versa!

Just because I like Tom Waits, dosen't mean you'll like Tom Waits or should like him!

Count Basie said: If it sounds good, it is good!

So, I guess that also means: If it dosen't sound good........! bscene-drinkingcheers:

Dennie

I agree. People will disagree about what they think is good. But that doesn't mean that everyone is right.

Truth be told, I am very torn on the issue of the objectivity of aesthetic judgments.

In any case, I certainly do not blame Paul for the fact that he doesn't like good music. After all, people can't choose what they find pleasing. But it is sad that not all of us were born with good taste.

 

[Dennie]

One of these days you'll come around. You can't resist good music forever.

Hey Aaron,

Just because Pauly thinks it is Good Music, dosen't mean Flint will think it is good music! Or Visa Versa!

Just because I like Tom Waits, dosen't mean you'll like Tom Waits or should like him!

Count Basie said: If it sounds good, it is good!

So, I guess that also means: If it dosen't sound good........! bscene-drinkingcheers:

Dennie

I agree. People will disagree about what they think is good. But that doesn't mean that everyone is right.

Truth be told, I am very torn on the issue of the objectivity of aesthetic judgments.

In any case, I certainly do not blame Paul for the fact that he doesn't like good music. After all, people can't choose what they find pleasing. But it is sad that not all of us were born with good taste.

I agree and with the case of Pauly, I blame his Parents.....must be a bad gene or something! :shock:

Dennie

 

[PaulyT]

Screw both of you! I am the master and ultimate authority on what is good.

bscene-birdiedoublered:

Now, Dave Brubeck, that's good. No argument there!

 

[Aaron German]

Heh heh. Funny guys.
bscene-drinkingcheers:

 

[Zing]

I am the master and ultimate authority on what is good.

I would SOOOO like to argue that point!