What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Both Sides Now -- CD

Joni Mitchell

2000 Warner Bros. Records

A bittersweet journey of lushly orchestrated standards, April 17, 2000
By Ward J. Lamb (slate hill, new york United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Both Sides Now (Audio CD)

Here Miss Mitchell combines her love of colour in art with her whiskey coloured voice. The nuance is particularly heart felt.The songs seem tinged with pain, and poetry. The echoes of Billie Holiday( Lady in Satin) are pronounced and reverant.If ever Joni has made an effort to send someone a love letter it is to Holiday in her phrasing and smokey vocals. Her Canadian American directness is a metaphor to her artworks included within the cd cover. There is a Hopper-esque lonely solitude that pulls one into a vintage American sensibility. The cd is one that grows on you and penetrates the heart with every layer of listening. A superb rendition of "A Case of You", reminds us that Joni is a classic writer, as well as performer.This cd could have been called "The four seasons of Love".Like Leonard Cohen she sits perfectly with those that enjoy their personal torments and share the depth of the human condition with their listeners.

"You're My Thrill" (Sidney Clare, Jay Gorney) — 3:52
"At Last" (Mack Gordon, Harry Warren) — 4:28
"Comes Love" (Lew Brown, Sam H. Stept, Charles Tobias) — 4:29
"You've Changed" (Bill Carey, Carl Fischer) — 5:00
"Answer Me, My Love" (Fred Rauch, Carl Sigman, Gerhard Winkler) — 3:23
"A Case of You" (Joni Mitchell) — 5:52
"Don't Go to Strangers" (Redd Evans, Arthur Kent, David Mann) — 4:10
"Sometimes I'm Happy" (Irving Caesar, Clifford Grey, Vincent Youmans) — 3:58
"Don't Worry 'Bout Me" (Rube Bloom, Ted Koehler) —– 3:49
"Stormy Weather" (Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler) — 3:07
"I Wish I Were in Love Again" (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) — 3:36
"Both Sides, Now" (Joni Mitchell) — 5:45

 

[Dennie]

After Hours -- Remastered CD

Sarah Vaughan

1961/1997 Roulette/Capitol Records

A real caldron of emotions August 8, 2003
By Winston Smith
Format:Audio CD

I've never in my 26 years been an expert on jazz (although Ellington, Miles, Dinah, Ella and Billy Holiday aren't strangers to my cd player), for I come from a rock-ish, punk-ish, gothic-rock background. But tonight, when I first spun 'After Hours' I was reminded that jazz has so much to offer to anyone who doesn't mind music ravishing him violently and making his deep emotions and memories seep through and paint the room with vivid imagery of past-century romance. As I listened to each fold of Sarah's satin-n-silk voice, i shivered over and over again. Almost every song, yes. Jeez, i don't remember getting this many goosebumps since listening to Sade Adu in eighth grade after I broke up with my sweet Natasha :-{} Ms. Vaughn's lucent voice, contrasted with the smoky echo of a double bass and muted guitar cords, is so unpretentious, yet so sure of itself. So experienced. So adult. I don't know how old She was when She sang this, but She seems so profound. Things her voice does are amazing, but it doesn't sound like a studio-chiseled professional acrobatics. Not at all; maybe it has to do with the minimal (and perfect) arrangement, but you feel like you're left alone on a stage with her, face to face. She sounds so honest, so spontaneous, so innocent. Well, enough of it, the poignant 'Through The Years' has come on, and I'm shivering again. What, you haven't clicked "Add to Shopping Cart" yet ????


"My Favourite Things" (Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II) – 2:46
"Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" (Cole Porter) – 2:26
"Wonder Why" (Nicholas Brodszky, Sammy Cahn) – 4:21
"You'd Be So Easy to Love" (Porter) – 2:12
"Sophisticated Lady" (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish) – 3:52
"Great Day" (Edward Eliscu, Billy Rose, Vincent Youmans) – 2:18
"Ill Wind" (Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler) – 3:13
"If Love Is Good to Me" (Ray Evans, Fred Spielman) – 2:12
"In a Sentimental Mood" (Ellington, Manny Kurtz, Mills) – 4:06
"Vanity" (Bernard Bierman, Jack Manus, Guy Wood) – 4:19
"Through the Years" (Edward Heyman, Youmans) – 3:09

-------

Sarah Vaughan – vocal
Mundell Lowe – guitar
George Duvivier – double bass

 

[Dennie]

The Best of Phoebe Snow -- CD

Phoebe Snow

1990 Sony Music

Words can't describe..., May 25, 1999
By Kevin L. Humphreys (Madison, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Best of Phoebe Snow (Audio CD)

If you know nothing about Phoebe's work (that would be a shame, by the way), then you should get this album. Every song is fine, and they show off all of her many musical gifts, ranging from the tender ("Two-Fisted Love", "All Over") to the barnburners ("Shaky Ground"), to ones that start off sweet and build to an incredible level of intensity ("Teach Me Tonight").

Phoebe also gave the single greatest live performance I've ever seen on the Letterman show. Some years ago (I can't remember how many) she blew the doors off everything with an awesome rendition of "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie-Woogie Flu" (regrettably not included here, although she later rerecorded it for the album "I Can't Complain.") This woman has pipes to die for and a range you just can't believe.

So what am I saying? BUY THIS ALBUM!!

Track listing

1. Two Fisted Love
2. All Over
3. Poetry Man
4. Teach Me Tonight
5. Don't Let Me Down
6. Shakey Ground
7. Love Makes a Woman
8. Never Letting Go
9. Every Night
10. Harpo's Blues

 

[Dennie]

That's How They Do It In Dixie - The Essential Collection -- CD

Hank Jr.

2006 Curb Records

Issued in 2006, this 12-track compilation serves as a very concise overview of Hank Williams, Jr.'s decades-spanning career. Specializing in a rock-tinged brand of country that is notably different from his legendary father's spare, twangy sound, Hank Jr. nonetheless attempts to bridge those styles on "Tear in My Beer," a shuffling tune penned by Hank Sr. that finds the pair singing on the same track (think Natalie Cole and Nat "King" Cole's famous duet on "Unforgettable"). In addition to classics such as the singer' s gritty theme song "My Name is Bocephus," this Hank Jr. set offers up two new recordings--the rowdy title track, which features appearances by Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, and other young country luminaries, and the stomping "Stirrin' It Up." Though its short track listing keeps it from being truly "essential," THAT'S HOW THEY DO IT IN DIXIE makes for a fine introduction to Bocephus that is tailor-made to popular 21st-century tastes.

Track Listing
1. That's How They Do It in Dixie
2. Family Tradition
3. All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight
4. Country Boy Can Survive, A
5. Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound
6. Tear in My Beer
7. If Heaven Ain't a Lot Like Dixie
8. Born to Boogie
9. Women I've Never Had
10. Country State of Mind
11. My Name Is Bocephus
12. Stirrin' It Up

 

[Dennie]

Brothers In Arms -- 20th Anniversary Edition SACD

Dire Straits

2005 Mercury Records (Import)

SACD Review, June 23, 2005
By Michael R. Zwarun "phenker" (Thornhill, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Brothers in Arms (20th Anniversary Edition) (Audio CD)

I've waited a long time for this album to be available on SACD. The wait was definitely worth it. This is reference quality audio that beats any vinyl in my collection.
I dare you to listen to Money for Nothing and not get chills. The surround mix is fantastic,using all speakers to great effect.
My advice, rush out and buy this one. It may be the best SACD out there.

1. "So Far Away" 5:12
2. "Money for Nothing" (Knopfler, Sting) 8:26
3. "Walk of Life" 4:12
4. "Your Latest Trick" 6:33
5. "Why Worry" 8:31
6. "Ride Across the River" 6:58
7. "The Man's Too Strong" 4:40
8. "One World" 3:40
9. "Brothers in Arms" 7:00

 

[Dennie]

Band On The Run - 25th Anniversary Edition -- 2 CD Box Set

Paul McCartney & Wings

1974/1999 Capitol Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Band on the Run should have been a disaster. Two of Wings' original members quit in a huff just before its production. The whimsical decision to record in Lagos, Nigeria, became a nightmare when McCartney and company found themselves in a decaying studio, then had many of the project's demos stolen by armed bandits. Despite these hardships--perhaps because of them--Band on the Run remains the most focused and consistently satisfying record of McCartney's wildly uneven post-Beatles career. This mini box set contains the original album, a well-written booklet by Mark Lewisohn, and a bonus disc featuring outtake snippets and interviews with all the album's participants (including its cover crew, which includes actors James Coburn and Christopher Lee) and Dustin Hoffman, who recounts how he spurred McCartney to spontaneously write "Picasso's Last Words" on a dare. This second disc would make a fine radio show; it comes up short where it matters most--in music. Time spent detailing the album-cover photo session could have been more gratifyingly devoted to more contemporary outtakes (much of the bonus Band material is culled from live performances from as recently as the mid '90s; perhaps McCartney wants us to know how important the record has been to him over the years) or to a pair of single B-sides, which are curiously absent here. --Jerry McCulley


Disc 1
The first disc features the original US version of the album.

"Band on the Run" - 5:11
"Jet" - 4:07
"Bluebird" - 3:21
"Mrs. Vandebilt" - 4:39
"Let Me Roll It" - 4:47
"Mamunia" - 4:50
An Arabic word for "safe haven" which McCartney happened upon while on holiday in Marrakesh
"No Words" (Paul McCartney/Denny Laine) - 2:33
"Helen Wheels" - 3:44
"Helen Wheels" was included on only the US edition of Band on the Run in 1973
"Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me)" - 5:46
Inspired by actor Dustin Hoffman's suggestion to McCartney to compose a song on Pablo Picasso's recent passing
Features Ginger Baker on shakers
"Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five" - 5:29


Disc 2: Bonus Materials

"PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue Intro) /Band On The Run (Nicely Toasted Mix)" - 1:12
"Band On The Run (Original)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 1) - 2:17
"Band On The Run (Barn Rehearsal - 21 July 1989)" - 4:59
"PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 2) /Mamunia (Original)/DENNY LAINE (Dialogue)/Mamunia (Original)/LINDA McCARTNEY (Dialogue)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 3)" - 4:23
"Bluebird (Live version - Australia 1975)" - 0:55
"Bluebird (Original)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 4)" - 0:23
"PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 5) /NO WORDS (Original)/GEOFF EMERICK (Dialogue)" (Paul McCartney/Denny Laine) - 1:24
"No Words (Original)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 6) /TONY VISCONTI (Dialogue)/Band On The Run (original)/TONY VISCONTI (Dialogue)" (Paul McCartney/Denny Laine) / (Paul and Linda McCartney) - 1:47
"Jet (Original from Picasso's Last Words) /PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue Link 7) /Jet (Original from Picasso's Last Words) /AL COURY (Dialogue)" - 2:55
"Jet (Berlin Soundcheck - 3 September 1993)" - 3:52
"PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 8) /CLIVE ARROWSMITH (Dialogue)" - 1:44
"Nineteen Hundred And Eighty Five (Original)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 9) /JAMES COBURN (Dialogue)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 10) /JOHN CONTEH (Dialogue)" - 3:24
"Mrs. Vandebilt (original) / PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 11) / KENNY LYNCH (Dialogue)" - 2:10
"Let Me Roll It (Cardington Rehearsal - 5 February 1993)"/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 12)" - 3:52
"PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 13) /Mrs. Vandebilt (Background)/MICHAEL PARKINSON (Dialogue)/LINDA McCARTNEY (Band On The Run Photo Shoot) (Dialogue)/MICHAEL PARKINSON (Dialogue)" - 2:25
"Helen Wheels (Crazed)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 14) /CHRISTOPHER LEE (Dialogue)" - 5:32
"Band On The Run (Strum Bit) /PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 15) /CLEMENT FREUD (Dialogue)" - 1:01
"Picasso's Last Words (Original)/PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue link 16) /DUSTIN HOFFMAN (Dialogue)" - 4:22
"Picasso's Last Words (Drink To Me) (Acoustic version)" - 1:11
"Band On The Run (Nicely Toasted Mix) /PAUL McCARTNEY (Dialogue Link 17)" - 0:42
"Band On The Run (Northern Comic Version)" - 0:37

 

[Dennie]

The Shouting Stage -- CD

Joan Armatrading

1988 A&M Records

Never better than here May 13, 2007
By J. Moore VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I remember sitting under the stars at Red Rocks listening to Joan Armatrading and her stellar band, during the Shouting Stage tour. Sure we all sang along to 'Love and Affection' and joined in with 'Willow', but it was this collection that has endured in my memory. Maybe it was the romantic themes of love and loss, of a making a memory with my wife - still married after 18 years. Thankfully we never lost it at the shouting stage and I'm glad we found a stronger love that has endured. The playing by Mark Knopler and Pino Palladino as well as Joan's essential funkiness buoys this album up and even all these years later I continue to float away listening to this one. Highly recommended along with "Lovers Speak".

Track Listing
1. Did I Make You Up
2. Shouting Stage, The
3. Stronger Love
4. Watch Your Step
5. Words
6. Dark Truths
7. Straight Talk
8. All a Woman Needs
9. Devil I Know, The
10. Living For You

 

[Dennie]

Indestructible -- Remastered RVG Edition CD

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

1965/2003 Blue Note Records

Prime Blakey, Prime Blue Note December 19, 2004
By David Hewitt
Format:Audio CD

Not that one can ever really go wrong with an Art Blakey/Jazz Messengers recording, but some are stronger than others; this is among the very strongest. The lineup 'Bu' worked with here for his final Blue Note outing was probably the most prominent overall group of Messengers, with Shorter, Morgan, Workman, and Curtis Fuller on trombone. It's Fuller who contributes the first two tracks, 'The Egyptian' and 'Sortie', and along with Shorter's 'Mr. Jin', they are the strongest, most original and compelling songs on the disc. A typical Morgan romp ('Calling Miss Khadija'), a typically expressive Walton ballad ('When Love Is New'), and a bonus Shorter cut ('It's A Long Way Down', not his most memorable composition) round out the contents. The tracks are appealingly varied, though tied together by the manifest quality of the writing and playing; needless to say, Morgan, Shorter, and Fuller are consistently brilliant, imaginative soloists, and the music doesn't drag for a split-second in the album's entirety. As soon as you hear the first minor chords ring out on Walton's piano after a brief intro from Blakey in the first seconds of the opening track, there is no doubt this promises to be an exciting listen in the most classic vein of hard-bopness.


"The Egyptian" (Fuller) – 10:25
"Sortie" (Fuller) – 8:13
"Calling Miss Khadija" (Morgan) – 7:21
"When Love is New" (Walton) – 6:02
"Mr. Jin" (Shorter) – 7:04
"It's a Long Way Down" (Shorter) – 5:26 Bonus track on CD

Recorded on April 24 (#5) and May 15 (#1-4), 1964. Bonus track on April 15, 1964.



Lee Morgan — trumpet
Curtis Fuller — trombone
Wayne Shorter — tenor saxophone
Cedar Walton — piano
Reggie Workman — bass
Art Blakey — drums

 

[Dennie]

An Evening with Louis Armstrong at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium -- CD

Louis Armstrong and His All Stars in Concert

1956/1986 Crescendo/GNP Records

Great Armstrong concert from the 1950's!!!! January 1, 2002
By Michael R. Lachance
Format:Audio CD

Add this gem to your collection ASAP. A great concert recording from 1956, recorded at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Players include, Louis Armstrong, Trummy Young, Edmund Hal, Billy Kaye, Arvell Shaw, Barrett Deems and Velma Middleton. Great Satchmo standards, and even greater showmanship by the All-Stars. If you need a fix of good ole down the river jazz then this is your medicine. Very good HI-Fi quality vintage recording for the period, especially for a concert recording! Includes 16 tracks to keep you entertained for well over an hour. Great stuff, great performances and great music from 'Pops' and his players!!!

1. Sleepy Time Down South
2. Indiana
3. Someday
4. Ole Miss
5. Tin Roof Blues
6. My Bucket's Got A Hole In It
7. Perido
8. Dardanella
9. How High The Moon
10. The Gypsy
11. Undecided
12. Blues
13. That's My Desire
14. Kokomo
15. Sleepy Time Down South
16. Didn't He Ramble

 

[Dennie]

T.O.P. -- CD

Tower of Power

1993 EPIC Records

excellent return to their funky East Bay Grease Roots November 11, 1998
By DOCSBREW@AOL.COM
Format:Audio CD

I came in contact with this album through blind luck. A freind of mine who knew of my love for their horns turned me onto this album. It is a good mixture of funky tunes with their great horn section, and some slow love ballads that are reminiscent of "You're still a young man" and "So very hard to go". Overall, I think it is one of their best albums ever that unfortunately didn't get a lot of commercial air play but is still outstanding for the T.O.P. fan or someone who loves horns and the funky sound of the East Bay.

All songs written by Emilio Castillo and Stephen "Doc" Kupka unless otherwise noted.

"Soul With A Capital 'S'" - 4:59
"It All Comes Back" - 3:55 (Adams, Jason, Kent, McCurry)
"Please Come Back (To Stay)" - 5:28 (Castillo, Kupka, Milo)
"The Real Deal" - 4:30 (Castillo, Kupka, Milo)
"Come To A Decision" - 5:32 (Grillo)
"Cruise Control" - 5:04 (Adams, Milo)
"The Educated Bump Part I" - 0:54 (Castillo, Kupka, McKinnon)
"Mama Lied" - 3:35 (Castillo, Kupka, Gentili, MacPhearson)
"Quiet Scream" - 4:21 (Adams, Kent)
"I Like Your Style" - 4:19 (Castillo, Kupka, Milo)
"You" - 4:31 (Grillo, Keane)
"South Of The Boulevard" - 5:59
"Come On With It" - 4:52
"The Educated Bump Part II" - 1:02 (Castillo, Kupka, McKinnon)

 

[Dennie]

Dusty In Memphis -- Deluxe Edition CD

Dusty Springfield

1969/1999 Rhino Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Dusty Springfield never claimed to be a soul singer, but Dusty in Memphis effects a unique and deeply moving synthesis of her brand of stylish pop and the Southern R&B of the late '60s. Her soft tones and hushed, confessional readings make for definitive versions of everything from "Son of a Preacher Man" (a later version by Aretha Franklin is good but less thrillingly sensual than this one) to Randy Newman's ballads "I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore" and "Just One Smile" to a swirling take on "The Windmills of Your Mind." The soul obscurity "Breakfast in Bed" even gives a knowing spin to a line from an earlier Springfield classic: "You don't have to say you love me." This expanded edition features vastly improved sound and a number of bonus tracks not on the earlier CD. --Rickey Wright


Side A

"Just a Little Lovin'" (Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil) – 2:18
"So Much Love" (Gerry Goffin, Carole King) – 3:31
"Son of a Preacher Man" (John Hurley, Ronnie Wilkins) – 2:29
"I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore" (Randy Newman) – 3:11
"Don't Forget About Me" (Goffin, King) – 2:52
"Breakfast in Bed" (Eddie Hinton, Donnie Fritts) – 2:57

Side B

"Just One Smile" (Randy Newman) – 2:42
"The Windmills of Your Mind" (Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand) – 3:51
"In the Land of Make Believe" (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) – 2:32
"No Easy Way Down" (Goffin, King) – 3:11
"I Can't Make It Alone" (Goffin, King) – 3:57


Bonus tracks 1999 Deluxe Edition, Rhino Records US

"What Do You Do When Love Dies" (with orchestral overdubs) (Mary Unobsky, Donna Weiss) – 2:42
"Willie & Laura Mae Jones" (Tony Joe White) – 2:49
"That Old Sweet Roll (Hi-De-Ho)" (Gerry Goffin, Carole King) – 2:59
"Cherished" (Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff) – 2:38
"Goodbye" (Roland Chambers, Leonard Pakula) – 2:33
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"Make It With You" (David Gates) – 3:12
First UK release: 4 CD boxed set Simply Dusty, 2000
"Love Shine Down" (not credited) – 2:22
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"Live Here With You" (Gilbert Slavin, Michael F. Soles) – 2:44
First UK release: 4 CD boxed set Simply Dusty, 2000
"Natchez Trace" (Neil Brian Goldberg, Gilbert Slavin) – 2:58
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"All the King's Horses" (not credited) – 3:10
"I'll Be Faithful" (Stereo) (Ned W. Albright, Michael F. Soles, Steven Soles) – 3:01
First release (mono): Rhino's 1992 re-issue of A Brand New Me. First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"Have a Good Life Baby" (not credited) – 3:09
First UK release: 2002 re-issue of See All Her Faces
"You've Got a Friend" (Carole King) – 5:28
First UK release: 4 CD boxed set Simply Dusty, 2000
"I Found My Way" a.k.a. "I Found My Way Through The Darkness" (Gilbert Slavin, Michael F. Soles) – 3:12
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007

 

[No-L]

Tower of Power!
:music-rockout:

 

[Botch]

T.O.P. -- CD

Tower of Power

Just learned this a.m. that ToP is headlining the SLC Jazz Festival next month (er, This month, its sept now). Last saw them up at the Deer Valley ampitheater, GREAT GREAT show! The SLCJF is not so good, downtown in the heat, and being free its packed with a bunch of morons who don't care about soul/r&b. :doh:

 

[Dennie]

Skeletons From The Closet - The Best of -- CD

Grateful Dead

1974/1990 Warner Bros. Records

A Contrary Opinion January 6, 1999
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD

Contrary to other statements, I feel that this cd contains all of the songs necessary, and then some, to be called "the best of". "Mexicali Blues" is one of my favorite Dead songs. I believe that it entails a musical background seperate from that of the other songs, but is just as catchy. The lyrics are incredible as well. I think that anyone who likes this cd should go onto albums. American Beauty is a good starting point. It contains some songs found here and other classics such as "Ripple" and "Box of Rain". This is definitly an incredible cd.

Track listing

"The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)" (Jerry Garcia, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, and Bob Weir) – 2:07
Originally released on the album The Grateful Dead.
"Truckin'" (Garcia, Robert Hunter, Lesh, and Weir) – 5:09
Originally released on the album American Beauty.
"Rosemary" (Garcia and Hunter) – 1:58
Originally released on the album Aoxomoxoa.
"Sugar Magnolia" (Hunter and Weir) – 3:15
Originally released on the album American Beauty.
"St. Stephen" (Garcia, Hunter, and Lesh) – 4:26
Originally released on the album Aoxomoxoa.
"Uncle John's Band" (Garcia and Hunter) – 4:42
Originally released on the album Workingman's Dead.
"Casey Jones" (Garcia and Hunter) – 4:24
Originally released on the album Workingman's Dead.
"Mexicali Blues" (John Perry Barlow and Weir) – 3:24
Originally released on the Bob Weir album Ace.
"Turn On Your Love Light" (Deadric Malone and Joseph Scott) – 6:30 / 15:08 (2004 re-release)
Originally released on Live/Dead.
"One More Saturday Night" (Weir) – 4:45
Originally released on the album Europe '72.
"Friend of the Devil" (John Dawson, Garcia, and Hunter) – 3:20
Originally released on the album American Beauty.

 

[Dennie]

...Sings Kristofferson -- CD

Willie Nelson

1979 Columbia Records

Long before alternative country, even before "outlaw country," Kris Kristofferson was defining the outer limits of country music with his frank, boozy, often risque songs and rough-hewn singing. In 1979, Nelson recorded a collection of Kristofferson's best compositions, appropriately titled WILLIE NELSON SINGS KRISTOFFERSON. The set kicks off with a funky take on "Me and Bobbie McGee," then slides effortlessly through eight more classics including "Help Me Make Me Through the Night," "Sunday Morning Comin' Down," "For the Good Times," and one of gospel's great songs of self-recrimination, "Why Me."Recorded at the peak of Nelson's fame, this disc is vintage Willie and Family, loose but never sloppy. It almost sounds as if the band is playing the songs for the first time, but that they know each other so well and are such expert players that the whole thing falls together naturally and effortlessly. Nelson obviously loves this material, and it shows both in his singing and his guitar playing, which is particularly inspired here. In the 1980s Willie and Kristofferson formed a country supergroup with Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, recording and touring as The Highwaymen.

Track Listing
1. Me and Bobby McGee
2. Help Me Make It Through the Night
3. Pilgrim, Chapter 33, The
4. Why Me
5. For the Good Times
6. You Show Me Yours (And I'll Show You Mine)
7. Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)
8. Sunday Morning Coming Down
9. Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends

 

[Dennie]

The Look Of Love -- CD

Diana Krall

2001 Verve Records

Amazon.com

The Look of Love doesn't tamper with Diana Krall's ongoing success, continuing the emphasis on romantic ballads and embracing them with lush string arrangements. At the core, of course, is Krall's voice. She's developing into one of the great torch singers, with an approach that's both direct and subtly nuanced, true to the song and yet deeply personal. There's a combination of restraint and drama here, as Krall ranges from the confident to the wistful, from loss to playful insinuation, as each song requires. "Cry Me a River" is bittersweet triumph, while "Love Letters" and "Maybe You'll Be There" maintain the most tenuous emotional hold, at once fragile and resilient. "Besame Mucho" and "Dancing in the Dark" are sultry romances wafted on light Latin beats. The songs develop their intimacy in the setting of Krall's quartet, which usually includes bassist Christian McBride and drummer Peter Erskine and several fine guitarists, most frequently Russell Malone. They're a superb complement to her voice and piano, and the close communication carries through the depth and sheen added by Claus Ogerman's rich orchestrations. --Stuart Broomer

"'S Wonderful" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) – 4:29
"Love Letters" (Edward Heyman, Victor Young) – 4:56
"I Remember You" (Johnny Mercer, Victor Schertzinger) – 3:56
"Cry Me a River" (Arthur Hamilton) – 5:03
"Besame Mucho" (Sunny Skylar, Consuelo Velazquez) – 6:40
"The Night We Called It a Day" (Tom Adair, Matt Dennis) – 5:42
"Dancing in the Dark" (Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz) – 5:48
"I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)" (Hoagy Carmichael, Jane Brown Thompson) – 3:44
"The Look of Love" (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) – 4:41
"Maybe You'll Be There" (Rube Bloom, Sammy Gallop) – 5:31


Diana Krall - piano, vocals
Dori Caymmi - guitar
Romero Lubambo
Russell Malone
John Pisano
Luis Conte - percussion
Paulinho Da Costa - percussion
Peter Erskine - drums
Jeff Hamilton - bass, drums
Christian McBride - double bass
London Symphony Orchestra
Claus Ogerman - conductor, arranger

 

[Dennie]

Time Out -- CD

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

1959/1997 Columbia Legacy Records

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

Side one
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Blue Rondo à la Turk" Dave Brubeck 6:44
2. "Strange Meadow Lark" Dave Brubeck 7:22
3. "Take Five" Paul Desmond 5:24
Side two
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Three to Get Ready" Dave Brubeck 5:24
2. "Kathy's Waltz" Dave Brubeck 4:48
3. "Everybody's Jumpin'" Dave Brubeck 4:48
4. "Pick Up Sticks" Dave Brubeck 4:16

Dave Brubeck — piano
Paul Desmond — alto saxophone
Eugene Wright — bass
Joe Morello — drums

 

[Dennie]

This is really good.... :eusa-clap:

Precious Memories -- CD

Alan Jackson

2005 ACR Records

Great Gospel Album March 16, 2006
By Melvin
Format:Audio CD

Alan Jackson performsthese songs the way they were meant to be sung. There seems to be some today who only want to hear contemporary Christian songs and some who only want to hear the older Christian songs. There is a place for both. Alan Jackson's rendition of these show just how great these old traditional hymns are. Simply sung, simply outstanding.

1. Blessed Assurance
2. Softly And Tenderly
3. I Love To Tell The Story
4. When We All Get To Heaven
5. 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
6. In The Garden
7. Are You Washed In The Blood?
8. I'll Fly Away
9. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
10. Standing On The Promises
11. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
12. Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
13. The Old Rugged Cross
14. How Great Thou Art
15. I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You

 

[Dennie]

Worship & Faith -- CD

Randy Travis

2003 Word Entertainment

It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This!, January 5, 2004
ByRTFan (Oklahoma City, OK United States) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Worship & Faith (Audio CD)

This is the third release of gospel music from Randy and, once again, there are no disappointments. It is a treasure to add to the growing collection of treasures from this wonderful artist! There are classic old traditional favorites as well as some newer praise and worship songs. This CD is beautifully done, and I can't stop playing it! There are 20 songs so it plays a long time!

I have loved Randy Travis since 1988 and have loved the Lord a whole lot longer than that! And to hear that wonderful voice singing such special music is one of the greatest blessings of my entire life! And to know that he means every word he is singing makes it priceless! It's country and gospel at the same time...and it doesn't get much better than this!

"He's My Rock, My Sword, My Shield" (Traditional) – 2:30
"Farther Along" (J.R. Baxter, W.B. Stevens) – 3:39
"How Great Thou Art" (Stuart K. Hine) – 4:29
"Just a Closer Walk with Thee" (Traditional) – 4:37
"Shall We Gather at the River?" (Robert Lowry) – 3:16
"You Are Worthy of My Praise" (David Ruis) – 4:18
"Love Lifted Me" (James Rowe, Howard Smith) – 3:11
"Softly and Tenderly" (Will L. Thompson) – 3:19
"Sweet By and By"(Sanford Filmore Bennett, Joseph Philbrock Webster) – 2:27
"Blessed Assurance" (Fanny J. Crosby, Phoebe Knapp) – 3:28
"I'll Fly Away" (Albert E. Brumley) – 2:59
"Turn Your Radio On" (Brumley) – 2:37
"Open the Eyes of My Heart" (Paul Baloche) – 3:55
"In the Garden" (C. Austin Miles) – 3:21
"Above All" (Baloche, Lenny LeBlanc) – 4:14
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" (Charles Gabriel, Ada R. Habershon) – 3:08
"We Fall Down" (Chris Tomlin) – 3:40
"Peace in the Valley" (Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey) – 3:58
"The Unclouded Day" (Josiah K. Alwood) – 2:56
"Room at the Cross for You" (Ira Stanphill) – 1:30

 

[Dennie]

Angel Clare -- CD

Art Garfunkel

1973/1990 Columbia Records

A Fine Debut Album, October 30, 2004
By B. J O'Connor "noonions" (Holmdel,NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Angel Clare (Audio CD)

"Angel Clare",released in 1973,showed that Artie could do very well without Paul Simon,just as Paul's excellent 1972 solo album showed he could make it on his own as well.While Garfunkel's output isn't as creative or adventurous as Simon's since Art didn't write most of his material,there's nonetheless a weath of quality music he's made throughout his career.And quality is in full supply on "Angel Clare",from the grand,lovely ballad "All I Know"(which was featured on the last first-season episode of Nip/Tuck),the jaunty Van Morrison-penned "I Shall Sing","Old Man","Mary Was An Only Child",and the traditional tunes "Barbara Allen" and "Feuilles-Oh/Do Space Men Pass Dead Souls On Their Way To The Moon?".Beautiful listening for any one with a great ear for music.Also recommended:Breakaway,Watermark,Fate For Breakfast,Scissors Cut,and Everthing Waits To Be Noticed.

"Traveling Boy" (Paul Williams, Roger Nichols) – 4:55
"Down In The Willow Garden" (Charlie Monroe) – 3:54
"I Shall Sing" (Van Morrison) – 3:30
"Old Man" (Randy Newman) – 3:20
"Feuilles-Oh/Do Space Men Pass Dead Souls On Their Way To The Moon?" (Traditional/Johann Sebastian Bach, Linda Grossman) – 3:07
"All I Know" (Jimmy Webb) – 3:43
"Mary Was An Only Child" (Jorge Milchberg, Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood) – 3:26
"Woyaya" (Sol Amarfio, Osibisa) – 3:15
"Barbara Allen" (Traditional) – 5:22
"Another Lullaby" (Jimmy Webb) – 3:29