What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

My last one for the night.......

December -- CD

George Winston - Piano Solos

1990 Windham Hill Records

Amazon.com essential recording

December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map and being the new age album most likely to find its way into music collections of all ilk. In spite of being relentlessly overplayed during the holidays, the solo piano recording has aged quite well. Winston shapes holiday war-horses and original compositions into a captivating contemporary statement. His spare, understated style captures the feel of the dark season, employing ample resonance to evoke a reflective spaciousness. The album's straightforward simplicity conveys both the celebration and quietude that characterize the best of the Yuletide spirit. --Richard Price

1 Thanksgiving 4:04 George Winston
2 Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head 2:40 John Jacob Niles
3 Joy 3:13 David Qualey, from J. S. Bach
4 Prelude 1:16 George Winston
5 Carol of the Bells 3:56 George Winston, from M. D. Leontovych
6 Night, Part One: Snow 1:51 George Winston
7 Night, Part Two: Midnight 1:56 George Winston
8 Night, Part Three: Minstrels 2:00 Malcolm Danglish
9 Variations on the Kanon by Johann Pachelbel 5:21 Johann Pachelbel
10 The Holly and the Ivy 4:52 George Winston, from traditional
11 Some Children See Him 3:43 Alfred S. Burt
12 Peace 4:02 George Winston

 

[Dennie]

Merry Christmas Everyone!

 

[Botch]

I'm just starting to like ELP, and if you are as well, this is the way to go. This time, I will slowly add the studio and live albums, instead of just getting them all at once.

If you haven't seen it, I'd recommend this:

Seeing Keith Emerson throw a 400+ lb Hammond organ around on the stage is rather theatric, to say the least! :music-rockout:

 

[PaulyT]

 

[topper]

..............................

what else . . .?

.. :text-nocomment: ..

 

[Botch]

... in 5.1 Surround. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding is raising the hair on my arms! :text-bravo: :text-bravo:

 

[Dennie]

Better Angels -- CD

John McLean

2007 Origin Records

Guitarist John McLean's Better Angels is certainly difficult to classify. Some pieces, such as "Ready for the War," come across as modern pop. Others are closer to the music of the Pat Metheny Group, while a few tunes are modernized swing standards including one of the strangest versions of "Airmail Special" one will ever hear. While there are some individual spots, the emphasis during most of the selections is on the haunting ensemble sound which features McLean's regular group plus guest violinist Karl Montzka and occasionally the mostly wordless voice of Grazyna Auguscik. The intriguing results are worth several listens; although unsettling at times, the music is fresh and new. ~ Scott Yanow

1. Better Angels
2. Ready for the War
3. Place Talk
4. Do Nothing Till You Hear from Me
5. Three Arcs Complete This Circle
6. Blackbird
7. Airmail Special
8. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)

John McLean - guitars
Jim Gailloreto - saxophones
Grazyna Auguscik - vocals
Zach Brock - violin
Karl Montzka - organ
Larry Kohut - bass
Eric Montzka - drums

 

[Dennie]

The 'Bird' Returns -- (Mini Lp) CD

Charlie Parker

1948/1996 Savoy Jazz

Although a restless and brilliant improviser like Charlie Parker's true home will always be the stage--as evidenced by the literally dozens of exciting live recordings still being recovered decades after his death in 1955--there are those who feel, with some justification, that his late-'40s sides for Savoy Records are the essence of bebop. Certainly Parker's backing groups at the time, starring such up-and-comers as trumpeter Miles Davis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and drummer Max Roach, were among the greatest in jazz history, but throughout THE BIRD RETURNS, the focus is always on Parker's endlessly questing alto sax. Not for nothing is the opening track called "Chasin' the Bird," because when Parker was in the midst of one of his fluid, breathtaking improvisations, all the band could do was catch up. The only fault with THE BIRD RETURNS is that its 30 minutes leave listeners longing for more.

1 Chasin' the Bird Parker 6:28
2 Thriving on a Riff Gillespie, Parker 5:40
3 Koko Parker 2:32
4 Half Nelson Davis 3:28
5 Scrapple from the Apple Parker 4:39
6 Cheryl Parker 3:27
7 Barbados Parker 3:53

Miles Davis (tp) Charlie Parker (as) Al Haig (p) Tommy Potter (b) Max Roach (d) Lucky Thompson (ts) Milt Jackson (vib) Dave Lambert, Buddy Stewart (vo) Kenny Dorham (tp)

"Royal Roost", NYC, September 4, 1948

 

[Dennie]

Skylark -- CD :text-bravo: :text-bravo:

Renee Olstead

2009 Reprise Records

Product Description

Nine days after her seventeenth birthday, singing sensation Renee Olstead and her stunning bluesy jazz voice take flight with her second major-label album, Skylark. Backed by esteemed producer/arranger David Foster (Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Celine Dion) on strings, piano, horns and often keyboards, Olstead stamps her mark on standards and modern classics and premieres four originals she co-wrote, including one with Foster. Following her 2004 #1 Jazz self-titled album, Olstead soars on Skylark.

1. "Midnight Man" – 3:02
2. "Lover Man" - 5:02
3. "Stars Fell On Alabama" - 3:15
4. "My Baby Just Cares For Me" - 3:03
5. "When I Fall In Love (ft. Chris Botti)" - 4:43
6. "Thanks For The Boogie Ride" - 3:01
7. "Hold Me Now" - 4:02
8. "Skylark" - 4:12
9. "Midnight In Austin Texas (ft. Robert Randolph)" - 3:25
10. "Hit The Road Jack" - 3:22
11. "You've Changed" - 3:27
12. "Ain't We Got Fun" - 2:45
13. "Nothing But The Blame" - 4:11

 

[Botch]

Porcupine Tree, Anesthetize:

There's been a buzz about this band for a long time on both my musician's forums and in the audio magazines; this BD is actually the only thing I have by them, watching it for the first time now.
PQ is so-so, for a Bluray. Audio is absolutely great! The band is kind've a blend of Pink Floyd, NIN, A Perfect Circle and Depeche Mode; no really outstanding playing from anyone in the band save the drummer, he's unusually good. This band is more about atmosphere. I'm diggin' it! :handgestures-thumbup:

 

[Dennie]

Bridge Over Troubled Water -- CD

Simon and Garfunkel

1970/2001 Columbia Legacy

Amazon.com essential recording

No one can say Simon & Garfunkel went out with a whimper. The popular duo's 1970 swan song produced four hit singles and won six Grammy awards, including Record, Album, and Song of the Year. An involving mix of sweeping epics ("The Boxer," the title track) and breezy throwaways (a live cover of the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love," the rock & roll trifle "Baby Driver"), Bridge was one of the most popular albums of its era. What's particularly striking about this collection is how brightly lesser-acclaimed songs like "So Long Frank Lloyd Wright" and the gorgeous "The Only Living Boy in New York" shine. (The 2001 reissue adds a pair of demos to the original work, including the traditional "Feuilles-O.")--Steven Stolder

Side 1

1. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" – 4:52
Recorded: November 9, 1969 [3]
2. "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" (Daniel Alomía Robles, English lyrics by Paul Simon, arranged by Jorge Milchberg) – 3:06
Recorded: November 2, 1969
3. "Cecilia" – 2:55
Recorded: November 2, 1969
4. "Keep the Customer Satisfied" – 2:33
Recorded: October 27, 1969
5. "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright" – 3:41
Recorded: October 28, 1969

Side 2

1. "The Boxer" – 5:08
Recorded: November 16, 1968
2. "Baby Driver" – 3:14
Recorded: November 19, 1968
3. "The Only Living Boy in New York" – 3:58
Recorded: November 15, 1969
4. "Why Don't You Write Me" – 2:45
Recorded: June 13, 1969
5. "Bye Bye Love" (Felice and Boudleaux Bryant) (live recording from Ames, Iowa) – 2:55
Recorded: November 14, 1969
6. "Song for the Asking" – 1:39
Recorded: November 1, 1969

Bonus tracks (2001 CD reissue)

1. "Feuilles-O" [Demo] (Traditional) – 1:45
Recorded: August 11, 1969
2. "Bridge over Troubled Water" [Demo Take 6] – 4:46
Recorded: August 13, 1969

 

[Botch]

Title cut is one of the greatest records ever made! :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:

 

[Rope]

Rope

 

[Rope]

Rope

 

[topper]

......

"Avalon Blues: A Tribute to the music of Mississippi John Hurt"

"No musician ever applied a gentler touch to songs of murder, sex, and salvation than Mississippi John Hurt. The country bluesman enjoyed a career revival through the folk festival boom of the early 1960s, and his influence continues to ripple, as this varied and vital tribute attests. Produced by Peter Case (who teams with Dave Alvin on "Monday Morning Blues"), the album's renewal of classic Hurt extends from the deadpan double entendres of "Candy Man" delivered by Steve Earle and son Justin to Taj Mahal's trademark lilt on "My Creole Belle" to a surprisingly straightforward "Stagolee" by Beck. Amid a roster of luminaries ranging from fingerpicking acolytes Chris Smither and Bill Morrissey to Ben Harper, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, and Gillian Welch, the most radically disarming interpretation comes from Victoria Williams. Her breathless "Since I've Laid My Burden Down" sounds like a preschooler on helium, yet somehow taps into the subconscious of the song." ~ Don McLeese



Track Listing . . . .
1. Frankie & Albert - Chirs Smither
2. Avalon, My Home Town - Bruce Cockburn
3. Angels Laid Him Away - Lucinda Williams
4. Here Am I, Oh Lord, Send Me - Alvin Youngblood Hart
5. Candy Man - Steve & Justin Earle
6. Monday Morning Blues - Peter Case & Dave Alvin
7. Sliding Delta - Ben Harper
8. Chicken - Geoff Muldaur (with Jenni & Claire Muldaur)
9. Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor - Mark Selby
10. Stagolee - Beck
11. Since I've Laid My Burden Down - Victoria Williams
12. Pay Day - Bill Morrissey
13. My Creole Belle - Taj Mahal
14. Beulah Land - Gillian Welch
15. I'm Satisfied - John Hiatt
:handgestures-thumbup:

 

[Dennie]

White Christmas -- CD

Rosemary Clooney

1996 Concord Jazz

Rosie's Still Got It - a wonderful Christmas CD, November 28, 2001
By Kim K. (Bayonne, New Jersey)

Alright, so she doesn't sound like she did 45 years ago-what singer still performing today does?! I had the pleasure of seeing Rosemary Clooney perform Live at various times over the years and she always gives her all with each performance, even now. I purchased this album a few years back and can't understand why I am just now getting around to reviewing it. Anyway, if you are a major fan of Rosie, then you really should get this collection of Christmas classics. You can tell she had a blast recording it; the cuts that include her brother Nick and good friend Michael Feinstein are a joy to listen to. This makes a fine companion cd for Rosie's collection of tinsel tunes that she recorded in her prime, back in the 1950s. We should all be thankful that this woman gave us so many years of beautiful music and continues to do so. If you get a chance to see her perform then you are in for a treat, Rosie is not only a true legend but one of the most down to earth performers on the planet. Very highly recommended.

1. "The Christmas Song" (Mel Tormé, Bob Wells) – 3:50
2. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" (Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne) – 3:10
3. "Joy to the World" (Lowell Mason, Isaac Watts) – 0:42
4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, Buck Ram) – 3:31
5. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Edward Pola, George Wyle) 2:20
6. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin) – 3:31
7. "Christmas Love Song" (Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Johnny Mandel) – 3:29
8. "The First Noël" (William B. Sandys) – 0:50
9. "Winter Wonderland" (Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith) – 2:46
10. "Christmas Time Is Here" (Vince Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson) – 3:10
11. "Christmas Mem'ries" (A. Bergman, M. Bergman, Don Costa) – 3:51
12. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (Johnny Marks) – 1:02
13. "The Spirit of Christmas" (Tom Adair, Matt Dennis) – 4:32
14. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"/"Hey Kris Kringle" (J. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie)/(Coots, Gillespie) – 2:39
15. "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)" (Irving Berlin) – 3:24
16. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" (Phillip Brooks, Lewis Redner) – 0:58
17. "The Christmas Waltz" (Cahn, Styne) – 2:44
18. "White Christmas" (Berlin) – 3:34
19. "Silent Night" (Franz Gruber, Josef Mohr) – 1:19
20. "Sleep Well, Little Children" (A. Bergman, Leon Klatzkin) – 2:14
21. "Don't Wait Till the Night Before Christmas" (Abel Baer, Sam M. Lewis) – 1:25

 

[Dennie]

All I Ever Need - Kapp/MCA Anthology -- 2 CD Box Set

Sonny & Cher

1995 MCA Records

Cher has a way!, January 15, 2000
By Kenneth (Idaho, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All I Ever Need: Kapp Mca Anthology (Audio CD)

This double album contains the great songs you have heard before, and the songs you have never heard, but will be singing along to in no time. The vocal blendind of Sonny and Cher is only surpassed by Cher's solo songs. Titles like "Living in a House Divided" and "Classified 1A" will keep this disc in your player all day-every day. Bonus attraction--the second disc being a live recording of Sonny and Cher, featuring songs that you will love.

[01] Sonny And Cher Classified 1a
[02] Sonny And Cher Real People
[03] Sonny And Cher Somebody
[04] Sonny And Cher Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves
[05] Sonny And Cher I Hate To Sleep Alone
[06] Sonny And Cher When You Find Out Where You're Goin', Let Me Know
[07] Sonny And Cher The Way Of Love
[08] Sonny And Cher All I Ever Need Is You
[09] Sonny And Cher Crystal Clear / Muddy Waters
[10] Sonny And Cher United We Stand
[11] Sonny And Cher A Cowboy's Work Is Never Done
[12] Sonny And Cher Living In A House Divided
[13] Sonny And Cher When You Say Love
[14] Sonny And Cher By Love I Mean
[15] Sonny And Cher Mama Was A Rock And Roll Singer, Papa Used To Write All Her Songs
[16] Sonny And Cher The Greatest Show On Earth
[17] Sonny And Cher Half-breed
[18] Sonny And Cher Chastity Sun
[19] Sonny And Cher How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
[20] Sonny And Cher Dark Lady
[21] Sonny And Cher Train Of Thought
[22] Sonny And Cher Make The Man Love Me
[23] Sonny And Cher Rescue Me
[24] Sonny And Cher What Now My Love
[25] Sonny And Cher The Beat Goes On
[26] Sonny And Cher Once In A Lifetime
[27] Sonny And Cher More Today Than Yesterday
[28] Sonny And Cher Got To Get You Into My Life
[29] Sonny And Cher Laugh At Me
[30] Sonny And Cher I Got You Babe
[31] Sonny And Cher I Can See Clearly Now
[32] Sonny And Cher You've Got A Friend
[33] Sonny And Cher Where You Lead
[34] Sonny And Cher You And I
[35] Sonny And Cher Superstar
[36] Sonny And Cher You Better Sit Down Kids
[37] Sonny And Cher Our Last Show

 

[Dennie]

You Had To Be There - Live 2 CD Set

Jimmy Buffett

1978/1990 MCA Records

How it used to be, December 17, 2003
By William J. Eichelberger "I will not go quietly" (Ft. Thomas, KY)
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)


This review is from: You Had To Be There: Jimmy Buffett In Concert (Audio CD)

For those of you who think the real thing is the antiseptic, sanitized version who's been raking in the cash since the mid-80's, this is the disc that will change your mind. This is how it was in Jimmy's creative heyday. Every concert a for-real party with plenty of recreational stimulants and rum for all. Jimmy cleaned up his act as the '80's rolled along, and with the cleaning went a lot of the life. Creatively he's never really come close to the early days, and his concerts are so dull that he depends on the crowd to make their own show, with his music as the soundtrack. This isn't all bad, as it means Jimmy is still with us, but now he's punching the clock for a paycheck more than leading the party.

Disc One:

1. Son of a Son of a Sailor" (Jimmy Buffett) 4:21
2. Pencil Thin Mustache" (Jimmy Buffett) 4:37
3. Wonder Why We Ever Go Home" (Jimmy Buffett) 4:13
4. Landfall" (Jimmy Buffett) 3:32
5. Miss You So Badly" (Jimmy Buffett/Greg Taylor) 4:19
6. Havaña Daydreamin'" (Jimmy Buffett) 6:34
7. Margaritaville" (Jimmy Buffett) 5:30
8. Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" (Jimmy Buffett) 3:28
9. Come Monday" (Jimmy Buffett) 3:41
10. Perrier Blues" (Jimmy Buffett) 3:52

Disc Two:

1. Grapefruit-Juicy Fruit" (Jimmy Buffett) 8:06
2. God's Own Drunk" (Lord Buckley) 12:40
3. He Went to Paris" (Jimmy Buffett) 6:13
4. The Captain and The Kid" (Jimmy Buffett) 4:15
5. Why Don't We Get Drunk (and Screw)" (Marvin Gardens) 6:23
6. A Pirate Looks at Forty" (Jimmy Buffett) 5:47
7. Tampico Trauma" (Jimmy Buffett) 5:47
8. Morris' Nightmare" (Tim Krekel/Jimmy Buffett) 3:27
9. Dixie Diner" (L. Raspberry/G. Taylor/C. Ferrante/R. Berretta/B. Marshall) 6:22

 

[Dennie]

 

[Botch]

King Crimson's Islands: