Such a World

Track Listings

1. Sandi

2. Mexico

3. Sky Burns Gold

4. Crazy World

5. This Life I Lead

6. Jennifer's Dream

7. Fire in My Mind

8. Twinkle

9. Fall

10. Dixie

Editorial Reviews
From the Label
The Anchorage Daily News (1/16/98) describes Such a World, Tom Begich's debut CD, as "a sunny Saturday siesta with a cold glass of Cara Blanca cerveza." Adds music reviewer Brian MacMillan, "Begich's finger-picking guitar style is as soft as a tropical breeze, and he enlisted several locals to make it even sweeter." These original compositions include a well-blended combanation of instrumentals, folk, and rock in a tight first CD that explores love, confusion, and life in all its detail. A strong debut album!

About the Artist
The Anchorage Daily News says Tom Begich "is the rare artist whose composing skills aren't limited by his own playing -- the melodies envelop his raspy, Tom Petty-like voice." The bohemian son of a family steeped in Alaska politics, Tom's music is decidedly non-political, straying more to the human condition, and frustrated love. Part of the Alaska music scene in the early 1980's, Tom dropped out and tuned in to the world of politics and business for a decade before finding his way back to local... read more

Album Description
Such a World combines elements of folk, rock, and classical music in a comtemporary exploration of life and almost-love. The ten songs begin with the instrumental "Sandi", followed by the reflective Buffett-esque ballad "Mexico". "Sky Burns Gold", the light rocker "Crazy World", and "This Life I Lead" continue to expand the theme of personal reflection. "Jennifer's Dream" is a simple ballad of love, while penatrating cello and piano underscore the love lost tone of "Fire in My Mind". The simple Haiku-like lyrics of "Fall" are bracketted by Begich's original instrumental arrangements of the traditional songs "Twinkle" and "Dixie". Running Time: 38:02

Such a World

Tracks:

Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: The Boatmen's Dance - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: The Dodge - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: Long Time Ago - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: Simple Gifts - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: I Bought Me A Cat - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: The Little Horses - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: Zion's Walls - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: The Golden Willow Tree - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: At The River - William Warfield
Old American Songs, Sets 1 & 2: Ching-A-Ring Chaw - William Warfield
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: I. Nature, The Gentlest Mother - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: II. There Came A Wind Like A Bugle - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: III. Why Do They Shut Me Out Of Heaven? - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: IV. The World Feels Dusty - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: V. Heart, We Will Forget Him - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: VI. Dear March, Come In! - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: VII. Sleep Is Supposed To Be - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: VIII. When They Come Back - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: IX. I Felt A Funeral In My Brain - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: X. I've Heard An Organ Talk Sometimes - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: XI. Going To Heaven! - Aaron Copland
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: XII. The Chariot - Aaron Copland
In The Beginning - Aaron Copland
Lark - Aaron Copland

Tracks:

The Tender Land: Act One: The Day Before Graduation (Late Afternoon): Gently Flowing - Aaron Copland
The Tender Land: Act One: The Day Before Graduation (Late Afternoon): Moderate Tempo: 'Once I Thought I'd Never Grow Tall As This Fence' - Joy Clements
The Tender Land: Act One: The Day Before Graduation (Late Afternoon): Moderately Fast: 'Do You Suppose They're Makin' Food In There?' - Richard Fredericks
The Tender Land: Act One: The Day Before Graduation (Late Afternoon): Somewhat Faster: 'We've Been North'/'We've Been South' - Richard Cassilly
The Tender Land: Act One: The Day Before Graduation (Late Afternoon): With Motion: 'Halloo, Halloo' - Norman Treigle
The Tender Land: Act One: The Day Before Graduation (Late Afternoon): Moderately: 'If You Boys Work As Smooth As You Talk, We'll Make Good Time In The Fields' - Norman Treigle
The Tender Land: Act One: The Day Before Graduation (Late Afternoon): Trifle Slower: 'The Promise Of Living With Hope And Thanksgiving' - Richard Cassilly
The Tender Land: Act Two: That Evening: Lively And Rough - Aaron Copland
The Tender Land: Act Two: That Evening: Quite Slow: 'Thank You, Thank You All' - Joy Clements
The Tender Land: Act Two: That Evening: Very Broadly: 'Ah, Laurie, You Are A Puzzle' - Norman Treigle
The Tender Land: Act Two: That Evening: Briskly: 'Stomp Your Foot Upon The Floor' - Richard Cassilly
The Tender Land: Act Two: That Evening: Somewhat Slower: 'The World Seems Still Tonight' - Richard Cassilly
The Tender Land: Act Three: Later That Night/Then Graduation Day (Dawn): Introduction: Starting Slowly - Aaron Copland
The Tender Land: Act Three: Later That Night/Then Graduation Day (Dawn): As At First: 'Daybreak Will Come In Such A Short Time' - Richard Cassilly
The Tender Land: Act Three: Later That Night/Then Graduation Day (Dawn): Fast Tempo: 'That's Crazy!' - Richard Fredericks
The Tender Land: Act Three: Later That Night/Then Graduation Day (Dawn): Broadly: 'The Sun Is Coming Up As Though I'd Never Seen It Rise Before' - Joy Clements
The Tender Land: Act Three: Later That Night/Then Graduation Day (Dawn): (Still Slower): 'You Are Strange To Me' - Claramae Turner

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-04-22

I must confess I am unfamiliar with Copland's "The Tender Land" except for this reissue, which I find to be absolutely magnificent. I realize this is a truncated performance, eliminating what I assume to be a fair amount of spoken dialogue. But I don't care. What is presented here is simply one of the finest American compositions - forget American - one of the finest compositions of the 20th century. Period.

Pure joy.......2005-07-29

The recording of Copland's The Tender Land is alone worth getting this disc. The rest of the vocal works are just a bonus, a very good bonus! Copland directs a definitive account of his opera, and in this compressed version leaves out all the spoken parts of the full length opera, no doubt depriving us of a lot of good music but on the other hand giving listeners a very concise version that is even stronger musically (although dramatically a little lacking in logic because of the missing parts - for example without knowing of the confrontation during the party scene you would find the boys' departure the next morning puzzling, and the CD notes does not elaborate on the plot, which is about the only negative thing you can say about this set). Listening to the opera in this abridged version gives you the feeling of one hit after another, there is not a single weak point in the score and Copland has a gift for word-setting that can turn clumsy texts such as "girls come and go, some are good, some are not so good" into goosebumps stuff (a lovely dedication to Laurie sung by Grandpa). Other high points include the stunning transformation of the traditional Walls of Zion into the quartet piece The Promise Of Living and a rollicking Party Scene, which contains the best in Copland's clever orchestration and rythmic vitality - it seems all of the composers best traits have all come together in this work. Martin's Act 2 Song 'Laurie...You Know, Laurie' is a rare gem or an aria and beautifully sung. Other hidden gems include the comical 'We've Been North'. The cast is impeccable and the entire performance is flawless. Add to that one of those scores that simply win you over from start to finish, and you can't but fall in love with this music. I once thought that nothing could better Appalachian Spring but that was before I discovered this neglected work.

Copland's vocal work.......2002-08-08

And so on this third set of the celebration of Aaron Copland's music, all attention is on his vocal work including the opera, "The Tender Land".

I can't completely explain why I give this five stars after giving the first two sets four stars each. This is just the way the opera, in particular, strikes me. I'm no great opera fan, and to my knowledge, America just has not yet proved itself in the operatic field although it's tried. It will take time, but I do see Copland's work as someday being considered the best example of American opera. This is all subjective opinion, obviously, and I'm sure there are those more knowledgeable who will disagree. So be it.

Tracks:

Joy
Humans
Angel Or Devil
He Learned How To Bleed
I've Got A Gun
My Politics
Lost
Predators
Wiggly Worm
Tuck It Away
Victim's Choice
State Of Grace
The Jungle

Customer Reviews:

Solid NMN album [some songs=boring punk chord progressions].......2005-05-03

Excellent production as always by the wright brothers and thier engineers. Most of the album sound like 'standard punk', except with dark demented Nomeansno lyrics. The last two songs are delicious, 'State of Grace' and "The Jungle". In my opinion, they are the treasures of this album. They keep up with Nomeansno's unique style of dark epics.

Great songs, bad production.......2002-12-28

The Worldhood could have been the best of all NomeansNo post-Andy Kerr albums,but in the end, it turns out to be the weakest.
Don't get me wrong, all songs except Victim's choice and Tuck it awy are masterpieces. Victim is a good song but it just doesn't fit with the rest of the album and Tuck it Away with its catchy and innocent chorus is a joke when compared to other evil-sounding songs.
Why 3 stars then? One word:production. Sound quality is so BAD, specially on one of the best songs, State of Grace. But if you can dig it, then Worldhood is one very strong album. My Politics is my favorite NomeansNo song ever! Other highlights include: Humans, Angel or Devil, He learned how to bleed, I've Got a Gun, Lost, Predators, Jungle etc.

Ode to Joy.......2002-03-28

Not quite as good as Mr. Right Mr. Wrong, but a definite joyous marbles-to-the-wall jam. NoMeansNo fans will not be disappointed. N'Sync fans will run away crying. 'nough said.

A stunning return to past form.......1999-02-12

After the a couple of years in the doldrums they're back with this astounding achievement. As scorching and intelligent a piace of hardcore as you're ever likely to hear and a poke in the eye to all those who thought NMN had peaked early with 'Wrong' (myself included!)!!! Amazing!

Music for courageous ears.......1998-06-04

Nomeansno create a funk-tinged punk world on this album. It's white boy blues cranked up very, very loud. Throughout, however, they maintain a strong melodic sense and provide enough catchy hooks and harmony vocals to keep even the most timid souls appeased. Their lyrics at times appear overly bitter and fascist, but an eagerness to enjoy lies behind all the disappointment. Highlights include "Humans," "My Politics," and "Wiggly Worm." Unfortunately, there are few bands they can be compared to--part of what makes them so vital. Perhaps one might reference Rush or Metallica or other "heavy" bands driven by rhythm sections, but certainly you couldn't confuse a Nomeansno song with one by any other artist. They are excellent, alive in a musical world that seems increasingly dulled by major labels and torrents of the accessible (read "easy"). And they're from Canada too.

Average customer rating:

Phew.
Organic Ambient Trance Funk
what i expected
Clean and Beautiful: A prelude to the live experience
Eclectic Electric Jazz Electronica

Nomad
Lotus
Manufacturer: Harmonized
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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Germination
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All This Everything

ASIN: B0002ZYEAA
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

Suitcases
Livingston Storm
Spiritualize
Plant Your Root
Travel
Greet The Mind
Ball Of Energy
Jump Off
Colorado

Customer Reviews:

Phew........2006-01-29

What gets me about Lotus isn't just that their sound is crisp and their melodies beautifully composed. What gets me is that their songs--often relaxed, very chill, meandering through a song almost effortlessly--can be so infectious and bring you to a completely different mental plane. Nomad is an incredible studio synthesis of their talent. Seeing them live is the best way to go (it's incredible) but Nomad really gives you a great scope of their talent... although, they are also this tight in person.

Organic Ambient Trance Funk.......2005-08-16

I just had to write this review because this cd deserves an average rating of 5 stars. This is a very sophisticated interpretation of Lotus's live sound. No self-indulgent meandering, just very tastful, structured compositions. However, i don't think everyone has the capacity to appreciate the aesthetic value of this music, along with the overall musicianship.

This cd jams, but in a subtle way. Lotus leaves out alot of the uneeded tension in alot of music today and replaces it with a easy vibe that is equally relaxing as it is danceable. The music is part ambient so its not music that demands to be listened to. It fits well in the background at a party or in the car. Its not all about the individual solos, instead more about the vibe the music, as a whole, gives off. It is as equally interesting as it is ignorable. It's downtempo electronica that perfectly combines organic jams with ambient textures. This is one of my favorite albums i own, and i'd recomend it to anyone who appreciates good music.

what i expected.......2005-08-15

Someone told me about lotus so I checked them out. The "live drum and base/jam techno" scene is on the rise and Lotus along with bands like MFA, djnotadj, and signal path is certainly one of the pioneers. The cd sounds great with many varied explorations into different styles of the live techno genre. Check it.

Clean and Beautiful: A prelude to the live experience.......2005-05-13

Yo ladies N gents, I go to college in PA, and the first time I really heard anything about Lotus came when a kid on my floor bought this disc and I spun it in my room. First and foremost, this album is totally righteous. If youre into classical improv and jamming, this is for you, and also, if youre into dance/trance this is for you as well. Furthermore, if youre into funk, they lay it down in kingly fashion. I've seen lotus twice this year, and the first time they were awesome, and the second time (a mere 3 months later) they were completely unreal. Whoever wrote that B/S about STS9 being better than lotus has obviously not seen them live, or was candy flippin too hard to understand. Sound tribe is a complete and utter joke compared to this band; in fact, there is no comparison. Please do yourselves the favor and go see Lotus live, and while youre at it, get this disc. Peace

Eclectic Electric Jazz Electronica.......2005-03-28

You may have heard the buzz about this band. They
are truly a formally well-educated musical band
that likes to improvise off the audience's energy.
The use of improvisation, as well as certain music
phrases, or riffs, classifies them as jazz
performers. Rolling Stone magazine calls their
music "Loose, spontaneous Jam Rock instrumentals.
Funk and Latin influences surface in both the guitar
figures and the overall rhythms, while the drums
show a real jazz-inflected approach to dynamics and
may be the group's strong point." The drummer,
Steve Clemens (related to Samuel Langhorne?) is
indeed dynamic and delivers a great sound. But I
think the melodic/harmonic interplay between the
guitarist (Mike Rempel) and keyboard man (Luke
Miller) sustains the compositions over the length
of the musical program.
The music ranges from Smooth Jazz to Grateful
Dead concert jamming--definitely an eclectic mix.
In fact it seems at times that Mike is channeling
Jerry Garcia (not a bad contact)!
So, if you like instumental music that is great
to listen to (for both background and fore) pick
up this CD. The samples provide good examples of
the sound quality and dynamics of Lotus'
material.

Average customer rating:

Best Album on the Planet

Business as Usual
Grant Geissman
Manufacturer: Positive Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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In With the Out Crowd
Say That!
Take Another Look
Rustic Technology
Time Will Tell

ASIN: B000000JYV
Release Date: 1995-08-08

Tracks:

Business As Usual
Chase The Dragon
Gypsies
Thinking Out Loud
Tomorrow The World
Skin Deep
India
Quiet Time
The Hardest Part
Tears Like Rain
Miles Apart
Chase The Dragon (Long Version)

Customer Reviews:

Best Album on the Planet.......2004-04-22

Blazin' Guitar Pirotechniques as well as cool melodies abundantly occur in this album. Terrific horn sections are just smokin' behind Grant, and great keyboard artistry abounds. Very engaging song writing. I recommend all of Grants albums.

Average customer rating:

Keeps Music going in the right direction
Amazing!
Best CD I've owned !
STEELY DAN VISITS BANGALORE
Amazing!!

Be the Change
Prasanna
Manufacturer: Susila Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

International Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Peaceful
Electric Ganesha Land
Ragamorphism - Guitar Instructional DVD+CD-ROM
Live and Outrageous

ASIN: B0001FZG7Q
Release Date: 2004-01-14

Tracks:

Pangaea Rising (w/ Victor Wooten, Jeff Coffin, Derico Watson)
Ta ka ta ki ta Blues (w/ Victor Wooten, Jeff Coffin, Derico Watson)
Satyam (w/ Alphonso Johnson, Andy Suzuki, Shalini, Ralph Humphrey)
Ragabop (w/ Alphonso Johnson, Ralph Humphrey)
The Grapevine (w/ Victor Wooten, Jeff Coffin, Derico Watson)
Dharma becomes Alibama (w/ Alphonso Johnson, Andy Suzuki, Ralph Humphrey)
Uncensored (w/ Alphonso Johnson, Andy Suzuki, Ralph Humphrey)
Bliss Factor - part I
Bliss Factor - part II (w/ Victor Wooten, Shalini, Derico Watson)
Kalyani Connection (w/ Alphonso Johnson, Andy Suzuki, Ralph Humphrey)

Album Description

Considered by many to be one of the most unique guitar virtuosos in the world, Prasanna takes a quantum leap into the future with `Be the Change'. Stellar performances from an all star line-up of some of the worlds' best musicians like multi-Grammy winning Bela Fleck and the Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten, ex-Weather Report bass legend Alphonso Johnson, the dynamic Flecktones saxophonist Jeff Coffin, ex-Frank Zappa drummer Ralph Humphrey, one of LA's hottest saxophonists Andy Suzuki, the explosive drummer Derico Watson and the versatile vocalist Shalini, complement Prasanna's dynamic guitars, vocals and strikingly original compositions of rare depth. `Pangaea Rising' musically mirrors the result of cataclysmic changes in the Earth's geological past, `Bliss Factor' is a song in Sanskrit with the text from the advaita Hindu philosophy of ancient India wafting through some high voltage Jazz/ Funk, `Ragabop' showcases the journey of the chromatically adventurous Carnatic raga `Kapi' in a be-bop laden jazz acoustic guitar trio format with jaw-dropping virtuosity, Dharma becomes Alibama' brings in the bitter-sweet dissonance of carnatic ragas Dharmavathi and Saramathi rising over some exquisite straight ahead Jazz, `The Grapevine' is a now Jazz-now progressive rock camouflage, `Satyam', the bi-lingual English/Sanskrit song blends R and B, Funk, Carnatic, Disco and African elements with soaring vocals, a powerful message and infectious groove, `Kalyani Connection' unleashes the power of the inexhaustible carnatic raga `Kalyani' clothed in an instrumental Rock Power ballad, at times even sonically bordering on New Age, the blazing `Ta ka ta ki ta Blues' is a pounding blend of hard rock, blues and jazz against an unmistakable rhythmic tala structure of carnatic music, `Uncensored' is proud old-school Jazz/Rock peppered with an incendiary new twist of Clave-meets Carnatic Tala vocalization.

`Be the Change' is a mind, body and soul experience.

Customer Reviews:

Keeps Music going in the right direction.......2006-04-14

A very intriguing album that grows on you each time you listen to it. It's one of those rare gems in this day where sound effects and other superficialities take the back seat and most emphasis is on enunciation of music itself. It is a great leap forward in the sense that Carnatic music has found itself well seated in a Jazzy couch, unlike shakti (more so carnatic in Carnatic/ Hindustani) and Remember Shakti (a bit more Jazz in Carnatic/ Hindustani). Another observation is that quite a few tracks are is largely deep rooted in Indian philoslophy and music, which is what probably what gives that strong sense of awe and places the album in the stack that would be cherished for a good long time to come.

Amazing!.......2005-12-29

Prasanna is a very gifted musician/composer. No matter which mood I am in, his music lifts me to the top of the world. I have attended a live concert of Prasanna, which I found extremely satisfying.

This album is a must for anyone who likes Jazz/fusion or even Indian classical. My personal favourite from this album is "The Grapevine"

btw, Prasanna is the first to play classical Indian music on an electric guitar...

Best CD I've owned !.......2005-08-19

Be the Change's got a piece for everyone...a timeless blend of jazz, carnatic, funk, rock, complex time signatures sounding good at the same time, everything. It's best not to make comparison to any other musician or genre and not fair to brand this 'fusion' as you would other carnatic-western attempts... say L.Subramanium or even Shakti cos they are carnatic played alongside western, not really 'fused', prasanna mood-swings from jazz to carnatic and back when the moment deserves and far as a know only musician capable of doing so. The sound's mixed well too and nothin better than hearing the best on guitars, sax and drums.

STEELY DAN VISITS BANGALORE.......2005-05-24

Outstanding fusion album - Prasanna is a worthy successor to Mahavisnu.

Amazing!!.......2004-07-20

Prasanna is an amazing musician. Equally well versed in many genres from Carnatic to Blues to Rock and Jazz. Be The Change is a gem of an album that fuses many of his varied musical tastes very well. Accompanied by some of the best musicians in Jazz, Prasanna is at his creative best melding the intricate ragas with the high energy of Rock and the subtle chord changes of Jazz along with the accessibility of Pop. This is a highly listenable album of very high quality cerebral musicianship. Kalyani Connection is dedicated to Shawn Lane, another giant of a guitar player and musician who successfully fused Carnatic music with Jazz and Rock. Check out his albums with Jonas Hellborg and the Vinayakram Brothers (Icon and Good People In Times Of Evil) and an extraordinary DVD of their live performance at Cafe New Morning in Paris (Called Paris, available at abstractlogix.com) that must be seen to be believed!!

Average customer rating:

A Look Back At The Beginnings Of The Blues

The World Don't Owe Me Nothing
David "Honeyboy" Edwards
Manufacturer: Earwig
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Delta Bluesman
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Honeyboy

ASIN: B000004BVB
Release Date: 1997-12-24

Tracks:

West Helena Blues
Walkin Blues
Robert Johnson Story
Catfish Blues
Every Now And Then
My Mama Told Me
Cross Roads
Too Many Drivers
Robert Nighthawk Story
You're The One
Comin' To Chicago Story
Sweet Home Chicago
Carey Bell Story
So Hard To Leave You
Hide Away

Customer Reviews:

A Look Back At The Beginnings Of The Blues.......2000-03-17

Honeyboy's finest work and his honest and touching storytelling make this a Cd any blues fan should own. From beginning to end the music seems to take you back to the '30s. Anyone who enjoys pre war blues or is a Robert Johnson fan will get chills listening to this CD.

Puccini - Madam Butterfly / Cheryl Barker, PO, Yves Abel [in English]

Average customer rating:

A touching English Butterfly

Puccini - Madam Butterfly / Cheryl Barker, PO, Yves Abel [in English]
Giacomo Puccini , Yves Abel , Cheryl Barker , Paul Charles Clarke , and Simon Birchall
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Turandot (Chandos Opera in English)
Puccini - La bohème / Haymon · O'Neill · Opie · McLaughlin · A. Miles · Dazeley · Shore · PO · Parry
Verdi: La Traviata
Tchaikovsky - Eugene Onegin / Te Kanawa · Hampson · Rosenshein · Gedda · Sir Charles Mackerras [in English]

ASIN: B00005QF3K
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Act I: Introduction - Cheryl Barker
Act I: 'So The Walls And The Ceiling...' - Ann Taylor/Stuart Kale
Act I: 'I Think Your Honour's Smiling' - Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor/Stuart Kale
Act I: 'It Can't Be Much Further Now!' - Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor
Act I: The Whole World Over - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
Act I: 'Fate Can't Crush Him' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
Act I: 'Is The Bride Very Pretty?' - Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor
Act I: 'True Love Or Fancy' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
Act I: 'See Them! They're Climbing The Summit Of The Hill!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
Act I: 'We Are Honoured' - Cheryl Barker/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale
Act I: 'The Imperial Commissioner' - Stuart Kale/Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker/Simon Birchall
Act I: 'Oh, Indeed, My Friend, You're Lucky!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
Act I: 'Come, My Beloved' - Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker/Stuart Kale
Act I: 'My Fate I Have To Follow' - Cheryl Barker
Act I: 'Silence! Silence!' - Stuart Kale/Roland Wood/Cheryl Barker
Act I: 'Congratulations' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich/Frances Brett/Clive Bayley/Stuart Kale
Act I: 'Dearest, My Dearest, Weep No More' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
Act I: 'Evening Is Falling...' - Roland Wood/Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
Act I: 'Child, From Whose Eyes The Witchery Is Shining' - Ann Taylor/Cheryl Barker
Act I: 'Ah, Love Me A Little' - Cheryl Barker/Ann Taylor
Act II Part I: 'Izaghi Izanami' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part I: 'One Fine Day' - Cheryl Barker

Tracks:

Act II Part I: 'Come, Let's Enter' - Stuart Kale/Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part I: 'Yamadori, And Has your Unrequited Love Not Yet Released You? - Cheryl Barker/D'Arcy Bleiker/Gregory Yurisich/Stuart Kale
Act II Part I: 'Now, At Last!' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part I: 'Just Two Things I Could Do' - Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
Act II Part I: 'This Child! This Child, Then!' - Cheryl Barker/Gregory Yurisich
Act II Part I: 'Do You Know, My Darling' - Cheryl Barker
Act II Part I: 'I Must Be Going' - Gregory Yurisich/Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
Act II Part I: 'Ah! Ah!' - Stuart Kale/Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part I: 'Look, It's A Man-of-war!' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part I: Flower Duet: 'Shake The Cherry Tree' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
Act II Part I: Humming Chorus - Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Act II Part 2: Prelude - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part 2: Daybreak Over Nagasaki - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part 2: 'It's Morning' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part 2: 'Who Is It?...' - Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
Act II Part 2: 'I Know For Such Misfortune There Is No Consolation' - Gregory Yurisich/Jean Rigby/Ann Taylor
Act II Part 2: 'Farewell, Oh Happy Home!' - Ann Taylor/Gregory Yurisich
Act II Part 2: 'Then Will You Tell Her?' - Ann Taylor/Jean Rigby
Act II Part 2: 'Suzuki, Where Are You?' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
Act II Part 2: 'You, Suzuki, You're Always So Faithful' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby
Act II Part 2: 'Viper! I Want You To Answer' - Cheryl Barker/Jean Rigby/Gregory Yurisich/Ann Taylor
Act II Part 2: 'Your Little Fluttering Heart Is Beating' - Jean Rigby/Cheryl Barker
Act II Part 2: 'Death With Honour Is Better Than Life With Dishonour' - Cheryl Barker

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This performance, the only one available in English, is problematic. Best is Yves Abel's leadership of the orchestra, which sounds wonderful, imbuing Puccini's lush score with just the right exoticism and emphasis. But aside from Gregory Yurisch's fine Sharpless, the singers don't please. Paul Charles Clarke as Pinkerton is lacking stylistically and vocally, and as Butterfly, Cheryl Barker sounds under strain and never pretty. While she has the power and feeling for the big second-act climax (the sighting of the ship), she never for a moment sounds fragile or girlish, not even in the all-important early scenes. English or not, this set isn't in the running. Stick with Callas or Scotto in Italian, and follow the libretto. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A touching English Butterfly.......2002-03-27

Anyone familiar with Cheryl Barker's Butterfly will be interested in hearing this recording. I have heard her in the role twice - in Auckland and London - and her voice has filled out as the years have gone on. She hasn't a large italianate soprano; the sound is too slender somehow. Yet there is the paradox - it has great carrying power and a decent cutting edge to make itself heard above the orchestral climaxes. What really impresses is the sense of vulnerability and moral strength she imparts, making sense of the big moments of the secong act. The sound in Act one is gorgeous (and a super D flat in theentrance aria) and she differentiates impressively between the child-bride and the embittered woman of the two acts.

She is surrounded by a mixed supporting cast. Jean Rigby is maternal, warm and affecting as Suzuki. Gregory Yurisich makes Sharpless' dilemma more understandable than usual, rather than being completely ineffectual. Paul Charles Clarke perhaps illustrates Pinkerton's arrogance with a degree of vocal swagger, but the sound is rough-hewn and unlovely save for some moments in the love duet. Stuart Kale's Goro is suitable ingratiating and oily.

Abel's conducting is the other chief draw of this set. That he has experience of the score in the theatre means that his pacing is really superb, and the lush orchestration is given its due, the potent intermezzo during the overnight vigil sounding suitably ominous.

Tracks:

Sunset
Inner City Dreams
Endurance
Inner City Dreams
Walking with You
Know That Your Heart Is Right
You Don't Know Me
Hold It to the Light
Touching Hearts
One for Lillian
Cielo, Bailarin
You Don't Have to Be Alone

Album Description

Jazz & smooth jazz

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Jazz.......2000-07-07

Acclaimed music biography author David Ritz had this to say about Kenny Pore; "To dream out loud, to dream in sequences of seductive melody is an act of poetic faith. Kenny is a dreamer and poet both. A free spirit, a man of musical faith. His openhearted approach to making music is deceptively simple. His methodology is instinctual. He brings the vision in his head to the studio where, in the company of highly skilled colleagues, he translates the visions into sounds. brings the where, in the company of highly skilled colleagues, he sounds." I don't think anyone could describe the music and persona of Kenny Pore more accurately. Bringing along an all-star lineup of veteran jazz pros, these two new releases flow with great symmetry and balance among the players.

The musicians on these two disks are a virtual who's who of contemporary jazz legends. They include such luminaries as Pat Coil, Robben Ford, John Patitucci, Vinnie Colaiuta, Hadley Hockensmith,Brandon Fields, Harvey Mason, Paul Jackson, Jr., Leon Gaer, Tommy Emmanuel, Michael Landau, Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, William Kennedy and vocalist Rick Riso. The Sessions volumes feature Pore's thoughtful compositions designed to captivate your musical ear and bring you into the story he is telling. Performed by a group of gifted musicians we experience the elegance and toe tappin' tempo of "Always with You", which rivals the finest I've ever heard from the Yellow Jackets or Spyro Gyra. On both CDs the bass, synth leads, and electric piano really hold everything together and establish the mood for each cut. For instance, the deep groovin' passages of "Meant for Each Other" from Volume Two is slowly waltzed into romance by Patituuci's mezmerizing bass arpeggios on the following cut, "Defying the Odds". Pat Coil does a beautiful synth lead that sounds like Lyle May's Obie4 voice, that smooth hollow timbre. Great melodic structure, wonderful solos. Great soprano sax in the last 16 measures. There are some smooth inviting vocals on "From the Heart". Most tracks have a fluid syncopation that is cool and incognito. Pore lets the sophisticated sound of the horns and velvet Rhodes piano glide you through easy tempos, and contemporary transitions with real finesse.

Back to volume one, the album begins with a beautiful Yellow Jackets style composition with Brandon Fields doing a splendid job of holding down the melodies with his sweet tones on alto juxtaposed against the subtle phrasing of Hadley Hockensmith on guitar in a smooth Lee Rittenour of companage during the sax solos with tasteful fills interspersed throughout. While listening to "Inner City Dreams", if I had my eyes closed, I would swear I was listening to the Yellow Jackets. Again the chemistry between the players is pure magic. Pat Coil sets up a nice analog tinged Zawinul intro which dissolves into a nice funky groove on "Endurance". Brandon Fields really smokes on this cut. Then we're treated to a reprise of "Inner City Dreams" with the addition of vocals by Rick Riso, who has a great tone reminiscent of jazz vocalist, Al Jarreau. Hockensmith delivers a sweet sustaining lead. "Walking with You" is a dreamy ballad with laidback pads, and electric piano flowing like liquid, with beautifully interwoven leads traded back and forth between sax and synth. The perfect song for low lights, and slow dancing. That's followed by the tight groove of "Know that your Heart is Right", which starts out with a couple of great instrumental verses followed by a well placed vocal by Riso. You will find a world of delightment in this album.

The overall sound is very polished, but always accessible. The compositions are superb, and Kenny has assembled a superb group of players to bring them to life. I hear familiar reminders of the roots and influences of some of the players, the Yellow Jackets, the Pat Metheny Group, Weather Report, Spyro Gyra. My favorite players were the bassmen, John Patitucci, and Jimmy Haslip who always set the groove and establish the feel. Pat Coil also deserves special thanks. His playing is always economical, tasteful, and beautifully lyrical. On both albums the guitars, electric, nylon, and steel string acoustic create a great atmosphere with the beautifully executed countermelodies and leads they intuitively add at the right moment on each cut. The slower ballads were my favorites, especially the beautiful " Season for Change" and the sultry soprano sax on " I Know a Place". Pore unites it all by keeping the tonalities locked into the proper mood at all times - giving both albums a very uplifting feel. Check out Kenny Pore's "Sessions" and you are sure to be satisfied!

Pouring Over Kenny.......2000-06-30

Kenny Pore is background music moved to the foreground--lush, creative, evocative, rich and real. He comingles jazz and rhythm and blues with a gentle soul and strong rhythmic heart. He languishes over melody and, when it comes to mood, is a master. Pore is all about serenity and musical peace of mind. --David Ritz, biographer of Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles

A Celebration of Christmas: Carols Through the Ages

Average customer rating:

A Celebration of Christmas: Carols Through the Ages

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B0000023F9
Release Date: 1994-01-04

Tracks:

Patapan
We Three Kings Of Orient Are
I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing
The Coventry Carol
It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
Good King Wenceslas
Once In Royal David's City
Rocking
The First Nowell
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman
Wither's Rocking Hymn
Silent Night
Wassail Song
Dormi Jesu!
Boar's Head Carol
Past Three O'Clock
Lullay My Liking
Adam Lay Ybounden
Herrick's Carol
Angelus Ad Virginem
The Holly And The Ivy
O Little One Sweet
Songs Of The Nuns Of Chester
Winter-Rose
In Dulce Jubilo

Tracks:

Deck The Halls
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Lute-Book Lullaby
Ye Shepherds
Joy To The World
Down In Yon Forest
People, Look East
Blessed Be The Maid Marie
Sir Christmas
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
O Come, All Ye Faithful
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Here We Come A-Wassailing
All My Heart
Joseph Dearest (Song Of The Crib)
I Saw Three Ships
How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
The Birds
The Old Year Now (Greensleeves)
A Merry Christmas

Tracks:

Gymel Of Guilelmus Monachus
Anon.: Nowell, Nowell: Tidings True
Roy Henry: Sanctus
Anon: Blessed Be Thou, Heavenly Queen
Anon: Qui Natus Est
Anon: Carol With Burden
Anon: Nova, Nova
Anon: Angelus Ad Virginem
Anon: Hail Mary, Full Of Grace
In Die Nativitas
Anon: There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue
Kyrie
Quid Petis O Fili
Anon: I Saw
Anon: Nowell, Nowell: Out Of Your Sleep
Fauxbourden Of Guilelmus Monachus
Quam Pulcra Es

Tracks:

Anon: De Nativitate Domini
Ave Maria
Decet Huius Cunctis Horis
In Nativitate Domini
O Regina, Lux Divina
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Nesciens Mater
Et In Terra Pax
Crist And Saint Marie
Sancta Maria
O Maria Virgo
Gloria
Puer Natus
Foeno Iacere
Maria Zart
Beata Progenies
Alleluya Psallat

Average customer rating:

the ingredients

Christmas with King's Singers

Manufacturer: Signum UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B0000DDB84
Release Date: 2003-01-01

Tracks:

Veni, Veni Emmanuel
Angelus Ad Virginem
This Is the Truth Sent from Above
Wie Scheuchtet Der Morgenstern
Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprunger
There Is No Rose
Coventry Carol
Nowell Sing We Now
Remember, O Thou Man
In Dulci Jubilo
Lullay My Liking
Bogoroditsye Dyevo
Lamb
Maria Durch Ein' Dornwald Ging
O Little One Sweet
Bethlehem Down
Crown of Roses
To Us in Bethlem City
Szczo to Za Prediwo
There Is a Flower
Peregrinan
Away in a Manger
NoNouvelet
Stille Nacht
Born on a New Day

Customer Reviews:

the ingredients.......2006-12-23

This is a perfect King's Singers recording filled with Christmas music. The sustained success of this group of six English gentlemen is legendary, but not surprising. The ingredients for that success have remained the same for many years, through varying personnel, and across a very wide-ranging repertory of a capella music. First and foremost, these men are true musicians - musicians first, singers and interpreters second. Musicianship consisting of equal parts learning and attentive transmission, the King's Singers are immaculate musicians - attuned, commited, ready, and fortunately blessed with musical intelligence to guide their choices of material. Second, and as important in my view, these men are comrades. In their recently released DVD, one finds abundant evidence of a committment not only to their art, but to each other. A capella singing by nature revealing, you'll find no seams in the singing of this mastergroup. Everything is seen to, raised up, compelling - and ever beautiful. This is authentic art of the gods. As fond as I am of Chanticleer, and of Harry Christopher's The Sixteen, the work of those fine ensembles pales when compared to the lingering beauty of the King's Singers. Constant invention is one of the hallmarks of their recorded legacy, and is bountiful on this disc - voicings, approaches, and a magical communion of voices. Check out Ariel Ramirez' instantly amenable 'La peregrinacion' and you'll never turn back. Big recommendation.

Music Album:

Music Album

1. Sandi
2. Mexico
3. Sky Burns Gold
4. Crazy World
5. This Life I Lead
6. Jennifer's Dream
7. Fire in My Mind
8. Twinkle
9. Fall
10. Dixie