Standing In The Shadows

About the Artist
The musical ability of Tom Duncan is mesmerizing, lavished with tints and hues that paint a landscape filled with sound and texture. In the simplest of terms, Duncan is a harper. However, his talents go far beyond that of just plucking strings to create a melody. Duncan wears many hats in regards to his musical career. He is a musician, a composer, a craftsman and, most importantly, he is The Harpdude.

Duncan began his career as a pianist. Naturally taking to the instrument as a child, he established a natural feel for technique and skill. Studying piano at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, Duncan developed a loving interest for historical instruments. Throughout the years, he has written music for various pop and classical performances, plays and video productions. His recordings for videos and plays have featured him playing various acoustic instruments and synthesizers.

Duncan's love for Early Music led him to conduct research on the instruments themselves and how they were created. He began his own collection of tools and expanded his skills into one of a craftsman, making his own folk harps; the one's you see him transporting into concerts, coffee shops, and various events. It's this process that transforms him into the Harpdude, performing a variety of traditional and personally composed pieces, many of them you will find on his debut CD "Harpdude".

Tom’s ist CD "Harpdude" paints the sites and sounds of Scotland, Ireland, and England, as well as songs originally-written and composed by Duncan. Highlights of the CD include two songs by Scottish writer Neil Gow, "Farewell To Whisky" and "Neil Gow's Lament on the Death of his Second Wife," a gorgeous version of "Blind Mary" by Irish composer O'Carolyn, and an elegant rendition of the English song "Come Live With Me and Be My Love."

Quickly after the release of Harpdude, Duncan was invited to tour various parts of Scotland, including a bill on the legendary Fringe Festival, the world's largest arts festival. He also performed at the Fringe Review that was broadcast live by the BBC.

His performances generated positive reviews by the press including a glowing review in The Scotsman and The Herald. Sue Wilson of The Scotsman wrote that Tom's performance of Niel Gow's "Farewell To Whiskey" was "tempering appropriately elegiac melancholy with a fondly reminiscent flavour." As for the concert in general, she wrote that he "played with a fluent, expressive technique."

Duncan also gave a well-received concert in Inverness at the Balnian House - The Home of Highland Music - a building that is part concert hall, museum and teaching staff all dedicated to the music of the Scottish Highlands. He wrapped up his tour of Scotland with a performance at the Borders Books and Music store in Glasgow.

Harpdude has raised some impressive critiques from the local and national media. Kathy Barnard from Branches wrote in a review, "Duncan's playing combines sensitive and soulful expression with an impressive, fluid technique. The selection of tunes reflects a wonderful depth and breadth of knowledge of traditional Celtic music, and a strong relationship with the folk harp". Susan Hartman wrote of Tom’s original compositions in Dirty Linen magazine. " Two compositions by Duncan bring a very different approach to the instrument: They incorporate modern influences from other cultures and additional instruments, most notably guitar and synthesizer. Traditionalists beware, but those with a more open attitude might find his pieces to be an interesting bridge between trad Celtic and new age".

Tom’s New CD "Standing In the Shadows" is a unique collection of 14 original instrumental pieces by Tom. These songs span styles from folk, jazz, pop, classical and Indian influences. Duncan’s forceful performances on harp are augumented by his guitar, piano, synthesizer and accordion playing. He is joined on various numbers by violin, flute, bass and tabla.

Standing In The Shadows,Tom Duncan,Tom Duncan,Known as the "Harp dude," he brings a unique approach to harp playing with 14 original tunes. Folk, classical, jazz & pop influences.

Average customer rating: Unsung heros of the Motown era The Funk Brothers Accompaniment Tracks Get this!! Can't stop dancing Classic Motown

Standing in the Shadows of Motown: Deluxe Edition Various Artists Manufacturer: Hip-O Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Standing In The Shadows of Motown 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Funk Brothers How Sweet It Is Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson Breakfast in Bed ASIN: B00021LPLA Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

1. Heat Wave
2. You've Really Got A Hold On Me
3. Do You Love Me
4. Bernadette
5. Reach Out I'll Be There
6. Ain't Too Proud To Beg
7. Shotgun
8. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted
9. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
10. You Keep Me Hanging On
11. Cool Jerk
12. Cloud Nine
13. What's Going On
14. Band Introduction / Ain't No Mountain High Enough
15. The Flick
16. Boom Boom
17. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher
18. Scorpio

Tracks:

1. Funk Brothers In The House
2. Standing In The Shadows Of Love
3. Dialogue: Joe Hunter
4. The One Who Really Loves You
5. Pride And Joy
6. Dialogue: Robert White
7. My Girl
8. Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
9. Don't Mess With Bill
10. The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game
11. Dialogue: Eddie Willis, Uriel Jones & Jack Ashford
12. I Second That Emotion
13. I Was Made To Love Her
14. Dialogue: Richard "Pistol" Allen
15. Heard It Through The Grapevine
16. Home Cookin'
17. For Once In My Life
18. Dialogue: Jack Ashford
19. I Can't Get Next To You
20. It's A Shame
21. Ain't No Mountain High Enough
22. Dialogue: Eddie WIllis
23. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
24. Dialogue: Lamont Dozier
25. You're My Everything

Customer Reviews:

Unsung heros of the Motown era.......2007-07-14

If you liked "the Motown Sound" you will be pleased to listen to the great studio musicians who were the creators of this unique, magical music. It was a surprise at first to learn that all the great Motown singers were backed up in the studio by the same incredible musicians. These CDs contain the original band of musical brothers backing up our finest young contemporary singer-artists. Much of the music was recorded live, in concert for a very lucky audience. I wish I had been there. This collection puts you there for awhile.
You could do like I have done and purchase the documentary film on dvd for your television and the CDs for your ipod.

The Funk Brothers Accompaniment Tracks.......2007-07-08

I was familiar with the movie and soundtrack, "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", and thoroughly enjoyed them both. The second disc of this set with naked instrumental remixes of the original Motown hits was a welcome suprise. In particular, hearing the bass work of James Jamerson was like a master lesson in bass playing.

Get this!!.......2007-07-05

This is great. The Funk Brothers can still cook. Liner notes are a great read. Backing tracks on disc 2 are very interesting and fun to listen to. The performances on disc 1 from the Standing in the Shadows movie are all very good. You can tell however that the voice of the late David Ruffin is sorely missed in Aint to Proud to Beg.
Get it.....it will have you dancin'.

Can't stop dancing.......2007-04-13

I purchased this CD after watching the movie. I was not disappointed! My 7 year old daughter claims that she doesn't like Mom's music and there was no way she'd be dancing when I played it. Well, she couldn't sit down! I love to dance and I love upbeat music. This is highly recommended to anyone who likes something funky to move to. Get it!

Classic Motown.......2007-03-08

I bought this CD after previously buying the DVD and watching the documentary of the Funk Brothers. Joan Osborne (whom I never heard of before this album or DVD was released) is astounding. Her rendition of "What becomes of the broken hearted" is unmatched by anyone ever. The CD sounds excellent and could not be improved in any way. Instrumental's like "Bernadette" are very well crafted with different instruments coming in as the song requires. I would buy this one again or for gifts as it is one you won't put in your CD file and not play again. I keep my copy in my car and play it several times a week. It's great fun and professionally packaged..one of the best packaged CD's I have seen so far. They did a good job on this one and it shows...in every way.

Average customer rating: Some songs cant be redone, I'm open-minded but this is sad. I love this disk! best of all motown CD ever! The Deluxe Edition is the version to go for....but this is still mighty fine!!! standing in the shadows of motown

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Various Artists Manufacturer: Hip-O Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Standing In The Shadows of Motown How Sweet It Is 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Funk Brothers Relish Breakfast in Bed ASIN: B00006JCGI Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

1. (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave - Joan Osborne
2. You've Really Got A Hold On Me - Meshell Ndegeocello
3. Do You Love Me - Bootsy Collins
4. Bernadette (instrumental) - The Funk Brothers
5. Reach Out I'll Be There - Gerald Levert
6. Ain't Too Proud To Beg - Ben Harper
7. Shotgun - Gerald Levert featuring Tom Scott
8. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Joan Osborne
9. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Ben Harper
10. You Keep Me Hanging On (instrumental) - The Funk Brothers
11. Cool Jerk - Bootsy Collins
12. Cloud Nine - Meshell Ndegeocello
13. What's Going On - Chaka Kahn
14. Band Introduction / Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Chaka Kahn & Montell Jordan
15. The Flick - Earl Van Dyke

Amazon.com

The phenomenal story of Motown has been told many times--so many in fact, that the notion of an untold part of its legacy seems far-fetched. But as the documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown demonstrates, there was more to the success of the Detroit-based label than singing babes in gowns and founder Berry Gordy's business acumen. There was also the self-named Funk Brothers: the session players putting the unforgettable guitar sounds into "You Keep Me Hangin' On" and the creeping bass line behind "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." These guys were a crucial piece of the puzzle but have remained largely anonymous. While the Standing documentary tells the Funk Brothers' story via interviews, stock footage, and still photos, the accompanying soundtrack takes liberties, pairing the surviving musicians with contemporary pop, R&B, and funk artists. Together, they faithfully recast Motown hits. What could have been a disaster--would you want to muck with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"?--works beautifully, thanks both to the Brothers' chops and the thoughtful artist selection. While enlisting a soul brother like Ben Harper was a no-brainer, the inclusion of Joan Osborne was especially astute. After all, Osborne's deep connection to R&B is why her production of the Holmes Brothers' Speaking in Tongues disc was genius, and she acquits herself beautifully on "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave" and "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." Similarly, bass boss Meshell Ndegeocello gives Chaka Khan competition in the gospel diva department. Bootsy Collins, Gerald Levert, and Montell Jordan also contribute. Motown purists may balk at this concept, but they'd have to agree these readings are smart, respectful, and very, very soulful. --Kim Hughes

Customer Reviews:

Some songs cant be redone, I'm open-minded but this is sad........2007-06-16

Junior Walker and the Allstars "Shotgun". Why would you listen to this when you can download the real thing. Sorry I like my Temptations and to record such classics although done again and again like "I heard it thru the Grapevine" poorly is a sin. This is definately in the Shawdows of Mowtown. Probably cant dance either.

I love this disk!.......2007-05-25

Unlike most reviewers, I didn't much care for most of what came out of Motown during its heyday. In particular, I found the vocal styles overbearing and self-indulgent.

The covers of these classic tunes are, with two exceptions, far superior to the originals in my opinion, not least because the musicianship of the Funk Brothers is a stronger part of the mix and the vocals are much more to my taste. In particular, Joan Osborne and Chaka Kahn blew me away with the raw power and emotion of their interpretations of songs whose original versions didn't do much for me.

In my mind, this is the Motown album for those who think they don't like Motown!!!

best of all motown CD ever!.......2007-04-06

arrive on time, perfect conditions, great music on top of it...

The Deluxe Edition is the version to go for....but this is still mighty fine!!!.......2007-01-22

The saying goes that the funk Brothers performances were so good that "Once The Funk Brothers had recorded the instrumental part of a song, it didn't matter who sang over it". Now there's a lot of truth in this statement, because the Funk Brothers layed down some of the most recognisable instrumentals over the last 30 years (although you won't realise it was their work at first). This disk features the performances by the Funk Brothers, with various artists's vocals completing the songs. "Me'Shell NdegeOcello" gives a typically impassioned live performance on "You've Really Got a Hold on Me", that truly is deserving of her position as one of the most accomplished female vocalists of recent years. The instrumental "Bernadette" is exactly the reason, why you'd buy this album, beautifully composed, impeccably performance, and completely reflective of the motown sound, at its creative peak.

Some Criticism's have been made regarding "Ben Harper's" contributions here, and I don't feel it's completely justified, just look at the songs that he's tackling ("Marvin Gaye's, legendary "I heard it through the Grapevine"), most artists would baulk at the idea of what is considered one of the greatest songs ever made. And Ben Harpers effort is by any means of fantastic effort, and worthy of praise. Is it comparable to Marvin's effort??.....Of course not!!, It'd be nearly impossible to match (or indeed improve) on the original, and Ben Harper in no way embarrasses himself here. Sure, he can't quite match the depth or emotion of Marvin's version.....but I ask you this "Who can???". Moving on this disk provides many highlights and all the contributions here (especially "Chaka Khan", "Bootsy Collins") are more than worthy of inclusion on this release, with many tracks providing interesting Covers/Spins on the original tracks.

Ultimately what you get here is a superior funk album, that is not only a tremendous document of the Funk Brothers work, but also a fantastic sounding album in it's own right. But as much as I wholeheartedly want to recommend this album (and it is superb), but I beg and implore anyone thinking of purchasing this, to shell out the extra dollars and pick up the `Deluxe' 2-cd edition of this release, for the instrumental disk, with features the tracks stripped of their vocals, and just featuring the instrumental work of the band. As it truly highlights just how sublime this group of musicians were....and just how much you lose by not having that second disk, and seeing how this release was fully intended. but for those that aren't prepared to pick up the deluxe edition, you'll still have a mighty fine edition of what is undoubtedly a great release.

standing in the shadows of motown.......2006-11-11

This Cd is the sound track from a PBS programme of the same name. Excellent!
After hearing Joan Osborne on the one track - What becomes of the broken hearted, I bought 2 of her CDs.

Average customer rating:

Standing in the Shadows: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones 1963 - 1966 Various Artists Manufacturer: Corduroy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000098YEC Release Date: 2002-10-07

Tracks:

1. Complicated
2. She Said Yeah
3. 2121 South Michigan Ave
4. Satisfaction
5. Satisfaction
6. Have You Seen Your Mother Baby?
7. Come On
8. Last Time
9. Connection
10. It's All Over Now
11. I'm Free
12. You Can't Catch Me
13. Play With Fire
14. Down Home Girl
15. Stupid Girl
16. I'm A Rolling Stone
17. 19th Breakdown
18. Stupid Girl
19. Under My Thumb
20. All Sold Out
21. Lady Jane

Album Details

Long in Production and Highly Anticipated "Standing in the Shadows" features Garage Bands from around the Globe Saluting the Rolling Stones in their Golden Period 1963-66.

Average customer rating:

Standing in the Shadows ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music ASIN: B000GBEFSQ Release Date: 2006-05-30

Average customer rating: Contemporary music with a strong neo-Celtic sentinence

Standing In The Shadows Manufacturer: Tom Duncan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00006IFS7 Release Date: 2002-08-05

Tracks:

1. Dancing In The Shadows
2. Alone-Waiting For You
3. Elsewhere
4. M'Ladies Reverie
5. The Way Home
6. To Be There With You
7. October 28th
8. Barcarolle
9. Annette's Waltz
10. Prelude and Song For A Summers Day
11. Cerulean Skies
12. Waltzing Back Home
13. Walking To Archturus
14. In The Garden

Customer Reviews:

Contemporary music with a strong neo-Celtic sentinence.......2004-02-02

"Harp Dude" Tom Duncan is a consummate player of his self-built folk harps. After the success of his debut album that was firmly grounded in Celtic traditions, Indianapolis-based Duncan now treats us to 14 original tunes that span from about 3 to 7 minutes apiece. This nearly hour-long project has a different twist because it incorporates influences from many musical genres. While always keeping his harp in the forefront, Duncan tastefully plays guitar, piano, synthesizer and accordion on various numbers, and he is occasionally joined by guest artists Cheryl Riggle (violin, flute), Peter Hansen (bass), Alfred Abel (violin) and Travis Ellison (tabla).

Varying the instrumental accompaniment helps Duncan convey many musical moods, while always remaining sublime, majestic and stately. The overall effect is comforting, and Duncan's entire work could actually be viewed akin to an epic journey or spiritual quest. Although I enjoyed most of his compositions, "Elsewhere" and "Cerulean Skiies" were personal favorites. The latter has a bounce not unlike many of blind Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan's compositions. I also derived considerable enjoyment from the waltzes, "Annette's Waltz" and "Waltzing Back Home." I found myself perking up when the tunes also incorporated violin, flute or accordion leads, although I would have shortened the arrangement of "M'Ladies Reverie" by a couple minutes. Some liner notes providing some insight into Duncan's inspirations and thoughts about each piece would have been nice.

While a primary nod to Celtic influences continues, the opener "Dancing in the Shadows" has Spanish overtones. The closer, "In the Garden," has an Indian feel. The bulk of the project has a meditative and relaxed Celtic consciousness. Perhaps some Andean plucking techniques, African rhythms or Oriental scales could have taken us even further abroad. I was happy to see some minimal glissandos find their way into the album's closing number.

My guess is that "Harp Dude" Tom Duncan lives, eats and breathes harp. The musician, composer, and luthier began as a classically trained pianist, but a love for early music led him to research the instruments, build folk harps, tour Scotland, and appear at the Fringe Festival there. The harper speaks eloquently with his strings, and his compositions are poetically enlightening. He doesn't stray so far that I would call this new age music. Rather, it seems more appropriately called contemporary music with a strong neo-Celtic sentinence. Duncan's pleasant work is one of not only charm, but also infinite beauty. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, Oregon)

Average customer rating:

Standing in the Shadows ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000IG9SH2

Product Description

Full length audio cd. Please see cover art for track listing.

Average customer rating:

Classic Rock: The Second Movement London Symphony Orchestra Manufacturer: JCI & Associated Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music ASIN: B000KAAUUK

Product Description

Song list: 1. Fanfare Intro: Rhapsody in Black 2. Reach Out I'll Be There 3. You Keep Me Hanging On 4. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 5. Superstition 6. Standing in the Shadows of Love 7. Don't Leave Me This Way 8. Tears of a Clown 9. Rasputin 10. I Heard It Through the Grapevine 11. Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Average customer rating:

Hooked on Hits Various Artists Manufacturer: SUCCESS / PICKWICK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000RC0SGM

Product Description

THESE ARE RERECORDINGS AND NOT THE ORIGINAL ARTISTS. 1. HITS ON 33 2. BORN TO BE ALIVE 3. SWEETS FOR MY SWEET 4. YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY 5. SURF CITY 6. DRIVER'S SEAT 7. XANADU 8. SPACER 9. TIRED OF TOEIN' THE LINE 10. STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE 11. REACH OUT, I'LL BE THERE 12. CAN YOU FEEL IT 13. NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE 14. HITS ON 33 15. STAYIN' ALIVE 16. TRAGEDY 17. NIGHTS ON BROADWAY 18. NIGHT FEVER 19. JIVE TALKIN' 20. (I CAN'T GET NO) SATISFACTION 21. HONKY TONK WOMEN 22. ALL OVER THE WORLD 23. I'M ALIVE 24. CONFUSION 25. HITS ON 33 26. HITS ON 33 27. SINGING IN THE RAIN 28. I'M ON FIRE 29. YES SIR I CAN BOOGIE 30. A WALK IN THE PARK 31. LOVE IS LIKE OXYGEN 32. HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN 33. SILENCE IS GOLDEN 34. SLOOP JOHN B. 35. AMEN 36. THE HUSTLE 37. HITS ON 33 38. LET'S TWIST AGAIN 39. ROCKABILLY REBEL 40. UNDER THE MOON OF LOVE 41. MIDNIGHT DYNAMO'S 42. BILL HALEY 43. SUNDAY GIRL 44. LA BAMBA 45. IN THE SUMMERTIME 46. LOLA 47. A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE 48. JUMPIN' JACK FLASH 49. THE LAST TIME 50. MY GENERATION

Average customer rating:

Standing In The Shadows Manufacturer: Polaris ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0009YYGZM

Product Description

1. Ain't An Addiction ||| 2. On My Way ||| 3. Made Me Believe ||| 4. Morning Radio ||| 5. Wild Ones And Lovers ||| 6. Run Along ||| 7. Calling Your Own ||| 8. Burning The Candle ||| 9. Stay The Night ||| 10. These Old Words ||| 11. Cassidy ||| 12. Promises

Average customer rating:

Standing in the Shadows of Yesterday Waking Kills the Dream Manufacturer: Good Life Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music ASIN: B0009F4444 Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

1. Standing in the Shadows of Yesterday
2. Red Light Romance
3. If You Really Wanted to Mess Me Up, You Should Have Gotten to Me ...
4. Sad Turn of Events
5. Like Beating a Dead Horse
6. Thank You

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