The Ground

Amazon.com
The second album by Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen is another set of crystalline beauty. Lyrical in both his writing and playing, the music is informed by his Scandinavian homeland's austere landscapes, as well as a wide swath of jazz traditions and gospel influences from his youth (as a teenager Gustavsen was a church organist). The trio's interplay is supple and subtle to the point of the rhythm section sounding like they're actually a part of the piano. The music's gentle propulsion seems to be carried forward equally by all three players. Emotionally resonant, the warmth and clarity of ECM's high production standards captures every nuance -- even lightly struck cymbals resonate with incredible presence. --David Greenberger

Time Out NY, April 21, 2005
Gustavsen again demonstrates an enviable knack for penning compositions as simple, tuneful and seemingly inevitable as folk songs or hymns.

The Ground

Tracks:

Watch 'At Breakdown
Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground
Stay Away
O Santo De Polvora
Wayside (Back In Time)
You're An Angel, And I'm Gonna Cry
How To Grow A Woman From The Ground
The Beekeeper
Brakeman's Blues
If The Sea Was Whiskey
Cazadero
Heart In A Cage
I'm Yours If You Want Me
The Eleventh Reel

Amazon.com

What goes around, comes around. As the resident rock star in Nickel Creek (contrasting with the trio's more reserved Watkins siblings), mandolinist Chris Thile has sent his music soaring in surprising directions from its bluegrass base. Though this solo release finds him dipping into the songbooks of the White Stripes ("Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground") and the Strokes ("Heart in a Cage"), much of the music sticks closer to tradition than Thile has in recent years. Among the highlights are an uptempo romp through Gillian Welch's "Wayside (Back in Time)," a pretty fair yodel on Jimmie Rodgers's "Brakeman's Blues," the close harmonies of the bluesy "If the Sea Was Whiskey," and Thile's original "You're an Angel and I'm Gonna Cry," classic country weeper. Five of the fourteen cuts are instrumental, with the opening "Watch 'at Breakdown" combining bluegrass instrumentation and jazzy sophistication, and "The Beekeeper" giving Thile's fingers a chance to fly. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Chris Thile and HOW TO LOSE A CROWD.......2007-06-12

Chris Thile and HOW TO LOSE A CROWD!!! Oh my....somehow, one of the best mandolin players to walk this earth puts everyone to sleep again and again. I've seen him 3 times with this band. The crowd starts gathering their chairs and leaving. People are yelling to speed it up and heignores. Why is always the closing band...I have no idea.
I'm bored thinking about it.....

An average album ruined by the F word.......2007-05-29

I agree with Solocoyote's review 100%. Why Chris decided it was necessary to put the F word into this album is beyond me. Did he want to appear tough or to be taken more seriously? It's truly a shame. I loved the last Nickel Creek album (one of the few country-ish groups I enjoy as I mostly listen to alternative music) and thought I would enjoy this CD, too. Some of the songs are really good, especially "You're an Angel, And I'm Gonna Cry." Also, the instrumental tracks are really fun because it allows everybody to go crazy with their instruments. A lot of the songs, though, are boring and uninspired and left me wanting more. "Heart In A Cage" ruins the album for me, though, with unneccessary language. Unfortunately, I'll probably never buy another Thile or Nickel Creek CD because of this. Hopefully, using this word was worth it for him.

WTF?.......2007-05-14

I don't know what to say. I was enjoying this album immensely. Just as much as my NickelCreek albums. Until Chris decided he needed to use the "f" word.

Call me old fashioned but I am incredibly dissapointed that Chris Thile decided to go that far. The music is great but I will not be buying the next Chris Thile album. There is plenty of music out there that does not require me to be guarded about who I play it around.

Do You Like Good Music?.......2007-04-26

Are you kidding me? If you like good music, do yourself a favor and buy this album...and every other anything that Chris Thile has had anything to do with musically. Yes, that's a lot of music. DO IT ANYWAY! If you have an open mind, and tend to know good music when you hear it, get his Deceiver album. It will make you feel like you've discovered another wonder of the world...or the cure to a disease. Turns out it's just music, but it feels like something else...something more.

This isn't good music. This is the best music. Seriously. It will make your heart full, be prepared. Know ahead of time the possible symptoms so you don't mistake them for a medical condition. You will perceive a swelling in your chest, kind of an ache...but the best possible kind. Your body may move uncontrollably. Do not be afraid, these are common side-affects and should be embraced.

To know this music is to love it. If you know it and don't love it, I have nothing to say to you. Go away!

Great Bluegrass.......2007-03-08

I had never heard of Chris Thile until I saw his band doing their rendition of Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground on CMT. Some of the songs are not traditional bluegrass, but they are good jams none-the-less.

Average customer rating:

Sacred Ground
David Murray & Black Saint Quartet
Manufacturer: Justin Time Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Above and Beyond: An Evening in Grand Rapids
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Charles Mingus in Paris: The Complete America Recordings

ASIN: B000PY50ZQ
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Sacred Ground
Transitions
Pierce City
Banished
Believe In Love
Family Reunion
The Prophet Of Doom

Album Description

"Sacred Ground" is a fascinating and important new recording that grew from David Murray's involvement in the acclaimed documentary film, Banished, directed by Marco Williams. Although it's virtually unknown, more than a dozen counties in the U.S. violently expelled thousands of families between the Civil War and the Great Depression. The film - and this recording - explores not only these historical facts, but also the legacy of these events in the communities and for the descendants of the families.

After exploring the themes of the film he'd been asked to score, Murray was inspired - indeed compelled - to dig deeper, and to compose further music. David Murray enlisted poet Ishmael Reed, one of today's pre-eminent African- American literary figures. Reed wrote two poems, performed here by the great Cassandra Wilson.

David chose to record this using his Black Saint Quartet - sometimes called Power Quartet, on the group's first outing since the passing of the great John Hicks last year. Logically then, David enlisted pianist Lafayette Gilchrist, informally a Hicks student and admirer, and on drums the great Andrew Cyrille. Bassist Ray Drummond completes this first class group.

Tracks:

Tears Transforming
Being There
Twins
Curtains Aside
Colours of Mercy
Sentiment
Kneeling Down
Reach Out and Touch It
Edges of Happiness
Interlude
Token of Tango
The Ground

Amazon.com

The second album by Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen is another set of crystalline beauty. Lyrical in both his writing and playing, the music is informed by his Scandinavian homeland's austere landscapes, as well as a wide swath of jazz traditions and gospel influences from his youth (as a teenager Gustavsen was a church organist). The trio's interplay is supple and subtle to the point of the rhythm section sounding like they're actually a part of the piano. The music's gentle propulsion seems to be carried forward equally by all three players. Emotionally resonant, the warmth and clarity of ECM's high production standards captures every nuance -- even lightly struck cymbals resonate with incredible presence. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

The Ground.......2007-05-13

Tord Gustavsen is world class, listen to this new maestro as his piano sings.

Musical Dreamscape.......2007-03-09

Several years ago I bought this CD on the strength of a strong recommendation in one of the music magazines I read. My initial reaction on the first couple of times through it on my office stereo was that it was OK, but maybe a little too mellow for frequent consumption. So I put it on the shelf and quite forgot about it until the other night when I wanted to hear some mellow jazz as I worked at home. So I dug this out along with a few other "forgotten" jazz CDs and let it spin. Well, what a transformation!
Maybe it is the much better quality of my home stereo or maybe I'd been distracted when I first listened at the office, but this time around The Ground struck me quite differently. Tord Gustavsen and his trio painted such a vivid musical dreamscape that I put my work aside and lay on the couch to listen more intently.
I agree with the reviewer from Canada who hears all kinds of stylistic reference points in this CD, particularly the odd Spanish tinge. I feel a Spanish classical touch more than a few times. Not only that, there were many instances where the music harked back to the heyday of the old CTI jazz label of 35-40 years ago.
If asked to name a favorite cut, I would be at a loss to choose. I like the whole CD from start to finish so ordering the trio's other CD has become imperative. The Ground is recommended to anyone who enjoys piano and the feeling of stress just being washed away in gentle yet transformative cascades of sound. Give it an hour of undivided attention and you'll hear what I mean.

Distilled Essence..........2007-01-18

Briefly, I would by way of analogy suggest that the Tord Gustavsen Trio's first album "Changing Places" is much like a fine wine -- balanced, complex, and with nice depth. In their lastest endeavor I would say that "The Ground" is more like a fine cognac - refined down to its essence, with a crystalline clarity of purpose.

I would compare Mr. Gustavsen's music to that of a haiku master or a calligrapher capable of capturing a tableau in a few brushstrokes. In some ways it reminds me of the music of Gurdjieff/ deHartman in its ability to express so much through so little.

Notes between the space.......2006-11-03

This trio has a good thing going. They appeal those of us who need a respite from the frenzy and they deliver in spades.Bill Evans you have some contemporaries

Lives up to all expectations.......2006-09-27

I first heard about this trio via the song "Being There", which was included in a sampler CD that came with a popular jazz magazine. I immediately knew I had to have the album the song came from.

As I expected, coming off the excellent ECM label, the album is brilliant. It's just my kind of thing, especially the piano playing - dreamy, spacey, uncluttered, beautiful. The 12 songs are all originals, written by Tord Gustavsen and that's something special in itself. I think the trio play very well together. I obviously knew nothing of their earlier work but I will be checking it out now. A great buy.

Average customer rating:

Best yet from MATT SCHOFIELD
The best yet from Schofield

Ear To The Ground
Matt Schofield Trio
Manufacturer: Cadiz Music/Nugene Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Trio, Live
Siftin' Thru Ashes
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Close as You Get
Power of the Pontchartrain

ASIN: B000PKBSVU
Release Date: 2007-04-26

Tracks:

Pack It Up
Troublemaker
Ear to the Ground
Heart Don't Need a Compass
Once in a While
Room at the Back
Someone
Searchin' (Give Me a Sign)
Move Along
Cookie Jar
When It All Comes Down

Album Details

Arguably the Most Influential British Blues Guitarist Since the Sixties, this Fast Rising Guitar Star (Top Ten All-time British Blues Guitarists Guitar and Bass Magazine) Releases his Finest CD to Date. Power, Emotion and Exemplary Musicianship by Schofield and his Regular Line Up of Jonny Henderson (Hammond Organ) and Evan Jenkins (Drums). The Trio's Trademark Blues and Funk with a Touch of Rock is Here in Spades with Nine Original Numbers and Re-workings of Classic Freddie King and Bb King Songs.

Customer Reviews:

Best yet from MATT SCHOFIELD.......2007-06-07

This album by far is his best - a great listen anytime.

The best yet from Schofield.......2007-06-05

I have all Matt Schofield's albums and this is the best so far. The quality of production, arrangement, original material and his voice are a real step forward, and his guitar playing is everything you would expect. There are some truly outstanding tracks (the title track, `Someone', and especially, Searchin' do it for me).

Schofield is a genuinely inspiring guitarist with a huge amount of soul and commitment in what he plays, and unlike so many players emerging today who claim to play Blues, he has his own recognisable and distinctive sound even when he is paying homage to his greatest inspirations.

Reading R. Putignano's review I cannot understand his downbeat comments. Is this the same R. Putignano that I have read waxing lyrical about Schofield's previous albums and the merits of his Blues-meets-jazz outfit. Why the sudden change of heart? And why the suggestion that Schofield change the band to take on another guitarist, that is bizarre! Or that he should abandon the organ trio format to sound like any other homogenized Blues-rock trio. It is the organ trio that is part of Schofield's sound and nobody else does it with such power and class.

From what I know of Schofield's approach to his music, I believe he simply plays what he enjoys playing without any concern to be commercial and certainly not to emulate Joe Bonamassa, to which Mr Putignano likens the title track "Ear to The Ground." I can't hear it myself, and I think Bonamassa might be a bit mystified too.

I imagine there will be a legion of Schofield fans taking issue with Mr Putignano, and similarly asking, why? But meantime I can totally recommend this album if you are already into Matt Schofield, and if you're new to Schofield it's a great place to start.

Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground

Average customer rating:

just wow.
Wow
Lifted, or the Story Was Daniel Johnston's
SCREW ALL THE BAD REVIEWS
Broad scope of Oberst's narrow view

Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground
Bright Eyes
Manufacturer: Saddle Creek
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels
Plans
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XO

ASIN: B00006FRN7
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

The Big Picture
Method Acting
False Advertising
You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will
Lover I Don't Have to Love
Bowl of Oranges
Don't Know When But a Day is Gonna Come
Nothing Gets Crossed Out
Make War
Waste of Paint
From a Balance Beam
Laura Laurent
Let's Not Shit Ourselves (to Love and Be Loved)

Amazon.com

Nebraskan wunderkind Conor Oberst writes songs so naked and heartfelt they make you feel like a voyeur just listening to them. This precocious singer-songwriter croons with the astonished intensity of a homeless Robert Smith singing for his supper. And his band's fourth album is every bit as lyrical, sprawling, and pretentious as its title. The production is notably brighter and crisper than previous efforts, with some songs, notably "Nothing Gets Crossed Out," lushly swathed in sweet-sounding strings. When Lifted is great, as on the slow-churning anthem "From a Balance Beam," it's superb, visionary pop music, on par with Jeff Mangum, Phil Elvrum, and Daniel Johnston--and on occasion, Dylan. Unfortunately, half the songs sprawl on too long or revisit the same themes too frequently. Still, anyone who can operate a fast-forward button will find much to enjoy on this vital, messy masterpiece. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Full title - Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground. Born in 1980 in Omaha and recording since he was 13, Conor Oberst owns a voice that quakes with the tumultuous energy that only youth can produce. Slipcase. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

just wow. .......2007-05-31

I bought Lifted on vinyl recently and I have to say it must be one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. Every song just pours warbly emotion and honest yearnings. The lyrics can be cuttingly blunt and oddly abstract, but they hit you where it counts. Conor's voice is an instrument in and of itself; I guess one of my favorite singers can't really sing, but it wavers with the intensity and earnestness you don't often hear from musicians.

Buy this. From start to finish it's endless poetry to music.

Wow.......2007-03-22

Give this one a few listens and it will stay in the rotation forever...having come late to the Bright Eyes party (after seeing him post-Wilco on Austin City Limits a few months ago) - and ignoring tremendous reviews in Paste, et al - I've got to say that Conor Oberst is outstanding.

Heartfelt is an understatement -- terrific music (even occasional steel guitar) -- lyrics to rival anyone...

I'm Wade Awake still Bright Eyes' best album, but believe me, give this a shot - you won't be disappointed (regardless of your politics).

Anyone with a remote interest in Ryan Adams, Gillian, Wilco, Sufjan needs to give Bright Eyes a try...

Lifted, or the Story Was Daniel Johnston's.......2007-01-03

Lyrically this album is near unparallelled in its blunt honesty. You've got to have a taste for the type of vocalization of Oberst's, a warbly jitter, or you'll instantly dislike the album. The music behind the lyrics ranges from Country (along the lines of bluegrass) to semi-industrial ("Lover I Don't Have To Love"). It has recordings that are pieced together from a lo-fi singalong to brilliant studio quality.

I have to say though, that the most compelling plotline of Bright Eyes' work here, or through their other albums to this one, is that Oberst has captured a page from the semi-obscure musician, Daniel Johnston. Agree or not, you can hear the resonance of Johnston's work, a decade later in the work of Conor Oberst's early works. I'd have to believe that if Johnston hadn't drown in obscurity and mental illness he'd sound a lot like Bright Eyes today.

"Lifted" is, in my opinion, currently, the definitive work of Bright Eyes. This is a great place to start if you are delving into their catalogue.

SCREW ALL THE BAD REVIEWS.......2006-06-28

Having listened to this album from a band I had never heard before I was at first uncertain, but it was listed as "inspirational" on eBay from a seller I liked. I listened to it on a plane headed for my new destination. The album took me on a musically/lyrically beautiful path. The songs have a soul and heart unlike 99.9% of most music out there. I can't compare it to their other albums since I have not heard them, but that shouldn't discourage someone from buying this cd. Indie music isn't mean to be rhymically perfect or rhyme. It shouldn't have to answer to any review on it because it stands as a testiment of music that must be heard and played. It is meant to save us from ourselves and this hell we live in(no matter where in the world you live). Even if it only makes you happy when you hear it, it has done its intentions. Music shouldn't have rules and if you want it to, then listen to every other kind of music they is regurgated by the corporate industries, but leave indie be. It just might save a wretch like me.

Broad scope of Oberst's narrow view.......2006-05-23

This weighty album finds Bright Eye's at his most eclectic with lush, sometimes over-produced instrumentation guiding the tortured vocalist through his trademark soul baring lyrics. The songwriting, while perfectly competent, even eclectically intelligent, does often become mechanized under it's plodding pace. Also, when Oberst fails to restrain his need to convey his awkwardly exploitive, emotionally fragile demeanor in the most bluntly pathetic manner it can often cheapen and disservice his overwhelming talent for such a young folk prodigy. Despite many overbearing faults this is an impressive effort that hints at the potential this artist has still only begun to hopefully realize.

Average customer rating:

Donnie Darko
just wanted "mad world"
Gary Jules' remake of Mad World is superb!
Liked only one cut
Atmospheric and all-around cool.

Donnie Darko (Score)
Michael Andrews
Manufacturer: Everloving
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Donnie Darko - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Mad World
Requiem for a Dream (2000 Film)
Shout: The Very Best of Tears for Fears
Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score

ASIN: B00006471F
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

Carpathian Ridge
The Tangent Universe
The Artifact & Living
Middlesex Times
Manipulated Living
Philosophy of Time Travel
Liquid Spear Waltz
Gretchen Ross
Burn it to the Ground
Slipping Away
Rosie Darko
Cellar Door
Ensurance Trap
Waltz in the 4th Dimension
Time Travel
Did you Know Him?
Mad World
Mad World (remix version)

Album Description

The original score, to 2001 indie film, written & performed by Michael Andrews includes 'Mad World' featuring Gary Jules. Enjoy Records. Digipak.

Customer Reviews:

Donnie Darko.......2007-07-03

I was drawn to buy this CD because of hearing Michael's arrangement and Gary Jules rendition of "Mad World" which was originally recorded by Tears for Fears way back when. I glad I did. The music was written as the underscore for a Science Fiction movie by the same name and now I really want to see this film. The music is other worldly, ethereal and strange in a good way!

just wanted "mad world".......2007-01-09

loved the mad world track from the Gears of War video game. was hoping the rest of the album was as cool, but it is all instrumentals. a little disappointing, i must admit.

Gary Jules' remake of Mad World is superb!.......2007-01-06

Gary Jules' remake of this great past favorite (Mad World) is superb! The accompanying tracks on this album are not my style, but I didn't buy this for the other tracks. For that I feel this score is quite impressive.

Liked only one cut.......2007-01-04

I bought this CD for the song "Mad World". Unfortunately it was the only one I liked, but I've spent more money on dumber things.

Atmospheric and all-around cool........2006-06-05

Michael Andrews is one of today's best composers. His score for the little-known sci-fi flick "Cypher" was brilliant, and although his music in Donnie Darko is never quite as good (after all, DD was one of his first real scoring jobs), it is a somber, weird, sometimes beautiful album.
Andrews uses many bizarre non-musical instruments and female vocals to great effect, and creates an ambient, sad world that works regardless of your having seen the film.
His song "Mad World" is one of the saddest and most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
The disk isn't very long--just a little over thirty-seven minutes as I recall. But definitely recommended.

Average customer rating:

SFTG for the ages
BEST EVER TO DATE
Heady Sonic Journey
Sounds always pleases
Phenomenal

High Rising
Sounds from the Ground
Manufacturer: Waveform
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Luminal
Chillicious
Terra Firma
Kin
Sub Conscious

ASIN: B000ICLRMU
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

White City (2:31)
Rotorblade (6:43)
Slate Grey (8:54)
Viper Style (7:50)
Beautiful Feeling featuring Taz (9:31)
Modo (7:30)
Palmprint featuring Gaudi (7:31)
Blink (6:39)
Speedbumps (6:32)
Allsorts (7:17) Special Bonus Track

Album Description

With well over a decade of sonic seasoning under their belts, SFTG serves up more fresh sounding and widely acclaimed ambient, dub, trip hop and chilled back electronic musical styles. This is their fourth title in the growing Waveform catalog, HIGH RISING - a reflective and mesmerizing future classic and yet another elevated effort - this time more laid back, with welcomed guest contributions from long time supporter Taz as well as fellow UK recording artitst, Gaudi. Move up to the heady, good time vibes of HIGH RISING. Listen for some exceptional focus tracks, including, 'Rotorblade,' 'Slate Grey,' 'Viper Style' and 'Beautiful Feeling' featuring smooth, sensuous vocals from Taz.

Customer Reviews:

SFTG for the ages.......2007-07-06

I have been a huge fan since their debut on Two AD. They continue to put out quality music time and time again. Cool grooves and deep beats to ease the stresses of the day.

BEST EVER TO DATE.......2007-05-09

HOW CAN THEY POSSIBLY OUT-DO THIS CD....IT SIMPLY CAN'T BE DONE!THIS MUSIC WILL TAKE YOU PLACES ONLY YOUR IMAGINATION CAN TRAVEL.I LISTEN TO THIS CD CONSTANTLY AND EACH AND EVERY TIME GET SOMETHING "DIFFERENT" FROM EACH AND EVERY TRACK....IT'S VERY OBVIOUS THEY DO WHAT THEY WANT WITHOUT PARAMETERS....KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT INNOVATIVE 'SOUNDS'FROM THE GROUND!I LOVE THIS BAND!THEY KNOW HOW TO TRANSCEND YOU EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY! RANDAL

Heady Sonic Journey.......2007-03-13

At first spacious and melodic, High Rising soars into a sensual chillout mood with a sexy smooth appeal. "Slate Grey" is slightly more edgy at first, then warms and slips somewhere between a melodic hum and a static symphony of mind penetrating echoes that seems to melt into a flock of sonic birds rising from rolling waves of sound. Quite intriguing actually and this leads into a world fusion experience with soulful dub intoxication. The urban vibe is slightly exotic and inviting.

The audibly exciting "Beautiful Feeling" has a intimate hypnotic effect with vocals by Taz to create a mesmerizing crystalline ambience. "Modo" seems to capture some of the energy from "Beautiful Feeling" and "Slate Grey" but has a more rapid trajectory with ambient techno flourishes and barely audible vocals that lead into a trippy journey.

The echo and reverb in "Palmprint" is audibly intriguing and I liked the spontaneity of the electronic harmonica-like sounds in this track. "Blink" is more down to earth with drums and mixing perfection. "Speedbumps" is appropriately named because you are suddenly awaken from your sonic daze and propelled into a sophisticated electronica playground with sexy trajectories. "Allsorts" presents a mysterious conclusion that seduces you right back into listening to the album again. This is the type of album I dream about. High Rising is audibly delicious!

~The Rebecca Review

Sounds always pleases.......2007-01-10

Excellent as always. It's always nice to acquire a recording that has all very listenable tracks.

Phenomenal.......2007-01-03

If you like Chillout or any other music that inspires thought provoking emotional depth then buy this CD. Its mind blowing. I cant even describe it. My fave is Beautiful Feeling.

Average customer rating:

World's best trumpet player
Credit Wynton Marsalis
stylistically wrong
Wynton, Wynton, Wynton.
Good, but not the best

Carnaval

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Cornet Favorites
Classic Wynton
Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet
Trumpet Concertos
Turn-of-the-Century Cornet Favorites

ASIN: B0000026EN
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Carnaval: Variations Sur 'Le Carnaval De Venise'
Carnaval: The Debutante (Caprice Brillant)
Carnaval: Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Carnaval: Grand Russian Fantasia
Carnaval: Moto Perpetuo, Op 11
Carnaval: 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer
Tsar Saltan: The Flight of The Bumblebee
Carnaval: Napoli -- Variations on a Neapolitan Song
Carnaval: Fantaisie Brillante
Carnaval: Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Carnaval: Valse Brillante

Customer Reviews:

World's best trumpet player.......2007-05-12

The incredible Wynton Marsalis plays the classics of the brass solo genre.
If you want to hear some very delightful music played by a most impressive instrumentalist, get this album.

Listening to this will make you realize the mediocrity of most of today's popular music. They don't grow people like Jean-Baptiste Arban any more.

Credit Wynton Marsalis.......2007-01-25

This outstanding collection of turn-of-the-last-century cornet solos is a collector's item. Mr. Marsalis (and the ensemble) makes it all sound so easy and enjoyable. As an instrumental music teacher I find hearing these inspires many of my high school high brass players to work on them.

stylistically wrong.......2005-05-29

Having studied with an international authority on cornet playing I can con fidently say that Wynton's cornet playing is ok at best. More than anything hes tryying to sell CDs rather than capture the essence of Cornet playing, like most of wyntons playing its alot of flash but no substance. Great if your a trumpet head and you get off on empty virtuostic fluff.

Wynton, Wynton, Wynton........2005-01-01

There are times, when I'm listeing to Wynton, I get depressed like the flash of a 64th note played. His sounds is so pure and wonderful. He rocks. I don't mind realizing that there aren't many other trumpeteers out there like him.

I met him once actually. In Alice Tully Hall, after a holiday concert. He stood on the stage towering over my dad, brother and I. He called us "the frontline", after my dad telling him we play the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. What a cool guy.

Good, but not the best.......2004-11-28

Marsalis is an excellent trumpet player, there is no question as to that. He is certainly not the best in the world, however. I prefer a better recording of Carnival of Venice and many other cornet solos by Gerard Schwarz. The spirit of such solos is lost when they are put to ensemble accompaniment, Schwarz interprets them far better in my opinion. Also, his technical mastery is at least equal to that of Wynton's, or was when he made the album. His sound is sweeter and more perfect to my ear. And this is not the only album in which you can hear dazzling technical pieces, either. Sergei Nakariakov, Rafael Mendez, and Allen Vizzutti are the most proficient players with recordings out there. Nakariakov and Mendez both do better readings of the Paganini, playing the entire song double-tonguing and circular breathing. The Mendez Flight of the Bumblebee has a much better sound and fits the piece more, too. The most amazing song I have ever heard is the Carnival of Venus, by Vizzutti. Listen to anything by Wynton and then this song, you will be absolutely amazed. The last variation of the Marsalis is Vizzutti's first, and they get harder from there. Simply put, this is a good recording and the most accessible, but there are better ones out there. I wouldn't buy this to hear cornet solos or amazing technical pieces, but for hearing other interpretations. I prefer Schwarz, Mendez, Vizzutti, and Nakariakov.

Average customer rating:

Soulful and engaging
Holy Music
Great Pick
Voices of real angels!
An Amazing Work

Sacred Ground
Sweet Honey in the Rock
Manufacturer: Earthbeat
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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The Women Gather
Selections 1976-1988
...twenty-five...
I Got Shoes
Still on the Journey

ASIN: B000002M7R
Release Date: 1995-10-24

Tracks:

I Remember, I Believe
No More Auction Block
Would You Harbor Me
Prayer
Sing Oh Barren One
Mystic Oceans
Jordan River
Stay On The Battlefield
Can't Hide Sinner
Jesus Is All
Inner Voices
Prayer To The One
Balm In Gilead
We Are

Customer Reviews:

Soulful and engaging.......2007-02-18

I first encountered Sweet Honey and the Rock in 2003 at Michigan Wymns Music Festival. They were fantastic. Recently, one of my chorus mates suggested the track I Remeber, I Believe as something we should sing in our spring concert. Our director agreed and I couldn't be more trilled. I purchased two copies of the CD, one for myself and one for the daughter of a friend of mine. It is a permanent part of my car audio collection. Try Sweet Honey out and you'll fall in love with their five part harmonies, their personal touch, and the sweet voices of a wonderful, soulful group of wymn.

Holy Music.......2006-08-14

I bought this CD for one song, We Are, a powerful anthem that I had been taught by a dear friend. However, every song on this CD is powerful in its own right and has served and nurtured me over time. Sweet Honey is an amazing a cappella musical group that has evolved out of the African American political and historical experience. With Sacred Ground, Sweet Honey focuses on the spiritual dimensions of political and social challenges such as prejudice and poverty. The result for me, is always a sense of renewal and energy that feeds the soul, soothes the heart and harmonizes mind and body. Sacred Ground is an invaluable CD for any one who works with dispirited and often disembodied people. While most "new age" music, emphasizes a certain spaciousness, Sacred Ground which has its roots in traditional gospel and folk music argues in favor of groundedness as a source of heartful strength. Its just this side of divine.

Great Pick.......2005-02-25

This is really the best. Great sound and beat. Excelent recording sound and meaningful music.

Voices of real angels!.......2002-10-04

I got hooked on "Sweet Honey..." several years ago when I an interview on NPR. This CD really shows off their voices. It also shows how 'into' this genre they are! Highly recommend this CD. Heck, I highly recommend all their CDs!

An Amazing Work.......2000-09-26

I cannot express how grateful I am for this CD. It while I was listening to the amazing voices of these women that God helped me find my way out of a depression (I know it sounds corny, but it's true). While nothing compares to seeing this group perform live, all of their albums are incredible and a must to own. This one has a very spiritual focus, while others sometimes focus more on secular problems. No matter which album you choose, if you like music that is beautiful in every sense of the word, Sweet Honey in the Rock will not dissapoint you.

Average customer rating:

Don't Drop Dead
Deeply Moving
Great touching music
Barbara does Inspiration
Another classic album by the legendary classical Barbra!

Higher Ground
Barbra Streisand
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

A Love Like Ours
Back to Broadway
Christmas Memories
The Movie Album
One Voice

ASIN: B000002ANX
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

I Believe/You'll Never Walk Alone
Higher Ground
At The Same Time
Tell Him
On Holy Ground
If I Could
Circle
The Water Is Wide/Deep River
Leading With Your Heart
Lessons To Be Learned
Everything Must Change
Avinu Malkeinu

Amazon.com

She's been eclipsed by a generation of newfangled power divas, but Babs still has it--superior repertoire in the Tin Pan Alley tradition, deep-pile production from the likes of Foster, Mardin and Afanasieff, and those zillion dollar pipes. Cuddlesome James Brolin gets a credit "for giving me the love I sing about" on tunes like "Leading with Your Heart," while the title track, "At the Same Time," and "Everything Must Change" could one day be used in a Broadway musical about pre-millennial spirituality. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Don't Drop Dead.......2007-05-26

When Barbra and I planned this album the day we met in 1068 to express her grief for a then possibly unknown-to-her Virginia, perhaps even the one assured there was a Santa Claus, whose death she had announced the previous year at a free concert, the main source for the subsequent video and audio versions, albums having concepts related to the Beatles were less than a year old. We decided that saying, "Don't drop dead" would be better than saying, "Drop dead" and that that would be the concept/theme/idea/ simplified message of "Higher Ground." Dirt above some corpses is higher than surrounding ground, we knew. I did not know Richard Rodgers's daughter would be quoted in a biography of her father as saying her father was an athiest, when we decided the combination of "I Believe" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" would include a reference to the dialogue of the movie "Miracle on 34th St." This work was released after I had lost most of my hope tht my novel "How Did That Sun Get Out" would be published in my lifetime; I had forgotten we planned it until I had heard it several times. On the way to a second marriage with a man who had worked with her first husband acting for a movie related to the actual landing on the moon about 7 months after an astronaut had come back from the dark side of the moon saying there still was a Santa Claus. this work was released suggesting that I had never even lived.

Deeply Moving.......2007-05-22

I recently purchased this album. I found it to be very soothing and spiritual. It provoked much soul searching and reflection. I love it!

Great touching music.......2006-11-03

This is a second copy I bought for a friend since I loved mine so much. The song "If I could" should be given to every mother with a box of tissues.

Barbara does Inspiration.......2006-09-07

'Higher Ground' by Barbra Streisand is, in many ways, very typical of a long string of Streisand albums done to capitalize on a popular theme or collaborator. That does not make this a weak album. In fact, I consider it one of her stronger albums of the last few years, especially when compared to her recent live issues and treatments of Broadway numbers.

The material does especially well when Streisand overlays her lushly interpretive style over material which has a very traditional feel to it, in spite of the fact that most of the numbers are relatively recent compositions.

Another classic album by the legendary classical Barbra!.......2006-08-06

12 new amazing recordings by this huge voice.
Barbra is really elective on the songs this time. They are all ballads but they're all so different from each other. Her duet with Celine Dion is a love ballad, in fact, it's the only love ballad. All the others are faith and hope ballads.
Barbra sings perfectly at her 55 and also, looks stunning on the photos. You have GOT to buy this album to recognize and admit the worth of this legendary singer and learn to judge the music you hear better, that is, more severely.

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