Kind Of Blue [SACD]

Amazon.com essential recording
This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed

From Jazziz
"As the painter needs his framework of parchment, the improvising musical group needs its framework in time," says Bill Evans in the liner notes to Kind of Blue. "Miles Davis presents here frameworks which are exquisite in their simplicity and yet contain all that is necessary to stimulate performance with a sure reference to the primary conception." Amen. During the past 40 years, the performances Davis' stimulated from Evans, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, and Wynton Kelly have become some of the most storied in jazz, and all of them - classics such as "Freddie the Freeloader," "All Blues," "Blue in Green," and, of course, "So What" (featured) - are featured on this Columbia/Legacy reissue.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Kind Of Blue [SACD]

Kind Of Blue,Miles Davis,Sony,Hard Bop,Jazz,Modal Music,Pop,Post-Bop,Trumpet,United States of America

Average customer rating: Kind of Blue The Pinnacle of Jazz Music Shades of Blue feeling blue... Classic with a slight engineering problem

Kind of Blue Miles Davis , John Coltrane , Cannonball Adderley , and Bill Evans Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Love Supreme Time Out Birth of the Cool Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall Mingus Ah Um ASIN: B000002ADT Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

1. So What
2. Freddie Freeloader
3. Blue In Green
4. All Blues
5. Flamenco Sketches
6. Flamenco Sketches (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed

Customer Reviews:

Kind of Blue.......2007-07-12

This CD is a must for all the JAZZ lovers out there. The mood setting makes for a night of yesterdays (the good days). The sound of the horn from Miles makes you want to cling to every note and have them just lay next to your soul. It will take you into the minds eye where you will see and feel the greatness within you and yours. This is a must share CD. I mean you must share the mood with that person of rare bread of taste. This is ome CD that the five pleasure zones will be thankful.

The Pinnacle of Jazz Music.......2007-07-12

Well this is THE album to have in your music collection. Its been said many times, but if you only have one jazz album then this is the one to get. This is perhaps the most referred to document of jazz in the history of music, and it does live up to expectations.

Miles Davis was a genius, and both he and his collection of musicians were at the top of their game when they recorded this body of modal work.Timeless in appeal, perfect for background and just as interesting for the astute late night listener. 'Moody' doesn't do the album justice, and neither does any review. If you like jazz, then you simply MUST HAVE this album. If you don't like jazz then grab this out of interest, and watch how it subliminally grows on you.

I cannot recommend this album enough, it deserves more stars than I can give it. A am in reverence of this album, and it is one of the albums that I cannot do without. It will be hard pressed for you to find a bad review regarding this album, and I think that says it all.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Shades of Blue .......2007-07-08

Miles Davis always composed like a painter.....layering shades of color on a canvas, injecting a little light in the center, a bit of darker in the corner. He cops to it with "Kind of Blue", infering that the musical journey may include shades of blue, or other colors that complement. The mood might be kind of blue as well; or maybe not.

The sound waves on "Kind of Blue" play like a rainfall pattern, a rolling brook, a waterfall, many incarnartions of water free-flowing. Perhaps that is where the blue theme came in. "So What", the opener, is probably one of the most recognized jazz standards, re-produced by many artists over the years. It evokes the sight of someone looking like "The Thinker", turning around and asking " I'm deep in thought... so what?" This seamlessly moves into "Freddie Freeloader", a tune that really does depict the lovable mooch of a friend, plying you with smooth talk and subtle requests. "Blue in Green" does seem to speak to a lover, almost a feeling of sadness combined with a little self-righteous jealousy. Truly, these emotions and nuances can be heard in the melodies.

It would require much more space to describe the remaining songs, so I will leave it to the buyer to explore and interpret on their own. Suffice to say, "Kind of Blue" has attained classic status for good reasons. Music is one of the best forms of art, and when a recording achieves the task of being audio and visual, as well as emotional, there is something to touch all sensibilities. "Kind of Blue" delivers.

feeling blue..........2007-06-20

a rainy day...I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...problems with my lover I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...feeling wistful...I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...Miles Davis on trumpet..John Coltrane on tenor sax..Cannonball Adderly on alto sax..Paul Chambers on bass..Bill Evans and Wynton Kelly on piano..drummer Jimmy Cobb..compositions composed by Davis and Evans..in an attempt to move away from bepop which dominated jazz at the time this is the first full jazz album using the modal approach which is basically composing music with a series of scales using improvisation, the results are 'Kind of Blue' one of the most influential jazz albums of all time, also recognized as one of the top albums of all time.

Classic with a slight engineering problem.......2007-06-12

This album never sounded this good before with one exception. Davis's trumpet is in the center channel and ONLY in the center channel. No bleed whatever right and left. Likewise the drums are only right and the piano only left. That is not the way I hear in a live setting. This is obviously a direct conversion from the original three-track master with out-of-phase info added for the surrounds, but the recording obviously acoustically isolated each player. Still, it's minor and shouldn't prevent you from buying. SACD, if you have a good system, is the next step up in CD reproduction.

Average customer rating: Like Fine Wine...... Plenty of beautiful love ballads !!

For Sentimental Reasons Bobby Hutcherson Manufacturer: Kind of Blue ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pilgrimage Live at the Village Vanguard Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola Dear Miles Night & the Music ASIN: B000P7V4CG Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
2. Ode To Angela
3. Embraceable You
4. Along Came Betty
5. Somewhere
6. Jitterbug Waltz
7. What Are You Doing the Rest Of Your Life
8. Don't Blame Me
9. Spring Is Here
10. I Wish I Knew
11. I'll Be Seeing You

Amazon.com

Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, who successfully translated John Coltrane's "sheets of sound" approach to the vibes, became the acknowledged master of that instrument when Milt Jackson died in 1999. A veteran of many historic Blue Note dates, a bit player in the movie Round Midnight, and founding member of the SF Jazz Collective, Hutcherson calls this mostly ballads CD, with pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Dwayne Burno, and drummer Al Foster, his "love record." All of his powers are evident here: his melodic fluency, vast harmonic imagination, and his incredible ability to make the vibes sing. Like Lester Young, Hutcherson knows how to melodically tell a story, as evidenced by his shimmering takes on the Latin-tinged "Ode to Angela," and "I Wish I Knew," his sumptuous piano duet on the Bernstein/Sondheim classic "Somewhere," and his heartbreaking, solo number "I'll Be Seeing You," Hopefully we'll be seeing and hearing from this genius more often. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Like Fine Wine.............2007-07-19

Bobby Hutcherson really doesn't say much between songs when playing live. His focus is on the mood and the music and he speaks through his vibraphone. Breathing through pursed lips as the tones from his instrument resonate throughout the room, he will occasionally smile as Renee Rosnes impresses him with the textures she overlays. There is always that undertone of sophistication and subtle humour. I especially like when he ends a song emphatically by striking a low single note at the bottom of the register on his vibes. Take that!

Having caught five sets of Bobby's band over the last year from locales as distant as Vancouver to New York I was fortunate to have gained an appreciation for what was to become the CD, For Sentimental Reasons. Little did I know when I caught Bobby at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola last November that he and the band were recording the new CD. I think one of the sets that stands out the most for me was a Saturday night at the Blue Note during his CD release party this past June. What a treat.

The song, For Sentimental Reasons, is just that....sentimental. Ode to Angela is a breezy workout by the band, a great driving song. Listen to how Renee fills in the spaces around Bobby's playing on Embraceable You, Dwayne and Al provide a tasty backdrop. Along Came Betty steps out from the ballads, it is a pleasant groove that builds on the solos of Bobby and Renee. Somewhere is reminiscent of Manhattan Moods, that great duo record with McCoy Tyner. Who can help but hum the tune to Jitter Bug Waltz, it is contageous. Renee's solo builds and builds until she becomes the perfect foil for Bobby's solo and the two climb to soaring heights together, ultimately to leave us with that melody. I have always liked Al Foster's playing, especially on Skyline, Bobby's last solo effort, but his cymbal work live on Jitterbug Waltz is outstanding. What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life - the notes land like dew drops - it's as if the song were written for Bobby. Don't Blame Me, like track four, steps away from the ballads and has a great walking bass line. Spring is Here, beautiful. I Wish I Knew makes me wish Bobby would do a samba/bossa type CD, great tempo and cymbal embellishments from Al. Finally, I'll Be Seeing You....Bobby playing with four malletts....exquisite.

Yes I am a fan of Bobby's, his music, his band and particularily, For Sentimental Reasons. His solo releases are like fine wine...better with age and to be savoured.

Plenty of beautiful love ballads !! .......2007-06-29

"One of the hardest things in the world is to play simple, to give the listener room to become part of the creative possibilities of the experience"...
Thus vibes maestro Bobby Hutcherson, perfectly summing up the considerable appeal of his latest album, on which he's joined by a subtly responsive rhythm section ­ pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Al Foster ­ on what the vibesman himself describes as 'a whole album of ballads and love songs'.
Ever since he appeared on the scene in the 1960s, the music of Bobby Hutcherson - "master vibes player" - has come in two parts. One is tough and abstract, the other, well, softer. It's still like that, and this record certainly catches Hutcherson No 2, the "romantic".
Essentially, it's a ballad session, though occasionally jogging into medium tempo for a piece such as Fats Waller's Jitterbug Waltz.
The mood is helped considerably by the rhapsodic piano of Renee Rosnes.
Even in this melting mood, Hutcherson's sound still has his trademark, slightly extra-terrestrial, feel, with a note sometimes left to hang in the air like a hovering UFO.
But he has seldom seemed closer to his predecessor among great vibes virtuosi, the elegant Milt Jackson of the MJQ.
Culminating in a gorgeous, softly glowing solo rendition of "I'll Be Seeing You", the album showcases the limpid elegance and delicately burnished power of Hutcherson on achingly tender material such as "Embraceable You" and "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons", but also includes spritelier fare such as a sparkling mid-tempo visit to Harold Land's "Ode to Angela" and an arresting version of Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz".
The focus throughout is mainly on Hutcherson's understated power and apparently effortless grace, but Rosnes also shines; as the great man says: "Renee knows so well how to keep things open and flowing just by all the varied harmonic suggestions and implications of what she plays"...
Another classy, intensely musicianly album from Kind of Blue.

Average customer rating: Kind of Blue The Pinnacle of Jazz Music Shades of Blue feeling blue... Classic with a slight engineering problem

Kind Of Blue Miles Davis Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Love Supreme Time Out Birth of the Cool Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall Mingus Ah Um ASIN: B00003XAQ5 Release Date: 2001-08-14

Tracks:

1. So What
2. Freddie Freeloader
3. Blue in Green
4. All Blues
5. Flamenco Sketches
6. Flamenco Sketches [Alternate Take][*]

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the one jazz record owned by people who don't listen to jazz, and with good reason. The band itself is extraordinary (proof of Miles Davis's masterful casting skills, if not of God's existence), listing John Coltrane and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley on saxophones, Bill Evans (or, on "Freddie Freeloader," Wynton Kelly) on piano, and the crack rhythm unit of Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Coltrane's astringency on tenor is counterpoised to Adderley's funky self on alto, with Davis moderating between them as Bill Evans conjures up a still lake of sound on which they walk. Meanwhile, the rhythm partnership of Cobb and Chambers is prepared to click off time until eternity. It was the key recording of what became modal jazz, a music free of the fixed harmonies and forms of pop songs. In Davis's men's hands it was a weightless music, but one that refused to fade into the background. In retrospect every note seems perfect, and each piece moves inexorably towards its destiny. --John Szwed

Customer Reviews:

Kind of Blue.......2007-07-12

This CD is a must for all the JAZZ lovers out there. The mood setting makes for a night of yesterdays (the good days). The sound of the horn from Miles makes you want to cling to every note and have them just lay next to your soul. It will take you into the minds eye where you will see and feel the greatness within you and yours. This is a must share CD. I mean you must share the mood with that person of rare bread of taste. This is ome CD that the five pleasure zones will be thankful.

The Pinnacle of Jazz Music.......2007-07-12

Well this is THE album to have in your music collection. Its been said many times, but if you only have one jazz album then this is the one to get. This is perhaps the most referred to document of jazz in the history of music, and it does live up to expectations.

Miles Davis was a genius, and both he and his collection of musicians were at the top of their game when they recorded this body of modal work.Timeless in appeal, perfect for background and just as interesting for the astute late night listener. 'Moody' doesn't do the album justice, and neither does any review. If you like jazz, then you simply MUST HAVE this album. If you don't like jazz then grab this out of interest, and watch how it subliminally grows on you.

I cannot recommend this album enough, it deserves more stars than I can give it. A am in reverence of this album, and it is one of the albums that I cannot do without. It will be hard pressed for you to find a bad review regarding this album, and I think that says it all.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Shades of Blue .......2007-07-08

Miles Davis always composed like a painter.....layering shades of color on a canvas, injecting a little light in the center, a bit of darker in the corner. He cops to it with "Kind of Blue", infering that the musical journey may include shades of blue, or other colors that complement. The mood might be kind of blue as well; or maybe not.

The sound waves on "Kind of Blue" play like a rainfall pattern, a rolling brook, a waterfall, many incarnartions of water free-flowing. Perhaps that is where the blue theme came in. "So What", the opener, is probably one of the most recognized jazz standards, re-produced by many artists over the years. It evokes the sight of someone looking like "The Thinker", turning around and asking " I'm deep in thought... so what?" This seamlessly moves into "Freddie Freeloader", a tune that really does depict the lovable mooch of a friend, plying you with smooth talk and subtle requests. "Blue in Green" does seem to speak to a lover, almost a feeling of sadness combined with a little self-righteous jealousy. Truly, these emotions and nuances can be heard in the melodies.

It would require much more space to describe the remaining songs, so I will leave it to the buyer to explore and interpret on their own. Suffice to say, "Kind of Blue" has attained classic status for good reasons. Music is one of the best forms of art, and when a recording achieves the task of being audio and visual, as well as emotional, there is something to touch all sensibilities. "Kind of Blue" delivers.

feeling blue..........2007-06-20

a rainy day...I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...problems with my lover I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...feeling wistful...I pop in 'Kind of Blue'...Miles Davis on trumpet..John Coltrane on tenor sax..Cannonball Adderly on alto sax..Paul Chambers on bass..Bill Evans and Wynton Kelly on piano..drummer Jimmy Cobb..compositions composed by Davis and Evans..in an attempt to move away from bepop which dominated jazz at the time this is the first full jazz album using the modal approach which is basically composing music with a series of scales using improvisation, the results are 'Kind of Blue' one of the most influential jazz albums of all time, also recognized as one of the top albums of all time.

Classic with a slight engineering problem.......2007-06-12

This album never sounded this good before with one exception. Davis's trumpet is in the center channel and ONLY in the center channel. No bleed whatever right and left. Likewise the drums are only right and the piano only left. That is not the way I hear in a live setting. This is obviously a direct conversion from the original three-track master with out-of-phase info added for the surrounds, but the recording obviously acoustically isolated each player. Still, it's minor and shouldn't prevent you from buying. SACD, if you have a good system, is the next step up in CD reproduction.

Average customer rating: Gettin Back to the Basics Timeless, Ageless, Music Daryl Still knows what Soul is all about. 'Used ta be my girl' gets my vote for worst song of all time! EXCELLENT

Our Kind Of Soul Daryl Hall & John Oates , and Hall & Oates Manufacturer: U-Watch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Motown Two Do It for Love The Essential Daryl Hall & John Oates Daryl Hall & John Oates/Our Kind of Soul Can't Stop Dreaming ASIN: B0002M6AO6 Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

1. Let Love Take Control
2. Standing In The Shadows Of Love
3. I'll Be Around
4. Used To Be My Girl
5. Soul Violins
6. I Can Dream About You
7. Don't Turn Your Back On Me Baby
8. Fading Away
9. Neither One Of Us
10. After The Dance
11. Rock Steady
12. Love (TKO)
13. What You See Is What You Get
14. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
15. You Are Everything
16. I'm Still In Love With You
17. Ooh Child

Amazon.com

Our Kind of Soul, the follow-up to 2003's VH1-propelled Do It for Love, is mostly a can't-miss proposition: Daryl Hall's smooth, expressive voice, synonymous with the Philly soul sound, is so well suited to this material that it feels shrink-wrapped overtop. "Can't Get Enough of Your Love," the Barry White classic, is given a breezy makeover (and, maybe more impressively considering that most artists wouldn't touch it, not mangled); Teddy Pendergrass' "Love TKO" is dusted off and tinkered with till it takes on a signature H&O sound; and "After the Dance," one of Marvin Gaye's most cryptic compositions, comes across like a solved mystery--there's a gentleness and a reverie in the reading will prompt thoughtful listeners to return to it more than a few times. That said, a couple of these covers--the O'Jays "Used to Be My Girl" and Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady"--seem cursory, and the duo can count on a cranky contingent decrying their lack of fresh material. But the strength of three songs introduced here should keep them at bay. First track "Let Love Take Control" gutsily and convincingly glides into Four Tops' "Standing in the Shadows of Love," "Soul Violins" strikes notes at once heartfelt and spontaneous, and "Don't Turn Your Back" has the classic Hall & Oates marks of their-kind-of-soul songs like "Out of Touch." --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Gettin Back to the Basics.......2007-05-26

This is their best work in a long time. They recorded a lot of classic soul songs. What makes this collection so unique is they recorded them close to how the songs were originally written. They use acoustic guitars and violins. Of course they put the classic H&O style. In many cases their version is better than the original.

There are a couple of new songs on the CD also. I like those also. I notice the boys are getting back to their roots the older they get. I would give this CD a 10 out of 10. With the best song being Soul Violins. If you like soul music this is a must for your collection.

The more I listen to this CD the more I like it! There is nothing better than sweet soul music done with acoustic instruments. I started reading the cover and found the CD was recorded in 5 weeks at Daryl's home in the Bahamas!

The background vocals are amazing. I just love the way they harmonize with each other. Daryl still has his pipes and can still hit those really high notes. He does a great rendition of the Al Green classic "Still in Love".

I heard an interview with John Oates one time were he said "he brings a certain shortness to the group". I think he is selling himself short! (Ha I made a pun) His rendition of "Ooh Child" is remarkable. It's like the song was written for him.

I noticed that on many of the songs some of the lyrics and the key were changed. At first I had a problem with this, because I am used to hearing the songs done a certain way. I get it now! They took these classic R&B songs and made them Hall & Oates songs. This was done intentionally and I have to say it works.

Timeless, Ageless, Music.......2007-05-12

When I heard #3 played on the radio, I looked everywhere for the CD. I recognized D.Hall's voice right away. This is MUSIC,timeless, ageless talent and style. Thank you AMAZON.com and Thanks to Hall and Oates.

Call me!

Daryl Still knows what Soul is all about. .......2007-04-25

Hall and Oats were one of the only Blue Eye Soul groups I believed understood what soul is about. Over the years I haven't heard much from them. I just happen to catch the concert on tv, it looked like it was at some big bar in the suburbs at first. But I understand it was in the Bahama's.
I was very delighted to hear that Daryl Hall still can sing. The songs were not songs from their music but covers of various R&B songs from people such as Gladys Knght and the O'Jays and the Four Tops. and one or two newer original songs. Whoever said their version of the O'Jays, She Use to Be My Girl was the worst song he ever heard must not of listened to any of the 10,000 cd's he has. It was fine, I get nervous when people sing covers of great R&B songs. Most do it pretty horrendously. Not Daryl Hall even 34 years later the man can still sing and he does a very good job singing that song. Surprisingly he took on sacred cows like Neither One of Us, by Gladys Knight and he was excellent. He did not try to over sing Gladys, he made the song his own. He sang Rock Steady like he has been singing it all of his life.
Same with Marvin Gaye's song.
Again I will say Hall and Oates were the only Blue Eye Soul group particulary Daryl Hall who knows what soul is about and that is why they were able to tackle songs most singers would sound foolish singing. This CD proves it.

'Used ta be my girl' gets my vote for worst song of all time!.......2007-03-13

I consider myself a music expert or something close to it. I own close to 10,000 albums. I say this because I hope that you will listen to some very good advice. Do not buy this album. Do not borrow it from the library. If you see it in the record store, look away as fast as you can. 'She used to be my girl' is the WORST song I have ever heard. That is taking into consideration all of the generic bubblegum pop, 80's hair metal, disco, and rock blands that I have had the misfortune to hear. To describe it as infinitely dreadful would be giving it too much credit. 'The O'Jays' should be ashamed and embarrassed that they are responsible for this miserable catastrophe of a 'song.' Daryl Hall & John Oates simply take 'worst' to a whole new low. Absolutely horrible! Hearing this song is like being forced to eat cow dung while suspended by your toe nails above a steaming pit of molten lead. Please, do not buy this album! (Rating: No stars whatsoever!)

EXCELLENT.......2007-03-12

ALways loved this group....own several of their CD's and this is by far my favorite. Darryl Hall's phrasing of his songs are superb.

Average customer rating:

American Songbook II Manufacturer: Kind of Blue ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live at the Village Vanguard American Songbook For Sentimental Reasons Dear Miles Pilgrimage ASIN: B000QEILFQ Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Suddenly It's Spring
2. Careless
3. Last Night When We Were Young
4. I Remember You
5. I'll Take Romance
6. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
7. Yesterdays
8. Come Rain Or Come Shine
9. Watch What Happens
10. Night And Day

Album Description

Recorded in New Jersey in 2007, the line-up features Phil Woods (saxophone), Bill Charlap (piano), Brian Lynch (trumpet), Steve Gilmore (bass) and Bill Goodwin (drums).

Average customer rating: Well worth the price Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection... Where's the chicks?!?! Not quite the ultimate.... Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Brannigan, Owen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Topsy-Turvy The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan ASIN: B000007OU0 Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
2. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
3. H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
4. H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
5. H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
6. H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
7. H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
8. H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
9. H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
10. The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
11. The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
12. The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
13. The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
14. The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
15. Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
16. The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
17. The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
18. The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
19. The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
20. The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
21. The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
22. The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
23. The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
24. The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
25. The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
26. The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
27. The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
28. The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
29. The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

Average customer rating: holding back the years. A Rewarding, Relaxed Session by the Woods Quintet

American Songbook Phil Woods Quintet , Bill Charlap , and Brian Lynch Manufacturer: Kind of Blue ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: You Taught My Heart to Sing Hank and Frank Unheard Herd Nocturnes & Serenades A Letter to Dexter ASIN: B000F9TCP0 Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

1. Foggy Day
2. All the things you are
3. I've got you under my skin
4. When the sun comes out
5. I concentrate on you
6. Summertime
7. Let's fall in love
8. Every time we say goodbye
9. World on a string
10. Right as the rain

Customer Reviews:

holding back the years........2007-01-12

heres an album of standards, interpreted and conveyed by masters, as elegent understatement.Its also another chance to experience the mature talent that is brian lynch,the pearl(for me) in this particular oyster quintet.

A Rewarding, Relaxed Session by the Woods Quintet.......2006-09-11

The Phil Woods Quintet sounds quite relaxed on this newly released 2002 program of tunes from the "American Songbook", including two by Gershwin, one by Kern, three by Cole Porter, three by Harold Arlen, and the uncredited Right as the Rain. There are no knotty original compositions or tricky rhythms here (though this group thrives on such material). But the arrangements are very interesting and bring new life to these well-worn standards. The arranged introduction to Foggy Day grabs your attention right out of the gate. I Concentrate on You similarly benefits from a neat arrangement before the main theme is stated. And though the performances are relatively relaxed, there is plenty of intensity in the playing and the solos.

Woods is in typically excellent form, offering energetic and beautifully crafted solos on every track, from uptempo to ballad (esp. hear Every time We Say Good-Bye). The medium tempo All the Things You Are has one of Woods' best solos on the CD; Bird was definitely on Phil's mind for this session. In addition, Woods checks in with his lovely, fluid clarinet on Summertime and World On a String. Trumpeter Brian Lynch (who has snuck up to become arguably the premiere hard-bop trumpeter on the scene today) shares the front-line with Woods and certainly stands on level ground with the altoist. For this listener, Lynch's bluesy trumpet on Arlen's When the Sun Comes Out is one of the most memorable sounds on the CD. Lynch's solos are consistently excellent throughout the CD, with a great example of his melodic gifts showing forth on Right as the Rain.

The quintet is tight and sympathetic, having played together for a long time. Pianist Bill Charlap acts as a quiet foil for the heat of the two front-line players and it's this variety within the group which makes the Phil Woods Quintet such a satisfying group to hear. Steve Gilmore and Bill Goodwin are a terrific bass/drums duo and Goodwin sounds especially inspired, driving the music powerfully at times and subtly when needed, but always swinging.

Fans of the Phil Woods Quintet will certainly enjoy this new and unexpected addition to the band's discography. But its' appeal should extend beyond Woods' hard-core fans. "American Songbook" is warmly recommended to all who enjoy top quality, melodic jazz.

Average customer rating:

Essence of Green: A Tribute to Kind of Blue Ron di Salvio Manufacturer: Origin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live at the Village Vanguard Pilgrimage ASIN: B000P7V4AS Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Six Shades Of Green 7:56
2. Crossing Lines 5:30
3. Green Pasture 5:06
4. Essence Of Green 7:53
5. Primavera 5:18
6. Cobb's Throb 3:50
7. Miles Davis - Bill Evans Reunion In The Sky 7:54
8. Good Morning Santa Cruz 4:33
9. Arcadia 5:15
10. Wasabi 6:06

Product Description

With Jimmy Cobb, the final remaining member of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue ensemble, pianist Ron Di Salvio creates a timely tribute to the top selling jazz recording of all time, nearly 50 years after the original recording. Currently living in Michigan, Di Salvio studied improvisation with the legendary Lennie Tristano, played jazz clubs in New York's Greenwich Village in the late sixties and performed with Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Enrico Rava, Renee McClean, Roland Kirk and Art Farmer.

Average customer rating:

One Hopeful Day Mark Soskin Manufacturer: Kind of Blue ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pilgrimage For Sentimental Reasons Dear Miles Live at the Village Vanguard Night & the Music ASIN: B000P7V4J4 Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. On The Street Where You Live
2. Bemsha Swing
3. Innerspace
4. One Hopeful Day
5. Step Lively
6. It's Easy To Remember
7. End Of a Love Affair
8. Strive
9. Pensativa

Average customer rating: Fantastic "Contemporary Jazz"! Great Pairing of Two Great Artists. One of a trio of classic collaborations. GREAT Easy Listening, background music

Two of a Kind Earl Klugh with Bob James Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: One on One Cool Double Vision Heart String Grand Piano Canyon ASIN: B000002V1W Release Date: 1994-01-25

Tracks:

1. The Falcon
2. Whiplash
3. Sandstorm
4. Where I Wander
5. Ingenue
6. Wes

Album Description

Keyboardist Bob James and acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh struck gold with this session, recently reissued on CD. The formula hasn't changed much in succeeding years. Both Kgh and James are capable musicians; they demonstrated on this collection of light, innocuous melodies a high degree of professionalism. Klugh is a first-rate guitarist whose solos are concise and nicely delivered and James' Keyboard playing is good and crisp.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic "Contemporary Jazz"!.......2007-05-15

Whether you call it "smooth" or "contemporary" or 'whatever' jazz, this is one of the better albums of the genre.

Both Klugh and James are outright stars in their own right, and the three collaborative efforts produced by this pairing reflect that well. This is my favorite of the three. I first heard this years ago while frequenting Tacoma Station, a bar/restaurant just outside The District. This is what they played in the house, as background music, while the jazz bands were preparing to perform. It is perfect as "dinner" music that entertains without protruding. Turn it up if you want to enjoy the virtuosity of the maestros.

I love the way "The Falcon" starts slowly and builds to a powerful finish, and the funk of radio-popular (in 1982) "Whiplash". My favorite, without a doubt, is "Wes" - what a beautiful song, a beautiful melody, and great exchanges between Klugh and James as the song closes.

You will not be diappointed with this collection. Enjoy.

Great Pairing of Two Great Artists........2003-05-09

I first bought this album (on tape) when it first came out, and now replacing my copy with a this CD. This album was my favorite between the first two albums done by James and Klugh. However, the first album, "One on One", was good, but I believe they produced a better album the second time around together.

Bob James wrote the odd number tracks and Earl Klugh wrote the even number tracks. I find James style kind of music to be obstract, while Klugh has more of a pop style. Because both artists write different syles of music, the pairing of their music makes a nice match that will satisfy just about any jazz listener.

It has been almost 20 years since I last heard this album, but now that I have it on CD, it will played by me in the next 20+ years.

One of a trio of classic collaborations........2002-03-29

This is the second pairing of Earl Klugh and Bob James and it is a smooth, soft ride. Sandstorm is my personal favorite, with The Falcon coming in second. Great to underscore a quiet evening at home, or to listen to on the commute home from a bad day at work to calm down. I give it my highest recommendation.

GREAT Easy Listening, background music.......1999-10-26

This is a classic CD with easy listening jazz music. It has an upbeat sound that is great to listen to or have in background while entertaining. I really enjoy this CD and it is one of those albums that give you a good feeling, and you love to recognize in restaurants

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