Brad Mehldau has followed his musical inclinations into some surprise territories. First gaining attention as a member of Joshua Redman's quartet in the early 1990s, he could have easily been expected to unfold a new traditionalist's approach to jazz. Instead he's taken that formidable grounding and attached it to a wide range of compositional explorations. The solo piano Live in Tokyo is framed by a pair of Nick Drake compositions, and in between are pieces by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk, and Radiohead, along with one original. The material is all linked by Mehldau's focus on melodic identity and harmonic invention. He succeeds in finding the stately heart of each number, with Radiohead's "Paranoid Android" sounding perfectly natural alongside Gershwin's "How Long Has This Been Going On?" --David Greenberger
Product Description
On Brad Mehldau's Nonesuch debut, he interprets in a live solo performance material from such varied composers as the Gershwins, Theolonius Monk, Nick Drake and Radiohead. Longtime fans of Mehldau's recordings with his celebrated trio are accustomed to such wide-ranging taste.
Live in Tokyo,Brad Mehldau,Nonesuch,Avant-Garde Jazz,Ballads,Jazz,Piano,Pop,Post-Bop,Progressive Jazz,Third Stream
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Fantasia - Live In Tokyo: 2007 (2CD)
Asia Manufacturer: Eagle Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000QFCD5O Release Date: 2007-06-26 |
Tracks:
- Time Again
- Wildest Dreams
- One Step Closer
- Roundabout
- Without You
- Cutting It Fine
- Steve Howe Guitar Solo
- Fanfare For The Common Man
- The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Tracks:
- Don't Cry
- Court Of The Crimson King
- Here Comes The Feeling
- Video Killed The Radio Star
- The Heat Goes On / Carl Palmer Drum Solo
- Only Time Will Tell
- Sole Survivor
- Ride Easy
- Heat Of The Moment
Album Description
Asia, featuring members of Yes, ELP and King Crimson, was the first "supergroup" of the eighties. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1982, was a huge success racking up global sales in excess of 15 million copies. In 2006 the original four members reunited for the first time in over 20 years for a series of concerts in the US and the UK. The success of this tour led to a full-blown world tour running throughout 2007 in celebration of their 25th anniversary. This CD was recorded in Tokyo in March 2007 on the Japanese leg of the tour. The companion DVD will be released in Fall 2007 on Eaglevision.Customer Reviews:
ASIA's Live Show Now on CD.......2007-07-17
Outstanding!.......2007-07-15
I was a bit more than pleasantly surprised upon my first listen of this fantastic album. Meticulous in every respect, you'd be hard pressed to find four musicians that top these gentlemen. I love their rendition of "video killed the radio star". And truly the finest rendition of "the smile has left your eyes" they've done to date. I too consider John Wetton one of the finest vocalists on earth. And Steve Howe's guitar and mandolin playing never sounded better.
The press and public did them "dirty" a few decades ago, but Asia has staying power and excellent material to see them through. I'm ecstatic that they're back again. I met John Wetton in May 1996. You won't find a finer gent anywhere. And his guitar and bass playing coupled with Downes and Palmer move like a well-oiled music machine. Great album (er`oops CD). Buy it and ride easy.
Worth the wait!.......2007-07-14
"Fantasia" is nearly as good as being there. Music quality on live albums is either good or bad, never in between. Fortunately, this one delivers. The talents of Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and (my favorite) John Wetton are clearly evident, both individually and collectively. When you consider how long they've been at this business, well before Asia was formed, it's mighty impressive how they continue to bring considerable skill and enthusiasm to the stage.
It's also great to see them dig out examples of their individual earlier work, something they were pressured to shun in the '80s. Asia isn't ELP, Yes or King Crimson, but there's a legacy in those bands that resonates in Asia's music, so those songs certainly weren't out of place.
In short, this is well worth buying, listening to and celebrating four very talented musicians and their considerable contributions to rock music.
Captures their Great Sound.......2007-07-03
They sounded great in Beantown and they sound just as great in Tokyo.
All the hits are here plus songs from each of their respected bands they played in before Asia.
It's a great live disc.
Check it out!
ASIA IS BACK-WELL WORTH THE MONEY.......2007-07-02
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Live in Tokyo '63
Anita O'Day Manufacturer: Kayo Stereophonics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000MMLPF0 Release Date: 2007-03-06 |
Tracks:
- Boogie Blues
- Trav'lin' Light
- Honeysuckle Roe
- Avalon
- Bewitched
- You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
- Night and Day
- Let's Fall In Love
- Sweet Georgia Brown
- Tea For Two
- Stella By Starlight
- Love For Sale
- Get Out Of Town
- That Old Feeling
- Four Brothers
Album Description
This astounding soundtrack to the 1963 live televised concert from Japan is destined to become the quintessential Anita O'Day concert. Anita is backed by a full orchestra. This particular concert has never been released, until now. It is a classic performance capturing Anita at the pinnacle of her Verve period. Bob Corwin on piano with Toshiyuki Miyama and The All-Star Orchestra and Takeshi Inomata and His West Liners. Arranged by Buddy Bregman.Customer Reviews:
Anita O'Day a Jazz Icon.......2007-05-14
Anita O'Day at her very best in Tokyo.......2007-04-11
Anita at her best surfaces after 44 years in the vault.......2007-04-07
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Live in Tokyo
Lettuce Manufacturer: KUFALA Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002IYLEG Release Date: 2004-06-29 |
Tracks:
- Intro
- Nyack
- Break Out
- The Dump
- Kron Dutch
- Reunion
- Flu The Coop
- 4 On 6
- Squadlive
- Break Out Reprise
Album Description
Live in Tokyo captures Lettuce on their November 2003 tour of Japan. After a week of shows the tour climaxed at their Blue Note performance in Tokyo. Taking the greatest moments of that night and condensing it down to one disc was a five month process. Let the Funk begin.Customer Reviews:
For Jambased Music Fans Everywhere..........2006-01-14
Astounding!.......2005-05-11
Make my Funk the L-Funk.......2005-02-24
If you want a straight answer, these guys are not only the real deal, but will be what other new funk bands are measured by. These guys are nasty, low-down, self-proclaimed "Defenders of the Funk". I challenge anyone to show these guys down.
If you're a lover of funk, and love to hear how funk can evolve, this album is defnintely for you. Eric Krasno (Soulive)and Adam Deitch (John Scofield Band) have furthered the sound of funk, and this ensemble is right on their wavelength. With the addition of Neal Evans (Soulive) on keys, Lettuce found the missing ingredient from their studio release, "Outta Here", which was a brilliant piece of work in its own right. But in this release, "Kron Dutch" explodes with the most modernized funk sound to date.
If Parliament's P-Funk were the rulemakers for an oppressed society, Lettuce's L-Funk may very well be today's lovers of the oppressed Mother Earth.
Funk on.
Diggin on the Live Funk.......2005-01-21
Beers
TOOK A CHANCE.......2004-11-11
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Then! Live in Tokyo
Alan Holdsworth Group Manufacturer: Alternity Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002A2WI6 Release Date: 2004-06-01 |
Tracks:
- Zone I
- Proto-Cosmos
- White Line
- Atavachron
- Zone II
- Pud Wud
- House Of Mirrors
- Non-Brewed Condiment
- Zone III
Customer Reviews:
Holdsworth Live!!!.......2005-11-16
Live Holdsworth.... Simply amazing.......2005-01-13
Steve Hunt (keyboards; Stanley Clarke, Mahavishnu Project) uses many of Allan's synth patches and plays many of the Synthaxe parts that Allan originally played on the studio versions of some of these tunes. Steve does a commendable job filling Allan shoes keeping the chording consistent with the originals. Thus, he allows the master to experiment with his Bill Delap Baritone guitars, a breath-taking event! Jimmy Johnson (bass; Flim and the BB's, James Taylor and a host of others) holds down the bottom in his own unique fashion. He gets a few chances to jump into the spotlight and shine. Gary Husband' drums sound huge. He plays with such intensity and control. Any student drummer would be well advised to check this out.
The tunes, nine in all, cover a large spectrum of Allan's career. Proto Cosmos, a Tony Williams Lifetime favorite, is given a rousing performance. Atavachron is simply elevated to another level, which I feel blows away the original. White Line, sans Paul Williams vocals, is wonderfully reconstructed with Allan playing the vocal lines with much more emotion than any vocalist ever could, beautiful. Pud Wud features a brilliant bass solo from Jimmy Johnson, playful and intricate. My favorite moment on the track. Steve Hunt's synth work really comes alive on this tune, as well. House of Mirrors, slowly builds with a gorgeous melody and soft suspended notes cascading and drifting. This is one of Allan's most emotive solos I've heard. Non-Brewed Condiment rocks and pushes the band with muscular drumming and wild soloing.
The improvs, Zone's I, II and III, are phenominal examples of exploration. Each piece is interspersed throughout the CD, beginning, middle and end. They take the listener to uncharted territory, on the spot creations of what only highly skilled musicians can achieve. These tracks are not for the weak of heart nor short attention spans. The push and pull of each instrument creates tension, not to fight for the spotlight, but to add splashes of color onto a spectacular work of art. Curious and inspirational.
This is not a starting place for Allan's work. This one requires some previous exposure to Allan's music. It is a facsinating look at what can be done, on stage, by one of music's most enigmatic guitarists, as well as a snapshot of musical history.
PS: Be sure to have a pint of your favorite ale whilst listening, to salute the master.
Alan Holdsworth's Dilemma.......2004-10-25
The ultimate live Holdsworth experience!!!.......2004-07-14
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Live in Tokyo
G3 Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000CDSS3G Release Date: 2005-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Glasgow Kiss [DVD]
- Damage Control [DVD]
- Audience Is Listening [DVD]
- Building the Church [DVD]
- K'M-Pee-Du-Wee [DVD]
- Up in Flames [DVD]
- Searching [DVD]
- War [DVD]
- Foxey Lady [DVD]
- Grange [DVD]
- Smoke on the Water [DVD]
- Bonus Material [DVD] [*]
Customer Reviews:
Third time's the charm. Gimme a P...Gimme an E...Gimme a T..........2007-02-17
Let Alone John's Performance.......2006-06-17
Vai comes second and Satriani in the last, both played their usual stuff.
In the end all 3 guitar virtuosos came on stage to perform Foxy Lady, the Hendrix classic and once again Petrucci's performance was really outstanding.
Buy this DVD, you won't be disappointed, that's for sure.
Worth it for Petrucci's performance alone.......2006-04-21
Petrucci in some ways outshines Vai and Satriani on this disc. I think his performance is most impressive when you consider that he is basically backed only by drums and bass - whereas Vai and Satriani are augmented with keyboards and extra (rhythm) guitarists. Petrucci manages to sound like several guitarists ... it's amazing how much sound he gets out of his guitar!
Don't get me wrong - Vai and Satriani's performances are fantastic as well. I think the biggest difference is, Petrucci's material is all new, whereas Vai and Satriani deliver previously released material.
If I was to make any suggestion to Vai and Satriani regarding future G3 releases, it is that they should take opportunity to introduce at least some new material to their fans in a live format. This would probably go a long way to increase the sales of these G3 releases ...
Power Trio Triumphs!.......2005-12-03
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Live in Tokyo with Special Guest Robben Ford
Larry Carlton Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000NVL0AK Release Date: 2007-03-26 |
Tracks:
- That Road
- Burnable
- Cold Gold
- Rio Samba
- Derrick's Blues
- Two Bad
- Talk to Your Daughter
Album Details
Features a Performance from September Four - Seven 2006 at the Blue Note Tokyo.Customer Reviews:
Its ok........2007-05-12
The good news is that Steve Lukather is not on this so there's no "bull in the china shop". The bad news is, these guys pretty much coast through the whole thing. As always, Robben is gutsier, blusier and knocks off some sensational jazz licks. Larry has that nice tone and the volume swells but when he tries to play fast its just a jumble of good, bad and sloppy notes. He's like your friend who's a great guy, but wasn't born funny, trying to tell a joke. The strain is obvious.
Of course, if you're not a guitar player you won't notice any of this. And when the chords are simple, as with Talk To Your Daughter, Larry does fine. In fact, its the best track on the disc. But before you spend the money on this one, why not get On Solid Ground (Larry's last great album) and any Robben Ford and the Blue Line disc.
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Always Let Me Go / Live in Tokyo
Keith Jarrett , Gary Peacock , and Jack Dejohnette Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006L3GD Release Date: 2002-10-15 |
Tracks:
- Hearts In Space
- The River
- Tributaries
- Paradox
Tracks:
- Waves
- Facing East
- Tsunami
- Relay
Amazon.com
In the liner notes of 2001's Inside Out, Keith Jarrett told us that he and his long-running standards trio would be doing more unscripted free music in the future. Recorded live in Japan, this double-CD is everything this world-class trio is capable of when they are mining pure inspiration to improvise. While in the past this group has taken standards and radically reworked them, here Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette begin with the leap of improvisation: short cells of tuneful melody pop up and fade; a soloist pulls the music in new directions; ideas and interplay reach epic proportions (with two tunes passing the half-hour mark). All in all, this is a fine representation of the band, working at each member's highest creative level. Whereas many groups travel the same old paths after years of working together, this trio rightly chooses new branches, using that long-running trust and familiarity to set off in search of the new and revel in its vibrancy. Bravo. --Tad HendricksonCustomer Reviews:
April 23 and 24 2001 stages in Tokyo, splendid!.......2004-12-13
During the Japan tour, also standards were played but only free tunes are selected in this album. I like this album for this reason. Big tunes e.g. "Hearts in space" and "Waves" sound best for their avant-guard tone and rhythm. The interactions of the three when Keith poses a phrase with new rhythm are far beyond the level found in "Inside out". Thus, this album should be regarded to persue different musical fulfillment compared to other albums, basically based on standards. This album is well satisfactory judging from the liner note in "Inside out" by Keith that is saying "the play by this trio will be much more hard and free". I do not really understand the direction of this trio because their recent two CD are based on standards and no truly free tune is included. Personally, I look forward to listening much more free tunes by this trio, as further development of their free style. Fourth instrument may be added to aid their fulfillment of free style.
WHAT IF YOU'RE NOT THE TYPE?.......2004-11-30
1.) Creative/Edgy Types. For the most part, these are musicians as well. Creative/Edgy types find "free jazz" refreshing, inspirational and sometimes even relaxing. They get a genuine kick out of accomplished musicians just letting it all hang out in steam of consciousness improvisation. Those experienced with various musical scales and works of the past musicians will even be able to follow "the conversation". Creative/Edgy types may be the best qualified to judge particular pieces of "free jazz"-unfortunately they are largely incapable of explaining their appreciation to those outside their circle.
2.) Phony And Pretentious Avant Garde: Unfortunately, we all know someone like this. They have no real appreciation or love for "free jazz" of any kind; but they wish to count themselves as among the "elect" who "get it". They will speak disparagingly of the philistines who reject such fine art; but one suspects that when no one else is around they secretly listen to Britney Spears or Garth Brooks.
3.) Struggling But Not Up To It Music Lovers: These are folk who genuinely love music from many different genres and try to give "free jazz" a chance. They love jazz and particular jazz musicians. They may even be fans. And so they try to listen and learn to appreciate these excursions musicians they really respect find so revitalizing. Bits and pieces may be interesting-but for the most part "free jazz" passing them by.
4.) "I Know What I Like And This Isn't It" Crowd: Admittedly the largest group in this discussion. Resources are small, dollars scarce, and time short-so why waste any of the preceding for music that doesn't have a beat, you can't dance to, or whistle as you walk down the street. You have to give some grudging respect to these honest "every men". When all is said and done is it this group that pays the bills. There are stories of the Paris audiences rioting in rage and disgust at the premiere performances of Stravinsky's "Rites Of Spring". On the one hand, you could look down your nose at "those who can't recognize real art". On the other hand, there is something commendable about quite intelligent people thinking for themselves and letting the "artiste" know what they think by throwing chairs around and burning the curtains.
I for the most part belong in group #3; but on occasion I mess up and slip into group #4. Wild horses would have to drag me a "live" concert of "free jazz" for fear that I might suddenly leap for my chair and start a fist fight with the musicians. My own desire is to give "free jazz" a chance occasionally in order to expand my musical horizons. After all, music I once hated in the past I have come around to embrace and love today. But I have to admit that the initial exposure is somewhat akin to having the hairs in my nose ripped out.
Keith Jarrett is no stranger to free-form improvisation as demonstrated by his landmark KOLN CONCERT (1975) and SOLO CONCERTS (1973) albums in the mid-1970's. My brother who is an actual musician and an optometrist once told me that when he got an office of his own that he would fill the waiting room with a tape loop of Jarrett's SUN BEAR CONCERTS album. Indeed, after all these years I have developed a certain fondness for "Part I"-the first cut on KOLN CONCERT. But I must confess that I found it a great relief when Jarrett switched to his "standards" performances long ago. I simply found Jarrett's more "conventional" records more superior and enjoyable.
My reaction to ALWAYS LET ME GO thus is quite predictable. I want to be on Jarrett's side on this; but for the most part I can only take these improvisations in bits and chunks. Most of these cuts initially sound like mice are running across the instruments. There are great stretches of chaotic noise with small islands of brilliant playing that suddenly appear and catch your interest like suddenly waking from a deep sleep wide awake. These "small islands" float to the surface only to disappear moments later.
Strangely enough, the most effective cuts on this CD are the longest. "Waves" and "Hearts In Space" clock in at over 30 minutes each. Notes of chaos and brief flashes of melody and inspiration float in and out of conscious thought; but when these pieces end one is left with a feeling of deep satisfaction. In the wake of these two cuts, the rest simply pale in comparison. Taken by themselves, one can listen to the shorter pieces with some benefit and enjoyment but they are not quite as rewarding.
It seems that you just can't listen to this kind of music as you normally would more mainstream jazz. You have to relax and let the music work on you. This can be quite frustrating if you can't take it on its own terms-which admittedly I can't a good deal of the time. Thus Jarrett's following album UP FOR IT comes as sweet water after a parched walk through the desert.
My advice is to consult the list of people types above and honestly confess at least to yourself who you are.
If you are a number 4, stay away. By all means, if you are newly tipping your toe into jazz, don't start here.
If you are a number 3, maybe try it. Success may depend on the mood you are in and your ability to just listen to a cut or two at a time
If you are a number 1, this will be manna from heaven. The album will come like love letters from God. Buy it now.
If you are a number 2, please stay away from this album and spare the rest of us your verbal diarrhea. I find you guys everywhere and you just spoil it for the rest of us.
Free, playful, spellbinding.......2004-10-08
ALMG isn't free jazz in the sense of being tuneless or formless - well, most of the time - but in the sense that the forms & melodies emerge on the spot as a collective creation (and it remains beautifully listenable, which isn't always a given in the free-jazz camp). Throughout the whole course of the album they're constantly listening and responding to each other in a beautiful three-way dialogue. The water theme that runs through the titles is very appropriate, as everything they do is in a perpetual state of flowing and changing, never quite repeating itself.
"Waves," for example, begins with Keith starting a quiet little melody on his own. Gary picks it up and fleshes it out. Jack stays quiet, as any percussion at this point would be out of place, but begins adding a splash or two once things start picking up. All three finally hit the groove together at around eight minutes. Then Jack takes over, his relentless clattering pushing the others into a busier and busier jam. The others stop on a dime as Keith switches gears into a loose rambling line; then they start up again as a trio as fast as they stopped, this time staying in hyper mode for a couple minutes. Then, as if on cue, everything goes quiet again before Gary takes the lead into something slow and almost bluesy.
You get the picture. It's all like this. They don't really know where they're going, but the richness of the journey is how they get there together.
The fact that we get the proceedings without any fades (as there were on Inside Out) means that it can seem to drag in spots; two tracks alone run over half an hour each. So for those who don't care for the aimless-sounding stuff, ALMG will probably seem 20 or 25 minutes longer than it needs to be. But for those listeners who want to hear the whole process unfold at its own pace, beginning to end, here's everything presented as it happened. It's a wonderful and colorful ride.
Here's to new explorations.
4.5.......2004-10-05
Random and Strange.......2004-09-02
Basically what you get is a bunch of random improvisation (the 3 instrumentalists playing 3 different songs at once). There are a few sweets spots when Jarrett decides to stop playing random disonnace but for the most part this is Jazz grandstanding at it's worst. Lack of melody, rythym or coherency. Just ego. Even worse, Jarrett's signature vocal atonal grunts, moans and squeaks are here in full force to detract from what quality Jazz there is. I'll stick with his standards.
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Live in Tokyo
Brad Mehldau Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002M5TCU Release Date: 2004-09-14 |
Tracks:
- Things Behind The Sun - Drake
- Intro - Mehldau
- Soemone to Watch Over Me - Gershwin/Gershwin
- From This Moment On - Porter
- Monk's Dream - Monk
- Paranoid Android -Yorke/O'Brien/Greenwood/Greenwood/Selway
- How Long Has This Been Going On? - Gershwin/Gershwin
- River Man - Drake
Amazon.com
Brad Mehldau has followed his musical inclinations into some surprise territories. First gaining attention as a member of Joshua Redman's quartet in the early 1990s, he could have easily been expected to unfold a new traditionalist's approach to jazz. Instead he's taken that formidable grounding and attached it to a wide range of compositional explorations. The solo piano Live in Tokyo is framed by a pair of Nick Drake compositions, and in between are pieces by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk, and Radiohead, along with one original. The material is all linked by Mehldau's focus on melodic identity and harmonic invention. He succeeds in finding the stately heart of each number, with Radiohead's "Paranoid Android" sounding perfectly natural alongside Gershwin's "How Long Has This Been Going On?" --David GreenbergerAlbum Description
On Brad Mehldau's Nonesuch debut, he interprets in a live solo performance material from such varied composers as the Gershwins, Theolonius Monk, Nick Drake and Radiohead. Longtime fans of Mehldau's recordings with his celebrated trio are accustomed to such wide-ranging taste.Customer Reviews:
I Love this Album! But don't buy it here!.......2006-12-18
However! You may have seen the Import of 'Live In Tokyo' when you searched for it. Or maybe you didn't. But the import is much longer, and it seems to be the entire concert. Of course, on Amazon, it's around $50. But you can get the longer version through iTunes for less than the price of the shorter version ($13). Totally worth it.
Exquisite.......2006-09-13
The song selection on this album is incredible. After about half a dozen listens, I'm most impressed with Gershwin's "Someone To Watch Over Me". Such a lovely ballad, and Mehldau plays it with such passion that you can almost hear the heartache in the piano strings. The Monk tune is amazing. Very interesting and different style than the completely INSANE version on Art of the Trio Vol. 2. "River Man" is great. "How Long" is always lovely, and of course nobody does Radiohead better than Brad. The concert-hall vibe is a nice change of pace from the jazz club. If you like great piano, or simply great music delivered with incredible passion, check out this cd.
Bumping Up Against Jarrett and Others. . . ........2006-04-15
Jazz Piano ?.......2005-07-27
Gifted jazz pianist on his own.......2005-03-26
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Live in Tokyo
Weather Report Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000024XGM Release Date: 1998-01-23 |
Tracks:
- Medley: Vertical Invader/Seventh Arrow/T.H./Doctor Honoris Causa
- Medley: Surucucu/Lost/Early Minor/Directions
Tracks:
- Orange Lady
- Medley: Eurydice/The Moors
- Medley: Tears/Umbrellas
Album Details
Recorded live in Tokyo, 1972. Features the line-up of: Wayne Shorter (saxes), Joe Zawinul (keybooards), Miroslav Vitous (bass), Dom Um Romao (percussion) and Eric Gravitt (drums). Complete concert recording on two CD's.Customer Reviews:
Straight To The Brain!.......2004-04-20
scary..........2003-12-29
The Early Weather Report, Rare and Live!!.......2003-12-20
Segments from this album were released as half of the band's second album "I Sing The Body Electric". On this album however, it is a complete 90-minute performance consisting of five lengthy tracks (four of which are continuous suites containing different pieces).
The band was definitely on a musical high during this particular concert displaying a sound that is raw and full of fierce improvisation. Joe Zawinul's keyboard work is at its most experimental here as he modifies his electric piano with a distortion box, wah-wah pedal and a ring modulator. This sometimes gives the impression that there's a guitarist on-stage during the performance when in fact there is no guitar to be heard. His acoustic piano work is also experimental as he sometimes plays it from the inside striking its strings by hand instead of with the keyboard.
Miroslav Vitous's bass work is also at its best here, alternating between acoustic and electric. There are several moments during this album (especially in the opening medley) where Vitous grabs the spotlight with his unique style. His work with the bowed bass on "Orange Lady" is particularly strking and haunting.
Wayne Shorter's sax playing is at its most free form here. It's not exactly like Ornette Coleman or John Coltrane but it is highly improvisational and momentous. His work on the band's studio albums tends to be more refined and subdued but here, Wayne lets it rip and tear.
Drummer Eric Gravatt is a sadly underrated drummer but nonetheless does an outstanding job here. His extended drum solo is the first thing heard on this album. Throughout this performance, he pushes the rhythm with full force.
Percussionist Dom Um Romao also has some moments in the spotlight here. Besides spicing up Gravatt's rhythms with various percussive toys, Romao also has a solo moment in the album's second suite using whistles, a thumb piano and using his own body as an instrument. There is a similar moment in the intro to "Orange Lady".
Overall, the "Live In Tokyo" performance captures the early Weather Report at its very best. This music is extremely agressive and loud. The other live albums from the band ("8:30" and the recent "Live and Unreleased") are a lot mellower compared to this one. "Live In Tokyo" is definitely an essential title if you're a Weather Report fan. If you're new to the band's music, this may not be the place to start, however it certainly is not unlistenable.
This album has yet to be released in the U.S. even after its intial release in Japan over 30 years ago. Hopefully, that will all change in the near future. This is some great music and a great live performance from a great band. Definitely worth checking out.
sensational early Weather Report!.......2001-08-09
You can clearly hear why the sections that were lifted for I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC were chosen -- they include some of the tightest, punchiest moments of the concert. The highlights of what was left out include Zawinul imitating Miles' muted trumpet with synthesizer in a duet with Gravatt on drums, a dramatic shift from frenetic electric piano to dramatic acoustic piano on one of the first disc medleys, and Shorter cutting loose on the live version of "The Moors." Zawinul's impressionistic "Orange Lady" and Shorter's bop piece "Eurydice," which lead off the second disc, are the least compelling.
This is not "free jazz" -- no need to be quite that intimidated. While LIVE IN TOKYO lacks strong melodies, can be harmonically complex, and is definitely rhythmically complex, Weather Report sticks with Miles in NOT following Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor and the late Coltrane. This quintet can be intensely funky, but they don't stick with the groove as the group would later -- that's part of what makes the overall effect more abstract. Great to hear, after 30 years!
Intense, electrified free jazz!.......2001-04-01
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Live! in Tokyo, Vol. 2
Bobby Enriquez Manufacturer: Gnp Crescendo ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000001OWH Release Date: 1992-01-21 |
Tracks:
- Killer Joe
- Airegin
- After Hours
- Meditation
- Misty
- Groovin' High
- Ain't Misbehavin'/Honeysuckle Rose
- Holiday For Strings
- Donna Lee
- Bluesette
- Confirmation
- Del Sasser
- Could It Be Magic
- Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
- Scrapple From The Apple
Customer Reviews:
How To Build A Jazz Solo.......2005-12-16
Attaboy Bobby Enriquez, This is one of the best........2000-09-14
Pop Music:
- LJ Plays the Beatles
- London Flat, London Sharp
- Maynard Ferguson
- Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at 'The Club' [Live]
- Midnight Special
- Midnight Without You
- Miles Ahead [Original recording remastered]
- Milestones [Original recording remastered]
- Miracles: The Holiday Album
- Night At The Village Vanguard [Live] [Original recording remastered]
