Pleasures of the Night

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This first pairing of R&B song stylist Downing with soulful sax man Albright is nothing short of inspired, providing two of the '80s' most popular performers with a chance to showcase their jazz chops. Pleasures of the Night also gives Downing--best known for his stellar work on albums like A Dream Fulfilled and Love's the Place to Be--some respite from the drive for chart hits evident on his last few albums for Mercury. His velvetlike baritone is perfectly suited to the diverse range of material, which includes the Beatles' "Michelle," Stevie Wonder's "Girl Blue," and standards like "The Nearness of You" and "Here's That Rainy Day." Albright gets plenty of room to shine with deft but subtle musical nuances on the Bacharach-David classic "The Look of Love" and the Stylistics' "Stop, Look, Listen" and is at his peak on the out-and-out jazz-oriented instrumental "Back to the Roots." Produced by longtime Downing collaborator Ronnie Foster, the album's guest stars include top players like Patrice Rushen and Bobby Lyle on keyboards, Paul Jackson on guitar, Abe Laboriel on bass, and Harvey Mason on drums. A significant creative departure for Downing, Pleasures of the Night promises a whole new career chapter for the Brooklyn-born vocalist: traditional R&B's temporary loss may represent a permanent gain for the world of contemporary jazz, which desperately needs some new male-vocal blood. --David Nathan

USA Today
If you're looking for something to complement your wine and candlelight, Downing's smoky vocals and Albright's soothing sax will probably fill the bill.

Pleasures of the Night,Will Downing & Gerald Albright,Polygram Records,Club/Dance,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Soul/R & B,Urban
Pleasures of the Night
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • MAKING OUT MUSIC
  • Romantic and smooth Soul doesn't get any better than this.
  • This CD should come complete with birth control
  • good god
  • My favorite
Pleasures of the Night
Will Downing & Gerald Albright
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Greatest Love Songs
  2. Moods
  3. Sensual Journey
  4. Invitation Only
  5. Emotions

ASIN: B00000AFFP
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

  1. Pleasures Of The Night
  2. The Nearness Of You
  3. Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart
  4. Michelle
  5. Like A Lover
  6. The Look Of Love
  7. Here's That Rainy Day
  8. Back To The Roots
  9. We'll Be Together Again
  10. Girl Blue

Amazon.com

This first pairing of R&B song stylist Downing with soulful sax man Albright is nothing short of inspired, providing two of the '80s' most popular performers with a chance to showcase their jazz chops. Pleasures of the Night also gives Downing--best known for his stellar work on albums like A Dream Fulfilled and Love's the Place to Be--some respite from the drive for chart hits evident on his last few albums for Mercury. His velvetlike baritone is perfectly suited to the diverse range of material, which includes the Beatles' "Michelle," Stevie Wonder's "Girl Blue," and standards like "The Nearness of You" and "Here's That Rainy Day." Albright gets plenty of room to shine with deft but subtle musical nuances on the Bacharach-David classic "The Look of Love" and the Stylistics' "Stop, Look, Listen" and is at his peak on the out-and-out jazz-oriented instrumental "Back to the Roots." Produced by longtime Downing collaborator Ronnie Foster, the album's guest stars include top players like Patrice Rushen and Bobby Lyle on keyboards, Paul Jackson on guitar, Abe Laboriel on bass, and Harvey Mason on drums. A significant creative departure for Downing, Pleasures of the Night promises a whole new career chapter for the Brooklyn-born vocalist: traditional R&B's temporary loss may represent a permanent gain for the world of contemporary jazz, which desperately needs some new male-vocal blood. --David Nathan

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars MAKING OUT MUSIC.......2007-01-11

THIS CD HITS THE SPOT WHEN YOU ARE WITH THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE WILL DOWNING HITS ALL THE WRITE NOTES TO PUT HIM OR HER IN THAT MOOD. THIS IS A MUST HAVE IF YOU ARE A SMOOTH JAZZ LOVER.

5 out of 5 stars Romantic and smooth Soul doesn't get any better than this........2006-10-10

On this fantastic CD, Will Downing and Gerald Albright took romantic Soul to new heights. The combination of Will's velvet-smooth vocals and Albright's smooth and elegant sax playing makes for some heavenly romantic music that's guaranteed to put you in the mood for love and romance. "The Nearness of You", "Like A Lover" and the title track are true masterpieces.

5 out of 5 stars This CD should come complete with birth control.......2006-09-05

This is one sexy and romatic CD. LOVE it and never get tired of the sophisticated sounds that come from it.
Will DOwning and Gerald Albright need to make some more music together.
Excellent choice for any occasion. A++++

5 out of 5 stars good god.......2006-04-08

Iv'e had this album for a while, and i never get tired of it. Beware, if you dont want any babies, dont play this cd for that "special night" with the wife or husband. even the damn intro will get you in the mood. i have never enjoyed a cd quite as much as this one.

The stylistic's cover "stop, look, and listen," is quite impressive, while "here's that rainy day" will put you into a trance from the first 5 seconds

the only problem that i have with it is that it is too short........

5 out of 5 stars My favorite.......2005-10-12

I bought this CD years ago when it first came out and I recently bought another copy for the car. I love this CD- I never tire of listening to it.
Guilty Pleasures
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Guilty Pleasures
    Wednesday Night Heroes
    Manufacturer: Better Youth Org.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Punk RevivalPunk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000Q364XS
    Release Date: 2007-06-05

    Tracks:

    1. Open Fire
    2. Wash Em Away
    3. Dead End Street
    4. Desperation
    5. Liar
    6. Uncivilized Bastard
    7. Move To Press
    8. All On the Outside
    9. Action
    10. Bland New Age
    11. Shut Us Out
    12. Not Alone
    Purcell: Airs & Duets
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Purcell: Airs & Duets

      Manufacturer: Lyrichord Discs Inc.
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      DuetsDuets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by BiberAll Works by Biber | Biber, Heinrich Ignaz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Byrd, WilliamByrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by DowlandAll Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by MonteverdiAll Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Telemann, Georg PhilippTelemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MadrigalsMadrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Renaissance (c.1450-1600)Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Ignaz Holzbauer: Five Symphonies

      ASIN: B0000022BJ
      Release Date: 1996-09-24

      Tracks:

      1. Let the Fifes and the Clarions - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      2. Hark! The Ech'ing Air - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      3. Beauty, thou Scene of Love - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      4. In Vain the Am'rous Flute - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      5. Saccharissa's Grown Old - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      6. Sound the Trumpet - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      7. Lord, What Is Man? - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      8. Sweetness of Nature - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      9. Be Welcome, Then, Great Sir - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      10. Lovely Albina's Come Ashore - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      11. One Charming Night - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      12. Here Let My Life - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      13. Many, Many Such Days - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      14. If Music Be the Food of Love - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      15. Me, O Ye Gods - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...
      16. Hail, Gracious Glorianna, Hail! - Jeffrey Dooley/Howard Crook/Louise Shulman/Daniel Reed/Mary Springfels/David Carp/Dennis Godburn...

      Tracks:

      1. Las Cantigas de Santa Maria: Cantigas 36 - Russel Oberlin/Joseph Iadone
      2. The Two Three Voice Masses: Kyrie - Schola Discantus
      3. Istanpitta! Vol.I: Saltarello & Trotto - NY's ensemble for Early Music
      4. Missa de Sancta Anna & Lamentations: Sanctus - Schola Discantus
      5. The Art of the Lute: Credo in Unum Deum - Joseph Iadone
      6. French Sacred Music: Kyrie - Schola Discantus
      7. Lute Songs: Weep you no more... - Russell Oberlin/Joseph Iadone
      8. Music of William Byrd: Who made thee... - New York Consort fo the Viols
      9. Music for Voice and Viol: What pleasure... - In Nomine Players
      10. Orfeo: Toccata - ARTEK
      11. Orfeo: La ciate i monti - ARTEK
      12. Orfeo: Rosa del Ciel - ARTEK
      13. Orfeo: Ritornello-Vi Ricorda - ARTEK
      14. Music from Renaissance & Baroque: Volta - Minstrelsy!
      15. Airs & Duets: Hark! the Ech'ing Air - Jeffrey Dooley
      16. Mensa Sonora: Ciacona - La Follia Salzburg
      17. Flute Duets: Moderato - Tom Moore/Kimberly Reighly
      Purcell: Sweeter Than Roses
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Purcell: Sweeter Than Roses

        Manufacturer: Tall Poppies
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        GroundsGrounds | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00004TLZE
        Release Date: 2000-06-27
        Counter-Tenor Duets and Song by Purcell and his contemporaries
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • a voice teacher and early music fan
        • a voice teacher and early music fan
        Counter-Tenor Duets and Song by Purcell and his contemporaries

        Manufacturer: Deux-Elles
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00004W5SH
        Release Date: 2003-07-29

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-09-21

        This is really an interesting group of songs; most by Henry Purcell, but one by Pelham Humfrey, three by John Blow and one by David Purcell. The Continuo Song-scored for one or more solo voices with theorbo or harpsichord accompaniment- was perhaps the most universal musical genre in late 17th century England. The roots of the genre lay in the early 17th century lute song,from which it gradually developed during the 1630's. The modern term "counter-tenor" denotes an adult male singing in the falsetto voice. Ryland Angel and Mark Chambers are very well matched for these duets. Their tone quality is similar but not so much so that you cannot discern their individual voices. Their sound is well suited to the song material, some of which are also sung as solos. The duets are:'Sound the trumpet'( a great favorite of countertenors)-'In vain the am'rous flute'-'No resistance is but vain'- 'o Dive custos'- all by Purcell. 'Ah Heaven what is't I hear?'-'Quam diligo legen tuam'-'Paratum cor meum' all by John Blow. Each singer sings 4 solos all very attractive and well done!!!!

        5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-09-11

        This is really an interesting group of songs most by Henry Purcell, but one by Pelham Humfrey, three by John Blow and one by Daniel Purcell. The Continuo Song-scored for one or more solo voices with theorbo or harpsichord accompaniment-was perhaps the most universal musical genre in late seventeenth- century England. The roots of the genre lay in the early seventeenth-century lute song, from which it gradually developed during the 1630's. The modern term 'counter-tenor' denotes an adult male singing falsetto. Ryland Angel and Mark Chambers are very well matched for their duets. Their tone quality is similar but not so much that you can't define their individual voices. Their sound is very well suited to the song material, some of which are also solos. The duets are as follows:"Sound the Trumpet"( a favorite among most counter-tenors)-"In vain the am'rous flute"-"O Dive custos"-"No resistance is but vain" all of which are by Purcell-"Ah heaven!What is't I hear?"-"Quam diligo legem tuam"-"Paratum cor meum" all of which are by John Blow. Each singer does four solos all very attractive and extremely well done. This is one of my favorite often played albums. It's so pleasant to listen to and skillfully sung.
        Acis & Galatea
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Acis & Galatea
          Handel , Leblanc , Bleeke , Molomot , and Milnes
          Manufacturer: Atma Classique
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B0000EWNYM
          Release Date: 2004-03-02
          Henry Purcell: Greatest Works
          Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
          • Not the best, but definitely worth listening to
          Henry Purcell: Greatest Works

          Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante
          Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
          ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B00000IXUE
          Release Date: 1999-05-11

          Tracks:

          1. King Arthur (Extraits): Ov & Air - The King's Musick/Roderick Skeaping
          2. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte I, Scene 2 - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          3. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte II, Scene 2 - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          4. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte III, Scene 2: Debut - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          5. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte V, Scene 2: Air 'Ye Blust'ring Brethren Of The Skies' - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          6. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte V, Scene 2: Sym - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          7. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte V, Scene 2: Song Tune - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          8. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte V, Scene 2: Air 'Fairest Isle' - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          9. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte V, Scene 2: Tpt Tune - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          10. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte V, Scene 2: Air & Chor 'St. George, The Patron Of Our Isle' - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller
          11. King Arthur (Extraits): Acte V, Scene 2: Chaconne - Deller Consort & Chor/Alfred Deller

          Tracks:

          1. Ode On St. Cecilia's Day 'Welcome To All The Pleasures': Ov - Stour Music Festival CO/Alfred Deller
          2. Ode On St. Cecilia's Day 'Welcome To All The Pleasures': Welcome To All The Pleasures - Deller Consort/Alfred Deller
          3. Ode On St. Cecilia's Day 'Welcome To All The Pleasures': Here The Deities Approve... - Deller Consort/Alfred Deller
          4. Ode On St. Cecilia's Day 'Welcome To All The Pleasures': Beauty Thou Scene Of Love - Deller Consort/Alfred Deller
          5. Ode On St. Cecilia's Day 'Welcome To All The Pleasures': In A Consort Of Voices - Deller Consort/Alfred Deller
          6. Ode On Queen Mary's Birthday: Ov - Stour Music Festival CO/Alfred Deller
          7. Ode On Queen Mary's Birthday: Love's Goddess Sure Was Blind - Alfred Deller
          8. Ode On Queen Mary's Birthday: Sweetness Of Nature/Long May She Reign - Alfred Deller/Mark Deller/Christina Clarke
          9. Ode On Queen Mary's Birthday: May Her Blest Example Chase - Alfred Deller
          10. Ode On Queen Mary's Birthday: Many Such Days - Alfred Deller/Mark Deller
          11. Ode On Queen Mary's Birthday: May She To Heaven Late Return - Deller Consort/Alfred Deller

          Tracks:

          1. Te Deum - Honor Sheppard/Christina Clarke/Alfred Deller/Neil Jenkins/Maurice Bevan/Sylvia Cleaver...
          2. Jubilate Deo - Honor Sheppard/Christina Clarke/Alfred Deller/Neil Jenkins/Maurice Bevan/Sylvia Cleaver...
          3. In Guilty Night (Saul And The Witch Of Endor) - Honor Sheppard/Alfred Deller/Maurice Bevan/Anna Shuttleworth/Robert Elliott
          4. Man That Is Born Of A Woman (Funeral Sentences) - Honor Sheppard/Alfred Deller/Neil Jenkins/Maurice Bevan

          Customer Reviews:

          3 out of 5 stars Not the best, but definitely worth listening to.......2004-11-15

          A melange of performers and a wide gamut of musical offerings make this compendium of Purcell's music definitely worth the listen.

          1. Dido & Aeneas--Not the best performance, but some parts really shine. The witches' chorus (I'm biased because it's my favourite part of the opera) is really good. Surprisingly understandable English throughout, despite it being a french production. And some of the smaller parts, really do excellent jobs.

          2. So-so. I'm a big fan of choral music, and these performanes are unfortunately mediocre at best. The performances are rather uninspired and dote too heavily on technique when they aren't too technically difficult. The result is a somewhat pedantic approach to church music that could be moving or inspiring, but instead is just boring.

          3. Not bad. Here, the London Baroque do an excellent job of playing poorly-arranged music. When several pieces are in related keys, the ear loses track of something having changed, and it all sounds similar. Nearly half of the tracks have the tonal center on G, just under a third have their tonal center on D. That leaves just under one-fourth of the tracks with different tonal centers. Taken individually, they're beautiful, great articulation, good phrasing, fun to listen to. But as a compilation, one tires quickly.

          4. King Arthur--again, like Dido, really listenable. I'd actually say it's a better performance, there's more interest in the music on the part of the performers, without the shadow of being overly-famous like Dido. From a compositional note, Purcell's text painting is truly amazing.

          5. Music for a While-unfortunately. Mr. Deller's sense of pitch is unfortunately questionable throughout this disc. His sense of phrasing is odd, and his choice in instrumention is unfortunate. I imagine that he simply didn't spend as much time with the music, because the last track, O Solitude, is absolutely magical. Difficult in the extreme, but really one to listen to repeatedly.

          6.John Butt- Locke, Purcell and Blow. (sorry, I'm still young) Truly wonderful performances, definitely the highlight of the set. I'll say that Purcell's music is definitely better than Locke's, but I think that Locke's could stand performances on smaller, portative organs, more common throughout England.
          Henry Purcell: Eight Suites And Other Pieces
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Henry Purcell: Eight Suites And Other Pieces

            Manufacturer: Meridian
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            DancesDances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
            Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            GroundsGrounds | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
            PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000003XDD
            Release Date: 1996-06-20

            Tracks:

            1. Ste No.1 in G: Prld
            2. Ste No.1 in G: Almand
            3. Ste No.1 in G: Corant
            4. Ste No.1 in G: (Minuet)
            5. Ste No.2 in g: Prld
            6. Ste No.2 in g: (Almand)
            7. Ste No.2 in g: Corant
            8. Ste No.2 in g: Saraband
            9. Ste No.2 in g: Chacone
            10. Ste No.3 in G: Prld
            11. Ste No.3 in G: Almand
            12. Ste No.3 in G: Courante
            13. Ste No.3 in G: Ground In Gamut
            14. Ste No.4 in a: Prld, Prld
            15. Ste No.4 in a: Almand
            16. Ste No.4 in a: Corante
            17. Ste No.4 in a: Saraband
            18. Ste No.5 in C: Prld
            19. Ste No.5 in C: Almand
            20. Ste No.5 in C: Corant
            21. Ste No.5 in C: Saraband
            22. Ste No.5 in C: Jigg
            23. Ste No.6 in D: Prld
            24. Ste No.6 in D: Almand
            25. Ste No.6 in D: (Hornpipe)
            26. Ste No.7 in d: Almand 'Bell-Barr'
            27. Ste No.7 in d: Corant
            28. Ste No.7 in d: Hornpipe
            29. Ste No.7 in d: Ground
            30. Ste No.8 in F: Prld
            31. Ste No.8 in F: Almand
            32. Ste No.8 in F: Courante
            33. Ste No.8 in F: Minuet
            34. Group 1 in c: Ground
            35. Group 1 in c: Ground
            36. Group 2 in G/e: A New Scotch Tune
            37. Group 2 in G/e: A New Ground
            38. Group 2 in G/e: A New Irish Tune
            39. Group 3 in d: Sefauchi's Far(e)Well
            40. Group 3 in d: Round O
            Love Lust & Lilacs
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Love Lust & Lilacs
              Bob Norman
              Manufacturer: Night Owl Records
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
              ASIN: B0001XDZTO
              Release Date: 2003-12-02

              Tracks:

              1. Brightest Star
              2. Big Blue Engine
              3. Wind-Blown Blackbirds
              4. Love or Lust
              5. Five Days to Pitchers and Catchers
              6. Land of the Winds
              7. Lady with the Lilacs
              8. One That's on My Mind
              9. Long Road to Lawrenceville
              10. Camera Doesn't Lie
              11. Gentle Midnight Rain

              Product Description

              Track listing: 1. The Brightest Star 2. Big Blue Engine 3. Wind-Blown Blackbirds 4. Love or Lust 5. Five Days to Pitchers and Catchers 6. The Land of the Winds 7. Lady With the Lilacs 8. The One That's On My Mind 9. The Long Road to Lawrenceville 10. The Camera Doesn't Lie 11. The Gentle Midnight Rain
              Mr. Henry Purcell's Most Admirable Composures
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Mr. Henry Purcell's Most Admirable Composures

                Manufacturer: Hyperion
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
                Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
                Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
                OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
                ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
                ASIN: B000002ZKM
                Release Date: 1993-11-15

                Pop Music:

                1. Reckless Nights & Turkish Twilights [Original recording remastered]
                2. Ride
                3. Saxophone Colossus (20 Bit Mastering) [Original recording remastered]
                4. Shack Man
                5. Shape of Jazz to Come
                6. Shapes
                7. Someday My Prince Will Come
                8. Sound Unity
                9. Speaking of Now
                10. Stanley Clarke

                Pop Music

                Pop Music