Les Hommes

Amazon.com
Americans might not be buying jazz en masse, but they are buying jazz cut up, sampled, and rearranged by inventive DJs (Cinematic Orchestra, Koop). Into this mix comes Italian instrumental trio Les Hommes, who explore Brazilian jazz with a nod to the DJ audience. Using organ, drums, and vibraphone, Les Hommes work a clean '60s jazz prototype, adding slick DJ chill to their classic Brazilian thrill. The trinity of Tom Jobim, Luis Bonfa, and Walter Wanderley informs every move, from grinding bossa nova beats to sultry samba rhythms, while Les Hommes' posh Italian flair (and serious musicianship) makes this Muzak super-suave, ultrahip. Even the song titles transport you to unspecified yet exotic locales. "WeeGee" is not about the renowned New York photographer, it's a winking invitation to Brazilian lust. "Boogaloogalick" is a mambo-fired mover complete with a corny singer growling over campy Farfisa organ bubbles. All Les Hommes need is a Frank Sinatra cover and their ring-a-ding-ding would be complete. --Ken Micallef

Product Description
On their self-titled Eighteenth Street Lounge debut, expect to hear cool bossas to cliff-top drives along the Amalfi Coast, full-on Pumping dance floor batucadas, and exotic Moog-meets-organ grooves that tap into images of lost party scenes. Embracing club and DJ culture, but playing instruments rather than records. 2002.

Tracks:

Le Pas Du Chat Noir
De Tout Ton Coeur
Leila Au Pays Du Carrousel
Pique-nique A Nagpur
C'est Ailleurs
Toi Qui Sait
L'arbre Qui Voit
Un Point Bleu
Les Ailes Du Bourak
Rue Du Depart
Leila Au Pays Du Carrousel, Var.
Deja La Nuit

Amazon.com

The Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem has chosen to work in a trio setting this time out, accompanied by Francois Couturier on piano and Jean-Louis Matinier on accordion. Brahem states in the liner notes that these pieces were actually composed on the piano, emerging while he was taking a much-needed short break from his primary instrument. While Pas de Chat Noir ("The Black Cat's Footsteps") is a change of pace, it is a not a terribly remote detour. Brahem is still in his favorite space, exploring the power of implication, and the other players are in synch with his vision. All three participants sound muted, relating to one another in parallels rather than in a heated dialogue. The result is a spacious, romantic pastiche of Farid El-Atrache, Astor Piazzolla, Keith Jarrett, 19th- and 20th-century French impressionists (especially Eric Satie), plus shades of every strung-out, enervated, after-hours nightclub jam that ever was. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Lovely.......2007-05-20

This is a beautiful CD, filled with a musical style which defies categorization. Evocative of Eric Satie's work for the piano, this album is a hypnotic mix of Middle Eastern and Western sounds - part jazz, part classical. This is one of those purchases which I am glad I went the extra mile to find.

truly unique.......2007-05-19

It is hard to describe this unusual CD. Hauntingly peaceful are two words that come to mind.Relaxing and calming are two more. Simply beautiful also.

absolutely essential (FJB/O!-music 2006).......2006-11-26

Anouar Brahem is an artist of incredible vision and talent. This recording, is one of his best.

In the notes to the CD, Brahem is quotes as saying that after recording his THIMAR album, the resulting physical and artistic exhaustion caused him to set aside his oud for a while - something he said he had never before done. Turning his musical ideas and expression to his piano, Brahem created the pieces recorded here. When he took these ideas into the studio (and taking his oud along with him), along with colleagues François Coutourier (piano) and Jean-Louis Matinier (accordion), his ideas were brought beautifully to fruition. The result is one of the most beautiful recordings I have ever heard.

The pieces having been written on the piano, that instrument takes the lead - but the oud and the accordion have a lot to say as well, and their voices blend effortlessly with that of the keyboard. Brahem is a master not only at composition and performing, but, in his arrangements, and in the very choosing of his accompanying musicians, shows a brilliance that is breathtaking. Through the various groupings that he has assembled on his recordings, he endows his music with a strength and scope that is stunning - it takes on a life of its own, and grows far beyond whatever boundaries smaller minds might employ to contain it by definition.

This is 'world music' in the deepest, spiritual sense of the phrase - political frontiers are vanquished and erased, while cultures are honored, respected and mingled.

Brahem's last album, ASTRAKAN CAFÉ, alluded to this meeting and convergence of styles - with each successive release, Brahem furthers his cause (and that of the open-minded, eager-to-explore listener). Each and every track included here is an absolute gem. Approach this album with an open mind and ear, and marvel at the journey on which you are to be led.

This is an absolutely essential recording.

Mediterranean Music.......2006-11-03

One of the best CDs I have ever bought. Many asked who was playing when I played it. I purchased 4 more for friends. Soothing and rich. if you like Arabic music infused with French touch of accordion.

excellent music.......2006-03-23

The music on this CD has a beautifully interweaving combination of instuments. The lovely melodies are simple and complex at the same time, and evoke pleasant reverie. Everyone we have played it for enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating:

Pavarotti and friends
great, but...
Verry fun and risky but it worked
I don't think so
Fantastic album...the 1st in a wonderful series

Pavarotti & Friends

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Pavarotti & Friends 2
Pavarotti & Friends: For Cambodia and Tibet
Pavarotti & Friends - For The Children Of Liberia
Pavarotti & Friends For Guatemala And Kosovo
Together for the Children of Bosnia

ASIN: B00000421O
Release Date: 1993-03-09

Tracks:

Panis Angelicus
Miserere
Muoio Per Te
Caruso
One More Day
Ave Maria
In Liverpool
Sentinel
L'Urlo
Too Much Love Will Kill You
It's Probably Me
Room 19 (Sha La La La Lee)
Les Hommes Qui Passent
La Donna E' Mobile

Customer Reviews:

Pavarotti and friends.......2003-11-14

A wonderful eclectic compilation. A bold step for Luciano that works! Very easy listening.

great, but..........2003-06-16

the neville brothers don't belong here. they have fake voices that were made by marketing people. pavarotti has a voice trained over the years with tremendous preparation and hours and hours of classical training and lessons. it's like putting gary matthews jr. on a hitting show with ted williams. a big joke. but everyone else is great.

Verry fun and risky but it worked.......2002-02-07

Pop stars with Opera singers, who would of thought. But it worls well. This CD is fun and has some wonderful proformances. Sting and Pav are very good together on Pania Angelicus. Sting is also good with Zucchero on Muoio Per TE. This CD sounds wonderful and is a must have for the fans of Pav, Sting, Kaas, May, Succhero, at all.

I don't think so.......2000-12-31

This is not what I expected. I only like "La donne mobile." My mom only liked "Caruso" and "Panis Angelicus." This is not like the second on or the one for Bosnia. Those rocked.

Fantastic album...the 1st in a wonderful series.......2000-12-14

This is the first cd in the Pavarotti and Friends series which benefits charities. The wonderful thing about them, is the mix of genres. And this one is no exception. Listen to Sting sing with Pavarotti on the beautiful 'Panis Angelicus', and 'La Donna e Mobile'. Who would have thought of pairing those two together. But it works with breathtaking magic. Just look at the list of artists on this disc and the songs performed. There really is something for every taste. From operatic songs to rock. I love this series, and highly recommend them to all music lovers.

Jean-Baptiste Lully: L'Orchestre du Roi Soleil

Average customer rating:

A very exciting recording
"Marche pour la Cérémonie Turque" 10 thumbs up!
Gorgeous Swing for Le Roi-Soleil
The Sun King's Most Beloved Composer Really Shines in this Performance!
Recommended highly

Jean-Baptiste Lully: L'Orchestre du Roi Soleil

Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Lully: Les Divertissements de Versailles
François Couperin: Les Concerts Royaux
Lully - Ballet Music for the Sun King / Mary Enid Haines · Aradia Baroque Ensemble · Kevin Mallon
Lully: Le Roi Danse
Vivaldi: La Viola da Gamba in Concerto

ASIN: B000031WY0
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': Ov
Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': Gavotte
Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': Canaries
Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': Marche Pour La Ceremonie Turque
Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': Premier Air Des Espagnols: Sarabande
Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': Second Air Des Espagnols: Gigue
Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': L'Entree Des Scaramouches, Trivelins Et Arlequins
Premiere Ste 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme': Chaconne Des Scaramouches, Trivelins Et Arlequins
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Danse De Neptune
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Les Suivants De Neptune
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Prld Des Trompettes Et Autres Instruments Pour Mars
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Les Hommes Et Femmes Armes
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Rondeau Du Mariage Force
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Second Air ('Le Mariage Force')
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Bourree Du Mariage Force
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Bourree Du Divertissement De Chambord
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Sym Des Plaisirs
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Les Esclaves
Deuxieme Ste 'Le Divertissement Royal': Menuet Pour Les Trompettes
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Marche Des Combattans
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Menuet
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Loure Pour Les Pecheurs
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Echos
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Rondeau De La Gloire
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': La Pompe Funebre
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Rondeau Pour La Fete Marine
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Les Vents
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': La Fete Infernale: 1er Air
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': 2eme Air, Les Demons
Troisime Ste 'Alceste': Marche Des Assiegeants
Chaconne De L'Amour Medecin

Customer Reviews:

A very exciting recording.......2006-09-23

This is a marvellous introduction to the French Baroque music, 17th century music and the music from the operas of Jean-Baptiste Lully. I bought this CD because I love Lully and because I am a fan of Jordi Savall and his Concert des Nations.

So what is on this CD?

Well, for your money you get some excellent recordings of orchestral movements from the operas of Jean-Baptiste Lully. These movements are in the various dance forms popular in the French court in the 17th century. The music is colourful, rhythmic and stylish. Lully was a great tunesmith and he had a great feel for dance.

Please, if you buy no other CD of Lully's music in your life, please consider this one.

"Marche pour la Cérémonie Turque" 10 thumbs up!.......2006-08-17

If you love Lully's music you will give it 10 stars. Great recording too!

Gorgeous Swing for Le Roi-Soleil.......2006-03-25

Although I used to study music and I knew his name, I hadn't listened Jean-Baptiste Lully's music. I listened to music of Ramaeu, Vivaldi, Purcell, J.S.Bach, and Handel but no Lully's.
First time I listened his music was from French film "Le Roi Danse" which was a story about Lully's life with Louis XIV and Moliere. Music impressed me so much that even I thought it was not by Lully, but it was.

So I bought this CD to listen in a complete way to "la musique pour le roi-soleil (the music for the sun king)". I would say, the music is like as gorgeous as Château de Versailles. The first suit "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (The Bourgeois Gentleman)" is called as the masterpiece of Lully and Moliere collaboration. I love fourth piece, Marche pour la C?r?monie turque (March for the Turkish ceremony)" which was also used in the film, and 13th melancholy piece is also my favorite.

My impression of Lully's music is swing, suppose French baroque style upright swing. Lully himself danced balley and he composed many pieces for ballet for Louis XIV dances. "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" is also a ballet, a comedy-ballet. Listening to his music, tapping feet, I wonder the ballet at that time focused on jump rather than turn, step, or movement.
Performance by Le Concert De Nations is also impressive and commentary by Philippe Beaussant is interesting as a view of music history.

One another I like about this CD is the package. It is paper three-fold and put the music score inside, very fashionable. The front picture if the King family is gorgeous too. Usually I drop packages to change to thin plastic cases but I will keep this package.

The Sun King's Most Beloved Composer Really Shines in this Performance!.......2005-10-13

As the main reviewer mentions, the French Baroque style is completely original in its sound so that even one with little familiarity in Baroque styles will recognize instantly. Jean-Baptiste Lully's music is probably the most regal, warm, and literally gay of all the Baroque music composed in France, but also one of the least performed. Lully is actually a very underrated composer and this album is probably the best example of how underrated he has remained which is unfortunate because his work is highly original and as complex as any other contemporary Baroque work. Jordi Savall and Le Concert Des Nations are undisputably a very few the very best performers of French Baroque pieces and each use 17th-18th century authentic instruments. The recording quality of this album is also stupendous. This album is a gem for anyone looking to expand their horizons in Baroque music or curious about French Baroque specifically.

Jean-Baptiste Lully was actually of Italian origins and his French style was influenced in some parts by his native Italy but mostly by French Late Renaissance and very early Baroque folkloric styles. Lully was active in the mid-17th century in the court of Louis XIV, The Bourbon Sun King and founder of Versailles who, in addition to having reigned for about 75 years, was the greatest patron of the arts and sciences in Europe during his time. This is of course music for the Sun King and so the pieces usually have a regal Baroque weightiness to them in trying to portray the absolute monarch as the mighty Jove who appeared as thunder but who moved on in his royal procession as regally and lightly as a cloud. Such techniques in the strings were mostly imitated and refined by contemporaries and used in later German Baroque concerto works such those of Bach, Telemann, and Handel. This regal weightiness is also carried by a lot of brass but Lully always presents his brass arrangements lightly unlike his heavier German and especially English Baroque counterparts. Accentuating its classicist themes, the music simultaneously conveys both the typical aristocratic fluff of the Bourbon court as well as its weighty Olympian pageantry demonstrated in his Turkish procession. In other parts, some of the ballad pieces make one feel as if they have just left the stuffy aristocratic halls of Versailles to join some jovial musketeers merrily drinking in a common nearby tavern instead. Lully's music is highly unique, expressive, and generally jovial with a lot of tonality: he uses a lot of period dances for his pieces such as sarabandes, gavottes, etc. There's also a lot more use of the viola da gamba, lute, and various percussion than other contemporary Baroque pieces but somewhat typical in French ones. The most moving pieces in these arrangements might just be those for solo Baroque violin and lute or a small accompaniment: they are very expressive and as hauntingly beautiful and divine as any of Biber's comparable works or those of Marais. Lully was simply a genius in very evocative music that seemed to defy its own excess demands for pomp and frivolity. He is certainly one of the most innovate composers of the Baroque period. Lully is actually the main founder of both modern ballet and opera as forms of art which he first performed in the court of Versailles as distinctive musical repertoires incorporating theatrical and dance forms. Louis XIV was indeed so enamoured with Lully's majestic works that he ignored Cardinal Mazarin's resentments and France's own capital laws against homosexuality so that he could keep him under the patronage of his court. Although tragic, Lully's death is somewhat ironically as fatalistic as many of the classicist subjects of his ballets and operas: as if he had been a gifted muse who rendered Apollo jealous and so was struck down by Fate. While passionately conducting a piece using a heavy set staff weighing several pounds, he accidentally crushed his foot and died of gangrene soon after. He was an artist who died from his passion in a true sense and this is always a touching end for an artist in terms of posterity. He was replaced by Marin Marais as court composer whose pieces are also exquisitely performed by Jordi Savall solo on the viola and with Le Concert Des Nations for his orchestral works.

Lully was definitely an accomplished master of music and very original. A composer who is more obscure simply for the fact that he's not played as much as Bach or Vivaldi and that the French Baroque is not as common in performance circles. Lully however was certainly no less accomplished in his genius than any other of the great Baroque masters. Although many French composers such as Marais and Rameau would imitate his expressive style throughout the 18th century particularly in their operas and ballets, none of them could ever match it. In terms of French Baroque, I strongly recommend you get every piece you can by Jordi Savall and Le Concert Des Nations as they are few of the very foremost experts on performing in the French style. Another decent group is Les Arts Florrisants who have done various French Baroque performances. There are few other groups and artists that perform Lully or any French Baroque besides the latter anyway and most of them that do don't even compare to them. Their CDs are typically more expensive than the common labels and might have to be ordered but the quality of the performances and the recordings are really worth every penny believe me. Many of Savall's earlier performances are also starting to become hard to find.

Recommended highly.......2002-04-16

I am not as familiar as some with the music of Lully, but enough to know where Handel must have taken some of his points when he himself became the master splendour and majesty in music!

The music is astounding to say the very least. Though I am still quite partial to the 'Handelian' brand of grandeur, Lully also seems to have stolen my heart with this most royal and dignified collection of pieces, a fascinating and important compilation. I commend warmly the performers and conductor for an astounding example of excellence in interpretation, and recommend highly this recording to all.

Average customer rating:

Melodies to miraculously cure the moribund!!!
FROM OFFENBACH TO LOPEZ

Le Meilleur de l'Opérette

Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000053W6K
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Customer Reviews:

Melodies to miraculously cure the moribund!!!.......2005-09-10

This 2000 3-CD set is a new edition of 2-CD set from 1990 titled "Opérette-Passion" from EMI France. By popular request, this adds to the already mirific collection a third CD containing some of the real glories of mid-XXth century French operettas: Maurice Chevalier, Tino Rossi, Fernandel, Alibert, Denise Duval, Luis Mariano, Georges Guétary, Bourvil, Mathé Altéry, Anny Cordy, Gise Mey and Armand Mestral. The selection is not exhaustive - that would be impossible* - but it does give any listener a major incentive to go ferretting for more of the same and the complete score of some of those genuine masterpieces of charm, humour and melody by Fancis Lopez or Maurice Yvain (among many others). For students of the French language and French opera, this collection is priceless as it gives a very good impression of what makes the French singing voice different from any other: something called "le phrasé", which unfortunately cannot be duplicated or improvised by international stars who simply dabble in French (except maybe the multi-talented Petula Clark). The recordings range from a restored antique of the 20's by Chevalier to full stereo scores from the 70's. The result is a package whose value will never be duplicated in discriminating choice, sound quality and sheer listening enjoyment. One very minor reservation : The dates of the recordings are not indicated as they were in the "Opérette-Passion" collection and the names of the lyricists are not given. The liner notes are composed of a 2-page essay which gives a general outlook of the evolution of French operetta (in French) but could have been a little longer, in my humble opinion. Details like this would have made the difference between a wonderful album for connoisseurs and a genuinely educational tool. * The operettas of Vincent Scotto are not represented. WARNING: These recordings are genuine treasures and are never available for long either individually of collectively, so buying this collection is an absolute no-brainer.

FROM OFFENBACH TO LOPEZ.......2002-08-16

Yesterday ,before going to sleep,you told your wife:I have nothing against FRENCH operettas,but what i want to hear is the songs ,not the dialogue that goes with the genre when you listen to complete works.Here in that collection,all the composers who created that particular form of light music are represented.It is so much more entertaining than traditional opera.Among the highlights are songs from OFFENBACH's works like LA BELLE HÉLENE and LA PÉRICHOLE;MESSENGER's VERONIQUE and MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE;the famous LA VEUVE JOYEUSE that was successfull around the world;CHRISTINÉ's PHI PHI created the day after armistice in 1918.One of the pleasant surprize for me was hearing songs from LES MOUSQUETAIRES AU COUVENT and one from LA FILLE DE MADAME ANGOT (JADIS,LES ROIS)and another from CIBOULETTE(NOUS AVONS FAIT UN BEAU VOYAGE).MADY MESPLÉ,one of the best singers of the genre is featured on seven songs,and she is always a joy to hear in any role of the repertoire.FRANCIS LOPEZ, who is remembered as the last important composer is well honoured with eight selections with singers like BOURVIL,GEORGES GUÉTARY and LUIS MARIANO.Don't try to resist THE MERRY WIDOW ,she'll get to you one way or another.

Average customer rating:

Great Introduction

Artist Portrait: Susan Graham

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Susan Graham - La Belle Époque (The Songs of Reynaldo Hahn)
Susan Graham at Carnegie Hall
Susan Graham ~ Berlioz - Les nuits d'été
Susan Graham - Mozart & Gluck Arias ~ Il tenero momento
Poèmes de l'Amour

ASIN: B00008KA5L
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Voi Che Sapete
Non So Piu Cosa Son, Cosa Faccio
Di Te Mi Rido
Mi Lusinga Il Dolce Affetto
Mio Bel Tesoro
Verdi Prati
O Malheureuse Iphigenie!
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Early In The Morning
The Wintry Mind
O You Whom I Often And Silently Come
Comment Le Dedain Pourrait-Il Mourir?
Dieu! Que Viens-Je Entendre?
This Journey To Christ
Who Will Walk With Me?
Dead Man Walking!
He Will Gather Us Around
C'est Ca La Vie, C'est Ca L'amour
Yes
Les Hommes Sont Bien Tous Les Memes

Customer Reviews:

Great Introduction.......2004-08-25

This is a great introduction at a very reasonable price to Susan Graham's lovely mezzo voice, with selections from several CDs. Be warned, however - this will only whet your appetite for the full albums (for example, her incredible live performance as Ruggiero in Handel's "Alcina" with Renee Fleming and Natalie Dessay and with William Christie conducting Les Arts Florissants - surely one of the most stupendous opera recordings ever made).

Average customer rating:

Brilliant
de vuelta a los 60's!!
Neo-bossa heaven
ULTRA COOL GROOVES!!!!!!!!
Released in the US - thank Thievery Corporation

Les Hommes
Les Hommes
Manufacturer: Eighteenth Street
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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

The Mood Is Modal
Waltz for Koop
Gran Riserva
Freaks & Icons
Sounds from the Verve Hi-Fi

ASIN: B00006FI92
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Tracks:

In Spring
Intraspettro
Six And Eight
Weegee
Pousada Do Amor
The Fourth Homme
Hommage
Vista Do Mar
Boogaloogalick
The Way-Out

Amazon.com

Americans might not be buying jazz en masse, but they are buying jazz cut up, sampled, and rearranged by inventive DJs (Cinematic Orchestra, Koop). Into this mix comes Italian instrumental trio Les Hommes, who explore Brazilian jazz with a nod to the DJ audience. Using organ, drums, and vibraphone, Les Hommes work a clean '60s jazz prototype, adding slick DJ chill to their classic Brazilian thrill. The trinity of Tom Jobim, Luis Bonfa, and Walter Wanderley informs every move, from grinding bossa nova beats to sultry samba rhythms, while Les Hommes' posh Italian flair (and serious musicianship) makes this Muzak super-suave, ultrahip. Even the song titles transport you to unspecified yet exotic locales. "WeeGee" is not about the renowned New York photographer, it's a winking invitation to Brazilian lust. "Boogaloogalick" is a mambo-fired mover complete with a corny singer growling over campy Farfisa organ bubbles. All Les Hommes need is a Frank Sinatra cover and their ring-a-ding-ding would be complete. --Ken Micallef

Album Description

On their self-titled Eighteenth Street Lounge debut, expect to hear cool bossas to cliff-top drives along the Amalfi Coast, full-on Pumping dance floor batucadas, and exotic Moog-meets-organ grooves that tap into images of lost party scenes. Embracing club and DJ culture, but playing instruments rather than records. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2006-09-07

Let your mind open to something genuinely brilliant. I am a huge fan of the new synthesis music eg., ESL music. There is a depth and beauty here beyond all else. I have most ESL artists and many 6 degrees and asian underground artists. This is my current favorite. I think it is genius. May not be rockish enough for some of this genre fans and that is why I say let go. Let your mind go to a space where all joy exists.

de vuelta a los 60's!!.......2005-04-01

WOWW! esta produccion es lo maximo que he escuchado en estos nuevos generos de acid jazz-nu bossa nova, simplemente te hace volar la imaginacion y hacerte ver que estas dentro de una cinta de espias con un twist de grooviness de los 60's, el sonido es super clean con cada instrumento, perfectamente acoplado para dar una sensacion unica de jovialidad, yo en lo personal disfruto cada cancion , no hay una sola q sea mala a mi parecer. el instrumento llamado vibraphone le da el toqe retro a las piezas, simplemente hay q comprarlo para poder saber lo que describo. comprenlo!! es simplemente excelente. Gracias a ESL Music por poner en el mercado tan buenos grupos del genero como Les Hommes y por su puesto los grandes de Thievery Corporation entre otros.

Neo-bossa heaven.......2004-08-12

This cd is amazing. It brings to mind the sounds of the Exodus Quartet, which was pretty much the start of the new-bossa nova genre. It has a sound similar to the Murkatroyd trio and Theivery Corporation. A touch of Nicola Conte can be heard, even though he has nothing to do with this album. If you are into anything bossa nova, get this cd, you will not be disappointed.

ULTRA COOL GROOVES!!!!!!!!.......2003-10-17

I got hip to this group on Water Music's "Jazz Lounge" with the funky "Intraspettro", next I heard them on Acid Lounge in Space with "In Spring"...Both outstanding tracks--Naturally, I had to get the CD. Of course, I had to order it online, and it took forever to get to me, but the wait was well worth it. Every track on LES HOMMES is a stand-out, ranging from styles of acid jazz to swing to bossa nova to funk and samba. Despite it's minimal duration of 45:17, LES HOMMES is a truly spectacular effort that brings to mind old spy movies, sleazy night clubs and high society cocktail parties. Full of live instrumentations and sultry, haunting female vocals, this one is sure to get several repeat plays with jazz and downtempo enthusiasts alike. Buy it, throw some shades on, jump into your convertible (or whatever you own), pop it in and see if you don't feel like some James Bond/Katherine Hepburn wanna-be!

Released in the US - thank Thievery Corporation.......2002-09-01

Wow. Les Hommes have finally arrived on shore and it's thanks to the ESL label, that of Thievery Corporation, who did something similar with "Jet Sounds" by Nicola Conte and "Nothing Changes Under the Sun" with Blue States.

I recommend picking up a compilation of their music before you get this release. Check out Boss-A-Troniq 2, or Break & Bossa Vol 5 to hear samples of what they are like. I only say that because their style is in fact jazzy, but it focuses on keyboards and organs - which may not be everyone's cup of team. I'd label their style in the jazz, lounge sort of area.

Familiar will be Hommage, as heard on Break & Bossa vol 5, and Pousada Do Amor, as heard on Nueva Bossa NOva. you will not find "The Hand of Tenorio", as that is on their EP release Mood Is Modal. That said, this is a good release. Some of the tracks are too short, IMO, but for the most part this is pretty good. The inner booklet contains what are perhaps the inspiration for the tracks - you really do sense that from "Pousada Do Amor".

Tracks:

Asie
La Flute Enchantee
L'Indifferent
Cleopatre
O, Mon Cher Amant, Je Te Jure
Je T'adore
Ah! Quel Diner
Mon Dieu, Que Les Hommes Sont Betes
Barcarolle
Overture
Rondo
Invocation
Si Vous Croyez Que Je Vais Dire...
Couplets Des Baisers
Dites-lui Qu'on L'a Remarque
Vous Aimez Le Danger

Moussorgski - Boris Godounov / Raimondi, Wischnewskaja, Plishka, Gedda, Dubosc, Cowan, Rostropovitch (1989 film)

Average customer rating:

Stellar performance of Russia's National opera masterpiece!!
a solid, exciting production, supurb sound

Moussorgski - Boris Godounov / Raimondi, Wischnewskaja, Plishka, Gedda, Dubosc, Cowan, Rostropovitch (1989 film)
Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky , Mstislav Rostropovitch , Ruggero Raimondi , Galina Wischnewskaja , Wyatscheslaw Polozov , Paul Plishka , Nicolai Gedda , Catherine Dubosc , and Richard Cowan
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Vishnevskaya, Galina | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Russian Album

ASIN: B000005E6S
Release Date: 1992-05-01

Tracks:

Boris Godounov: Introduction orchestrale: Scene - Eh bien, qu'avez-vous?
Boris Godounov: A quis nous abandonnes-tu ?
Boris Godounov: Fideles croyants, notre boiar reste inexorable
Boris Godounov: Tu as entendu les hommes?
Boris Godounov: Scene du Couronnement, Coronation Scene
Boris Godounov: Mon ame est en peine
Boris Godounov: Encore un dernier recit
Boris Godounov: O Dieu de force, Dieu de Justice
Boris Godounov: Tu as ecrit toute la nuit
Boris Godounov: Oh, je me souviens - Ouglich
Boris Godounov: On sonne les matines - Boris, tout tremble devant toi
Boris Godounov: J'ai pris un caneton gris
Boris Godounov: Peuple chretien, bonnes gens aimes de Dieu
Boris Godounov: Dans la bonne ville de Kazan
Boris Godounov: Pour moi!
Boris Godounov: Qui etes-vous? - D'humbles pelerins, de saints moines
Boris Godounov: Que faites-vous, maudits coquins - Fuite de Grigori

Tracks:

Boris Godounov: Ou est mon fiance?
Boris Godounov: Oh, c'est assez, Princesse - Chanson du Moustique, Mosquito Song
Boris Godounov: Ah, Nounou, en voila un conte, Jeu de la Main chaude, The Hand-Clapping Game
Boris Godounov: Qu'y a-t-il?
Boris Godounov: Comme c'est bien, mon fils!
Boris Godounov: Aie, chut! - Qu'y a-t-il donc?
Boris Godounov: A cause de notre Perroquet
Boris Godounov: Mon fils, mon cher enfant!
Boris Godounov: Tsarevitch, obeis!
Boris Godounov: Tu ne me crois donc pas?
Boris Godounov: Assez, ah, je suffoque!
Boris Godounov: Au bord de la Vistule bleue
Boris Godounov: Cela suffit!
Boris Godounov: Je n'ai pas besoin de toi aujourd'hui, Rouzia
Boris Godounov: Ah! Mon Dieu! Cest vous, mon Pere!
Boris Godounov: A minuit, dans le jardin
Boris Godounov: Prends-garde, Tsarevitch - La Polonnaise - Nous aurons bientot conquis la Moscovie

Tracks:

Boris Godounov: Elle! Marina!
Boris Godounov: Eh bien, la messe est-elle finie?
Boris Godounov: Trrr, trrr, trrr
Boris Godounov: Aaah! Boris! Ils ont offense L'Innocent!
Boris Godounov: Nobles Boiars!
Boris Godounov: Eh bien, passons au vote
Boris Godounov: Que dites-vous la, Boiars!
Boris Godounov: Arriere, arriere
Boris Godounov: Auguste Souverain - Mon recit sera simple et bref
Boris Godounov: J'etouffe
Boris Godounov: Pleurez, bonnes gens
Boris Godounov: Amene-le par ici
Boris Godounov: Trrr...le bonnet de fer
Boris Godounov: Le ciel et la lune se sont eteints
Boris Godounov: Hardi! notre male temerite
Boris Godounov: Domine, salvum fac regem
Boris Godounov: Qui le Malin nous envoie-t-il encore

Customer Reviews:

Stellar performance of Russia's National opera masterpiece!!.......2004-07-02

Let's start with the quibbles, on account of their relative insignificance: 1) I miss the real bells used on the Gjórgiev (especially!!!) and the Abbado recordings (the samples I got to hear alerted me to this - the chimes used here sound poor by comparison); 2) the Russian original-language libretto is incomplete (were more space allowed here, I'd have published the missing parts in the original Russian). [I recommend downloading the libretto from other websites - and then piecing in the few things that are otherwise absent from the regular-performance libretto from the booklet supplied - Rostropóvich's reading gives this opera (a composite of the 1868 and 1872 versions) as completely as possible (the réprise of the Simpleton's scene in the last tableau, originally salvaged from the St. Vasíljiy's (Basil's) tableau cut in the 1872 version and which however was reinstated in this recording, could have been omitted consequently - though I'm glad it wasn't!).] 3) I wish the orchestra (very good indeed!!!) could be heard more even when the singers are in full voice (this defect relative to Culshaw's Wagner recordings - my standard in taste - also afflicts Rostropóvich's otherwise superb recording of Shostakóvich's "Lady Macbeth of Mcjénsk").

Otherwise, a very powerful reading with everybody in peak form fully deserving a full 5 stars - even the venerable arch-star of Russian soprani from 1952-82 (from her début with the Boljshóy to her retirement from live operatic performances - of course she was forced out of the Boljshóy in 1974 into exile...) Vishñévskaja, who was close to being 61 years of age at the time of this recording, comes off as well as everybody else (you could hardly tell her age)! Another success is that of Mira Zakai as one of the nurses (in Act II) - she's much better here than in Solti's recording of Mahler's 2nd Symphony with the CSO (where she sounds so uninvolved as well as plain when compared to Helen Watts or Maureen Forester). Gedda sings the Simpleton's part as movingly as could be anticipated from somebody who has given so much of his career to the Russian repertoire, while Plishka gives a wonderfully warm Pimjén. As to Ruggero Raimondi - wow, what a wonderfully evocative portrayal of the demented Carj (C pronounced as 'ts' like in "bolts"; 'j' just softens the 'r' somewhat...)!!! One doesn't need a bassus profundus (which he's not - though his low notes lack nothing!) to do justice to this rôle after all...

Finally, regarding the version of the score being used: while it's indeed based on the 1872 "definitive" version, much stuff cut therefrom which was in the 1868 original version makes it into the recording (not a note is cut from the score). While obviously the earlier version of Act II as well as a few other snippets in Act I (when Grigóriy wakes up) are superseded (the latter's snippets are merely the same music given to offstage choir instead of the strings as done initially), other things (e.g., the dismissal of the crowd in the Prologue's 1st scene, the scene in front of St. Vasíljiy's Cathedral) are fully reinstated - all of this can be vouched for from the full score 2-book set published by Oxford University Press giving Musórgskiy's original version.

Most definitely recommended in all events and regards!!! [Hopefully Erato will reissue this recording as it's amply deserving!]

a solid, exciting production, supurb sound.......2000-07-29

Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov is so rich that it never can be encompassed by one interpretation, however strong. It's worth having two or more versions, including this one, conducted by Rostropovitch, on hand. Here's how it stacks up with two other fine quality, stereo recordings using Mussorgsky's original orchestration: Abbado's and Gergiev's.

Rostropovitch and the ensemble under his baton, provide both a polished orchestral presentation and dynamic drama dominated by one of the best Borises of the digital age. The story and the music reinforce one another seamlessly.

The dramatic presentation in the Rostropovitch version is much more exciting than that in the Abbado version, which focuses more on creating a flawlessly recorded, stunning symphonic and choral atmosphere. In the Rostropovitch version, beautiful children's voices add both an innocent element to Mussorgsky's dark drama and another stunning instrument to the orchestration. In the perfectly polished Abbado version, adult women with full voices flawlessly sing the children's roles.

Rostropovitch's production lacks some of raw dramatic heft of Gergiev versions, but it has more polish. The Gergiev CD set offers two complete versions, both Mussorgsky's 1868 version and the 1873, each complete and with different casts, making it a bargain, if such a thing can be said about overpriced classical music CDs. The Rostropovitch version contains only the 1872 score.

Customer Reviews:

Music to transport you to Versailles (and make you get up and dance !).......2007-07-19

This is a stunning disc: if you don't know the music of the French Baroque it will convert you - if you know the music already the performance and interpretation will dazzle you. Lully wrote with what I hear as an incredibly modern sense of melody - his tunes (and most of the pieces are short) are instantly accessible to a modern ear and are impossible to shake off, but these are more than simply pop songs; they are layered and varied, from exuberance to melancholy, to resignation and tears, to delight. And why buy this one rather than another interpretation ? Jordi Savall and Le Concert des Nations combine technical virtuosity with a beautiful musicality that allows you to hear the layers in the music, and they play with a sense of joy, and at times wildness, that make me wish I could dance. It is easy to see France under Louis XIV purely as grotesque, as the parody we see so often in film or literature; the affectation, the wigs, the thick cracking make up, the gilt clothing and the rancid sweat, the inept aristocracy and the starving peasantry. Lully and Savall remind us that these were people, with fears and hopes and exuberance and joy, and the skill and passion in the writing and performance of this music transport me instantly to Versailles under the Sun King, and make it a place I love being.Lully: L'Orchestre du Roi Soleil

Pop Music:

Pop Music