Red Clay [Original recording remastered]

Product Description
Before Freddie Hubbard signed with CTI Records in 1970, he was already considered one of the most brilliant jazz trumpeters in the world. RED CLAY, his debut album on the label, is an exceptional set of plugged-in hard bop fused with funk - and reportedly the album he considers his best. Joining him on five of the six cuts, is a crack quintet featuring longtime colleagues Joe Henderson and Herbie Hancock, on tenor saxophone and keyboards respectively. The final number, a previously unissued, extended live jam on the title tune, finds Hubbard fronting an all-star septet that includes such fellow CTI stars as George Benson and Stanley Turrentine.

Red Clay,Freddie Hubbard,Sony,Bass,Jazz,Jazz Music,Jazz-Funk,Pop,Post-Bop,Soul-Jazz

Average customer rating: Good Old Fashion R&B The REAL The Red Clay Chronicles Love It... Lovin' Acey Duecey

The Red Clay Chronicles Anthony David Manufacturer: Brash Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Love Rain Down Collaborations The Evolution of Robin Thicke This Journey in Rebel Soul Music ASIN: B000HDRB5C Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. Stop Playin'
2. Smoke One
3. Everything Is Everything
4. Words (Feat. India.Arie)
5. On & On
6. Lady
7. Atl Sunshine
8. Something About You
9. Sho Nuff
10. Better Than
11. Red Clay Chronicles
12. Kin Folk
13. Smoke One With Earl
14. Acey Ducey (Hidden Track)

Album Description

Following up on his debut "3 Chords And The Truth", which the Atlanta Journal-Constitution called "the best record to come out of this city since Usher's", Atlanta artist Anthony David is set to release his second record which continues his journey to recapture the sound of soul music that harkens back to the genre's banner era of the '60s and into the dawn of the '70s. Enlisting a Who's Who of Atlanta musicians (such as Tori Alamaze, Laurnea, and Keisha Jackson), this record represents the musical flavor and diversity of the south. Also includes guest appearances by India.Arie and master guitarist Earl Klugh.

Customer Reviews:

Good Old Fashion R&B.......2007-06-09

I bought this CD a month ago and have been playing it to death ever since. I absolutely love this CD. Its a shame you don't hear music like this on the radio.

The REAL.......2007-05-09

Anthony David is an amazing singer, his voice is a mixture of old school R & B, reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and the neo-soul sounds of today. He is the epitome of "SMOOTH"

The Red Clay Chronicles.......2007-04-23

I am new to this artist. Excuse me for living in an abyss! I heard him for the first time at the Urban Music Festival in Austin TX, and MAN...I was blown away, along with my cousin who came to hang out with me for the fest. He, of all of the artists, impressed me the most. So much so that I bought both of his cds, and bought both for my sister. I also have turned 6 others onto him (and counting). I LOVE THIS MAN'S SOUND AND MUSIC. He is smooth, reminiscent of the older R&B artists. The rasp in his vocals and his poetry has him on repeat in my cd changer. It's like meth to a meth-addict. Get both cds. You won't be disappointed in the slightest. Mr. David, thanks for taking me way back and keep it coming!

Love It..........2007-04-22

I love his new album! This album is different from the first, but it shows his growth as an artist. The album is well produced and the lyrics are as deep as 3 Chords. If you want same feel as the first album (meaning the guitar) you are not going to get it on this album. Anthony takes his music to a new level while still keeping to his soulful roots.

Lovin' Acey Duecey.......2007-03-28

Okay, so I bought both of Mr. David's CDs a couple of weeks ago and I haven't stopped listening to them yet. In fact, I have told other friends to check him out as well. I am a true soul music lover and he just fits exactly into the kind of sound that sings to me. Keep up the grand work, Mr. David, and I hope that your following continues to grow.

Average customer rating: Half-great early fusion (3.5 stars) Red Clay Great songs & players "Red Clay" Is Red Hot. Two words: Jam Jazz

Red Clay Freddie Hubbard Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Straight Life First Light Ready for Freddie Hub-Tones Sky Dive ASIN: B000068D1J Release Date: 2002-06-18

Tracks:

1. Red Clay
2. Delphia
3. Suite Sioux
4. The Intrepid Fox
5. Cold Turkey
6. Red Clay (Alternate Version) (Bonus Track)

Album Description

Before Freddie Hubbard signed with CTI Records in 1970, he was already considered one of the most brilliant jazz trumpeters in the world. RED CLAY, his debut album on the label, is an exceptional set of plugged-in hard bop fused with funk - and reportedly the album he considers his best. Joining him on five of the six cuts, is a crack quintet featuring longtime colleagues Joe Henderson and Herbie Hancock, on tenor saxophone and keyboards respectively. The final number, a previously unissued, extended live jam on the title tune, finds Hubbard fronting an all-star septet that includes such fellow CTI stars as George Benson and Stanley Turrentine.

Customer Reviews:

Half-great early fusion (3.5 stars).......2006-05-22

Freddie Hubbard might be my favorite trumpeter; indeed, he's one of my favorite soloists in any genre of music. Consistently, he encompasses the sensitivity (but not the sentimentality) of Miles Davis, the indomitable bravura of Lee Morgan, sometimes even the restlesness, vulnerability and ecstasy of John Coltrane. That being said, he has no essential LP of his own, because he does almost all of what he does best on other people's albums - Coltrane's Ascension; Dolphy's Out to Lunch!; Shorter's Speak No Evil; two peerless Herbie Hancock sessions, Empyrean Isles and Maiden Voyage.

Most of the cast of those latter two records turns up here, with Ron Carter swooping up and down the fingerboard of a fretless electric bass, and Herbie Hancock contending with the flattened dynamics of a Fender Rhodes electric piano. Neither of them, nor Freddie, are exactly at their very best here, but as their very best is among the greatest jazz ever recorded, I'm more than willing to settle. On drums is the young Lenny White, making an impressive showing en route to Return to Forever.

So, yes, this is basically a fusion record, but it's one of the earliest and least offensive fusion records of all. For one thing, it's earnest: essentially it is a modal jazz record, circa '65, with boxier drumming and electric instruments. It avoids cliche by eschewing phasing effects, Hendrix guitarisms or much by way of Sly; indeed it sounds delightfully not at all like contemporaneous Davis, but rather, it sounds, kinda sorta, like jazz music. Good, old-fashioned blues-based (or modal) jazz music.

The first track is the sole masterwork, perhaps Hubbard's greatest composition, and one of a handful of his greatest performances. The arrangement is pulverizing, with climax after climax - each successive segment wrenches up the tension and fire. Hubbard mostly stays inside, playing a blues scale with lambent conviction, atop wistful chords; but tenorist Joe Henderson goes much farther afield in his solo section, a half-Archie Shepp, half-deluge thing that audibly riles up Freddie.

Next comes "Delphia", an exquisitely pretty if somewhat torpid ballad, with Henderson humming distantly into a flute and Hancock playing some pro forma Hammond organ; the followup, "Suite Sioux" is even less interesting, a frivolous bossa nova thing with another good Henderson solo.

The original LP closes with another excellent extended piece, "The Intrepid Fox", an urgent theme built on a feverish quote from Coltrane's "Cousin Mary". Again, Hubbard sounds strangely conservative, but even when Freddie feels he hasn't got anything to prove, he proves much. Hancock sounds livelier here than otherwise, but in general I am disappointed with his performances on this disc; he might be the greatest jazz pianist who's ever lived, but the electric instrument is not his purview, with his clustered Tyneresque pianisms here the resulting sound is often toylike. (The same goes, to a lesser extent, for Carter, who nonetheless solos ably throughout.)

The bonus tracks are enjoyable, but superfluous. The version of Lennon's "Cold Turkey" is at once seriously funky and way, way out there, with Hubbard's most unhinged playing since the mid-sixties; but Lennon's tune isn't very sturdy. The live version of the title track is good, but a little protracted.

Recommended for fans.

Red Clay.......2006-03-06

Can't say enuff 'bout my main man Freddie Hubbard. From the first disc I heard by him, "First Light", I have been hooked. Freddie is still after over 30 years of listeneing to him, one of my favorite trumpeters and jazzmen. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being best, I rate this a 20!

Great songs & players.......2006-02-26

Put simply, "Red Clay" has top-notch players playing top-notch songs. Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Lenny White play on the studio cuts, and the live version of Red Clay includes George Benson, Stanley Turrentine, and Billy Cobham. "Red Clay" is rightly regarded as a classic song, and the others all swing as well. Like other ECM albums from the era, you can hear the faintest glimmers of smoothness, but that's only manifested here as good production values and a soulful feel to the rhythm. Make no mistake, this is great jazz.

"Red Clay" Is Red Hot........2005-08-10

Some records epitomize cool, while others help define it. "Red Clay" falls into both categories, but more so the latter. Freddie Hubbard's 1970 recording for CTI records is an incredible melange of progressive jazz, old-school soul, and a dash of blues. Like many of his peers, Hubbard's taste leaned more towards raw funk, and he adopted a "fusion" sound that was apparently very popular in that era. Although the music and production here somewhat reveals its era, it's still very much fresh and relevant. Freddie bursts into a passionate solo at the opening of the title track, before it develops into a smooth and confident instrumental, replete with a kickin' bassline from Ron Carter, and a keyboard solo from Herbie Hancock. "Suite Sioux" is a more traditional bop piece that has Hubbard and saxophonist Joe Henderson in solid form, and we also get a bold re-working of John Lennon's "Cold Turkey." But the disc's peak is saved for last: the bonus track which is an alternate version of the title cut. Performed live, this version is loose, less constructed, and more free-flowing than the original studio recording. For any lover of jazz with a progressive edge, "Red Clay" should be a no-brainer of a purchase.

Two words: Jam Jazz.......2004-12-18

You have to hear this album to believe what everyone is saying about it. Red Clay is simply beyond category of words. During the first play of listening to this album I couln't understand why I didn't already own it and why hadn't any of my friends already turned me on to it. Red Clay just comes out and clobbers you over the head with jazz/funk/fusion/bop and whatever until you just shake your head in disbelief. Seriously, don't let this one escape your collection.

Average customer rating: Chow down at the Merchant's Lunch Truly Unique Fun Never heard of them? DUH! Why RCR are not famous breaks the heart...

Twisted Laurel/Merchants Lunch The Red Clay Ramblers Manufacturer: Flying Fish Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional Country | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rambler Far North It Ain't Right Meeting In The Air - Songs Of The Carter Family Feed Your Babies Onions: Fat City Favorites ASIN: B000000ME6 Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

1. Blue Jay/The Girl I Left Behind Me
2. Twisted Laurel
3. The Hobo's Last Letter
4. Mississippi Delta Blues
5. The Telephone Girl
6. Will You Miss Me
7. The Ace
8. The Corrugated Lady
9. The Bacon Was Scarce/ Ryestraw
10. I Was Only Teasing You
11. Fifty Miles Of Elbow Room
12. Flying Cloud Cotillion
13. The Beale Street Blues
14. Merchants Lunch
15. A Beefalo Special
16. Woman Down In Memphis
17. Molly Put The Kettle On
18. Milwaukee Blues
19. Melancholy
20. Rabbit In The Pea Patch
21. I've Got Plans
22. Daniel Prayed
23. Forked Deer
24. Henhouse Blues
25. Sweet And Slow

Customer Reviews:

Chow down at the Merchant's Lunch.......2006-02-21

Bluegrass, Memphis blues, and New Orleans jazz dumped in a blender with a little country redneck humor--I LOVE this band.

Truly Unique Fun .......2005-12-11

The Red Clay Ramblers are simply the most fun band I've ever heard, and I've heard a lot of fun bands. Twisted Laurel and Merchants Lunch are their most accessible work, and easily their two best albums.

Their first release was a self-titled album issued on the Folkways label in 1974 "with Fiddlin' Al McCanless". The following year saw their first Flying Fish album, Stolen Love, and the liner notes from that LP reveal that the band was formed in the fall of 1972, and initially consisted of Bill Hicks, Tommy Thompson and Jim Watson. According to the notes by Bill Hicks, Mike Craver joined the band one year later, bringing with him "a fresh and exciting sensibility towards all sorts of traditional music... Though the band had a name before Mike joined, it was he who completed the circle and filled out the range of musical interests and potentials which the four of us had in common".

Much of the output of The Red Clay Ramblers consists of "old-timey" songs originally recorded by the pioneers of early recorded music. These can be well known songs or obscure ditties that have been generally overlooked by all but the most devoted enthusiasts. This CD includes material associated with such classic talents as Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family, Charlie Poole, Uncle Dave Macon, W. C. Handy and Fats Waller. But they have also covered songs by Bessie Smith, tackled Child ballads, and unearthed material by obscure early artists such as Alfred Reed, The Mississippi Sheiks, the Red Fox Chasers and the Tenneva Ramblers. When reviving an old song, the Red Clay Ramblers lovingly reinvent the originals with fresh, up-to-date arrangements, but their approach is never irreverent or casual. It's clear they love the old records they mine so productively, which inevitably results in their breathing new life into everything they touch. While they are dead serious and respectful of the old music at all times, they generally choose light, breezy and especially humorous tunes to entertain us with, although these can be interspaced with more somber, dramatic and poignant pieces.

Which brings us to their second specialty - their own original compositions. As composers, their lyrics are extremely funny. Their use of the language at times rivals such well-known wits as Noel Coward or even Stephen Sondheim, although theirs is generally a more down-to-earth and less urbane view of the world at large than either of these theatre legends. I wish that more of their CD's would include song lyrics (this one does not). I have actually typed out the words to some of their songs so that friends who are new to their music can get the full impact of their hysterically funny verses. Although there is not a bad tune in the entire 25 songs included on this release, I would like to offer some comments on several standouts.

The Twisted Laurel material opens with a medley of Blue Jay and The Girl I Left Behind, both traditional, one an instrumental. It sets the mood, but doesn't define all that is to come.

Twisted Laurel is an original composition that sounds like it should be traditional. One must listen carefully to get the full imagery of Tommy Thompson's thoughtful lyrics.

The Hobo's Last Letter, written by Bill Hicks, is one of their specialty songs. It manages to be clever, funny and touching at the same time, and is one of my favorite songs of theirs.

The Telephone Girl is a lighthearted jingle that will leave you smiling - a lot. The tricky yet simple lyrics are deftly handled by the group.

Will You Miss Me was a done originally by the Carter Family, and receives the appropriate reverent treatment here.

The Ace, which opened side two of the Twisted Laurel vinyl, is one of their most clever original songs, and about as funny as they get. It concerns the mishaps of "The Ace with the sweaty brow" and his efforts to score in the back seat of his car. The misadventures of our hero and the hilarious climax will have you rolling on the floor. Play it many times until you get every word of their delicious wit.

The Corrugated Lady is a clever medley of a modern song perfectly paired with an old Mills Brothers hit, Paper Doll. At the juncture of the second chorus, both songs are sung simultaneously, and they come together in an amazing climax of harmony and wit. The delivery is ingenious and the harmony sublime.

I Was Only Teasing You is another severely funny song, although not written by the group. The "punch line" never fails to get a laugh.

Beale Street Blues, written by W. C. Handy and reworked by Charlie Poole as "Ramblin' Blues" in 1928, is surprisingly urbane and witty for it's time. "...If Beale Street could talk, if Beale Street could talk, married men would have to take their bed up and walk; except one or two who never drink booze, and the blind man on the corner who plays the Memphis Blues...". Like the song says, "I'd rather be here than any place I know".

The Merchants Lunch tracks start with The Merchants Lunch, a comic masterpiece. The goings-on at that Nashville diner are too complicated to summarize here, but I found myself playing this song over and over until I knew every word.

Woman Down in Memphis is a great, wailing blues tune, so perfectly realized that it's almost scary.

I've Got Plans is the wishful ode of a dreaming wannabe. Nice.

Daniel Prayed is an á cappella masterpiece of old-time harmony.

Sweet and Slow, by Fats Waller, is the perfectly arranged and vocalized album finale.

I can almost guarantee that a few listens of this gem will have you scouring the internet to track down the rest of their releases. They're that good.

All in all, highly recommended!

Never heard of them?.......2003-09-27

If you love bluegrass and haven't, you need to. It don't get any better than this, and right here on the silver disc. If you buy this it's gotta be because you love bluegrass. If you love bluegrass, you'll end up buying them all.

DUH!.......2002-12-22

This is a no-brainer. Just look at the other reviews; five statrs across the board for their entire catalogue and these two may be their best!

Why RCR are not famous breaks the heart..........2001-09-09

Well, famous is not so important as persistence. I would bet most people buying this CD have the vinyl
sitting in their closet. I saw RCR 22 years ago & was
put back in my seat song after song. I never have had enough of them. If they had put out an album a week, I would probably keep up. I lent this retrospective to a friend
who is usually hard to draw a response and he came back with
a great big 'YES'. Unprovoked.

Average customer rating: Woah. Why is this cd so expensive? This is a Revolution....a revolutionary album! I've been waiting for this FOREVER!

Red Revolution Shaded Red Manufacturer: Cadence ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shaded Red ASIN: B0001G0WSS

Product Description

Christian alt band Shaded Red's second cd...tracks are: 1. Revolution 2. Hello 3. Innocence 4. Wait 5. When God Ran 6. About My Love 7. Slow Suicide 8. One Year 9. Touch 10. Rat Race 11. Endless Summer Days 12. Tonight

Customer Reviews:

Woah........2006-06-11

I can't belive this is as rare and expensive as it apparently is. My friend got it from the Cheap Used CDs box at Bull Moose Music for around a dollar or so. o_o;

Why is this cd so expensive?.......2006-06-04

I don't understand. Why are people putting such a high price on this cd? rare? Their first cd is just as rare and good as this one, and it only costs 10 bucks. Yes, they are a great band, but most people have not even heard of them. I think someone decided to sell it for 80 bucks, and now everyone thinks it's something rare or so awesome that it should cost so much. If there is a logical explanation why a cd by a band that no one has even heard about is so expensive, please let me know.

This is a Revolution....a revolutionary album!.......2005-11-24

I must say, I couldn't believe how rare this album is. The first time I heard it, my older brother had it. I thought he had the original album, but when I asked him...he told me that one of his friends had the original and that he burnt the album from his friend. I feel so lucky to even have the music on my computer because the album is so pricy. But anyway, I ran into the guy that had the album, I was working in Subway, and when he pulled to the front window, I asked him how everything was going...well, eventually the album was brought up, and he was like "Yea, that album's pretty kickass...but while I was in Iraq, all my music was shot to hell". So it turns out, he had a burnt copy as well. I still don't know where the original came from, but this is an amazing album. I wouldn't pay $50, let alone $80!!! Still if there's a way you can pay at least $25 for this album, it's definately worth it!! All the lyrics are well written, and the guys vocals are excellent, The way they put this album together is essentially well thought through. From beginning to finish...there are no fillers. All is excellent! That is why I give this a 5 stars! Kudos to Shaded Red....I wish you made more than just 2 albums, though...

I've been waiting for this FOREVER!.......2004-04-14

This is one of my favorite Christian CDs, but it is so hard to find 'cause no one's ever heard of Shaded Red! The first time I heard them, I was watching their music video for "Revolution." It was kinda "eh," but I really liked the trumpet - it gave their music a sorta Latin/World edge to it. Then I borrowed the CD from a friend, and I was blown away. Their so passionate! And I love Christian music that doesn't sound like Christian music - let's break out of the mold, shall we? "Wait" (track 4) is my favorite - listen for that nice little orchestral part in the background. Wow...

Average customer rating: Some future hit songs are contained in this cast album cd

Lone Star Love (2004 Original Off-Broadway Cast) Red Clay Ramblers Manufacturer: P.S. Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Great American Trailer Park Musical The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast) See What I Wanna See (2005 Original Off-Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000B7HZFU Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

1. Carry Me Home
2. Cold Cash
3. The Ballad of Falstaff
4. Texas Cattlemen
5. Prairie Moon
6. Caiuss Theme
7. Throwdown in Windsor
8. Cowboys Dream
9. Hard Times
10. World of Men
11. By Way of Frank Ford
12. Lone Star Love
13. A Man for the Age
14. Count on My Love
15. Code of the West
16. Quail Bagging
17. Texas Wind
18. The Wildcat Moan
19. Finale Act II
20. Dance Finale

Description

A tangy, melodious country-and-blues score! is how The New York Times described Lone Star Love when it played in New York last spring. Inspired by The Merry Wives of Windsor, Lone Star Love transports Shakespeare's immortal John Falstaff to post-Civil War Texas, where he wreaks havoc on the town of Windsor, and in so doing, gets his comeuppance. A toe-tapping, crowd-pleaser of a show, Lone Star Love features the beloved Red Clay Ramblers, who since 1975 have been melding bluegrass with jazz and rock, leading The New York Times to exclaim, "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! The Red Clay Ramblers play like angels auditioning for Gabriel!"

Customer Reviews:

Some future hit songs are contained in this cast album cd.......2006-02-28

I understand this show is coming to Broadway within the next year. I saw the show when it played off-Broadway last year and there are some great songs on this CD. I predict at least four numbers will become very popular (and probably adopted by some mainstream C&W stars)once the show attains Broadway status. The Red Clay Ramblers have produced some great music in the past but I predict this will be their best ever.

Average customer rating: RAMBLER The best ever from a group who never disappoint A uniquely American band that defies classification. Everybody's favorite "Whatnot Band" sings again!

Rambler The Red Clay Ramblers Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional Country | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Twisted Laurel/Merchants Lunch Far North It Ain't Right ASIN: B000000F24 Release Date: 1993-10-22

Tracks:

1. Cotton-Eyed Joe
2. Cajun Billy
3. Black Smoke Train
4. Saro Jane
5. Annie Oakley
6. Queen Of Skye
7. Ninety and Nine
8. Mile Long Medley
9. Darlin' Say/Pony Cart
10. Hiawatha's Lullaby
11. What Does The Deep Sea Say?
12. Ryan's/Jordan Reel
13. Barbeque
14. One Rose/Hot Buttered Rum
15. Polkas

Customer Reviews:

RAMBLER.......2000-04-14

CORRECTION: Tommy Thompson is not "the late," as the 3d review of RAMBLER states. He is alive and well in Chapel Hill, NC, though he left the Ramblers in 1994, a victim of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

The best ever from a group who never disappoint.......1999-08-04

The Red Clay Ramblers bring together a collection of traditional tunes, older jazz, and original tunes which are squarely in the tradition in the way that only they can. My favorite among a collection of superb tracks is "One Rose/Hot Buttered Rum". "One Rose" is an instrumental reminiscent of Jay Ungar's "Ashokan Farewell"; it segues into Tommy Thompson's "Hot Buttered Rum", a vocal number of equal, though different, beauty. The Ramblers' combination of knowledge of several different but related traditions with creativity and solid musicianship will not be found again.

A uniquely American band that defies classification........1998-10-09

"Rambler" is the latest studio CD of the Red Clay Ramblers. It is a showcase of the band's breadth, which runs from traditional American ("Cotton-Eyed Joe"), to traditional Scottish ("Queen of Skye"), to original ballad (the heartbreaking "Black Smoke Train"), to brilliant string-band instrumentalism ("Ryan's/Jordan's Reel") to the stone zany ("Hiawatha's Lullaby").

The Ramblers don't tour much anymore (except in theatrical productions that they write), which is a shame. If you go back and listen to some of their vinyl albums, you will hear a similar unwillingness to be type-cast as one sort of band or another. They have been around, in one incarnation or another, forever.

I think they are great to listen to while driving, because the variety keeps it interesting.

Everybody's favorite "Whatnot Band" sings again!.......1998-07-09

Though nothing compares to seeing the band live, "Rambler" provides a good sampling of the slightly goofy, very thoughtfully developed sound that is uniquely the Ramblers'. Not many of their albums are avaiable on CD -- so this one is all the more worth getting in this format. It represents the band at a crossroads: matured and relaxed, but with the zany energy of the late Tommy Thompson. Until their next album, this may be the best of the bunch.

Average customer rating: A Great Band An Undiscoverd Gem Finding bands like this reminds me why I love music... absolutely incredible I have seen Cravin' Melon twice live and they are awesome!

Red Clay Harvest Cravin' Melon Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Great Procrastinator Where I Wanna Be Squeeze Me [EP] Picture Postcard Walls The Freddy Jones Band ASIN: B000001EQG Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

1. Come Undone
2. Sweet Tea
3. Pretend
4. Post Office
5. Hey Sister
6. Simple Man
7. Nobody's Prize
8. Can't Find My Way
9. Joda
10. Come A Day
11. Blossom
12. Faithless Me

Customer Reviews:

A Great Band.......2007-05-25

I first found this band on the Pandora music player and have fallen in love with their music. It is a sound that anyone could listen to. This album never leaves my car. My only regret is never getting to meet them in person. I would recommend any of there albums.

An Undiscoverd Gem.......2006-02-12

A friend recommended this album to me a few years ago and it instantly became a favorite. I have bought everything I can find by this group. They sound a bit like Sister Hazel--but I think they are even better! The only songs I ever heard on the radio were "Come Undone" and "Sweet Tea" which are great songs--but the whole CD is really good!

Finding bands like this reminds me why I love music..........2000-07-17

Cravin Melon has a deep, soulful sound with rich vocals that is completely consuming. A cross between Paw and John Hiatt (and perhaps the Screamin Cheetah Wheelies, if anyone knows of them), Cravin Melon combines lush melodies with southern, country-tinged appeal. Album Red Clay Harvest opens with wistful rocker "Come Undone" and moves through rhythmic subtle grooves with class. Longing, not-really-ballads "Hey Sister" and "Can't Find My Way" are sweetly melodic with thick, complimentary guitar work; strong rock tuned like "Pretend" and "Nobody's Proze" utilize heavy percussive elements to round out their sound. Vocals are heartfelt and sonorous, moving over songs and colored with light harmonization during choruses. Cravin Melon is one of those bands who just feels right -each song on this album offers a perfect picture of soulful rock and roll.

absolutely incredible.......1999-11-20

My roommate and I are huge fans of this band...they rock...we've only seen them three Xs live and this is an experience everyone should have...when we hung out with them, we realized they are so down to earth and so real (and by the way Doug Jones and Rob Clay are beautiful men)...their music is so soulful

I have seen Cravin' Melon twice live and they are awesome!.......1999-09-27

I have seen Cravin' Melon twice and they are an outstanding group. I saw them just yesterday at the Big Hoo Ha in Greensboro NC, and they are so nice, i got their autograph and I got my picture taken with bassist "Rob Clay" who might I add, is Gorgeous!! I bought thier CD the first time i heard them live and it is a great CD, so go out and buy it, you won't regret it!!!

Average customer rating:

Chuckin' the Frizz The Red Clay Ramblers Manufacturer: Rounder Records Archives ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music ASIN: B000JQ2XY6

Product Description

This 1979 live recording at Chapel Hill's legendary Cat's Cradle captures the original Red Clay Ramblers at their frenetic, genre-blending best. Combining oldtime stringband textures with hot swinging rhythms, New Orleans stride piano with bluegrass vocal harmonies, and absurdist lyrics with deadpan delivery, Chuckin' the Frizz is a tour de force document from one of the most talented ensembles of any genre.

Average customer rating:

It's Gonna Be Alright Chicago's First Jurisdiction Cogic State Choir Manufacturer: Red Clay ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Right Place ASIN: B00004RD0H Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

1. Everything's Gonna Be All Right
2. Your Anointing
3. You've Got A Right To Praise The Lord
4. When He Come (Will You Be Ready)
5. There Is Power In The Praise
6. Be Strong In The Lord
7. Praise Him
8. Through Christ
9. The Search Is Over
10. Happy With Jesus Alone
11. I Praise Your Name

Average customer rating: Phenomenal! Incredible Quite an enjoyable CD Don't Walk, run ...run ...run ...to your stores Where did all the decent singers go?

Bright Eyed Joy: The Songs of Ricky Ian Gordon Dawn Upshaw , Todd Ellison , Judy Blazer , Ted Sperling , Kenneth Burward-Hoy , Jesse Levy , Lawrence Feldman , and Darius de Haas Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Only Heaven: A Musical Work by Ricky Ian Gordon Based on the Poetry of Langston Hughes My Life with Albertine (2003 Original Off-Broadway Cast) Dream True Finding Home - The Songs of Ricky Ian Gordon Myths And Hymns (1998 Off-Broadway Cast, Originally Saturn Returns) ASIN: B000059LY2 Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

1. Heaven
2. Poor Girl's Ruination/The Dream Keeper
3. A Contemporary
4. Run Away
5. When Sue Wears Red
6. Afternoon On a Hill
7. Love Song For Lucinda
8. Wild Swans
9. I'm Open All Night
10. Souvenir
11. New Moon
12. Resume/Wail/Frustration
13. The Red Dress
14. Dream Variations
15. Song For a Dark Girl
16. Daybreak In Alabama
17. Once I Was
18. Joy

Amazon.com

Along with Michael John LaChiusa and Adam Guettel, Ricky Ian Gordon is one of the Young Turks of New York's musical theater. Like them, Gordon shuns both the accessible pop of a David Yazbek and the bombast of a Frank Wildhorn, preferring instead to write post-Sondheimian art songs. The numbers here (with lyrics by Langston Hughes, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Dorothy Parker, James Agee) span two decades. They are marvelously interpreted by the likes of Audra McDonald, Dawn Upshaw, Darius de Haas, and Judy Blazer. Blazer ambles through "Resumé/Wail/Frustration" with delicious jazz-age wit, while Upshaw once more proves that she's a classical singer with an uncanny flair for the nonclassical repertoire. Note that anyone who's expecting anything resembling a beat is advised to look elsewhere. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Phenomenal!.......2001-09-27

Ricky Ian Gordon is a very talented composer and poet, and the songs on "Bright Eyed Joy" display his magnificent gifts. There is not a contemporary composer who has his talent of fitting text to music, and the singers on this disc bring his compositions alive. Track 17, "Once I Was," will make you weep!

Incredible.......2001-06-02

This is an incredible CD, from the sparkling orchestrations which are chamber but in the way they are mixed everything dances out at you, to the vocal interpretations which are so innovative for a recording of this type...settings of poetry but sung by regular, albeit, extraordinary regular people (except people like Dawn Upshaw and Audra McDonald who have already established themselves as major vocal artists)so that the songs feel personal. There is about this CD an incredibly meaningful air...moving, magisterial, powerful...straight from "Heaven" to "Joy" Gordon takes us on an inexorable journey through life towards transcendence and he and his brilliant players and performers succeed...Nonesuch does it again...Superb! Kudos all around. Gordon is a REAL composer, with a deep understanding of poetry as well as a fabulous gift for writing words himself!

Quite an enjoyable CD.......2001-05-20

Being a fan of Mr. Gordon's, I couldn't wait until this CD came out. And I was not disappointed. The music is a cross between classical art songs and standard Broadway fare. Perhaps most enjoyable are the tracks sung by Audra McDonald, some of which were previously released on her first solo album, Way Back to Paradise, but which were supplimented with some additional tracks that really suit her dramatic voice and extensive range. Two other highlights include "Afternoon on a Hill", "Souvenir", and "Once I Was", which demostrate clever writing on the part of the composer, as well as true understanding of the texts on the part of the performers...I feel that Mr. Guettel performs well on this disc. It may appear that he does not have the vocal training that others do, however, his interpretive skills as well as his clear understanding of texts and emotions make his tracks poignant, and his voice is quite pleasant. My only complaint would be that Darius De Haas was included on the disc instead of Billy Porter, who I have seen performing these songs live, and quite well. Mr. De Haas is quite adequate, I simply prefer the power and exultation that Mr. Porter displays when he sings the compositions. Overall, however, this is a wonderful inclusion to anyone's collection, especially anyone who is a fan of anyone writing new, sophisticated theatre music.

Don't Walk, run ...run ...run ...to your stores.......2001-05-08

A huge fan of Donald Katz's "Home Fires" in which Mr. Gordan and his family are the central characters in a moving biographical tribute to an American Family, I have followed the story of this talent ever since. What I have to say of this incredible cd is nothing less then INCREDIBLE. Though there are some major comparisons to the likes of Stephan Sondheim, I am sure Mr. Gordan does not mind in the lease, but in the ened, he is all his own. Do not walk to get this cd, run to get it ....run like there is a wild fire following you to your nearest cd store ....If you don't love it, if you aren't moved by every lyric and strong and chord, then all I can say is, your not a real musical theater fanatic.

Where did all the decent singers go?.......2001-05-07

It is such a tragedy that such beautiful music such as this CD is ruined by inadequate singing on behalf of the performers. There is ONE exception to this, of course, and that being Audra McDonald. Darius De Haas and Theresa McCarthy are both excellent musicians in an artistic sense, but they lack any sort of vocal substanance needed to carry off these difficult songs. Unsupported and in need of clarity are how I would describe their performances. Dawn Upshaw must posses some of the most glorious high notes ever to be heard, unfortunately, she swoops and scoops all over the place and manipultes her vowels in such a way as to distract the listener. Since when did this become acceptable? Adam Guettel is not a singer and I never understood why he insists on attempting to sing anyway. I still remember the first time I heard "Come to Jesus" with he and Audra. He paled so much in comparison... In conclusion - if you can stand the singing (which is very hard, I still can't force myself to listen to McCarthy attempt to sing track 4, or maybe 5)then this CD is excellent. Gordon tends to be very elementary in his compostions, so there are many hummable tunes due to his repititious themes. As a fan of art songs and Dawn Upshaw/Audra McDonald, I've been looking forward to this CD. If you are fans of them as well, and don't mind paying [the price] for about 4 good songs, then have a go at this CD!!

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