| 1. My Heart's Got a Mind of Its Own |
| 2. It's You - Holiday Band |
| 3. Wonderful Woman |
| 4. What We Gonna Do About That |
| 5. Somebody Knew I Needed Love |
| 6. I'm Gonna Love You - Band of Oz |
| 7. Somebody to Love - Coastline Band |
| 8. Can't Help Loving (The One Who Is Loving Me) - Jennifer Licko |
| 9. Unchained Melody |
| 10. Walkin' After Midnight |
| 11. Down for Your Love |
| 12. Love Laugh & Live |
| 13. Body and Soul - Heart & Soul Orchestra |
Love, Laugh & Live,Various Artists,One20,Pop,Rock/Pop Collections,V/A Compilations
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Singin' in the Rain (1952 Film Soundtrack) (Deluxe Edition)
Nacio Herb Brown , Gene Kelly , and Arthur Freed Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006JOF3 Release Date: 2002-10-01 |
Tracks:
- Main Title/Singin' In The Rain - Gene Kelly
- Fit As A Fiddle (And Ready For Love) - Gene Kelly
- Tango (Temptation) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- All I Do Is Dream Of You - Debbie Reynolds
- All I Do Is Dream Of You (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
- Make 'Em Laugh - Donald O'Connor
- Beautiful Girl Montage - MGM Studio Orchestra & Chorus
- Beautiful Girl - Jimmie Thompson
- You Were Meant For Me - Gene Kelly
- You Are My Lucky Star (Outtake) - Debbie Reynolds
- Moses - Gene Kelly
- Good Morning - Gene Kelly
- Singin' In The Rain - Gene Kelly
- Would You? - Betty Noyes
- Broadway Melody Ballet - MGM Studio Orchestra & Chorus
- Would You? End Title - Gene Kelly
- Singin' In The Rain (In A-Flat) - Debbie Reynolds
- Finale - Gene Kelly
- Main Title (Alternate Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Beautiful Girl (Alternate Version/Tempo Track) - Gene Kelly
- Would You? (Unused Version) - Debbie Reynolds
- Would You (Duet) (Unused Version) - Gene Kelly
- Beautiful Girl (Unused Original Version) - Jimmie Thompson
- Singin' In The Rain (Alternate Vocal) - Gene Kelly
- Should I (Unused Instrumental) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Tracks:
- The Broadway Melody - Charles King
- You Were Meant For Me - Charles King
- The Wedding Of The Painted Doll - James Burroughs
- Singin' In The Rain - Cliff Edwards
- Should I - Charles Kaley
- Beautiful Girl - Sam Ash
- All I Do Is Dream Of You - Gene Raymond
- Broadway Rhythm - Frances Langford
- I've Got A Feelin' Your Foolin' - Robert Taylor
- You Are My Lucky Star - Marjorie Lane
- Would You - Jeanette MacDonald
- Good Morning - Judy Garland
- Singin' In The Rain - Judy Garland
- All I Do Is Dream Of You - Judy Garland
- Dignity - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Stunt Montage (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- First Silent Picture (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Have Lunch With Me - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Dancing On A Rainbow - Arthur Freed
- Singin' In The Rain (Radio Broadcast) - Arthur Freed
- Broadway Melody Ballet (Original Version) - Gene Kelly
Amazon.com
A vibrant tribute to MGM's legendary confluence of brains, talent, hard work, ambition--and dare we say it?--massive egos, Singin' in the Rain long ago took its rightful place among the first rank of the studio's dizzying catalog of film musicals. This double-disc, 46-track 50th-anniversary edition features all of the film's familiar songs, as well as numerous outtakes and extended versions, many culled directly from the film's original recording masters. Its second disc also chronicles the film's clever--if studio imposed--self-referential musical gambit of recycling a slate of Arthur Freed/Nacio Herb Brown songs from Metro's first decade by including 14 of the originals, including performances by Jeanette McDonald, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Freed himself. Featuring a dozen previously unreleased recordings and an illustrated booklet containing the insightful reminiscences of the film's original writers, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, it's the ultimate musical companion to one of cinema's magical, enduring masterpieces. --Jerry McCulleyAlbum Description
The complete 50th Anniversary Edition and a bonus disc featuring the original recordings that inspired the 1952 MGM classic! Includes 12 previously unreleased tracks 'Would You?' (duet) (unused version), 'Beautiful Girl' (unused original version), 'Singin' In The Rain' (alternative vocal), 'Should I' (unused instrumental), 'You Were Meant For Me', 'All I Do Is Dream Of You', 'Broadway Rhythm', 'You Are My Lucky Star', 'Would You?', 'Dancing On A Rainbow' plus 'Broadway Melody Ballet' (original version). Rhino. 2002.Customer Reviews:
the perfect movie.......2007-03-10
Who can say what is beatiful? Look at faces of Gene and Stan during the shooting on the set: whole concentration and attention for everything.
This is a unique moment in their story, and in the story of cinema.
Unforgettable.
I LOVE MY FAVORITE SONG, AND THANKS TO THIS CD I CAN LISTEN TO IT ALL DAY LONG!!.......2007-01-28
Wonderful Soundtrack to a Wonderful Movie.......2006-06-16
Great CD.......2006-03-20
musical memories.......2006-03-14
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Live, Laugh, Love
Clay Walker Manufacturer: Giant Records / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000IXUN Release Date: 1999-08-24 |
Tracks:
- She's Always Right
- Lose Some Sleep Tonight
- Holding Her And Loving You
- Cold Hearted
- If A Man Ain't Thinking ('Bout His Woman)
- Once In A Lifetime Love
- It Ain't Called Heartland (For Nothin')
- Woman Thing
- This Time Love
- The Chain Of Love
- Live, Laugh, Love
Amazon.com
Clay Walker is an eminently likeable country singer who appears to have sold 6 million records largely on his likability. Not that he is without talent. He may look like a standard-issue "hat" act, but his voice is a cut above. With new producer Doug Johnson he has set out to place his voice front and center, a good idea with mixed results. On cuts like the rocker "Cold Hearted" and the R&B-style ballad "This Time Love," Walker cuts his considerable pipes loose in a way rarely heard in commercial country fare. Sadly, too much of the other material gives him little to do with this marvelous instrument, and the sound occasionally masks the subtle vocal twists at which Walker is so adept. Live, Laugh, Love isn't overproduced--steel guitars have replaced many of the pop keyboards present in his previous work and the record has an authentically loose and relaxed feel--but there are too many forced hooks and forgettable melodies. --Michael RossCustomer Reviews:
Live, Laugh, Love.......2006-07-19
His best CD to date!.......2001-11-08
While the song selection is even better than before, Clay takes his voice into territory that few male country artists even dare think about. Most importantly, it's not just for show. He uses his power when it fits the song. For example check out the way he keeps building "If A Man Ain't Thinking ('Bout His Woman)" and "Once In A Lifetime Love". Just when we think he can't take his vocal performance any higher, he effortlessly proves us wrong. And, in case you may be thinking this is "studio magic", we've heard him live. Have you ever heard an artist who is even better live? Clay hits his recent hits note for note and turns in even more powerful performances on his old standards.
Clay also demonstrates his knack for choosing love songs with a twist like "She's Always Right", "Lose Some Sleep Tonight" and "Woman Thing". And of course he's still able to teach a life's lesson with the heartfelt, "The Chain of Love." Overall, there is not a bad or marginal song on this CD. That's why we have renamed it "Greatest Hits 2"
Editor, eCowboy.com
He did it again!.......2000-10-13
Great songs from a great artist!.......2000-10-06
Clay Walker is a great country singer and performer.
Clay Walker's Live, Laugh, Love.......2000-09-15
Osher Doctorow
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Sings Sondheim
Mandy Patinkin Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00006JP2C Release Date: 2002-10-29 |
Tracks:
- Opening
- Lesson #8
- Another Hundred People
- When?
- Someone Is Waiting
- Johanna
- Green Finch and Linnet Bird
- Pretty Women
- Finishing the Hat
- If You Can Find Me, I'm Here
- Live, Laugh, Love
- Live Alone and Like It
- Everybody Says Don't
- Rich and Happy, Part 1
- Our Time
- Broadway Baby
- Rich and Happy, Part 2
- Uptown, Downtown
- Liaisons
- Send in the Clowns
- Live, Laugh, Love (reprise)
- You Could Drive a Person Crazy
Tracks:
- Free
- Company
- Waiting For The Girls Upstairs
- Pleasant Little Kingdom/Too Many Mornings
- Not While I'm Around
- All Things Bright and Beautiful
- It Takes Two
- In Someone's Eyes
- Beautiful
- Losing My Mind
- Take the Moment
- Sunday
Amazon.com
Recorded live at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia, this double CD is one heck of an extensive tribute to Stephen Sondheim. Backed only by Paul Ford on piano, Mandy Patinkin gets through nearly three dozen songs penned by the Broadway master. Some are obvious (excerpts from Sunday in the Park with George, in which the singer created the title role), others less so ("If You Can Find Me I'm Here" from Evening Primrose). Patinkin is often mocked for his shivering falsetto, but here, it's actually when his voice explores a lower register that it falters. What's more interesting is when he tackles songs usually sung by women, such as Follies' "Broadway Baby" and Company's "Another Hundred People" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy"--the latter hammed up so much that you can hear the chewing of the scenery. A distinctively mannered interpreter, Patinkin remains an acquired taste, but fans of his will be in heaven with this set. --Elisabeth VincentelliCustomer Reviews:
Patinkin Live.......2007-07-19
Sondheim recital.......2007-01-22
Also a very dissapointed fan.......2003-08-22
Adequate performance; poor entertainment.......2003-05-04
a very disappointed fan.......2003-02-05
But (much of) this recording is disappointing, mainly because Mr. Patinkin's voice in the lower range sounds muddled and forced, as though he's lost ability to control it (however, the more falsetto sounds are as clear and sharp as ever).
And I don't care for the format of this performance. Live recordings should have live audience reactions: one (often unrelated) song after another without applause had me wondering when--if ever--was the audience was going to be allowed to react.
Also, while I've never had the privilege of attending a Patinkin concert, I imagined that--above all-- he would be passionate. Perhaps he was. But what (mostly) comes across on the CD is a somber--almost technical--performance.
I hope he's healthy, that mixed quality of singing on this recording was just a fluke, and that his next CD will be a Five-star as all his previous ones have been
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(Not) Your Standard Spike Jones Collection
Spike Jones Manufacturer: Collector's Choice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00007JR3K Release Date: 2003-04-08 |
Album Description
Holiday blues comin' on? Well, put a spike in `em! Here's the zaniest, wildest and just plain sickest Collectors' Choice Music exclusive yet79 tracks from Spike Jones and his City Slickers! These represent Spike's complete Standard Transcription sides, but these tunes are anything but standard; Mr. Jones brought his full bag of tricks for these non-commercial recordings (made in Hollywood during the early `40s). Add to that the fact that most of these have never been on CD or even LP, and any lover of Spike's mayhem-filled mixture of laughs and hot licks is going to flip over this set! Notes and great pictures accompany this 3-CD walk on the wacky side from the greatest novelty band of all time.Customer Reviews:
Great set of wartime rarities.......2003-05-14
Cure for the Blues.......2003-04-25
Standard Transcription Collection.......2003-04-12
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Klezmer King
Abe Schwartz Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000066401 Release Date: 2002-04-30 |
Tracks:
- Russishe Shehr - Abe Schwart'z Orchestra
- Ch'Sidishe Nigunim (Hasidic Melodies) - Boibriker Kapelle
- Die Reize Nuch Amerika (The Trip To America) - Abe Schwartz's Orchestra
- Die Greene Cousine (The Greenhorn Girl Cousin) - Abraham Moskowitz
- Russian Scissors - Oriental Orchestra
- Dovid'l Bazetzt Die Kalleh (Little David Seats The Bride) - Dave Tarras
- Gelebt Und Gelacht (Live And Laugh) - Phillip Greenberg
- T'Kias 'Shofer Blosen' (Blowing The Ram's Horn) - Sam Beckerman
- Hurra! Far Unzer Held Levine (Hurray! For Our Hero Levine) - Irving Grossman
- Der Shtiller Bulgar (The Quiet Bulgar) - Jewish Orchestra
- Roumanian Doina - Abe Schwartz & His Daughter, Miss Schwartz
- Zorg Nit Mama (Don't Worry, Mama) - Abe Schwart'z Orchestra
- Hora Midor De Romania (Roumanina Hora) - Unknown Orchestra
- Nit Die Hagode, Nor Die Kneidlech (Not The Haggadah, But The Matzo Balls) - Abraham Moskowitz
- Frauen Liebe (Lady Love) - Abe Schwartz Orchestra
- Akdomes Un Af B'ri (At The Beginning And Daybreak) - Boibriker Kapelle
- Roumeinishe Doina - Naftule Brandwein
- Der Automobile - Morris Goldstein
- Yosel - Abe Schewartz's Orchestra
- A Galitzianer Tenzil (Galician Dance) - Sam Beckerman
- Die Boibriker Chasseneh - Pt. 1 (The Boibrik Wedding) - Boibriker Kapelle
- Russian Sher - National Dance - Russkij Orkestr 'Novinka'
- Mameniu, Liubeniu (Mama, My Beloved) - Abraham Brandwein
- Fihren Di Mechutonim Aheim-Tanz (Escorting The Parents Of The Bride And Groom Home) - Naftule Brandwein
- Lebedig Un Frehlach (Lively And Happy) - Abe Schwartz's Orchestra
Amazon.com
It would be impossible to overstate Abe Schwartz's influence on the development of klezmer music in America. He was a fine violinist and pianist, an excellent composer, an arranger who added modern instruments like saxophones and banjos to the Old World sound, and a bandleader with a nose for talent who helped launch the careers of Dave Tarras and Naftule Branwein, among others. The Klezmer King collects 25 tracks from the 75 or so sides that Schwartz recorded for Columbia between 1917 and 1935. Schwartz was remarkably versatile, and the selections include traditional dance tunes like "Roumanian Doina," Yiddish pop tunes such as "Die Greene Cousine," which was later a hit for Benny Goodman as "My Little Cousin," and sly social commentary like "Der Automobile." Also here are three versions of the old melody "Russian Sher," which were recorded in 1917, 1927, and 1935. Listening to them, you can trace Schwartz's style as it evolves from its European roots to a more American version of klezmer. The sound quality of these rare recordings is outstanding; there are almost no clicks, pops, or hiss to mar the music. The Klezmer King is an essential recording from one of the pioneers of New World klezmer. --Michael SimmonsCustomer Reviews:
Abe Schwartz -- King of Yiddish Music.......2007-02-22
Old-Time American Roots Klezmer Music.......2004-04-15
Joy, Joy, Happy, Happy.......2004-02-05
BK
Close your eyes and you're at a Jewish wedding.......2003-03-31
The Klezmer King album is old, both in sound and style. But keep in mind that clarinet klezmer is more of an American thing. This music is a generation or two removed from the original originals. Songs called Russian Sher and Roumanian Doina indicate that, just like today, wedding musicians from the old country were jamming the hits of the day as well as the "Jewish" stuff.
But it was guys like Schwartz, Dave Tarras and the Musiker Brothers, whom the new wave learned from. But unlike the younger versions, these melodies don't seem to have jazz-like improvisation. They are straight ahead rollickers, heavy on catchy rhythm and melody. There are a total of twenty-five tracks on the album and most are short and fast.
The instruments employed are the violin, played by Schwartz, the clarinet and horns. The beat is so danceable that you forget there's no percussion. That's traditional, because back in the old country, if the klezmorim had any percussion at all it was just a bass drum.
For you Yiddish speakers, The Klezmer King is not all instrumental. There are tracks that start with lively shouts as well as straight singing pieces like Mameniu Liubeniu or the satirical Hurra Far Unzerheld Levine.
Then there's Die Bolbriker Chasseneh, which has Schwartz introducing a bride and groom in between slow music. He raises his voice, half speaking and half singing in rapid-fire Yiddish. Then he gasps out that the couple is now officially married and the band breaks into fast, bouncy jamming. Close your eyes and you can imagine you're one of the guests. That goes for most of the tunes here.
If you didn't know the difference between a bulgar and freilach and nigun before, you better start learning. Abe Schwartz taught long of young folks about what it takes to be a king of klezmer. Companion CDs of Dave Tarras and the Musiker Brothers are available from Legacy Recordings.
Time warp.......2002-08-11
The music is all decidedly Eastern European. The Roumanian Doina, for example, played by Abe Schwartz (violin) and his daughter, strongly resembles the brilliant Rom music generated by the same region.
No wonder. Born in Bucharest, Romania, Abe Schwartz (1881-1963) emigrated to the U.S. with his parents in 1899 and became the most influential composer, fiddler and bandleader to shape and define modern U.S. klezmer groups. He arrived in the musical establishment via an acquaintance from small jobs with David Nodiff, a part-time composer and so-called A&R (for artist and repertoire) man for Columbia Records, who helped bring klezmer and other ethnic musicians to record companies. Nodiff hired Schwartz in 1917 to find new Jewish talent and head up instrumental recording sessions.
This recording provides some of the time and style progression of Yiddish American music from 1917, when Schwartz recorded Russian Scissors for Columbia with the Oriental Orchestra. In 1927, he recorded the same tune again as Russishe Shehr, in a brassier rendition played by his own orchestra. Still a later 1935 version can be heard in Russian Sher National Dance, the 22nd cut, recorded with the Orkestr Novinka. (And that is the most recent recording here.) The musical and stylistic progressions from 1917 and 1918 through 1935 are admirably explained in an accompanying 8-page pamphlet.
This is not the jazzy stuff many will remember from the 1940s and 1950s. It came before the Barry Sisters, before Naftule Brandwein and Dave Tarras. Abe Schwartz was their mentor.
What you get here is a time warp, filled with early 20th century Jewish musical genius. Alyssa A. Lappen
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Live, Laugh, Love
Daniel O'Donnell Manufacturer: Rosette ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005T7XN Release Date: 2002-07-03 |
Tracks:
- Live, Laugh, Love
- Somewhere Under the Sun
- Green, Green Grass of Home
- On the Other Hand
- Waltz Across Texas
- Among the Wicklow Hills
- Only This Moment Is Mine
- All I Want Is You
- Don't Say Love
- One More Time
- I Can't See Me Without You
- Rosa Rio
- I Will Think of You
- Thank You for Loving Me
- Roads of Kildare
- Belfast - David Downes, Noel Kelehan, , Daniel O'Donnell
Album Description
The popular Irish vocalist's 2002 album features 16 tracks including the Curly Putman classic 'Green, Green Grass Of Home', along with 'Waltz Across Texas' (Ernest Tubb cover), 'I Can't See Me Without You' (Conway Twitty cover) & many more. Rosette.Album Details
The Irish Tenor Presents Another Grand Collection of Easy Listening Favorites. His Fanbase is Homegrown and Expands at a Geometric Pace with Every Passing Year.Customer Reviews:
Wonderful.......2002-09-14
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A.E. Housman: A Shropshire Lad, Complete in verse and song
Alan Bates , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , and Graham Johnson Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00005S85Q Release Date: 2001-12-11 |
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No Love Ever Goes to Waste
Manufacturer: Cactus ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000CA7N2G Release Date: 2002-03-12 |
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Comedy Classics From Hammer Films
Manufacturer: GDI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00002MU7C Release Date: 1999-01-01 |
Tracks:
- It's a Great Life on the Buses [On the Buses Theme]
- End Credits (On the Buses)
- Theme (Mutiny on the Buses)
- Arriving at the Holiday Camp [Holiday on the Buses]
- Stan's Mystery Tour [Holiday on the Buses]
- Blakey's Dance Contest [Holiday on the Buses]
- Love Thy Neighour
- Quiz [Love Thy Neighour]
- Cruise [Love Thy Neighour]
- Theme (Up the Creek)
- Man About the House [Man About the House Theme]
- Larry and Jo [Man About the House Theme]
- Robin and Chrissy [Man About the House Theme]
- Chase to Thames Television [Man About the House Theme]
- Theme (George and Mildred)
- George and Mildred Arrive at the Caf
- George vs Jacko [George and Mildred]
- Chase [George and Mildred]
- Finale and End Credits (George and Mildred)
- Theme (Furthur Up the Creek)
- Nearest and Dearest: Nearest and Dearest (Title Song)
- More You Laugh [Nearest and DeArest]
- Rising Damp
- Picnic [Rising Damp]
- Love Wood [Rising Damp]
- Rigsby and Miss Jones [Rising Damp]
- Miss Jones Awaits Rigsby [From "Rising Damp"]
- Theme (I Only Arsked)
- Alone Together [I Only Arsked]
- Opening Scenes (That's Your Funeral)
- Opening Credits (That's Your Funeral)
- Race of the Hearses [That's Your Funeral]
- End Credits (That's Your Funeral)
Album Details
Themes and Tunes from Classic Comedies. Includes: One the Buses, Love Thy Neighbour, Rising Damp, George and Mildred, Man About the House.
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The Art of the Song
Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000JNMR Release Date: 1999-07-27 |
Tracks:
- Lonely Town
- Why Did I Choose You
- Moment Musical Opus 16 No.3 In B Minor
- In Love In Vain
- Ruth's Waltz
- Scenes From A Silver Screen
- I'm Gonna Laugh you Right Out Of My Life
- You My Love
- Prelude En La Mineur
- The Folks Who Live On The Hill
- Easy On The Heart
- Theme For Charlie
- Wayfaring Stranger
Amazon.com
Bassist Charlie Haden was an integral part of Ornette Coleman's pioneering avant-garde groups in the '50s and '60s and led his own equally forward-thinking Liberation Music Orchestra. His ensemble Quartet West, with tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts, drummer Larance Marable, and pianist Alan Broadbent, revealed a sentimental side of his musical personality that surprised many. This recording, with string arrangements by Broadbent, sounds like a soundtrack to a Raymond Chandler film as Haden's sturdy bass tones make him a worthy supporting actor. But although Shirley Horn's ethereal voice sparkles on "Lonely Town," "In Love in Vain," and "I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life," and crooner Bill Henderson's towering pipes are radiant on "Why Did I Choose You," "Ruth's Waltz," "You My Love," and "Easy on the Heart," all of the material is in pretty much the same ballad tempo, which, compounded by the time length of the CD, robs it of the romantic resonance it could truly shine on the listener. --Eugene Holley Jr.Customer Reviews:
Age breeds a shining moment.......2003-11-20
Nice but dismissable........2001-08-09
In any case, it's always a welcome experience to hear Shirley Horn; the revival of a touching ballad like "In Love in Vain" merits our appreciation; and though I was never a big fan of Bill Henderson (an acquired taste), he deserves to be recorded based on the evidence of this recording.
In sum, this album is more than anything else a "sampler" and should have been priced accordingly.
Disappointing by Quartet West standards.......2001-05-09
You can see the logic behind this subsequent album: instead of using dusty old recordings, why don't we use today's state-of-the-art production to capture the voices of several current artists? And why don't we let Alan orchestrate the whole album?
The trouble is that the orchestration, beautiful though it is throughout, constrains the band terribly. And the vocals swamp the album. (Actually the Jo Stafford track on 'Always Say Goodbye' is one of the weakest on the album.) They say that the saxophone is the instrument closest to the human voice, and it is Ernie Watts who suffers most on this album, The sax is simply crowded out by all the singing. It is only on the stand-out track, 'Prelude en la mineur', an instrumental re-working of a Ravel piece, that Watts finally gets a chance to let rip.
Shirley Horn's vocals are fine, particularly on 'Lonely Town'. But I simply cannot listen to any of the tracks containing Bill Henderson's voice, and sadly, there are four of them.
The most touching song is the last one, where Haden himself bravely takes the vocal lead. It's a song his mother used to sing on the radio, back in the early 1940s, when the entire Haden family would appear on KWTO Springfield. It is a farewell to the dead, and also a reassurance that one day they will meet again.
If you want a quick survey of this CD, check out tracks #1, #9 and #13. It's a long way from the days of Haden's playing with Ornette Coleman and the Liberation Orchestra, and it's very mellow.
If you breathe and have ears, buy this record!.......2001-04-15
A Night and a Lonely Town.......2000-05-24
Regardless of which side of the Atlantic you envision on your moody musical journey, this is definitely a lounging type of music, perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons, after-theatre drives around town on warm summer evenings, warm candle-lit baths, or romantic dinners for two. The beautifully romantic ballads range from the longing "Lonely Town" to the mostly-resolute "I'm Going to Laugh You Right Out of My Life" to the quietly complacent "The Folks Who Live on the Hill." Interspersed with these great standards, however, are wonderful instrumental pieces which frame the remaining vocals with stunningly dramatic moods.
The only flaw is the rather unappealing voice of Bill Henderson, who seems to be suffering from a weak set of lungs, if not from lack of enthusiasm. Henderson seems to strive for the vocal capabilities of Shirley Horn, who sings on 1, 4, 7 and 10, but is incapable of achieving those same dramatic pitches of his fellow artist. Nevertheless, he does an adequate job on "Ruth's Waltz" and "Easy on the Heart" even if "Why Did I Choose You" is downright painful to listen to. Haden, who sings on 13, seems similarly incapable of reaching Horn's heights, but "Wayfaring Stranger," the traditional song he chose to render, is capable of carrying itself with the slow somber tone it evokes in the listener.
Regardless of its faults, this remains a beautiful album. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the kind of sit-at-home music it captures so very well in its beautifully jazzy tunes that are, at the very least, easy on the ears.
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