For The Ages

About the Artist
When a few crates of your beloved record collection lay in ruin, water logged in your Queens basement what do you do? In the case of Cousin guitarist/lead singer Raze Regal, you crash out with your friend, bassist Peter Klein. Then you pour your soul into making exceptionally good music together. That is the brief wrap-up of how Cousin's evolution as a band now playing in front of crowds in downtown New York and Brooklyn began. To that were added classic jazz drummer extraordinaire Brooklyn native Raymond McNaught and Fender Rhodes player Noam Shwartzergold. The inspiration of Rundgren/Nazz, Bacharach, Neil Young, Curtis Mayfield, and Jim O’Rourke are weaved through Cousin's sound and yet they mimic no artist or genre blatantly, a rarity in this age of unabashed retro thievery. Regal's sweet & sour chord changes and melodic vocal drama dance with shimmering Rhodes keyboard waves. Klein' s raw, charming, groove oriented bass playing and McNaught's skill and powerful ease on the drums move Cousin's songs from smooth to treacherous and back again. While their song textures vary considerably, the center of Cousin is a consistent, skillful play off one another with natural warmth that you can feel at their live shows. With some hot playing and a unique sound Cousin is the ultimate redemption for those lost basement crates.

Product Description
For The Ages is a rebellion against the rebels. Without deliberately trying to buck current trends, or ape other artists, Cousin has manufactured a sound that draws inspiration from divergent sources yet distinguishes itself with a sound all to its own. For fans of The Sea and Cake, Jim O'Rourke, Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren and just good music in general. Key tracks are number two, Autumn and number four, Mcnaught's Revenge (Fearless).

For The Ages,Cousin,BST Records,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Great vocal warmup, especially of breath control, with unique syllabic exercises! Enjoyment great service Good tool GREAT INVESTMENT

Voice Lessons To Go Volume 1: Vocalize and Breath Ariella Vaccarino Manufacturer: SheSingsOut ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Voice Lessons To Go Volume 2: Do Re Mi Ear and Pitch Training Singing for Dummies Set Your Voice Free: How To Get The Singing Or Speaking Voice You Want Singing Coach Unlimited Vocal Technique - A Guide to Finding Your Real Voice: Book with Two CDs (Essential Concepts) ASIN: B000297VQA Release Date: 2004-01-15

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. Posture
3. Vocal Exercises- #1 Ma , 5 notes separate
4. #2 Ma, 5 notes smooth
5. #3 123454321
6. #4 Ma up 5 down 5
7. #5 We up 5 down 5
8. #6 1 3 5 3 1
9. #7 We (13531)
10. #8 tweet
11. #9 hmm down 5
12. #10 hmm up 5 down 5
13. #11 hmm octave jump
14. #12 Br down 5
15. #13 Br up 5 down 5
16. #14 Br 1 3 5 8 5 3 1
17. #15 hweet 1 3 5 8 5 3 1
18. #16 hweet down 5
19. #17 hweet add 1 3 5 8 5 3 1
20. #18 hweet add more
21. #19 wu same as #18
22. #20 Ma Me Mi each 5 down
23. #21 Ma Me Mi Mo Moo
24. #22 Hweet down 5 staccato
25. #23 ha hi ho each down 5 staccato
26. Words of encouragement!
27. Introduction to Breathing
28. Dizziness- listen to this one!
29. Breathing Exercises #1 Surprise breath
30. #2 Surprise breath silent
31. #3 Sip
32. #4 Sipping Staccato
33. #5 pf 1x
34. #6 pf 2x
35. #8 pf 3x
36. #9 pf 5x
37. #10 Candle
38. #11 dog pant he
39. #12 dog pant ha
40. #13 dog pant he ha
41. #14 Long Sips

Album Description

Voice Lessons To Go! Volume 1 Vocalize and Breath

Voice Lessons To Go! is a great way to get going on your singing voice. Whether just beginning or as an addition to the work you have done. Now there is no excuse not to practice and improve because this CD makes it so convenient and easy.

Vocalize and Breath is the first CD of the Voice Lessons To Go! series. It consists of a half hour of vocal warms ups, then fantastic breathing exercises, and finally excellent advice on posture and training. You will be guided through the exercises with vocal examples and piano accompaniment by Ariella Vaccarino an excellent experienced voice teacher and professional singer from Los Angeles. Ariella's explanations are clear and easy to follow.

Developing your singing voice no longer has to be just for people trying to make a career with their voice, or those with disposable income who can afford private lessons. The weekly price for voice lessons averages $45-150 an hour depending on your city.

Who is this CD for?

Singers, Actors, Dancers- This is an inexpensive way for the struggling artist to get and keep their voices in shape.

Teenagers - Whether you are watching American Idol with pangs of desire to be on there, sing loudly along with your favorite pop stars, are trying out for the school musical, or dreaming of singing at the MET some day.

People who struggling singing- There are those out there who feel, (it could be true or not) that they can't sing and are embarassed when they have to be heard by others. This is an excellent private way to improve your singing with out having to deal with embarassment or shyness. This CD will increase your abilities and confidence.

Adults- Always singing in your car, shower, or doing Karaoke? -but just are not willing or able to shower yourself with private lessons yet.

Customer Reviews:

Great vocal warmup, especially of breath control, with unique syllabic exercises!.......2007-06-17

I am a piano teacher who also teaches voice, and this CD has been a lifesaver for me, it has helped improve problems with my voice students that
common popular exercises have failed to achieve. The breath control exercises especially have been an enormous help, and my students find them
not only challenging but fun as well. The warmup exercises are a little unique, bringing in tweet, hweet, and unique ways to improve sound production with exercises that combine air production with compression against the lips and teeth. The exercises as a whole help students with the lower register as well as the upper, and effectively improve power without yelling. A great program, I highly recommend!

Enjoyment.......2007-05-20

I haven't had the opportunity to review it for myself. However, my niece in california was so excited to receive this. She said she's enjoying it. She's working on her vocals daily.

great service.......2007-05-13

Came really quickly and just in time! I needed some help warming up for an early morning service I had to sing for and I was hoarse. this really helped.

Good tool.......2007-05-12

I find this material very useful. The teacher makes it feel like you are in actual face to face voice lessons. Technically acceptable.

GREAT INVESTMENT.......2007-03-09

IT COVERS THE BASICS AND THAT'S PERFECT FOR ME. IF YOU ARE MORE ADVANCED AND HAVE HAD PRIOR VOICE LESSONS YOU MAY FIND THIS TO BE TOO SIMPLE TECHNIQUES. I ENJOYED FOLLOWING THE EXERCISES AND REPATING THEM. I WILL DEFINATELY BUY THE NEXT VOLUME. [...]

Average customer rating: How did you know Shaina? Song For the Inner Child Comforting, Healing Wonderfully healing message Affirmations for the soul

Songs for the Inner Child Shaina Noll Manufacturer: Singing Heart ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: You Can Relax Now Bread For The Journey Make Me An Instrument Songs of Healing Recovery of Your Inner Child: The Highly Acclaimed Method for Liberating Your Inner Self ASIN: B00001WRJ7 Release Date: 1992-11-01

Tracks:

1. How Could Anyone
2. It's A Joy To Get To Know You
3. Return Again
4. Everything Possible/Abridged for Universality
5. You Can Relax Now
6. Peace Be With You
7. All Through The Night
8. Lullabye and Goodnight
9. Lullabye
10. Deep Peace

Album Description

Songs For The Inner Child is a collection of chants and lullabies, both traditional and contemporary, sung with the gentle voice of a loving mother. The songs are healing and soothing for listeners of all ages, carrying powerful messages of affirmation and comfort. Over 200,000 copies have been sold worldwide.

With Shaina Noll on lead and harmony vocals, New Age keyboard artist Jim Oliver produced and contributed instrumentally to many of the tracks. Rusty Crutcher, best known for his "Sacred Sites" series of albums, plays saxophone on "Deep Peace". Shaina's husband, Richard, contributes harmony vocals and recorder tracks.

Songwriters Cris Williamson, Libby Roderick, Susan McCullen and Bill Douglas are among those whose songs are featured on the album along with Shaina's composition, "Peace Be With You".

Lyrics include:

"How could anyone ever tell you you were anything less than beautiful...how could anyone ever tell you you were less than whole...how could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle...how deeply you're connected to my soul..."

"You can relax now...you are the child of God, and that will never change"

"Peace be with you, oh my dear one...peace be with you, precious child...angels hover all about you, they protect you, night and day...angels over all about you, they will guide you on your way..."

"Deep peace of the running wave to you, deep peace of the flowing air to you, deep peace of the gentle night to you, moon and stars pour their healing light on you..."

Customer Reviews:

How did you know Shaina?.......2007-05-12

I was injured a year ago and have had two surgeries and months of physical therapy. As well as physical healing, I have been working on spiritual enlightenment. This CD spoke to me immediately and it was as though I knew the words before she even spoke them. I use the music as an affirmation of who I am, where I have been, and where I am going. One of her lovely songs simply states " How can anyone ever tell you you were anything less than beautiful?" What a beautiful affirmation of your value and worth as a precious child of our Creator. Awesome!

Song For the Inner Child.......2007-04-02

If your self-image has taken a hit lately or if your life has been full of stress lately, this album of beautiful,soothing uplifting music was meant for you. It will refresh you and validate you.

Comforting, Healing.......2007-03-09

I first heard the first song on this CD in a psychology class. A number of us sat there and wept.

I use this CD for myself and with clients in the healing work I do. I find it comforting in hard times, the things my Inner Child needed to hear when she was young, but didn't.

I am grateful this CD exists.

Wonderfully healing message.......2007-01-10

This beautiful CD is ideal both for children and adults who will benefit from its soothing message of their specialness. I especially recommend it for those who have experienced a difficult or painful childhood and are in need of healing. Let Shaina Noll's lovely voice and the beautiful lyrics of these songs sink into your psyche. She sings a message we all need to hear and embrace.

Affirmations for the soul.......2006-11-12

The words to these songs could be imagined as coming from a precious parent, from a trusted friend who has boundaries, or from ones Higher Power. The mellow music and the affirming words reached my soul.

Average customer rating: Different from House Party We love this cd children's music great music! Dan Zanes Nightime is "Happy Music"

Night Time Dan Zanes Manufacturer: Festival Five Rec. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Lullabies | Children's Music | Styles | Music Folk Music | Children's Music | Styles | Music Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: House Party Rocket Ship Beach Family Dance Catch That Train! Sea Music ASIN: B00006JYBG Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

1. Night Owl
2. Me My Money Down
3. Side By Side
4. Guysborough Railway
5. Ique Fortunidad
6. Evening Time
7. Smile Smile Smile
8. Siyahamba
9. Down By The Riverside
10. Rattlin' Bog
11. Firefly
12. So Long It's Been Good To Know Yuh
13. What A Wonderful World
14. Wild Mountain Thyme
15. Leadbelly Songs
16. Linger For Awhile

Amazon.com

Just as adult authors from Isabel Allende to Clive Barker are writing kids' books these days, rock & roll artists (remember Jerry Garcia and David Grisman's 1993 recording Not for Kids Only?) are reaching out to the younger set. Thank goodness, we say... and scoot over, Barney. Festival Five Records is the children's music label founded by Dan Zanes, former lead singer of the Del Fuegos, where he hopes to capture "the sound of a neighborhood band on the front stoop playing tunes after dinner for a family dance." His third CD release, Night Time! ("a musical cool-down disc for all ages underground"), comes on the heels of Rocket Ship Beach and Family Dance. Here, traditional tunes such as the West Indian sea shanty "Pay Me My Money Down" and the African American folk song "Down by the Riverside" take their place next to folksy, hypnotic Zanes originals, including "Night Owl," "Firefly," and "Linger for Awhile," a song aimed to reflect Brooklyn stoop life. Mandolins, harmonicas, trombones, fiddles, electric guitars (and more!) add to the contagious buoyancy of this eclectic 16-track CD. Our favorite is "Rattlin' Bog," a delightfully nonsensical cumulative song, led by Father Goose and featuring the kids in the Dandelion Chorus. As in his other CDs, Zanes invites friends and family to join the fun, along with heavy-hitters such as Aimee Mann, Lou Reed, and Dar Williams. This irresistible collection, appealing to toddlers and easy on their parents, is packaged in a colorful board book illustrated by Donald Saaf with starry scenes of moonlit music making. An excellent addition to any children's music library. --Karin Snelson

Customer Reviews:

Different from House Party.......2007-05-14

I ordered this CD along with Dan Zanes House Party CD. My daughter loves the fun songs from the House Party CD better than the Night Time CD. I can't get her to listen to the slow songs on this cd although I really enjoy them.

We love this cd.......2007-02-11

This is in our babies room. Each night when we get ready for bed we listen to this cd. It winds her down a little and makes diaper changing a little more easier for us.

children's music.......2006-10-29

This music is mainly for children but some adults will find something to like about it, too. The music is diverse and creative. Children are sure to like it if you play it for them. Of course, it's hard getting children to listen to music if they don't want to, but give it time and I'm sure they will enjoy this collection of songs.

great music!.......2006-08-05

Our 22 mo. old loves this music much more than the kiddy tunes that mom and dad can hardly bear to listen to.

Dan Zanes Nightime is "Happy Music".......2006-07-27

I was introduced to the Dan Zanes Nightime CD while I was visiting my 3 1/2 year old grandson. He listens to it everynight before going to sleep with "Pay Me You Owe Me" being his single favorite song. I fell in love with the CD because each time I play it I can vividly recall the pleasure it gave us both. The choice of songs on the CD gives all ages something to remember and before you know it you will be singing and dancing along with the music.

Average customer rating: a hit at pirate camp Pirate fun! A Treasure! One of the best Pirate Songs

Pegleg Tango Captain Bogg & Salty Manufacturer: Scabbydisc Music (BMI) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bedtime Stories for Pirates Battle Songs of the Toucan Pirates Sea Changes of the Toucan Pirates Prelude to Mutiny Pirates of the Caribbean: Swashbuckling Sea Songs ASIN: B0007KH8F8 Release Date: 2005-05-01

Tracks:

1. Age of Buccaneers
2. Weigh Anchor
3. I'm A Pirate
4. Pieces of Eight
5. Happy Birthday Chucklehead Pete
6. Pirate Party
7. Scallywagg
8. Nellie The Elephant
9. Sea Monster
10. What It's Really Like On A Ship
11. The Tortuga Caper
12. Pegleg Tango
13. Sea Kings
14. Pull Away Home

Product Description

This CD is pirate pop and buccaneer rock for scallywaggs of all ages. Shiver your timbers with a fanciful blend of scurvy sing-alongs and sea chanteys. Includes songs such as: Age of Buccaneers, I'm a Pirate, and What It's Really Like on a Ship.

Amazon.com

Pirate-themed kids' discs have been done before, and they generally fall into the same musical black hole that swallows up other such single-minded projects (think railroad yard music for 4-year-old train buffs, monster records and the occasional daring clown-themed disc). Pegleg Tango makes itself the exception--the treasure chest at the end of a rough voyage--and here's why: Captain Bogg, First Mate McGraw, Charlie Scuppers, and the eye-patch-wearing, plundering brigade of others who populate this disc seem to have been actual pirates before they were kids' artists. "Pieces of 8ight" is served up with enough salt to sink an iceberg, and "What it's Really Like on a Ship" invites scallywags of all ages aboard for a scurvy-skirting adventure. Some surf music washes up, a little reggae reaches the shore, and the occasional mermaid sighting is celebrated with skull-and-cross-bones-style pop harmonizing (imagine a cast of Broadway crooners cutting up with parrots on their shoulders). Bogg & Salty's crew effectively capture Captain Jack Sparrow's swagger and set it to sound; there's not a musical deck-swabber among them. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

a hit at pirate camp.......2007-06-20

my play group had a pirate themed camp and i purchased this CD to get the kids excited about camp. it was a BIG hit. it's all that my 3 year old wants to listen to in the car! and it is fun for adults to listen to as well--it's taking much longer for me to get sick of this CD than of others we own! :)

Pirate fun!.......2007-06-09

One of the best CD's for children I have heard in a while. We dance and sing all the way to day care everyday listening to this CD. What a way to start a day!

A Treasure!.......2007-05-16

I ordered this CD for my son's fifth pirate-themed birthday party. What a treat! ...And there's even a pirate birthday song! It was a party hit and my son has listened to it MANY times since!

One of the best.......2007-04-15

My kids aged 4 and 7 both loved it. Not only that, but the grownups liked it too. Some kids' CDs are annoying (e.g. ones with a Purple Dinosaur) but the songs on this one are pretty catchy and I found myself actually humming some of them at work.

Pirate Songs.......2007-01-31

My 3 year old grandson likes to listen to the music when he plays pirates. He also takes along in the car, especially if he is going to Disneyland.

Average customer rating: Entertaining Stuff!!! Awesome! Fair Trade Winds to Ye All! Great for kids, Great for adults! ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

Bedtime Stories for Pirates Captain Bogg & Salty Manufacturer: Scabbydisc Music (Bmi) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music Comedy & Spoken Word | Miscellaneous | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pegleg Tango Battle Songs of the Toucan Pirates The Great Pirate Activity Book Great Pirate Music: Music Inspired By Pirates of the Caribbean Do Pirates Take Baths? ASIN: B00003GO0I Release Date: 1999-11-15

Tracks:

1. Recruitin the Crew
2. I'm a Singin Pirate
3. Deedle Dee Toe (Tale & Tune)
4. Cat O Nine Tales
5. Scurvy
6. Weather Eye
7. Billy Bones (Tale & Tune)
8. Manatee
9. The Pollywogg

Album Description

Songs and Stories for Buccaneers of all ages! Weigh anchor with Captain Bogg & Salty for rollicking adventure on the high seas! Children and adults alike will enjoy this album for its pirate jigs, galloping rock and mermaid lullabies. Tales and tunes guaranteed to shiver your timbers!

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining Stuff!!!.......2006-09-09

This entertained my kids 8, 4 and 4 for our 6 hour drive to Disneyland. Fun songs!

Awesome!.......2005-04-18

I originally purchased this album after listening to the mp3 of Scurvy. I am now a fan. Every song on this album is fabulous. Although I can't say which song I like the best (I like four or five "the best"), I can say that if you are interested in a fun jaunt into silliness -- this is the CD for you! Although I originally thought that this was a recording only for young children, I'm finding that I too laugh along whenever I hear a really robust HAR-Har-Har!!! I just purchased Captain Bogg and Salty's second CD - "Pegleg Tango", and although it is good in it's own right, "Bedtime Stories for Pirates" seems more classically piratical.

Fair Trade Winds to Ye All!.......2005-03-24

I just finished writing a review for their CD "Pegleg Tango" and realized that this CD needs its fair share as well!

Again, AWESOME! This CD is great fun with its ingenious dialog scripting and sound effects, as well as fantastic vocal harmonizing. The songs are catchy and fun and even as a parent, I find myself singing along! My children (boys 3 & 5) LOVE the song "Scurvy" and laugh each time they hear Salty say "Bunny rabbits!". My personal favorite is "Billy Bones", a wonderfully clever and very creative sea tale and song.

Check out their website at www.eatalime.com.

Great fun - Enjoy!!

Great for kids, Great for adults!.......2005-03-02

This is one fun CD and a great band. I have to admit that I bought this CD for myself after catching the band play live. After my son was born, I started playing it for him and was not surprised to see that he loves it too. Now that he is over a year old, he is dancing to it and it won't be long before the singing starts. The album is well crafted and takes you on a journey with stories and music. As you listen, it's not hard to imagine yourself on the deck of a pirate ship with the wind in your hair and surrounded by your loyal crewmates. Most children's CDs drive me mad, especially after repeated playing. This one gets better and better every time I hear it and that is a good thing since it gets played every single day. Har!

ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!.......2005-02-22

This duo is among my favorite acts out there in entertainment today. Both Captain Bogg and Salty are great on there own as they've both headlined stadium tours, but put them together and you have magic. I have a tough time getting my toddler to lay down for a nap, but have you ever tried getting pirates to sleep? I'll tell you it ain't easy. Pirates are kind of hard to control because they are constantly looking for booty. They wear weird clothes and say ARRRRRGGGHHHH and Matees all of the time. Frankly, they are a bit annoying. T-Rex(J Abs) and I went out clubbing with a bunch of pirates we know and it just didn't work out. Chicks don't dig the pegleg and the fact that pirates don't bathe nearly enough. Blueballbeard kept going up ladies and telling them to walk his plank. He would follow that up by farting and saying ARRRRRRRGGHHHHH. It really ruined our chances. That and the fact J Abs has tiny T-Rex arms AND talks like a pirate pretty much meant I wasn't getting any. So take my advice and don't go clubbing with pirates or friends with tiny dinosaur arms that also talk like pirates.

Average customer rating: Great Music! Jennifer Smith Little Language Little Language Parent's Guide Review

Little Language Songs for Little Ones Laura Dyer Manufacturer: Laura Dyer ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Children's Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Look Who's Talking Time to Sing! Baby Babble - Speech-Enhancing DVD for Babies and Toddlers Speechercise - A Musical Workout For Your Mouth Fun Learning Songs ASIN: B00005RHSD Release Date: 2001-07-15

Tracks:

1. Do You Hear The Way Sounds Ring?
2. Limericks
3. An Undersea Adventure
4. What a Colorful World
5. Do You Know What It Means to Be a Shape?
6. Imagination
7. Garden Dance
8. Can You Count to Ten?
9. Busy Days
10. Changing Seasons
11. The Spider Shines Her Shoes
12. All Aboard
13. Celebrate the Holidays
14. Good Manners Are The Key
15. What Do We Eat?
16. A Trip to the Fair
17. Everybody on Your Feet
18. Everybody Feels This Way
19. Pets
20. Things I Love

Album Description

Winner of the Education Clearinghouse 2002 Award of Excellence, this fun and fabulous album features 40 minutes of educational songs for your child ages birth to eight. Each song was written with a specific speech and language goal in mind. It has received 7 National Reviews/Endorsements and several local including the Music City's Nashville Parent Magazine. This soundtrack exposes your child to a wide variety of musical styles including jazz, folk, dance, pop, internation, and features fun sound effects and interactive songs too. The most educational songs are paced so that your child will be able to comprehend the lyrics and be able to sing along as well. Developed by a speech-language pathologist, this album reinforces all of the speech techniques taught in the Little Language for Little Ones Book.

Customer Reviews:

Great Music!.......2007-04-25

I purchased this CD to accompany Laura Dyer's book "Look Who's Talking." The music is beautiful, the lyrics are very fun and my daughter absolutely loves listening to it every day.

Jennifer Smith.......2007-02-23

The songs are wonderfully written, but the vocalist is terrible. Her shrill, whiney voice ruins the songs and makes it very difficult to understand what she's saying - which is the whole point of the CD! i would not recommend this - sorry!

Little Language.......2002-04-12

"This product utilizes the latest brain research techniques and offers opportunities for interactive and cross-over techniques throughout the entire CD. I really enjoy using it in my workshops and children's story hours." Lisa Hoover, Educational Consultant and Children's Librarian

Little Language.......2002-04-12

Some parents worry if a child is slow to show language recognition or skills. These books and the music teach how to encourage your baby to make early sounds, even before words are expected. The concept she describes is easy to learn and will give any baby a fast track to language skills. Alan Caruba, Bookviews.com

Parent's Guide Review.......2002-04-12

"Mark and Laura Dyer have come up with a 20 song collection of speech enhancing musical selections for infants and toddlers. This is a great way for moms, dads, and kids to have some good quality time for learning and having fun. Laura Dyer, a speech-language pathologist with a master's degree in communication disorders, provides a helpful guidebook on how to utilize each song as an educational device. The book also offers helpful hints and answers to the questions many parents may have about their child's speech and language development...
Reviewed by Katie Hoffmaster...

Average customer rating: The Most Simple Exercise Songs For Young Children From Bobby Susser THIS CD IS OLD TRIED AND TRUE The Benchmark Exercise Album For Young Children The Finest Kid Songs For Kid Exercises From Bobby Susser Bobby Susser's Songs And Exercises Are #1 On My Kids' List

Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises (Bobby Susser Songs For Children) Bobby Susser Manufacturer: New Hope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music Children's Educational | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: So Big - Activity Songs For Little Ones Kids in Motion Kids In Action Physical Ed Rhythms on Parade ASIN: B00004DS1H Release Date: 1998-01-01

Tracks:

1. Wiggle Wiggle
2. March Around In A Circle
3. Shake It And You'll Be Happy
4. Simple Exercise
5. Let's Pretend
6. Stretch Your Arms Way Out
7. The Jumping Exercise
8. We Exercise
9. Hello Hello Goodbye Goodbye
10. Rest Awhile

Album Description

Songs for children ages 2-8 that teach them how to exercise, the benefits, the fun, and purpose. This Award Winning collection has a rest song as a final track after all the exercises from these original instructive songs of Bobby Susser.

Customer Reviews:

The Most Simple Exercise Songs For Young Children From Bobby Susser.......2006-05-22

I have three day care centers in Florida where music and exercise are favorites in the curriculum for my little children. This collection of very simple songs and exercises is just that. It shows, through the repetition of catchy lines, that Bobby Susser is very aware of children's needs. Susser knows that when he hits upon something catchy for the kids and through his repetition of lyrical and musical phrases, not to let up, giving the kids just what they want. He doesn't give them too much, but enough so they are thoroughly interested, satisfied, and enthusiastic. He knows when to keep going, and when to let up. For those of you who work with kids, you know the importance of repetition. Bobby Susser has mastered repetition of very catchy sections of songs he's created and in doing so, holds children's interest, gives them a heck of a good time, and teaches them all at the same time. I majored in preschool education and music, and believe me, Bobby Susser is a subtle master at teaching through his simple, catchy, songs with repetetive phrases written especially for little ones.

THIS CD IS OLD TRIED AND TRUE.......2006-05-04

I AM A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AND HAVE USED THIS ALBUM IN CASSETTE FIRST. THEN I BOUGHT THE CD WHEN MY TAPE WORE OUT. I JUST GOT ANOTHER CD BECAUSE I GAVE A TEACHER FRIEND THE CD TO BORROW. SHE LOVED IT SO MUCH FOR HER KINDERGARTEN CLASS THAT SHE ASKED IF SHE COULD KEEP IT. I GAVE IT TO HER AS A GIFT, AND I AM ENJOYING WORKING WITH MY NEW CD, AND WATCHING MY CLASS ENJOY THEMSELVES WHILE THEY EXERCISE AND LEARN OTHER GOOD HEALTH HABITS TO THESE CATCHY SONGS."WIGGLE WIGGLE AND OTHER EXERCISES" IS ONE EARLY CHILDHOOD ALBUM YOU CAN SURELY LABEL AS 'OLD TRIED AND TRUE.' IT NEVER FAILS TO WORK WITH THE KIDS.

The Benchmark Exercise Album For Young Children.......2005-10-24

While B.B. King is the benchmark guitarist for playing the blues, Ray Charles, the benchmark singer for combining soul and gospel music, Barbra Streisand the benchmark vocalist for her range and clarity, Paul Simon, the benchmark singer/songwriter for telling his stories in song format, and Bob Dylan, the benchmark singer/songwriter for using unique phrases and the delivery of them, Bobby Susser's album "Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises" is undoubtedly the benchmark album for original songs for young children to exercise to. I am a kindergarten teacher, and I specialize in teaching music, and subjects through music. I have used virtually every collection of songs available for young children to sing along with and exercise to. Some are OK, and some are somewhat good. However, if you want the real thing, Bobby Susser gives it to you in every exercise song in this collection. The repetition of his catchy phrases and melodies is not boring, but rather very successful in teaching the kids the songs and exercises, and in keeping the children always interested. He's a master at using repetition in a positive way for children. It is very obvious, after seeing the children respond immediately to the simple rhythms, friendly vocal deliveries, and all the fun and easy to learn songs that convey the importance of exercise, good health habits, having fun, and incorporating these ideas into your daily routine at an early age, Bobby Susser knows how to make the very most of a song, and a simple 'Wiggle' for young children like noone else I've heard in the nineteen years I've taught little children.
When you listen to the songs "Wiggle Wiggle", "March Around In A Circle", "Let's Pretend", "Hello Hello Goodbye Goodbye", and "Rest Awhile", it is apparent that Bobby Susser is no accident and creates collections for young children that makes children's music history the first time any of his titles are heard. Anyone can easily tell that he cares and is dedicated to the children.

The Finest Kid Songs For Kid Exercises From Bobby Susser.......2005-05-05

This album has everything you possibly want and need for an exercise album for young kids. My preschool class never tires of "Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises." Every song is so catchy and exciting for my class. Every song states a purpose, and has printed lyrics and suggested activities in the teacher/parent notes booklet. Subjects covered are developing gross and fine motor skills, coordination, right/left discrimination, listening skills, rhythm, counting, and good health habits, while exercising, and singing. Bobby Susser ends this great collection with a soothing rest song for the kids. This album has it all.

Bobby Susser's Songs And Exercises Are #1 On My Kids' List.......2005-04-04

I'm a first grade teacher who has worked with exercises, and movement songs with my kids. From day to day and year to year this Bobby Susser album "Wiggle Wiggle And Other Exercises" is #1 on my kids' list. The songs are very catchy, but also simple enough for young kids to easily learn. The beats and rhythms are excellent for my young class. They quickly learn the songs and exercises, and have loads of fun doing and learning important health and exercise habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Kids love it! OK Googols of Fun fun and educational for all ages

Googol Power: Multiplication Vacation Soundtrack Googol Power Manufacturer: Googol Learning ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Children's Music | Imports | Stores | Music Miscellaneous | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Multiplication Unplugged Division Unplugged Googol Power: Addition Celebration Addition Unplugged Subtraction Unplugged ASIN: B0002DUSKC Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. Introduction, Like Magic (Jon Hemingway, Susan Jarema, David Pavane)
2. Multiplication Vacation (Mr I-Yurgen Ilaender)
3. Something About Nothing (Gary Huntbach)
4. Only One of Each (Gary Huntbach)
5. Two Two Two (Mr I-Yurgen Ilaender)
6. Ancient Egypt (3x) (Mr I-Yurgen Ilaender)
7. Animals of Africa (4x) (Gary Huntbach)
8. Multiply By Fives (David Pavane)
9. Penguin Rap (6x) (Mr I-Yurgen Ilaender)
10. Googol Power Song: Cardios Warm-up (Jon Hemingway, Susan Jarema, and David Pavane)
11. Seven Natural Wonders (David Pavane)
12. Yodel Odel Eight (Krista Pavane)
13. Kingaroo Didge (9x) (Mr I-Yurgen Ilaender)
14. Leonardo Da Vinci (10x) (David Pavane)
15. Art of the World (11x) (Gary Huntbatch)
16. Planetary Rock (Gary Huntbatch)
17. Constellations And Stars (David Pavane)
18. We Know How to Multiply (David Pavane)

Album Description

Math, Music and More... with Canada's Favourite Children's Group (2005 "Indie" Winner)

The award winning Googol Power Math Series combines great MUSIC, an entertaining STORY and LAYERED LEARNING that provides educational FUN for all ages. Listeners will learn about our world, music, art, history and science while practicing math.

THERE'S BIG TROUBLE ON EARTH!
Nena and the GoogolKids are having trouble learning their times tables! Send in the Googols, who use their powers to make multiplication an exciting adventure that journeys "from the jungles deep in Africa, to the icefields of Antarctica" and even into outer space! Follow Azatara, Cozmo, El Mundo the Great Wizard, and their friends Mr. I and Gary Q, as they use music and exploration to learn all about multiplication.

The award-winning* CD "Multiplication Vacation" has received amazing reviews from children, parents, and teachers. This soundtrack features over 70 minutes of learning, including 18 original songs, fascinating facts, jokes and "googols of fun" for the whole family. Lessons cover multiplication facts 0 to 13, skip-counting, math rules, world geography, famous characters in history and astronomy.

* 2005 Winner Canadian Independent Music Awards for Canada's Favourite Children's Group
* 2005 Family Review Center's Seal of Approval
* 2005 Carschooling Award
* 2004 Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Children's Product Winner
* 2004 Winner of The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval
* 2004 Children's Music Web Best Educational Recording
* 2004 Children's Music Web Best Song for Leonardo Da Vinci

The Googol Power Math Series (educational music for the family) was designed to spark curiosity about our world and beyond.

The award winning albums "Addition Celebration" and "Crazy 4 Math" are also in this series.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-07-02

My children LOVE this CD. It has helped them so much with their mulitplication tables. My 8 year old's teacher has asked where to get it as well. Everytime we go somewhere they ask to hear it. Wonderful product!

Kids love it!.......2007-05-25

The music is upbeat and tells a story. I think the kids enjoy this and the addition soundtrack more than any of the educational CD's they have. I wish more learning tapes were this creative!

OK.......2006-12-21

The songs are catchy my 8 and 9 year olds like the songs but the multiplication parts in the songs are sometimes spaced out with lots of words in between. Very hard to actually memorize times tables...

Googols of Fun.......2005-06-08

Bird-like creatures from space named googols (named after a very large number) take you on an exciting adventure through the universe in this award winning product, teaching facts about numbers and world geography at the same time.
The multiplication vacation "movie soundtrack" help make the learning of multiplication facts fun and exciting.
The CD begins with a "star wars" feel-"Long, long, long ago in a galaxy faraway..." -grabbing your kids attention from the get-go.
My kids enjoy listening to the songs, and once the CD turns off I can often hear them humming a few of the tunes and chanting the phrase "googol power." My 4 year old particularly enjoyed "two two two" and "penguin rap" was a big hit with everyone.
If you're looking for some catchy "educational" music to play at home or in the car, look no further..It's right here.

fun and educational for all ages.......2005-03-01

My kids, 2 and 4, love this CD. They sing along and ask questions about the songs, making a great opportunity to teach them about multiplication. The songs are grown-up friendly, I particularly like the 13 song.

Average customer rating: The picture

100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration Manufacturer: Castle Music UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music | Contemporary Christian | Gospel Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Heritage of Hymns: Classic Recordings of the Great Songs of Faith and Inspiration Abide with Me and other favourite hymns Best Loved Hymns Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2 ASIN: B00008GEKT Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

1. Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
2. Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
3. Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
4. This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
5. Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
6. God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
7. Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
8. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
9. Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
10. O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
11. Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
12. Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
13. All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
14. Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
15. There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
16. Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
17. Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
18. New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
19. Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
20. O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

1. Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
2. Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
3. In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
4. Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
5. Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
6. Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
7. At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
8. To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
9. Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
10. Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
11. Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
12. He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
13. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
14. Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
15. This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
16. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
17. Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
18. Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
19. O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
20. Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

1. Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
2. Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
3. Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
4. Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
5. O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
6. O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
7. Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
8. We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
9. Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
10. Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
11. Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
12. O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
13. O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
14. O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
15. Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
16. O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
17. Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
18. God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
19. O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
20. Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

1. Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
2. All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
3. Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
4. God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
5. Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
6. Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
7. Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
8. Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
9. Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
10. God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
11. O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
12. Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
13. Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
14. For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
15. Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
16. Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
17. I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
18. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
19. Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
20. Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

1. Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
2. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
3. O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
4. O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
5. Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
6. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
7. First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
8. Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
9. Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
10. Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
11. On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
12. Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
13. O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
14. Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
15. O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
16. Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
17. Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
18. Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
19. Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
20. Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.

Average customer rating: Truly Virtuosic One of the best solo piano recordings ever made. so fast it misses the point An Inimitable Masterpiece Astonishing technique

Alkan: Grande sonate 'Les quatre âges', Sonatine, Le festin d'Esope Charles-Valentin Alkan , and Marc-André Hamelin Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hamelin, Marc-André | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Alkan: Symphony for solo piano Alkan: 12 Études, Op. 39 Godowsky: The Complete Studies on Chopin's Etudes Alkan: Piano Works; Ronald Smith Marc-André Hamelin Live at Wigmore Hall ASIN: B000002ZW4 Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

1. Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 20 ans. Tres vite
2. Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 30 ans, Quasi-Faust. Assez vite
3. Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 40 ans, un menage heureux. Lentement
4. Grande Sonate 'Les Quatre Ages', Op. 33: 50 ans, Promethee enchaine. Extremement lent
5. Sonatine, Op. 61: Allegro vivace
6. Sonatine, Op. 61: Allegramente
7. Sonatine, Op. 61: Scherzo-Minuet
8. Sonatine, Op. 61: Tempo giusto - Coda
9. Barcarolle, Op. 65, No. 6
10. Le Festin d'Esope, Op. 39, No. 12

Customer Reviews:

Truly Virtuosic.......2007-05-14

The piano music of French Romantic composer Charles-Valentin Alkan is not for everyone. It would never be described as "easy listening." In fact, listening to Alkan's music, especially the first time, requires an effort almost as great as playing other music. Repeated hearings allow one to penetrate the intensity and appreciate the incredible complexity of the compositions, though it is reported that some listeners find the music too unsettling to ever enjoy. Certainly all will find that the music on this CD evokes a wide range of reactions.
If Alkan is a virtuoso as a composer, than the pianist on this CD, Canadian Marc-Andre Hamelin, is equally great. Few pianists are up to the task of performing Alkan's music. Of those, Hamelin must be the best. His playing skills and understanding of the heart of the music make this a truly exceptional CD.

One of the best solo piano recordings ever made........2005-05-22

This disc is totally astonishing. One you start listening to it you will not be able to stop. The Grande Sonate is one of the most beautiful, moving, complex pieces of music for solo piano ever written. Hamelin brings it to life like no one else can. If you have never listened to Alkan, this is a fine introduction to some of the greatest (and most forgotten) piano music ever composed. And if you have never listened to Hamelin - this is probably his greatest work ever. The more you listen to the Grande Sonate the more you discover in it. You wait for those dramatic, breathtaking moments. You marvel at how two human hands can produce these sounds through the piano, and you continually find more subtlies and nuances in this materpiece. Words fail in describing how great this recording is. If you love piano music - get it. It you love Alkan it is truly a must.

so fast it misses the point.......2005-05-20

Much of Alkan's music is vacuous. This is not to dismiss its value, but it is to say that there is much which is of interest because of the technical demands and effects which are on display, and the apparent challenge and impressiveness which these incur. The Grande Sonate stands alone as being altogether different. It is a poetic masterpiece. It is a misconception to regard Alkan as being simply a composer of pyrotechnical virtuosity, even if it is a common and understandable one. What is unforgiveable is to treat the Grande Sonate in the same way as one might approach 'Comme le Vent', 'le Chemin de Fer', the 'Scherzo-Focoso' or any other piece which is clearly reliant on a stringent adherence to tempo and little in the way of expressive variation. Is it sensible to condone a performer who does this? One who plays note-perfectly at an astonishingly fast pace, yet who does not take the requisite time to bring out the almost infinitely complex and inter-related themes, motifs, ideas that inhere the piece? If you are interested in hearing someone play challenging music very quickly then buy this recording. If you want to hear what is arguably the most original work of solo piano writing to come out of the nineteenth-century performed with all the poetic nuance that it deserves, then buy Pierre Reach's stunning recording. Hamelin is an incredibly athletic and gifted pianist, and perhaps an ideal exponent of Alkan, but the Grande Sonate deserves a more patient and respectful approach, and this is not to be found on this recording.

An Inimitable Masterpiece.......2004-06-30

There are special moments in life when you remember exactly what you were doing when it happened. I remember exactly what I was doing when I first heard Bruckner's Eight (Guilini), Mahler's Second (Bernstein), Liszt Sonata (Horowitz), Gaspard de la Nuit (Michelangeli), and I can still hear to this day Richter's Schuman Symphonic Etudes, just to name a few. They were all life-changing events. My friend and I were having dinner when Hamelin's Grande Sonata appeared from the radio. Wow! I remember asking, "What crazy person had the nerve to compose this?", and more importantly, "Who on earth had the gall to record it?" Up to this faithful day in 1995, I had never heard of Hamelin or Alkan.
On this disc, Hamelin plays with so much elan, control, and technical ease that it leaves you breathless. Although the legendary Raymond Lewenthal and the late Ronald Smith have to be commended for their efforts in popularizing Alkan's much-neglected music, I believe Hamelin and this disc has been even more influential. I don't know if Alkan playing on this disc will ever be matched. This is certainly one of the greatest albums in history and should be part of the collection of all true classical music fans.

Astonishing technique.......2004-05-23

Marc-Andre Hamelin is an astounding virtuoso. He gives life to Alkan's works, which I hear for the very first time! It is really mind-boggling how he succeeds in tackling the Augean stables of the eight-part fugue at the end of Quasi-Faust!!!
It is no wonder, then that even Liszt was afraid to compete with Alkan, whom he deemed a superior virtuoso to himself. Alkan's music in itself has a tremendous intrinsic value, which, if one can feel, describes to such depth the essence of the human soul!

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