A Map of the World (1999 Film) [Soundtrack]

A Map of the World (1999 Film) [Soundtrack]

ASIN: B00002DEYS

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Like Beyond the Missouri Sky, Pat Metheny's score for A Map of the World is music stripped to its most intimate roots. The fusion master is joined here only by acoustic bassist Steve Rodby and percussionist Dave Samuels on 28 vast soundscapes that range from a mere 22-seconds to more than six minutes. Metheny fingerpicks his acoustic guitar throughout these tracks, though a New Age-style keyboard occasionally creeps in. The drama, starring Sigourney Weaver (based on the Jane Hamilton novel), obviously has its darker moments, reflected on cues such as "Alone" and "Discovery." But for the most part, this hour-long soundtrack (featuring a full 25 minutes of music not included in the movie) suffers from sonic monotony. The light string orchestrations that accompany some of these tracks never sound original, and Metheny's guitar work--though certainly soulful--lacks its usual improvisational beauty. --Jason Verlinde

Tracks:

A Map Of The World
Family
North
Home
Sisters
Childhood
Fall From Grace
Memory
Gone
Flight
Alone
Outcasts
Sunday
Discovery
Acceptance
Realization
Soliloquy
Night
Sunrise
Resolution
Pictures
Patience
Transition
Reunion
Renewal
Homecoming
Forgiving
Holding Us

Amazon.com

Like Beyond the Missouri Sky, Pat Metheny's score for A Map of the World is music stripped to its most intimate roots. The fusion master is joined here only by acoustic bassist Steve Rodby and percussionist Dave Samuels on 28 vast soundscapes that range from a mere 22-seconds to more than six minutes. Metheny fingerpicks his acoustic guitar throughout these tracks, though a New Age-style keyboard occasionally creeps in. The drama, starring Sigourney Weaver (based on the Jane Hamilton novel), obviously has its darker moments, reflected on cues such as "Alone" and "Discovery." But for the most part, this hour-long soundtrack (featuring a full 25 minutes of music not included in the movie) suffers from sonic monotony. The light string orchestrations that accompany some of these tracks never sound original, and Metheny's guitar work--though certainly soulful--lacks its usual improvisational beauty. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Music from the movie MAP OF THE WORLD.......2007-06-26

This CD includes all the songs from the movie MAP OF THE WORLD with Segourney Weaver. There are some songs that are more appealing than others (to my ears). However, since the movie takes the viewer through all the ups and downs of Sigourney's character, there are bound to be some depressing songs in the mix. My favorite songs though, are the more joyful songs from the movie.

Pat Metheny always does such a wonderful job at adding music to soundtracks. For this, Pat gets a FIVE*. But as far as whether I would listen to the entire CD from start to finish, my answer is "no". As I said before, I would skip over a few of the songs and focus on the smoother & happier jazz songs.
Just my opinion.

Moving to the Soul - Soothing to the Ears.......2006-11-17

I have been a passionate lover of the music of Pat Metheny since first hearing the first 'Pat Metheny Group' album back in 1978. I was blown away with the 'freshness' of his very original sound and the creative originality of the band playing together. Over the years, I've watched with great interest as he has grown and matured as an artist. His prodigous output speaks for itself. Pat is an artist totally immersed in and dedicated to his purpose in life, and the fruits of this dedication show. His music continues to be highly original and fresh with each album and with each concept and each collaboration explored.

Pat has released a handful of 'solo' albums over the years, from the early 'New Chataqua' in the late seventies to the passionate 'Secret Story' in 1992, and this exquisite gem, 'Map of the World'. As one of my very favorite artists, it is really hard to pick one favorite work, but I love this album so much, I just had to write this review of it.

Start to finish, this is a singular work that is diverse yet cohesive, creatively brilliant, beautiful and so very very listenable. In short, I feel it is Pat Metheny at his best, sans 'The Group'. Map of the World is a meditative journey of artistic excellence, comprised of 28 segments that all hold together, yet change in mood. It is a seamless work: You really don't know where one track ends and the next begins as it is one continuim. In that way, the album is like an orchestral piece with several movements, centered around and always returning to Pat's delicate, beautiful acoustic guitar work, always interesting, and to my ears... never boring. Several 'themes' serve to hold the entire piece together as he weaves a tapestry of sound textures that continually change, varying the mood. Segments are buffered by sometimes melancholy and emotionally moving orchestral arrangements, beautifully done.

Map of the World is a very different animal to most of the noise out there. It's less of a collection of songs as it is a singular 'experience' sounds and emotions. It's most appreciated when one can just sit back, close their eyes and 'loose themselves' in it. It's a vibe I enjoy returning to now and again. In fact, unless you can do that, you really are not hearing it.

Pat's facility for creating beautiful, creative compositions is amazing. However, a disclaimer is in order: One needs to be quiet enough inside of their own soul to really 'hear' this music and appreciate what Pat is all about. If you are not yet familiar with this living master of music, then this is a great place to start your collection. If you have any appreciation at all for beauty, sensitivity and peace, you will LOVE this.

Excellent Album..........2006-06-21

Meditative reflections created with sound. I listen to it often & never tire of it.

A delightful and beautiful MASTERPIECE.......2006-05-19

This music is so beautiful. It has so many emotions and is so uplifting that I used it on a small teathrical play with some friends. A true masterpiece, nothing less. Can I give 6 stars??

incredible.......2004-01-23

its incredible i love this cd buy it you will thank me

Palm World Voices: Baaba Maal [CD, DVD, Book & Map]

Average customer rating:

Meet Baaba Maal....
Absolutely fantastic introduction.

Palm World Voices: Baaba Maal [CD, DVD, Book & Map]
Baaba Maal
Manufacturer: Palm Pictures (Audio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Senegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music
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Palm World Voices: Vedic Path [CD, DVD, Book & Map]
Palm World Voices: Africa [CD, DVD, Book & Map]
Missing You (Mi Yeewnii)
Djam Leelii

ASIN: B0009ZE9QW
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Koni
Jamma Jenngii
Minuit
Africans Unite
Guelel
Daande Lenol
Bushes
Mbolo
Cherie
Hamady Boiro
Baayo

Tracks:

Gorel [DVD]
Joulowo [DVD]
Jamma Jenngi [DVD]
Hamady Boiro (Yelle) [DVD]
Cherie [DVD]
Yella [DVD]
Ba [DVD]
Mbaye [DVD]
Bouyel [DVD]
Kowoni Maayo Mi Yeewni [DVD]
Kowoni Maayo Mi Yeewni [DVD]
Daande Lenol [DVD]
Kowoni Maayo Mi Yeewni [DVD]
Mbolo [DVD]
Cherie [DVD]
Baayo [DVD]
Ba [DVD]
Ndakaro [DVD]
Baaba [DVD] - Ernest Ranglin

Album Description

This deluxe package includes the following elements:

- A compilation CD showcasing the master's career in various stages.

- A 60 minute DVD featuring Baaba Maal performances, interviews, and journeys through Senegal's spectacular landscape and culture.

- A beautiful 48-page book stacked with dozens of photos and an accompanying essay penned by acclaimed British Journalist Robin Denselow.

- A 20" x 30" geographic and cultural map of Senegal that traces Baaba Maal's life, designed exclusively by the National Geographic Society for this release

Customer Reviews:

Meet Baaba Maal...........2005-11-12

This deluxe package -- a best-of CD, a DVD and a really pretty booklet, along with an ornate map of Senegal -- is a fine introduction to Baaba Maal, one of the great African pop superstars of our time. The real heart of this collection is the video disc, which includes a nice documentary that introduces Maal in the flesh, as it were, presenting the mix of sincere humility and cold calculation that his celebrity requires. Maal takes a film crew to his hometown, and even into his family compound, a humble set of stone buildings inside a walled courtyard; he explains how the Senegalese griot class -- the keepers of West African musical tradition -- initially attacked him as an interloper. Maal's social background, coming from a family of fishers, should have prevented him from performing music... and would have, had he not pursued his career regardless of their wishes... Now, of course, he is a huge star and has been embraced by the griots as a keeper of the flame and a gift from the gods... The film also discusses how Maal and his partner, Mansour Seck, researched music from other cultures and tribes, and how he has sought to widen his status to that of an "African" performer, while still maintaining their connection to their local roots. It's a fascinating portrait of an artist who is both humble and driven: his charisma and inner power burst out of every frame, even as he appears to be the slightest and most demure of men. The music disc is less gratifying, though. It begins with several lovely acoustic tunes, than quickly shifts into a slick, fusion-y "pop" mode which holds less appeal for folks like me. Still, as an overview of his career and musical philosophy, this is a perfect introduction to Maal and his brand of Senegalese music.

Absolutely fantastic introduction........2005-09-21

If you are not familiar with Baaba Maal, this is a great introduction. Likewise for moderate fans. The CD presents a decent selection of songs from over his career. The DVD includes a 40 minute documentary that starts with Baaba Maal in his hometown, an intimate look at his home and family. It also shows many bits of live performances, from huge festival appearances to small shows in African villages. Also featured are 3 performances from the Live at Royal Albert Hall concert.
Overall, a fine collection for newbies and fanatics alike!

Average customer rating:

Fabulous
Fun and Thought Provoking
Must be added to your collection
good christian music
An Amazing Debut

New Map of World
PC3 - Paul Colman Trio
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
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One
Let It Go
40 Acres
Shine: The Hits
Restored

ASIN: B000066NWB
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

Turn
Run
Sun-Stars-Moon
Fill My Cup
Your Sweet Voice
Africa
Let Love Grow
Selfish Song
Love Me More
I Dream
The Killing Tree
Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2004-05-17

Paul Colman has come to play at my church three times in the last year and he is just phenomenal. He has such an amazing way about him. His music is great and definitely comes from the heart.

Fun and Thought Provoking.......2003-07-03

I have enjoyed The Paul Coleman Trio, ever since they released their first single "Turn" on Christian Radio. They have a distinctive sound driven by great guitars... especially the bass. I believe Paul Coleman himself, plays the bass. The bass lines seem to drive the songs on this cd. I like that approach. It is very different than some of the other music out there now.
I had the great pleasure of seeing PC3 in concert last year. They opened for Third Day. They had great way of connecting with an audience. Even a very large audience. They genuinely love what they are doing and testify to the power of the Lord in their lives. They had some great stories about playing gigs for weddings when they first started out. They gave me more than a few chuckles. :-)
The song "Run" is one of my favorites. It seems to speak about my own spiritual journey, such as how we "run from the one thing that can save our lives." If you are one, who found yourself running from the Lord in your teen years this songs fits you... just like it did me.
I recommend this CD for anyone who likes the Newsboys or Tree 63. If you like guitar driven pop rock you will definitely like PC3. See them live, it's worth it!

Must be added to your collection.......2003-02-12

Good music, great words. The kind of music you rock out on, or worship to. I highly recommend this CD and encourage all of you to get your own copy.

good christian music.......2002-10-16

this is a very good cd with great songs like "love me more","sun-stars-moon" and "the killing tree" the only song i don't really like is "fill my cup" and that's about it,a very good debut cd by paul colman trio, can't wait until there next cd comes out.

An Amazing Debut.......2002-08-17

One of the most impressive new acts of 2002 is Paul Colman Trio (PC3), who's first album, New Map of the World, can be found on the same label that launched Jars of Clay, Third Day and FFH among others. Hailing from Australia, PC3 deliver an unmatched energy throughout the disc by bringing modern rock edges, combined with three-part hamonies and catchy hooks. The sound is original, yet very familiar. As good as this album is, there are some low points. "Africa" is a song that the band holds dear to their heart based on a recent mission trip, but it falls flat and seems to be the odd man out on the album. "The Killing Tree" is another song that I have to skip. While the music is fine, the lyrics are a little too much for me to listen to over and over again. It simply feels a little somber based on the rest of the album. Otherwise, the album is full of gems, ready to roll to #1 on radio. Whether you want to label this a praise and worship album with a modern-rock bent or a modern rock album packed with praise for the Lord, New Map of the World points listeners in the right direction at every turn. I give this album a B+. -Kevin McNeese for TSRocks.com

Average customer rating:

A Beautifully Written Piece of Art
Good, but not for the casual fan
Review from a classical musician
Doesn't do them justice.
Good, but not great

String Quartet Tribute to Muse

Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music
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Random 1-8
The String Quartet Tribute to My Chemical Romance

ASIN: B00070Q89K
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Stockholm Syndrome
Map Of Your Head
Time Is Running Out
Muscle Museum
In Your World
Showbiz
The Small Print
Sunburn'
New Born
Bliss
Sing For Absolution
Saving Grace

Product Description

1. Stockholm Syndrome
2. Map Of Your Head
3. Time Is Running Out
4. Muscle Museum
5. In Your World
6. Showbiz
7. The Small Print
8. Sunburn
9. New Born
10. Bliss
11. Sing For Absolution
12. Saving Grace (Original Composition)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

A Beautifully Written Piece of Art.......2007-06-29

Based on a purely classical mind set, this is one of the most beautiful string tribute albums there are. Granted, Muse fans who usually don't listen to string albums probably won't appreciate it, but for the classical lover, this is the tribute album to start with. The String Tribute to Muse is an absolute masterpiece amongst tributes.

Good, but not for the casual fan.......2007-05-19

I agree very much with Brian Allen; you should only spend the money on this one if you happen to be either a big fan or strings or a big fan of Muse, and I fall very much into the latter. As far as the songs themselves, some sound beautiful. "Bliss" nearly breaks your heart as an all-string tribute. But other songs are hard-core alternative rock, like "Stockholm Syndrome" so songs like that sound awkward at best. If you like a song by Muse here and there, only have one or two of their CDs, and think, "Oh, they're alright," don't bother purchasing it. However for big Muse fans, it's a nice treat.

Review from a classical musician.......2006-02-05

I play cello in a string quartet and am a huge Muse fan as well. As far as this compilation of, perhaps, some of Muse's greatest hits, a string quartet version just doesn't depict the kind of emotional response that I get from listening to the orignal trio. I listened to some of these tracks and thought I was listening to my buddies playing Muse songs by ear and just messing around. Save your money, or better yet, for the same price go out and treat yourself to the original albums that these songs derived from (Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry and Absolution)!

Doesn't do them justice........2006-02-04

Well, before I say anything about this tribute album, let me state clearly for the record that I am a HUGE Muse fan, and always will be. I'm also very fond of classical music, so I thought this album would be incredible. Unfortunately, that assumption was way off. To me, this was basically like a bunch of recordings of people humming Muse songs. The original tracks have so much power and emotion, but these versions seem cheap and empty. If they would have had a full orchistra it would have been awesome. The string quartet just doesn't cut it, at least not for me. Of course, this is all in my humble opinion.

Good, but not great.......2005-12-06

I'll do an actual review later, but here are some of my thoughts on this album, since only one other person rated it so far. The songs all sound great, but they hardly differ from the original versions, and none of them are really that much different. Most of them sound note for note the same, but just played on the strings. This is ok because Muse has a lot of classical influence in their songs, but I wish the makers would have put more effort into this. If you're a casual fan you can skip, but if you really like string tributes or Muse you should get it. Some better string tributes, which are less basic, are the ones for Nine Inch Nails, Coldplay, and A Perfect Circle.

Palm World Voices: Vedic Path [CD, DVD, Book & Map]

Average customer rating:

Musical Meditation
Music and Geography of the Human Spirit
The Vedic Path

Palm World Voices: Vedic Path [CD, DVD, Book & Map]
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Palm Pictures (Audio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Palm World Voices: Spirit [Region 2]
Palm World Voices - Mandela [Region 2]
Varanasi: The City of Light

ASIN: B0009S2TMK
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

A.R. Rahman Mumbai Theme Tune
Ali Akbar Khan & Asha Bosle Guru Bandana
Sheila Chandra Aboneconedrone 3 (excerpt)
M Path The Longing
Ravi Shankar Tana Mana
Dissidenten Monsoon
Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbets Song of Realization
Stephan Micus Passing Cloud
John Wubbenhorst All Bliss
Abida Parveen Ghoonghat Ohle Na Luk Sajn

Tracks:

A.R. Rahman Mumbai Theme Tune [DVD]
Ali Akbar Khan & Asha Bosle Guru Bandana [DVD]
M Path The Longing [DVD]
John Wubbenhorst All Bliss [DVD]
Ravi Shankar Tana Mana [DVD]
Dissidenten Monsoon [DVD]
Stephan Micus Passing Cloud [DVD]
Choying Drolma & Steve Tibbets Song of Realization [DVD]
Abida Parveen Ghoonghat Ohle Na Luk Sajn [DVD]
Sheila Chandra Aboneconedrone 3 (excerpt)[DVD]

Album Description

This deluxe package includes the following elements:

- An audio CD featuring legendary virtuosos such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, AR Rahman, Ani Choying Drolma and more

- A 60 minute DVD with images of India that provide a dreamlike visual backdrop to its remastered Dolby 5.1 surround music soundtrack

- A beautiful 42-page book packed with art, photographs, and an essay by British journalist Robin exploring the musical styles, instrumentation, culture, and history of India.

- A 20" x 30" poster map of the people, music, culture and geography of India designed exclusively for Vedic Path by National Geographic.

Customer Reviews:

Musical Meditation.......2006-02-08

Landscapes sweep across the screen as a portrayal of daily life merges ancient farming practices with fast moving technology. The beauty of the connection of all life left a profound impact on me in moments where I could not explain my emotions, but felt them very present.

Through the eyes of the people filmed, we intimately view the struggles of the soul, the ever changing uncertainty of life and an element of deeper understanding in a world where the spiritual and the daily rituals of life intertwine in a beautiful union.

Metaphors abound with life reborn in a magical pond; a broom sweeping across a dusty path turns watery to awaken concepts of rebirth and cleansing. There are also elements of fire or the idea of walking through fire as images merge and one scene melts into the next.

Palm World Voices Vedic Path inspires an intense longing for a deeper spiritual experience. Like lost travelers traversing a desolate planet, the connection of family life brings comfort and herds of animals bring humor. A scene of thirty two candles, red wax dripping over the ground suddenly because profoundly beautiful and there are many artistic moments throughout this musical meditation.

~The Rebecca Review

Music and Geography of the Human Spirit.......2005-11-13

This package captures the spiritual character of India in the beauty of it's music, it's people and it's land. The DVD is brilliantly beautiful. Treat yourself.

The Vedic Path.......2005-08-16

This gorgeous set--consisting of CD, DVD, and map--is well worth the investment. My friend, whose birthday present it was, was enchanted, and used it for meditation, excercise, and to create a peaceful ambience for writing. The vocals are evocative and ethereal without being repetitive or simplistic. I would recommend.

Average customer rating:

Adam Frey is amazing!
An interesting change

Listen to This
Adam Frey , and Damon Denton
Manufacturer: Eroica Classical
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Euphoniums Unlimited: Music for Euphonium Choir
The Golden Age of Brass, Vol. 3: Virtuoso Solos with Band
Little Buckaroos
Stepping Stones For Euphonium, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000075A2H
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Tracks:

Pantomime
Vocalise
Fantasy Variations
Nessun Dorma
Euphonium Concerto: Allegro assai
Andantino
Finale-Giocoso
Elegin C Minor
Flight of the Bumblebee
Estrellita
Fantaisie Originale

Customer Reviews:

Adam Frey is amazing!.......2004-02-17

I play tuba and I recently had a workshop and a private lesson with Adam where he played Flight of the Bumblebee at top speed, all 12 major scales in less than 30 seconds, and a song using multiphonics (playing and humming a different note at the same time) that sounded impossible! I'd never imagined someone could be this amazing at a low brass instrument but he is. He's really amazing and he deserves all the fame and recognition that he gets.

An interesting change.......2003-03-18

This is different from most classical and instrumental cd's I have. It is neat to hear the euphonium showcased. You can tell that Adam Frey has a great sense of humor, the album art is fabulous! The album has a great variety, Flight of the Bumblebee is fantastic! I highly recommend this cd for anyone who wants a little something different in their classical collection.

Average customer rating:

Inch Equals a Thousand Miles
Map of the World
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000008I3Z
Release Date: 1989-10-23

Average customer rating:

Off the Map Live
Archie Fisher , and Garnet Rogers
Manufacturer: Snowgoose
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Scottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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The Man with a Rhyme
Sunsets I've Galloped Into
Shining Thing
Firefly
Speaking Softly in the Dark

ASIN: B0000AISXP
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

Borderland
Mosstrooper's Lament
Long and Lonely Winter
Winter It Is Past
Laird of Udny
Lassie O' the Morning
Joy of My Heart
Ettrick
Mallie Leigh
Final Trawl
Boatie Rows
Last Leviathan
Rolling Home

Average customer rating:

Cosmopolitan Klezmer!
Authentic Klezmer music to dance to

Yiddish for Travelers
Metropolitan Klezmer
Manufacturer: Rhythm Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000DDAG
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

Nokh A Gleyzl Vayn
C Minor Bulgar
Fifth Floor Khosidl
Mangiko/Yoshke Fort Avek
Der Feter Max's Bulgar
Libes Shmertsn
Sheyn Vi Di Levone
Yosl, Yosl
Farlangen
Der Gasn Nigun
Ken O'Hara Freylekh
Russian Sher
Fiselekh
Der Yidisher Soldat In Di Trenches
Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen
Metropolitan Raisins
Oy Tate
Zhok A La Dave
Steve's Bar Mitzve
Ismail's Doyna
Bessarabian Hora
Kostakowsky Sirba
Volokh
Der Miropoler Rebe's Nigun & Dybbuk March

Amazon.com

These folks offer a spirited but respectful look at the klezmer tradition as it traveled across Asia Minor, Eastern Europe, and into the Americas (and back). Opening with a medley of a classic hora and a lively show tune by one of the fathers of American klezmer, Dave Tarras, the band shows energy and topnotch playing skills, and an openness to new ideas that never mows over the feel of the original. The mix of instruments is completely modern. Metropolitan Klezmer mix old and new Middle Eastern instruments like bendir and European transplants violin and clarinet with the more modern tools of accordion, upright bass, and drum kit to create a blurred line between ancient and contemporary. They combine and contrast tunes, playing the same song in the style of two or more different places, to give the listener an idea of how the music has traveled. Which is not to imply this is a scholarly performance. Metropolitan Klezmer play with verve and offer great music on this journey. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Cosmopolitan Klezmer!.......2003-04-25

Metropolitan Klezmer bring eclecticism on a grand scale to small to medium band klezmer, presenting a truly cosmopolitan blend of traditional klezmer tunes, Chassidic nigunim and khosidls, Yiddish song, Balkan and Greek and Sephardic elements, as well as jazz. The traditional is carefully and effectively blended with the contemporary, the old with the new. The arrangements on "Yiddish For Travelers" are outstanding, even elegant.

Metropolitan Klezmer prove themselves an incredibly tight and versatile band, with impeccable musicianship and technical mastery. This is complemented by great exuberance and flair.

Eclecticism and cosmopolitanism also manifest themselves in the instrumental palette of Metropolitan Klezmer. Violinist Michael Hess also "doubles" on kanun (Middle Eastern zither) and ney (an end-blown Middle Eastern reed flute) as well as viola, and acquits himself admirably on all of them. Eve Sicular, founder and leader of Metropolitan Klezmer, reveals herself to be an
outstanding drummer, with some very fine and highly inventive drumming, and also plays frame drums in addition to her conventional kit. Accordionist Ismael Butera doubles on bendir (also a type of frame drum) also. Steve Elson switches between Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano and tenor sax, and flute. Bassist Dave Hofstra also doubles on tuba. The team is completed by Deborah Karpel, vocal, and Pam Fleming on trumpet and flugelhorn.

"Yiddish For Travelers" is an incredibly tight album, the tracks being consistently excellent throughout and forming a nicely cohesive whole. This is music with heart, soul and ear, for heart, soul and ear, and for the feet as well. "Mangiko/Yoshke Fort Avek" combines two versions of the same tune, shared by two different traditions. First, a rendition in the Greek Rebetica style, then in the Ashkenazic style of Eastern Europe. Both share
the same highly effective and simple, elegant instrumentation of kanun, accordion, bass and drums. Michael Hess excels on kanun here and only makes one wish this instrument with its seductive sound had been used more widely. On "Sheyn vi di Levone", Deborah Karpel shows her mettle as an excellent Yiddish singer, superbly offset by Steve Elson's swinging, jazzy soprano sax,
which again surfaces, this time to lead, to superb effect on "Yosl, Yosl". The almost obligatory favourite, "Der Gasn Nigun", trades off leads among clarinet, trumpet, viola, and accordion, interspersed with fine ensemble playing and solidly grounded by gorgeous tuba playing. "Metropolitan Raisins" is a brilliant jazz rendition of Abraham ("Father of the Yiddish Theatre")Goldfaden's classic lullaby "Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen" (a straight rendition of which precedes the former) from his 1880 operetta, Shulamis. This baby rocks! Steve Elson's fine tenor sax makes you wish for an extended improv here. The next track, "Oy Tate", a khosidl or chassidic tune, contrasts with a superbly elegant Middle Eastern arrangement and likewise instrumentation of ney, bass and bendir. Again, one is left to wish for more of Michael Hess' ney! "Der Miropoler Rebe's Nigun & Dybbuk March", the former based on a chassidic meditative tune intended to induce an ecstatic state and sense of connection to the Creator, closes the album with a wonderful treat in the form of a sublime bass clarinet, and what's more, a bass clarinet lead, complemented by a restrained voiceless chorus in the first part of this track.

The liner notes are very informative, and include the lyrics for songs in Yiddish, romanised Yiddish, as well as English translation by Eve Sicular. What's more, the notes for each track also include full listing of personnel as well as instrumentation.

Metropolitan Klezmer excel on this their debut album. It is hugely enjoyable.

Authentic Klezmer music to dance to.......1999-05-20

If there is a line usually drawn between the scholarly type of klezmer which features older melodies and traditional instrumentation and the leading edge klezmer played by groups who see it as a starting point for blending into other genres, Metropolitan Klezmer is one of the few groups that can stand in the middle of the divide and quietly dominate that space.

Yiddish for Travelers is a witty, tightly performed collection of klezmer pieces that doesn't pretend to be anything but klezmer. Conversely, Metropolitan Klezmer's mastery of the genre is not a historical period piece to be placed in Smithsonian archives; it is animated dance music that defies feet to be still.

The only thing better than hearing the CD is hearing the band live. Get your dancing shoes ON!

Junanasaino Chizu (Seventeen's Map)
Average customer rating:

Ozaki, he is not one of those J-pop stars.

Junanasaino Chizu (Seventeen's Map)
Yutaka Ozaki
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
International | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005G6GE
Release Date: 2001-08-13

Tracks:

Scenes Of Town
Can't Sing Even The Beginning
I Love You
High School Rock 'N' Roll
Night
Seventeen's Map
Loveless Town
Oh My Little Girl
To All That I Hurt
My Song

Customer Reviews:

Ozaki, he is not one of those J-pop stars........2006-08-29

His music is still very popular and almost legendary among young admirers.
In some big cities, there are what are called "screen concert" on his obit. People just get together and watch his old concert films. And those "live music" are still covered by media.

His music is very rebellious and full of his conflicts with the older generation, society and his identity. These are more or less common adolescent themes and go beyond generations so that he still gets young worshippers.

I love some of his songs, but not all of them. I believe he was a great singer and still is. He is one of a limited number of singers whose songs really represent the life of the singer.
His music is his life. He was a very very honest guy and I don't feel any commercialism in his music.

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