Cobalt Blue

Cobalt Blue

ASIN: B0001JXPTI

Editorial Reviews
JAZZIZ
"...There's much to admire in both [his] beautiful touch and his funkier side..."

Product Description
Cobalt Blue, William Woods' second album, is a well-sculpted, focused collection of original compositions set firmly within the Smooth Jazz genre. It is a fresh contrast to his well-received first album, a Doctor's Dilemma, a diverse stylistic collage showcasing the scope of his abilities as both writer and pianist/keyboardist. This initial foray, reflecting the eclectic aspects of his dual background in medicine and music has been called "...beauty with a beat..." (Songwriter's Monthly) and "...a grand and creative work of music..." (Hill Rag, Washington, DC). Heralded with rave reviews and national notice, the CD received airplay on more than 185 stations with penetration in the top 50 markets. Cobalty Blue, to be released on the Qantar Music label, is produced by Regis Branson (Alex Bugnon, Howard Johnson, Najee, Will Downing and others) who also adds Keyboards, Bass, Drums and Percussion, as well as vocals. The CD features a cast of New York jazz/pop mainstays, Vincent Henry (Ice Cube, Maceo Parker, Alex Bugnon and others) on soprano sax, Mark Friedman (The Dalton Gang) on soprano sax, Robert DeBellis (Anthony Braxton, Doug Byron, Julius Hemphill and Steve Holland) on alto sax, and Bernard Davis (The Isley Brothers, Steve Winwood, Lionel Hampton, Mariah Carey and others) on drums and percussion. With its constant groove, broad emotional range and solid performances, Cobalt Blue delivers strong medicine that goes down smooth.

Cobalt Blue

Tracks:

Shona Bridge
Breakdown
Red Shift
Skip Wave
Slipstream
Andean
Slow Breakdown
Ultramarine
Urbana
Lakbossa
Ten
Hawaii

Album Description

Cobalt Blue is a superb 12 track record. Nearly every track is standout music and some of the tracks are absolutely perfect: Urbana, Ultramarine, and Lakbossa being the three best. This is guitar music, alternately driven then abstract. Sometimes it just shimmers in the moonlight, other times it cuts accross time like a knife, the notes hard and brilliant like sapphires in the sun. This is music that is a joy to listen to. Somehow it challenges you to think, to follow the line of the melody as a weaves in and out of the surrounding fabric of supporting musical lines. 4AD.

Customer Reviews:

The Wizard of ERR.......2006-12-21

This is a damn good album. It should be noted; I don't hand out 5 stars to every album I like (or review)- seems kind of pointless. 4 stars is high enough praise in itself.
-Anyway-
For reference purposes: If you have Eno's "Music for Films III"; listen to the the track "Err" - this album is essentially the planet Err came from. There are even some interludes that contain little distilled pieces of Err.

The sound is one you don't hear much; A large number of tracks are built around rhythms which are driven by 2 very different forces: very low, fast-attack/slow-decay, bass and very high, crisp guitar, which is restrained just enough to complement the bass dead-on. Several are relatively fast (almost "catchy" I guess) tempo, but have a whole different character in the absence of a drum kit.

If none of this makes any sense, listen to the samples. Hell, listen to them anyway; that's what got me going. I started out looking for a copy of "Sleeping With the Fishes", and it landed me here.
So, there you go.

PS
This is the kind of stuff which will make those insanely expensive speakers show their worth.

Great, intelligent, relaxing music for the soul........2005-08-03

This is some of the most inventive music around today, made by some of the most inovative musician/producers. It's hard to say if it's ambient, new age, inprov, or whatever. Just say it's gorgeous music--perhaps late-night music. All of the Cobalt Blue CDs are amazing, but their live one is the best I've heard. I tend to avoid live recordings for all the audience noise, but theirs is well-produced. Organic percussion, heavenly guitar, and production to die for. Get one of their CDs if you can--it's great, intelligent, relaxing music for the soul.

My favourite CD.......1998-05-15

Cobalt Blue is a rich and varied piece of work - very special. At work I write documentation for computer processes and at home I paint water-colours. In both environments I like to listen to music, especially non intrusive music. I am not sure how you would classify this music - It is different from most of the Ambient stuff I have heard and is not your run of the mill electronic. I also like Vangelis and J.M. Jarre but this is different.

Average customer rating:

Piano, keyboards, saxophone, drums, and haunting vocals
William Woods' latest contemporary jazz release Cobalt Blue
Cobalt Blue

Cobalt Blue
William Woods
Manufacturer: The Orchard
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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Every Part of Me
The Hear and Now
A Doctor's Dilemma
Ultrablue
Presence

ASIN: B0001JXPTI
Release Date: 2004-02-17

Tracks:

Out of My Hands
Rhythm Song
Princess Dreams
All Night Long
Blue Me Down
Absolute Zero
Drama Queen
No Money Down
Reunion Song
Small Wonder
Tread Lightly

Album Description

Cobalt Blue, William Woods' second album, is a well-sculpted, focused collection of original compositions set firmly within the Smooth Jazz genre. It is a fresh contrast to his well-received first album, a Doctor's Dilemma, a diverse stylistic collage showcasing the scope of his abilities as both writer and pianist/keyboardist. This initial foray, reflecting the eclectic aspects of his dual background in medicine and music has been called "...beauty with a beat..." (Songwriter's Monthly) and "...a grand and creative work of music..." (Hill Rag, Washington, DC). Heralded with rave reviews and national notice, the CD received airplay on more than 185 stations with penetration in the top 50 markets. Cobalty Blue, to be released on the Qantar Music label, is produced by Regis Branson (Alex Bugnon, Howard Johnson, Najee, Will Downing and others) who also adds Keyboards, Bass, Drums and Percussion, as well as vocals. The CD features a cast of New York jazz/pop mainstays, Vincent Henry (Ice Cube, Maceo Parker, Alex Bugnon and others) on soprano sax, Mark Friedman (The Dalton Gang) on soprano sax, Robert DeBellis (Anthony Braxton, Doug Byron, Julius Hemphill and Steve Holland) on alto sax, and Bernard Davis (The Isley Brothers, Steve Winwood, Lionel Hampton, Mariah Carey and others) on drums and percussion. With its constant groove, broad emotional range and solid performances, Cobalt Blue delivers strong medicine that goes down smooth.

Customer Reviews:

Piano, keyboards, saxophone, drums, and haunting vocals.......2004-05-08

Cobalt Blue is a surreal album of moody and intense music, blending piano, keyboards, saxophone, drums, and haunting vocals to create an immersive listening experience. A relaxing collection that stimulates the imagination, tracks including Out of My Hands (4:37), Rhythm Song (4:15), Princess Dreams (4:38), All Night Long (4:33), Blue Me Down (4:39), Absolute Zero (4:24), Drama Queen (4:34), No Money Down (4:09), Reunion Song (3:58), Small Wonder (4:38) and Tread Lightly (4:59).

William Woods' latest contemporary jazz release Cobalt Blue.......2004-03-16

William Woods composes 11 smooth jazz tunes that feature Woods on piano with producer Regis Branson on keyboards, bass and drums. The CD starts with "Out of My Hands," a very melodic number and later ventures into "Blue Me Down" with a bluesy feel to it.

Woods has a knack for writing very rich yet catchy melodies. There is a lot of passion and soulfulness to his music.

Cobalt Blue.......2004-03-13

Smooth, soothing, and yet upbeat. The melodies stay in your head; unlike the jumble of notes that one can't remember, but melodies that become a part of you. Right away, your memory has already picked out a favorite from the group.
A delight for listening, this is real jazz.

Average customer rating:

Ambient, new age, inprov, chill-out, or what?
The infinite guitar
Very underappreciated artist
A wonderfully textured ambiant delight
Music for writing, for reading, for drifting off to sleep.

Cobalt Blue/Live At The Aquarium
Michael Brook
Manufacturer: 4ad / Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Hybrid
Night Song
Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2
Dream
RockPaperScissors

ASIN: B00000IMU2
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

Shona Bridge
Breakdown
Red Shift
Skip Wave
Slipstream
Andean
Slow Breakdown
Ultramarine
Urbana
Lakbossa
Ten
Hawaii

Tracks:

Shona Bridge
After Image/Urbana
Andean
Ultramarine
Lakbossa
Cascade
Red Shift

Customer Reviews:

Ambient, new age, inprov, chill-out, or what?.......2005-08-03

Some of the most inventive music, made by some of the most inovative musician/producers working today. Is it ambient, new age, inprov, chill-out, or what? It's gorgeous music-perhaps late-night music. Cobalt Blue CDs are amazing. Organic percussion, heavenly guitar, and production to die for. Get one of their CDs if you can.

The infinite guitar.......2003-07-24

I'm not sure what the infinite guitar actually is, but I am fascinated by its sound and have seeked out every album that it's on, played by Brook of course, though I know the Edge uses it from time to time too. Hybrid is also very recommendable as it is a collaboration with Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, and Dream from the Real World Label has Brook playing a more out of control and loud guitar on it, which I really enjoy.

Very underappreciated artist.......2002-01-25

Generally the field of ambient music is dominated by musicians, producers, and DJ's who are able to coax atmospheric bliss from keyboards and, aside from Talvin Singh's msterful tabla exploits, not much else.
>
Then there's Michael Brook. Probably the mystery of Michael Brook's anonymity involves his choice of instrument and the music he makes with it. He plays guitar, so he can't be techno-ambient, but he lacks that "granola factor", so he can't be New Age, either. I had first heard of him when I bought "Night Song", an excellent collaboration with the late, great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and one of the finest examples of East/West musical fusion I've ever heard. "Night Song" also utilizes layers of synthesized ambience, but the sound of something called the "Infinite Guitar" is also fairly prevalent (as near as I can tell, the "Infinite Guitar" is either a pet name for Mr. Brook's own customized effects rig, or else it is an electric guitar with no frets on its fingerboard, enabling a wider, "infinite" selction of tonal varieties).
>
This double CD provides a much more telling glimpse of the guitarist's talent. The chill-out factor alone makes this CD a must-have if you like to listen to music during meditation or other times of introspection. The guitar sound is much more dominant (and more clearly defined) than it was on Mr. Brook's earlier "Hybrid" CD, the sound of which was absolutely saturated with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois' involvement. The studio recordings on the first CD are magnificent, and the live set that appears on the 2nd CD is reminiscent of the The Orb's "Live 93" recording, in that it proves that electronic music performed live does not need to be by definition the pressing of a playback button from a reel-to-reel tape machine...very surprising.
>
In short, Michael Brook is the maker of very satisfying music; anyone who appreciates ambient electronica and an original guitar sound owes to themselves to give him a listen.

A wonderfully textured ambiant delight.......2001-01-11

These two releases are wonderfully textured ambiant delights. Michael Brook developed the infinite guitar, which The Edge played beautifully on U2's "With or Without You." His technique features long, sustained notes, with layerings and ambiant echo. Bill Frisell comes to mind as a similar musician. You will love playing these discs as background, relaxing music. So will your date... :-)

Music for writing, for reading, for drifting off to sleep........2000-08-05

If ratings were measured purely on how often I listen to a record, Cobalt Blue / Live at the Aquarium would be a hands-down 5-star album. Ever since I bought this two CD set a few months back, these discs have spent far more than their share of time in my CD player. Brook's textures and melodies are subtle enough to linger in the background when the consciousness is focused elsewhere, and intricate enough to be interesting beyond mere background. And I certainly cannot complain about the price; for the price of a single album this set offers two which are complentary though not repetitive.

Tracks:

Shona Bridge
Breakdown
Red Shift
Skip Wave
Slipstream
Andean
Slow Breakdown
Ultramarine
Urbana
Lakbossa
Ten
Hawaii

Album Description

Customer Reviews:

The Wizard of ERR.......2006-12-21

Great, intelligent, relaxing music for the soul........2005-08-03

My favourite CD.......1998-05-15

Average customer rating:

Amazing music
One of the most moving scores that I've ever heard
Stirring!
Great Stuff
5 Stars is Not Enough!! More recogntion for Paul!

Cobalt Blue
Paul Spaeth
Manufacturer: Spaethmusic, Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

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An Ancient Muse
Final Fantasy VII - Advent Children (Limited Edition Collector's Set)

ASIN: B00005QI4M
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Tracks:

Out of the Blue
Tranquility
Celtic Legend
Sands of Time
The Hope Within Us
Spirit of Silence
Truth in Soul
Starlight
Voices from the Forest
Unity
Horizon

Album Description

"Solo piano" meets "film score" in this album of cinematic power and beauty from an extremely talented pianist/composer prodigy. This is definitely one name to watch out for in the future. Riffage.com said: "Instrumental music can take you on a journey. Your eyes closed and your ears alive, his melodies will sweep you away and absorb you. Paul Spaeth's songs each have a magical tale to tell. Each powerfully communicates intense, multi-layered emotions to its listeners through beautifully crafted melodies and effervescent delivery. The pure joy transmitted through 'Starlight' and the soaring rush of hope elicited by 'The Hope Within Us' attest to the communicative power of music: Spaeth shows us that some feelings require more than words. You do not hear his music, you experience it.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing music.......2005-01-15

I first discovered Paul Spaeth on mp3.com a few years ago, and he quickly became my favorite artist on that site. I was shocked to discover that he was in high school at the time. He has an amazing talent, not only in his ability to create beautiful compositions, but in creating music full of feeling, the type of music that touches you at the core. Very atmospheric--his music can definitely take you on a journey. I like to listen to it for inspiration as I write.

One of the most moving scores that I've ever heard.......2004-12-15

It astounds me that someone so young can create something so beautiful. The music glides and moves your emotions as few scores can do. I have no doubt that great things will come from Paul Spaeth. I find his music inpirational and hopeful. I urge everyone to encourage this young artist by buying this album.

Stirring!.......2004-07-24

What a deeply satisfying CD! Celtic Legend in particular really gets the soul dancing. Wow.

Great Stuff.......2004-02-25

I found out about Paul through a friend that goes to USC with him. What's amazing about this cd is that it was composed entirely by Paul when he was only in high school, though it sounds like he's been composing for years. When I first popped this cd into my computer, my roomate thought it was a John Williams or James Horner soundtrack cd. This cd serves as great study music: smooth, soft, elegant, calm, and relaxing. Go and support Paul by buying this cd, so that he can continue studying to make more like them! Great job Paul...I hope to meet you soon!

5 Stars is Not Enough!! More recogntion for Paul!.......2003-11-25

WOO!! I LOVE PAUL SPAETH!!! I actually found him on accident. Keep in mind that I am a hard rocking teenager, but even I can be moved by this music. Anyways... I was crazy about Lord of the Rings, so I was looking for free downloadable songs on this website. Paul's song 'Celtic Legend' came up so I decided to download it. When I listened to it I almost cried because it was filled with so much emotion, and I immediatley fell in love with it. Paul's talent is truly astounding! Needless to say... I eventually got a hold of the rest of his songs. He has even inspired me to keep playing piano and keyboard. I play a lot of his songs by ear. HE HAS WONDERFUL TALENT!! My favorite song is "Oracle". Very interesting. I sincerely hope that Paul eventually gets way more credit and recognition because he is truly an awesome artist!!
Much Love and Hope for Paul,
Sara

Average customer rating:

Lurch
Blue Dog
Manufacturer: Cobalt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004T1M9
Release Date: 1999-08-12

Tracks:

Iguana
The Lurch
Prayin' for Jimi
Frankie Sin
Theme
Surf
Malaise and Funk
Ballad
Hardball
Iguana (radio edit)
The Lurch (radio edit)
Prayin' for Jimi (radio edit)
Frankie Sin (radio edit)

Album Description

Soundtrack/punk/rock/free jazz/latin/funk/tango/bebop/melodic/harmelodic

Average customer rating:

Metal Massacre, Vols. 8-9

Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Compilations | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

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Metal Massacre, Vol. 6
Metal Massacre, Vol. 5
Metal Massacre, Vol. 10
Metal Massacre, Vol. 4
Metal Massacre, Vol. 3

ASIN: B000001C7L
Release Date: 1994-05-24

Tracks:

Ignorance - Sacred Reich
Hellbound - Viking
Keeper Of The Flame - Overlorde
Violence Is Golden - Fatal Violence
Spare No Lives - Tactics
Nothing Left - Sanctum
Into The Darkness - Gargoyle
Death Awaits You - Ripper
Take 'Em Alive - E.S.P.
Intimate With Evil - Wargod
Deadly Kiss - L.S.N.
Bullets - Cobalt Blue
We Want You - Banshee
Old World Nights - Oliver Magnum
Wasteland - Toxik
Blood Under Heaven - Dissenter
Needle Damage - Chaos Horde
Dehumanize - Faith Or Fear

Average customer rating:

Envisioning Blue

Manufacturer: Cobalt Blue Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BPU810
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Product Description

10 tracks: I'LL CLOSE MY EYES, COMES LOVE, NOW'S THE TIME, AT LAST, IT WAS WRITTEN IN THE STARS, AM I BLUE, DON'T EXPLAIN, ME AND THE BLUES, SOMETHING'S GOT A HOLD ON ME, EMPTY BED BLUES

Average customer rating:

Tasty vocals!!

work song

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005V4SF
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

Big Screen
Battle
Come Again
Wishes
God Don't Say Much
Gravity & Grace
Santa Fe
Population One
Work Song
Settle
Second Story
Release
Love Leaves A Trail

Album Description

Hypnotic beats, uninhibited emotion and sultry vocals drive Cobalt Blue's debut release "worksong." Songwriters Rebecca Ryan and Timonthy Redmond uncompromisingly bare their trials and fascinations commanding the attention of audiences with a penchant for honest, highly dimensional music. Together, lead guitarist Sean Garcia, keyboardist/guitarist Redmond and singer/songwriter Ryan combine ambient grooves and distorted rhythms with mesmerizing harmonies to produce twelve stirring tracks of penetrating depth and intensity.

Customer Reviews:

Tasty vocals!!.......2005-04-06

Cobalt blue is a great combination of grit & groove. Sultry female vocals & a bandful of excellent musicians w/ an obvious chemistry. Warning: after just one listen, it'll be stuck in your daily rotation for months!!! My only complaint is that this band doesn't have more CDs out.

Average customer rating:

The Blues Runs Through It

Manufacturer: Cobalt Blue Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00079TEBU

Product Description

Accompanied by John Blake Jr., Laszlo Gardony, Yoron Israel, and John Lockwood, Shelley Neill sings the classics "Dark Shadows", "It Was Written In The Stars", "Stormy Weather", "Hello Stranger", "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't", "Nobody's Business", "Do Your Duty", "Downhearted Blues", "Un Fruit Etrange (Strange Fruit)", and "Prelude To A Kiss".

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music