American Landscape

American Landscape

ASIN: B0000001WS

Editorial Reviews
From Jazziz
Long before his GRP days, when pianist David Benoit began adding electronics to his albums, he scored TV shows and recorded albums of acoustic piano and strings. Back then, he was known not so much for his playing but for his composing and arranging. On his first release for GRP, 1987's Freedom at Midnight, Benoit composed and arranged "Morning Sojourn," showcasing an articulate contemporary horn-and-string arrangement reminiscent of the symphony-meets-the-Wild-West style of his mentor, Dave Grusin. And though he has yet to do an entire album of piano and strings, Benoit consistently reminds us of his expertise in this area on a track or two of his recent albums. "A Personal Story" from 1997's American Landscape offers a good example.

Tracks:

American Landscape
Max's Boogie
Lost In Tokyo
If I Can Believe
A Personal Story
Rue De La Soleil
Saying Goodbye
Mr. Rodriguez's Opus
Speed Racer

Customer Reviews:

Cool Jazz to listen to.......2002-01-05

When I bought this CD, I already was familiar with DB. This is the first CD of his that had a different approach, compiling orchistration with banjo and conga's. I have "Waiting for Spring" which is mostly contemporary trio sounding jazz, like Bill Evans.
This CD is a different sound. I recommend it because the music is good, and it is different. I still pull it out once in a while, so the music is never stale. Enjoy.

Thick, pasty, shapeless void........2001-02-24

I bought this disc on the recomendation of a friend, and I am now looking for someone I dislike to pass it on to.

Is this really what has happened to Jazz?

The cover offers so much promise; an American landscape, as the title promises, even looking a little like a Grant Wood painting...

But what happens next is depressing.

The piece "Amercian Landscape," starts over the top, sampling the sounds of a train whistle, some "ho down" music and then simply blurs (melts?) into a pasty over-produced mess.

Like too much of today's "smooth jazz" this piece, indeed this entire album, just blurs together, never celebrating single instruments, or for that matter, original thoughts.

This CD is the ideal poster child for the "Save Jazz" foundation, as it clearly demonstrates that jazz has been bterayed and sold to the masses.

If you are looking for some quiet, thoughtful jazz, this is not the place to start.

Maybe this CD passes for tolerable mindless background music, but only if your standards are low.

Benoit Finest.......2000-12-19

I own several of Dave Benoit's albums but American Landscape is my favorite. Every track is exceptional.

American Landscape.......2000-02-22

This was the first Benoit CD I listened to. I heard him on the radio, and was awe struck at the wonderful sound of this music. The song I heard was Rue de la Soleil. It's kinda a Vince Gueraldi based song, but it has that Samba beat to it too.

Saying goodbye is a very sad song. It was written for his mother who died on February 18, the very day the album was scheduled for final mastering.

Mr Rodrigues's Opas is a really good song- I recommend it.

As for If I can Believe. Its the best song on the CD. I'd buy it just for this one song. Its a very compassionate, and pretty song.

And for American Landscape, Max's Boogie, Lost in toxyo, and Speed Racer. Those are true "American Music" songs. They are upbeat, and you can hear the people in the swamps of Louisiana just singing along.

"American Landscape is magical, energetic and joyous. There are touches of sadness with a great deal of whimsy. It is constantly changing and filled with surprise. American Landscape is a magnificent adventure."- Sally Field

Great Music but not a Great Recording (DTS).......2000-01-02

I would agree that this is a fine CD because of the great musical content, but I bought it primarily because I have DTS equipment and there are few recordings worth having in DTS format thus far. I am less than pleased with the DTS recording quality, and would recommend the others I own for critical listening before I would this one. The sound is muddy when played at loud volumes, and I have a system that is top-notch!

Average customer rating:

Very pleasant surprise

Dream: Stefan Hussong Plays John Cage
John Cage , and Stefan Hussong
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000AFJH
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

Dream
In A Landscape
Souvenir
Two3 No.5
XXI: Heath
XXXV: Framingham
XV: Bellingham
XXXIX: Weymouth
XII: Littleton
III: Funeral Anthem
XVIII: Old North

Customer Reviews:

Very pleasant surprise.......2001-05-04

I bought this CD on a whim. The thought of a John Cage "prepared accordian" was in my head. The pieces that Stefan plays are wistful, dreamy Japanese-inspired tunes. A sense a well-being and "rightness" is created where I was expecting near-cacophony and edgyness. The accordian is exactly right for the music. The tonalities of oriental flute with the chordal depth of accordian are striking and thought-provoking in the very best sense.

Tracks:

Simple Gifts
Duo: Flowing
Duo: Poetic, Somewhat Mournful
Duo: Lively, With Bounce
Duo: Pleasant Song No.1
Duo: Pleasant Song No.2
Duo: Canzone
Three Dances: Andante
Three Dances: Adagio, Quasi Improvisatory, Tempo Rubato
Three Dances: Allegretto
Ste Modale: Moderato
Ste Modale: L'istesso Tempo
Ste Modale: Allegro Giocoso
Ste Modale: Adagio
Ste Modale: Whales Weep Not!
Ste Modale: Somewhere (West Side Story)
Ste Modale: Polka And Can-Can
Ste Modale: Orange And Blue Rag
Ste Modale: Old Folks At Home
Ste Modale: Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'Long
Ste Modale: Bayou Home
Ste Modale: Amazing Grace
Ste Modale: A Simple Gift

Customer Reviews:

"Amazing Grace" Casts A Spell & Lives Up to its Title.......2000-08-28

Donna Wissinger and Jon Klibonoff have done a superb job. Their musicianship is genuinely artistry of the first caliber. All the music is vibrantly and sensitively played. One feels joy, wonderful intelligence and great caring every step of the way in their music making. I was especially struck by their playing of the Copland Duo. What purity of heart in the opening phrases! Clear, beautifully balanced tones that sing out from the soul. I come back to it again and again to taste its utter peacefulness. Each breath a graceful, easy flowing. Thank you, Donna! I am inspired! And the third movement of the piece is so full of fun and fabulously virtuosic for both players -- Bravi! Among my other favorites were the two Stephen Foster pieces: "The Old Folks at Home" and "Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'long". They magically re-create the charming spirit of another time and place. The pep and bounce of "Carry Me 'long" is absolutely contagious. "Bayou Home" is another miniature masterpeice. William Grant Stills is a treasure I would love to hear more of. Jon and Donna do a splendid job here too. What is so great about their playing together is that they know how to cast a spell with the music and take the time and care to do it magnificently, generously and for the sake of the music. Jon Klibonoff's work is a miracle in its own right, always fully present, rhythmically alive -- simply brilliant. The Howard Tappan arrangements of "Simple Gifts" and "Amazing Grace" are sonorously rich and full of heart and, in the hands of Donna and Jon, absolutely uplifting, indeed, eloquent. I have been privileged to hear these two fine artists in concert on numerous occasions. AMAZING GRACE: AN AMERICAN TAPESTRY captures their extraordinary gifts with prize-winning authenticity. Congratulations as well to sound engineer, Jonathan Schultz. I could not recommend this album more highly.

John Cimino President & CEO Associated Solo Artists Creative Leaps International

Welcome collection beautifully and expertly played.......2000-08-25

The new CD, Amazing Grace: An American Tapestry, is a welcome collection of American music beautifully and expertly played by flutist, Donna Wissinger, and pianist Jon Klibonoff. Ms. Wissinger's lovely, full, pure tone sends us through a treasury of American music. The disk begins with "Simple Gifts" arranged by Aaron Copeland. The Copeland "Duo" is played very expressively with a variety of dynamics and tone color in both the flute and piano parts. There is energy, drive, and brilliant technique without losing tone quality or clarity. Peter Schickele's "Pleasant Songs" are given a mellow, simple and indeed pleasant rendition. Samuel Barber's "Canzone" is shaped by the artists with beautiful flowing lines and deeply concentrated feeling. The composition, "Three Dances", by Stella Sung, is a marvelous addition the the literature. The Andante's intricate and fascinating rhythms and melodies are tossed off with panache by the artists. Playing alone in the Adagio, Ms. Wissinger perfectly captures the improvisational style with a range of emotion and gorgeous color. The Ostinato never lets our attention lag for a moment, the duo brings it to a dazzling finish. Ms. Wissinger and Mr. Klibonoff continue their excellent ensemble throughout all the selections. In the Ernest Bloch "Suite Modale", they take a very thoughtful approach. There are subtle nuances, much delicacy, elegant long lines, and carefree yet refined style with perfectly spun filigree. The remaining somewhat lighter compositions are charming. They provide the finishing touch to an outstanding recording.

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

"...a star. Miss Wissinger has the sound and the rhythmic vitality of the very best. " - Lavrov, Director Capella Leningrad, USSR

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

........ a great artist with great warmth ...... a tremendous stage personality. real Renaissance person." - Mid-Western Tour

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

Her gifts and abilities as a flutist are rare and compelling. I am greatly impressed by her beautiful sound, exciting musicality, and captivating presence. " - Jean-Pierre Rampal

Average customer rating:

Alchemy
Amateurish
Exciting Discovery
Enjoy the CD thoroughly
Not the worst, not the best

Everchanging Tides
Kristine Robin
Manufacturer: Cedar Tree Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0001CVE84
Release Date: 2003-11-01

Tracks:

Sacred Night
Dawn
Everchanging Tides
The Quiet Lands of Erin
One is the Sun
Hold Me
Seacht nDolas na Maighdine Muire (The Seven Sorrows of Mary)
Winds of Time
By Your Side
Tha Mi Sgith (A Faerie Love Song)
The Dark and Light
A-Hay, A-Ho (Thank You in Arapaho)

Album Description

Have you ever had the experience where uncanny events just happen, as if some other force were choreographing them? If you know what I'm talking about, then you can relate to the title track "Everchanging Tides" from Kristine Robin's new release.

Throughout the album, vivid pictures depicted through haunting harmonies take you on a journey through Robin's life. A life influenced by early teen years spent in a Scottish fishing village, the Appalachian Mountains, and then later in Native American ceremonies conducted by her adopted Arapaho dad.

An eclectic array of musical influences, from the lush harmonies of Celtic ballads to the emotional appeals of Sarah McLaughlin, have built Robin's style of thought provoking, moody, and melodic tunes and lyrics. Although Robin exudes a magical sense of nature and spirit, it's not just about elusive concepts. It's the everyday nitty-gritty-relationship-integrity struggles we all deal with. Like an unrequited love lost in the "Winds of Time," we can yearn to go back, but in the end we must reconcile ourselves to the life we have chosen.

Robin has skillfully blended the modern trends with her Celtic, Appalachian, and Native American influences to create a soothing but progressive sound laced with folkish overtones. "I want to help connect people to a place of reverence in their everyday lives." These words become three dimensional when you listen to the song track "A-Hay, A-Ho," which takes the stories she learned in the tipi, sets them into a lush Appalachian style tune, then wraps them up in a contemporary arrangement.

When you set all esoteric concepts aside, Kristine Robin's album is there for you to sit back and allow the melodic chords and harmonies to lull you into another realm. Are you listening…Can you feel the Gaelic breezes, the Arapaho fire, the emotional waves as they ripple across your fingertips?

Go ahead…try.

Customer Reviews:

Alchemy.......2005-10-15

Like any truly resonant work of art, this music not only evokes the experiences of the creator, but creates an alchemy in the mind of the audience, calling forth one's own dreams and memories. Many of these songs weave such strong moods that I can listen to them over and over.

"The Quiet Lands of Erin," one of my favorite tracks, is haunting and evocative. I have a lovely version on an old LP, but I prefer Kristine's new rendition. The simple sounds of water, birds, and the laughter of children set the scene of a pristine, isolated, rocky shore imprinted deep in the memory, and a love of place as romantic as any human love. The mournful harmonies of Kristine's voice and gentle, unobtrusive instrumentals fuse perfectly with the melancholy longing of the words.

In "One Is the Sun," the exotic drone of a didgeridoo quickly pulls you into a sort of child's rhyme/environmental prayer, combining the reassuring simplicity and soothing tunes of lullaby with all-too-observant words warning of the danger of our present path, as "two-hearted people," and a heartfelt Cheyenne prayer from Kristine's adoptive grandfather adding spiritual resonance.

"Winds of Time," my other favorite track, for me paints a strong, poignant picture, half imagination, half memory. The subtle percussion seems to echo raindrops on the window pane or crackling fire in the room behind, pressing one's face against the cool glass pane, looking out into a dim present scene and still seeing and feeling the emotion for a love from the past. Here again, a synthesis of mood, melody, instrumentation, and the meaning of the words show a true artist at work--one whose future creations I look forward to.

Reading some of these reviews reminds me once again of how subjective taste is, especially in the aesthetic area, and what it is I think a review should hopefully accomplish--point out the strengths and weaknesses of a work for the benefit of artist, but more particularly, for the audience. I.e., it is all very well to express one's love or hate for something, but more useful to help others figure out whether they will love or hate it.

The dislike of reviewers who criticize this lovely CD for being what it is, rather than something else, seems rather pointless to me, but I do agree with one thing: The best way to know if you will enjoy Kristine's music is to listen to the available audio samples before buying. In fact, I rarely buy a CD anymore if audio samples are not available. On Amazon, you can get free downloads of three of the songs that are fairly representative of the different types of music on this album--an original, contemporary piece (By Your Side), a Celtic piece (Quiet Lands of Erin), and an original, Native American-themed piece (Sacred Night). However, in my opinion, Sacred Night is not the strongest such piece on the album; the lyrics are not as interesting as in other original songs. I prefer One is the Sun (see detailed comments above) and the title piece, Everchanging Tides. Samples of more of the songs are also available at the CD Baby website, including those two, as well as Seacht n'Dolas na Maighdine Muire (The Seven Sorrows of Mary), one of the traditional Celtic songs sung in Gaelic. There is also more information available at the artist's website (which I accessed directly via CD Baby), including a link to a new online video to the song One is the Sun, which I also really enjoyed.

Amateurish.......2005-06-30

I was very, very disappointed in this CD. I bought it based upon the recommendations here at Amazon, but it makes me wonder....I recommend from now on to listen to a snippet before you buy. Her voice just sounded very, very amateurish to me. It sounded like so typically of somebody singing at a small town country fair. I wish her luck, but I think she will have an appeal to people looking for the same ol', same ol' small town overly trilled voice.

Exciting Discovery.......2005-06-07

There's something extraordinarily exciting about finding a new talent, especially in unexpected places. I first heard Kristine's voice at a Celtic faire and thought, "I love this woman's voice. I hope she records someday." Three or four years later, my wife brought home Kristine Robin's EVERCHANGING TIDES. My first thought after hearing it for the first time was, "This is surely a voice that was shaped by angels!" It was obvious that Kristine had matured and perhaps had some great voice training since I first heard her. This was far better than I remembered. There are several places in this CD where Kristine's solos soar exquisitely, and in soaring they carry me as if on wings. I dislike that overused word "transformative," but it accurately describes what I experience. Coming from many different influences, from Native American to Celtic, this CD has a special texture all its own--which may puzzle or even confuse some purists. But when you take this CD in as a whole, it actually showcases the wide range of a singer and song writer whose talent cannot be confined to any single tradition. My wife and I have purchased over 20 copies of this CD over the past year or so, to give to friends. All I ever hear is raves from the people who've received these gifts. If you are excited by discovering new talent, I highly recommend this artist. The production itself is highly professional in every way, from the cover to the notes to the recordering quality itself.

Enjoy the CD thoroughly.......2005-05-04

When I first heard this heartfelt and moving music, I was caught in it's spell. Taken as a whole I feel there is a healing quality to this debut work of art. The individual songs themselves transported me to so many different places; it reminds me of the musical lushness created by Peter Gabriel or Loreena McKennitt. (There are clips of all the songs on her website at KristineRobin.com.)

The CD is a mix of her influences: Native American inspired (Tracks- 1, 2, 5, & 12), Celtic (her overall vocals and there are 3 traditional pieces - tracks 3, 7, & 10), Appalachian (she uses a mountain dulcimer and the last song is arranged Appalachian style), and her own contemporary writing and compositions (All the tracks but 3, 7, & 10). The songs flow through the different styles or influences very nicely.

The CD booklet is a whole other world to explore, with images and stories to support the songs. It turns out the album is a personal look into some fascinating experiences the artist has had, which she shares with us. This is the case with the title track "Everchanging Tides." Here, the verses are actually different experiences she has had where simple events became poignant because of the amazing timing and interaction between people and the natural world. I got the chills after reading the story in the booklet and listening to it again.

After listening to the CD a few times, the words and melodies played over again and again in my head. I found the harmonies and voices haunting and captivating. The instrumentation throughout feels just right, whether it is her Appalachian lap dulcimer creating a magical undercurrent, her penny whistle creating soaring sensations, or the viola's rich voice speaking to us. I can really see the inspiration for the sense of moodiness she creates in "The Quiet Lands of Erin," having myself spent time in Scotland near where she lived. The whole CD creates a wonderful progression which I have listened to on headphones, enjoyed as background music during a small get together of friends, and even heard played over a PA at a business expo (strange but true.)

The overall feeling is gentle and moving. The songwriting is quite nice. The effect is a very healing one.

Just so you know, I am one of those people who love to listen to the words. Oh, by the way, I also got the lyrics through the music page on the artists website.

I enjoy the CD thoroughly.

Not the worst, not the best.......2005-03-28

There is really good Celtic music out there. This is not one of them. There is really bad Celtic music out there. This is not one of them. Well yeah there are some really bad songs you will just skip but there are a few songs I thought were okay. Still all things considered if I were to give a suggestion it would be to try something else.

though love be a day / American Celebration Duo

Average customer rating:

American Record Guide, July/August 2000
Lovely Late 20th-century Songs

though love be a day / American Celebration Duo
American Celebration Duo , Richard Steinbach , Diana Guhin Wooley , Gwyneth Walker , Robert Beaser , C. Edward Hupton , John Luebke , Antonio Carlos Defeo , Beth Wiemann , Jonathan Chennette , Drew M. Placzek , and Howard Helvey
Manufacturer: INNOVA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004RDK8
Release Date: 1980-01-01

Customer Reviews:

American Record Guide, July/August 2000.......2001-03-24

I cannot heap enough praise on THOUGH LOVE BE A DAY. Soprano Diana Guhin Wooley and pianist Richard Steinbach, calling themselves the American Celebration Duo, perform ten songs and song sets by as many composers. The music on this disc has been culled from over 100 songs submitted to the duo in response to a call for scores. All of the songs are very good; several are outstanding. The great work in this collection is Antonio Carlos Defeo's "Sonnet 23"--poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I spent the better portion of one recent morning listening to it repeatedly and weeping like a baby through much of it. Of course, Browning's text is magical, and Defeo's exquisite lyrical gift and a wonderful harmonic and rhythmic sense heighten the poem magnificently. This beautiful song rates among the best new ones I've heard in years. Several other songs merit special recognition also. Gwyneth Walker's fine setting of EE Cumming's quirky texts are captivating and enjoyable, and John Luebke's lithe "Barn Swallow Suite" should become a classic. The performances are heartfelt and the sound quality is excellent. I rarely recommend song recordings to all, but I love this disc and believe that every music lover will want to own it.

Lovely Late 20th-century Songs.......2000-05-26

The American Celebration Duo has given us a window into the world of the composer of our day. Nothing scary here -- no serialism, atonality, or academicism. Just ravishing melody. From Gywnneth Walker's set "though love be a day" to Howard Helvey's remarkable setting of Christina Rosetti's "Another Spring," there isn't a clunker in the lot. And, the performances are fabulous; Diana Wooley's warm voice beautifully complements Richard Steinbach's exquisite pianism. Highly recommended for anybody, especially those who fear the music written in the past century.

Average customer rating:

Millennium: Thousand Years of History

Manufacturer: Point Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00003NHCD
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

Title Sequence
Introduction And Pagan Sequence
The Garden Of Islam
Lalibela, King Of The Bees
Landscape Of Spires
Xanadu
Black Death
Golden Mali
The Death Of Cairo
Cold And Hungry
Chinese Voyages
Mehmet And Columbus
Crucifixus (Antonio Lotti 1667-1740)
Ivan The Terrible
Cabinet Of Curiosities
Isaac Newton
Venice Of The North
Slave Plantations
18t. Centruy Whistle-stop Tour
American War Of Independence
Death Of A Sultan
The Creation
Thomas Cook And Son
Shaghai Ascendant
End Titles

Average customer rating:

Buona Fortuna
Trances Arc
Manufacturer: Trances Arc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAEIOM
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Average customer rating:

Almost Like Tonight
Erica Wheeler
Manufacturer: Blue Pie Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

The Harvest
Three Wishes

ASIN: B0009FJ22I
Release Date: 2005-04-05

Product Description

1. Angeline 2. Saturday 3. Back Burner Blues 4. Downriver 5. Maryland County Road Intro 6. Maryland County Road 7. I Can See Your Aura Intro 8. I Can See Your Aura 9. The First Sunset 10. Onward From Here 11. Autumn 12. Crazy Love 13. The Harvest Intro 14. The Harvest 15. Quiet Hills 16. Sober Harley Guys Intro 17. Sober Harley Guys 18. My Pretty Kitty Intro 19. My Pretty Kitty 20. KPIG Intro 21. Spirit Lake 22. Quiet Night

Average customer rating:

Time Has Come
The Rivergods
Manufacturer: Blue Donut Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000088KAE
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Time Has Come
Last Train
Daddy
Buddha on the Road
Ma Jolie
The Ballad of Miss Lucinda
Treading Water
Half Empty
Done Holdin' On
Sunset Reds

Album Description

"Time Has Come" is the much anticipated sophomore release from the southern New England-based band the Rivergods.

"Time Has Come" picks up where the Rivergods left off on their debut CD "Capsule" (which came out in early 2000), incorporating some stunning new sounds into the band's already diverse musical landscape, including the fierce lead guitar work of guitarist Jim Carpenter, wah-wah slide guitar and mandolin from Sandy "Sandman" Allen, and even cornet on one track from reknowned jazz musician Scott Black.

Viola, pedal steel, and harmonica still lay a solid foundation to the Rivergods' sound, as do the intimate harmonies of lead vocalists Ben Parent and Nancy Brossard.

Solidly crafted, and strong in its delivery, "Time Has Come" shows marked musical growth for the Rivergods.

If you enjoyed "Capsule", you'll love "Time Has Come".

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music