Music Journal

Music Journal

ASIN: B00004SUAB

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Music Journal, the third album from pianist and composer Marcelo Zarvos, continues where 1999's Labyrinths left off--which is to say that Zarvos is again spinning an intricate web that weaves together elements of jazz, Brazilian rhythms and classical music in a way that defies easy categorization. Zarvos's background (he's of Greek descent, grew up in Brazil, and now resides in New York) may have something to do with his multicultural eclecticism, but whatever the cause may be, he manages on Music Journal to incorporate strains of classical chamber music with jazz improvisation and thrilling Brazilian rhythms in ways that are entirely his own. Zarvos's topnotch ensemble is certainly a big part of the album's success. Peter Epstein's soprano saxophone beautifully handles most of the improvisatory elements, while Dorothy Lawson's cello plays a mostly supporting role and bassist Chris Dahlgren locks in with percussionists Mauro Refosco and Satoshi Takeishi on everything from the gently swinging pulse of "Gallop" to the samba rhythms of "Avenida Paulista." Zarvos's penchant for sweetly grandiose melodies echoed by soprano sax and cello--as on "While She Sleeps"--sometimes steers toward a New Age tinge, but Music Journal is much deeper than that tag often implies. In fact, for those who like music that falls somewhere in the cracks between established genres, this album's a direct hit. --Ezra Gale

From Jazziz
A Paulista - a resident of São Paulo - of European extraction, pianist/composer Marcelo Zarvos, looks for inspiration to the same rustic, rhythmically compelling side of the Brazilian music tradition that has long intrigued such composers as Heitor Villa-Lobos, Egberto Gismonti, and Hermeto Pascoal. His Greek heritage, Zarvos says, plays more of a spiritual role in his playing, while such references as North American pianist Steve Reich, 20th-century classical music composer Aaron Copland, and the group Oregon are more central to his artistic vision on Music Journal (MA Records).

The instrumentation within Zarvos' sextet includes cello, saxophone, and mallet instruments, all of which lend a chamber music virtuosity to the leader's floating themes. A pastoral, neo-classical mood prevails on most tracks. On works like the uplifting "Forró en Curuipe," where the pungent flavor of northeastern Brazilian folk styles takes hold; "Avenida Paulista," a spirited jazz samba romp; and the entrancing "In a Doorway," where the leader doubles on accordion, the session transcends its prevailing cerebral tone.

Music Journal,Marcelo Zarvos,M.a. Recordings,Brazil,Brazilian,Brazilian Jazz,Ethnic Fusion,Jazz,Pop,World Fusion,World Music

Another Journal Entry
Average customer rating:

Fantastic

Great Sound, Great Lyrics

AWSOME

All I can say is.....

This is a Great CD!

Another Journal Entry
BarlowGirl
Manufacturer: Fervent / Spirit-Led
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Barlow Girl

WOW Hits 2007

Regeneration

Room to Breathe

Dying for a Heart

ASIN: B000GW8QLM
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

Grey
Let Go
I Need You To Love Me
Enough
Porcelain Heart
Take Me Away
Psalm 73 (My God's Enough) -- featuring Todd Agnew
5 Minutes of Fame
Thoughts Of You
No One Like You
Never Alone (acoustic)
For The Beauty Of The Earth
On My Own (acoustic)
Porcelain Heart (acoustic)
I Need You To Love Me (acoustic)
Never Alone (radio edit)

Album Description

Now BarlowGirl brings their dans the ultimate jam-packed album. In addition to the original eleven tracks, Another Journal Entry (expanded edition) features 5 new recordings & 3 music videos including the never-before-released "Never Alone" video. The enhanced disc also unlocks exclusive content-photos, videos, and interactive material-perfect for any BarlowGirl fan.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-02-11

I absolutely LOVE this album. These songs are contemporary and fun to listen to but the lyrics are still meaningful. There is a great mix of rock and more traditional folk-ish songs, great harmony, and even a little rap stuck in - there is something for everyone on this album. The more I listen to this album, the more I love it! I listen to it EVERY day!!! I highly recommend this album to any christian looking for modern music with strong faith-based lyrics.

Great Sound, Great Lyrics.......2007-02-03

Another Journal Entry is another quality CD by BarlowGirl. It combines good rock and roll with solid, positive lyrics. The lead singer has a very beautiful voice.

There are several very good songs on here. Some of my favorites are as follows: Grey, Let Go, I Need You To Love Me, and Never Alone.

This group combines some very good attributes: positive, inspirational lyrics that parents will appreciate with energetic rock that will appeal to teenagers. Actually, their appeal is far broader than just teens. This is good stuff for anyone.

If you are looking for something to buy for a teenage girl especially, I highly recommend BarlowGirl.

AWSOME.......2006-12-29

I got this cd for christmas, and have been listening to it over and over!
I love their version of for the beauty of the earth, its GORGEOUS!
I also got there music book, and it is AWSOME!
Barlowgirl Rocks!

All I can say is............2006-11-11

WOW!!!!! What an awesome CD. I've had it for almost two months and it has barely come out of my CD player. The lyrics are absolutely wonderful and the message that the lyrics give is even better! I actually used to not like BarlowGirl (I know, I am weird), but now I love their music. I love how through their music alone, I can see their passion for God. I would definitely suggest that you get this CD b/c it has helped me so many times in so many ways. I'm sure that there is a song on this CD that expresses what is on your heart! Awesome job, BarlowGirl!

This is a Great CD!.......2006-09-14

I thoroughly enjoyed this CD. It has great and inspiring Christian music.

The new acoustic versions are great, my favorite one being On My Own. Porcelean Heart was probably my least favorite remix, since all they took out was violin, basically. Overall I thought it was a great CD and a great investment. I strongly encourage buying this album from the stores instead of online so that you can get all the bonus features - the website is great. Also, buying the actual CD supports the group more. I liked the first CD better, just because I prefer that kind of lyrics better. That CD is more personally uplifting and inspiring to have confidince in yourself and good values. This CD had more praise-type songs. This doesn't say this CD is bad, it's great. I just think the other one is better. If you don't have eather, buy the other one. If you have the other one, spend the extra money and get the expanded edition.

Average customer rating:

Christian Music at it's best
Good
Completely awesome!
It has it's moments...
Not out of my CD rotation...

Another Journal Entry
BarlowGirl
Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Barlow Girl
Beauty from Pain
Chaotic Resolve
Lifesong
Wherever You Are

ASIN: B000AYEJ0S
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Grey
Let Go
I Need You To Love Me
Enough
Porcelain Heart
Take Me Away
Psalm 73 (My Gods Enough)featuring Todd Agnew
5 Minutes Of Fame
Thoughts Of You
No One Like You
Never Alone (Acoustic Version)

Album Description

BarlowGirl had an incredible first year on the national scene! They became the BEST SELLING NEW ARTIST in 2004 with the help of their massive radio hits "Never Alone" and top 5 hit "Mirror" which became the 2004 Song of the Year at multiple formats. During this exciting first year, the three sisters that make up BarlowGirl continued to fall even more in love with the Creator through their journaling. It is here, in their personal journals, where 9 of the songs from this album were pulled from. Touching on topics such as purity, self worth, and trust, producer Otto Price (BarlowGirl), brings these songs to life.

Customer Reviews:

Christian Music at it's best.......2007-04-11

My teen daughters love this CD and it is among their top favorite, if not the favorite. Strong lyrics, modesty addressed....

Good.......2007-03-31

I normally listen to country music...and I generally don't like NOISY music (like this album)...but it was pretty good. I didn't get a headache...like I usually do with most of this heavy metal music. It was good. If you are a country fan you'll probably like this album. WAY better than Zoe girl (yuck).

Completely awesome!.......2007-03-11

I absolutely LOVE the sound of Barlow Girl. While their music is amazing, each song has a wonderful message that speaks to the heart. The CD has a mix of upbeat songs and slow emotional songs. I would recommend this CD to anyone. You won't be sorry you bought it.

It has it's moments..........2007-01-25

Sorry to rain on everyone's parade, but I really don't love this album. I do really like "I Need You To Love Me", "Porceline Heart" (love this one!), the acoustic version of "Never Alone", and track 9 (hehe can't remember the name of the song right now...), and the lead vocalist is AMAZING (hmmm, I say "amazing" a lot in my reviews, don't I?), but otherwise I'm not a big fan. I particularly can't understand the infatuation with "Gray". I mean, it starts out, "Gray's my favorite color". Okay then. Whatever floats your boat, I suppose.
Anyways, my initial response to this album is, okay, but only great at times. Hence, three stars.

Not out of my CD rotation..........2006-12-29

Love, Love, Love this CD!!! My favorite song is "let go," "I need you to love me," and "Enough." If you like pop, you are not going to enjoy this CD because these girls rock! They have very few songs that don't get you on your feet pumping your fist or singing loudly in your car. Barlow girls has another winner and fan in me.

Dances with Wolves: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [SACD]

Average customer rating:

The movie it ain't!
Dances With Wolves
Dances With Wolves Soundtrack
not all SACD are surround
SACD, but NO surround sound

Dances with Wolves: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [SACD]

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Dances with Wolves
Dances With Wolves: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack
Braveheart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Last Of The Mohicans: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B00004THDI
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Main Title - Looks Like a Suicide
John Dunbar Theme
Journey to Fort Sedgewick
Ride to Fort Hays
Death of Timmons
Two Socks - The Wolf Theme
Pawnee Attack
Kicking Bird's Gift
Journey to the Buffalo Killing Ground
Buffalo Hunt
Stands With a Fist Remembers
Love Theme
John Dunbar Theme
Two Socks at Play
Death of Cisco
Rescue of Dances With Wolves
Loss of the Journal/The Return to Winter Camp
Farewell and End Title

Customer Reviews:

The movie it ain't!.......2007-06-21

I purchased this SACD after reading the glowing reviews and was disappointed when I listened to the recording. Despite being the soundtrack to a VERY LONG film, there was very little contrast in the 18 offerings on the disc. Unlike numerous classical SACDs that have greatly moved me, "Dances With Wolves" merely lulled me to sleep.

Dances With Wolves.......2006-03-03

this wonderfull score is the bast score of all time. You must have this score in your movie music collection.

Dances With Wolves Soundtrack.......2005-09-23

This is beautiful haunting music. One of the best all-time movie scores.

not all SACD are surround.......2005-05-05

I just wanted to let everyone know who read that review that he doesnt know what he is talking about. Yes this is a STEREO only SACD. SACD was first made only in stereo. There was no surround or hybrid SACD. And if you listen to SACD dont buy the regular CD this will blow it away.Im not trying to be mean just stating the facts. Ive been listining to SACD since 1999 when sony released this format and when I heard Billy Joel I was hooked. Have fun and buy them all because Sony is thinking of not doing SACD anymore and that would be awful.

SACD, but NO surround sound.......2005-02-13

Very nice music - nothing wrong with that.
But.... this is a stereo CD. It has SACD written all over it and my new Denon DVD-3910 DVD player does recognise this as an SACD, but it only has 2 channels, instead of 5.1. I do own several other SACD's and these DO play 5.1 channel. Very strange....
So perhaps it's smarter to order the Stereo CD, the one with the special bonus tracks (Dances with Wolves (Special Extended Edition).

Copland: Rodeo; The Red Pony; Prairie Journal; Letter from Home

Average customer rating:

Four Populist Copland Works
SPECTACULAR CD !

Copland: Rodeo; The Red Pony; Prairie Journal; Letter from Home

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Ives: String Quartets
Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig

ASIN: B000GNOHMS
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Prairie Journal
Buckaroo Holiday
Corral Nocturne
Saturday Night Waltz
Hoe Down
Letter From Home
I. Morning On The Ranch
II. The Gift
III. A: Dream March
III B: Circus Music
IV. Walk To The Bunkhouse
V. Grandfather's Story
VI. Happy Ending

Amazon.com

This handsomely recorded CD - the clarity of Copland's "American" scoring has rarely been so well captured - pairs two well-known pieces, "The Red Pony" and "Rodeo," with two less familiar, "Prairie Journal" and "Letter From Home." The 1937 "Prairie Journal" is alternately lively and thoughtful, and all of it, as usual, has that wide-open-spaces sound to it. The slides on the trombones and "clop-clop" of Copland's percussion are wonderfully clear (though integrated) in the accounts of "Buckaroo Holiday" from Rodeo, and the other three dances from that work contain quotes from old American tunes that evoke the American West in Copland's own, special, expansive yet shiny and bright way. The "Hoe Down" is a rollicking reading. "Letter from Home" is meant to evoke just that: the feeling a soldier might get reading a letter from home. It could be called corny, but its brevity (six minutes), faraway-feeling trumpet part and mid-piece victorious fanfare won't allow for any triteness. And the film score "The Red Pony" is remarkable not only for its scoring and textures but for the fact that while it does not contain quotes from any real folk songs, Copland manages to write tunes that seem to be coming from America's collective memory. JoAnn Falletta leads the excellent Buffalo Philharmonic in performances that actually might be danced to. She affords the music the stature it deserves--this CD is a delight. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Four Populist Copland Works.......2006-12-03

Tucked in among the thrice-familiar 'Four Dance Episodes' from 'Rodeo' and music from the film 'The Red Pony' are two Copland rarities which partake of the same open-air style perfected by Copland in the 1930s. They are 'Prairie Journal' and 'Letter from Home' and both were commissioned for radio performances; alas, how far we've come from those days when American radio networks commissioned classical works.

'Prairie Journal' (earlier called, and sometime still listed as 'Music for Radio') was written in 1937 for CBS (along with commissioned works by Roy Harris, Howard Hanson, Louis Gruenberg, Walter Piston and William Grant Still). Initially called simply 'Music for Radio' there was a contest for naming it and the winner was 'Saga of the Prairie.' Copland took this suggestion to heart and renamed it 'Prairie Journal.' It is an eleven-minute evocation of the agrarian west with bustling themes, catchy rhythms, and eventually the serenity of approaching night on the prairie. This is a work worthy of being programmed more than occasionally.

'Letter from Home' was commissioned during wartime 1944 and conjures up the feelings of a soldier, far from home, receiving a letter from the folks (or perhaps the girlfriend). It has a plaintive tune first sung by the clarinet and then harmonized in an almost dreamy style. A melancholy trumpet tune recalls a similar passage in Appalachian Spring. (I wonder if this piece has ever been choreographed? It would be suitable for a solo dance, I should think.)

Of course, the dance episodes from 'Rodeo' are extremely well-known, and their hair-trigger rhythms are given a marvelously alive performance here by the crack Buffalo Philharmonic under Joann Falletta. Almost as well known are the excerpts from one of Copland's film scores, 'The Red Pony.' This has always been a great favorite of mine and I approve of the way Falletta and her orchestra manage the alternation of nostalgia, exciting, and parodic elements of the score. One might quibble some at the occasionally awkward tempo shifts, but generally speaking this is a performance that can stand with the best, including those of Leonard Bernstein.

Sound is excellent. My only complaint is the slightly short timing of the CD -- 59:55 -- and wish there could have been another selection. There would even have been time, for instance, for a performance of the 'Billy the Kid' suite. Ah, well, what we get here is certainly worth the budget outlay.

Scott Morrison

SPECTACULAR CD !.......2006-11-17

If you blinfolded me and played this CD I would tell you the conductor is Leonard Bernstein. The Buffalo Phil under JoAnn Falletta plays with amazing verve and energy. The playing is letter perfect and the recording quality is top rate. For under ten bucks this CD is a steal.

Average customer rating:

The American Brass Band Journal

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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ASIN: B000AARKV2
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

Farewell, My Lilly Dear Quickstep
Signal March
Ellen Bayne Quickstep
Ocean Tide March
Hail, Columbia
Jewel Waltz
Wedding Schottische
Annie May Quickstep
Lilly Lee
Maggie By My Side
Yankee Doodle
Lilly Bell Quickstep
Marseilles Hymn
Rainbow Schottische
Old Dog Tray March
My Old Kentucky Home March
Prima Donna Waltz
Pelham Schottische
The Old Log Hut March
Massa's In The Cold Ground March
The Star Spangled Banner
Farewell, My Lilly Dear (Reprise)
You Naughty, Naughty Men Quckstep
Souvenir Polka
INtroducction. Andante-Tempo Di Valse-Waltz No.1-Waltz No.2-Waltz No.3-Finale
Allegretto
Polacca
Liebling's Polka
Guard Mounting Quickstep
Adjutant's Call Quickstep
Amor March
Familien-Gemalde Duet
Frederic March
Doppelquartett: Auf Dem See
Concordia March

Average customer rating:

thanks again, naxos!
Stephen Foster Played by a Saxhorn (not saxophone) Quintet

Foster for Brass

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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The American Brass Band Journal
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The Golden Age of Brass, Vol. 3: Virtuoso Solos with Band

ASIN: B00007FPFS
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

Ellen Bayne Quick Step
Bronze Bob Tail Horse Quick Step
Why, No One To Love
California Quick Step
Beautiful Dreamer
Dolly Day Quick Step
Hard Times Waltz
We Are Coming Father Abraam, 300,000 More
Colonel Meeker's Quick Step
March. My Old Kentucky Home
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman
Maggie By My Side Grand March
Santa Anna's Retreat From Buena Vista
Willie Schottisch
George Hart's Quick Step
Some Folks
Open Thy Lattice Love
Old Dog Tray March
Camptown Quick Step
Massa's In The Cold Ground
When This Dreadful War Is Over
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming Quick Step
Gentle Annie
Lulu Is Gone
Where Has Lula Gone
Farewell My Lily Dear Quick Step

Customer Reviews:

thanks again, naxos!.......2007-04-04

naxos is the greatest budget label of all-time. i've gotten so many great discs from them, and never a bummer. as for this disc, it's a great idea(arrangements of the songs of stephen foster for 19th century brass band, performed on period instruments), wonderfully executed. i have many recordings of stephen foster material, and this is one of the best. this brass band sounds fantastic and the audio quality is very very fine. i highly recommend that you make this a part of your household.

Stephen Foster Played by a Saxhorn (not saxophone) Quintet.......2004-06-20

Imagine a post-Civil War family trooping to the town square on a fine summer evening to hear the town band play a concert of arrangements of popular tunes, that gentler period's equivalent of a rock concert of today. That's essentially what we have here. The Chestnut Brass Company, a Philadelphia brass quintet which on occasion plays on everything from Baroque sackbuts to the most modern trumpets and trombones, here plays on instuments of the saxhorn family. Saxhorns, invented by Adolphe Sax, the fellow who also invented the better-known saxophone, are brass instruments perfected in the 1840s. Their conical bore projects a uniquely sweet and mellow sound. They were exceedingly popular for town bands during the latter half of the century, but their use had waned by the turn of the 20th century. This quintet consists of an E flat soprano, a B flat soprano, an E flat alto, a B flat baritone, and a E flat contrabass saxhorn. The dulcet tones and sonic blend are a marvel to behold. Partly, of course, this is due to the expert playing by Bruce Barrie, Susan Sexton (or is it SAXton?), Marian Hesse, Larry Zimmerman, and Jay Krush.

Stephen Foster wrote very little purely instrumental music, but his songs fostered (pun unavoidable) innumerable instrumental arrangements. Those heard here are taken (and sometimes re-arranged) from the playbooks of such 19th-century bands as the Manchester, New Hampshire town band, the Boston Brass Band and the brass band of the 26th Regiment of North Carolina, not to forget the U.S. Marine Band. The tunes are arranged into quicksteps, waltzes, marches, schottisches and potpourris. Most of the familiar tunes are here: 'Beautiful Dreamer,' 'I Dream of Jeannie,' 'My Old Kentucky Home,' 'Camptown Races,' 'Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming,' and 'Some Folks Do' as well as plenty of relatively unfamiliar songs. And because these arrangements come from all over some of the tunes appear several times like old friends. Some of my own favorites are 'Some Folks' arranged by W. L. Baccus, 'Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming' arranged by Bruce Barrie, 'Camptown Quick Step' arranged by Jay Krush, and 'Gentle Annie' from the U.S. Marine Corps Band archives.

As an unabashed fan of the music of Charles Ives, I can't hear these arrangements without wondering which of these tunes Charlie heard (and played) when his own father, a former Civil War bandmaster, led his town band in Danbury, Connecticut.

Recommended for brass band lovers, Stephen Foster fans, and folks who like, say, the sound track to Ken Burns's 'Civil War' PBS documentary.

TT=68:49

Tracks:

Your Ever Changing Moods
All The Answers
Worlds Away
Fall Down Drunk
Something To Calm Me
You Don't Have To Be Perfect To Be Loved
Rebecca
Optimistic
Structure

Customer Reviews:

a masterpiece.......2005-07-03

I first heard about this album by reading a stellar review on bradleysalmanac.com - curious, I picked up the CD. What I found was an amazing masterpiece that sounds like Jeff Buckley, bits of John Lennon, Leonard Cohen....but somehow sounds unique and refreshing in these times of over heralded indie acts (I'm looking at you pitchforkmedia). The lyrics are chilling (something pitchforks sophmoric review didn't seem to understand) but coming from a personal point of view. This band should have gotten the press Iron & Wine has been getting. I also recommend Honeychurch "makes me feel better" if you like this one.

Wow...simply wow.......2005-05-06

I had a chance to see these two in visalia at a very small venue, it was extremely intimate, His vocals are hauntingly beautiful and he could really teach some of the up and comers something about meaningful songwriting. Do not pass them up if they come through your town, its quite an experience.

A giant leap for Summer at Shatter Creek kind.......2005-04-21

I've been a fan of Summer at Shatter Creek's since the first record, which i love. I was expecting a bit more of the same mellow, trippiness, but this record...it's blown me away. I've had it in my player for a week straight now, and I'm just amazed. It has hints of other musicians/bands-Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Elliott smith, etc., but it sounds totally unique. The harmonies are amazing, the production is stellar, songs great, too...I'm just really surprised and elated at how original and great this record is. Top notch.

Average customer rating:

+1/2 -- Moving, original acoustic country-blues

Journal on a Shelf
Bill Sheffield
Manufacturer: Virtual Label
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000CAEIMO
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Cherry Blossom Time
Black Bottom
Back In My Baby's Arms
Trouble (When It Starts)
New Tattoo
An Invitation To The Blues
I Don't Hate Nobody
It Don't Bother Me
Comes Easy, Goes Easy
You're Still On My Mind
Holy Mother
Shooky Come Home
The Ballad Of Brer Rabbit
Journal On A Self

Customer Reviews:

+1/2 -- Moving, original acoustic country-blues.......2006-04-05

This Atlanta-based singer/songwriter/guitarist writes and plays songs that find a "connection between Muddy Waters and Hank Williams." He's not the first to combine acoustic country and blues, but his folksy lyrics and old-timey tinged voice add flavors of artists such as Loudon Wainwright III, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Leon Redbone to the usual battery of blues influences. Backed by acoustic bass and the occasional harmonica, Sheffield's picking (replete with ragtime inflections) and soulful Southern vocals provide the album's musical focus. After a half-dozen albums, this is his first national release, and the eleven originals and two covers (including a reading of Tom Waits' "Invitation to the Blues") stand upon timeless blues progressions. Sheffield's acoustic playing and dynamic vocalizing will draw you right in. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2006 redtunictroll at hotmail dot com]

Yoga Journal Presents: Journey to the Heart

Average customer rating:

Comfort
Sonic support for the beauty of asana
Pleasant enough background music

Yoga Journal Presents: Journey to the Heart
M Path
Manufacturer: Karuna
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

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Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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Dakshina

ASIN: B0000TEUYS
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Om Kar
Graceful
Hey Gopal
Amateyus
Jataka
Mantrika
Neytal
Ghandarva
Jai Ambe
Soma
Emperor
Om Kar (Meditation Mix)

Customer Reviews:

Comfort.......2005-06-08

I love this CD and it is one of my most played. It is a mood lightener, a soul soother and eases my heart. I very highly recommend it!

Sonic support for the beauty of asana.......2004-06-04

As their most recent product offering, Yoga Journal, in collaboration with M Path, have shared this exquisite CD of music. Designed for the Yoga Journal Step-by-Step series, this music has a life of its own, separate from the videos. It segues beautifully, one track to the next, creating an elegant sonic ambience for an asana practice.

The opening track, Om Kar, sets the tone. Atmospheric drones, sitar strums, and violin swirl together, just as an asana practice begins with the breath. The music becomes more textured, with a deep bass note added, and then it begins to slide forward, like the movements of the spine in Surya Namaskar, with caressing drum beats. The undulating pulse of the song opens up both the spine and the heart. Graceful, the next track, builds the energy, adding electric guitars and more active percussion that underlie the beginnings of strong poses (maybe the Standing Sequence from Ashtanga, maybe something else).

Standout vocal tracks include Hey Gopal, Mantrika, and Ghanadarva. Hey Gopal has a sensual vocal track above a woodwind, percussion, and synthesizer base. A langurous invocation to Krishna and Radhe - "Hey Govinda, Hey Gopala; Radhe Shyam Bolo" - slinks out of the space. Mantrika, featuring the incomparable Krishna Das, features his gravelly baritone over a sensual tabla rhythm. Chanting deep and low, the whole piece feels like a trance dance song. "Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram" runs the chorus, and then it goes back into the deep sonic realms. Ghanadarva just makes me smile: it has this frolicking rhythm which accentuates the rolling pulse of the chant: "Hare Shiva Shankara, Shambo Shankara, Hare Bom, Hare Bom, Bom Bom Bolo." It just sounds so happy. It's like an Anusara moment, and you just want to dance, or do a handstand, or chant along. It opens you up to the playful energy of the spirit.

Jai Ambe begins to wind down the practice, and in perfect fashion, the last song of the 60 odd minute recording brings you back to the opening song. What was once energizing is now relaxing -- Surya Namaskar to Savasana. This CD is a partner is the journey of an asana practice, and it will not disappoint!

Pleasant enough background music.......2004-05-14

This is the kind of CD that you pop into the deck for that after work wind down. It doesn't ask much of you - sorta yoga muzak/elevator music. It's okay, but if I had listened to the whole CD before I plunked down my money, I probably would have just checked it out from the library. Hey, I'll sell you my copy if you are still interested in purchasing - It's practically brand new.

Average customer rating:

excellent slack
Sweet sounds
Absolutely Perfect Spiritual Music
Evocative
Mellow slack key at its' best

Mauna Kea: White Mountain Journal
Keola Beamer
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Masters

ASIN: B0000030M3
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

'Imi Au Ia 'Oe
Manu Kai (Sea Bird)
Sweet Lei Mamo
Keiki Dream (Child Dream)
Kaula 'ili (The Lariat)
Hi'ilawe
Pupu Hinuhinu (Shiny Shell Lullaby)
Ke'ena Malu (Quiet Place)
'Ulili E (The Wandering Tattler Bird)
Pua Tubarose (Tuberose Blossom)
Barefoot On The Range
Sase (Sassy)
For Sweetheart Grandma
Makika (Mosquito)
Ka Wailele O 'Akaka ('Akaka Falls)

Amazon.com

Meditative (often obscurely so), mystical (at least wannabe), and melodic almost to the point of becoming aural wallpaper (he seems to care little about his bass work), Beamer's music makes clear why the nation's leading slack-key label is a subsidiary of the nation's leading New Age label. But as such, Beamer is the de facto leader of one of slack key's strongest schools, and he's clearly the most prolific, and probably the best, of the lot. Still, those who aren't coming to him via New Age are likely to consider this background music. On this set he purports to tell his life story purely through his guitar, without vocals. --John Morthland

Customer Reviews:

excellent slack.......2005-07-08

Excellent slack key. When Keola did this, his mind must have been in a very peaceful place. It evokes the peace that is the Pacific Ocean. For guitarists interested in adding some slack key to their repetoire, the liner notes give the tunings and with a bit of listening, and aloha, some nice pieces can be picked up. Keola's web site and taropatch.com will offer some help. Enjoy!

Sweet sounds.......2005-03-05

This is definitely Keola Beamer's best cd out of many fine efforts. I have all of his music, and believe me, it's hard to choose one and say that about it. This is music for those of us who love life, have a generally positive outlook, and appreciate music that reflects that attitude. This is music to celebrate all of the best life grants us, music to play when you're reading, eating, resting, being contemplative, getting a massage, working, playing, or all of the above. His strictly instrumental pieces are smoothly crafted, ( with great sound quality, by the way....not tinny like many slack key guitar cd's can be), original, and not particularly ethnic. the best part is that you won't tire of it. It's timeless, beautiful, and unobtrusive. Highly recommended!

Absolutely Perfect Spiritual Music.......2000-08-24

Keola Beamer calls to the very essence of my soul in this, one of his best albums. There is a wonderful sense of familarity upon first hearing his music that can be a mind altering experience. But the interesting thing is that over time, the music seems to grow in intensity. Instead of becoming old and tiresome, Keola's music can evolve into a special spiritual feeling. I most highly recommend this album.

Evocative.......2000-01-27

I have never had a reason to put forth my opinion on any recording but this cd is forcing me to make an exception. I recommend it highly as a look at a musical art form as purely emotional and beautiful as any in the world. For musical travellers, this is a good first trip to slack key. It will not be your last.

Mellow slack key at its' best.......1999-12-23

A neighbor who knew of my interest in slack key and traditional Hawaiian music loaned me his CD of White Mountain Journal and I had trouble giving it back until I owned my own. I have collected many such works but got tired of CD's with 3-4 good traditional Hawaiian tracks then several cuts of noisy raucous junk - this is good music all the way. Well done performances assembled by people who understand listening pleasure. A Must Have for Hawaiian music fans.

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