Blues That's Me

Blues That's Me

ASIN: B000000YSO

Editorial Reviews
From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD
Texas tenor saxophonists, according to jazz mythos, have the blues stamped on their souls. Houston's Jean-Baptiste 'Illinois" Jacquet plays glowingly all through this rewarding 1969 blowing session, even hauling out his bassoon for one number. What's especially interesting for blues fans are his and four- string guitarist Tiny Grimes's choruses on the slow twelve-bar gait that identifies the man and the album. -- © Frank John Hadley 1993

Tracks:

Main Title (An American In Paris/'S Wonderful/I Got Rhythm) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Paris Narration/Left Bank (Themes From An American In Paris) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Nice Work If You Can Get It (Outtake) - Georges Guetary
Embraceable You - MGM Studio Orchestra
By Strauss - Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary, Mac MacLain, Grace Stark, Pete Roberts
Street Exhibit - MGM Studio Orchestra
I Got Rhythm - Gene Kelly, MGM Children's Chorus
But Not For Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra
Medley: Do, Do, Do/Bidiin' My Time/I've Got A Crush On You/Love Is Here To Stay - MGM Orchestra
Someone To Watch Over Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra
Medley: My Cousin In Milwaukee/A Foggy Day/The Half-Of-It Dearie Blues/But Not For Me (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
Tra-La-La - Gene Kelly, Oscar Levant
I'm No Enemy (Love Is Here To Stay) (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Love Is Here To Stay - Gene Kelly
Medley: What Time Is It?/Love Is Here To Stay (Reprise) - MGM Studio Orchestra, Gene Kelly
(I'll Build A) Stairway To Paradise - Georges Guetary
I've Got A Crush On You (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
Love Walked In (Outtake) - Georges Guetary, Oscar Levant
Medley: We Would Get Married (Love Walked In) (Outtake)/I Don't Think I'll Fall In Love Today... - Oscar Levant, MGM Studio Orchestra
Concerto In F (3rd Movement) - Oscar Levant, MGM Studio Orchestra

Tracks:

Painting Montage (Tra-La-La/Love Is Here To Stay) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Kiss Me (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary
Lise, I Love You ('S Wonderful/Love Is Here To Stay) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Strike Up The Band (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Liza (Complete Version) - Oscar Levant
Medley: Oh, Lady Be Good/'S Wonderful - MGM Studio Orchestra
Medley: That Certain Feeling/Clap Yo' Hands - MGM Studio Orchestra
I've Got A Crush On You (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
I Got Rhythm (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Tra-La-La (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
But Not For Me - Georges Guetary
Utrillo Did It (Love Is Here To Stay/An American In Paris/Nice Work If You Can Get It) - MGM Studio Orchestra
An American In Paris Ballet (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Finale (An American In Paris) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Painting Montage (An American In Paris) (Deleted Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Main Title: An American In Paris (Alternate Version - Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Adam Cook Monologue (How Long Has This Been Going On?) (Extended Version) - Oscar Levant
Nice Work If You Can Get It (Partial As Used In Film) - Georges Guetary, Oscar Levant
Third Prelude (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
My Cousin In Milwaukee (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
A Foggy Day (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
The Half-Of-It Dearie Blues (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
But Not For Me - Oscar Levant
Bidin' My Time (Outtake) - Oscar Levant, Saul Chaplin
'S Wonderful (Reprise) (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
Finale (Alternate Version - Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra

Amazon.com essential recording

This is a considerably expanded version of the soundtrack album to Vincente Minnelli's Oscar-winning film. With two discs and 100 minutes of music (much of which is presented for the first time), these original session masters are highlighted by the MGM Studio Orchestra, Oscar Levant, Benny Carter, and Gene Kelly, all of whom perform such memorable Gershwin tunes as "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Love Is Here to Stay," and "S'Wonderful." Just about all of the material has a monotonously mono sound, but Levant's version of "Concerto in F" is included here for the first time in true stereo. Along with several Levant improvisational piano solos based on Gershwin's music, there are also some outtakes as well as extensive production and historical notes. --Joseph Lanza

Customer Reviews:

Magic of love.......2007-03-10

Nothing but Gene and George: the hard work and the happiness in music, conducting by the magician Vince.
Noone is better, noone could do better.
American masterpiece with european feelings.

Filled with musical gems.......2004-02-17

This comprehensive edition is a must have for fans of the movie and of the Gershwins. The outtakes, contrary to the first review above, are excellent. Gene Kelly offers a wonderful vocal of "I've Got a Crush on You" and his short riff on "'S Wonderful" is almost like an acoustic version, much different than the over-the-top duet in the movie. And the Oscar Levant piano pieces are as close to George sitting down at the keys as we're going to get.

TOO LONG !!!!!!!!!!!.......2002-06-17

I would not suggest buying this version of this sondtrack!!! The underscores and the extra tracks that are not featured in the film are not neccesary. Rhino records puts the extras out to jack up the price of the CD (making one LP into 2 CDs).
I would buy the ORIGINAL CAST SOUNDTRACK released by MGM records. You will enjoy this version ever so much more without all the extras!!!

GERSHWIN'S TALENT.......2001-08-12

Many agree that the talented George Gershwin is a fabulous pianist, and alongside Ira, he helped to create some of the most beloved music ever. After viewing the movie that was filled with song and dance, I was pleased to discover that the soundtrack was readily available. The plot of An American in Paris mainly focuses on the lives of three friends and their dreams in addition to the romance that they encounter in the most popular European city. Gene Kelley is a struggling artist who soon falls in love, and the many songs in this cd express his emotions. Who wouldn't want to dance to Gershwin's spectacular tunes such as "Embraceable You?" These original songs included in this two cd set are well worth the price. Furthermore, "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" is a true favorite with unique lyrics. Don't miss out on this must have cd collection.

Ga Ga for Gershwin.......2000-12-13

Nearly every popular Gershwin tune is represented here, either as an instrumental, a vocal, or a production number. I am not a big fan of the film, but the soundtrack is fabulous. There are some stereo tracks here, too. Yet another triumph in the Turner/Rhino soundtrack collection of MGM films.As a sidenote I would like to thank Rhino for their extremely co-operative staff. When I bought this CD I opened up the very extensive booklet and was disappointed to find that due to an error on the assembly line I had received an insert that had some pages repeated and others deleted. I contacted Rhino and they sent me a new booklet which arrived within a week! That's what I call excellent customer service. The really neat thing is the fact that I have both booklets. The flubbed copy is sort of a collector's item to me.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Release of a two-fer
Finally "Alone" on CD!
Terrible sound and terrible packaging
JUDY AT HER BEST with SPECTACULAR SOUND!
Garland the Great

Judy in Love & Alone
Judy Garland
Manufacturer: S&P Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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Miss Show Business/Judy
That's Entertainment!/I Could Go on Singing
The Best of the Capitol Masters: The London Sessions
Live in Paris
Classic Garland: Capitol Years 1955-1965

ASIN: B0000641C8
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
This Is It
More Than You Know
I Am Loved
I Hadn't Anyone Till You
I Concentrate On You
I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
Do I Love You?
Do It Again
Day In-Day Out
By Myself
Little Girl Blue
Me And My Shadow
Among My Souvenirs
I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues
I Get The Blues When It Rains
Mean To Me
How About Me
Just A Memory
Blue Prelude
Happy New Year
Then You've Never Been Blue (bonus track)

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Release of a two-fer.......2004-11-20

The person who wrote the review below is wrong : the "Alone" album was recorded and released in mono sound, in 1957. "Judy in Love" was Garland's first album recorded and released in stereo, in 1958.

The sound on this disc is spectacular. The original session tapes were used, for the best sound possible. It is glorious sound here, folks.

Pehaps the person that wrote the review below is thinking of the previous two-fer of "Judy in Love" from England, a few years back, paired with the "Judy" album. That CD sounded very flat and dry.

Get this new and improved disc, and you'll love it.

Finally "Alone" on CD!.......2003-10-01

I just received this Judy "double bill" and I can only say it's GREAT!! "Alone" was always one of my favorite Judy albums, and I am more than pleased to have it on CD now. The sound is not stereo, as another reviewer point out, but it never was recorded in stereo. I have the old vinyl, and that's mono too, but also pretty worn, after all these years. The liner notes actually are pretty good too. The original covers are reproduced, with the original liner notes reprinted, AND some fresh liner notes about this re-issue. There, you can read that the "alone" recordings are from 1957, and that "Judy in Love" is from 1958, and was her first stereo album for Capitol.

So why is "alone" my favorite Judy album? Maybe simply because it was one of my first encounters with Judy, when I was 17 years old. I didn't realize at the time that the selection of songs is pretty unusual. It's not the repertoire she sang a lot in her live and TV shows. I love the mostly subdued pathos on this album, although she does belt it out occasionally, in her own inimitable way. The songs are about 'surviving on your own', and some times about finding your inner strength, in a bittersweet way. The album is not very cheerful, but it does make me feel good, in a sentimental way. The arrangements are very good, just right, in the 'proper' fifties style. The strings have a very warm quality, which wasn't always the case in those days. There is also a beautiful large choir singing in the background on some tracks.
Some of the songs are very unknown, which makes this album special too. Happy New Year, for instance, is a beautiful torch song, written over a very slow version of Old Lang Syne in minor key; a real gem of a song! Blue Prelude is also a great song, so don't be discouraged by the titles you may not know.
All in all, a 'must have' for any Judy fan, but also a wonderful introduction if you want to get acquainted with Judy's singing. "Judy in Love" is an excellent example of her warm joyful singing, while "Alone" gives you all those wonderful torch songs. A balanced package, with a passionate Judy in great voice!!

Terrible sound and terrible packaging.......2003-06-27

Let me rant. This CD has 2 albums on it. 1 is mono and the other stereo!? I have these albums on records and they are both stereo. I feel ripped off. Also, these albums do not sound anywhere like the records in quality. In fact, they sound very boring and lacking of any sort of life. Judy did very big, exciting production numbers and the sound on this CD makes them sound stale and dead. I returned this CD and demanded my money back. The store clerk said I wasn't the only one. Thumbs way down.

JUDY AT HER BEST with SPECTACULAR SOUND!.......2002-05-11

JUDY IN LOVE is perhaps Garland's greatest studio album. A superb collaboration with Judy in wonderful voice, and arranger Nelson Riddle at the top of his form. Inexplicably, this album is only now making its CD debut in the U.S. Capitol Records seemingly had no interest in releasing it themselves, so they've sublicensed it to S&P Records, who have done a terrific mixing and remastering job. Comparing the sound to a recent UK import is overwhelmingly impressive. The UK release sounds mediocre, and this new issue belies its having been recorded 44 years ago.
JUDY IN LOVE is paired with her monaural ballad album ALONE, which was arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins. The two albums together are a distinct contrast and yet only show the versatility and mastery of Garland. The highlight of the ALONE tracks is Jenkins' schmaltzy, yet irresistable I'VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES. ALONE was previously issued on CD by Capitol years ago, but has been long out of print, so this collection is a dream come true for Garland fans.

The 5 Star rating is for the recordings and the way they've been beautifully produced. It does not, however, represent a true rating for the package itself, which has been saddled with awful,
amateurish liner notes which are so poorly written that it's a blatant insult to Garland. What a shame the producers who took such care in creating such a great sounding album, didn't bring the same kind of excellence to the accompanying package. This should not detract anyone from buying this CD, but buyers looking for an interesting commentary on the legendary lady and these specific tracks will have to go elsewhere.

Garland the Great.......2002-05-02

A beautiful compilation of two classic, original "Judy" albums. These are two of the six studio albums she recorded for Capitol in the fifties, and these are probably the best. While Judy's vocal tone is not at its best on "Judy in Love", the song selections and her interprative genius make up for the slight vocal imperfections. "More Than You Know", "I Am Loved" and "By Myself" are absolute delights, and are clearly definitive versions of these songs. In addition, the ballads shine with passion and tenderness. "Alone" is mostly filled with similarly tender songs, and on this one Garland is in fine, full voice throughout. "Little Girl Blue" is a particular standout, and the addition of the never before released "Then You've Never Been Blue" is a special treat for fans and newcomers. Popular singing doesn't come any better than this.

Average customer rating:

The soul of a Texas tenor !

The Blues: That's Me!
Illinois Jacquet
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Jump Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
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Bottoms Up
Flying Home: The Best of Verve Years
The Soul Explosion
Milt Buckner/Illinois Jacquet/Buddy Tate
Moodsville, Volume 1

ASIN: B000000YSO
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

The Blues; That's Me!
Still King
'Round Midnight
The Galloping Latin
For Once In My Life
Everyday I Have The Blues

Customer Reviews:

The soul of a Texas tenor !.......2003-10-31

I'm quite partial to the sound of the Texas tenors and this disc lives up to my every expectation. Illinois Jacquet has always been one of my favorites when it comes to deep toned tenor and on "The Blues, That's Me!" Illinois serves up heap's of it! To make matters even tastier, the inclusion of legendary four string guitarist Tiny Grimes add's that one extra ingredient which makes this platter a pleasing and worthy addition to any jazz/blues collection. This session is filled with soulful swinging blues, hence the c.d.'s title and opening track. Along the way we're treated to a wonderful brooding rendition of "'Round Midnight" where Illinois lies down his tenor in favor of bassoon, adding even more temperment to Monk's moody classic. Pianist Wynton Kelly along with the rhythm section of Buster Williams {bass} and Oliver Jackson {drums} certainly deserve praise as they Swing to their soul's content on the the irresistible romp "The Galloping Latin", proving that good jazz doesn't always have to be so damn serious. After a reworking of the Stevie Wonder hit "For Once In My Life", It's only fitting that this disc end where it all began, with a final dose of the blues, as Illinois and company treat us to a rollicking version of Memphis Slim's "everyday I Have The Blues". The folks at Prestige have again released a winner!!

Average customer rating:

Rodgers & Hart, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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The Ultimate Cole Porter, Vol. 3
Ultimate Cole Porter, Vol. 2
With a Song in My Heart: The Songs of Rodgers & Hart
Ultimate Irving Berlin, Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000542HE
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Dearest Enemy: Here In My Arms - Sidney Burchall
Dearest Enemy: Bye Bye - Sidney Burchall
The Girl Friend: The Girl Friend - George Olsen & His Music
Lido Lady: Here In My Arms - Phyllis Dare/Jack Hulbert
Lido Lady: A Tiny Flat Near Soho Square - Cicely Courtneidge/Harold French
Lido Lady: Atlantic Blues - Phyllis Dare
Lido Lady: Try Again Tomorrow - Cicely Courtneidge/Jack Hulbert
Peggy Ann: A Tree In The Park - Dorothy Dickson
Peggy Ann: Where's That Rainbow - Dorothy Dickson
Lady Luck: Sing - Laddie Cliff
Lady Luck: If I Were You - Phyllis Monkman/Leslie Henson
One Dam' Thing After Another: My Heart Stood Still - Jessie Matthews
She's My Baby: A Baby's Best Friend - Beatrice Lillie
Heads Up!: My Man Is On The Make - Helen Kane
Simple Simon: Ten Cents A Dance - Ruth Etting
Cochran's 1930 Revue: With A Song In My Heart - Leslie Hutchinson
Cochran's 1930 Revue: The Little Things You Do - Leslie Hutchinson
Ever Green: Dancing On The Ceiling - Jessie Matthews
Love Me Tonight: The Poor Apache - Maurice Chevalier
Love Me Tonight: Love Me Tonight - Jeanette MacDonald
Love Me Tonight: Mimi - Maurice Chevalier
Love Me Tonight: Isn't It Romantic? - Jeanette MacDonald
Hallelujah, I'm A Bum!: Hallelujah, I'm A Bum! - Al Jolson
Hallelujah, I'm A Bum!: You Are Too Beautiful - Al Jolson
Let's Have Fun: Please Make Me Be Good - Helen Morgan

Fascinating Rhythm: The Complete Music for Solo Piano by George Gershwin

Average customer rating:

Fascinating Rhythm: The Complete Music for Solo Piano by George Gershwin

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls

ASIN: B00000J80E
Release Date: 1999-06-08

Average customer rating:

INCREDIBLE!!!
WARNING....STEP AWAY FROM YOUR SPEAKERS
Not as expected

Sending Me Angels
Kelly Richey
Manufacturer: Sweet Lucy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
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Eyes of a Woman
Live...As It Should Be
Speechless
A Stone's Throw
Live at the Thirsty Ear

ASIN: B00005LN8B
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

Nothin' To Do With Love
Too Late
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Livin' On Love
Now You Need Me
Sisters Gotta Problem
All The Help I Can Get
I Gotta Move
Lifetime Guarantee
Angel From Heaven
Sending Me Angels

Customer Reviews:

INCREDIBLE!!!.......2003-04-21

Sending Me Angels is an incredible CD with great songs. The musicians hired to do this CD keep things simple, and leave plenty of room for Kelly to really shine. This album has great blues songs on it that would cross over well to radio. Her guitar playing is awesome. I have all of her albums, and they are all great. However, the quality of this one is the best. The total sound is very well produced. I also recommend seeing her live. She puts on a smokin' show. If you think her studio albums show off her playing, wait until you see her in person. Great singer, songwriter, musician. One of the best. I very highly recommend this album.

WARNING....STEP AWAY FROM YOUR SPEAKERS.......2003-01-13

I FOUND THIS CD BURIED IN THE BLUES SECTION OF MY LOCAL CD STORE.IT WAS RECCOMDED TO ME BY A FRIEND,SO I BOUGHT IT. BOY WAS I SURPRISED. THIS CD KICKED MY BUTT!!!!!!!! TO START WITH, KELLY HAS A GREAT BLUES VOICE. SECONDLY, SHE PLAYS GREAT GUITAR. EVERY SONG STANDS ALONE VERY WELL. AFTER ABOUT 10 LISTENINGS,I WENT TO HER WEB SITE AND BOUGHT THE REST OF HER CD'S. I THINK THIS ONE IS HER BEST. THAT SAID,"LIVE AT TOMMY'S ON MAIN" RECORDED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO, SHOWCASES HER LIVE CHOPS VERY WELL.BY OWNING ALL OF HER RECORDINGS ONE CAN HEAR THE MUSICAL GROWTH OVER THE LAST 6 YEARS. WITH ANY HELP AT ALL FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, SHE WILL MAKE A BIG NAME FOR HERSELF. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE OVERBLOATED MUSIC COMPANYS DON'T USUALLY SUPPORT THE BLUES BECAUSE IT DOSEN'T MAKE THEM ENOUGH MONEY!!!!! LOOK WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO SUSAN TEDESCHI'S NEW CD. FROM GOOD BLUES TO POP ... IN 2 OUTINGS. KELLY IS EVERYTHING SUSAN COULD HAVE BEEN...TO THE POINT- THIS CD ROCKS...............

Not as expected.......2003-01-05

Good tunes but not what I had expected

Average customer rating:

One of America's great songwriters

Over the Rainbow

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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Get Happy: The Harold Arlen Centennial Celebration
Harold Arlen Centennial Celebration
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook
Harold Arlen Sings Sweet and Hot
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Harold Arlen

ASIN: B000000WMG
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

(You Got Me In Between) The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
I've Got The World On A String
I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues
Public Melody No. 1
When The Sun Comes Out
Hittin' The Bottle
Let's Fall In Love
Let's Put Our Heads Together
Now I Know
As Long As I Live
Rasin' The Rent
Blues In The Night
Down With Love
Over The Rainbow
It's Only A Paper Moon
Bud's Won't Bud
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
Stormy Weather
Kickin' The Gong Around
Two Blind Loves
That Old Black Magic
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
Ill Wind
Get Happy

Customer Reviews:

One of America's great songwriters.......2001-03-09

Amid the Cole Porters, Irving Berlins and George Gershwins of the world, Harold Arlen tends to be forgotten. And yet, when the greatest song of the 20th century was recently voted on by a distinguished panel of critics, whose song came out on top? Mr. Arlen's (Over the Rainbow). Here is a superb cross section of Harold Arlen songs by a cast ranging from Judy Garland to Bing Crosby to Ethel Waters, spanning decades and spanning a wide range of styles, from jazz to ballads, poignant to funny. Although the sound is not ideal, as many of the recordings date from the 30's and Pearl's objective in remastering has always been to achieve the fullest musical sound rather than to reduce surface noise, this is a minor complaint given the rich and mind-opening selection of great music found here.

The String Quartet Tribute to Janet Jackson

Average customer rating:

This is great
An insult to Janet-loving audiophiles.
Open The Flood Gates!
So Awesome! So Janet!

The String Quartet Tribute to Janet Jackson

Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

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String Quartet Tribute to Madonna

ASIN: B0001MMGMM
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

Control
What Have You Done for Me Lately
When I Think of You
Love Will Never Do (Without You)
Rhythm Nation
Let's Wait a While
Escapade
All for You
Miss You Much
Every Time
Pleasure Principle [*]
That's the Way Love Goes [*]

Product Description

1. Control
2. What Have You Done For Me Lately
3. When I Think Of You
4. Love Will Never Do Without You
5. Rhythm Nation
6. Let's Wait A While
7. Escapade
8. All For You
9. Miss You Much
10. Everytime

Plus Bonus Tracks:
11. Pleasure Principle
12. That's The Way Love Goes

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

This is great.......2004-06-04

I just got this CD the other day and I am buying a couple for gifts.

I haven't stopped listening to it since I got it. The arrangements stay true to the original arrangements and the music is fresh and exciting to listen to.

I think this CD is great and will make great gifts for my friends who like Janet Jackson.

An insult to Janet-loving audiophiles........2004-06-02

Given the lofty title of this recording and the other reviews of it on Amazon.com, I had rather high hopes for this purchase. Now I'm just hoping there's a used CD store in town that will take this sophomoric rubbish.

As the credits on this CD indicate (warn?), this so-called "string quartet" is actually just TWO people: one playing a real violin and the other playing a SAMPLER with some string sounds, drums, and a few miscellaneous synthesizers in a half-assed attempt to make these songs sound vaguely like the real McCoys. Anyone who knows so little about chamber music as to mistake the strings and drums (other than the lead violin) for real instruments and not the sequenced electronic imitations that they are is probably not an appropriate audience for a seemingly high-brow musical concept that one would expect a "string quartet" to be in the first place. In other words, whether you have trouble comprehending the intellectual complexity of a Britney Spears song or you have an advanced degree in musicology, I can't imagine that you'd want to waste your time and money on such a CD.

And if you're thinking about buying it for a good laugh, unfortunately, while this trash is cheesy, it's not bad enough to stretch into campy. Think of it as William Hung after a year of voice lessons. Still awful, but no longer laughable.

Think of it as a tribute to Janet Jackson when you decide to pass on buying such a poorly conceived knock-off. Or let me know if you'd want to buy it from me for a big discount! Just remember that I won't accept a return...no matter how badly you want to give this "earlobe malfunction" back. You can't say I didn't warn you. CJF

Open The Flood Gates!.......2004-04-28

I am gushing!!!

This is the most fabulous CD that you can get! First off it's Damita Jo songs which everyone just loves.... But then they are performed with violins and orchestras... It's Grace meets Will with a passion for life!!!

If you have a special event or a romantic rendevous with someone this music will tantilize your senses and make everyone know that you have A1 class!!!

So Awesome! So Janet!.......2004-04-01

OMG!!!

The first String Quartet Tribute I got was Nickelback and I sooooo loved it!!!

I just got this CD today and it is unbelievable!!! Janet MUST have had something to do with making of it because it is SOOOOOO Janet!

My favs are Control, Love Will Never Do Without You, Rhythm Nation, Escapade, Everytime and Pleasure Principle.

The production is amazing! It has drums and bass with a string quartet and it grooves like the original renditions of all the songs.

Rhythm Nation reminded me of the superbowl performance cause it has marching drums in it just like her performance did......KickIt!!!

Tracks:

Fascinating Rhythm [From Lady, Be Good!] - Cliff Edwards
Fascinating Rhythm/So Am I [From Lady, Be Good!][Instrumental] - Victor Arden, Phil Ohman
Oh, Lady Be Good [From Lady Be Good] - Cliff Edwards
Hang on to Me [From Lady, Be Good!] - Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire
I'd Rather Charleston [From Lady, Be Good!] - Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire
Fascinating Rhythm [From Lady, Be Good!] - Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire
Half of It Dearie Blues [From Lady, Be Good!] - Fred Astaire
Oh, Lady Be Good - Buddy Lee
Oh, Lady Be Good [From Lady Be Good]
Swiss Miss [From Lady, Be Good!] - Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire
So Am I [From Lady, Be Good!] - Adele Astaire, George Vollaire
Fascinating Rhythm - Buddy Lee
Three Times a Day [From Tell Me More!] - Alexander Gray
Tell Me More! [From Tell Me More!] - Alexander Gray
That Certain Feeling/When Do We Dance? [From Tip-Toes][Instrumental] - Victor Arden, Phil Ohman
Looking for a Boy/Sweet and Low-Down [From Tip-Toes][Instrumental] - Victor Arden, Phil Ohman
That Certain Feeling [From Tip-Toes] - Dorothy Dickson, Allen Kearns
Sweet and Low-Down [From Tip-Toes] - Laddie Cliff
Nightie-Night - Dorothy Dickson, Allen Kearns
It's a Great Little World [From Tip-Toes] - Laddie Cliff
Nice Baby [From Tip-Toes] - Evan Thomas
When Do We Dance? [From Tip-Toes] - Allen Kearns
These Charming People [From Tip-Toes] - Laddie Cliff, Dorothy Dickson, John Kirby
Looking for a Boy [From Tip-Toes] - Dorothy Dickson

Average customer rating:

Improvisations
A very good reproduction!
An Homage That Strides, Boogies and Swings!

Improvisations

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Stride Piano | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

Boogie-Woogie | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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The Best of Art Tatum
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Piano Starts Here
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ASIN: B000641Z2C
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Tea For Two
St. Louis Blues
Tiger Rag
Aunt Hagar's Blues
Humoresque
Sweet Lorraine
Get Happy
The Jitterbug Waltz
Tatum Pole Boogie
Cherokee
Lover, Come Back To Me!
Elegy
Hallelujah
Willow Weep For Me
Emaline
Yesterdays
I Know That You Know

Album Description

Art Tatum, arguably the greatest pianist in the history of jazz, combined Harlem stride, ingenious pianistic extensions, humor, harmony that stretched its language to the limits and the subtlest of improvisational techniques. The Afro-American pianist Art Tatum was nearly blind from childhood. He made an early reputation for himself as a solo player and in his recordings, as well as with various bands. His achievement lay in his development of the New York Harlem Stride school of jazz-playing, under the influence of Fats Waller. This collection presents improvised and embellished (jazz-style) versions of classic tunes in the style that Art Tatum made famous. Credited by the New York Times with "piano playing at its most awesome," Steven Mayer has brought jazz greats Art Tatum, Jelly Roll Morton and James P. Johnson to listeners world wide, together with acclaimed interpretations of Ives, Liszt and Mozart.

Customer Reviews:

Improvisations.......2007-05-12

Exceptionally fine selections and performances of this genre of Americana.
However there is a similarity, one piece to the next, that detracts slightly. Happy to have it in my collections.

A very good reproduction!.......2005-09-11

Steven Mayer did in my view a very good job in reproducing the sound of Tatum. The tracks are all very interesting to hear for a Tatum admirer. Mayer plays most of the songs a little bit slower than Tatum did. No problem at all. The decreased speed allows one to hear even better how good Tatum was, and how well-formed his improvisations were. Essential in imitating Tatum is the ability to play tenths with your left hand, which most pianist can not. Mayer plays tenths and tenth-based big chords effortless. Most of the tracks seem to have been played from the transcriptions in "The Art Tatum Collection" (publisher Hal Leonard, available here with Amazon.com). Mayer has proven that you don't have to be Tatum to play like Tatum. Who's next?

An Homage That Strides, Boogies and Swings!.......2004-10-20

There is certainly no desperate need for recordings of new non-Tatum performances of Art Tatum's fantastic jazz improvisations since most of his recordings from the 1930s through the 1950s exist in multiple CD reincarnations. But as an act of homage (and intense work on his part, I must say) pianist Steven Mayer has recorded seventeen of Tatum's improvisations note-for-note, transcribed by ear from Tatum's recordings and played with real panache here. His renditions are not precisely identical to Tatum's and therein lies part of their value. Although all the notes that Tatum laid down are there, there are little variations in accentuation, rhythmic and dynamic, as well as slight tempo alterations, that make these performances worth having because of one's ability to hear these improvisations anew. Add to that Mayer's impressive virtuosity and the excellent modern sound caught in these recordings (not to mention Naxos's budget price) and you have reason enough, I feel, to invest in them if you are, as I, a big fan of Tatum's incredible artistry.

I imagine that some people buying this CD will not have a collection of Tatum's own originals. And are they ever in for a delightful time of it! Tatum's stride basses, right hand tracery at supersonic speed, increasingly complex harmonies, unfailing sweetness and humor are in full evidence here. He always acknowledged his debt to Fats Waller and, like Waller, there is a joie de vivre in his music that simply can't be denied. Mayer catches that tone admirably.

I can't comment on all the tracks here, but some do invite a word or three. Since I come from the classical music side of things, I must point out the droll and yet lovely interpretation of Dvorák's 'Humoresque,' which starts out fairly 'straight' (albeit with flippant alterations of rhythm that make one chuckle) and then all heck breaks loose in the second chorus. I have to imagine Dvorák, with his experience of the exuberance of American music, would be smiling. And then there is Tatum's treatment of Massenet's sappy 'Élegie,' which Tatum starts at its lugubrious original tempo, but is barely into the second phrase before it's as if he says 'enough of this' and speeds things up, layers in absolutely miraculous right-hand filigree leading to breakneck stride (with those amazing walking tenths in the left hand) and makes something entirely original and invigorating of it.

Among the real classics here is Tatum's 1940 'Sweet Lorraine,' which is so sophisticated in its subtle alterations in the tune at each reappearance that 'a first time listener who comes in the room in the midst of the solo almost cannot be sure that he is not hearing the actual tune,' as Mayer says in his enlightening booklet notes. This is another of Tatum's delicately sweet improvisations that somehow manages to swing at the same time as it caresses us with its gentle sentiment. Finally, simply because I worry about becoming too enthusiastically long-winded here, I'll end by singling out 'Lover, Come Back to Me,' which is so harmonically rich and subtle that I can't but think that Tatum's illustrious successors such as Bill Evans, George Shearing and Denny Zeitlin (and probably countless others) must have memorized the changes to use in the development of their own styles. It is stunning evidence of Tatum's continuing evolution as an artist over the years until his tragic and untimely death from uremia at 47 in 1956.

Steven Mayer, a classical virtuoso of the first stripe--if you don't believe me, you should listen to his recently released recording of Ives's 'Concord Sonata'--has made something of a career of mixing High Art of the European variety with the High Art of American jazz pianist/composers like Tatum, James P. Johnson and Jelly Roll Morton. One hopes there will be many more CDs like this one. My goodness, there's still a lot of Tatum to record, Mr Mayer! And wouldn't I love to hear your take on Meade Lux Lewis and Earl 'Fatha' Hines and Erroll Garner and even that Russian slyboots Nikolai Kapustin!

Strongly recommended.

TT=62:00

Scott Morrison

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music