Jazz Customer Review: Tony Bennett is cool.
Let’s get that out of the way. Say what you want about Tony, but he is cool. Yeah, he was the guy you heard mentioned in sentences with Dean Martin and Liberace, that your mother used to watch on the Merv Griffin show, and whatever else he was doing in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s while you were too busy growing up to pay attention. Now, that you, like me, are older, wiser, and have some time to devote to jazz, you’re maybe thinking about buying this CD, but you’re just not sure, because of all that Merv Griffin stuff. Well, put that all aside. Tony Bennett is the definition of a male jazz singer, and this CD, combining 2 LP’s worth of material, proves it. The supporting artists list reads like a jazz hall of fame induction plaque: Count Basie, Ron Carter, Nat Adderley, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Herbie Hancock, Art Blakey, and on. The songs are classic jazz fare from a mixture of eras and writers: Ellington, Rodgers and Hart, Washington and Young, Porter, Berlin, and on. The tracks were recorded over a period of fourteen years or so, mostly studio takes, but some live mixed in. My favorites are the Ellington pieces, as Tony’s rhythmic touches and elegant voicing really brings some life into those old tunes. I’m also partial to the live tracks for their level of spontaneity and (obviously) liveliness. The production level of this CD is quite high. I didn’t hear any noise, hissing or popping, not even on the live tracks (although those are a little flat sounding at times). The liner notes are very generous, featuring an interview with Tony where he talks about everything from how he got his start to how he worked with Bill Evans on The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album. The liners also include info on the recording date and backing musicians for all 22 tracks (much appreciated by us students of jazz music and its history). All in all, this is one of the gems of my jazz music collection, and if you buy it, it will be the same for yours. And if this isn’t enough coolness for you, I might also recommend MTV Unplugged ~ Tony Bennett, which is also a really hot CD made more recently, allowing the listener to hear the maturity in Tony’s voice. (Produced for MTV, so you know it’s cool, too.)
Archive for June, 2009
Jazz
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009Masters Of Classical Music: J.S. Bach
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Masters Of Classical Music: J.S. Bach Masters Of Classical Music: J.S. Bach by German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann, conductor
This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply.
Customer Review: A Bach essential recording
Wether if you’re new or interested in knowing your way around classical music, this is definitely a Bach essential recording. It contains perhaps Bach’s most well known overtures and concertos. Not only are they familiar to the listener, but also the different performers are outstanding. If you’re looking for a CD that will give a glimpse of some of Bach’s best compositions or an introduction to his genius, then this is the one to go for.
The Overture No.4 in D major “R jouissance” directed by H. Winshermann is a magnificent spirit-lifter, played in an appropriate not-so-rushed-up tempo like some other versions I’ve heard. On track 4, “Jesu, joy of man’s desire”, Frank Berger’s trumpet and Hans-Dieter Weber’s organ performance are one of the most stunning ones that have ever reached me. Track 9, Overture No.1 in C major “Passepied” is a feast for the senses; H. Winshermann’s direction does it again. I cannot complete this small review without mentioning Hannes Kastner’s impressive performance of “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” at the organ. In my opinion, this is so far the definitive ultimate version, lasting 9:20 minutes of impeccable performance.
(Did I mention that this CD was stolen from my “Masters of Classical Music Collection some time ago, and I mourned it until I found it on Amazon?)
Two Steps from the Blues
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Two Steps from the Blues Bobby Bland could both comfort and chill, sometimes in the same song. He does so on this undeniably classic album’s “Lead Me On,” which begins with the line “You know how it feels, you understand / What it is to be a stranger in this unfriendly land” and ends softly two minutes later with the promise “I’ll follow you.” Such drama, coupled with a mellow soulfulness, is the norm on Two Steps. Bland has been called “the Sinatra of the blues” more than once, and this album is the best explanation ever for that appellation. –Rickey Wright
Customer Review: On Par With Otis Redding And Sam Cooke
This wonderful collection of Bobby “Blue” Bland singles proves that, at his best, Mr. Bland was on par with greats such as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. “Little Boy Blue” is, for me, his signature tune, complete with Gospel-inflected howls that are far from being religiously pure in the eyes of Christianity. Robert Plant would attempt to replicate the same fury and sexuality on “Whole Lotta Love” in 1969. “Cry, Cry, Cry” shows off Bland’s overpowering growl, while “I’ll Take Care Of You” is a romantic ballad at its best. “I Pity The Fool” will get anyone’s feet tapping, and it is from this song that ’80s icon, Mr T., got his catchphrase/motto. There is not a bad song on this disc, though some Blues Purists out there may find Bobby to be more “bland” than “blue”. If you fall into this category, perhaps it’s best that you stick with the early Chess sides of Muddy Waters.
Customer Review: Lead me on
In the days when this was known as blues/r&b and before Ray Charles/Aretha/Willson Pickett came with their succes,Bobby Bland was God and this is THE album to listen if you are interested in his legacy.From what I found out,he was one of those singers who were heartbreakers in his time - ladies fainted when he sang and its funny because he wasn’t excatly a heart-throb but than again,think about power of Edith Piaf or Ella Fitzgerald,same thing - people are moved to tears no matter what they looked like.Music here is combination of horn-driven ballads and some strong r&b shakers where Bland roars like lion.He was capable of gentleness one moment and best soul scream the very next and guitars are excellent - not for nothing had he worked with B.B.King and Ike Turner just to name a few - this goes at the very top of early r&b with say,Etta James work from same time.Rare bues superstar who actually didnt play any instrument,Bland had only his awesome voice to work with and on this album he was in his prime - every song is a winner,for me particulary “Lead me on” works like combination of gospel and blues.Never really accepted by mainstream audience but known to blues afficionados,Bland is still remembered today and recently Mick Hucknall released a whole album as a tribute to this excellent and unfairly ignored singer.
R&B
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
R&B Customer Review: Pure Magic!
Roy Rogers is the best slide guitar player you will ever hear, and Norton Buffalo gives the harmonica more dimension than the entire string section of a symphony orchestra. These are two masterful musicians at the top of their form. R&B comprehensively covers both their energetic improvisation and unique brand of song writing.
Country Ham
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Country Ham Customer Review: Jerry Clower rules
try this and Im sure you will like it..All his best!
Hip-Hop VIPs
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Hip-Hop VIPs Shot in performance venues and exclusive events in New York City, this film reveals both the glamour and hard work that come with success, featuring never- before-seen footage of the hottest hip-hop artists. See Dr. Dre reminiscing about Eazy-E and Tupac, Ja Rule talking about 50 Cent, Method Man breaking down the difference between a rapper and an MC, and an exclusive interview with Aaliyah. Hip-Hop VIPs offers a rare glimpse into the exclusive world of hip-hop celebrities, also featuring Ludacris, Snoop Dog, Eve, Shyne, Black Rob, Rah Digga, Prodigy, Raekwon, Kid Capri and Nas.
Customer Review: EEEEEEKKKK!!!
Crud dude, i helluv bought dis dvd plannin on learnin some hip new mooves to dance to at prom. But this was crayzy! i dunno how anyone could learn to dis. cmon now. It’s not like any other hip hop ive seen. Maybe dis is outdated or sumthin, but i reccomend not buyin it, bcuz you won’t be koo wit these moves.
Rock a Little
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Rock a Little Customer Review: MISSING STEVIE NICKS
ROCK A LITTLE is a solid Pop-Rock Album: It show Nicks at her best. The opening song “I CAN’T WAIT” is a fabolous hypnotic rock song, “TALK TO ME” is a neglected pop classic, and “HAS ANY ONE EVER WRITTEN ANYTHING FOR YOU” may be definite a great love song that only Stevie at her best can sing.
Customer Review: Totally 80s Stevie is totally rad and awesome!!!
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3QO7D6SC5X5OF My name is Jeremy Gloff and I’m a music collector. Here are my thoughts on Stevie Nicks “Rock a Little”.
Chamber Music of the New Jazz
Monday, June 29th, 2009
Chamber Music of the New Jazz Customer Review: ahmad jamal, a winner.
tasteful, playful & bouncy is how i would describe this piano trio recording. anything recorded by ahmad jamal in the 50’s or early 60’s is worth owning. i rank him up there with my favortie jazz pianists, including, of course, bill evans and thelonius monk. great sunday afternoon or early evening listening is the pigeonhole i place this album in at home. enjoyable beginning to end.
Customer Review: just GREAT listening
this is wonderful listening .. the selections, the way they are arranged .. the sounds .. WOW what a treat !!!
I started with one 33 1/3 lp years ago and after listening to it again some time ago decided I wanted more of the works of this great musician and so have started collecting other works by him.
Prokofiev: Symphonies No. 1 “Classical” & No. 5
Monday, June 29th, 2009
Prokofiev: Symphonies No. 1 “Classical” & No. 5 Customer Review: Another Fine Naxos Release
Another fine release put out by Naxos. Good solid performances or the two most popular of Prokofiev’s symphonies. At the great Naxos budget price, I highly reccomend them to everyone who enjoy music of the great Russian composers.
King of the Blues Guitar
Monday, June 29th, 2009
King of the Blues Guitar These 17 tunes come from King’s most fertile period, his 1966-68 tenure at Memphis’s Stax Records. Stax chief Jim Stewart had been reluctant to sign blues artists because he felt straight blues wouldn’t mesh with Stax’s patented Memphis soul. Ironically, the fusion of King’s sharp guitar wails with the dynamic rhythms of Booker T. & the MGs–the Stax house band–was what set King apart from other bluesmen. The unique blend produced classic after classic: Booker T. Jones’ rolling piano propels “Laundromat Blues.” Al Jackson’s drum shuffle supports “Crosscut Saw.” The driving horns of Andrew Love, Wayne Jackson, and Joe Arnold accent “Born Under a Bad Sign.” King’s ripe and mellow vocals are a perfect match for the soul-drenched music while his dramatic string bends leap out. –Marc Greilsamer
Customer Review: Buy it!
If you like blues you probably already know about Albert King. If you don’t then sit back and listen to a few tracks. You’ll love it.
Customer Review: He’s the king baby!!!
Listen to this and you can hear a lot of where SRV got his style. It’s no secret and he’s the one who directed me to listen to Albert in an interview I saw with him. Albert wears it out, flying V upside, bendin’ the crap out of those strings. He’s got chops, feel and soul, not a bad singer either. I wish this CD had his version of “Stormy Monday,” but it’s a great CD anyway. Enjoy!