Longing

Editorial Reviews
Larry Flick, Billboard Magazine, October 20, 2001
Earnest bandmates surround Lyon with a blend of gentle guitars and shuffling rhythms. There's nary a weak moment here.

Album Description
Longing is a beautiful collection of songs that tug the heartstrings with stories full of hope, yearning and at times a little sadness all supported by lush arrangements and Sara's ethereal soprano.

Tracks:

The Fire Thief
Lucky
Receiver
Redwing
My Fathers Waltz
Hollow
A-Hunting We Will Go
An Easy One
Strays
Cincinnati Traveler
Jackson
Dance with Me
The Beautiful Sea
Eveningland
Pacific Street
Carry Me Home

Album Description

As the eight-piece Brooklyn collective Hem releases their second full-length album, Eveningland, their reputation precedes them as one of the most distinctive and emotionally rewarding bands in American music. Hem's homespun blend of vintage Americana, country/folk and chamber music made its 2002 independently released debut Rabbit Songs a critical success, inviting musical and lyrical comparisons to everyone from Dusty Springfield to Randy Newman to Aaron Copland. On Eveningland, recorded during their brief tenure with the ill-fated Dreamworks label, the band shows how deeply they've matured as musicians and songwriters. Eveningland, produced by Messé and guitarist Gary Maurer, updates the rustic charm of Rabbit Songs as references to bygone folk tunes give way to sonic touchstones from another classic era. "These songs have more of a relationship to the `60s and early `70s. We're all in love with that Countrypolitan sound," Messé says reverently referring to! classics like Ray Charles' Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music, and albums by Glen Campbell and even the Carpenters. Produced by Gary Maurer and Dan Messe.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Exquisite!.......2007-06-19

This group is one of life's more pleasant surprises! I first heard Sally's exquisite voice on Liberty Mutual's commercial. I was immediately attracted to the pure beauty of her voice coupled with the outstanding musicianship of the overall group. Her voice is hauntingly similar to someone of long ago; a more pleasant era of time shall we say? Does anyone remember Doris Day? Well; Sally's voice is amazing similar in her beautiful vocal presentations.
I pre-ordered their album "Home Again, Home Again" specifically for the song "The Part Where You Let Go!" In the mean time; I also ordered their latest album; Funnel Cloud. It is an outstanding album, but; on reading the reviews for Hem, I decided to purchase Eveningland, and; am I ever glad I did! I like it best between the two. Anyway; treat yourself to some outstanding relaxing vocals and harmony, coupled with music that will lift you up!

Excellent.......2007-06-11

I love this CD so much I gave it as a gift to my boss. It is awesome!

Enchanting.......2007-01-13

It is difficult to paint a picture of such intricately crafted music by such talented and obviously dedicated artists.

From the delicately assembled "Fire Thief" to the more powerful "Strays" and "Redwing" to the haunting "Pacific Street" and the stirring "Eveningland", this album contains an array of emotions unmatched by many others, all conveyed in a beautifully understated, natural manner - no obvious synthesizers (perhaps none at all), no digital nonsense, no wannabe pop diva belting out lyrics. Only beautiful, soothing music that comes from the artists' hearts and invariably finds its way to the listener's heart as well.

I can't think of a better album to listen to while sipping hot chocolate and watching the snow fall.

Thank you to the people who do advertising at Liberty Mutual for exposing me to this band.

Folk at it's best.......2006-03-16

Eveningland and The Rabbit Songs both possess a melodic sincerity to them that never slides into sentimentality, i.e. Emo and any country music written after 1974). It is American music used to its best affect: examining the interiors of the soul for the young and rapturous of heart. I would also recommend Wilco's first four and Neko Case's last two albums.
-Enjoy.

Hem come into their own in this album.......2005-10-05

They become more of the band they were trying to emulate in their previous CD.

Average customer rating:

A dream
Perfection at its Best
Tranquil Beauty
Beautiful!
Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack

Hero
Tan Dun
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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House of Flying Daggers
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Hero

ASIN: B0002S945W
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

Hero: Overture
For the World - Theme Music
Warriors
Gone with Leaves
Longing
At Emperor's Palace
In the Chess Court
Love in Distance
Spirit Fight
Swift Sword
Farewell, Hero
Sorrow in Desert
Home
Above Water
Snow
Yearning for the Peace

Amazon.com

Tan Dun straddles the very different worlds of concert music and film scores, winning admirers in both. He's perhaps best known for his score to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which shares with Hero a visual poetry that transcends the sword-filled action film genre. In Crouching Tiger, Tan Dun's music was often striking. In Hero he often lapses into repetition and cliché, a failing compensated for by several appealing cues. The Overture, for example, begins with the mournful wail of ancient Chinese instruments set against pounding drums, a promising start that evokes ancient China and the struggles to come. There's a mournful soprano vocalise in "Gone With the Leaves," and the "Warriors" cue recalls Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky. The plucking of the ancient Chinese lute in "In the Chess Court" evokes a timeless, peaceful mood, contrasting with the thrilling kodo drummers showcased in "Swift Sword." Itzhak Perlman gets cover billing for violin solos any competent studio fiddler could have handled. Tan Dun's admirers will want this, and audiophiles will love those kodo drummers. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A dream.......2007-05-29

A magistral execution... close your eyes and dream.... a perfumed atmosphere will pervade you

Perfection at its Best.......2007-01-05

I received the Hero CD in mint condition and in a timely fashion. There's a plethora of things one could complain about, and when something works how it should, sometimes it gets overlooked. Not this time! I would just like to commend Amazon.Com on a job well done...

Tranquil Beauty.......2006-08-08

After seeing Hero, one of the (many) things that stuck with me was the evocative soundtrack. It set a perfect backdrop to the artistry and beauty of the story.

After purchasing the soundtrack, I was reminded of many of the scenes I enjoy, especially the tracks for the fight in the chess house ("In the Chess Court"), and in the yellow wood ("Gone with Leaves"). "Longing" is one of the most hauntingly serene pieces of film music I have heard.

This is not, obviously, a CD to listen to while you do step aerobics.
The theme is repeated and varied often, evoking the way the film's story is repeated from different perspectives, but those with short attention spans may perceive it as merely repetitive.

Beyond its association with the film, this soundtrack is an incredibly calming work of art. To be enjoyed with a good cup of hot tea.
5 stars.

Beautiful!.......2006-03-19

Interesting way to present some Chinese history by convoluted storytelling. Jet Li provides a subtle, challenging performance. It's a visually stunning movie to look at, as well. In a way, it's a lot like some classic Westerns in that the gorgeously stark landscapes of China become just as much a "star" as the players.

One of the real draws is the music. Tan Dun's compositions are beautiful, sad and celebratory at the same time, and haunting. I think it was pure genius to pair his compositions with Perlman. I had to wait a few months for the DVD, but I went out and bought the music CD immediately after seeing this gem of a movie.

Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack.......2006-02-25

When I want to reconnect with my inner self and take a "time out" from my rat race life, I play either this CD or the sound track from "The Last Samurai". The theme from this CD stays in your head all day. If you like soundtracks, asian style muusic, classical music, and beauty, this CD has it all. I sometimes end up watching the movie again later in the week. I collect movie soundtracks and this is in my top ten.

Average customer rating:

It's better than that...
leftovers
Another very nice Bonnie Raitt CD
Bonnie is as good as usual
The Best Album of the 90's

Longing in Their Hearts
Bonnie Raitt
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Luck of the Draw
Nick of Time
Fundamental
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The Bonnie Raitt Collection

ASIN: B000002URA
Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

Love Sneakin' Up On You
Longing In Their Hearts
You
Cool, Clear Water
Circle Dance
I Sho Do
Dimming Of The Day
Feeling Of Falling
Steal Your Heart Away
Storm Warning
Hell To Pay
Shadow Of Doubt

Amazon.com

Like its two multiplatinum predecessors, Longing in Their Hearts was produced by Don Was (Raitt is listed as coproducer on the last two) and features the funky rhythm section of ex-Neville Brothers bassist Hutch Hutchinson and ex-Beach Boys drummer Ricky Fataar. As before, Was provides a sympathetic blend of roots rock and radio-ready L.A. pop-rock for Raitt's always-lustrous voice. And yet too many songs on this album just sit there like wallflowers at the juke joint, without enough melody or personality to get the party started. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

It's better than that..........2005-02-24

This is a tremendous CD... though definitely not as glossy and smooth as the ones that came after, or as rough and textured as those before. For some reason, even though there are a few songs I can do without, (I Sho Do comes to mind) songs like "Feeling of Falling", Cool Clear Water" and the title track have remained my favorite Bonnie songs since this CD came out.

There is a funky goove here... and enough attitude to show that Bonnie Raitt is no computer enhanced lip-synching pop diva powderpuff. No way - she's the REAL DEAL. Has been for so long I can't remember... and she still belts it out better than anyone. She's made a huge mark in a world that wasn't exactly welcoming to her at first... and this CD shows why. Virtuoso musicianship, a deadly groove, sultry, strong vocals and that sensation of, well... (hey - isn't that what music is all about!!!)~~~

"Longing" has that quality of imperfect genius that makes Bonnie Raitt's music so satisfying.

leftovers.......2003-05-02

If you loved Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw (as I did), you'll like, but not love, this one. More than anything else, it sounds like songs from the first two recording sessions that weren't quite good enough to make it onto those albums. Pleasant enough, but not moving in the way that Bonnie Raitt can be.

Another very nice Bonnie Raitt CD.......2001-10-20

This is another well produced Bonnie Raitt CD. It is almost as good as the previous two, Nick of Time and Luck of the Draw. The music is the same, with the slick production of Don Was.

Bonnie Raitt was one of the country-tinged cross over artists from the early seventies, similar to Linda Ronstadt and Emilou Harris. She had a great bluesy voice and played a mean slide guitar. She released her first album in 1971. She had a cult following until 1977 when she released a cover of Del Shannon's Runaway, which became a minor hit.

Raitt, continued to have mild successes and failures until she met up with producer Don Was in 1989. Was was a new wave producer who worked with the B-52's. He gave Raitt a nice polished sound that won her five grammies with the Nick of Time. The only downside is that some of her hard edge is missing and her slide guitar is hardly featured.

Bonnie is as good as usual.......2001-06-06

Bonnie Raitt has made another good album. It contains a good dose of her trademark blues/rock, as well as softer ballads such as "You" and "Dimming of the day". The latter is a particular favourite of mine. More of a country sound than a rock sound, nevertheless, it is beautiful. Bonnie Raitt is truly a gifted musician, that can sing, play and write...would that there be more like her. The 16 page booklet contains all lyrics. Recommended for any fan of Clapton, Healey, Vaughn. If you like them, you will be sure to like Bonnie.

The Best Album of the 90's.......1999-03-10

i have to admit. when bonnie raitt first came out in the 70's or hit it big in the early 90's, i wasn't one of her devoted fans. at that point, i was heavily into country music. then i started hearing bits and pieces of her songs and soon i thought, what the hell. in the past two months since i first owned a bonnie raitt record, i have bought two others, this being the last one. and i have to say, it's the most impressive of the three.

it opens with the ever catchy "love sneakin' up on your you" and the guitar licks of the title track. this album has, if not the most, the best ballads bonnie raitt has ever done. "You," "Circle Dance," and "Storm Warning" are absolute wonderful, but the remake of "Dimming Of The Day" steals the spotlight. while some songs are perfect for radio airplay ("I Sho' Do"), there are many non-radio tunes that are equally as good, if not better. "Cool, Clear Water" and "Steal Your Heart Away" are great with the sudden tempo and mood changes that show style in the songwriting, daring to fit outside the format. (automatic kudos for that!) "Feel Of Falling" might date back to the days when bonnie got a little "wild" and shows how scary, as she puts it, "all of that mess" can be.

in short, this is bonnie's best. "Luck Of The Draw" comes close in second and "Fundamental" has a few classics, but it's not too disappointing. i hope we see more of bonnie in the future. i for one, am tired of the bubble gum music being made today---in both pop and country.

Hello Starling
Average customer rating:

Following in a grand tradition

There are a lot of things you can do

Reminicent of Early Springsteen

Hitcooper.com Review

Beautiful, just stunning!

Hello Starling
Josh Ritter
Manufacturer: Signature Sounds
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Subtitulo

Till the Sun Turns Black

Trouble

ASIN: B0000AQS3M
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Bright Smile
Kathleen
You Don't Make It Easy Babe
Man Burning
Rainslicker
Wings
California
Snow Is Gone
Bone of Song
Baby That's Not All
Bad Actress

Amazon.com

Ritter's literate, highly romantic brand of folk has gained him attention on both sides of the Atlantic. Hello Starling, his third album, sees him pushing the boat out further and trying to move beyond the evident influence of Bob Dylan. It doesn't always work: the up-tempo "Kathleen" and "Man Burning," with their swirling organs, clearly carry the mark of Zimmerman, as does the soft and heartfelt "You Don't Make It Easy Babe," a troubled ode to a troubling girl. But this doesn't necessarily matter. Ritter's vocal performances may lack the intensity and weight of Dylan or Leonard Cohen (an equally heavy influence, most evidently on the track "Wings"), but he has a charm and lightness of touch that will endear him to many. Beyond this, it's a real joy to hear a musician attempting ambitious narratives ("Wings," "Bone of Song") where many singer-songwriters cower cravenly behind impressionistic cut-up techniques or, worse still, spatter us with self-obsessed drivel. Perhaps a few albums on, Ritter will truly find his own voice and be considered a real find. --Dominic Wills

Customer Reviews:

Following in a grand tradition.......2005-07-27

Hello Starling is the third album by Josh Ritter, a singer-songwriter and guitarist originally from Moscow ID who has been steadily building support since his first self-released album in 1999, particularly in his native States and in Ireland, where he initially toured supporting the Frames. For this album, Dave Odlum from the Frames was enlisted as producer and the album was recorded over a fortnight in February 2002 in a converted dairy barn near Angers in France (also used by Dave Odlum for an EP with Gemma Hayes in 2001), and with Josh's touring band augmented by Dave Odlum helping out on guitar and mandolin.
As a teenager, Josh Ritter had been inspired by discovering Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash playing together on the Nashville Skyline album, and has also acknowledged Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen and Gillian Welch among his influences (there is a nod to Townes Van Zandt on this album's Kathleen, also the title of one of his songs). He studied American History through narrative music at college, spending six months in Scotland at the School of Scottish Folk Studies, and also made a study of American religious music, American Civil War songs and late 19th century popular ballads, parlour songs and cowboy songs.
Although he has found his own voice and a clear natural style it is clear from his stripped back approach and the meticulously recorded instruments that he has learned well and deeply from all these guiding legacies and adaptations. This is an album that has been built to last and leaves one keenly anticipating the next.

There are a lot of things you can do.......2005-05-15

Buy this album and listen to it.
Just like bright eyes brilliant or better.

Reminicent of Early Springsteen.......2005-03-19

Josh Ritter's amazing talent should not go unnoticed for long here in the states as he's such a rising star in Ireland/UK that it won't be long before everyone knows his name. Very reminincent of early Springsteen with his unperfect but endearing voice, his raw passion, and superb song writing this guy is going far!

I dare anyone to listen to "Kathleen" and not be humming before the end of the song and then replaying it to learn all the words. The song promises to stay in your head and heart long after you've listend to the CD!

One of the best singer/songwriters in a very long time! If you get a chance to see him perform live don't walk but RUN to stand in line to see him....you won't be sorry!

Hitcooper.com Review.......2004-09-28

This album is pure, raw folk music. Josh is an amazing poet with a simple, sweet voice. I guess he's huge over in Ireland/England... I'm sure he will soon be huge here in the US... I recommend jumping on his fan bandwagon now... And I noticed that Hitcooper.com chose him as one of their featured artists... Another proof that he's a true artist that's definitely worth listening to...

Beautiful, just stunning!.......2004-05-10

Josh Ritter has an amazing voice. These are my seperate opinions, with 10 the best, 0 the worst.

Bright Smile: 9. Maybe this should have been a little bit faster, but a perfect start to a beatiful fol rock CD.

Kathleen: 10. He hits a great high not, the prime of his voice. A real find.

You Don't Make It Easy Babe: 8. Not my kind of music, but still good.

Man Burning: 10,000. JOSH!!!! THIS ROCKS!!!!! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SONG I CAN NOT SAY ENOUGH!!!!

The rest are 8's, with the exception of the Bad Actress and Bone of Song.

Thanks Josh! You really made music!

Average customer rating:

a wonderful surprise

What!? How is this possible?

Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all

A perfect marriage of music and lyrics

The Maury Yeston Songbook

The Maury Yeston Songbook
Maury Yeston , Christine Andreas , Brent Barrett , Betty Buckley , Liz Callaway , Alice Ripley , Sutton Foster , Brian d'Arcy James , and Philip Chaffin
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jule Styne in Hollywood

The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

December Songs

Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00008H2LJ
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Please Let's Not Even Say Hello - Alice Ripley
Only with You - Brent Barrett
I Want to Go to Hollywood - Sutton Foster
Danglin' - Johnny Rodgers
I Had a Dream About You - Betty Buckley
My True Love - Philip Chaffin
A Call from the Vatican - Alice Ripley
Now and Then - Laura Benanti
You're There Too - Christopher Fitzgerald
Is Someone Out There? - Eden Espinosa
New Words - Brent Barrett
My Grandmother's Love Letters - Christine Ebersole
By the River - Christine Andreas
I Am Longing - Philip Chaffin
Home - Laura Benanti & Robert Cuccioli
Another Day in the Modern World - Michael Holland
Simple - Liz Callaway
Unusual Way - Brian d'Arcy James
Be On Your Own - Betty Buckley
No Moon - Howard McGillin

Amazon.com

Despite racking up Tony nominations and/or box-office success with Nine, Grand Hotel, and Titanic, Maury Yeston remains a relatively unknown Broadway auteur. And yet, what a fabulous songwriter he is. Listen to "Home," for instance: This excerpt from Phantom (the other adaptation of Phantom of the Opera) has great melodic hooks, along with natural sweep and unrestrained emotion. Like every song on this CD, it also has such dramatic drive that it easily stands on its own outside of its regular narrative frame. This collection of new recordings provides an excellent overview of Yeston's talent, juxtaposing numbers from his three best-known scores (though there's only one from Titanic) with rarities and a generous selection from his 1991 song cycle December Songs. Christine Ebersole, Liz Callaway, and Betty Buckley turn in expectedly strong performances, but watch also for Laura Benanti (the star of the 2003 revival of Nine), Christine Andreas, and Foster Sutton, who completely make the material theirs. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Description

The Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist -- who's given us the smash hit musicals Titanic, Phantom and Grand Hotel, and whose first stage show, Nine, is currently being revived in New York with Antonio Banderas -- is celebrated in song by the best stars o

Customer Reviews:

a wonderful surprise.......2007-07-22

Like others, I bought this CD primarily for Sutton Foster's rendition of "I Want to Go to Hollywood." And while that's wonderful, the real surprises here are the songs from Yeston's song cycle "December Songs." Christine Ebersole and Christine Andreas give absolutely lovely, technically proficient, completely heartfelt renditions of "My Grandmother's Love Letters" and "By the River", respectively. I'd heard Andrea Marcovicci's recording of "December Songs" and was seriously underwhelmed. These two tracks just prove that Yeston might have over-estimated Marcovicci's range and technical ability. "By the River" is a revelation in the right hands, and Ms. Andreas's rendition is just four minutes of wonderful. I also want to mention Howard McGillin's "No Moon". This little song from "Titanic" is just so moving. Pulled out of context, it becomes a little jewel of metaphor.

The CD as a whole is beautifully recorded, with an intimacy and clarity that makes you feel like you're in the first row of a very small theatre. If you come across this and you're on the fence, take a chance. I bet that you'll be as pleasantly surprised and deeply moved as I've been.

What!? How is this possible?.......2007-01-20

How could one put together a Maury Yeston Songbook cd without a track from Andrea Marcovicci? He wrote a song cycle for her. Granted there are some great singers here but a grave oversight to not include Ms Marcovicci.

Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all.......2006-11-14

Maury Yeston may be musical theatre's unsung genius to the public at large, but I've heard his praises sung many times. A friend convinced me to buy the original Broadway cast of "Nine", and while there were some fantastic songs and an undeniable melodic gift throughout, it left me lukewarm. The same with "Grand Hotel". And I couldn't stand "Titanic" - too big, too self-important, too reliant on booming low brass and bombastic orchestral swells.

"Phantom" was the only one of his scores that touched something other than distanced admiration in me. It was everything Sir Lloyd Webber's popera travesty could never quite aspire to - epic yet human, beautiful and touching, with songs that showed actual details and emotions. So it was with that in mind that I purchased this, figuring that maybe Maury could prove me wrong, shorn from the restrictions of a book musical format.

And by God, did he prove me right and then some.

Maybe it's the singers. Maybe it's the perfect orchestrations. Maybe it's just the absence of a plot to follow. More than likely, it's all three, but this is one of the most gorgeous, enjoyable, heartbreaking albums I've ever purchased. Yeston has assembled an impressive cast to give voice to his music - such heavy Broadway hitters as Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole and Howard McGillin mix with up-and-comers like Eden Espinosa, Sutton Foster, and Brian d'Arcy James. But the most impressive turns are given by people I'd never heard of before - Johnny Rodgers (who?) has a voice spun from gold, and he's absolutely perfect in "Danglin'", a simple and powerful song despite some odd lyric choices by Yeston. Likewise Philip Chaffin in "My True Love" and "I Am Longing", and Michael Holland displays a warm and untrained performance of "Another Day in the Modern World". These three men, who I'd never heard of before, absolutely stole the show. It doesn't hurt that they're given some of the best songs from the album.

Of course, the rest of the ensemble uniformly turns in worthwhile performances. The professionalism of Broadway is gloriously evident here, each singer making their song uniquely theirs. Brent Barrett made me hear "Only With You" as if for the first time. Betty Buckley is surprisingly vulnerable in "I Had A Dream About You". Alice Ripley is her usual bundle of raw emotion in "Please Let's Not Even Say Hello", and turns in a rare comic performance in "Call From The Vatican" to great effect (listen to that surprise high note near the end! Wow, Alice!). Christine Ebersole is heartbroken, elated, vulnerable, and tough all in the course of "Grandmother's Love Letters"' 4 minutes.

There are some weak spots - Eden Espinosa is mostly one-note during her song, and while it's certainly a high note, it's nothing you haven't heard her do better elsewhere. Laura Benanti's "Now and Then" goes by without much notice, which is a shame for this talented actress. And Betty Buckley goes back to her usual high-volume stridence in "Be On Your Own", which despite its chilling music deserves a more nuanced performance than Buckley gives here. But these songs would be standouts on any other album, and it's only the company they keep that prevent them from being excellent.

Oh, and "Unusual Way", possibly Yeston's best-known song, is so beautifully performed here by Brian d'Arcy James and a three-piece band that I nearly cried hearing it. And that's quite a feat for a song that I swore never to listen to again after the seventeenth girl in a day auditioned with it (badly). But the gender swap works perfectly, and d'Arcy James' golden Irish tenor swings through the music effortlessly.

As for the band - there are no missteps here. Each song is given exactly what it needs, from the Romantic-with-a-capital-R string section on "Home", to the jazzy saxophone on "Letter From the Vatican", to "Be On Your Own", which is given a Herrmann-esque string section. Some particular touches stand out - that lovely acoustic guitar on "Danglin'", the simple piano line on "Modern World", and the sublime cello/piano outro in "Unusual Way" really stuck with me after the album stopped playing. And the recording is without fault - crisp, encompassing, personable and expansive as the mood requires. The whole album sounds fantastic.

There is such a wide range of style and substance here that each song would deserve purchasing individually. As a collection? It's bliss. If you're a fan of theater music, appreciate great vocals, or just need something to keep you company on long nights, this is required purchase.

A perfect marriage of music and lyrics.......2006-09-07

I think Yeston must be the most underrated talent in music theatre. And not just music theatre ... for as far as I know, "Danglin'" is not from a show - a jewel of a song ... and a disarmingly honest rendition from Johnny Rogers (what a beautiful voice! Why hasn't he made more CD's?) Some other favourites are "New Words" (not enough parent-child love songs out there ... and I can't imagine it could be sung any better than this), "You're there too" (with a charming and unexpected twist), "Simple" (Callaway is superb), "Only With You" (loveable rogue!) ... to name but a few. Inspired music theatre writing. A must for any musical buff, composer or singer seeking repertoire that will help them stand out from the crowd.

The Maury Yeston Songbook.......2006-08-30

A good album sung by good singers. I have been an admirer of Maury Yeston for a number of years . I am a great fan of "Nine"
which I consider his best work.(If possible try to listen to the
Australian Cast Recording with John Diedrich) I enjoy listening to artists like Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Sutton Foster,and my very favourite singer Liz Callaway. All in all a great CD to just sit back ,relax and enjoy Les Breen

Average customer rating:

Gwlad! Gwlad!
Pleasantly surprised
So Welsh!
Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD
Nostalgia for Wales

Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs of My Welsh Home

ASIN: B00004XRY8
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Land Of My Father (Welsh National Anthem)
On The Seashore
David Of The White Rock
Men Of Harlech
My Little Welsh Home
A Pure Heart
Lullaby
Little Saucepan
The Shepherd Of Aberdovey
CWM Rhondda
Myfanwy
Cymru Fach
All Through The Night
Sunset Poem (Eli Jenkins' Prayer)
We'll Keep A Welcome
'Twas Thou Who Gave
Thanks To The Lord
Palm Sunday
Hyfrydol
Hiraeth (Longing)
Land Of My Fathers (Full Version)

Amazon.com

Bryn Terfel is the most recent in a long line of great Welsh singers (and certainly one of the greatest)--a people who proverbially are "born with music in the blood and poetry in the soul." Here, he sings the songs of his native Wales: hymns, folksongs, art songs, tender lullabies, yearning songs of love and homesickness, and heroic, defiant patriotic songs--including the Welsh National Anthem, which opens and closes the program. Terfel's voice, flowing out effortlessly like a golden stream, is phenomenal for its incomparable beauty, its range of dynamics, its inflection, and its intensity; his expressiveness is simpler and more natural than usual, and seems really to come straight from his soul. In honor of another great Welsh tradition, two splendid male choirs accompany him; in the fine orchestra, the English horn and harp soloists are particularly striking. The only false note on this heartwarming disc is the lush, garish orchestration, which runs counter to the ingenuous spirit of the songs and often almost resembles a soundtrack. The prime example is the lovely lullaby that's popular in English as "All Through the Night." Terfel sings it with wonderful simplicity; the orchestration is out of a grade-B movie. No wonder, therefore, that the more magical moments are those in which Terfel sings alone with a cappella chorus, harps, or piano; especially in the quiet, inward songs. The accompanying booklet is done beautifully, with stunning photographs of the Welsh countryside, a brief account of Welsh history and music, and texts in both Welsh and English. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Gwlad! Gwlad!.......2007-06-03

I saw Bryn Terfel sing Mozart at Lyric Opera in Chicago--unforgettable stage presence and energy, but I was more taken with his performances of English songs I'd heard on the radio. On this disc the full range of his musical talent is on display, alternately belting out nationalist songs, then singing hymns and traditional pieces with amazing tenderness. There are moments where the arrangements are a bit cheesy but the choirs are fantastic and Terfel is in fabulous voice throughout. Being a DG production the sonics are warm and natural. Overall, a beautiful addition to Terfel's wide ranging discography.

Pleasantly surprised.......2007-05-12

I only bought this CD because I wanted a good recording of Cvm Rhondda. Well I got that and much more. Myfanwy is just wonderful. I didn't know who Bryn Terfel was, but now I'm a fan.

So Welsh!.......2006-11-10

An absolutely delightful CD just full of the most wonderful melodic welsh songs and hymns, and what can you say about Bryn's voice other than 'fabulous', rich and vibrant - rather like smooth, dark chocolate. What a wonderful Christmas gift this CD would be for someone who has exquisite taste in music.

Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD.......2005-07-24

Bryn Terfel picked songs that meant a lot to him growing up in Wales, and also which represent the Welsh spirit. I really enjoy listening to this CD, and know you will, too! Simply beautiful and stirring melodies, sound food for both ear and soul.

Nostalgia for Wales.......2004-05-15

Bryn Terfel, with his magnificent baritone, sings a wonderful selection of songs that makes me wish that I was Welsh. My husband was born in Wales and this is a wonderful way for our children to know more of their heritage by listening to the Welsh language as it is sung and following the words in Welsh, then reading the translation. This CD is definitely a favorite.

Return to Never Land (Original Soundtrack)

Average customer rating:

Jonatha Brooke's "I'll Try" is worth the purchase.
Loved It! Loved It! Loved It!
"I'll Try"
Jonatha Brooke
10 year old and loving it!!:)

Return to Never Land (Original Soundtrack)
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Peter Pan
10 Cent Wings
Peter Pan: Classic Soundtrack Series (1953 Film)
The Angel in the House
Return to Never Land

ASIN: B00005Y1ZO
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Tracks:

Do You Believe In Magic? - BBMak
Main Title
Second Star To The Right - Jonatha Brooke
The Tale Of Pan
I'll Try - Jonatha Brooke
Jane Is Kidnapped
A Childhood Lost
Here We Go Another Plan
Summoning The Octopus/Pan Saves Jane
Flight Through Never Land
So To Be One Of Us
Meet The Lost Boys
Now That You're One Of Us
Longing For Home
Hook And The Lost Boys
Hook Deceives Jane
Jane Finds The Treasure
Pan Is Captured
I'll Try (Reprsie)
Jane Saves Tink And Pan
Jane Can Fly
Flying Home
Reunion

Customer Reviews:

Jonatha Brooke's "I'll Try" is worth the purchase........2007-06-23

The soundtrack in total is better than most Disney Films...But the song "I'll Try" is a classic and the CD should be purchased to hear the singing and songwriting of Jonatha Brooke. Why this song did not get an Oscar nod, when songs of less substance do each year is perplexing. If you liked the film or did not even see it...the CD is worth the price. In addition Jonatha Brooke has many more CDs out of her music and one can instantly be hooked (no pun intended) at first listen...

Loved It! Loved It! Loved It!.......2006-02-25

When I saw the movie, I first saw it in the movie theater and then on Disney Channel. I heard the song "I'll Try" and immediatly wanted the soundtrack. I also wanted the movie. Jonatha Brooke's song made me want to fly. :) I personally never want to grow up and this movie and song help you stay childish and care-free longer. It trully is a beautiful song and a beautiful movie.

"I'll Try".......2005-02-17

The movie was okay, but the song "I'll Try" just made me want to see it again and again. It's so great!! I love it!!

Jonatha Brooke.......2003-06-19

Have to say I hated the movie, but when the song 'I'll Try' played, I immediately recognized the amazing talent of Jonatha Brooke. It is a beautiful song and if you enjoy it, I highly recommend you listen to her other stuff. She has several solo albums, all of which are good, but her best work (in my opinion)is the stuff she did as part of a Boston based duo called 'The Story'. Their album 'Grace in Gravity', is one of my all time favorites. The harmonies on the album are astounding and complex. Jonatha has a penchant for minor keys and her phrasing is unmistakeable. Superb stuff for the music enthusiast.

10 year old and loving it!!:).......2002-05-30

Personally I love Peter Pan things and that "I'll Try..."song made me cry when I saw it in the movie theater,And really all these songs are great...They make me feel like I never wanna grow up also...:)Those songs have that way that move you,Like make you sad....And man...I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!:)PETER PAN ALL THE WAY!Wahooo!:)

Average customer rating:

Longing For A Place Already Gone
Laura Bell
Manufacturer: The LAB Records, LLC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000RC3BPC
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

Fool Moon
Texas
Between Me and You
Just Me
Fallin'
Designated Drunk
Lovin' and Lyin'
I'll Make The Money
The C Word
Long Blonde Hair
Good Genes
Bad Boys
Just Pretend That You Love Me
Dancing With Myself
Bonus Track
Bonus Track

Product Description

A lively mix of y'alternative and traditional country originals, a dance club version of Billy Idol's Dancing With Myself and 2 bonus tracks

Life of the Worlds: Journeys in Jewish Sacred Music

Average customer rating:

Life of the Worlds: Journeys in Jewish Sacred Music

Manufacturer: Five Souls Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

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Tuning The Soul: Worlds of Jewish Sacred Music
Kabbalah Music: Songs of the Jewish Mystics
Sing My Heart
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Sacred Chants of the Contemporary Synagogue

ASIN: B000172L72
Release Date: 2003-12-03

Tracks:

Ha'aderet Veha'emunah/LeKhay Olamim - Yemen
Le'El Adir Neranenah - Afghanistan
Bati Legani - Eastern Europe
Kinah Lekhurban Gan Eden - Eastern Europe
Sephardi Yerushalmi Khatsi Kaddish - Jerusalem/Spain
Navah Tehilah - Afghanistan
Hayoshevet Baganim - Yemen
Eyn Keloheynu - Morocco
Modeh Ani/Elohay Neshamah - Salonica
Eli Shema Koli - Morocco
Reb Nachman's Niggun - Ukraine
Hishtapkhut Hanefesh - Belarus
Niggun of the Alter Rebbe - Belarus
Ve'erastikh Li - Salonica
El Mistater - Poland
Ashrey - Eastern Europe/Spain
Yemeni Shema - Yemen
Grandfather Sang a Song - Eastern Europe

Amazon.com

The modern-day traditional Jewish music revival is filled with artists exploring klezmer's Eastern-European roots, but you'll hear no clarinet and little violin on cantor/educator Richard Kaplan's Life Of The Worlds. Although these are traditional songs, there is a broad range of the Diaspora represented on his second album, including Afghani, Spanish, Moroccan, and Algerian traditions. Kaplan dives into the sacred and the secular, the prophetic and the exultant, finding commonalities amongst different tribes and fusing them together. Musical accompaniment comes in the form of an occasional flute, piano, and violin as well as Moroccan clay drums, oud, dumbek, and other pre-modern-era instruments, but the instrument at the center of each song is Kaplan's voice--his high baritone majestically soars, quavers with sensitivity, and rings out with joy. To hear him sing solo versions of traditional Niggiun is to hear a world-class master savor the multifaceted nuance of each note and transcend the concept of song, turning it into religion and high art. --Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

A remarkable collection of vocal performances of Jewish sacred music from the Middle East, Andalusia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia - songs of exultation, longing, love, and Divine immanence - accompanied by an ensemble of masterful musicians.

Instruments include: oud, ney, kanun, Egyptian accordian, violin, mandolin, dumbek, doira, riqq, Yemenite can, tar, saz, clarinet, mey (Turkish duduk), tilinca (Rumanian shepherd's flute), piano, string bass, balaban (Klezmer drum set), cimbalom, and a chorus of voices.

Among many special songs, the CD features an 'eco-lament' (ecological lament) based on lament melodies for the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. It is called "Lament on the Destruction of the Garden of Eden" (Kinah Lekhurban Gan Eden), and updates the use of these tunes to mourn the wounding of our larger temple, Gaia - Mother Earth.

LIFE OF THE WORLDS contains 18 songs, 77 minutes of music, and contains a 32-page booklet which includes informative song descriptions; all texts are provided in transliteration, English translation, and in Hebrew or Yiddish.

This CD was three years in the making, and presents the first recordings in North America of several songs from the treasure-chest of Jewish sacred music.

The Songs of Robert Burns / Songs of the Hebrides
Average customer rating:

Elegance in sound

Scottish Songs for a Lifetime

Simply exquisite!

Love and frustration

The Songs of Robert Burns / Songs of the Hebrides

Manufacturer: Dutton Labs UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Very Best of

The Tartan and Scottish Saturday Night

The Decca Years: 1955-1975

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ASIN: B0006840KC
Release Date: 2005-05-10