Passion Blue

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Franki Baaz's "Passion Blue" is her 4th album. Her last album "Wisdom'" was in the top 10 of some the playlist charts, on the Austrialian ISON, 6 network commercial station. Her 2nd album was played across the US and Europe, often hitting # 1 or being in the top 10 for weeks at a time. Her first album, where she also co-wrote and fronted was played on L.A. based rock station, KROQ. Franki Baaz is currently geering up to do a US college and European tour.

Album Description
The overall feel of 'Passion Blue' is Durango-Americana. The soothing vocals of Franki Baaz give the listener a ride into her inner depths by being both emotionally enticing and lyrically moving. Her lyrics evoke a feeling of introspection and intense reverie. Her vocal quality is both soothing and provacative, and loaded with emotional intensity. The guiter rifts have a cool touch of classic rock meets modern country that doesn't overwhelm the vocals and at the same time gives even more impact to the music. Very nicely produced package.

Tracks:

Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Piano Concerto In A Major, K 488: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Flute Concerto In D Major, K 314: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Symphony No. 40 in G minor: Molto allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Clarinet Concerto KV 622: Adagio - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Serenade, K 375: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Turkish March - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Violin Concerto, K 216: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Divertimento, K 334: Menuetto - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Horn Concerto, K 447: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Cassation, K 99: Allegro - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Tracks:

Overture No. 4 In Major: Rejouissance - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 3 In D Major: Air - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major: I. Allegro - J.S.Bach
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 2 In B Minor: Menuet & Badinerie - J.S.Bach
Prelude In C Major - J.S.Bach
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor - J.S.Bach
Prelude In C Minor - J.S.Bach
Overture No. 1 In C Major: Passepied - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F Major: II. Adagio - J.S.Bach
Kommst du nun, Jesu vom Himmel herunter, Chorale - J.S.Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: II. Allegro - J.S.Bach
Violin Concerto In E Major: I. Adagio - J.S.Bach
St. Matthew Passion: Finale Chorus: 'Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder' - J.S.Bach

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Fur Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Violin Romance No. 2 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Minuet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 8 In F Major: Allegretto scherzando - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Coriolan: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Egmont: Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Die Fledermaus: Die Fledermaus (Excerpts) - Johann Strauss
Wine, Woman And Song - Johann Strauss
Tritsch Tratsch Polka - Johann Strauss
The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss
The Gypsy Baron: Introduction - Johann Strauss
Annen Polka - Johann Strauss
Vienna Blood - Johann Strauss
The Gypsy Baron: Einzugsmarsch - Johann Strauss

Tracks:

Tannhauser: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Dance Of The Prentices - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude Act 3 - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Aufzug der Meistersinger - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Der fliegende Hollander: Overture - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Lohengrin: Prelude - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Tristan und Isolde: Prelude And Liebestod - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
Tannhauser: Arrival Of The Guests At Wartburg - MASTERS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo - Peter Tchaikovsky
String Serenade: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Violin Concerto: Andante - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Introduction - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Pas d'action - Adagio - Peter Tchaikovsky
The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Capriccio italien Op. 45 - Peter Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Scene No. 10 - Peter Tchaikovsky
Swan Lake: Ballet Suite: Waltz - Peter Tchaikovsky
Eugene Onegin: Polonaise - Peter Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: Spring - VIVALDI, Antonio
Siciliano - VIVALDI, Antonio
Concerto In D Minor:: (Allegro Assai) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: Summer - VIVALDI, Antonio
Oboe Sonata In B Flat Major, RV 34: Adagio - Allegro - Largo - Allegro - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: Autumn - VIVALDI, Antonio
Oboe Concerto: Allegro non tasto - Largo - Allegro non molto - VIVALDI, Antonio
Concerto In D Minor: (Largo e spiccato) Cologne Concerto - VIVALDI, Antonio
The 4 Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: Winter - VIVALDI, Antonio

Tracks:

Scherzo No 1 In B Minor, Op. 20 - Frederic Chopin_
Three Nocturnes, Op. 9: No 3 In B Major - Frederic Chopin_
Twelve Etudes, Op. 10: No 5 In G Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
Twelve Etudes, Op. 25: No 10 In B Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 In F Sharp Major - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 14 In E Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 15 In D Flat Major 'Raindrops' - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 16 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 17 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 18 In F Minor - Frederic Chopin_
Scherzo No. 2 In B Flat Minor, Op. 31 - Frederic Chopin_
Waltz In E Flat Major, Op. 18 - Frederic Chopin_
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. - Frederic Chopin_
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 3 In A Flat Major - Frederic Chopin_
Four Mazurkas, Op. 24: No. 4 In B Flat Minor - Frederic Chopin_

Tracks:

Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
Impromptu In E Flat Major - Franz Schubert
Standchen - Franz Schubert
Trout Quintet: Tema con variazioni - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 1 - Franz Schubert
Moment Musical In A Flat Major - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Entr'acte No. 2 - Franz Schubert
Moment Musical No. 3 In F Minor - Franz Schubert
'Rosamunde': Ballet Music No.2 - Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato - Franz Schubert

Tracks:

Nabucco: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
Nabucco: Va pensiero, sull'ali dorate - Verdi, Giuseppe
Aida: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
II Trovatore: Verdi! le fosche notturne (Gypsies' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
II Trovatore: Or co' daddi, ma fra poco (Soldiers' Chorus) - Verdi, Giuseppe
Aroldo: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Prelude - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Noi siamo zingarelle - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata:: Libiamo ne' lieti calici - Verdi, Giuseppe
La Traviata: Di Madride noi siam mattadori - Verdi, Giuseppe
La forza del destino: Overture - Verdi, Giuseppe

Customer Reviews:

masters of classical music.......2007-03-26

A nice collection for the classical listener. Great variety of composers and the music quality of the cds are very good.

A good basic collection.......2006-11-10

With selections from numerous composers, it is an easy way to familiarize oneself with some of the most popular classical works and excerpts. A pleasant listen for the initiated too.

An excellent introduction to classical music.......2006-10-18

This is an excellent introduction to classical music. Well performed and presented.

Very Beautiful!!!!!1.......2006-10-05

If you are a fan of classical music then you better get this set. Not only is it very cheap, 10 Discs for about 2$ per disk. Now where are you gonna find a deal like this. I actually found mine chaper, $20.00 even and the music is outstanding. If you had a very bad day and very stressed out, just put in one of these cds, lay down, dim down the lights and just relax. It really helped me out.

Still Stuck on Beethoven.......2006-08-22

I just recently started listening to classical music so I'm certainly not one to compare or critique the quality of this set. However, I do have a few comments...

My interest started in this genre of music because I'm researching my ancestry in Prussia and this is the music of those times. Never mind my ancestors were poor peasants who probably never got the chance to hear such wonderful music... when listening to these CDs, I'm taken back in time... to a royal court in Europe... to another place in time. The music is inspiring, relaxing, invigorating.

I have yet to listen to all the CD's in the set. I'm stuck on Beethoven! Wasn't he AWESOME!?!

I think this set is a wonderful introduction to classical music!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Taking the long road
If you can see her live, then: get! If not...
The Best!!
Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful!
Stages is Awesome

Stages
Ruthie Foster
Manufacturer: Blue Corn Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Runaway Soul
The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
Full Circle
Live From Austin TX
State of Grace

ASIN: B00023B1GW
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

Ocean Of Tears
Crossover
Another Rain Song
Real Love
God Bless The Child
Turn Me On
Death Came A Knockin' (Travelin' Shoes)
Get Out Of My Way
Lost In The City
Prayin' For Rain
Church
Walk On
Oh! Susannah
Full Circle

Customer Reviews:

Taking the long road.......2007-02-25

Ruthie Foster shows the full range of her musicianship on this remarkable recording, which captures not only her rich voice but her wonderful sense of humor and love for music that stretches over a broad range of genres. Whether playing on a tango theme or drawing from her wonderful dip bag of folk music, Ruthie never fails to please the listener, especially on this album.

If you can see her live, then: get! If not..........2006-12-04

...then you owe it to yourself to buy this album. You won't miss her on stage again: expect goose bumps, and maybe some damp eyes, just listening to the CD. This is one of the best live recordings -- of anyone -- that I have heard. Buy it now, as the first in your collection, and you can tell your friends later: "Ruthie Foster? Oh yeah, I know her music!"

The Best!!.......2005-06-15

Ruthie Foster is THE BEST pure singer I have ever heard. When she sings Walk On and/or Oh Susannah - chills...
I absolutely LOVE HER - not only her singing but her guitar playing also. Check out/download her video at Kerrville from the internet and see her perform. A genius who can sing anything: blues, folk, whatever. I LOVE her - she is my favorite singer. Both her Stages and Runaway Soul albums- whew!!
Wish she would perform on national TV...

Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful!.......2004-11-11

A couple of weeks ago on a stiflingly sultry afternoon at the Texas Book Festival I heard in the distance this incredible voice singing the old Curtis Mayfield song, "People Get Ready." I moved quickly toward it and caught the last two minutes of Ruthie Foster's one hour set at the Entertainment Tent. In those two minutes, the gritty spirituality of her bluesy gospel rendition of that classic gave me the chills, and, I confess, watery eyes. She shook me. I told my wife that she was the greatest singer I had ever heard, and I'm not sure that I would qualify that even now. I ordered two of her CD's as soon as I could get to the internet and Amazon.com. The studio produced "Runaway Soul" is truly great, and I highly recommend it, but "Stages" is as close to perfection as any human has a right to expect. I agree with the other reviewer. It's the best live CD I own, with the possible exception of "James Brown at the Apollo!" Her rendition of "Oh, Susana," is revelatory. Foster discovers beneath the hokey joy of the tradition tune a transcendently beautiful lament. It is a shockingly insightful performance. Haunting. I could go on and on about other great numbers on the CD, but won't. Just buy it and enjoy it.

Stages is Awesome.......2004-08-09

This is simply the best live album I have heard! Having seen Ruthie Foster live at the Canmore Folk Fest - Stages stays true to her performance and gives the listener insight in to the fabulous range and style of Ruthie Foster - highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Great Things In Store For This Guitarist!
The blues lives on
A real talent to watch

Shades of Blue
Kirk Fletcher
Manufacturer: Delta Groove Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Soul Sanctuary
Nickels & Dimes
Sadie Mae
Road to Rio
That Represent Man

ASIN: B00030N49Q
Release Date: 2004-09-05

Tracks:

Blues For Boo Boo
Bad Boy
Welfare Blues
Don't Go No Further
Club Zanzibar
That's Why I'm Cryin'
Worried Man Blues
Country Girl
Down Home Woman
Stranded in St. Louis
Little By Little
My Home Is A Prison
The River's Invitation
Hip Hug Her
You Don't Know
Club Zanzibar (alternate take)
Don't Go No Further (acoustic)

Album Description

"Raw blues does not get any better than this"

The essential album by dynamic guitarist Kirk Fletcher, "Shades of Blue" can only be described as classic electric Chicago, Delta, and West Coast blues played with passion and fire by one of the best blues guitarists in the business, with a little help from some high-profile friends.

This is the first time that "Shades of Blue" has been available in the US, newly re-mastered and with 3 previously unreleased tracks!

The album also features a powerhouse of blues talent including: Kim Wilson, Janiva Magness, Finis Tasby, Ronnie James Weber, and more!

With a total 17 tracks this album is a must have for music lovers worldwide.

Customer Reviews:

Great Things In Store For This Guitarist!.......2005-07-16

This is a very talented young man who has a great future ahead of him. It's hard to believe he's only in his twenties.

You can hear the influence of B.B. King in his playing and the liner notes confirm that B.B. was and is an inspiration. Make no mistake, this is no mere copycat. Kirk has learned from the masters - including Elmore James (check out "Worried Man Blues") - but he is definitely his own man.

The album is titled "Shades of Blue" and these shades range from songs written by Jimmy Dawkins, Jr. Wells and Magic Sam, to Percy Mayfield. However, These are not the usual covers. Someone certainly gave these choices some thought. There are also a couple of originals showing additional talent as a songwriter. On "Blues for Boo Boo" (his daughter - and I'd love to hear the story behind that nickname) we get a hint that he may also have some jazz in his repertoire. That hint shows up again in "Hip Hug Her".

The vocals are shared by Kim Wilson, along with his oh-so-fine harp, Janiva Magness and Finis Tasby and they give Kirk plenty of room to show his stuff. I particularly enjoyed the vocals of Finis Tasby whose voice and style seem to mesh especially well with Kirk's. I would have liked to have heard a couple more intrumentals. Maybe next time. Meanwhile, I highly recommend this CD and I hope there is more to come soon. Am I raving? Yes I am!

One last note to Riley: Your blues are in good hands!

The blues lives on.......2005-03-29

In a world infatuated with hip hop, young African-American blues guitarists are a rare commodity. Rarer yet are those whose touch, tone, and vibe recall such Chicago blues greats as Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, and Otis Rush in their youth. Meet Kirk Fletcher: Still in his '20s, he plays with the conviction and authority of a seasoned vet, yet burns with a young man's fire. Fletcher favors toothy Strat tones, stinging bends, and flurries of tight, staccato riffs that seem to pop from his fretboard like little firecrackers. His touch is supple and his fingering fluid, yet his phrases never sound slick or contrived. Fletcher and his no-B.S. band cover blues classics by B.B. King, Willie Dixon, and Magic Sam; toss in some R&B (including Percy Mayfield's "The River's Invitation" and a funky take on Booker T. & the MG's "Hip Hug Her"); and cap things off with modern offerings from the likes of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' Kim Wilson. Fresh, vital blues.

A real talent to watch .......2005-02-06

Every now and when someone is able to emerge from the crowd of very good blues musicians out there and demonstrate that he has something special that distinguishes himself. I think that this is exactly the case of Kirk Fletcher. This album is a real gem that shouldn't be missed by any serious blues fan. With the help of veterans like Kim Wilson, Finis Tasby and Janiva Magness sharing vocal duties and the support of a fantastic band Mr. Fletcher delivers 17 strong blues songs that deserve to be listened. His guitar work is outstanding in every track and, even though very close to the style of the great players of the past, he brings something new into the mix. Fantastic tone control and fluid phrasing are, from my point of view, his main assets that together with is innovative way in creating music progression, make his sound fairly unique and very personal. Not a bad tune to be spotted, this is the classic CD that you would listen from start to finish and when it is over, well... you will play it again!

Inspector Morse, Volume 2 (English TV Series)

Average customer rating:

Good listening

Inspector Morse, Volume 2 (English TV Series)
Barrington Pheloung , Christoph Willibald Gluck , and Antonio Vivaldi
Manufacturer: Blue Plate Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Inspector Morse, Volume 1 (English TV Series)
Inspector Morse, Volume 3 (English TV Series)
The Magic of Inspector Morse
The Complete Inspector Morse
Sherlock Holmes TV Soundtrack

ASIN: B000003RV0
Release Date: 1996-03-05

Tracks:

Inspector Morse Theme - ITV Version
The Warmer Side Of Morse
'Che Faro Senza Eurydice'
Gently Sinister Revelation
Con For 2 Mandolini In G
Sad Echoes
'Mitradi Quell' Alma Ingrata
Gentle Loving
Andante From Piano Sonata In D
Lewis And Morse
Chorale 'Er Kenne Mich Mein Huter
Morse's Sympathetic Ear
Excerpt From Adagio
Tenderness
Terzettino 'Soave Sia Il Vento'
Morse's Second Chance
'Signore, Ascolta!'
Inspector Morse Theme-The Full Version

Customer Reviews:

Good listening.......2000-06-11

For years I listened to the theme music on Inspector Morse and wondered what it was. Now that Amazon makes it easy to track such things down, I know. These three albums (volumes 1, 2, and 3) combine Barrington Pheloung's wonderful theme and background music with Morse's favorites (be warned, we get into some opera here). The three volumes provide an excellent evening of classical music.

Average customer rating:

Decidedly Dorian
the afternoon starts sunny, then gets dark
It's not jazz; but it's really good
One of Best Jazz Singers You Never Heard Of
A Concept Album with Emotional Impact

Love Is Blue
Jackie Allen
Manufacturer: A440 Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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The Men in My Life
Tangled
Nightcap
The Very Thought of You
What Love Is

ASIN: B00025ET82
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

Lazy Afternoon
Go
The Performer
Love Is Blue
Moon of Deception
Pavement Cracks
Here Today
Turnin' Round
Taste of Honey
You Become my Song
I'll Be Around

Customer Reviews:

Decidedly Dorian.......2005-10-23

Jackie Allen's is one of the most distinctive, inimitable voices on the scene today, as musicianly and versatile as it is intimate and sexy. If a program and instrumentation such as this wins her the larger audience she richly deserves, I'm all for it.

As for the program, it's of a decidedly monochromatic blue hue--owing much to the influence of Joni Mitchell, Melissa Manchester, Tori Amos, Carly Simon, and singers in that eclectic area outside of the "Great American Songbook." Nothing necessarily wrong with that. Sinatra could put out albums made up exclusively of "suicide songs" ("Only the Lonely," "In the Wee Small Hours," "No One Cares," "September of My Years") and transform them into breathtaking elegy. But he was also served by the ingenious harmonic ambivalence of Cole Porter and Harold Arlen, the lyric poetry of Lorenz Hart and John Mercer, the orchestral expressiveness of Nelson Riddle and Gordon Jenkins. Consequently, the mood did not begin to wear on me as I confess it does on the present collection, where modality replaces shifting harmonies and recitative supplants verse.

In all fairness, Jackie does include a couple of genuine standards ("Lazy Afternoon" and "I'll Be Around") and a couple that probably don't deserve to be ("Love Is Blue" and "Taste of Honey"). But the arrangements, orchestrations, and approach tend to minimize differences, contrasts and tensions in the material.

There's a jazz sensibility about her approach to all of the songs, as rightly recognized by those reviewers familiar with her previous work. But perhaps in the interest of catching the attention of new and younger ears, it's best not to tell.

the afternoon starts sunny, then gets dark.......2004-09-09

The afternoon starts sunny, then gets dark.

Now here is a Pop Jazz Vocal that draws me in. Sensual. Sexy. I think it's Jazz! Now why did she say that?

Really a concept album, but it's hard to say what the concept is - relationships gone wrong? Love the first track, about love in the afternoon, it's warm and sunny like brandy. The mood seems to get darker throughout. "Moon of Deception" is moody, By "Turnin Round" she sounds obsessive, almost like Patricia Barber. A slowed down "Taste of Honey", miles from the Beatles. Ends with a torchy rendition of the ultimate torch song, "I'll be Around".

For the life of me I can't understand why this album isn't more popular. I guess people haven't heard it and it doesn't get airplay. So it's a vicious circle.

Contrary to what's said below, this CD is a much more energy, more involving and captivating album than Diana Krall's listless "Girl in the Other Room". In fact, it has everything DK's new album is missing. Slowed, without dropping off. Has a lot more heart!

4 1/2 to 5 stars performance, on my tough grading system. well recorded. Would get 5 stars, if it were more popular. One of the best of the year. It grows on you. A find! See my recommended list!

It's not jazz; but it's really good.......2004-08-12

Sometimes the line between jazz and progressive rock is really thin. Consider, for example, Ginger Baker's album, ca. 1994, with Bill Frisell and Charlie Haden ("Goin' Back Home"): jazz or rock? Or consider Joni Mitchell's "Night Ride Home" and "Turbulent Indigo" albums from the early '90's: jazz or rock?

This album straddles the same thin line. But I'm no purist: I really like the Ginger Baker and Joni Mitchell albums; and I really like this one, too.

Jackie Allen is a singer who usually sounds like Sheryl Crow, but when in her upper register, sounds purer than that. Her performance is enhanced by her band, a group of superb musicians. In "Men in My Life", John Moulder (g), Hans Sturm (b) and Dane Richeson (per) proved themselves to be very proficient jazz musicians. Here, they prove themselves to be very proficient rock musicians. Let's just say they are very proficient.

And whereas the pianist in "Men" was the wonderful Ben Lewis, here the pianist is the wonderful Laurence Hobgood, ordinarily Kurt Elling's accompanist. He provides the highlight of the album, an arrangement of the title track complete with his wispy solo. The original popular version was that soupy thing done by the Paul Mariat Orchestra, ca. 1968. This version is so dark that it takes awhile to figure out the song; but the darkness fits the words to a tee. To say the least, it is a vast improvement over the popular original.

Other highlights: a similar treatment of "A Taste of Honey", which is likewise a quantum improvement over the familiar version done in the '60's by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass; Hans Sturm's "Turnin' Round," a Wallace Stephens type of poem with variations on the word and syllable "turn" in just about every imaginable concept to a heavy bass backbeat in A minor; the one jazz standard, Alec Wilder's wonderful "I'll Be Around," complete with some very tasteful guitar licks from Moulder; and a terrific original, Jackie Allen's "Moon of Deception." The more I listen to this album, the more I may be convinced that this is actually its highlight: it ought to be a "standard in the making."

Truthfully, this whole album initially hit me at 4 and 1/2. But I like it the more I hear it; and until Ms. Allen becomes better known, I'll upgrade her to 5. If you liked Diana Krall's recent "The Girl in the Other Room", you'll probably like this album even more, given the similarities between the two. One thing I guarantee you: if you play this c.d. for someone who has never heard it and never heard of Jackie Allen, they'll never guess it in a million years. RC

One of Best Jazz Singers You Never Heard Of.......2004-06-28

As a Jazz DJ on community radio constantly searching to avoid the too familiar, I have my finger on the pulse of female jazz singers throughout the United States, and the current crop, most of whom are unknown to the general public, is really outstanding. I mean real jazz singers, not Nora Jones. Jackie Allen is awfully close to the top of the list. This latest album only reaffirms the emotional depth, style, inventiveness, and sophistication of this marvelous artist who, after many years honing her craft in the mid-west, is beginnng to get a little of the recognition she deserves. Highly recommended.

A Concept Album with Emotional Impact.......2004-06-26

It's been so long since I've heard a "concept album" of the kind the (...) used to produce that LOVE IS BLUE caught me completely off guard. After her success with THE MEN IN MY LIFE, which featured fresh interpretations of some very well known pop tunes, the song selections on Allen's new CD: a couple of '60s instrumentals, a new Annie Lennox song, the chestnut "I'll Be Around" and originals by Allen and members of her ensemble struck me as eccentric. But anyone who has heard Jackie Allen perform live can attest to the way she commands a room with a Largo tempo and a meditative lyric. The combination of emotional vulnerability, instinctive musicality and the sheer beauty of her voice is a potent combination. Producer Rob Mathes, who has worked with Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Sade, and a host of other pop performers has capitalized on that strength for a first person narrative of a doomed love affair told from the perspective of the woman left behind. The romance that begins with the temptations of a "Lazy Afternoon" and ends with the stiff-upper-lip farewell of "I'll Be Around" is so compelling because its protagonist is seductive ("You Become My Song"), sensual ("Taste of Honey"), independent ("Go"), optimistic ("Here Today"), playful ("The Performer", "Turnin' Round"), self-aware ("Pavement Cracks", "Love is Blue"), and incurably romantic ("Moon of Deception"). Give yourself the time to listen to this CD from start to finish and, far from blue, you will be exhilarated by its emotional impact.

Average customer rating:

Awesome voice, exquisite performances
It may take you a little time to love her voice

A Tribute

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Kathleen Ferrier - Mahler ~ Kindertotenlieder & Gluck ~ Greene ~ Handel ~ Mendelssohn ~ Purcell / Baillie, Moore, B. Walter
World of Kathleen Ferrier V.1
Edition V8 / Blow the Wind Southerly
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde / Bruno Walter
The Very Best of Janet Baker

ASIN: B0000A9DYO
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

What Is Life To Me Without Thee?
Che Puro Ciel
Art Thou Troubled?
Ombra Mai Fu
An Die Musik
Der Musensohn
Gretchen Am Spinnrade
Die Junge Nonne
Woe Unto Them
O Rest In The Lord
Er, Der Herrlichste Von Allen
Geistliches Wiegenlied
Sapphische Ode
Botschaft
Like As The Love-Torn Turtle
A Soft Day
Go Not Happy Day
Come You Not From Newcastle
The Keel Row
Ma Bonny Lad
Kitty My Love
Blow The Wind Southernly

Tracks:

Ye Banks And Braes
I Have A Bonnet Trimmed With Blue
Down By The Salley Gardens
The Stuttering Lovers
Drink To Me Only
Hark! The Echoing Air
Father Of Heaven
O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion
He Was Despised
Have Mercy, Lord On Me
Agnus Dei
All Is Fulfilled
Du Bist Die Ruh' - Bruno Walter
Romance - Bruno Walter
Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
Ich Atmet' Einen Linden Duft
Um Mitternacht

Customer Reviews:

Awesome voice, exquisite performances.......2006-08-27

These two CDs contain a great selection of classical, operatic and folk songs in English, German and Italian by the famous contralto (1912 - 1953). Highlights on the first CD include What Is Life from Orfeo et Euridice, Art Thou Troubled from Rodelina, Woe Unto Them and O Rest In The Lord from Elijah and the traditional song Blow The Wind Southerly.

My personal favorites appear on the second CD. The first is the divine Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, the Ben Jonson poem, which is a most mystical and transcending listening experience. The buoyant Stuttering Lovers is most catchy and appealing. Both of the aforementioned are sung to the piano accompaniment of pianist Phyllis Spurr.

Backed by the London Philharmonic, Ferrier renders splendid versions of Father Of Heaven from Judas Maccabaeus and O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion from The Messiah. These are truly awesome, the first one slow and somber, the second joyous and triumphant. Other highlights on this second CD include He Was Despised from The Messiah and All Is Fulfilled from St John Passion by Bach.

The informative CD booklet contains black and white photographs, a short biography in English, French and German, plus complete information on the recording of the tracks: composers, dates, venues, conductors and musicians. Kathleen Ferrier was a unique vocalist who made a magnficent contribution to classical and folk music.

It may take you a little time to love her voice.......2004-08-19

Kathleen Ferrier has one of the most instantly recognizable voices in music. And it's a voice that might take you time to love. As an eight year old I heard her version of Blow the Wind Southerly many times on British radio and intensely disliked it. I wasn't sure if it was a man or a woman, adult or child, such is the nature of her contralto. But over the years, especially hearing Ferrier sing Handel and Mahler, I've come to treasure her recordings alongside Callas, Sutherland, Flagstad and Baker. This two disc set contains performances which are about 45-55 years old. Many favourites are here especially the folk songs and selections from Bach, Handel and Mahler. The sound quality is excellent. The sleeve notes mention that Ferrier's vocal delivery may sound old fashioned to our ears. But her remarkable voice which stirs one's deepest emotions, transcends any thought of quaintness or mannerism. She is, quite simply, the greatest contralto ever. This selection will have you seeking out her other recordings on Amazon.com. And it might also lead you to Virginia Rodrigues, a Brazilian contralto with a superb voice who, like Ferrier, makes everything she sings, her own.

Average customer rating:

Robert Lamm: Creativity not recaptured
I like it!
One of Lamm's best!
If you're reading this...buy it!
It's Not Chicago Good, But Easily Lamm's Best As A Soloist

Subtlety & Passion
Robert Lamm
Manufacturer: Blue Infinity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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In My Head
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Life Is Good in My Neighborhood
Peter Cetera
Live in Salt Lake City: The Essential Collection

ASIN: B0000DJZ9B
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

I Could Tell You Secrets
Somewhere Girl
The Mystery Of Moonlight
Gimme Gimme
Another Sunday
For You, Kate
It's Always Something
Intensity
You're My Sunshine Everyday
You Never Know The Story
It's A Groove, This Life

Customer Reviews:

Robert Lamm: Creativity not recaptured.......2006-08-27

Robert Lamm's earlier creativity is not recaptured on this album. The album does showcase a small bit of Robert's talent as a solo pianist, but the instrumental solos are too short to make the album exciting for fans of Robert's earlier work. The album is all the more disappointing in view of Robert's multifaceted talents as a songwriter, jazz improv pianist, and horns arranger.

The first song on this album sets the tone. The brief instrumental intro is dazzling, but Robert's vocals are weak. The lyrics are banal, all the more so since its instrumental intro was vibrant.

It's the same with every song except one: the brief instrumental solos are compelling, but the lyrics are banal and Robert's voice does not resonate energetically with the songs. The one consistently great song on the album is "Gimme, Gimme." It features Lamm's songwriting, instrumental, and vocal talents at their best.

Other than "Gimme, Gimme" and a couple of instrumental bridges SUBTLETY AND PASSION was banal and unoriginal. Perhaps Robert will be able to build upon its few strong points and produce a more consistently creative and high-energy solo album next time around.

I like it! .......2006-08-10

As a (CTA - VII) Chicago fan (especially Lamm's songs), I wanted to see what the guys were up to these days. I saw how highly everyone previously rated this CD, so thought I'd give it a try, even though I wasn't too crazy about what I heard in the sampling. Well, UPS just left my doorstep a bit ago and I am so happy with what I am hearing, I thought I'd log in and let everyone know that the reviews are spot on - this is a great album! The music has a hip yet age appropriate sound and clearly exhibits Lamm's evolved and continual talent.

One of Lamm's best!.......2006-03-25

My favorite Lamm solo record. While Chicago sat around and released greatest hits garbage for over a decade, Robert was busy releasing several solo albums, all good in different ways, but this was one of the best. Your my Sunshine sounds like it was intended for a future Chicago release...sounds like signiture Chicago. I really like the mix of jazzy sounds and some songs that are a little more rock, but not too heavy.

If you're reading this...buy it!.......2006-01-05

If you're reading this review, you're probably a Chicago fan. Apparently, Chicago will be releasing it's first disc of original material since 1991 on 2/28/06. It's been a long, long wait. Robert Lamm, keyboardist and 1 of the 3 main vocalists for the rock band, Chicago, has released several studio albums in that time. Most of them, in my opinion, aren't very good. Sometimes Robert's lyrics get too Hallmarky. His voice isn't the best in the band's history---it's smooth and enjoyable, but he's not a born singer in the way that Bill Champlain and Peter Cetera are. His CDs also don't usually "rock," really...or do anything too much that's impressive from simply a musician's standpoint. Before now, his only really good solo album was Skinny Boy, released around the time of Chicago 7. (Totally cool album...pick it up!) Well, Subtlety and Passion breaks Robert's string of mediocre-to-bad albums. First of all, it's exciting for Chicago fans because almost every member of present-day Chicago plays on several of the tracks. (Those that compare the sound to Chicago 10 are pretty accurate, except that the production is updated, etc.). Almost every track has a signature Chicago brass part. Second, Robert incorporated a guitar solo by Terry Kath, Chicago's long-dead wonderful guitar player. He rescued the recording from the cutting room floor and pasted it into a very good track. Third, aside from sounding like Chicago in many ways, these songs have just what the title states...subtlety and passion. By subtlety, I mean that while Robert's lyrics are still a touch Hallmarky, the music has interesting changes and dazzling displays of musical ability. The bass parts are far better than those on any Chicago album since the 1970s (Peter Cetera was an incredibly underrated bass player--listen to Chicago 5!!). The playing is great, well-planned, and well-executed. The CD has this cool kind of chrome and martini bar kind of feel that's out of step with Chicago, but totally in step with Robert's chilled out persona. If you like the cover art, you'll like the album.

It's Not Chicago Good, But Easily Lamm's Best As A Soloist.......2005-12-20

A few months ago I purchased the Chicago guitar fake book, featuring the guitar melodies of well over 100 Chicago songs. Time after time I found my favorite songs were written by Robert Lamm. So, in theory, I should enjoy Robert Lamm's solo work, right? Well--not exactly. Robert Lamm's other solo albums do not sound like Chicago, and I never got into them. However, "Subtelty & Passion" does sound like Chicago. Take "Another Sunday," which seems like a follow-up (intentional or not) to "Saturday In The Park." My favorite song on the album, "For You, Kate" resembles the soft rock of Chicago's late 70s albums.

Not all songs on the album hark back thirty years--but for the fan of Chicago's albums between 1973 and 1978, Lamm's S&P will not disappoint. Although Lamm and I share similar political beliefs, I am perfectly OK that S&P lacks the songs of "Harry Truman" or "Policeman." S&P's focus is truly subtelty and passion. And, while most of the tracks are not going to be classics, the album's still a very good listen.

Average customer rating:

The Voice of the Chorus

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000BWVBZ
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Anvil Chorus - London Opera Chorus
Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Humming Chorus - John McCarthy
In Paradisum - Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Miserere - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Introitus - Sylvia McNair
Dies Irae - Sir Neville Marriner
Rex Tremendae - Sir Neville Marriner
Confutatis - Sir Neville Marriner
Lacrimosa - Sir Neville Marriner
Avec La Garde Montante - John McCarthy
March Of The Torreadors - Ambrosian Singers
Dies Irae...Tuba Mirum - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
O Fortuna - Lynne Dawson
Bridal Chorus - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Pilgrim's Chorus - Andreas Schmidt
A Boire Encor! - Ambrosian Singers
Ode To Joy - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
See, The Conqu'ring Hero Comes! - Chicago Symphony Chorus
Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Fritz Rothschuh
Sanctus - Fritz Rothschuh
Magnificat - Fritz Rothschuh
Ave Verum Corpus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Gloria In Excelsis - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Easter Hymn - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Crown Of Roses - Clare College Choir, Cambridge
Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable? - Clare College Choir, Cambridge
I Saw A Maiden - Clare College Choir, Cambridge
King Jesus Hath A Garden - Clare College Choir, Cambridge
Jesus Christ The Apple Tree - Clare College Choir, Cambridge
Jerusalem - Timothy Byram-Wigfield
We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue - Waynflete Singers
With Cat-Like Tread - Waynflete Singers
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Simple Gifts - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Shenandoah - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
America (My Country 'Tis Of Thee) - Eric Rogers

Average customer rating:

Good, not great...

Choral Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002L2ZV4
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

Adagio - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Ave Verum Corpus, K618 - The Choir Of King's College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Ave Maria - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Pavane, Op.50 - Cheur De L'Orchestre Symphonique De Montreal, Iwan Edwards
Panis Angelicus - James Vivian
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D Major, BWV 1068 - London Voices, Terry Edwards
The Blue Bird - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Concierto De Aranjuez Adagio - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Easter Hymn - London Opera Chorus, Terry Edwards
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - London Voices, Terry Edwards
O Salutaris Hostia - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Simple Gifts - Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jerold Ottley
Song For Athene - The Choir Of King's College - Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Humming Chorus - Wiener Staatsopernchor, Norbert Balatsch
Miserere - The Choir Of King's College - Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Peter White
Crux Fidelis (After Ombra Mai Fu) - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
What Sweeter Music - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Adagio - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Shenandoah - Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jerold Ottley
In Paradisum - Choeur De L'orchestre Symphonique De Montreal, Iwan Edwards
Notturno: Andante - Christopher van Kampen
Andantino Semplice - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Blessed Is The Man (All Night Vigil, Op. 37) - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Allegretto - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Andante - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
Te Lucis Ante Terminum - Helen Turnstall
Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Hymnus-Chorknaben Stuttgart, Gerald Wilhelm