Libra

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
DANA VALERY CATALANO (Cancer / Taurus). Singer / Song Writer. Performed on television, radio , Broadway, and live concert performances worldwide including major cities such as New York, London, Monte Carlo, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Johanassburg. Recordings include, "The Exciting Dana Valery on CBS", "Dana Valery all'Italiana", and "Dana Valery, Not The Flower But The Root".

DENISE RICH (Aquarius / Sagittarius). Composer/ Lyricist. Has written songs for Celine Dion, Jody Watley , Patti La Belle, and countless others. Denise has received many industry awards.

PETER CATALANO (Leo / Taurus). Pianist / Writer. Studied at the Brooklyn Converatory of Music and majored in Jazz. Has performed in many venues throughout the United States.

Album Description
Original zodiac music created in the frequency of Libra. A series of (4) 15 minute meditation cycles designed to help the listener experience a deep relaxation. Use your Brith audio in the morning and during stressful situtations. Use your Spirit audio in the evening before bedtime to improve your sleep and open your portals to intuitive wisdom.

Tracks:

Please
Trippin' (That's the Way Love Works)
What's Good
Take This Ring
Midnite
I Wanna Be (Your Baby)
Sposed to Be
Stupid
Finally
Shadowless

Amazon.com

Toni Braxton delivers Libra nearly a decade after she busted up the R&B landscape with her gut-wrenching appeal, on 1996's Secrets, that a wayward lover un-break her heart. Back then, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds was helming her records, and with his sound came a certain spun-silk smooth, wistful sensibility. Braxton may have been one of his better students, but Babyface's sound didn't hold up (for proof, check his own 2005 disc, Grown & Sexy). Where some breathy, smoky-voiced sirens might have called it a day, scampering off into career obscurity with their six Grammys in tow, Braxton resists the temptation to quit or to satiate the faithful with a yawny record; Libra, more than just a vehicle for evolving, adapting, and overcoming, is among the freshest, most tastefully done R&B discs to come out in 2005. Highlights belong strictly to the first half, with opener "Please" swinging wide the door for what will universally be recognized as this disc's two best tracks: "Trippin' (That's the Way Love Works)" belongs to that oft-strived-for league of songs that merit the tag "irresistible," and "Take this Ring," with its blaxploitation-film soundtrack effects, splices in just enough funk--and the right kind--to fuel a thousand replays. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Good Job.......2007-04-24

I got this CD from my best friend who is a die hard Toni B fan. I didn't listen to it until a few weeks ago and I am very much into it. It is very good. I love " What's Good" and "Please". Although it is missing that big hit like "Just be a man about it" or "Unbreak my heart", it still is holding its own.

Once again, I blame the record company for not putting money or promotion/publicity behind this CD. I think it would have definitely been a huge success for her.

I hear that her Vegas show is doing well. You go Toni!

Solid...But Not Flawless.......2007-02-23

This effort put out by Ms.Braxton was a solid album but the album was too short. Blackground could've not been cheap and throw in Toni's usually 12 tracks. None the less the best songs are the ballads. "Take This Ring" produced by Rich Harrison sounds like it belongs on an Amerie album. His stuff sounds pretty much the same and that doesn't fit Toni's signature style. The best cuts are "Please", "Trippin", "Midnite", "Stupid", and "S'posed". The album worth a listen. Good effort!

Highly recommended!.......2006-12-15

Toni Michelle Braxton is an all-American success story. The eldest of six children born to a Maryland clergyman, she started out singing in choir of her father's church. But, her wonderful smoky, smooth and deep contralto voice could not stay hidden for long. The rest, as they say, is history.

This wonderful album contains ten great Toni Braxton tunes including some favorites of mine - What's Good, I Wanna Be, and Stupid. Yeah, this is a great album, with a lot of really great tunes on it. If you like great music, then you will love this album. I highly recommend it!

Nice Effort.......2006-12-15

This is a nice CD from Toni. However, it is a little too short. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this CD.

Great album, but a word to the wise..........2006-08-28

.....DO NOT buy the regular US release of Libra! Spend the extra money and buy the german import from edel records (yes, amazon sells that version). The import has 3 more songs than the US version, and if you buy the US version you only get ten songs (how cheap of Blackground, huh!?). And the 3 bonus songs on the import version are fantastic.

Average customer rating:

Very Soothing
Hands of God
Little known JEM!
Where has he been !!!! Wonderful
Fantastic

Sunset Meditation
Tony Sandate
Manufacturer: Weaving Libra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Album Description

The ice machine in my refrigerator broke. I called a service technician to fix it. He showed up at my house and began working on the problem while I proceeded to work on my music. When he was finished, he came to my studio (that was in a bedroom no bigger than a closet) to present the bill to me. He noticed that I had an acoustic guitar in the corner. He told me he was a guitar player. I asked him, somewhat cynically, if he'd like to play my guitar. He paused for a moment, looked me in the eyes, answered `yes' in a whisper, then picked up the guitar, sat on the floor and began to play.

From the very first note, all I could think about were the words: Hands of God. I've known musicians for most of my 40 + years on this earth, and never had I heard such beautiful music. At that moment I vowed one day I would build a studio, and in this studio there would be a special room. And one day in this special room, this man would sit and play, and I'd record him for all the world to hear, this man who called himself Tony Sandate.

Looking back, what I've learned is that every one of us has a gift inside: a beautiful, uniquely precious gift to share. When I meet someone, I remember that, and I realize how absolutely beautiful everyone is.

God teaches me in such interesting ways . . .

-Eric McCarl

This is what I wrote on the CD insert in Sunset Meditation. It's a story of how I met Tony Sandate, and every word is true. This is Tony's debut CD, and contains 15 songs of solo nylon string guitar. When asked as to what 'style' of music, I can only reply that it's a cross between Spanish, Classical and full of Soul, yet words couldn't come close to how beautiful the music is. The music merely serves as a window into the soul of one of the most incredible artists of our time, Tony Sandate.

Customer Reviews:

Very Soothing.......2007-04-24

I love this cd. It's very soothing to clean house to, or take a long bath.

Hands of God.......2006-05-23

Eric McCarl is not exaggerating when he used this phrase to describe Tony Sandate. I buy many things from Amazon but have never done a review until now. This is one of the most exceptional works I've ever heard. That it moves the soul to a profound peace is an understatement. If you never buy another CD in your life, buy this one. Listen to it when it calls you. Thank you Tony for giving us your gift.

Little known JEM!.......2005-10-19

I typically don't listen to this genre of music, but I stummbled upon one of his songs one day and I've been hooked ever since! Tony Sandate is a tremendous musician with a sound that stirs the soul. His style is peaceful, yet not AT ALL 'elevator music'. I listen to this CD at work all the time and it's a calming influence on an otherwise stressful day.

Where has he been !!!! Wonderful.......2005-04-01

Only once in a life time do you stumble upon such talent as
Tony Sandate. I ask anyone who might know, please encourage him to produce some more work. Anyone who buys "Sunset Meditation" will not be disappointed

Fantastic.......2005-03-11

Where has he been? His sound is magnificent - you can feel his heart with every note. Very soulful. I would/will recommend him to everyone I know.

Average customer rating:

Libra
Mucc
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000MQ509S
Release Date: 2007-04-02

Tracks:

Japanese Title
Japanese Title (Dvd) Enteing The Brilliant

Album Description

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. 2007.

Average customer rating:

from Solo Piano Publications

Touch the Sun
Eric McCarl
Manufacturer: Weaving Libra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Seeking The Light
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ASIN: B0009FUUYC
Release Date: 2005-04-18

Tracks:

Journeys End
Touch the Sun
Alone Place
Soft Light
1000 Angels
Wild West Rain
Lost, Again
Walk on Water
My Father
Sun Goes Down
I Dont Wanna Know
Free Fall, Take 1
Free Fall, Take 2
Blue Blue City
Window Sill

Customer Reviews:

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-05-25

"Touch the Sun" is the third installment of pianist Eric McCarl's "Trilogy of Light," a collection of original pieces written over the course of the past twenty years. The fifteen piano solos range from quiet and pensive to upbeat and jazzy, with the majority being more on the reflective side. Overall, this CD has a warmer, more contented mood than the two previous releases, although it certainly isn't breezy. The music has enough structure to hold it together, and enough improvisation to make it feel spontaneous and in the moment. McCarl's playing style is always expressive and full of color, and the sound of his piano is beautiful.

The CD opens with "Journey's End," a piece that has a sense of moving forward and also of looking inward. Perhaps triumph without victory as yet? The title track is a bit more ambient and floating, with lots of open space between the musical phrases. "Alone Place" is also very open and minimal, with the damper pedal creating an echo effect that is both lonely and chilling - this is definitely one of the darker tracks. "Soft Light" is very calming, peaceful, and gentle. Most of the notes are in the upper and middle registers on the piano, but McCarl brings in some deep bass notes here and there that give the piece a different dimension. I really like it! "Walk On Water" is another favorite. The first part is structured and melodic, and then segues into a more improvised section that seems both reverent and questioning. The simple rhythm is quietly intense, creating a sense of peace and calm. Very effective! My favorite piece is "Sun Goes Down," which begins with a bluesy feeling and a slinky rhythm that is infectious. The piece is very free, but weighted by some deep bass accents. Some sections sound improvised, and the second half of the piece is more rubato with the original rhythm weaving in and out. My other favorite is "Blue Blue City," which is rhythmic, jazzy, and very, very cool ( a double-entendre where both meanings are accurate!). The closing track, "Window SIll," returns to a reflective mood with lots of open spaces between the musical thoughts, and passages that are full of passion - a serene way to end this impressive album and the Trilogy itself.

Having spent so much of his adult life working on the music for this project, it will be interesting to see where Eric McCarl goes next, musically. In the meantime, treat yourself to "Touch the Sun," "Atlantis Lost," and "Seeking the Light," aka "The Trilogy of Light." This is music that is meant to be listened to, not relegated to the background. Find a comfy spot, close your eyes, and let the music take you away! Recommended!

Average customer rating:

Excellent!
I am a non-fan of Bohm's but this is exemplary Bruckner
Karl Bohm was a great Brucknerian

Libra
Julio Iglesias
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2007-07-20

I think Libra is one of Julio Iglesias' best albums and this cd is excellent. Buy it and enjoy!

I am a non-fan of Bohm's but this is exemplary Bruckner.......2007-06-01

Bohm was around 84 when he made this Bruckner Eighth for DG, which comes in good sound and exemplary execution form the vienna Phil. If you are a collector of Bohm's Bruckner, this studio version of the Eighth is much to e preferred over a live 1974 reading from Cologne on EMI's Great Condcutors of the Century series. I am not a fan of Bohm's, but I feel a bit sorry for him here, because DG has no less than three other Eights with the Vienna Phil., from Karajan, Boulez, and Giulini. The Karajan stands at the very peak of Bruckner conducting, but that doesn't make the bohm version a disappointment by any means.

The playing here is sonorous and alert at the same time, with inner vitality and no pomposity. I like Bruckner without rhetoic, and although Bohm is blunt rather than eloquent, he gives us unsalted musical expression that feels real. The Scherzo is appealing in its lightness and quick pace. The Adagio is takne quite slowly but is sustained extremely well--I think it almost equals Karajan's. The finale escapes slam-bang thanks to the elegance of the /Vienna brass and strings.

In all, I find myself very impressed and highly recommend this Bruckner Eighth in a field crowded with great recordings. (Because it spills over on to a second CD, this midprice set costs more than the single-disc Boulez.)

Karl Bohm was a great Brucknerian.......2007-04-19

Karl Bohm's stereo recording of Bruckner's 8th Symphony, recorded by DG in 1976, is a witness to Bohm's reputation as a great Brucknerian. I highly recommend this recording, not only for Bohm, but for the great Vienna Philharmonic, a match made in heaven for this sprawling, titanic symphony.

Bohm's tempos are always flexible and sensible, and never on the fast side. His Adagios do not bog down, and the long line is always emphasized.

If someone has a criticism of this recording, they might say the bass is a bit shy in places, although this isn't a problem for me, and my system doesn't have great bass response/emphasis. The Vienna brass really soar in climaxes, and the overall feeling is one of terror and ectsasy combined, especially in II and IV. DG could be light on bass response in some recordings, and if that is a concern for you, be aware.

Other options? Karajan/Vienna (DG, made late in his career); Schuricht/Vienna (EMI) and Jochum/Berlin (DG). AVOID: Karajan/Berlin, either EMI or DG.

Further suggestion: Be sure to consider Bohm's Vienna Philharmonic recordings of Bruckner Symphonies 3 and 4 (both Decca releases) and Bruckner Symphony 7 (DG Galliera). The Bohm/Bruckner 3 may be hard to find in the US, but is worth the search.

Average customer rating:

from Solo Piano Publications
Refreshing and Enlightening!
Peaceful and Expansive
A refreshing change
The Perfect Vehicle for a Journey Within

Seeking The Light

Manufacturer: Weaving Libra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000068NPP
Release Date: 2003-12-01

Tracks:

All This Wonder
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Mind of a Child
Little Star
Ballet
To Be a Man
Music Box
Colours
Amanda Paige
Whispers
Take Me Home
R
Beyond the Sea
The Wedding
Hello Aja

Album Description

At the moment we are born unto this world, we are each given a light, which radiates deeply inside our soul. This light is a piece of the great and mysterious tapestry from which we are all woven. It is as if the Gods plucks a brightly shining star from a gigantic, immense galaxy, and place this star in our very being, for safe keeping. This light is unique, and holds the potential of the greatness that we can become.

Seeking the Light Within is about the realization that each of us has a unique gift which is meant to be used toward the greater good. Each of us is part of a master plan. We are all of one, and one of all. There are great and bountiful blessings to be found by focusing our attention from the external to the internal.

May this music be the perfect vehicle for that internal journey . . .

Customer Reviews:

from Solo Piano Publications.......2004-06-02

"Seeking the Light" is the first in a series of solo piano albums titled "The Trilogy of Light." To quote composer Eric McCarl from his website, "'Seeking the Light' is about the realization that each of us has a unique gift which is meant to be used toward the greater good. Each of us are part of a master plan. We are all of one, and one of all. There are great and bountiful blessings to be found by focusing our attention from the external to the internal. There has never been a time in the life of our Universe that this realization has been more essential. This is a message to the few and to the many: It is not too late to look for the answers that that can only be found within. May this music be the perfect vehicle for that internal journey..." Quiet and contemplative, this is indeed, wonderful music for soul-searching, relaxing, daydreaming, or simply a calming and uplifting musical experience. With themes like childlike innocence and wonder, family, close friends, and looking within, the music tends to be spare and open, allowing listeners to kind of fall into the music. There are no fireworks, but the music is passionate and deeply emotional.

"All This Wonder" was the first piece McCarl played on his new (after many used) grand piano. The song is very minimalist, and represents the infinite possibilities at the begining of our lives. It is quiet, inquisitive, and full of hope. "Mind of a Child" is also very open and free, and McCarl uses the sustain pedal to "allow the rich, complex `bouquet' of the grand piano to come through. This sound, to me, is the mind of a child." The sound is simple and direct, but McCarl's harmonies and rubato rhythm make this a satisfying musical experience. I had to chuckle at his inclusion of "the knuckle song" (I don't know any other title for it!) at the end - the mind of a child, indeed! "Little Star" is a charming theme and variations on the children's song. "Ballet" is a darkly beautiful piece - slow and graceful, but deeply emotional. It's easy to imagine a young dancer alone in a large space, moving to the music of her soul. "Colours" is very fluid and peaceful - a daydream set to music. "Take Me Home" is my favorite in this collection. It is about that moment of clarity when we realize we are responsible for our own destinies and taking responsibility for that. There are feelings of questioning and searching, and also of hope and resolve. A journey in itself, this is a deeply personal and revealing piece, as well as a very beautiful one. "Beyond the Sea" conveys the perfect peace I feel at the ocean, and dreams of "a place of peace, community, and where everyone was free and life was easy."

"Seeking the Light" is a wonderful debut, and I'm really looking forward to parts two and three of the trilogy. A soothing musical journey for the mind and the soul.

Refreshing and Enlightening!.......2004-03-11

I loved this cd... it's peaceful and refreshing. It's simplicity is appealing and beautiful. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. McCarl and he is as nice as his music. I highly recommend this cd!

Peaceful and Expansive.......2002-07-08

I love this CD! It creates a peaceful and expansive mood whenever I play it. Eric's music is uncluttered, upbeat and inspiring.

A refreshing change.......2002-06-29

I've never thought of myself as a New Age music fan. Although I have nothing against Gregorian chants, the sound of whales, rain in the forest, Celtic music, etc., I was born and raised listening to Rock `N Roll. I spend most of my music time listening to Classic Rock. So, it was with more than a slight amount of hesitation that I clicked on the "Add to Shopping Cart" button beside Eric McCarl's Seeking The Light Within. This CD had come highly recommended from a friend whose music judgment I trust. Well, from the opening notes of "All this Wonder" to the final fade of "Hello Aja", I experienced a journey not unlike the first time I put the headphones on to listen to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" from start to finish. What a trip!

The liner notes of the CD speak of an internal journey and of secrets once heard but long since forgotten. On the inside cover of the CD booklet is what can only be referred to as a poem about Light. Now, the closest I ever got to poetry was reading the lyrics to Bob Dylan, yet there was something very captivating in this story. I re-read it several times.

As far as solo piano is concerned, Eric seems to allow the listeners mind to be the background orchestration to the music. I've since discussed this CD with the friend who referred me, and even though we both highly enjoy the music, we disagree as to which instruments we could imagine supporting the CD in various places. For instance, in the song "Alone", I hear the perfect accompaniment to be a nylon string guitar, where she swears that the French Horn would be the only way to go. In the song "Take Me Home", I would love to hear a String Quartet accompanying, while she hears, of all instruments, an Accordion (She says it's an Italian thing)! I find it interesting that Eric's music can evoke such different reactions between 2 individuals with such similar taste in music.

Although one CD doth not a New Age fan make, Eric McCarl's Seeking The Light Within seems to transcend Musical Genres, and does what every truly great CD (or Album) seems to do: It holds a unique message for each listener. And, as his bio states that his influences include Elton John (especially, in my opinion, early Elton), I can, without guilt, listen to this CD and still feel a connection to my Rock and Roll roots.

This is a wonderful listening experience!

The Perfect Vehicle for a Journey Within.......2002-06-26

Seeking The Light Within, the first release by Eric McCarl and Weaving Libra Records, is sure to put both names on the New Age map. In his debut CD, Eric McCarl writes of life, lessons and looking back. This CD contains 15 songs of solo piano and nearly 65 minutes of music. I was fortunate to receive one of his first Artist Profiles, and here's what Eric wrote as a description of the song "To be a Man":

"I wrote this song at a very interesting time in my life, where I had just decided to give up fighting upstream, and let the river of life carry me where I was supposed to go. This concept of letting go has been a part of many religious and spiritual teachings, even used in 12-step programs - "Let go and let God." If memory serves me correctly, I was standing in a musical instrument repair shop on a Tuesday afternoon, unemployed, with no idea where my next paycheck (much less the rent check) was going to come from, listening to a used instrument salesman pitching a piece of gear -- "only used for two hours in a very famous Recording Studio in Hollywood . . ." when I wandered away toward an electric piano that was being repaired by a kid who obviously didn't want any attention. When he finally, sheepishly looked up from his work, he told me that he had reworked the manufacturer's sound on the piano, and asked if I would like to hear how it sounded. I said yes, and put the headphones on and touched the keys. The resulting sound possessed a beauty that was unlike anything I'd ever heard, and my hands wrote this song. This song is about trusting in a higher power than ourselves, and maybe more so, realizing that sometimes immense beauty exists in those that are the most afraid to show it."

With this kind of insight, it is no surprise that each song takes the listener on their own internal journey. I've listened to this CD several times, and each time I hear something new or experience different thoughts. At a point in our history when it is most important to search inside ourselves for answers, this CD couldn't have come along at a better time.

I highly recommend "Seeking The Light Within!" I look forward to the next two installments of this trilogy.

Average customer rating:

A Christmas Journey

A Christmas Journey
Tony Sandate
Manufacturer: Weaving Libra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BX4UYI
Release Date: 2005-11-11