The Backstreet Boys' previous outing, Millennium, was a tough act to follow, combining as it did the storming pop of "Larger Than Life" and the sublime balladry of "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely." Black & Blue is a worthy successor, if a slightly more mature sound for the boys. There's plenty of uptempo pop, such as the catchy advice dished out on "Get Another Boyfriend" and the slinky beat-riddled R&B of "Shining Star," nicely balanced with some smooth ballads--you can almost hear the lighters sparking up as the Spanish guitar gently plucks away on "I Promise You (with Everything I Am)." However, it's when they take up immediately where Millennium left off that they are at their strongest: "The Answer to Our Life" and "Not for Me" form a sturdy bridge from their previous output onward to the future. If this is the state of things to come, the future is decidedly rosy for Brian, Kevin, Howie, A.J., and Nick. --Helen Marquis
Black and Blue,Backstreet Boys,Jive,Adult Contemporary,Club/Dance,Dance-Pop,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Teen Pop
Black and Blue
Average customer rating:
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Black and Blue
The Rolling Stones Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000000W5D Release Date: 1994-07-26 |
Tracks:
- Hot Stuff
- Hand Of Fate
- Cherry Oh Baby
- Memory Motel
- Hey Negrita
- Melody
- Fool To Cry
- Crazy Mama
Customer Reviews:
Back to the beach with the stones.......2007-07-24
All mashed potatoes and gravy-where's the meat?.......2007-06-14
If you want great funk from the period, try Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder or Parliament/Funkadelic. If you want disco, try a Chic album or the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. If you want Reggae, try Bob Marley's "Legend" or Peter Tosh's "The Toughest". If you want jazzy lounge-singing, try some Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett. If you want soul, try Aretha Franklin or Roberta Flack. What you get here is nothing more than watered-down versions of each genre. Keith Richards is the driving force behind this band, and when he's not fully engaged, "Black and Blue" style efforts are what you end up with.
This album sounds like a collection of B-sides. It has alot of character and is a pleasant experience while you're doing the dishes on a Sunday afternoon, but don't expect an engaging listen. Anyone new to the Rolling Stones should probably start with "Exile on Main St." for an excellent view of the group at their best-a nicely interwoven two guitar attack, classic riffs, a blaring horn section, soulful backup singers, good left/right sound separation, a dirty-blues feel and a gritty/seedy vocal performance by Jagger throughout. It was recorded in Keith's basement-and that is actually part of what makes it so great!
And, of course, the latest hits collection "40 Licks" (one of at least a dozen compilations out there now) is a nice survey of the groups better efforts.
Plain psychotic...plain insane..........2006-12-23
BLACK AND BLUE IS THE STONES GREAT UNDERRATED ALBUM!.......2006-12-13
In my opinion, "BLACK AND BLUE" is another great album by The Stones that is underrated. This album also combines Rock and Raggae together perfectly. This album also marks the historic debut of a guitarist who already had a reputation prior to joining The Stones. This legendary guitarist previously played in another great band which comprised of the legendary lead singer Rod Stewart, Ian "Mac" Mclagan on piano and organ, the late great Ronnie Lane on bass and Kenney Jones on drums. His name, Ron Wood! I have made this statement before but I'll say it again, RON WOOD WAS BORN TO BE A ROLLING STONE! It was destiny that brought Ron Wood and The Stones together. Wood's debut with The Stones harmonized and blended beautifully and perfectly together. This is really a great album when you think about it.
I will list and briefly review all the song tracks in their exact order as follows: (1.) "Hot Stuff," (Outstanding! This was a great song to dance to in the 70's, I believe it still is today. I think this song is a great way to begin this album. I love it!) (2.) "Hand Of Fate," (Outstanding! Another great rock song! I love this song!) (3.) "Cherry Oh Baby," (An outstanding Raggae song!) (4.) "Memory Motel," (Outstanding! A beautifully brilliant song! It makes you feel like you're taking a long trip or journey down memory lane. I love this song very much!) (5.) "Hey Negrita," (Outstanding! This is a great song that was inspired by newcomer Ron Wood. I love it!) (6.) "Melody," (A beautiful song that was inspired by the late great Billy Preston. Great song.) (7.) "Fool To Cry" (Outstanding! This is the pure unadulterated Mick Jagger pouring his heart and soul out, it doesn't get much better than that from Mick! I love this song!) and (8.) "Crazy Mama." (Outstanding! Another great rocker! This song is a great way to end this legendary album. I love this song very much!) Overall, I would say that all of the songs in this album are great! All the songs compliment and blend together beautifully and perfectly!
As you can see, this is a great underrated album that true Stones fans as well as everyone in general should definitely purchase and own as part of his or her music collection. I truly believe that this album will be enjoyed and cherished for many years to come.
In closing, Ron Wood did not disappoint The Stones or the fans in his debut. In my opinion, Ron Wood complimented and was perfect for Keith Richards! Ron never tried to out do Keith when it came to playing guitar live on stage, he just wanted to harmonize and blend beautifully and perfectly together with him. When you think about it, it was a perfect marriage made in heaven. Ron Wood is one of the main reasons why The Stones have survived and stayed together successfully to this day. The Rolling Stones ARE STILL THE GREATEST ROCK N' ROLL BAND IN THE WORLD to date, need I say more? Thanks for reading my long review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. God bless and long live The Rolling Stones! Long live Rock n' Roll! Rock out always and take care. J.L.
Some real mistakes on here.......2006-07-22
This shows up particularly on tracks like 'Hot Stuff', a cliched attempt to jump onto the disco bandwagon. Similarly with the popularity of reggae at the time they try to emulate that genre on 'Cherry Oh Baby', but very unconvincingly IMO. The Stones were always a blues/rock band, never a reggae band. And Mick Jagger cannot do reggae to save his life.
However on 'Hey Negrita', the Stones take on funk. This song, although repetitive, works much better, because it is doesn't last too long, and has a nice gritty feel to it.
'Memory Motel' is a C&W narrative parody, which just about comes off ok - they'd done this kinda thing before (but better) with 'Dear Doctor' on Beggars Banquet.
'Melody' sounds promising for the first minute or so, but soon becomes very repetitive and monotonous. It just doesn't go anywhere.
'Fool To Cry' was the hit single from B&B in the UK - A ballad which is pleasant at best, and where Mick sings falsetto in the chorus, but it's nothing inspiring - far inferior say to 'Angie'.
'Hand of Fate' is the only real standout track on this album. This is the Stones back to the form captured a few years earlier.
The Stones may have been in a period of transition at this time with Mick Taylor leaving the band and Ronnie Wood about to join it. But most of the songs on B&B, as to an extent on their previous album were already providing further proof that the Stones long period of creativity and originality was starting to show serious signs of fatigue. There was only one more decent album to come from the Stones in the '70s, 'Some Girls'. After that they were pretty well a spent force, musically.
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Black and Blue
Backstreet Boys Manufacturer: Jive ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005056C Release Date: 2000-11-21 |
Tracks:
- The Call
- Shape of My Heart
- Get Another Boyfriend
- Shining Star
- I Promise You (With Everything I Am)
- The Answer to Our Life
- Everyone
- More Than That
- Time
- Not For Me
- Yes I Will
- It's True
- How Did I Fall in Love With You
Amazon.com
The Backstreet Boys' previous outing, Millennium, was a tough act to follow, combining as it did the storming pop of "Larger Than Life" and the sublime balladry of "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely." Black & Blue is a worthy successor, if a slightly more mature sound for the boys. There's plenty of uptempo pop, such as the catchy advice dished out on "Get Another Boyfriend" and the slinky beat-riddled R&B of "Shining Star," nicely balanced with some smooth ballads--you can almost hear the lighters sparking up as the Spanish guitar gently plucks away on "I Promise You (with Everything I Am)." However, it's when they take up immediately where Millennium left off that they are at their strongest: "The Answer to Our Life" and "Not for Me" form a sturdy bridge from their previous output onward to the future. If this is the state of things to come, the future is decidedly rosy for Brian, Kevin, Howie, A.J., and Nick. --Helen MarquisCustomer Reviews:
Not bad.......2007-01-25
But the CD is defenitely worth the money, just for the numbers listed above. If you're a Backstreet Boys fan, you'll love this album.
Old CD But a Good CD.......2006-11-19
Better than Millenium.......2006-02-16
should be black and blue for owning this.......2006-01-09
Backstreet Boys are back on the street!.......2006-01-01
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Black and Blue
Gene Harris Quartet Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000006K6 Release Date: 1991-10-27 |
Tracks:
- Another Star
- Black And Blue
- C.C. Rider
- Hot Toddy
- The Best Things In Life Are Free
- Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
- It Might As Well Be Spring
- Blue Bossa
- The Song Is You
- Will You Still Be Mine
Customer Reviews:
Superb.......2005-08-02
Gene was a superb pianist. His choice of harmony and his peculiar technique of chord attack turned him into one of my preferred jazz pianists, along with Oscar Peterson.
I am also a pianist. I know it is very difficult to make an album review. We are not able to transmit all the emotion of such an experience, so that I urge you to listen the tracks.
While awaiting a kidney transplant, Gene Harris died on January 16, 2000, at the age of 66.
Gene Harris at his best.......2005-06-02
Gene's finest.......2004-12-23
"marvel at Gene Harris music, as natural as sunshine".......2001-02-03
Following this mans career - Gene Harris & The Four Sounds, Gene Harris & The Three Sounds, Gene Harris & the Philip Morris Super Band, Gene Harris All-Star Big Band, Gene Harris Trio and now, the Gene Harris Quartet...all have that driving blues-force we've come to love and enjoy. Harris strived for perfection, always knew exactly who he was and what he was doing in this life. His combination of ineffable delicacy and inexorable power became richer and fuller with each day, like natural sunshine, just keeps shining through.
With gifted accomplices like Ron Eschete (guitar), Luther Hughes (bass) and Harold Jones (drums), Gene sets out free as a bird with arrangements that send you reeling, as the quartet just keeps moving on filling in the gaps, great stirring performances all around.
Of course there are stand outs - "THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE" the whole group swings, swings and then swings some more..."NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT", a Jimmy Cox tune brings out some gospel-soul that will lift your spirits, inspirational..."BLUE BOSSA" has the rhythm section working over-time, but Gene knows what needs to be done..."WILL YOU STILL BE MINE", almost ten minutes in length, Harris takes the group into orbit and steers them into a classic performance.
The highlight is - "BLACK AND BLUE", the great "Fats" Waller tune, recorded several times by Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong with clever and impassioned lyrics has become a classic, but listen to this slow-tempo arrangement by Harris, blues pours from a cup of love and understanding, sending a message that is LOUD AND CLEAR.
Total Time: 62:22 on 10 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4482...(1991)
Outstanding CD! Harris Quartet in top form - Again!.......1999-10-09
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Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00008WI90 Release Date: 2003-04-22 |
Tracks:
- The Man from Snowy River (Bruce Rowland)
- The Winds of War (Bob Cobert)
- Blue Velvet (Angelo Badalamenti)
- Witness (Maurice Jarre)
- Raising Arizona (Carter Burwell)
- Pee Wees Big Adventure (Danny Elfman)
- Halloween (John Carpenter)
- A Nightmare On Elm Street (Charles Bernstein)
- The Fly (Howard Shore)
- RoboCop (Basil Poledouris)
- The Empire Strikes Back (John Williams)
- The Right Stuff (Bill Conti)
- The Final Conflict (Jerry Goldsmith)
- The Abyss (Alan Silvestri)
- Brainstorm (James Horner)
- Peggy Sue Got Married (John Barry)
- My Left Foot (Elmer Bernstein)
- The Dead (Alex North)
- Stanley & Iris (John Williams)
- The Milagro Beanfield War (Dave Grusin)
- Driving Miss Daisy (Hans Zimmer)
Tracks:
- Steel Magnolias (Georges Delerue)
- Unforgiven (Lennie Niehaus and Clint Eastwood)
- Raggedy Man (Jerry Goldsmith)
- The Grifters (Elmer Bernstein)
- Green Card (Hans Zimmer)
- City Slickers (Marc Shaiman)
- Father Of The Bride (Alan Silvestri)
- While You Were Sleeping (Randy Edelman)
- Babe (Nigel Westlake)
- The Adventures Of The Great Mouse Detective (Henry Mancini)
- The Adventures of Robin Hood (Erich Wolfgang Korngold)
- The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (Laurence Rosenthal)
- The Secret Garden (Zbigniew Preisner)
- A Little Princess (Patrick Doyle)
- Rudy (Jerry Goldsmith)
- Iron Will (Joel McNeely)
- Memphis Belle (George Fenton)
- Eye Of The Needle (Mikl)
- Total Recall (Jerry Goldsmith)
- Back To The Future Part III (Alan Silvestri)
Tracks:
- To Die For (Danny Elfman)
- The Player (Thomas Newman)
- Black Robe (Georges Delerue)
- Medicine Man (Jerry Goldsmith)
- 2001 (Alex North)
- Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire (Joel McNeely)
- The Crow (Graeme Revell)
- Blade (Mark Isham)
- The Omen (Jerry Goldsmith)
- Vertigo (Bernard Herrmann)
- Scream (Marco Beltrami)
- The Sixth Sense (James Newton Howard)
- Xena: Warrior Princess (Joseph LoDuca)
- Air Force One (Jerry Goldsmith)
- Starship Troopers (Basil Poledouris)
- The Matrix (Don Davis)
- The Iron Giant (Michael Kamen)
- Youve Got Mail (George Fenton)
- A Little Romance (Georges Delerue)
- Pleasantville (Randy Newman)
Tracks:
- Sunset Boulevard (Franz Waxman)
- L.A. Confidential (Jerry Goldsmith)
- Rounders (Christopher Young)
- The Score (Howard Shore)
- The Replacements (John Debney)
- Gone In 60 Seconds (Trevor Rabin)
- The Bourne Identity (John Powell)
- Rush Hour 2 (Lalo Schifrin)
- XXX (Randy Edelman)
- Die Hard (Michael Kamen)
- The Last of the Mohicans (Trevor Jones)
- Moby Dick (Christopher Gordon)
- The Mists Of Avalon (Lee Holdridge)
- Cleopatra (Alex North)
- Life As A House (Mark Isham)
- Emma (Rachel Portman)
- In The Bedroom (Thomas Newman)
- Cast Away (Alan Silvestri)
- One True Thing (Cliff Eidelman)
- Unfaithful (Jan A.P. Kaczmarek)
- Far From Heaven (Elmer Bernstein)
- Ice Age (David Newman)
- Shrek (Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell)
Customer Reviews:
A good value.......2007-05-17
The Sound Track Since Bernard Hermann.......2006-07-25
Very good value.
Good mix of film music.......2006-07-02
I'm a big fan of this soundtrack music and will be looking for more CD's like this.
A mixed collection of movie music.......2006-02-23
Uplifts your soul, takes your mind into the heavens.......2006-01-06
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Black & Blue
Roy D. Mercer Manufacturer: Liberty ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000FILWEK Release Date: 2006-06-06 |
Tracks:
- Fiery Hayride
- Bathroom Magic
- Pig Jig
- Nekked Pitchers
- Fishing Report
- Foxhole Faux Pas
- Mattress Mauler
- Soiled Santa
- Roofer Roughup
- Brokearm Mountain
- Continental Barber
- Horny Hound
- Yoger Yankee
- Beard Salvage
Customer Reviews:
Black & Blue.......2006-08-02
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Black and Blue/Tobacco Road
Lou Rawls Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000FA57NU Release Date: 2006-05-16 |
Tracks:
- Roll 'Em Pete
- I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water
- How Long, How Long Blues
- Everyday I Have The Blues
- St. James Infirmary
- (What Did I Do To Be So) Black And Blue
- Gloomy Sunday
- Kansas City
- Going' To Chicago Blues
- Trouble In Mind
- World Of Trouble
- Six Cold Feet Of Ground
- Strange Fruit
- Tobacco Road
- Cotton Fields
- Rockin' Chair
- Stormy Weather
- Ol' Man River
- Blues For A Four-String Guitar
- St. Louis Blues
- Georgia On My Mind
- Sentimental Journey
- Summertime
- When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Customer Reviews:
Too long a wait..........2006-08-05
It was a treat to hear Lou do justice to some of the greatest jazz and blues classics ever written, brilliantly arranged by Onzy Matthews and played by a smokin' hot big band made up of A-list musician talent. The liner notes were very informative and gave insight of the creation of each album.
Judging by the fantastic arranging and conducting on these two albums, I cannot believe that Mr. Matthews' career did not take the more successful turn of other arrangers of that period. As for Lou, thank God that his early work is finally in circulation for all to enjoy...why wait until after his death for this to happen?
A timeless classic!.......2006-07-12
Long Awaited Black & Blue and Tobacco Road.......2006-07-06
The voice shines through.......2006-05-23
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Live In Dublin
Andre Rieu Manufacturer: Denon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000CABHH Release Date: 2003-10-07 |
Tracks:
- Dark Eyes
- Thunder & Lightning
- The Merry Widow
- Song of the Volga Boatman
- Hor Ich Zimbalklange
- Espana Cani (Bull)
- O Mio Babbino Caro
- The Blue Danube Waltz
- Announcement Olympia Song
- Song of Olympia (puppet)
- My Heart Will Go On (Titanic)
- All Men Shall Be Brothers - Beethoven 9th
- Radetzky March
- Opera Potpourri
- The Red Rose Cafe
- The Marino Waltz
- Irish Washerwoman
- The Last Rose
- Chianti Song
- Lullaby
Album Description
Recorded at the filming in Dublin's famous downtown train terminal, LIVE IN DUBLIN features Andre and the orchestra performing a collection of old favorites and exciting new selections. Already a smash PBS program LIVE IN DUBLIN captures Andre Rieu and his magical live performances at their most elegant best!Customer Reviews:
Would you like ketchup with your bug?.......2007-05-05
Anyway, I saw Andre Rieu on a PBS special on television and it looked like such an awesome, high-energy concert! The CD is not so exciting, but it is worth buying just for that beautiful aria.
he makes you get up and dance.......2007-04-10
Live in Dublin.......2007-02-17
Live in Dublin.......2006-07-05
Live audience is great........2006-05-03
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Ultimate Collection
Black 'N Blue Manufacturer: Hip-O Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005LNHQ Release Date: 2001-07-03 |
Tracks:
- Rockin' On Heaven's Door
- Autoblast
- Hold On To 18
- Wicked Bitch
- Without Love
- Miss Mystery
- Nasty, Nasty
- I Want It All, I Want It Now
- Nature Of The Beach
- Stop The Lightning
- Bombastic Plastic
- Suspicious
- I'll Be There For You
- Heat It Up! Burn It Out!
- Does She Or Doesn't She
- Live It Up
- Chains Around Heaven
- Get Wise To The Rise
- School Of Hard Knocks
- I'm The King
Customer Reviews:
Black 'N Blue - 'Ultimate Collection' (Hip-O Records).......2006-10-24
New Rules.......2006-08-17
First, if your only exposure to this band and album is listening to the 30-second clips provided here, you have no business reviewing the album. That's like reading the first page of each chapter, then reviewing the book. Leave the review to those of us who have actually heard the whole album.
Second, if you don't like hair metal or AOR/melodic rock, you probably shouldn't be reviewing this album either. You can pretty much tell what kind of music you're going to get by looking at the band photo. If you hate hair metal, then don't buy hair metal albums. I'm sure there's a Coldplay album out there that's just aching for your review.
I feel so much better now. Now I actually own Black `n Blue: Ultimate Collection, so I'd like to share some observations.
Despite hailing from Oregon, Black `n Blue was a pretty active player in the L.A. metal scene. They released four studio albums from 1984-88, but for whatever reason never quite found the success that their peers in Ratt and Motley Crue achieved. Musically the band had a sound that was equal parts Ratt and King Kobra. It was definitely L.A. hair metal, but instead of being overly sleazy it had an AOR polish. It's upbeat and melodic, and what it lacks in originality it makes up for in pure energy.
2001's Ultimate Collection features a whopping 20 songs - more than half of the band's studio output! If they had added another disc they could have covered the band's whole catalog. Still, the song count is pretty impressive when you consider that most "greatest hits" packages have at best a dozen tracks. The songs have been digitally remastered, which is a nice bonus. There is also a hefty band history in the booklet that gives some insight into this often overlooked band. All told, Ultimate Collection serves as the perfect introduction to Black `n Blue's music, and is ideal for newcomers. Longtime Black `n Blue fans will no doubt prefer buying the remastered studio albums or tracking down the limited edition box set.
NOTE: There is allegedly a Black `n Blue reunion album in the works, but it has yet to see the light of day. In the meantime, guitarist Tommy Thayer is busy playing for KISS and vocalist Jamie St. James recently replaced Jani Lane as Warrant's frontman.
On of the 80's best.......2006-03-26
Low par.......2006-03-09
A really over looked band.......2006-02-09
They played the demo version of Chains Around Heaven. The same version that wound up on the second pressing of Metal Massacre. I was hooked. I saw them perform live at least 10 times over the next 2 years and this is where they really shined (despite another reviewers comment that they were "hit and miss"). These guys were born to be rock stars. Truly one of the most enjoyable bands I've ever seen live. When their debut arrived in 1984 I was quite pleased. Almost all of their live favorites are on that first disc (except "Violent Kid"). This for me was the best thing B'N B ever recorded. Six of the best songs are represented here. Their second release, Without Love, is widely criticized by hardcore metal fans because of this albums slick production and poppy songs. I loved it. Great hooks, fun songs and lots of hair. I am amazed this was not a huge hit. Bon Jovi, who was not yet a household name and eager for a hit of his own chose Bruce Fairbairn to produce "Slippery When Wet" after hearing the job he did here. There are six songs from "Without Love" on this collection. Their last two records were both produced by Gene Simmons. Nasty Nasty and In Heat are my least favorite B'N B releases. By the time these records came out in the late 80's I had all but given up on this type of music so they don't have any nostalgic value for me, but when I replayed them recently I was surprised how much I enjoyed the songs from this time period.
Like all collections there are songs I would have liked to see here and others that I think should have been left off, but overall a lot of fun and worth getting if you like sugar coated metal ala RATT, Dokken and Bon Jovi. Enjoy.
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Black Byrd
Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000005HDT Release Date: 1992-07-14 |
Tracks:
- Flight Time
- Black Byrd
- Love's So Far Away
- Mr. Thomas
- Sky High
- Slop Jar Blues
- Where Are We Going?
Amazon.com
Dr. Donald Byrd's deeply rooted jazz background never stopped him from constantly pushing jazz forward, opening the minds of his listeners in the process. Produced by Larry Mizell in 1973, Black Byrd is filled with beautiful music that captures his passion for sound. The sophisticated, uptempo instrumentals are funky and danceable, but also extremely smooth. Byrd's impeccable trumpet meshes perfectly with the African-influenced beats and rhythms. Jazz purists may want to look into earlier Blue Note recordings such as Royal Flush and Byrd in Flight. --Shane HuntCustomer Reviews:
Critics said "Nay".......2007-01-10
Blackbyrd..........2005-09-24
Five stars!
Heading towards the light and fluffy elevator style jazz...........2004-09-16
FLYING 5.......2000-04-19
IT's TIGHT BELEIVE ME.......1999-09-16
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Black Fire
Andrew Hill Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002IQ9R8 Release Date: 2004-07-13 |
Tracks:
- Pumpkin
- Subterfuge
- Black Fire
- Cantarnos
- Tired Trade
- McNeil Island
- Land Of Nod
- Pumpkin (Alternate Take)
- Black Fire (Alternate Take)
Album Description
Alfred Lion called Andrew Hill his last great discovery and "Black Fire" was the pianist's brilliant Blue Note debut. Despite the originality and complexity of Hill's compositions, Joe Henderson, Richard Davis and Roy Haynes sound like they've been playing them for years. Added to the original LP are two alternate takes. ANDREW HILL, piano
JOE HENDERSON, tenor sax
RICHARD DAVIS, bass
ROY HAYNES, drums
Customer Reviews:
Black Fire, my review from Barcelona.......2007-06-16
"Black Fire", Andrew Hill's powerful debut record for Blue Note, is an impressive and original record which builds from hard bop and even flirts with free music in some of its songs. Perhaps this "Black Fire" is more suitable to begin with Hill's music rather than his allegedly best albums, "Point of Departure" and "Judgement". Here he is backed by a kind of dream team, with Joe Henderson on tenor sax, playing it sensationally, in his usual way, the virtuous bassist Richard Davis, and the highly acclaimed drummer Roy Haynes, all of them leaders in their own bands. None of them are content within the limits of conventional hard bop and that is what makes "Black Fire" an outstanding classical record of modern Jazz. All of the themes, seven originals plus two alternate takes, are very good, so I highly recommend it. It is an essential and a must-have record. You can't go wrong buying it.
A powerful debut.......2006-05-01
It wasn't unusual in the mid-60s for Blue Note albums to include original compositions, but sometimes these compositions were pretty generic: a modal number, a "Sidewinder" clone, a blues number, etc. But not here -- each of Hill's tunes is distinct from those generic categories, and from the other tunes on the album. Hill's tunes include weird twists and turns, starts and stops, alternating sections with clashing ideas or moods, unpredictable rhythms, and of course a touch of Monk. "Subterfuge" is a percussive, claustrophobic piano trio performance. "McNeil Island" is another trio performance, but this time Roy Haynes sits out. Joe Henderson plays very lyrically on this one. "Black Fire" is a waltz, alternating an upbeat theme with a darker one. It's interesting to see how the soloists adjust to the frequently adjusting moods in their solos. "Pumpkin" (introduced by a striking Richard Davis bassline) and the sorta-Latin "Cantarnos" both feature intense, passionate melodies.
Hill got a major assist from his quartet: Henderson (tenor sax), Davis (bass) and Haynes (drums). Hill had great chemistry with all three guys, and each would appear on at least one Hill recording after this one. Henderson's playing is more avant-garde than on contemporary albums such as Lee Morgan's Sidewinder and Grant Green's Idle Moment. Haynes could perform brilliantly in any context, while Davis's virtuosic bass playing is perfect for Hill's music. (I guess that's why he played on Hill's first seven albums for BN!) Together, Haynes and Davis push and pull against the soloists, giving Hill's music the flexibility it needs.
Though Point of Departure might be a better album, Black Fire is probably a more accessible introduction to Hill's music. Be sure to check out his other Blue Note albums, including Judgment, Andrew!!! and Passing Ships.
(Note: this review is based on an older reissue of the album. I have not heard the recent RVG remaster.)
"Black Fire" Burns Again.......2004-07-13
Rap Music:
- Bloc Party [EP]
- Body of Song [Box set] [Limited Edition]
- Broken China
- Buddha and the Chocolate Box [Original recording remastered]
- Carnival
- Catalpa
- Chicago V [Original recording remastered]
- Crest of a Knave [Original recording remastered]
- Crowded House
- Dreaming of You
Recommended Music:
Dvorák:String Quartets op. 96 & 105
Karen sends Shivers up and down your spine
El Gran Pelon [Explicit Lyrics]