Tain [EP]

Product Description
If we agree The Decemberists are one of the main features on the current music scene, mostly thanks to their last album, Her Majesty The Decemberists and to the reediting in Kill Rock Stars of their debut album, Castaways And Cutouts, it comes as no surprise that one of their next releases is this 2004 EP for Acuarela. This fascinating and creative Portland (Oregon)-based pop-art group that is reputed not only for its music, but also for the romantic and epic spirit in the best sense, has recently handed us its 18-minutes long release titled The Tain, whose cornerstone, according to leader Colin Meloy, is a cycle of Celtic mythology under the same name, and is basically a conceptual work, a song divided into five parts. Recorded with producer Chris Walla in Seattle, one of its fragments marks the first time that group drummer, Rachel, puts her voice and literary talent into a record. Packaged in a

Tain,Decemberists,Acuarela (Red100),Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Tain [EP]

Average customer rating: Progressive Rock Lives Your reward's in the sweet bye and bye. derfla loves it Radical departure

The Tain The Decemberists Manufacturer: Kill Rock Stars ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 5 Songs The Crane Wife 16 Military Wives We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank Sky Blue Sky ASIN: B0009VNCXW Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

1. The Tain (Pt. I-V)

Album Description

In the last two years, Portland's Decemberists burst onto the scene with "Castaways And Cutouts", wowed critics, gained legions of fans with "Her Majesty", and then continued the trend with "Picaresque". In the wake of all this, Kill Rock Stars is re-releasing last year's highly acclaimed concept EP, "The Tain" (originally released on Acuarela). The record's cornerstone is a cycle of Celtic mythology under the same name and is a one epic song divided into five parts. A bit of a rock opera, it's a live favorite among fans. "The Decemberists have made two albums of literate, crackling songs, but 'The Tain' is the best entry into their high-rock theater. [They] vividly conjure the clang of battle and the stench of ruined flesh in this mini-epic of marching guitars, bowed upright bass, and artful contradiction" - David Fricke, Rolling Stone.

Customer Reviews:

Progressive Rock Lives.......2007-07-03

"The Tain" is an excellent work of Progressive Rock. Made me feel like I was in my teens again. Keep up the great work Decemberists!

Your reward's in the sweet bye and bye........2007-05-14

This is probably the Decemerists' best offering yet. After seeing them in support of Crane Wife, I was left thinking, "it would have been awesome if they had played The Tain instead of the whole Crane Wife movement." If you like the good stuff, this is probably the best thing they've done yet, and I'm pretty into them. And I don't think it's like if anyone married Pink Floyd.

derfla loves it.......2007-03-13

Other than it is a single track, if you like the Decemberists, you will love this. :-)

Radical departure.......2005-07-12

Everyone knows the Decemberists as being a sort of light indie-pop/folk band, with slightly odd songs and a slightly sunny feel. Not the sort of band to do a mythic concept album, right? Wrong. In what may be their best release so far, the Decemberists released "The Tain," a rich musical reinterpretation of Irish legend.

It's basically one song in five movements, starting off with a quietly sneering song from the "Crone." It then switches to a dark mix of bass and electronic instrumentation, before changing again to a stately, mournful acoustic ballad, where Meloy's cries of "On this stretch of ground/I'll lay me down" are echoed by the "Chorus of Waifs."

The fourth movement opens with Rachel Blumberg's soft singing, over a muted Hammond ballad. The final part of this musical tapestry is mostly a conversation between a woman and daughter, a percussive rock song that snaps and snarls, before ending with another word from the Crone.

"Tain Bo Cualnge" was the inspiration for this EP -- it was originally a story about cattle raids and legendary heroes in ancient Ulster. The Decemberists only loosely retell it, through offbeat rock songs and peculiar ballads. What's really striking is the musical reinvention -- nowhere are the more charming tunes of their full-length albums. This is dark, it's rock, and it's wonderfully eerie.

Meloy and Co. don't let the dark tone of the old myth get away from them -- in the middle of the fourth part, they burst into a kind of Celtic carnival tune. I'm not sure what it's supposed to signify, except that it sticks closer to the musical traditions of Ireland. The writing only falters at the beginning; the first part is pretty vulgar, and lacks the mythic tone of the following songs.

Colin Meloy seems to have found his vocal niche here. While he just sounds odd in light songs, here he sounds like the long-lost brother of Billy Corgan. It's a sound that suits him. He sounds particularly good when singing intensely, drawing the word "blood" out to something like "Bloo-uh-ud!" And he fits against a backdrop of sharp percussion, solid riffs and basslines, as well as some majestic waves of Wurlitzer, Rhodes, and piano.

In "The Tain" EP, the Decemberists seem to have found one of the kinds of music they do best. A unique concept album, and definitely one worth checking out.

Average customer rating:

Folk's Songs Jeff "Tain" Watts Presents Tain & The Eb Manufacturer: Dark Key Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Way out Willy Back East ASIN: B000R7L8FC

Product Description

10-track CD on Dark Key, 2007.

Average customer rating: It's o.k. Come on Allen, your holding out on us!! Mind Altering Really, really good... Excellent work

Sixteen Men of Tain (Spec) Allan Holdsworth Manufacturer: Globe Music Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock Guitarists | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: All Night Wrong Road Games I.O.U. Metal Fatigue Then! Live in Tokyo ASIN: B000083MFV Release Date: 2003-05-27

Tracks:

1. San Onofre
2. 0274
3. The Sixteen Men Of Tain
4. Above And Below
5. The Drums Were Yellow
6. Texas
7. Downside Up
8. Eidolon
9. Above And Below (Reprise)
10. Material Unreal

Customer Reviews:

It's o.k........2006-12-16

Allan revisits some classics of his from a different perspective. Maybe I just need to give it more time. I'm just not used to it, yet. It's interesting hearing a stand-up bass on a Holdsworth album, but I guess I just want to hear Allan, Jimmy, and Chad over and over again.

Come on Allen, your holding out on us!!.......2004-11-18

AH defies category, he is firstly a musician of the highest caliber. The depth of his composition is astounding. He has always pushed himself to the highest level and has never been satisfied. That hunger has allowed us fortunate listeners to enjoy an artist at the top of his form, yet always inspired in his continuance of evolution. And so 16 Men of Tain achieves what it sets out to do. A return to the apex, AH is in top form on this release, his sidemen for this outing truly add value to the tracks as only top-flight musicianship can. I appreciate the trip concept and the lack of keyboards although evident, is something of a relief, now one can sit back and listen to Mr. Holdsworth tonal pallet in it's purest form.
What we the listening aficionados MUST do is get the word out to all of our friends and associates. Champion this artistic giant. Purchase his products. Write to venues and associations to support his efforts.

There was a period an Allan's career when his work was going unnoticed and the artist was in dire circumstances. Thanks to good patrons and friends he was able to rebuild his production base and continue on. It's so wonderful to see his work succeed, especially in a "biz" which caters to mass-market appeal and not the vast musical palette, which is really out there beyond the corporate understanding. That is where the art and the artist dwell and that is where Allan Holdsworth has made his musical abode. The 16 Men of Tain shows us both the art and the artistry of Allan Holdsworth. Enjoy!

Mind Altering.......2004-10-29

I first heard Holdsworth in the mid-80's. After a few hours of listening to the tapes I had, my impression was he was technically very good, but too far out there for my taste.

I went to see Allan last night at a drum clinic in Milwaukee and was blown away. The best way I can describe the experience was that it was mind altering. Now in his 50's, he looked and sounded like the OB1-Kinobi of lead/improv. Cheers as well to his band mates Chad Wackerman on drums and Jimmy Johnson on bass, equally impressive.

Anyway, I picked up this CD at the clinic and listened to it last night while falling a sleep. It is amazing. If you are a guitar, jazz, experimental, or true music fan, you need to try this CD. It is still way out there, but from the reviews I read here, it looks like this CD is as normal as he gets.

Really, really good..........2004-07-30

How could I be the last one in the world to find out about Allan Holdsworth? What a phenomenal guitarist! I took a chance on his live album "All Night Wrong" and was blown away. He's easily one of jazz fusion's best. An Englishman, Holdsworth first started with the group "Tempest" before drummer Tony Williams asked him to replace John McLaughlin in his Lifetime project. He appeared on two more of Williams' albums before joining French-English rockers "Gong". In the late seventies, Holdsworth began his solo career. "Sixteen Men of Tain" has such a simple, straightforward rockin sound with Walt Fowler making two guest appearances on trumpet. Holdsowrth's trademark synthaxe is even less apparent on this album. Why not buy this album (and "All Night Wrong") and give some love to one of jazz fusion's most underappreciated guitarists.

Excellent work.......2003-11-21

This album is my favorite from Allan of the ones I own (Metal Fatigue, Atavachron, IOU, Hard Hat Area). The reason I like this so much is that he is less abstract and plays more in the groove. It is a bit more like traditional jazz and is more lyrical in quality. He keeps his Holdsworth sound and interesting chords and solos, but he seems to use them more effectively to convey musical ideas. I think Gary Novak's drumming really adds to this CD because it fits so well with Allan's style.

Some of the highlights: The opening song, San Onofre, has some really cool solo runs that fluidly span a chord progression. The Sixteen Me of Tain has a cool chord progression and the solo about 3 minutes into the song has some interesting bends and runs that caught my ear. The Drums Were Yellow is basically a big solo. All in all, the songs flow together well and balance pure guitar playing with musicality.

Average customer rating: Bar Talk Great album! A Gem Big surprise Jazz CD of the Year

Bar Talk Jeff "Tain" Watts Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Citizen Tain Detained at the Blue Note Megawatts Requiem Braggtown ASIN: B00006DTZJ Release Date: 2002-08-06

Tracks:

1. JC Is The Man (Part 1)
2. Vodville
3. Stevie In Rio
4. Mr. JJ
5. Side B
6. Kiss
7. JC Is The Man (Part 2)
8. Laughin' & Talkin' (with Higg)
9. Tonality Of Atonement
10. ...Like The Rose

Amazon.com

In the 1980s, drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts was the motor behind the advancing army of Young Turks led by Wynton and Branford Marsalis. He took Elvin Jones's rhythmic concepts to new heights and established himself as a drumming force of the future. This CD, his second as a leader, focuses on his compositions more than his drum work. Joined by saxophonists Ravi Coltrane and Michael Brecker, along with guitarists Hiram Bullock and Paul Bollenbeck, and pianist Joey Calderazzo, Watts and company deliver a program of surprisingly light-on-the-ears tunes, penned mostly by him. "J.C. Is the Man" is a boppish tribute to a bartender, while "Stevie in Rio" is a breezy tropical number. "Laughin' and Talkin' (with Higg)" is Watts's sonic shout-out to the dearly departed drummer, Billy Higgins, and Kenny Kirkland's moody ballad, "Tonality of Atonement," is handled with tender loving care from Watts and the crew. On "...Like the Rose," Watts's vocal alter ego, "Juan Tainish," graces the Norman Conners-like ballad with his pipes. Watt's drumming is impressive and supportive--he doesn't have to prove anything with selfish solos. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Bar Talk.......2006-11-12

I was only inquiring about this CD. I never purchased it nor did I ever receive it.

Great album!.......2005-11-14

My favorite tracks in particular are "Mr. JJ", an uptempo minor blues which features saxophonists Branford Marsalis and Michael Brecker, and "Side B", a slow funk-ish tune which shows off a nice saxophone and guitar solo.

Watts holds the band down in every tune. An amazing drummer!

A Gem.......2004-06-28

You can't go wrong with this album. I was a little disappointed with "Citizen Tain" but this was a big surprise for me!! What a come back! I swear to God this guy is the most powerful drummer of all time, he swings, he can be soft, he can groove, he can be a total animal, but always in the zone and staying true to the music. I agree with the first reviewer of this album, track 4 just hit me and I almost sh#$t a brick!! You will never hear two tenor giants go head to head like that on any other album.

The same goes for the rest of the album. Tain knows how serve his listeners--you want something at burning speed, you want a laid back groove, a beautiful ballad, all styles...TAIN IS THE MAN!!
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity--grab this album and you will be more than satisfied.

Big surprise.......2003-07-28

A clearout sale at a local store gave me the excuse to experiment a little, and it's been nothing but one blessing after another. A mysterious Lee Ritenour collection, Joshua Redman's last disc, Martin Medeski and Wood, and now Jeff 'Tain' Watts, who has blown my hair back to say the least.

Absolutely no self-respecting jazz lover should have a space in their collection where this disc belongs, if only for the (now legendary) Brecker/Marsalis solo which hits you like a bath of ice cold water. I'll tell you, the hairs on my arm haven't lain back down yet.

Paul Bollenbeack on the guitar is a real find for me too, reminding me a lot of John Scofield in that strange, nagging "Here I am, don't forget about me" to his strings, particularly on the often spacey opening track 'JC is the man'- Bollenback's contribution is gentle enough to sit on the edge of your consciousness and just powerful enough to spice the mix without burning your lips.

'Side B' is the star of the show for me, but then I just love Hiram Bullocks nasty edge, real sleazy, like a down and out hooker with torn nylons and smeared mascara who's just walked into the bar where the guys are playing.

Wait no longer, pick this up at any price (you don't have to wait for a clear out, believe me) !

Jazz CD of the Year.......2003-06-22

Quite simply this was the best jazz CD of last year and one of the best of ANY year. It is tuneful, varied, brilliantly played and pretty hip in terms of its stylistic approach. I've had it for almost a year and I still play it to death. When you consider some of the unlistenable [stuff] that gets foisted on the long sufferring jazz public by the critics (is it any wonder that jazz sales are in decline?) this CD came as a breath if not a rush of fresh air. One can only hope that Sony keep Tain on the books and keep allowing him to put out CD's like this one. Miss it at your peril.

Average customer rating: want to entertain your ear? A radical departure More Brilliance from Mr. Meloy The Decemberists' Epic Celtic Death Metal

The Tain The Decemberists Manufacturer: Acuarela Ovni ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: 5 Songs The Crane Wife 16 Military Wives Once Fox Confessor Brings the Flood ASIN: B0001IW3TW Release Date: 2004-03-08

Tracks:

1. Tain, Pts. 1 - 5

Customer Reviews:

want to entertain your ear?.......2005-08-06

This is a brilliant piece of work, a run-up to the greatness that is "Picaresque," and some of the Decemberists' best work so far.

But if you want a really interesting listening session, put on "The Tain" and then follow it up immediately with "Pictures of a City" by King Crimson off their neglected album, "In the Wake of Poseidon."

Interesting, no? I wonder what else Colin has been listening to besides Black Sabbath?

Regardless, "The Tain" is more proof that the Decemberists are rapidly becoming one of the more impressive bands around. They are not locked into anyone's formula and don't follow anyone's rules but their own. In an era where so many bands follow lockstep with one another ("Coldplay, meet Starsailor, I saw you both going through Radiohead's Pink Floyd rarities collection!") and so many others go whoring after money and popularity, the Decemberists' singular disregard for anything except their own artistic vision is beyond refreshing.

A radical departure.......2005-01-13

Everyone knows the Decemberists as being a sort of light indie-pop/folk band, with slightly odd songs and a slightly sunny feel. Not the sort of band to do a mythic concept album, right? Wrong. In what may be their best release so far, the Decemberists released "The Tain," a rich musical reinterpretation of Irish legend.

It's basically one song in five movements, starting off with a quietly sneering song from the "Crone." It then switches to a dark mix of bass and electronic instrumentation, before changing again to a stately, mournful acoustic ballad, where Meloy's cries of "On this stretch of ground/I'll lay me down" are echoed by the "Chorus of Waifs."

The fourth movement opens with Rachel Blumberg's soft singing, over a muted Hammond ballad. The final part of this musical tapestry is mostly a conversation between a woman and daughter, a percussive rock song that snaps and snarls, before ending with another word from the Crone.

"Tain Bo Cualnge" was the inspiration for this EP -- it was originally a story about cattle raids and legendary heroes in ancient Ulster. The Decemberists only loosely retell it, through offbeat rock songs and peculiar ballads. What's really striking is the musical reinvention -- nowhere are the more charming tunes of their full-length albums. This is dark, it's rock, and it's wonderfully eerie.

Meloy and Co. don't let the dark tone of the old myth get away from them -- in the middle of the fourth part, they burst into a kind of Celtic carnival tune. I'm not sure what it's supposed to signify, except that it sticks closer to the musical traditions of Ireland. The writing only falters at the beginning; the first part is pretty vulgar, and lacks the mythic tone of the following songs.

Colin Meloy seems to have found his vocal niche here. While he just sounds odd in light songs, here he sounds like the long-lost brother of Billy Corgan. It's a sound that suits him. He sounds particularly good when singing intensely, drawing the word "blood" out to something like "Bloo-uh-ud!" And he fits against a backdrop of sharp percussion, solid riffs and basslines, as well as some majestic waves of Wurlitzer, Rhodes, and piano.

In "The Tain" EP, the Decemberists seem to have found what kind of music they do best. Let's hope Meloy and his band stick to this richer, more majestic sound.

More Brilliance from Mr. Meloy.......2004-11-20

When I first heard about this EP I was faintly apprehensive. The Decemberists excel mainly (and brilliantly) at folk/pop/sea chanty songs preoccupied with gut shot french canadian bootleggers, pirates and homosexual subtext. Now they've produced an 18-minute song suite based on the Irish equivalent of The Illad?

Thankfully my fears were completely unfounded; for its entirety The Tain is fascinating and totally entertaining. From the pseudo Sabbath opening to the recurring instrumental motifs throughout as well as a deft blending of most of the musical idioms they've worked in before, this is as intricate and clever a composition as I've heard in a long time. High points? Colin Meloy's stretching the word "blood" into a four syllable howl as the band swells behind him; Rachel Blumberg in her best "Chimbley Sweep" widow whisper making the proceedings both quieter and creepier; "Charlgemane in a motorcade"? Lyrical brilliance.

In other words, like eveything else they've done thus far, The Tain is the work of an inventive, superior band. HIGHLY reccomnded.

The Decemberists' Epic.......2004-09-08

"Tain" serves as The Decemberists most connected, and dare I say it, heaviest project yet. A slight Heavy metal tinge with a Ancient Celtic tone replaces the Victorian Era feel of "Her Majesty the Decemberists" and "Castaway and Cutouts". Based loosely on the 8th century Celtic poem called, fittingly, "The Tain", this 18 minute, five song EP runs together like one large rock epic.

The band has indicated that their Third complete album, which has begun recording, will share a sound similar to the Tain. There will be a slight increase in guitar usage, and the CD will have a much stronger internal link between songs.

All in all, "Tain" offers a different way to view The Decemberists, just as good as they're older stuff, in a completely different way.

Celtic Death Metal.......2004-07-19

if you ask Lead singer Colin Meloy what his main influence for writing this album was, he'd tell you about his recent obsession with metal. Now dont piss you pants yet fanboys. Colin's only grown a small likein to Black Sabath. This doesn't mean that he's going to grow his hair out, buy a Camarro and headbang. The band is still the loveable, accordian-rifftastic pop band that we all love. Its just that they've thrown in a couple of heavily distorted guitar riffs. To tell you the truth its kinda refreshing (in a morbid sort of way).

This one track, 5 movement piece is a "concept" album (for the lack of a better word), based on the celtic journy of Queen Medb's army, and their assault on the town of Ulster. The intention of this raid is to capture prize bull of this town.

There are also other stories told but this one is the most interisting.

Whail this ep may not be as creative as Cutouts and Casaways, its nontheless an interesting piece.

Average customer rating: A real discovery An album worth playing again and again and again On my 2000 "Best List" Nice but no surprise great debut from a seasoned drummer

Citizen Tain Jeff "Tain" Watts Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bar Talk Detained at the Blue Note Requiem Royal Garden Blues Crazy People Music ASIN: B00000JT4W Release Date: 1999-08-17

Tracks:

1. The Impaler
2. Muphkin Man
3. Attainment
4. Pools Of Amber
5. Blutain, Jr.
6. Wry Koln
7. Destruction & Rebirth Suite: Mlk Shake-Up Call
8. Destruction & Rebirth Suite: Paen (Marie, Jehanne, Karmia)
9. Sigmund Groid
10. Trieste
11. Blutain's Big Adventure

Amazon.com

The breakout album for Wynton Marsalis in 1985 was Black Codes (From the Underground), and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts's furious and finnessed volcanic drumming helped define it as a classic. Playing with Branford Marsalis through numerous recordings and The Tonight Show further spotlighted Watts's talents. Which brings us to this major-label debut, which reunites the spirit of the Black Codes ensemble, teaming the Marsalis brothers, the late pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Reginald Veal, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, and alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett. Watts is one of the few drummers who took Elvin Jones's concepts and made his own statements with them. Watts not only plays the drums but inspires the rhythmic impetus in his fellow bandmates, as evidenced by the mercurial improvisations from Wynton and Branford on the neo-classic "The Impaler" and the Latinesque "Why Koln?" Thelonious Monk's sidestepping soft-shoe rhythms are the main course on "Muphkin Man," courtesy of Kirkland's sanctified pianisms, and "Attainment" sounds like it was the missing track from John Coltrane's classic Love Supreme album. Watts's cymbal shimmers radiate on the plaintive lullaby waltz "Pools of Amber," and Watts brings the turbulent '60s from his drum kit to your eardrums on the "Destruction & Rebirth Suite." "Blutain Jr." is a blues that rolls with a catchy, hot-potato melody that is augmented on "Blutain's Big Adventure." Throughout the recording Watts maintains the high level of restraint and creativity that makes him the celebrated musician that he is. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

A real discovery.......2002-10-02

I first heard Jeff Tain Watts on Branford Marsalis's "Footsteps of Our Fathers" CD. His playing was a standout; crisp, multidimensional, intelligent. And so I bought this debut CD, recorded about four years ago.

I find myself returning to "Citizen Tain" again and again, playing it in my office, playing it on the street. It's that rich, that varied. Smart and tight, languid, romantic, introspective, impassioned. And sounding so easy, so inevitable, like the sun rising in the East. Each time I listen, I find something I hadn't quite gotten before.

I feel fortunate to have discovered "Citizen Tain."

An album worth playing again and again and again.......2001-06-27

I've been repeating "Pools of Amber" for for the last hour now. Listening to these guys go to work, is the most inspiration that I've had this year so far. When you're driving on the highway, blast this in your car! Stand out from the crowd!

On my 2000 "Best List".......2000-04-26

Having purchased this cd a few weeks ago, I must state that this is a fantastic cd. Jeff Tain is a superb drummer and his choices on this recording are excellent. All artists display excellent musicianship. There's a special and sad sentiment to the late great Kenny Kirkland. His playing is outstanding. This cd grooves, moves, and inspires. This is what true jazz is all about.

Nice but no surprise.......1999-12-20

As a whole, this recording does not come much as a surprise. On this CD, you`ll find much of the tunes long since associated with Tain. It nevertheless contains some really great music. My favorites are Attainement and Sigmund Groid. On The Impaler Wynton Marsalis is playing as if he`d be 20 again.

great debut from a seasoned drummer.......1999-12-14

it seems funny that jeff "tain" watts is releasing a debut, he's been on the scene for years. this album contains all the elements that have made him an in demand drummer for some of the giants (betty carter, for instance)and a regular with the brothers marsalis. tain knows how to swing, both subtly and hard. his burnouts are incredible as he somehow stays within the groove even when it becomes free. but he can also use the brushes on ballads to create one of those misty blue midnight hours. this is a very satisfying album.

Average customer rating: A thumb down Damn, that's good! Every LP Miss Humes ever recorded is worth listening to.

Tain't Nobody's Biz-Ness If I Do Helen Humes Manufacturer: Ojc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Classic Female Vocal Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Jump Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Songs I Like to Sing! Swingin' with Humes Dynamic! Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000000YP9 Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. You Can Depend On Me
2. Trouble In Mind
3. Among My Souvenirs
4. Ain't Misbehavin'
5. Stardust
6. Bill Bailey
7. When I Grow Too Old To Dream
8. A Good Man Is Hard To Find
9. Bill
10. 'Taint Nobody's Biz-Ness If I Do
11. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
12. When The Saints Go Marching In

Customer Reviews:

A thumb down.......2001-02-14

Yes,musicians are great,repertoire is great BUT I just can't warm up to Helen Humes voice.She reminds me too much of the young,Chick Webb - era Ella Fitzgerald,all girly,squeeky clean and "lovable".That particular type of voice,with its "freshness and cleanniness" is simply unlistenable to me,it says volumes about possesor of the voice AND always frozen smile on the face.Listening good reviews I bought not one but two Helen humes albums and still after several months I cannot find any special magic about her,except the fact that I find her "cuteness" very annoying.Some people find her good,but I need a character behind the voice and this woman sounds too much like young Ella (whom I never liked in the first place,lack of personality being the reason).Perhaps this similarity was the reason why Humes never broke really big and never had status of other great jazz legends.The only exception on the album would be "Bill" from "Showboat" which unexpectedly,Humes sing with some emotions,everything else sound forced to me.

Damn, that's good!.......2000-04-06

If you want music that you can't help but move to, this is it. I thought Dinah Washington was the Top Bannana, with Billie Holiday right beside her, but I have now added Helen Humes to the list. They just don't make em like this any more! True quality...true feel good music! Heaven has got to be a rockin' place.

Every LP Miss Humes ever recorded is worth listening to........1999-11-10

Her 1st LP for OJC(her best was Songs I Like To Sing) out of three, is a great jazz session well worth picking up. She is one of the few artists like Anita O'Day(on Verve), you know if her name is on the cover it's worth buying. Highlights include "Amung My Suvineers" and "Bill Bailey."

Average customer rating:

Eyes Wide Shut: Music from Stanley Kubrick Movies Manufacturer: Golden Stars ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Eyes Wide Shut: Music From The Motion Picture 2001: Music From the Films of Stanley Kubrick ASIN: B00004VRKT Release Date: 1999-12-01

Tracks:

1. When I Fall in Love [From Eyes Wide Shut] - Hollywood Star Orchestra
2. Second Waltz from "Jazz Suite" [From Eyes Wide Shut]
3. Strangers in the Night [From Eyes Wide Shut] - Hollywood Star Orchestra
4. 2nd Movement from "Symphony No. 9" in D Minor Op. 125 "Choral" [From a
5. Pomp and Circumstance March Op.39/1 [From a Clockwork Orange] - Radio Symphony Orchestra Ljubljana
6. Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That Cha Do It) [from Lolita, My Love] - Ella Fitzgerald
7. Introduction from "Also Sprach Zarathustra" [From 2001: A Space ...]
8. Adagio from "Gayane" - Ballet Suite [from Lolita, My Love]
9. Theme from "Spartacus" [From Spartacus] - Hollywood Star Orchestra
10. Sarabande [From Barry Lyndon]
11. German Dance No. 1 in C Major [From Barry Lyndon]
12. Third Movement from "Cello Concerto" in E Minor [From Barry Lyndon] - Musici Di San Marco
13. Main Title from "The Shining" [From the Shining] - Hollywood Star Orchestra
14. Chapel of Love [From Full Metal Jacket] - The Dixie Cups
15. We'll Meet Again [From Dr. Strangelove] - Vera Lynn

Average customer rating: Brilliant!!!! Setting a new standard for live jazz

Detained at the Blue Note Jeff "Tain" Watts Quintet Manufacturer: Halfnote Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Megawatts Citizen Tain Bar Talk Canvas Beyond the Wall ASIN: B0002VGQDM Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. 107 Steps
2. JC Is The Man
3. Mr. JJ
4. Sigmund Groid
5. ...Like The Rose

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant!!!!.......2005-04-29

Incredible solos. Incredible interplay. This has been my favorite CD since it's release. I still listen to it constantly.

Kerry McCoy
Denver CO

Setting a new standard for live jazz.......2004-11-02

Jeff "Tain" Watts may be the greatest drummer alive. Able to synthesize a huge variety of drum styles, he nearly single handedly sums up and embraces the history of jazz drumming. Swing, bop, free, groove, funk, polyrhythmic, cool, expressivistic--it's all there. Link that to an absolutely killer band (Watts, drums; Kenny Garrett, alto saxophone; David Kikoski, piano; Eric Revis, bass, David Gilmour, guitar; and Marcus Strickland, tenor saxophone) completely familiar with each other's playing and absolutely committed to achieving not only a sophisticated sound palette but also an inviting matrix for soaring solo flights, and you have the makings of a live jazz recording of the highest accomplishment.

A very attractive controlled (and occasionally, not so controlled) freneticism dominates the mood here. I get the feeling this is what Chris Potter and Greg Osby were after but didn't quite achieve on their recent live discs. One of the keys here is David Gilmour, an underrated guitarist in my view. He adds wonderful coloration, smart comping, and fiery solos. Dave Kikoski on piano and synth also makes a huge contribution. He brings a dancing, lilting quality that nudges these proceedings out of the category of mere virtuosity and into a kind of aural felicity rare in live jazz recordings. A seasoned player who has never, perhaps, been given his due, he shines brightly in this setting.

The leader is all over his kit but still manages not to sound too busy, a fault other prodigiously talented drummers (one thinks, e.g., of Jack DeJohnette, Ralph Peterson, and Bill Stewart) occasionally fall into.

The five compositions, each checking in at over 11:00 minutes and resulting in a disc over 70:00 minutes in length, not only prove to be excellent mediums for improvisation, but have an intrinsically attractive melodic sensibility. Which is to say, they're not merely blowing vehicles. The most evocative and provocative is the darkly brooding "Sigmund Groid," a blues-drenched ballad that reminds me of the work of the great but little know ex-pat South African pianist, Curtis Clark, and features some wonderful unison playing by Strickland and Gilmour, as well as brilliantly ecstatic out solo by Garrett.

Really, this is a disc of the highest accomplishment. Not to be missed.

Average customer rating: We want more Duke

Tain't Nobody's Business Butch Thompson Big Three Manufacturer: Jazzology ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Butch Thompson Trio Plays Favorites Thompson Plays Jelly Roll Morton Solos ASIN: B0009UNAPI Release Date: 2005-05-06

Customer Reviews:

We want more Duke.......2005-09-26

When I first got this CD and saw that Duke Heitger was playing in a trio format and therefore would be featured more than usual, I was delighted. Heitger's trumpet playing really knocks me out, but too often in the past he was buried in the surroundings of the performance. Then I listened and felt dissapontment again. Here Jimmy Mazzy's vocals get top priority; it's a rather restrained set because of that. Mazzy sings well enough with his gravelly, quavering voice, but I gladly would have sacrificed some of those vocals for more Heitger. Duke is especially terrific when he puts a mute in the horn, which he does frequently, usually for his solo choruses in the middle of a tune. Butch is as competent as ever, though also restrained. Not a bad CD, but it didn't match my expectations.

Rap Music:

1. Take Me to Your Leader [Import]
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4. The Ride [Enhanced]
5. The Screaming End: The Best Of Gene Vincent
6. The Soul Cages [Enhanced]
7. The Well
8. Theory of a Deadman [Explicit Lyrics]
9. This Is How a Heart Breaks [CD-single] [Import]
10. Truly She Is None Other

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