Are You a Dreamer?

Harp Magazine
"Denison Witmer strums a stunning portrait…"

Product Description
From Pitchforkmedia.com:

Denison Witmer Album to Feature Sufjan Stevens David Nadelle reports: Years toiling in dive bars and incessant journal-writing are starting to pay off for Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Denison Witmer. While often compared to 70s classic songwriting relics like James Taylor and admitted influences Jackson Browne and Graham Nash, his earnest, idiosyncratic style has matured and now is more akin to Damien Jurado, Pedro the Lion or even Elliott Smith at times. His new album Are You a Dreamer? will be released on July 26 and will be his first album on the Militia Group.

The album is loosely conceptual, themed around all the aspects of dreams and the sense of hope that can be derived from them. Are You a Dreamer? benefits from contributions by a gifted cast of contributors, with Sufjan Stevens, the Innocence Mission's Don and Karen Peris, Ester Drang's James McAlister, and Shara Worden filling out the sound of Witmer's personal narrative tales.

Are You a Dreamer?

Are You a Dreamer?,Denison Witmer,Militia,Indie Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

Are You a Dreamer?

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason

Average customer rating:

It's Dreamy
My Favorite Composer of all time
An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears
OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!
It's simply lovely

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Thomas Hampson , Jay Ungar , Molly Mason , Garrison Keillor , David Alpher , Mark Rust , Michael Parloff , Peter Ecklund , John Kirk , Arnold Kinsella , and Stephen Foster
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Song of Home
Song of America
Harvest Home
Civil War Classics
Stephen Foster Song Book

ASIN: B000002SK7
Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

Opening Solo Violin
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Hard Times Come Again No More
The Voice Of Bygone Days
Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
That's What's The Matter
Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
Gentle Annie (1856)
Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Average customer rating:

Time Capsule
Unexpected
An album to treasure
A classic recording of American songs
The sessions of sweet silent thought stirred

Songs by Stephen Foster, Vol. 1-2

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals
Stephen Foster Song Book
American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Swanee: The Music of Stephen Foster
DOO-DAH: Stephen Foster and the Rise of American Popular Culture

ASIN: B000005IYE
Release Date: 1992-05-28

Tracks:

Songs By Stephen Foster: Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Songs By Stephen Foster: There's A Good Time Coming
Songs By Stephen Foster: Was My Brother In The Battle?
Songs By Stephen Foster: Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair
Songs By Stephen Foster: If You've Only Got A Moustache
Songs By Stephen Foster: Gentle Annie
Songs By Stephen Foster: Wilt Thou Be Gone, Love?
Songs By Stephen Foster: That's What's The Matter
Songs By Stephen Foster: Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway
Songs By Stephen Foster: I'm Nothing But A Plain Old Soldier
Songs By Stephen Foster: Beautiful Dreamer
Songs By Stephen Foster: Mr. & Mrs. Brown
Songs By Stephen Foster: Slumber My Darling
Songs By Stephen Foster: Some Folks
Songs By Stephen Foster: We Are Coming, Father Abraam, 300,000 More
Songs By Stephen Foster: Linger In Blissful Repose
Songs By Stephen Foster: There Are Plenty Of Fish In The Sea
Songs By Stephen Foster: Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Songs By Stephen Foster: The Soiree Polka
Songs By Stephen Foster: Better Times Are Coming
Songs By Stephen Foster: Katy Bell
Songs By Stephen Foster: The Hour For Thee And Me
Songs By Stephen Foster: Summer Longings

Customer Reviews:

Time Capsule.......2006-11-30

The voices and instruments, like the songs, are straight from the mid-19th century. If you want to be transported back in time 150 years to a wonderful parlor performance of Foster's songs, this is the album to do it. The voices are marvelous and trained, and one must imagine that the strict phrasing and style are what one would have expected at the time. The cheap upright piano is perfect.

But the one perfect moment for me is the ONLY good extant rendition of "Was My Brother in the Battle?". Accompanied on a harmonium or pump reed organ, if this song doesn't tempt a tear, you simply aren't a romantic.

Very highly recommended.

Unexpected.......2005-11-26

Quality of this recording is fantastic! Performances are superb! However, they don't fit being an example of Foster's music and times. I was expecting banjos and a Mississippi Sound - therfore, very, very disappointed in this CD and consider and a waste of money. Be sure to LISTEN to a few examples to match what you are looking for and what the CD offers. I, unfortunately did not listen before I bought. I rate this low only because my expectations were shattered. This IS a fine CD if opera styles are ok for an example of this southern, 1800's composer's work.

An album to treasure.......2004-09-23

The landmark Library of Congress album, now on enhanced CD. Years
ago, I went on a six-months field assignment to a remote area of
Africa, where I could take only what music I could carry in a vest
pocket. I chose a tape player and two albums: a recital by Perlman
and this album on tape, and was content. If you love American
music, sung poetry, beautiful singing and deeply moving musicality,
this is an album you will treasure for a lifetime.

A classic recording of American songs.......2004-08-22

What can I say that hasn't already been said below? I only wanted to reiterate how wonderful this album is and assure the reader the sound is spectacular on CD. This is a live recording, and intentionally so, as the idea was to create a "parlor" experience as these were parlor songs to be sung by family and friends around the old upright piano. I especially liked the comment about the upright piano which, indeed, does croak and clank throughout the performance adding a note of "authenticity" without becoming obtrusive.

If only Ms. DeGaetani had graced my parlor...

The sessions of sweet silent thought stirred.......2003-11-22

I have never heard such unadulterated extraworldy sound emanate from two human voices and what would otherwise be firewood (the period instruments played by Gilbert Kalish). It stirs profound patriotism and a deep sentimentality for our early days when a civilized people pined to find virtue by examining its own body-- the north and the south, the small town, the simple flag, and the beauty of gentile manly and womanly love expressed through equisite song. There is no other music I would rather hear 'when summoning up the remembrance of things past.' The ghost of the early American parlor will prick your skin through these simple hymns and you may escape for a moment our troubled and busy times.

Average customer rating:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!
Yet another compilation
how precious!
Disappointing Duplication
If you like this sorta thing

Song of America
Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Charles Naginski , Ned Rorem , American Traditional , Elinor Remick Warren , Kurt Weill , Haydn Wood , Michael Parloff , Jay Ungar , Armen Guzelimian , Craig Rutenberg , David Alpher , Evan Stover , Garrison Keillor , and Mark Rust
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best of Thomas Hampson
Christmas with Thomas Hampson
Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson
American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Leading Man

ASIN: B000BGR0TW
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

As Adam Early In The Morning
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)
Shenandoah (Traditional)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
Danny Deever
Roses Of Picardy
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (1854)
Hard Times Come Again No More (1854)
Molly, Do You Love Me? (1850)
An Old Song Resung
Tomorrow (When You Are Gone)
The Erie Canal (Traditional)
We Two
The Nightingale (Traditional)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Luke Havergal
To What You Said
Look Down Fair Moon
Dirge For Two Veterans
Ethiopia Saluting The Colors

Amazon.com

Thomas Hampson is a persuasive advocate for these treasures from the Library of Congress' vast collections, so this CD's generous sampling leaves you wanting more. It covers the American songbook in all its variety, from traditional "folk" items like Shenandoah to Stephen Foster to the immigrants Erich Korngold and Kurt Weill to Leonard Bernstein and contemporary composers. Hampson adjusts his flexible, light baritone to fit each song. The voice is full and resonant on Danny Deever, simple and direct in 19th-century traditional songs and ballads, and nuanced in songs like Ned Rorem's "As Adam Early in the Morning," one of several on the disc with texts by Walt Whitman. A standout is the last song in this recital, one that leaves you with thoughts about music, history, and our nation's continuing issues, "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," by Henry Burleigh. Most of the selections are performed with piano accompaniment, but several are with a small ensemble of traditional instruments. A word of caution: everything was recorded in the 1990s and presumably was available piecemeal on previous releases, although few are likely to have more than a handful of these 20 gems. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!.......2006-10-04

I don't think this recording deserves One Star ratings or that the artist deserves such crude bashing. And re: Hampson's eye-colour.... Uh, these aren't lenses? He has blue eyes. I met him many times and...indeed, they are dark blue.

Anyhow, this is what Hampson is focusing on right now, American song. While those aren't exactly my thing I have to say that he sings them beautifully. I wish he'd stick to that rather than heavy Verdi and Wagner which his voice isn't right for.

Yet another compilation.......2006-06-13

I am a huge Tom fan. I go to his concerts and buy all of his CDs. I must say that I have been disappointed by this CD because it's entirely made of old recordings. There's a new photo on the cover, but that's all that is new here. So if you've bought your share of Tom CDs over the years, you want to check out the track info before you guy this one.

Now, Tom has been on tour and I STRONGLY recommend that you go see him next year when he comes through your city.

The other thing really annoying is that on the CD where you'd expect information about the music or the recording co., you instead get a large warning label from the FBI on pirating.

how precious!.......2006-05-08

Thomas Hampson swoons and croons to monotonous effect throughout this tired collection; again displaying his ego and faux scholarship in ample measure. Oi-vay, what a disaster! And what is with the blue contact lenses in the Jacket phot? Hampson's eyes are brown. What an unbelievably vain Diva!

Disappointing Duplication.......2006-01-17

I have not even heard the album, and I will not. Although I revere Mr. H. in just about everything he does, especially in song and Lieder, I am very disappointed that so many of these songs appear on other cds of which I already have about 19 of him. I think he and the producers should have chosen totally NEW material for this instead of drawing on his past achievements. I have no reservations about his performances, for I have seen him at the Met in opera and at Carnegie Hall in Mahler. I value them and all of his past cd productions.

If you like this sorta thing.......2006-01-17

Here Mr. Hampson is in his element. Unlike his less than viable attempts at Opera, Mr. Hampson is a thorough and intelligent singer of songs. His affectations, so fully inappropriate in bigger operatic literature, work well with the intimate nature of these sweet and personal songs. If you are Hampson fan, this album will thrill you.

Average customer rating:

Singer-songwriter makes music of empathy, compassion, and spirituality.
Music for Soothing
Solid Release...
just what we need
capable of more

Are You a Dreamer?
Denison Witmer
Manufacturer: Militia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Safe Away
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Recovered
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ASIN: B0009X75X8
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

Little Flowers
Everything But Sleep
Ringing Of The Bell Tower
Are You A Dreamer?
East From West
California Brown And Blue
Castle And Cathedral
Worry All The Time
Grandma Mary
Finding Your Feet Again

Album Description

From Pitchforkmedia.com:

Customer Reviews:

Singer-songwriter makes music of empathy, compassion, and spirituality. .......2006-01-14

This is music to rest your spirit in, pure and simple. For me this album is like a meditation-- I feel rested and rejuvenated every time I play it. In today's slamming beat-driven music market (which has produced some wonderfully wild arrangements), that makes it the ultimate outsider album. Yet I have a feeling that with the added push of record label Militia Music, Witmer could certainly claim the cult audience he deserves. I'm a child of the 1970s, so my tendency is to compare the songs on ARE YOU A DREAMER? to the gentlest efforts by Cat Stevens (think "The Wind"), Donovan (ie "Catch the Wind" or his work on the film Brother Sun Sister Moon), James Taylor at his sweet baby jamesiest, and even Jackson Browne ("Our Lady of the Well"). Witmer's voice is serenity and sensitivity personified, while his lyrics embrace and intertwine both secular and spiritual themes so that you hardly notice or care where one ends and the other begins (dare I say it, like a dream)-- he infuses all topics he tackles with hope and possibility, which is a rare artistic niche. Musically, his finger-picking guitar style gently paces the musical approach which is rooted in the post-folk music singer-songwriter genre. His producer and accompanist, guitarist/keyboardist Don Peris (Innocence Mission), adds even more space and ambiance, and finishing touches are provided by guests like indie-rock fave Sufjan Stevens (vocals, keyboards, guitar, recorders), James McAlister (whose drumming is a surprise standout for such a gentle album), and beautiful harmony vocals by Karen Peris among others. If you resonate with these comments, I don't see how you can go wrong with this album-- it's a classic of its genre and one of the best albums of 2005.

Music for Soothing.......2005-11-23

This album is perfect as a soft folk driven release. Any fan of indie-folk will enjoy this solid collection of personal songs about life; it's not to be underestimated. This album wraps you up in comfort and leaves you quietly content, wanting more. I reccomend this album to anyone looking to just feel good as they listen.

Solid Release..........2005-10-13

As another reviewer said, "Music is such a subjective transient experience!" Truer words have never been written! My experience with Are You A Dreamer? has been the polar opposite of their 2 star review. Are You A Dreamer, Denison's tenth album, has not left my stereo since I purchased it a month ago. I become more attached to it with every listen and it has become a well-loved, if not revered, record in my circle of friends.
Dreamer is a very underestimated album. Although it takes some a few listens to fully enjoy, even the less catchy tunes eventually sink their teeth in and don't let go. Don Peris's (of The Innocence Mission and Denison's debut Safe Away) production is very shimmery and clean. The songs while very basic in structure, are layered with arrangements which bring out the best of each song without getting in the way of Denison's folksy songwriting. The arrangements mostly consist of finger style acoustic guitar, dreamy (almost jazzy) electric guitar, female harmony vocals (Karen Peris of "The Innocence Mission" on a few songs), organ, piano, and even light drums on a few tracks. Denison's vocals are up front and his voice evokes emotion like few other records of the past several years. His vocals seem to be getting better and more mature with each record he releases. Lyrically Denison has improved as well. He seems a bit less caught up in himself and able to write from a larger, perhaps older, worldview. Songs like Little Flowers, California Brown and Blue, and Grandma Mary are my favorites. I was especially excited to see Sufjan Stevens (Sufjan's reaching HUGE popularity with his own record Illinois right now) as a guest musician. He plays banjo and sings on a few of the songs.
Most of my favorite records are one's with moments that didn't necessarily strike me the first time through, yet had an element that kept me coming back until I became completely hooked on them. "Are You A Dreamer" is no exception to this rule.
If you like Paul Simon, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Gillian Welch or even Ryan Adams, I highly recommend this record.
Denison is constantly on tour and with his warm and gracious stage presence he keeps people coming back and buying albums (very few artists are as prolific). My friends and I maintain that he translates best live, but this record has really captured the warmth in what he does best - sharing his honest, heartfelt songs about every day life. If after reading this review you are still on the fence about it check out his myspace site @ www. myspace.com/denisonwitmer to hear a couple of tracks.

just what we need.......2005-09-27

With the spectrum of crap available to customers out there, it's nice to see Denison consistently producing music that is what it is...sincere, simple, touching, and not bowing to the preference for cheese like many of the musicians he gets grouped wtih. Though this c.d. seems more complex than other Witmer albums, it still carries a soft, comforting component that he seems to have perfected over the years. And like you might expect, his music seems to go unnoticed due to its lack of bells and whistles. For those of you like me, who have failed at writing your own music, you will truly appreciate what Denison is able to do...he gives the listener a glimpse of real human emotion without becoming a greeting card commercial. And, his finger-picking guitar style really out-does most singer-songwriter stuff that's out there right now...it really is unfortunate that he hasn't gotten more exposure...I think this is one of Denison's best abulms and I can't immagine anyone being disapointed with this listen...

capable of more.......2005-09-16

Music is such a subjective transient experience! With that being noted, I am always hesitant to take the time to write a review or comment about a recording ( actually this is a first). This disc starts out with a fairly well crafted moderate-yet mellow, poetic tune that had me initially believing this was going to be a great disc. Unfortunately there are only glimpses of what I like to hear-this recording lost my attention. Mellow, laid back and reflective is fine (ie iron and wine -old elliot smith, nick drake)... Im still searching for something more.

Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals

Average customer rating:

Amid fine work, a new star!
Stephen Foster Would Be Proud
Foster at his simple best
Well-rounded and convincing

Stephen Foster Songs: Parlor & Minstrel Songs, Dance Tunes & Instrumentals

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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Songs by Stephen Foster, Vol. 1-2
American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Stephen Foster's America
Swanee: The Music of Stephen Foster
Stephen Foster Song Book

ASIN: B0000049NP
Release Date: 1995-07-28

Tracks:

The Glendy Burke
Nelly Was A Lady
Melinda May
The Soree Polka
The Moustache Song
O Willie, Is It You, Dear?
Mr. & Mrs. Brown
Gem From Lucia No.1
Wilt Thou Be Gone?
The Voices That Are Gone
Ole Black Joe
Maggie By My Side
Camptown Ladies
Hard Times
Gems From Lucia No.2, No.3
The Shanghai Chicken
Beautiful Dreamer
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Away
Nelly Bly
I Dream Of Jeannie
O Susannah & Some Folks

Customer Reviews:

Amid fine work, a new star!.......2004-09-28

Baird, Russell and Van Buskirk give fine performances in a splendid
program, but tenor Frederick Urrey [his Foster recording debut?] is a sensation! A glorious voice, with a perfect command of style in
operatic, ballad, ensemble and even comic scenes, his Melinda May is breathtaking, his Beautiful Dreamer is the best on records, his
duets charm and his drunken husband is a gas! He has it all!! In my 25 years of total immersion in Foster and his era, I have never
even dreamt of hearing an artist of such stature. Foster was said to have a fine voice and to sing his music better than any other.
I pray we now hear more of SF's songs as he must have sung them!

Stephen Foster Would Be Proud.......2004-02-26

Linda Russell is a remarkable woman. I have every CD she has done and I've never been disappointed in the high quality recordings she releases. I consider her every bit of an historian as the authors of history books.
This collection of Stephen Foster tunes, one of two that Russell has partaken in, is a rousing collection of the musical sounds of the mid-19th century. Soprano Julianne Baird and tenor Frederick Urrey join in with Ms. Russell's alto vocals to make a truly remarkable ensemble (including the musicians playing the mountain dulcimer, fortepiano, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, recorder, and accordion - all on authentic antique instruments). All combined show off the genius that Stephen Foster was - the 19th century's top songwriter who wrote music for ALL time, not just his time.
But if it wasn't for the musical reenactors (on CD at least) of Russell and company many of these long lost gems might have stayed hidden, sadly unheard. Some choral music, a feel of opera, a bit of traditional folk all mixed together to make what I feel is an authentic piece of musical history.
Here's hoping that Linda Russell and friends continue in the making of traditional music - Christmas and popular.
Ms. Russell, do you ever tour? We'd love to see you here in Michigan!

Foster at his simple best.......2002-01-22

What a delicious surprise this little album is, and from the ..... date, it appears to have been around for a few seasons, but is utterly new to me. I am a Julianne Baird fan from the get-go, but was pleasantly taken aback at her appearance on an album of American songs with folk balladeer Linda Russell (who plays dulcimers, mountain fiddles and all manner of country instruments and sings with the earthy texture of Judy Collins). But as usual Baird finds a way to integrate her own exquisite sensibilities and artistry into the assignment and makes a touching case for the simple and heart-rending Foster tunes--this is, after all, "early music" in which she excels--American "Early Music." Tenor Fred Urrey is another find and he likewise blends wonderfully into the surroundings. In fact, the three diverse artists hit their stride in a haunting trio rendition of Old Black Joe. Keyboard and string instruments have a ghostly and authentic ring to them as well. indeed, after the pompous and overblown Foster CDs of better-known opera singers in the bins today, this is so welcome. A treasure!
Get it today.

Well-rounded and convincing.......2000-10-27

This is an excellent rendition of Stephen Foster's songs, capitalizing on the duality inherent in the repertoire: the beautiful parlor ballads and the rowdy folk-inspired tunes. Especially remarkable is the fact that the performers bring to the music the "early music" sensibility (Julianne Baird is renowned as a performer of Elizabethan lutesongs)--this sensibility urges the performers to be as historically accurate as possible, performing on original/reproduction instruments. Also of note is the fact that it is a collaboration between classical and folk musicians: soprano, alto, tenor, fortepiano, fiddle, mountain and hammered dulcimers, harmonica, recorder, and accordian. Linda Russell (alto, mountain dulcimer) is lyrical and moving with her "folkie" voice, perfectly complementing the other "cultivated" voices and grounding them on the occasions they come together in poignant harmony.

Tracks:

Tenting on the Old Camp Ground
Wait for the Wagon
Clari: Home, Sweet Home
Oh! Susanna
The Bonnie Blue Flag
Do They Miss Me at Home?
Yellow Rose of Texas
Goober Peas
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Aura Lee
Marching Through Georgia
Just Before the Battle, Mother
That's What's the Matter
We are Coming Father Abraham
Gentle Annie
I'll be a Sergeant
Dixie
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp "The boys are coming"
For the Dear Old Flag I Die
Battle Hymn of the Republic
The Battle Cry of Freedom
America
The Bonnie Blue Flag
My Maryland
Yellow Rose of Texas
Woodman, Spare that Tree
Juanita
Green Grow the Lilacs
Lorena
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Rock'd in the Cradle of the Deep
How Firm a Foundation
Blue Bell of Scotland
Storming of Monterey
Joys that We've Tasted
Polly Hopkins and Tommy Tompkins
Drummer Boy of Shiloh
Roll, Alabama, Roll
Weeping, Sad and Lonely
Vaccant Chair
Goober Peas
All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight
Dixie
Oh! Susanna
Massa's in de Cold, Cold Ground
Old Folks at Home
Camptown Races
Beautiful Dreamer
Nelly Bly
Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair
Gentle Annie
Hard Times Come Again No More
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Deep River
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
If You've Only Got a Moustache
Old Dog Tray
The Glendy Burk
My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night
Some Folks
When This Dreadful War Is Ended
Was My Brother In The Battle?
Nothing, But a Plain Old Soldier
Battle Hymn of the Republic
America
Barbara Allen
Skip to my Lou
Kathleen Mavoureen
Adam and Eve's Wedding Song
Old Sister Phoebe
Oh! Susanna
Twenty Years Ago
The Ship on Fire
Silver Bell Waltz
Your Mission
Dixie
Go Down Moses
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Free at Last
Martha: Ach, so fromm
Die Zauberflote, K 620: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon
Faust: Salut! demeure chaste et pure
Faust: Gloire immortelle [Soldiers' Chorus]
Hail, Columbia
We are Coming Father Abraham
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean
Taps

Customer Reviews:

Historical Time Capsule.......2000-08-12

This is the most comprehensive recording I've found of songs popular during the Civil War period. The performances are a time capsule of Civil War music.

The Stanford Archive Series: Richard Crooks

Average customer rating:

Richard Crooks: A Fine Man and a Master Singer
A Richard Crooks Collection

The Stanford Archive Series: Richard Crooks

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Only a Rose: The Art of Richard Crooks In Song
Richard Crooks in Songs and Ballads
A Richard Crooks Serenade

ASIN: B00000072Q
Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

Die schone Mullerin: Das Wandern
Die schone Mullerin: Wohin?
Die schone Mullerin: Halt!
Die schone Mullerin: Danksagung an den Bach
Die schone Mullerin: Am eierabend
Die schone Mullerin: Der Neugierige
Die schone Mullerin: Ungeduld
Die schone Mullerin: Morgengruss
Die schone Mullerin: Des M Blumen
Die schone Mullerin: Thrnregen
Die schone Mullerin: Mein!
Die schone Mullerin: Pause
Die schone Mullerin: Mit dem grautenbande
Die schone Mullerin: Der Jr
Die schone Mullerin: Eifersucht und Stolz
Die schone Mullerin: Die liebe Farbe
Die schone Mullerin: Die bose Farbe
Die schone Mullerin: Trockne Blumen
Die schone Mullerin: Der Muller und der Bach
Die schone Mullerin: Des Baches Wiegenlied
Serenade
I Love Thee
Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal
Passing By
Clorinda
L'Adieu du Matin
I Love Thee
For Music
Hark How Still
On Wings Of Song

Tracks:

Charity
The Student Prince In Heidelberg; Serenade
The Desert Song; One Flower Grows Alone In Your Garden
Sacrament (A Love Song)
Prize Song, Act III
Lohengrin: In fernem land, Act III
Carmen: Hier am Herzen (Blumenarie), Act II
Aida: O ware ich erkoren... Holde Aida (Celeste Aida) Act I, Scene I
Elisir d'Amore: Heimlich aus ihrem Auge (Una furtiva lagrima), Act II
Absent Yet Present
Love's Old Sweet Song
Die Nacht
Morgen
L'Arlesiana: E la solita storia (Lamento di Federico), Act II
Comus: Prech Me Not Your Musty Rules
Dearest Maiden, Hear My Song
Friederike: O Maiden, My Maiden
O Perfect Love
For You With Love
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Cantata 147, No. 10)
The Americans Come
The Americans Come
De Camptown Races
Beautiful Dreamer

Customer Reviews:

Richard Crooks: A Fine Man and a Master Singer.......2006-06-23

I most heartily agree with what the earlier reviewer has written of Richard Crooks and of this excellent Stanford Archive set.

The 2 CD set is a most welcome release, and I note that, for now at least, one seller has it available at the bargain price of $14.95. Collectors of the recordings of singers from the early years of last century please note, and snap it up while still on offer at such a modest cost.

These historic recordings have a bad habit of vanishing because too often there is insufficient apparent interest shown by potential buyers. I am relieved to have bought a copy and urge others to do so. Making due allowance for some poor quality recordings by today's high fidelity standards, there are wonderful treasures to enjoy indeed in this set.

A Richard Crooks Collection.......2003-12-06

American tenor Richard Crooks (1900-1972) would have been just another fine opera and recital singer if it had not been for the popularity of a long-running radio program, "The Voice of Firestone," which he hosted for many years. For this writer, the real difference came in the rare opportunity to actually meet the retired singer at his home in Portola Valley, California, on December 31, 1969. A close friend of mine had known Crooks for several years and he finally arranged for a meeting that memorable day.

Already, however, I had heard many of Crooks' 78-rpm recordings for RCA Victor. Crooks had retired in 1945, due to serious health problems, but he actually could still sing quite well, as can be determined by hearing some of the rare private recordings of Crooks singing at a wedding in 1968. Those recordings, included in this wonderful compilation, are proof that Crooks still had the same beautiful, lyrical voice which had so distinguished his singing over the years. Sadly, Crooks was already battling the cancer that would ultimately take his life in September 1972.

This two-CD compilation, prepared by the Stanford (University) Archives of Recorded Sound, goes back to one of Crooks' earliest recordings, an unreleased Columbia recording of "The Americans Come." It also includes some of his early Victor recordings. Among these is the "Serenade" from Rudolf Friml's "The Student Prince." (Crooks also sang with the Victor Light Opera Company in some of their medley recordings, which were so popular during the 1920's. One of the recordings is a medley of songs from "The Student Prince," in which Crooks alternates with another tenor, Lambert Murphy, on some of the solos.)

One of the amazing releases in this collection is Franz Schubert's "Die schone Mullerin," in which Crooks is wonderfully accompanied by Frank LaForge. Remarkably, Victor never issued these recordings. The only problem is that there are occasional flaws in the original masters, but the brilliant singing comes through.

Crooks often talked about singing in public when he was only 10 years old. Famed German contralto Ernestine Schumann Heink was present at the performance and, at the very end, she planted a big kiss on the boy, to his embarassment. Crooks also spoke of hearing Enrico Caruso sing at the Metropolitan Opera; he said that Caruso's recordings are like listening to the tenor in the lobby with the doors closed!

There are some interesting curiosities in this collection, too, such as some recordings of various operatic arias recorded in Germany and sung in German, regardless of the original language. However, operas were usually sung in German in Germany in the 1920's and 1930's, so Crooks was simply following the custom of the time.

There is also the double-sided 12-inch 78-rpm RCA Victor "Red Seal" disk that Crooks always said was his favorite: two famous arias by Richard Wagner, the "Prize Song" from "Meistersinger" and "En fernem land" from "Lohengrin." One marvels at not only the beauty and sweetness of Crooks' voice but his amazing diction. His training and experience in Germany served him well.

One of the special treats is hearing two Stephen Foster classics, "De Camptown Races" and "Beautiful Dreamer," sung with Bing Crosby on 1940's radio broadcasts. When this writer met Crooks in 1969, he told how he remained in touch with Bing, who lived a few miles north of him. It's clear that the two, very different singers admired each other and they also had some fun singing such songs.

Tracks:

Beautiful Dreamer
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Always
If You've Only Got A Moustache
A Memory
When Your Hair Is Like The Snow
The Sleep That Flits On Baby's Eyes
The Dodger
Long Time Ago
Memories A, -Very Pleasant, B, -Rather Sad
Songs My Mother Taught Me
The Circus Band
Here Comes The Ballad
Are You Love?
My House
Dream With Me
All The Things You Are
One Moment Alone
The First Rose Of Summer
Why Was I Born?
Someone To Watch Over Me
You Are You
I Got Rhythm
Blah, Blah, Blah

Customer Reviews:

Real Patriotism Through Extraordinary Music.......2003-02-26

In the wake of considerable ersatz patriotism following 9/11, I have become sensitive to what I consider to be acts of true patriotism. Recording these very American songs, with a tremendous commitment to showing them in their most pristine and revealing light, is one of those, perhaps small, acts of patriotism that are profound in their ability to show the best of the United States of America. I used the word "commitment" in the above sentence because that is the underlying theme of this entire venture. Ms. Danton sings with amazing clarity of voice and tremendous enthusiasm for the material. Each of these songs is a minor masterpiece, as presented, and the whole album is captivating and deeply compelling. These songs stay with you. I find myself humming the melodies for days. They are, indeed, songs many of us grew up with or have heard for years. So there you have it: 5 stars for the material, 5 stars for the performances and 5 stars for the recording quality.

Average customer rating:

Are You a Dreamer? (LP Miniature)
Denison Witmer
Manufacturer: Ales
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000RM3IUA

Product Description

Korean Special Edition Packaged in LP Miniature Cover. Contains 3 Bonus Tracks 'Are You a Dreamer? (Accoustic Ver.)', 'How to be Alone (Demo Ver.)', and 'Worry All the Time (Alternative Ver.)'. 13 Tracks.

Average customer rating:

Are You a Dreamer?
Denison Witmer
Manufacturer: Spunk
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000FFOZW4
Release Date: 2006-05-08

Tracks:

Little Flowers
Everything But Sleep
Ringing Of The Bell Tower
Are You A Dreamer?
East From West
California Brown & Blue
Castle & Cathedral
Worry All The Time
Grandma Mary
Finding Your Feet Again
Are You A Dreamer (Acoustic Version)
How To Be Alone
Worry All The Time (Acoustic Version)

Album Description

Includes 3 bonus tracks. 'Are you a dreamer?' is the fifth album from philadelphia's denison witmer. Journo's and music fans are tipping denison to be the 'next' elliott smith. Whatever people are saying, 'are you a dreamer?' is a fantastic singer-songwriter record.· It is filled with ten songs that will seriously break your heart! Plus also included on this release is three exclusive australian bonus tracks. Denison has toured with the likes of my morning jacket, joanna newsom and sufjan stevens in the states and has toured europe on a number of occasions. Sufjan stevens is featured on this record as is rosie thomas (sub pop) and the innocence mission. 'Are you a dreamer?' is not soley a record for "indie" music fans. This record could be loved by anyone who has a soft spot for jackson browne, big star, the band or even damien rice.

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