Blue Light Rain

Amazon.com
Jazz isn't really dead, it's just looking back at the songbook and spirit of America's favorite jam band, the Grateful Dead. Featuring an all-star cast of instrumentalists including drummer Billy Cobham, bassist Alfonso Johnson, guitarist Jimmy Herring, and keyboardist T Lavitz, Jazz Is Dead reconstructs the Dead's songbook into a showcase for jazz-rock-fusion virtuosos. Interpreting classic tunes like "Scarlet Begonias" as well as a "Blues for Allah Medley," Jazz Is Dead employ a surprisingly light and empathic touch on these compositions. The band really shows off its collective talents on the Dead's infamous improv-centerpiece, "Dark Star," which blossoms into nine full minutes of a psychedelic-jazz jamfest. While not exactly a musical love-in, Herring and Lavitz solo passionately over the rock-steady rhythms of Cobham and Johnson. --Mitch Myers

Blue Light Rain,Jazz Is Dead,Zebra Records (Wea),Jam Bands,Jazz-Rock,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

Blue Light Rain

Average customer rating:

Am I the Victim or is Jazz is Dead the Crime?
Groove-Ful Dead
Good Jazzy Option for Dead Fix
Some of the Best Versions of Dead Songs Ever!
Great Jazz Fusion Tribute Disk to Grateful Dead

Blue Light Rain
Jazz Is Dead
Manufacturer: Lightyear
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Jazz Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Laughing Water
Great Sky River
Endangered Species
Project Z
The Calling

ASIN: B000007SLB
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

Crazy Fingers
Unbroken Chain
Scarlet Begonias
Dark Star
Red Baron
King Solomon's Marbles
'Blues For Allah' Medley: Help On The Way/Slipknot!/Franklin's

Amazon.com

Jazz isn't really dead, it's just looking back at the songbook and spirit of America's favorite jam band, the Grateful Dead. Featuring an all-star cast of instrumentalists including drummer Billy Cobham, bassist Alfonso Johnson, guitarist Jimmy Herring, and keyboardist T Lavitz, Jazz Is Dead reconstructs the Dead's songbook into a showcase for jazz-rock-fusion virtuosos. Interpreting classic tunes like "Scarlet Begonias" as well as a "Blues for Allah Medley," Jazz Is Dead employ a surprisingly light and empathic touch on these compositions. The band really shows off its collective talents on the Dead's infamous improv-centerpiece, "Dark Star," which blossoms into nine full minutes of a psychedelic-jazz jamfest. While not exactly a musical love-in, Herring and Lavitz solo passionately over the rock-steady rhythms of Cobham and Johnson. --Mitch Myers

Customer Reviews:

Am I the Victim or is Jazz is Dead the Crime?.......2006-07-21

Amazon consumers almost always dismiss and vote down negative reviews, but there needs to be some balanced feedback on "Blue Light Rain." Jazz Is Dead plays Grateful Dead style background music. This music is bland, boring and uninspiring; this group does little justice to the Grateful Dead. I'm not coming from a fanatical "I'm a Grateful zealot and nobody can do the Grateful Dead like the Dead" point of view. Far from it, I believe that a good tribute pays homage to the parent while simultaneously making a fresh interpretation. There is no innovation here, despite the talented and otherwise accomplished musicians. Indeed, Jazz is Dead is the ultimate example of how a group can be less than the sum total of its parts. On a Friday night, any party band in any college town can play music of this caliber. Beyond the issue of musical mediocrity, Jazz Is Dead is false advertising. I purchased this when it first came out in 1998, ecstatic at the potential of a group playing jazz interpretations of the Grateful Dead's material. Contrary to the band's name, there is no jazz on this CD; this is instrumental rock. This may seem like a victimless crime, but have you thought about the day when some talented up-and-coming band will play real jazz versions of the Grateful Dead? What will they call themselves? Yeah, the most clever aspect of Jazz is Dead is their name and they don't live up to it. If you're looking for jazz versions of the Grateful Dead, go with Joe Gallant's "Blues for Allah Project" or "Swingin' to the Dead." "Blue Light Rain" is for those seeking Grateful Dead style elevator music.

Groove-Ful Dead.......2006-04-20

I saw these guys live in PA in this format, mainly because I wanted to see Billy Cobham, and I was completely blown away. Although this may upset many Dead fans, here it is: this is the way I wish the Dead HAD sounded. GD were visionaries and pioneers and underrated songwriters, but their musicianship (Jerry included) tended to be sloppy at times, and there was always a certain lack of energy or urgency to their playing. They were great for the mellow hippie-sway dancing thing, but they never really ROCKED. These guys do. Each member is a virtuoso on his own, and together they take the exploratory approach made famous by the Dead (who actually took it from Ornette Coleman and other jazz outfits) but at the same time they play with extreme precision and take the jams to energy levels that unfortunately the Dead rarely could. If you like this cd check out all 3 of their cds. Great Sky River is probably my favorite even though "Space" and "Drums" are still boring no matter who is playing them.

On an odd note, just to highlight the Deadhead disconnect from the rest of the world, I know many Deadheads who don't really care for Jazz Is Dead, which is simply beyond comprehension to me. Even Jimmy Herring said in an interview that Phil Lesh (who he now plays with) wasn't very impressed with Jazz Is Dead. Again, I can't even fathom this, when JID to me, is infinitely more interesting than many of the Dead bootlegs I've heard throughout the years. And most of my friends who are serious musicians are far more impressed with this band, than the original. Of course, I'd take Alphonso Johnson's solid playing over Phil's any day too. And I won't even get into the Billy Cobham vs Mickey Hart drumming styles which to me is one of the biggest differences and a complete no-brainer.

Anyways, for Deadhead's, jazz-heads, or anyone else who digs great live music, without a net check these guys out. Unfortunately they don't tour anymore, but we still have the recordings. Peace.

Good Jazzy Option for Dead Fix.......2003-11-11

I had downloaded many of the "Jazz is Dead" songs from the internet prior to buying this CD, so the music wasn't new to me when I finally received it as a gift.

Overall, it's a lively interesting take on many Grateful Dead songs, and the first, "Crazy Fingers" is my favorite of the CD, even though I'm not too familiar with the Dead's versions of this song.

One problen with the CD is the jazzy nature of the covers. The more a song deviates from the original, the harder it is to sing along, or even to follow the cover. This happens a bit on this album, and is why I rated it four stars instead of five.

Some of the Best Versions of Dead Songs Ever!.......2002-07-30

You can't beat this CD! It is my favorite. I am a huge Deadhead and since the loss of Jerry, it is hard to get your fix.
If you like fusion mixed with Dead tunes, you will love this Blue Light Rain.
Billy Cobham is unbelievable. Jimmy Herring plays the hottest licks on Guitar. His work on this CD is what gave him the noteriety to be called up to the Phil and Friends. I actually enjoy Jimmy more in this band. Alfonso plays with abandon. This is probaly the best of T. Lavitz's work.
If you only get one Jazz is Dead CD or One CD all year, you would be missing out if you did not add Blue Light Rain to your collection!

Great Jazz Fusion Tribute Disk to Grateful Dead.......2002-05-24

This disk should appeal to deadheads and nondeadheads alike. It is somewhat of a super session. Members include Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit & The Allman Brothers Band) on guitar, Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report & Santana) bass guitar, Billy Cobham (Miles Davis & Mahavishnu Orchestra)drums, and T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs & Steve Morse Band) on keyboards. The idea was to have jazz fusion heroes to perform instrumental versions of Grateful Dead tunes. The result is highly effective. Though not a total deadhead I am a fan of some of their more progressive music (not the country/folk stuff). It is evident that this band is musically tighter and more technically proficient than the Grateful Dead ever could be. Jimmy Herring is an underrated guitarist. He makes an economical use of every note without being overblown. Herring also projects a sweet feeling to his playing at times. If you ever wondered what it would sound like if Duane Allman or Dickey Betts joined the Grateful Dead, it might sound like this. Billy Cobham is arguably the best jazz fusion drummer. His playing sounds sort of like a more controlled yet jazzy version of Keith Moon or Ginger Baker. Alphonso Johnson works well with Cobham. His popping bass gets your feet tapping. I wonder how long they had to rehearse before aquiring this sort of telepathy between each other. T. Lavitz is adventurous yet solid on keyboards. The best part of the disk might be the song selection. The disk includes many of my favorites like great versions of "Dark Star" and "Help On The Way/Slipknot/Franklin's Tower" and "Scarlet Begonias". The disk also contains a heated version of Cobham's "Red Baron" from his "Spectrum" album (one of the best early jazz fusion albums w/Tommy Bolin). The cover tunes provide a basic framework but serve as a springboard for jamming and progressive musical explorations. Occasional hints of reggae and funk are added to sections of some of the songs which make them more interesting. In summary fans of great musicianship, jazz fusion and/or deadheads will find this to be an essential purchase.

Average customer rating:

Good CD
Could have been great
where is the electronic song
"My Funny Valentine takes center stage ~ Rodgers & Hart"

The Company

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Company
Floating into the Night
The Voice of Love
Dream Dancer
The Turning Point

ASIN: B0000YTP1Q
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

My Funny Valentine - Elvis Costello
Bach: Menuett - Yo-Yo Ma
The World Spins - Julee Cruise
Rabekin - Light Rain
Appalachia Waltz - Yo-Yo Ma
My Funny Valentine - Chet Baker
My Funny Valentine - Marvin Laird
Ray One From Creative Force - John Zeretzke
Curtain Calls - Van Dyke Parks
My Funny Valentine - Kronos Quartet
Saint-Saens: Pas Redoublie - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
Blue Snake & Zebras - Van Dyke Parks

Amazon.com

Writer/director Robert Altman's predilection for complex character studies has focused a jaundiced eye on everything from Nashville to the fashion industry. Here the director explores the interactions of a contemporary ballet troupe, set to a diverse pop/classical score that's anything but predictable. The dominant theme that runs throughout is the American songbook staple "My Funny Valentine," given four distinctly different idiomatic turns here by Elvis Costello, Chet Baker, the Kronos Quartet, and the piano/cello duet of Marvin Laird and Clay Ruede. The remaining source tracks range from the expected classical roots (Bach and Saint-Saens) to Twin Peaks vocal icon Julee Cruise and the world music of Light Rain, but it's left to veteran songwriter/composer/arranger Van Dyke Parks to weave those disparate influences together in his orchestral score, a task the included excerpts argue he's accomplished with typical wit and considerable charm. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Good CD.......2007-01-09

If you have seen the movie, this CD includes all the songs from all the dances in the movie. I'm a dance teacher, and this CD has been used in my classes many, many times.

Could have been great.......2005-02-14

This CD follows the all-to-common practice of presenting a dozen of the "most marketable" pieces, leaving off the more unique music. Where is the great electronic composition from the beginning, the wonderful practice piano music, and the other instrumental selections? A complete soundtrack, given courage and dedication by the CD producers, would be more unique, engrossing, and worth owning than this selection.

where is the electronic song.......2004-11-04

The sound track is great... but where is the song at the beggining of the movie? That strange electronic song? If anyone knows who did that song please email me! Thomasology@yahoo.com

"My Funny Valentine takes center stage ~ Rodgers & Hart".......2004-03-03

From director Robert Altman we have the ultimate ballet film "The Company", featuring Nerve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell, James Franco, Barbara Robertson, William Dick and actual members of Joffrey Ballet. Very effective camera work captures the poise and brilliance of the ensemble during their key ballet performances.

One of my all time favorite songs by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart "MY FUNNY VALENTINE", is presented in four different performances ~ in this order we have Elvis Costello, Chet Baker (a classic interpretation by a very talented young artist at the peak of his career), Marvin Laird (piano) and Clay Ruede (cello), Kronos Quartet ~ brings to the fold popular and classical performers ~ each approaching this standard cue with all melodic magic they can muster.

Stand outs in my book is "CURTAIN CALLS" and "BLUE SNAKE & ZEBRAS", both composed by Van Dyke Parks with extraordinary orchestration and counter parts ~ "THE WORLD SPINS", from composers Angelo Badalmenti and David K. Lynch, performed by Julee Cruise is intoxicating and thrlling, with no hangover ~ let's mention "MENUETT" (J.S. Bach) and "APPALACHIA WALTZ" (Mark O'Connor), performed by the one and only renown cello player who is recognized world wide, Yo-Yo Ma ~ "RABEKIN" (Russ Guthier), wonderful cue that rings so true for the film, a meaningful fantasy instrumental, blending Middle Eastern rhythms from world fusion group, Light Rain...gotta love it!

Tracks:

Fiddle Faddle - Leroy Anderson & His "Pops" Concert Orchestra
Bad and the Beautiful [Theme from the Bad and the Beautiful]
Brazilian Sleigh Bells - Percy Faith & His Orchestra
Anna - Victor Young & His Orchestra
No Stings Attached - Richard Hayman & His Orchestra
Rain - Paul Weston & His Orchestra
Holiday in Rio
Sophisticated Lady - Morton Gould & His Orchestra
Marguerite Waltz
Blue Violins - Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra
No Other Love - Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra
Three O'Clock in the Morning
Mer - MGM Studio Orchestra
If You Are But a Dream - Frank DeVol & His Orchestra
Satan and the Polar Bear
Carriage Trade - Richard Hayman & His Orchestra
Tradewinds
Manhattan Serenade - Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra
Cavalier's Ball
Tropicana
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra
Andalucia
Dance of the Violins - MGM Studio Orchestra
Tic-Tac-Toe - Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra
Toyland Waltz [From Babes in Toyland]
Manhattan Masquerade - Paul Whiteman Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Pure instrumental magic!.......2007-06-13

The purchase of this CD was highly recommended by a fellow member of Yahoo's "Beautiful Instrumentals Group." Containing several formerly unavailable on CD selections, this album is pure instrumental magic! For example, some of you may recall Monte Kelly's mid-1950s rendition of "Tropicana," from the LP of the same name, and other songs from that collection. They are here at last! I have been waiting since CDs came out to see "Tropicana" and many other "magical instrumentals" from the US and Europe finally appear on CD, and this is the first in a series of new CDs produced by Nick Acquaviva to hit the market that feature these wonderful instrumentals. I highly recommend that anyone who loves classic instrumental check this and the entire series out. You will not be disappointed!

Average customer rating:

Nature's Harmony- Gentle Rain

Manufacturer: Metacom Inc.Popeye,Blue Dolphin Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000AXAR6E

Product Description

captures the joyous sounds of a summer rain combined with music that fits the occasion. Rick Rhodes played and wrote the musicthis producer is Skip Adams.Executive produceris David Milner.Tracks:1.Gentle Rain.6:04.2,Morning Mist6:06.3,Rainbows6:06.4,H2O6:09 5,Constellation6;09.6Warm Wishes5:567,Under The Trees6:03.8Whispering Breeze5:53.9,Barefoot In The Rain 6:54 and Drizzle 5:55

Average customer rating:

Lost In Love
Tom Shaw
Manufacturer: Blue Light records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000A139DY
Release Date: 2005-06-23

Tracks:

Without You
As Tears Fall Like Rain
Lost In Love

Product Description

This is an Environmental Ambient New Age album recording with a thunder storm in the background with the sound of rain, birds and thunder as Tom Shaw performs his style of Meditative Ambient orhcestration. This is a journey of the heart where the first song "without You" tells the story. Then "As Tears Falls Like Rain" is a meditation of letting go so the healing can begin. And finally "Lost In Love" is a deep mediation of healing the debts of your heart bringing about great peace. Two words Very Powerful!