Sunflower

Amazon.com
Austin's Darden Smith has worked long and hard at being soft, writing pleasant country-tinged folk that deals with matters of the heart and the thousand natural knocks that people endure. He sees friends who lack the courage to separate after years of mutually inflicted misery ("Satellite"), the anguish of broken relationships ("Dreams Don't Lie"), and he gets positively ambitious on "New Gospel," a jazzy shout of beatitude. Sometimes whimsical, other times weary, Smith's heart can be found right on his sleeve, and he brings in background singers Patty Griffin and the ever-wonderful Kim Richey to help convey his emotions. Smith claims to be getting "stronger every day"--clearly he sees his art as a healing activity, and with songs that take root as sweetly as those on Sunflower, it seems to be working. --Henry Cabot Beck

Sunflower,Darden Smith,Dualtone Music Group,Americana,Blues-Rock,Contemporary Country,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Sunflower

Average customer rating: The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's Ragtime Marvel Complete, but poor quality

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scott Joplin: Piano Rags The Greatest Ragtime of the Century The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 ASIN: B000003QWN Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

1. The Crush Collision March
2. Combination March
3. Harmony Club Waltz
4. Original Rags
5. Maple Leaf Rag
6. Swipesy Cakewalk
7. Reacherine Rag
8. Sunflower Slow Drag
9. The Augustan Club Waltz
10. The Easy Winners
11. Cleopha
12. A Breeze From Alabama
13. Elite Syncopations

Tracks:

1. The Entertainer
2. The Strenouous Life
3. March Majestic
4. Something Doing
5. Weaping Willow
6. Patr Leaf Rag
7. The Favorite
8. The Sycamore
9. The Cascades
10. The Chysanthemum
11. Bethena
12. Bink's Waltz
13. The Rosebud March

Tracks:

1. Leola
2. Eugenia
3. Antoinette
4. The Ragtime Dance
5. Searchlight Rag
6. Gladiolus Rag
7. Lily Queen
8. Rose Leaf Rag
9. Heliotrope Bouquet
10. The Nonpareil
11. Fig Leaf Rag
12. Sugarcane
13. Pineapple Rag

Tracks:

1. Wall Street Rag (1909)
2. Solace (1909)
3. Pleasant Moments (1909)
4. Country Club (1909)
5. Euphonic Moments (1909)
6. Paragon Rag (1909)
7. Stop-Time Rag (1910)
8. Felicity Rag (1911)
9. Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)
10. Kismet Rag (1913)
11. Magnetic Rag (1914)
12. Reflection Rag (1917)
13. Silver Swan Rag (1917)

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin.......2007-06-08

John Arpin does a great job with these pieces. The songs carry a consistent sound and are played very close to as-written, which comes and goes with old ragtime pieces. The stamping on Stop-Time Rag doesn't have a consistent sound to it, can be a little distracting. Everything else is great, overall I think that it's a great buy, I'm very happy with it.

Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces.......2007-05-31

Once again, another performer feels the need to rewrite the music of the King of Ragtime. Scott Joplin spins in his grave each and every time this recording is played.

Again, to those who believe that concert music is meant to be rewritten by each and every performer I ask, is the same treatment also acceptable for Chopin's and Rachmaninoff's music? Would "Moonlight Sonata" sound better if played at twice the tempo and with a reprise of the first Adagio movement thrown in at the end? Obviously, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO!, so why does one of America's greatest composers get such disrespect?

Interpretation is an integral part of every performance. Adding one's own notes, phrases and chords where none should be is not. Randomly changing the structure of the piece is not. Playing a piece at twice the indicated tempo is not.

One the plus side, the depth of this collection is outstanding. Joplin's lesser known pieces like "Harmony Club Waltz" really shine. The recording is decent in quality, although a bit bassy in places.

While its been stated before, I feel its worth repeating: Buy Joshua Rifkin's performances of Joplin in order to hear how the Master intended his pieces to sound.

complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's.......2007-02-14

Although all of the music is terrific it is rather a lot of a similar sound. I think I would have preferred 2 CD's of selected piano works of Scott Joplin. But I did get the music at a good price.

Ragtime Marvel.......2005-10-09

This collection of Scott Joplin's piano music is outstanding. As a lover of ragtime which was a prelude to jazz, I am thoroughly enjoying this collection. If you are not a lover of jazz, you may be a lover of ragtime. Jazz can sometimes be grating on the nerves, whereas ragtime lifts the spirit.

Complete, but poor quality.......2005-09-25

I have been learning some ragtime and wanted to hear more to find other selections to learn. Listened to Maple Leaf Rag, my favorite, first and was disappointed. Listened to others and was more disappointed. Maple flies - much faster than anyone would play it, you can't make out some of the phrases. And talk about ad libs - Tempo, dynamics, embelishments, nuances - I really think he plays some wrong notes too because he's going so fast. It's really a poor recording - and that's just on Maple Leaf. Others with "intros" start quick and then there's a grand pause, not a rest, but nearly a five second break. It's hard to argue how Joplin would have played it, but this is hardly anything I want to try to imitate. The only qualitating factor is the number of songs for the price. A lot of variety of a poor interpretation is only worth 3 stars. if that. Look for Rifkin or a copy that is as written to listen to first, then go for the ad libs and "artistic interpretations"

Average customer rating: THE TWO BEST BEACH BOYS ALBUMS RECORDED IN THE 1970'S. TWO BEAUTIFUL HARMONIAL BEACH BOYS GEMS. THE BEACH BOYS CONTINUED TO HAVE VERY CREATIVE OUTPUT DURING 1970-1971 The fullness of the wine, the dim last toasting Here's the thing. LONG LOST

Sunflower/Surf's Up The Beach Boys Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Friends/20/20 Smiley Smile/Wild Honey Carl & The Passions - So Tough / Holland Today/ Summer Days (and Summer Nights) Little Deuce Coupe/ All Summer Long ASIN: B00004TJXS Release Date: 2000-07-18

Tracks:

1. Slip On Through
2. The Whole World
3. Add Some Music To Your To Your Day
4. Got To Know The Woman
5. Deirdre
6. It's About Time
7. Tears In The Morning
8. All I Wanna Do
9. Forever
10. Our Sweet Love
11. At My Window
12. Cool Cool Water
13. Don't Go Near The Water
14. Long Promised Road
15. Take A Load Off Your Feet
16. Disney Girls 1957"
17. Student Demonstration Time
18. Feel Flows
19. Lookin' At Tomorrow (A Welfare Song)
20. A Day In The Life Of A Tree
21. 'Til I Die
22. Surf's Up

Amazon.com

After an acrimonious split with their original record label at the end of the 1960s, the Beach Boys moved over to Warner Bros., ostensibly to capitalize on their phenomenal early successes. But the move also coincided with band founder/creative genius Brian Wilson's burgeoning health problems and subsequent artistic abdication. That the boys were able to come up with what remain two of their more interesting albums is an enduring testament to the band's willpower. Sunflower, originally released in 1970, was a drastically revamped version of an unreleased album called Landlocked, and has an upbeat consistency that both built on the band's vocal strengths and somehow overcame schmaltzy pop and even the embarrassing, halting espanole of "At My Window." Perhaps the album's greatest revelation is the brief flowering of Dennis Wilson as a writing and singing talent, especially on the lovely "Forever." With Dennis largely succumbing to older brother Brian's demons, '71's Surf's Up is marred by cloddish efforts at agit-prop hipsterism (Mike Love's "Student Demonstration Time") and a nascent environmentalism that ranges from the naïve ("Don't Go Near the Water") to the bizarre ("A Day in the Life of a Tree"). Carl Wilson rescues the collection somewhat with "Long Promised Road" and "Feel Flows," but the album's twin jewels are both salvaged Brian Wilson efforts--the title track was one of the centerpieces of the unreleased Smile (cowritten by lyricist Van Dyke Parks and here given that album's "Child Is Father to the Man" as a glorious coda), while "Til I Die" hails from the scrapped Landlocked and remains one of Brian's most hauntingly introspective works. Both albums have been remastered on a single disc and include new liner notes by Wilson biographer Timothy White. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

THE TWO BEST BEACH BOYS ALBUMS RECORDED IN THE 1970'S........2007-06-24

I will be writing a review on two of Rock's legendary albums entitled "SUNFLOWER" (1970) and "SURF'S UP" (1971) by a band that millions of fans the world over as well as the music critics believe to be America's true band. I give you the pride of Hawthorne, California, T-H-E B-E-A-C-H B-O-Y-S! "SUNFLOWER" was originally released in 1970 and "SURF'S UP" was released one year later in 1971. Both of these classic legendary albums were originally released on Vinyl/LP and 8-Track on the Brother Records label which is manufactured in association with Epic / Caribou Records. These two legendary albums would see their first release on CD in the 1990's. To make things easier for the Record Company, it was decided to release several of their albums such as "SUNFLOWER / SURF'S UP" in a "two albums on one CD" series which began in 2000. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning these two legendary albums or the artists, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the overall best informative and most accurate review possible.

THE BEACH BOYS will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history and be remembered for composing and recording some of Rock's all-time greatest anthems ever. THE BEACH BOYS will also forever be remembered for singing the most beautifully angelic harmonies ever. No one can sing harmonies like THE BEACH BOYS. Brian Wilson owned the greatest and most beautifully smooth falsetto sound in the history of Rock n' Roll. If that wasn't enough, many music critics as well as many well known studio musicians truly believed that Brian Wilson was a musical genius. Brian was also very gifted in learning all of the recording studio equipment quickly enabling him to produce, arrange and engineer the recording process in the recording studio.

From 1962 to 1969, THE BEACH BOYS would deliver many great hits on the Capitol Records label. However, there would also be many frictions, conflicts and disagreements concerning the never released "SMiLE" album between Brian and certain members of THE BEACH BOYS, Brian's father Murray Wilson and Capitol Records that would hinder Brian's creativity for brilliance and perfection resulting in Brian having a nervous breakdown in 1967. When Brian broke down, "SMiLE" died. At this point, Brian would never be the same again until decades later. THE BEACH BOYS would still record some great songs and deliver some great albums but without Brian's full participation. Not finishing "SMiLE" in 1966-67 really truly killed Brian so deep inside that his life would in turn spiral out of control so severe that he would temporary lose his mind and sanity due to the increasingly large amounts and excessive quantities of drugs and alcohol. If that wasn't bad enough, Brian's younger brother Dennis was no stranger either when it came to his alcohol and drug intake and wasn't very far behind his older brother Brian in the partying scene. With these two key ingredients and the continuing frictions especially with Capitol Records, THE BEACH BOYS left Capitol Records and signed a multi album deal with Warner Brothers Records in 1970. Rumor also has it that as part of the deal, Warner Brothers wanted the unreleased "SMiLE" album. Warner Brothers would never get the unreleased "SMiLE" album. However, some of the songs from the "SMiLE" album would be included in some of THE BEACH BOYS later albums including the two albums I'm about to review for you today.

"SUNFLOWER" from 1970 begins a whole new era for THE BEACH BOYS in the 1970's. In my opinion, "SUNFLOWER" may very well be one of THE BEACH BOYS greatest albums ever recorded to date. Many music critics have called the "SUNFLOWER" album "THE BEACH BOYS' SGT. PEPPER" album. I truly believe that this is a very appropriate statement to make.

"SUNFLOWER" contained some many great Rock music moments such as the funky and soulful "Slip On Through," the beautifully smooth and mellow "This Whole World," the beautifully slow acoustic "Add Some Music To Your Day," the traditional Rocker "Got To Know The Woman," the fast paced Rocker "It's About Time," the beautifully slow and soothing "All I Wanna Do" and one of Dennis' greatest contributions to THE BEACH BOYS, the beautifully slow and heartfelt "Forever."

"SURF'S UP" may not have been the greatest album or follow-up album to "SUNFLOWER," but "SURF'S UP" did have some great Rock music moments on it such as the mellow Rocker "Don't Go Near The Water," the beautifully slow turned fast Rocker "Long Promised Road," the blistering Hard Rocker "Student Demonstration Time," the beautifully arranged mellow song "A day In The Life Of A Tree," the beautifully slow and well arranged Brian Wilson composition with powerful lyrics, "'Til I Die" and a different version sung by younger brother Carl of the original beautifully slow Brian Wilson masterpiece composition from the unreleased "SMiLE" album, "Surf's Up."

As for all of the hardcore diehard BEACH BOYS fans, I would highly recommend purchasing these two albums on one CD. It would definitely save you more time and wear and tear on your CD player. As for all of the curious newcomers and new beginners that are not quite familiar with the sound and music of THE BEACH BOYS, you are definitely missing out. Since your occasional and average BEACH BOYS fans would not be used to hearing this kind of music from this legendary band and would not know how to react to THE BEACH BOYS different 70's sound, I would start with one of the many greatest hits compilation albums containing the BEACH BOYS hit anthems they would forever always be remembered for that we all know and love. You can do all of your greatest hits compilation albums researches and purchases either on Amazon com or at your nearest local Borders Books and Music store. Doing this, you will have found the perfect greatest hits compilation album that is right for your music tastes and needs and have taken a giant step in owning and beginning your very own personal BEACH BOYS music collection.

In closing, THE BEACH BOYS have had their fair share of ups and downs and highs and lows throughout their whole career and history. Dennis Wilson would drown in the waters of Marina Del Rey in December 1983. Carl Wilson would succumb to Cancer in 1998. The world ALMOST NEARLY lost Brian Wilson but he would be spared. The new millenium not only gave us Brian Wilson back, but gave us Brian Wilson, A LIVE PERFORMER. This is something extremely rare that all Brian Wilson fans haven't seen in years. Brian also seems more alert and more happier and it is great to see him in great health again. Perhaps, it was fate and destiny that Brian had to go back into his painful past and make the wrong things right which finally included finishing and releasing the "SMiLE" album in 2004. In my opinion, when Brian came to terms and made peace with an unreleased album called "SMiLE," Brian, after so many years, was finally set free. Brian has come to life and I am very happy for him and am very proud of him. So here's to you Brian and the rest of your great talented band. Keep up the great work. Thanks for the great memories with many more still yet to come. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," need I say more? Thanks for reading my review and I truly hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have truly enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also deeply hope that all of you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. THE BEACH BOYS FOREVER! R.I.P. Dennis Wilson (1944-1983) and Carl Wilson (1946-1998). Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever in Rock, John L.

TWO BEAUTIFUL HARMONIAL BEACH BOYS GEMS. THE BEACH BOYS CONTINUED TO HAVE VERY CREATIVE OUTPUT DURING 1970-1971.......2007-03-03

These two album releases are truly among the Beach Boys best. The remastering of "Sunflower/Surf's Up" is beautifully done. Beautiful harmonies, well written songs. Despite Brian Wilsons appearent demons at this time of 1970-1971. Brians contributions to these two albums are magnificent. My favorite song is the 1920s Charleston sounding "Deidre", beautifully written as the harmonies are incredible, not just on "Diedre" but on both albums. "Sunflower/Surf's Up" speaks volumes of harmony,rock and a little big band thrown in.
There is some really great guitar work on these two albums. "Till I Die" is considered to be Brian Wilsons last great song with the Beach Boys and what an awesome song it is. The title track "Surfs Up" is a beautiful well composed song. Bottom line, both of these Beach Boys recordings are gems, that are even highly regarded in England. The linear notes are informative. The Beach Boys were continuing some very creative material output during the early 1970s, these two Beach Boy gems capture that creativity............

The fullness of the wine, the dim last toasting.......2007-01-30

Sunflower is regarded as the BBs Sgt. Pepper in England. I don't think it quite lives up to that quote, but it has some real good songwriting, even as a recluse Brian can still sing the high falsettos here and for the fans they added part of the "Water" Smile suite at the end of the record.


Surf's Up contains the lost masterpiece Surf's Up from Smile and it is the song everyone forgets to put on those best song of all time lists, because it should be numero uno. I like Brian's a day in the life of a Tree and Til I die also.

Here's the thing........2006-12-16

This Sunflower/ Surf's Up set is really good and everything, but what you NEED to know is this: If you pass over this album, do yourself a favor and download A Day in the Life of a Tree. Of all the songs I've ever heard, none come close to the heart-aching beauty of this track. Only Big Star's Kanga-roo even comes close to how mind-boggingly singular this song is, and while that is without a doubt Alex Chilton's finest moment, it pales next to this, Brain Wilson's last great song.

Seriously, get that track.

LONG LOST.......2006-11-03

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS ALBUME FOR YEARS !!!! LOVE IT AND SO COOL ........

Average customer rating: Available at retailers for about $18 A classic compilation A dis-service to Joplin Unique Great set

Scott Joplin: His Complete Works Manufacturer: Bescol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls Joplin: Treemonisha King of the Ragtime Writers Scott Joplin: Piano Rags ASIN: B000001RR2 Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

1. Please Say You Will - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Picture Of Her Face - Richard Zimmerman
3. The Great Crush Collision March - Richard Zimmerman
4. Harmony Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
5. Combination March - Richard Zimmerman
6. Original Rags - Richard Zimmerman
7. Maple Leaf Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Swipesy - Cake Walk - Richard Zimmerman
9. Sunflower Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Peacherine Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Augustan Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
12. The Easy Winners - Richard Zimmerman
13. Cleopha - Richard Zimmerman
14. The Strenuous Life - Richard Zimmerman
15. I Am Thinking Of My Pickanniny Days - Richard Zimmerman
16. The Ragtime Dance - Richard Zimmerman
17. A Breeze From Alabama - Richard Zimmerman
18. Elite Syncopations - Richard Zimmerman

Tracks:

1. March Majestic - S. Joplin
2. The Entertainer - S. Joplin
3. Something Doing - S. Joplin
4. Weeping Willow - S. Joplin
5. Little Black Baby - S. Joplin
6. Palm Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
7. The Favorite - S. Joplin
8. The Sycamore - S. Joplin
9. The Cascades - S. Joplin
10. The Chrysanthemum - S. Joplin
11. Rosebud March - S. Joplin
12. Bethena - S. Joplin
13. Leola - S. Joplin
14. Sarah Dear - S. Joplin
15. Binks Waltz - S. Joplin
16. Eugenia - S. Joplin
17. Antoinette - S. Joplin
18. Snoring Sampson - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Gladiolus Rag - S. Joplin
2. Searchlight Rag - S. Joplin
3. The Nonpareil (None to Equal) - S. Joplin
4. When Your Hair Is Like The Snow - S. Joplin
5. Rose Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
6. Heliotrope Bouquet - S. Joplin
7. School Of Ragtime - S. Joplin
8. Fig Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
9. Sugar Cane - S. Joplin
10. Pine Apple Rag - S. Joplin
11. Wall Street Rag - S. Joplin
12. Solace - S. Joplin
13. Pleasant Moments - S. Joplin
14. Country Club - S. Joplin
15. Paragon Rag - S. Joplin
16. Euphonic Sounds - S. Joplin
17. Stoptime Rag - S. Joplin
18. Felicity Rag - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Highlights From Treemonisha - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Real Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
3. Prelude To Act 3 - Richard Zimmerman
4. Frolic Of The Bears - Richard Zimmerman
5. Lovin' Babe - Richard Zimmerman
6. Scott Joplin's New Rag - Richard Zimmerman
7. Kismet Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Magnetic Rag - Richard Zimmerman
9. Reflection Rag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Silver Swan Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Lily Queen - Richard Zimmerman
12. Sensation - Richard Zimmerman

Customer Reviews:

Available at retailers for about $18.......2006-12-21

Excellent collection - but there are re-sellers listed here that are selling this for as much $50 or $60. Yikes, most major retailers are selling this complete set for $18 - so beware.

A classic compilation.......2006-10-07

This collection is one of my most treasured possessions. (My father gave me the original 5-album set in the 70's when it was originally released on vinyl.)

This is the definitive collection of Scott Joplin's work. Richard Zimmerman provides wonderful performances that accurately reflect Joplin's intentions. (As evidence beyond my personal opinion, I submit the recent releases of digital recordings made from Joplin's piano rolls.)

A few points to consider regarding negative comments you may encounter in other reviews:
* This is a digital recording from an analog master. Lack of quality in the recording does not imply a lackluster performance.
* This is a complete collection. Some similarity is due to Joplin re-exploring melodic themes. But some is due to the fact that these are "rags". One might as well complain that all 50's doo-wop (or all 70's disco) sounds the same.
* Many pieces of the period exhibit formal musical structures, such as the marches of John Phillips Sousa. (Both Sousa and Joplin performed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.) Actually, Joplin is responsible for extending the formal boundaries of ragtime to concert waltzes (Bethena) and opera (A Guest of Honor, Treemonisha)
* This is probably one of the few collections which will include selections from "Treemonisha". It is my understanding that after the initial release, one of Joplin's descendants made a copyright claim that was upheld in court. (I presume the issue was that Joplin had to finance "Treemonisha" himself, and therefore the customary performance clearances did not cover those selections.)

For ragtime students and enthusiasts, this is a "must-have" collection at a very affordable price.

A dis-service to Joplin.......2006-02-01

Sadly, the only virtue this set possesses is completeness.

The pianist does not play Joplin's pieces "as written", the piano is of poor quality, and not properly in tune.

This is emphatically NOT the set to buy. A far better set, beautifully annotated and well played on a good concert grand piano, is the complete works played by Guido Nielsen on the Basta Label.

This set is a dis-service to Joplin and his music. He deserves better, and gets it elsewhere.

Unique .......2004-10-19

I have several cd sets of Joplin's music: Rifkin, Arpo, Nielsen, and Zimmerman. All have their excellent qualities. What sets Zimmerman's set apart is the inclusion of excerpts from Joplin's opera, Treemonisha---especially "A Real Slow Drag." Why the other sets do not include excerpts from Treemonisha, I don't know---because they are some of his most beautiful and joyful pieces of music. Of course, you can hear the orchestrated version of Treemonisha in the Houston Grand Opera recording, and it is spectacular. But Zimmerman's piano version, especially of "A Real Slow Drag," is not to be missed.

Great set.......2001-10-16

I guess this will be a rather one sided review. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin since I first learned to play a piano.

I was shocked to see that one reviewer thought it all sounded the same. How silly. All of Frank Sinatra's music sounds like Frank Sinatra. All of Led Zeppelin sounds like Led Zeppelin. So, if the songs were drastically different, I would question if the same author composed them. As it is, though, each song on this set is fantastic!!

I don't know that I have heard of Richard Zimmerman, and I was a little leary as to what I would be getting, I certainly was impressed. Without a doubt the best renditions of "Weeping Willow" and "Bethena" I have heard, and at least a dozen songs I didn't know Joplin wrote.

Without a doubt, this album is fantastic. A very good price, as well.

Average customer rating: Great cast, but they get in the way of each other sometimes ...nothin beats grown folk music...nothin!!!... I agree, why the SKJ THE MOST GORGEOUS ALBUM OF MY LIFE Magnificent!

Sunflower Milt Jackson Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Goodbye Don't Mess with Mister T. Wizard of the Vibes The Rite of Spring Straight Life ASIN: B000002AGX Release Date: 1997-09-02

Tracks:

1. For Someone I Love
2. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
3. People Make The World Go Round
4. Sunflower
5. SKJ

Customer Reviews:

Great cast, but they get in the way of each other sometimes.......2004-05-22

I had never heard of this particular recording by Milt Jackson, even though I have CDs of his spanning the many eras of his career (including MJQ). But I happened to see this in the store,looked at the stellar cast listed on the back, and grabbed it.

Overall, this recording does not disappoint. But,at times, the players seem to be getting into one another's way. It sounds rather "muddy" and cacophonous in these places. For example, the strings seem especially intrusive on the first two tracks. This is not one of Don Sebesky's better arranging efforts. What a difference it is without strings on "People Make the World Go Round!" I particularly liked Herbie Hancock's acoustic piano solo on this track.

But the overall musicianship is, as one might expect, impeccable. I would recommend this for someone who has already listened to some of Milt's other recordings. But this is not the best place to start.

...nothin beats grown folk music...nothin!!!..........2002-03-09

...this is an AMAZIN cd...milt jackson is beatin these vibes down into the earth!!! a funky beatdown...a jazzy beatdown...a soulful beatdown...this is that somethin-somethin-delicious...'SUNFLOWER' does for bruh milt what 'SO WHAT' did for bruh miles...this is that classic dirt, so get a shovel, a old rusty spoon, ya hands or somethin and dig into this....

I agree, why the SKJ.......2001-07-27

I agree with the reviewer on the fact that they stuck a sore thumb at the end of the album. I was on the train enjoying the disc and kinda came out of the happy nebulon to a track that had a lot more structure to it. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good track, but better suited on an album with a different theme. Also, I have to complain about the reissue on a different note. Call me petty, but I like to have liner notes when I buy albums for the pictures, and also just background information on the recording sessions. And since I keep my CDs in a CaseLogic, it didn't help that I had to create a makeshift album cover with my scanner to store it. Am I too picky?

THE MOST GORGEOUS ALBUM OF MY LIFE.......2001-06-30

Oh, is this album a creation. Oh, is this album romantic. Both of my children were born to this album, and all the women in my life thank you, Milt Jackson. It's so fascinating. There is a 70's LSD and classical feel intertwined together within the context of the music. The cellos over the feedback. Freddie Hubbard sounds so spacy, as he did during this whole period. The arrangements are impeccable. The playing is so fine; no one dares to hit the note that doesn't belong. Melodic, clasical, spacy. Like a concert at times. The playing is light, a palate of space; a classical piece. Soft, to urgently loud and yearning, and back again. And structured for the climax. For Someone I Love and What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life, set the mood, set the table. People Make The World Go Round and Sunflower get the action going and build the climax. When you hear the beginning of Sunflower, with that harp, and that electric piano, you and whoever you are with will get such a rush and get so into each other, that you will have to listen to it again when you guys wake up, to hear the incredible beginning again, and again, and again. The beginning of that song in unequaled in the history of recorded music, let alone Jazz. The musical lineup is the ultimate upscale lineup for the time, the arrangements are of the utmost taste, and the solos are just unheard of. Also this is jazz that is very understandable to novices as the statement is very clear and the improvisation is very direct and very separate from each other. The only suggestion is if you have a player that can delete the cuts, get rid of SKJ. This cut was not on the original album, and it has nothing to do with Sunflower. Your mood will go away the minute you hear the first note. Get rid of it. However, get this disk, play this disk, love this disk, and tell your lady friend, or gentleman friend, "Steve says Hi." Oh God, I love this disk.

Magnificent!.......2001-05-04

Beware, you WILL be captivated by this album. It is music for the soul. Jay Berliner's guitar gently opens the door to your heart on the first song, "For Someone I Love." Freddie Hubbard and Milt Jackson take it from there. You are taken by the hand and gently led into the remaining venue. Milt Jackson's vibes on "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life" will make you weep. The entire album blossoms, like a sunflower.

Average customer rating: little disappointed Dick Hyman has captored the essence of Scott Joplin...

Scott Joplin: Piano Works, 1899-1904 Dick Hyman , and Charles N. Joplin Scott and Daniels Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dick Hyman Plays Fats Waller Scott Joplin: Piano Rags ASIN: B000003ESR Release Date: 1989-11-03

Tracks:

1. Maple Leaf Rag
2. Original Rags
3. Swipesy
4. Peacherine Rag
5. The Easy Winners
6. Sunflower Slow Drag
7. The Entertainer
8. Elite Syncopations
9. The Strenuous Life
10. A Breeze From Alabama
11. Palm Leaf Rag
12. Something Doing
13. Weeping Willow
14. The Chrysanthemum
15. The Cascades
16. The Sycamore

Customer Reviews:

little disappointed.......2001-11-14

Don't get me wrong. Dick Hyman is really great in what he's doing. The pieces are brilliantly performed. But it's not my taste. He's playing 100s of staccatos where Scott Joplin never wrote a point on his sheets thus taking the drive off the songs. Songs and parts of songs that should sound strong just sound way too "dolce". All in all the whole cd is too soft and too slow. Yes, Scott Joplin said never play Ragtime too fast. But songs like the Entertainer or Elite Syncopations should in my opinion be played "faster" to have a drive. I used to play the songs myself. It's just more fun when you play them faster and louder - with more energy.

This cd is for you when you like quiet and mellow music and like to drink tea while listening to it.
If you like barrelhouse music - what ragtime is supposed to be - then buy another cd like "the Sting" soundtrack or Scott Joplin played by Richard Zimmerman.

Dick Hyman has captored the essence of Scott Joplin..........2000-10-13

Jazz arranger and stride pianist Dick Hyman has captured the essence of Scott Joplin, playing such classics as "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer," as well as many lesser known but still highly enjoyable tunes. Just like Joplin would say never play a rag too fast, Hyman plays at the perfect tempo, never too fast. Hyman proves not only to be a fine stride painist but a superb ragtime painist. Although there is no improvisation here, ragtime is completely written out, there is plenty of syncopation and joyous sounds here to keep the jazz collector happy. this CD is highly recomended as a great introduction to the music of Scott Joplin and the playing of Dick Hyman.

Also try Dick Hyman's tribute CD to Fats Waller. And if you like Ragtime don't miss out on the incredible Paragon Ragtime Orchestra which re-creates bands like Arthur Pryor's Orchestra from the ragtime era.

Average customer rating: Over all great score. Completely surprising Best animated film music ever! I'm so glad to have it! didn't get enough time???

Shrek: Original Motion Picture Score Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shrek 2 Shrek - Music from the Original Motion Picture Shrek 2 Shrek The Third (Original Motion Picture Score) Shrek The Third ASIN: B00005RZTY Release Date: 2001-12-04

Tracks:

1. Fairytale
2. Ogre Hunters / Fairytale Deathcamp
3. Donkey Meets Shrek
4. Eating Alone
5. Uninvited Guests
6. March of Farquuad
7. The Perfect King
8. Welcome to Duloc
9. Tournament Speech
10. What Kind of Quest
11. Dragon! / Fiona Awakens
12. One of A Kind Knight
13. Saving Donkey's Ass
14. Escape from the Dragon
15. Helmet Hair
16. Delivery Boy Shrek / Making Camp
17. Friends Journey to Duloc
18. Starry Night
19. Singing Princess
20. Better Out Than In / Sunflower / I'll Tell Him
21. Merry Men
22. Fiona Kicks Ass
23. Fiona's Secret
24. Why Wait To Be Wed / You Thought Wrong
25. Ride the Dragon
26. I Object
27. Transformation / The End

Customer Reviews:

Over all great score........2006-10-23

I've been a fan of Harry Gregson-Williams for quite some time (and to a lesser extent, John Powell). Gregson-Williams is known for working with Hans Zimmer (they worked together on the soundtrack for The Rock) and he is also known in the video gaming community for his work on the Metal Gear Solid franchise (his take on the theme, not originally composed by him, is absolutely breathtaking in both the second and third games).

So it was no shock to me that I absolutely adore his work on the Shrek franchise. I can't say much here that hasn't been said by other reviewers, but I will say that the strongest work on the soundtrack involves the more serious, epic pieces (of which there are far too few).

Stand out tracks, for me, are "Fairytale", "Escape the Dragon", "Ride the Dragon", "I Object", and "Transformation/End".

The action theme of the film is used perfectly throughout the film, but it shows up far too rarely on the disc. I'm not sure if it's actually present less, or if it was a less-is-more kind of thing when it did play in the film. Regardless, it's a beautiful composition (though it does remind me of the "hero" theme from Deep Blue Sea).

You can feel Gregson-Williams' influence on "Escape the Dragon", as there are similar pulsing electric beats that are reminiscent, to me, of his arrangement of the Metal Gear Solid 2 main theme (which to this day remains one of my favorite pieces of soundtrack music ever - it's exciting, it's patriotic, it's epic. What more does one need?)

There's also some beautiful solo guitar work on this score that's a bit reminiscent of Trevor Rabin, but excellent regardless. My only gripe is that the disc feels a bit short in running length, but I think that's because a portion of the soundtrack was dedicated to pop and rock tracks, which show up on the second album.

If you're a fan of Gregson-Williams, Powell, or just film music in general, I strongly recommend picking this disc up. It'll make you sad and it'll get your blood racing.

Completely surprising.......2006-05-24

Harry Gregson-Williams is a fairly new composer, but despite that, he is beyond comparison. (Except for John Williams and Howard Shore and Hans Zimmer). This is supposed to be an animated film, where music doesn't matter AS much. But this composer goes beyond all expectations, putting forth all his best efforts, bringing out the best in Shrek. You can hear some links from this CD to the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Harry's later work. Even by listening to the samples you can tell this music is hard to beat. I don't think Shrek would have won Best Animated Film if Gregson-Williams had not composed the music. BUY THIS CD!!!

Best animated film music ever!.......2004-03-19

Although the other reviewers are right in that there isnt a lot of music on this disc, a little over 40 minutes, it's worth the price just for the first and 25th tracks. There are so many awe inspiring tracks on this cd it's impossible to pass up. The disc opens up with a very serious and magical theme on the strings and oboe. This theme is the same one that the princess sings in her fatal duet with the bird, that track is on here too. Also, there's the memorable Welcome to Duloc theme with the child choir. Also, the fight with Robin Hood theme with some riverdance in it is on this disc. The best theme on the disc is first introduced in the escape from the dragon track, with a funky beat behind it. It's presented in it's full orchestra and choral glory in the Ride the Dragon track which is guaranteed to give you goose bumps. All in all this is a very wide ranging score with some of the most light-hearted/goofy music ever along with some of the most inspired and passionate heroic music. I can't recommend this soundtrack enough. The music of Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell added so much to Shrek, making it the best animated film I've ever seen.

I'm so glad to have it!.......2003-01-12

I'm so glad I got this score. Such a humorous film like Shrek doesn't sound like it would have so much beautiful music, but this score proves it does. The music is absolutely stunning, sometimes powerful, sometimes scary, sometimes sad and sometimes just beautiful. There are a few recurring themes, but they are great themes and sound nice in every song. Although most of the soundtrack is pretty serious, there are a few funny songs placed in, which only add to it's greatness. If, while watching Shrek, you happened to notice some of the nice themes like I did, then I suggest getting this score. It really is a great CD and I'm happy to have this part of my collection.

didn't get enough time???.......2002-12-21

This is the third score that Harry Gregson Williams and John Powell composed together and after buying "Antz" and "Chicken Run" I had high expectations. Unfortunately this score is by far not as good as their previous ones. Still good though, but especially less comfortable to listen to. Most songs are just too short. By the time the theme had captured you the song is over. Strongest part of this album is the humor Powell and Williams have used. Some endings of songs are quite "unusual", like "farquaad's speech" and "merry men", which can crack me up if I'm in a funny mood. Strongest tracks on the album are "escape from the dragon" and "fairytale". The rest of the album kinda sounds as if the composers didn't get enough time to compose the music, so they just put the pieces they already had behind each other. Too bad, because this is a duo that has a lot to offer and hopefully they will soon again, with less, but much longer tracks.

Average customer rating: Read the fine print before you buy The most distinguished Joplin playing. The most distinguished Joplin playing Joplin played like Joplin plays. E. Power Biggs: The Easy Winner

Super Hits: Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Biggs, E Power | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Biggs Bach Book The Greatest Ragtime of the Century Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin King of the Ragtime Writers The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B00004W5AK Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

1. Entertainer
2. Maple Leaf Rag
3. Easy Winners
4. Peacherine Rag
5. Elite Syncopations
6. Cleopha
7. Original Rags - E. Power Biggs
8. Pineapple Rag
9. Binks' Waltz
10. Strenuous Life
11. Sunflower Slow Drag
12. Paragon Rag
13. Great Crush Collision March

Customer Reviews:

Read the fine print before you buy.......2005-08-17

I bought this not realizing that these are not piano performances, but every track is played on a Pedal Harpsicord. Don't make the same mistake... If you want piano, get a different disc.

The most distinguished Joplin playing........2002-12-24

I was delighted to find this LP recording re-issued on CD.
E. Power Bigg's stylish and refined playing on his own mighty and meaty pedal harpsichord is a delight. He brings the right blend of joi-de-vivre and sophistication to the music. How pleased Joplin would have been to hear his music played by a musician of this renown on an instrument of this quality.
Rifkin's piano recordings are fine, and very faithful. But E. Power Biggs brings an extra something, in addition to being faithful to Joplin's notes. Infectious, and a delight.

The most distinguished Joplin playing.......2002-12-20

This is the most distinguished Joplin playing to be found.

I was first aware of this recording in LP form in the 70s. My friends had it, and then I was delighted to buy an LP copy for myself as it was re-issued. I am so pleased that it is now available in CD form.

E. Power Biggs is certainly the most distinguished musician to have recorded Joplin, and his playing on the wonderful, meaty pedal harpsichord is infectious.

Joplin would have loved, I am sure, to know that his music ended up being performed by 'serious' musicians of this calibre on instruments of this quality. (Also worth mentioning is the Joplin Marches CD by Professor William Albright on a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand Piano. Albright's left hand seems a little 'light' however).

My particular favourites on this recording are Cleopha and Binks' Waltz.

The big pedal harpsichord has a full and ponderous sound, yet the renditions are full of liveliness and life.

Joshua Rifkin's fine recordings can sound a little 'worthy' compared to this CD. Dick Hyman's fine 1970s set - very comprehensive - is nice, but the playing not in quite the same league as this. (and I do not think it was ever re-issued on CD).

There are various other recordings of Joplin, by a variety of Pianists, on various labels. And there are various 'arrangements' by different musicians. But for sheer musical quality and 'joi-de-vivre', E. Power Biggs' playing on this recodring is unsurpassed.

Joplin played like Joplin plays........2000-11-09

Based on the previous review, I purchased this CD, and it is great. To begin with, I have the complete New England Conservatory, Red Book, and Joshua Rifkin Joplin LPs, and strongly recommend them. But, enjoyable as they are, their languidness is not what Joplin intended. I also have some piano rolls of several rags as played by Joplin, and the tempo is race track fast. Which is exactly the manner in which Biggs uses the pedal harpsichord to render these rags. Joplin intended these rags to be a Fourth of July parade, not a soft dreamy summer night, and Biggs fullfills the promise. So I like both the Rifkin "Entertainer/[movie]Sting" versions, and I love this recording. Of particular delight for me are Joplin's Paragon and Pine Apple Rags. And of course, do not miss the Houston Opera recording of "Treemoshina." Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

E. Power Biggs: The Easy Winner.......2000-09-23

Classical musicians have been featured playing ragtime since Joshua Rifkin's bestselling albums of the late 1960's. Many of these classically-influenced performances were appealing, but at the same time seemed a little stiff, a little pedantic, like badly played Handel. In contrast, E. Power Biggs, the Bach organ virtuoso, makes Scott Joplin really live. He opens up some intriguing new dimensions in this collection of rags, recorded in 1973.

Biggs performs the music on the pedal harpsichord--which would seem to be an unlikely choice--but the percussive quality of the harpsichord makes the syncopations clear and crisp. The magnificent instrument used, made by John Challis, has a range of timbres, and Biggs combines and varies these so the different pieces each have their own character. The bass is played on foot pedals, and the left hand plays the chords on the off-beat. The right hand plays the melody on a separate keyboard, assigned a different voice for clarity. It sounds less like a baroque performance than a ragtime string band--something like the mandolin-guitar-string bass combinations of the ragtime era.

While Biggs maintains the syncopations of the pieces, there is not a strong African American feeling. He doesn't rag that thing. But he has a wonderful ear for the chorale-like harmonies in Joplin, and a natural sense of the phrasing of the pieces that brings out the structure. He slows just a little at the final chord that marks the end of each melodic strain, and then picks up the tempo in the next strain, as if the piece was getting its second wind. These tempo changes are subtle, but the effect is very satisfying. Along with the tonal variations, the phrasing helps keep this somewhat-formulaic music from sounding all the same.

The pieces performed will be familiar to Joplin listeners: Maple Leaf Rag, of course, and the usual selections such as Original Rags and The Easy Winners. The approach is different enough that hearing the standard rags does not seem like covering old ground. On the other hand, it is sad that Biggs, like the rest of the classical world, overlooked all the other ragtime composers, and the related early jazz of musicians like James P. Johnson or Willie "The Lion" Smith (who composed the 12th Street Rag). It would have been very interesting to hear what Biggs would have done with these more complex works.

But, at the same time, the familiarity of this collection of music is one of its strengths. It's the same old stuff, but not the same old way, and the quality of playing easily surpasses almost all the recordings in this genre. If you like ragtime, and are open to an innovative approach t by one of the century's greatest keyboard players, this CD will bring a spring to your step.

Average customer rating: Purchased at the dollar store... my favorite cd I own by far!!!! Perfect Adult Folk-Pop Joyful, Thoughtful & Sunny see it through..... A Well-Deserved Moment In the Sun

Sunflower Darden Smith Manufacturer: Dualtone Music Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Country | 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: Circo Field of Crows Little Victories Trouble No More Deep Fantastic Blue ASIN: B0000640MZ Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

1. Perfect Moment
2. Satellite
3. Stronger
4. All This Time
5. Closer To You
6. Daydream
7. Dreams Don't Lie
8. Shadow
9. 'Till It Bled
10. Easier Said Than Done
11. New Gospel
12. Swept Away

Product Description

1. Perfect Moment
2. Satellite
3. Stronger
4. After All This Time
5. Closer To You
6. Daydream
7. Dreams Don't Lie
8. Shadow
9. 'Till It Bled
10. Easier Said Than Done
11. New Gospel
12. Swept Away

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Austin's Darden Smith has worked long and hard at being soft, writing pleasant country-tinged folk that deals with matters of the heart and the thousand natural knocks that people endure. He sees friends who lack the courage to separate after years of mutually inflicted misery ("Satellite"), the anguish of broken relationships ("Dreams Don't Lie"), and he gets positively ambitious on "New Gospel," a jazzy shout of beatitude. Sometimes whimsical, other times weary, Smith's heart can be found right on his sleeve, and he brings in background singers Patty Griffin and the ever-wonderful Kim Richey to help convey his emotions. Smith claims to be getting "stronger every day"--clearly he sees his art as a healing activity, and with songs that take root as sweetly as those on Sunflower, it seems to be working. --Henry Cabot Beck

Customer Reviews:

Purchased at the dollar store... my favorite cd I own by far!!!!.......2006-02-04

Every instrument and sound and lyric in this cd are all amazing. When I first got it, I said "it's allright", but I just got more and more hypnotized by this cd, and it literally played 50-60 times in a row in my car cd player, and I am still not sick of it at all... this might sound like a weird or made up review, but it's not. This CD inspired me to get 8 more of Darden's albums... I am certain that they will not be as good as this one, but I cannot imagine this guy writting anything bad. Every song on "SUNFLOWER" is catchy, not repetitive, origanal, and there isn't a bad song in the mix. His voice is very controled and perfect, and the acompanyment is the best I have ever heard. I think I have said enough. I felt obligated to say something. I hope somebody gets this album because of what I have written here because it is amazing. From sampling the rest of Darden's albums on amazon, my second favorite is "Field of Crows".

Perfect Adult Folk-Pop.......2002-08-30

This is a beautiful album. For those familiar with Darden Smith, the sound on this album falls somewhere between the terrific "Little Victories" and the more subdued "Deep Fantastic Blue". For those not familiar with this literate songwriter, this cd is on par with the best work of Jackson Browne or Pierce Pettis--and I dare say, on this effort, superior. Quite simply, this is adult pop music (with folk/jazz leanings) performed with a passion and honesty rarely heard on modern radio.

"Sunflower" is 45-minutes long and features probably the best two songs Darden Smith has ever recorded: "Satellite" is a beautiful acoustic tune (the entire album is basically acoustic) detailing a relationship with some serious commitment problems. Lyrically, it is trenchant and poetic. Musically, it is strumming, melodic perfection. The other, "Closer to You" is equally beautiful and poetic. The lyrical focus of this album is on adult relationships--both good and bad and the consequences we all have to face for choices made (both good and bad). Musically, "Sunflower" fits the singer songwriter mode, but with a tinge of jazz, folk, and perfect adult pop. The musicians are top notch and in addition to Darden Smith's smooth voice, Kim Richey and Patty Griffin provide additional vocals.

Of the 12 songs on this disc, there is not a dud. And I daresay, none is short of terrific. Rarely does an album give me goosebumps, but this one did upon first listen and still does. "Sunflower" is a wonderful disc. Very Highly Recommended.

Joyful, Thoughtful & Sunny.......2002-06-26

Darden Smith has always put out consistently excellent music. "Sunflower" is very different from the classic "Skin" on "Deep Fantastic Blue" or his "Little Victories" CD. This is music that is upbeat, happy and positive, but still music that comes out of dealing with the often sobering realities life brings.

Peace & contentment shine on the soft thoughtful opener "Perfect Morning," "A perfect woman, the stars align, love doesn't travel in straight lines." "Satellite" follows with a distinctive pop melody & a dense wall of electric guitar as the singer wants "to be caught in your gravity." "Stronger" counterpoints guitar & drum and deals with love as an addiction, "I'm getting stronger the further you are away." Darden further adds, "Learned to tell the difference between a miracle & a magic trick." My favorite track is "After All This Time." The gentle melody builds so gracefully, "Talk about love, talk about livin', talk about trying to be forgiven." "Closer to You" is another soft pop melody, "Love so simple, love so plain comin' down on me like the rain." The samba-like "Daydream" has a gorgeous melody, "If I could live my life in reverse, then even I could break that curse & start again; instead of losing, we might win." "Dreams Don't Lie" has a simple midtempo melody entertaining thoughts about what it would be like to be on one's own. The thoughtful "Shadow" is gentle and reassuring, "Walk beside me, be my shadow & we won't have to be afraid." A simple piano line & the strum of guitar open "'Till It Bled" that blossoms into a great pop chorus, "I bang my head on the wall, but you don't change at all." "Easier Said Than Done" is another soft pop tune. "New Gospel" is a bouncy track, "Don't you want to hear the good news of forgiveness? Sins against our love are washed away." The CD concludes with the wistful slow tune "Swept Away." Darden's "Sunflower" is bright and sunny, but it is also thoughtful in its joy. It gives the feel of music borne by experience. Enjoy this special set.

see it through............2002-05-14

I've been a fan of Darden's for years and I've
been waiting a long time for him to create something
new that hit me like his 1993 release "LITTLE VICTORIES".
With "SUNFLOWER" he has come pretty close and with repeated listens
(meaning give it a chance to sink in, play it!) this collection will
not only move you with great songwriting but touch
your heart and mind. Darden has moved away from trying
to make a commercial breakthrough like he attempted back
in 93' in favor of tight beautiful songs and melodies
and very moving, at times soft and melancholy singing.
You'll find Patty Griffin and Kim Richey singing along
on many of these tracks and it just makes the whole
project so much more special. My favorites on this
gem are Stronger,'Till it bled, Satellite, Perfect Moment,
Shadow, New Gospel, Easier said than done. This is about
as pure in voice that I've heard from the male perspective
in a long time, and not since Jackson Browne have I heard
a singer/songwriter musician dig this deep about life, dreams
seperation, and moving on with life. So far one of the best
releases of the year.

A Well-Deserved Moment In the Sun.......2002-05-01

Darden Smith's new album is the musical equivalent of comfort food. It's a musical pick-me-up guaranteed to brighten your day. Yet, at the same time that this album exudes warmth, it also maintains a high standard of artistry and complexity.
To be sure, "Sunflower" is more whimsical, more plentiful in daydreams (to steal a lyric from one of his new tunes) than some of Smith's past work.
The songs on this album may not tear at your heartstrings the way that songs from prior albums by Smith do. Yet, they are poignant and moving, not due to their intensity or rawness, but because of their keen insight into human conflict and resolution.
For example, "Satellite" charts the course of a couple who stay in limbo because they are too afraid to decide their own destiny. "Perfect Moment," which is a poem-like ballad celebrating life, almost makes me want to pack up my bags and embark on a road trip out to the desert. "Till It Bled"and "Stronger" almost work as bookends to one another, and are standouts in their own rights.
Smith's awareness of his own progression musically and personally is cleverly played out in this album. At least one of his songs on "Sunflower" seems consciously to allude to lyrics from a prior song.
The craftsmanship on this album provides testimony both to Smith's talent and experience. He gets able back up from several different singers, including Patty Griffin and Kim Richey.
This is an artist with a broad emotional and musical range who continues to impress with every new effort. In this collection, Smith remains remarkably in harmony with the highs and lows that add up to a rewarding and interesting life.

Average customer rating:

Premier Pops Manufacturer: Denon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mancini Country The Thorn Birds ASIN: B000008I2M Release Date: 1994-08-05

Tracks:

1. Overture To A 'Pops' Concert
2. The Thorn Birds: The Thorn Birds Theme
3. The Thorn Birds: Arrival At The Vatican
4. The Thorn Birds: Meggie's Theme
5. The Thorn Birds: It's Shearing Your Hearing
6. Movie Song Medley: Life In A Looking Glass
7. Movie Song Medley: Crazy World
8. Movie Song Medley: Song from '10'
9. Hong Kong Fireworks
10. Sunflower
11. The 'Inspector Clouseau' Theme
12. Charade
13. Glass Menagerie, Pt. 1 (Tom's Theme)
14. Glass Menagerie, Pt. 2 (Blue Roses/Laura's Theme)
15. Three TV Themes: Hotel
16. Three TV Themes: Newhart
17. Three TV Themes: Remington Steele
18. The Sons Of Italy
19. Ohio Riverboat
20. Main Title From 'The Great Mouse Detective'
21. Moon River

Average customer rating: Classical, not Ragtime Excellent Absolutely Brilliant! Stellar Sounds great

Scott Joplin on Guitar Giovanni De Chiaro Manufacturer: Centaur ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scott Joplin on Guitar, Vol. 3 Scott Joplin on Guitar, Vol. 4 / De Chiaro Scott Joplin on Guitar, Vol. 2 Mel Bay Presents Complete Works of Scott Joplin: 52 Piano Rags, Waltzes & Marches Transcribed for Guitar Solo ASIN: B0000057W1 Release Date: 1993-09-01

Tracks:

1. The Entertainer
2. The Heliotroppe Bouquet
3. Eugenia
4. A Concert Waltz
5. The Pine Apple Rag
6. The Weeping Willow
7. The Sunflower Slow Drag
8. A Mexican Serenade
9. Elite Syncopations
10. The Chrysanthemum
11. The Maple Leaf Rag

Customer Reviews:

Classical, not Ragtime.......2004-10-17

De Chiaro's obviously a classically-trained guitarist, as the renditions here are very crisp and precise without a hint of soul. Classical musicians rarely succeed when trying to play jazz or folk; you can't notate the "feel" so they tend to not have any. De Chiaro is technically flawless here, but in so doing he makes Joplin's music curiously dry and academic.

The beauty of Joplin's music is the gentle alternation between blues and Chopinesque virtuosity. In De Chiaro's hands these rags sound like Bagatelles unfortunately removed from their wistful origins. It's pleasant enough, in a Segovia-like way but not what I was hoping for. Dave Laibman and Stefan Grossman have both done better -- though not nearly enough.

Excellent.......2001-01-06

I was fortunate enough to hear Giovanni de Chiaro in person when he came to French Camp, MS, two or three years ago. He is superb - I'd say almost, if not as good as, Christopher Parkening. His fingering is lightning-fast, and he captures the proper Joplin Scott spirit. A must-have for any music fan.

Absolutely Brilliant!.......2000-12-06

Who would have thought anyone could arrange Joplin for guitar? It sounds as if Joplin wrote for the guitar, Giovanni de Chiaro has done a fantastic job in his arrangements on this CD! I have heard he did all of Joplin's works and that this will soon appear on CD, so I am waiting for that.

Check this one out in the meantime.

-JZ

Stellar.......2000-06-07

This CD, as well as all of De Chiaro's works, transport one, musically & emotionally.Where words leave off, his music begins.His transcriptions of Joplin's works are available. The artist can be contacted at The University of Southern Mississipi School of Music, Box 5081, Hattiesburg, Mississipi 39406-5081, PH:601-266-5401,FAX:601-266-6185.

Sounds great.......2000-05-07

He briefly describes that Joplin took inspiration from Sousa marches and local mandolin choirs. This guy really starts hot-rodding it on some of these songs. He can play fast and when you combine that with Scott Joplin's songs you get a real lift with a relaxing feeling. Never mind that it was a breakthrough to play a band's worth of parts on the piano, this guy puts it on the guitar! I hope someone will transcribe it to a book so the rest of us can be thouroghly humbled.

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