Heads Up [Import]

heads up [import]

Track Listings

1. Georgia O'

2. Pedra da Lua

3. Aunt Remus

4. Tribute to Afreeka

5. Uncle Jemima

6. Kimmy and Donnie

7. Trampoline

8. Para los Papines

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
1998 Japanese pressing of 1982 album originally released on Arista Records. The album features Jan Hammer and Michael & Randy Brecker.

Heads Up,Stone Alliance,PM,Rock/Pop

Heads Up [Import]

Average customer rating:

Michael Brecker's Best Ever.
The final opus from one of the CATS
fabulous
transcendent
A worthy good-bye effort from a saint and a giant

Pilgrimage
Michael Brecker
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Metheny Mehldau Quartet
Back East
The Enchantment
Metheny / Mehldau
Brown Street

ASIN: B000OHZJA0
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

The Mean Time
Five Months From Midnight
Anagram
Tumbleweed
When Can I Kiss You Again?
Cardinal Rule
Half Moon Lane
Loose Threads
Pilgrimage

Amazon.com

Clocking in at nearly 80 minutes, this posthumous release comprises the last recordings Michael Brecker made before his untimely death in January 2007. Battling the debilitating effects of leukemia, he sought comfort, strength, and transcendence through music. The all-star lineup on Pilgrimage, which includes Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, and John Patitucci, has worked in various combinations over the past four decades. Here, they perform with the compelling group interplay of a longstanding ensemble. Brecker's nine compositions mark the first time he made an album solely of his own material. This is further testament to the creative drive that helped sustain him during his physical decline. From balladry to classic post-bop reveries, Brecker has fashioned one of his finest albums, and certainly his most personal work. The disc closes with the title track, which was also--fittingly--the last number he recorded. Never maudlin, this music and these fine musicians celebrate the power of music to connect human beings to one another, note by note, measure by measure. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Michael Brecker's Best Ever........2007-07-09

I think other reviewers have said it better than I could when it comes to Michael Brecker's final album "Pilgrimage" so, I'll be brief. This is his best album ever. The playing as well as the musicianship between Brecker and his all-star line-up of Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci and Brad Mehldau is stellar on every track here. There isn't one weak track recorded here.
"Pilgrimage" features his best playing and his best compositions - truly a testament and high mark in the legacy of this respected sax player. If you don't believe me, read the other reviews here and then buy this CD.
An Instant Classic for 2007.
Rest in Peace, Michael.

The final opus from one of the CATS.......2007-07-04

Great writing, great playing, great ensemble guys. Great record.

RIP, Michael. You'll be missed, champ.

fabulous.......2007-07-03

If you are a fan of Michael Brecker this is a must have. As if the fact that it will be the last cd he ever releases isn't enough reason to purchase it, it is also a remarkable musical masterpiece. I honestly do not know how he managed to play at a level that is above the usual while practically on his death bed. The accompanying musicians are as good as they get as well, so the interaction between players and overall playing is just spectacular throughout.

transcendent.......2007-07-03

Amazing CD, transcendent in every sense of the word. Michael Brecker will be greatly missed.

A worthy good-bye effort from a saint and a giant.......2007-07-02

Brecker could never do anything wrong in my opinion, and so nobody will expect me to write a critical, balanced review of Pilgrimage. But even compared to the other Brecker albums, and especially with the knowledge that not only was this his last album, but probably one of the last times these masters and friends would see him, it is brilliant. It has the haunting, fragile, and urgent energy of a dying wish. At the same time, it conveys peace, joy, and caring for life. Everybody is at their best, and no Brecker fan will want to be without it. Preaching to the quire aside, it is also a good place to start your Brecker or modern jazz listening experience, as the album is quite accessible in its simple complexity. Absolutely recommended.

Average customer rating:

More Great music
Energy, sparkle, chops, and great grooves
The Lyrics Say It All...
Best CD in years
Energetic, interesting and exciting!

Good to Go-Go
Spyro Gyra
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

This Way
Born 2 Groove
He Had a Hat
Stay with Me
Little Tokyo

ASIN: B000P28KXW
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

Simple Pleasures
Get Busy
Jam Up
The Left Bank
Funkyard Dog
Along For The Ride
Island Time
Wassup!
Easy Street
A Winter Tale
Good To Go-Go
Newroses

Customer Reviews:

More Great music.......2007-07-03

I buy Spyro as soon as it hits the stores and have never been disappointed. Good to Go-GO is just another in a long line of Great work. Jay changes his support crew but the basics don't change. He lets his new members put their own touches to the history and evolution of the Band.
My favorite cut on this album has to be A Winter Tale. The growling base work and the light airy piano along with the Sax makes this premire music. I listened to the cut three time in a row the very fisrt time and picked up new nuances everytime.

Energy, sparkle, chops, and great grooves.......2007-06-20

I've been listening to SG since 1981 - had all their early years stuff on vinyl and have seen/heard them several times in concert. They've always been jaw-droppingly amazing live and most of their studio sessions in the last few years have failed to capture the magic that is Spyro Gyra. Not this CD. Cut 1 with Tom Schuman growling on the Rhodes and Julio cruising out on guitar is well-worth the price of admiission alone. No group, and I mean no group, has the raw talent and musicianship that these guys do. This CD allows them all to stretch out and develop their solos and boy does this CD groove. Run, don't walk. . . . . Jay B and Co. have proven, once again, that they are the king of the contemporary jazz genre.

The Lyrics Say It All..........2007-06-13

After the low-key "Wrapped In A Dream", "Good To Go-Go" is a breath of fresh air in my opinion. I am an avid Contemporary Jazz genre fan, and love upbeat jazz. This certainly fits the bill, plus it has a cool calypso sound in a couple of the tracks. I was happy to hear that they are going back to a few tracks that contain lyrics, making it easier to remember what track/song you are listening to. This is/was certainly an entertaining CD and I would easily buy it for a friend or family member.

Best CD in years.......2007-06-12

This is the best of Spyro Gyra's in years. After some average CD's like Original Cinema, The Deep End and Wrapped in a Dream they came with this one. The couldn't find a better tittle for this album because is really GOOD TO GO-GO. If you are a fan you will love this one but if you never heard them this is a good time to start doing it. Island time is the best track.

Energetic, interesting and exciting! .......2007-06-12

Spyro Gyra has consistently been one of the most successful pop-jazz groups of the past 30 years.
They released their first self-titled album in 1976 which they paid for and released on their own, on an independent label. Their sound caught on.
Within a year they had sold tens of thousands of records and signed a record deal.
The group has released an album of unique, innovative music almost every year for the past three decades. Not bad for some guys who just started out jammin'.
"Good to Go-Go" is the band's twenty-sixth of their overall career and their fifth release on Heads Up, following on the heels of the GRAMMY nominated 2006 release Wrapped in a Dream (Best Pop Instrumental Album).
They keep maiteining a fresh approach to their craft by borrowing from a range of sources and distilling them into an unmistakable signature sound.
A new face in the Spyro Gyra lineup belongs to drummer/percussionist Bonny B (short for Bonaparte). The Trinidad native had been touring with the band for several months before they went into the studio to record "Good To Go-Go", and the energy he brought to the party served as the catalyst for some fine tuning in the group's overall philosophy.
Bonny B joins saxophonist and Spyro Gyra founder Jay Beckenstein, keyboardist Tom Schuman, guitarist Julio Fernandez and bassist Scott Ambush in the five-man lineup.
Guest violinist Howes adds a continental flair to "The Left Bank", which is still 90% Spyro Gyra and the very talented Andy Narell adds his pan-playing to the second track.
The highlights of the the album are the bouncy mid-tempo "Simple Pleasures", a great song to listen to while driving with the windows down on a warm summer evening; the syncopated backbeat and subtle tonal shifts of uptempo "Get Busy" make for a challenging but fun melodic exercise.
"Along for the Ride" and "Island Time" take the listeners into a sort of Arthur Lyman/Les Baxter exotic islands music, but updated for the 21st century. Andy Narell adds his pan-playing to the second track and by now this album has won everybody's spirit.
Going into the homestretch with the title track, penned by Ambush, a highly percussive drums/bass groove that allows room for sax, keyboards and more.
Closing with "Newroses" increases the tempo/energy even further, with each band member trading licks for almost seven minutes.
In one word, a truly enjoyable, spirited delight.

Average customer rating:

In some ways Bad Plus's best album yet
A good entry into jazz for rock fans
More touch needed on the quieter songs
Does anyone really LIKE listening to this music?
BAD PLUS = THE KINGS OF JAZZ!!!!

PROG
The Bad Plus
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Metheny Mehldau Quartet
Pilgrimage
These Are the Vistas
Suspicious Activity?
Give

ASIN: B000NQQ4OC
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Physical Cities
Life On Mars
Mint
Giant
Thiftstore Jewelry
Tom Sawyer
This Guy's In Love With You
The World Is The Same
1980 World Champion

Amazon.com

You have to hear the Bad Plus's lush, lovely instrumental approach to Tears for Fears' hit "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." It's a slowly-evolving meditation on the tune that clearly is in love with its melody and structure. It might be the finest jazz cover of an '80s song since Miles Davis cut Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" back in the day. The other covers, especially their florid take on Rush's "Tom Sawyer," may be likely to get the most attention of anything on the album. But they rely too much on irony, on people's previous perceptions of the music, and do not seem quite as enamored of the original. They're jokes that are funny the first time but not so much the second or third. As with the Bad Plus' previous releases, the group's original compositions are the meat of the album: "Giant" and "Physical Cities" carve out huge walls of sonic space with abandon. This is rockist jazz, a postmodern fusion that relies greatly on tricky time signatures and mashups of seemingly incongruous sound. It's not likely this music will age spectacularly well, but so what? If you're looking for some engaging and conversation-inducing dinner music preceding an evening spent watching Napoleon Dynamite or any Wes Anderson flick, this is just the thing. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

In some ways Bad Plus's best album yet.......2007-07-07

Overall, I would rate this as the Bad Plus's best album. With the excpetion of suspicious activity it has the best songwriting and it has the best adapations of cover songs of all bad plus albumns. The covers are are good choices and the adaptations are brilliant. Physical cities and Giant are interstesting new songs. Suspicious activity introduced more new songs, and in that way is better than Prog, but Prog is solid from start to finish and the overall consistency makes it Bad Plus's best albumn yet.

A good entry into jazz for rock fans.......2007-06-29

As a rock fan - and a prog rock fan in particular - I was intrigued by the concept of this CD so I picked it up. And I must say that I love it! I've always dabbled a little bit in jazz, but this recording fuses the two genres in a way that I find appealing and even fascinating. Unlike some of the reviewers, I love the "Tom Sawyer" cover; it is anchored enough in the original and then takes off with its own ideas and the awe-inspiring musicianship of the group. Having enjoyed this CD I'm going to get the others too. In the end, I think jazz aficionados can take comfort from the fact that this CD will expose some to jazz who otherwise wouldn't have given it a shot.

More touch needed on the quieter songs.......2007-06-28

The Bad Plus return with another mixture of deconstructed covers and originals. "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" is done softly and less Bad-Plusy than covers on their other discs. Or, you could say it's done jazzier - the main sing-along melody doesn't appear until the end. It's a good start, and it's their best quiet song on this CD. "Physical Cities" is a thudder, which focuses on group improvisation. Cut from the same cloth as "Big Eater" (from "These Are The Vistas"), its ending is like being hit with a wooden mallet. "Life On Mars" burbles along for its first four minutes until Ethan Iverson starts playing the recognizable part of the song around David King's cymbal crashes. I don't get "Mint" -- both quiet and loud sections come and go without making much sense to me. "Giant" resolves into a pretty beginning, and is nice, though the same ostinato gets tiresome after a while. "Thriftstore Jewelry" is more nimble and dynamic, and might be my favorite original. "Tom Sawyer", unlike other Bad Plus covers, is done fairly straight and almost reverently. "This Guy's In Love With You" is a Bacharach-David cover, and "The World Is The Same" an original. Both are relatively quiet, neither reach me. You could summarize this CD by saying it's 60% quiet, and 40% loud, but the reason I give it three stars is I'm not crazy about the quiet ones. I just think they need to be played with more touch, more agility. The Bad Plus resolves its track & field cycle of "1972 Bronze Medalist" & "1979 Semi-Finalist" with the best one yet, "1980 World Champion". This is another in their strength; the fast, jagged songs. The Bad Plus would be boring if they made every song sound like "Physical Cities", so I'd like them to get better on the "Giant"-style songs.

Does anyone really LIKE listening to this music?.......2007-06-06

I can't quite shake the feeling, after listening to this alien music for the past week or so, that I've been duped. And though I think Prog is somewhat of a recovery after Give and (esp.) Suspicious Activity, I can't bring myself to totally sign on.

I have thoughts like these as I listen: Wow, Dave King brings something to his kit that few jazz drummers ever have (although I could do with a little less bombast and heavy-handiness). Or, Ethan Iverson's displaying some awesome chops (although he still strikes me as awfully mannered). Or, Reid Anderson actually has some pretty attractive songs on this disc (although the band unnecessarily beats "Physical Cities" to a bloody pulp).

Bottom line--I can't convince myself that these boys aren't stuck in unwitting self-parody. That is, attitude trumps substance. To be expected, I suppose, when a band comes with this much hype--and apparently believes it.

Nevertheless, I'm pretty much bowled over by the covers (unlike some of the other reviewers), especially the laconic tumescence of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and "This Guy's in Love with You." "Tom Sawyer" strikes me as funny, and "Life on Mars" as appropriately weird.

Actually, in a lot of ways, this is a pretty killer disc, although, it must be said, the vibe pretty quickly wears thin. Consequently, I find myself not picking it to listen to for the pure pleasure it gives, but to access its quirkiness. Which, unfortunately, tends to relegate it to novelty status.

That said, it's quite an attractive novelty. Somewhere between 3 and 5 stars.

BAD PLUS = THE KINGS OF JAZZ!!!!.......2007-06-01

ANOTHER JUST AWESOME ALBUM BY THE BEST JAZ BAND AROUND THESE DAYS..THE BAD PLUS!!! I FOUND OUT ABOUT THESE GUYS THROUGH ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE AND THEY HAVE NEVER LET ME DOWN. i LIKE THE FACT THAT THERE MUSIC CHALLAGES THE LISTENER TO ACTUALLY LISTEN AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHATS GOING ON. IT'S KINDA LIKE A GOOD MOVIE,EVERY TIME YOU WATCH IT YOU FIND SOMETHING ELESE YOU DID NOT NOTICE THE LAST TIME. THE COVERS ON THIS ALBUM ARE STELLAR FROM TEARS 4 FEARS' "EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD" TO RUSHS' "TOM SAWYER" IT JUST PAIN KNOCKS YOUR SOCKS OFF! I'VE INTRODUCED THIS BAND TO PEOPLE THAT DON'T EVEN LIKE JAZZ AND THEY LOVE THE BAD PLUS!! GET THIS CD TODAY ...YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

Average customer rating:

Amen
How much do you miss this band?
Thank You Mr. Zawinul
Zawinul's own tribute to Weather Report
21st Century Weather Report

Brown Street
Joe Zawinul
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Pilgrimage
Metheny Mehldau Quartet
CARLOS SANTANA & WAYNE SHORTER/LIVE @ MONTREUX JAZZ FEST/CD
Forecast: Tomorrow
The Third Quartet

ASIN: B000MGVCLS
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Tracks:

Brown Street
In A Silent Way
Fast City
Badia/Boogie Woogie Waltz
Black Market

Tracks:

March Of The Lost Children
A Remark You Made
Night Passage
Procession
Carnavalito

Amazon.com

Recorded in Vienna, the city of Joe Zawinul's birth, this 2005 concert adapts many of his most celebrated compositions for the expanded presence of the WDR Big Band. After the triumphant opening of the propulsive eleven-minute title track, the gentle "In a Silent Way" revisits the evocative memories of Zawinul's childhood that inspired him to write the piece over forty years ago. While this hour and a half of music draws from Zawinul's past, it is never dependent upon nostalgia. Rather, the bold new settings show how vibrant the writing remains. Zawinul's core quartet (with percussionist Alex Acuna, bassist Victor Bailey, and drummer Nathaniel Townsley) can be as ferocious and supple as any of Weather Report's line-ups. Everything from the atmospheric quietude of a piece like "A Remark You Made" to the world funk of "Black Market" is given its full due by this sprawling yet controlled 19-piece ensemble. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Amen.......2007-05-19

This is a signature album from a keyboardist who spans the time in which I have enjoyed JAZZ.

How much do you miss this band?.......2007-05-03

If there had never been a synthesizer, would Weather Report had to have been a big band? There's not a dull second over the course of two discs, and they could have put out two more. Never a huge fan of the big band as a youth, I now know it's the best way to get the maximum color out of a composition and it's arrangement (have you all seen the Pat Metheny Group stuff with the big band on You Tube?).

Mr. Mendoza, can you write charts for more of these tunes? Sponsors, funders, underwriters: can you please offer up some grants for the completion of such a project? Somewhere toward the end of "Night Passage", the volume is rising, the groove is SO intense, and I'm pleading "Don't stop, please don't stop!"

If Mr. Zawinul and Mr. Shorter should ever meet on stage again, this is how they should do it. Whether they do or not, Lord have mercy, someone get this record a tour in the U.S., and fast!

Buy it now-it's THAT good.

Thank You Mr. Zawinul.......2007-04-04

Thank you Mr. Zawinul for sharing your music with us and I wish that someday there will be a new Weather Report with Mr. Shorter. Your music will live forever. El mundo necesita musica de Jazz como esta simplemente lo mejor! Long Live Weather Report!

Zawinul's own tribute to Weather Report.......2007-03-11

I was looking forward to this release even though I am not a huge fan of big band. But then, we're talking about the WDR big band, one of the finest in the world. And besides, look at that rhythm section: Alex Acuna, Nathaniel Townsley, Victor Bailey and the Man himself, Josef Erich Zawinul on keys. It's practically Weather Report, sans Mr Shorter.

To top off this stellar roster of players, the arrangements were penned by none less than the inimitable Vince Mendoza. Does it get any better than that? Not with this collection of great tunes. It's amazing how natural these great compositions translate to the big band format; they fit hand in glove. This format allows the listener to clearly hear the relationship Zawinul's ideas have to Duke Ellington's 'shout' melodies Just listen to the beautiful intro to In a Silent Way or the natural big band sound of Night Passage. In a way, Zawinul was gunning for that sound back in the day on those early synths. Now you can hear those parts played by the real deal. Listen to the audience response when the full band enters on the opening track, Brown Street, or for that matter, on the drums and percussion break on the steaming closer, Carnivalito. There is genuine excitement being generated here. It sounds like a party. We are talking serious groove here.

I am delighted and surprised by the ease and depth of feel exhibited by this large ensemble on what were originally small group compositions. The level of soloing is very high, as one would expect from this crack group of european musicians. There are plenty of Zawinul moments, but a number of players have their moments to shine as well. All acquit themselves quite well under Zawinul's watchful ears.

This is a must have for Weather Report fans, but there is something here for lovers of jazz in general. It is a revelation to hear just how steeped in the jazz tradition these pieces are when heard in this more acoustic setting. Big Fun for all.

21st Century Weather Report .......2007-03-06

This big band rendition of the best of Zawinul, Shorter & Company is an essential "Weather update." As other reviewers have opined, those 70s synth sounds have not aged well despite the fact that JZ was the consummate synth player (akin to Garth Hudson with the Band). The horns arrangements are unified and add a fresh perspective to the WR standards. Would love to hear more peformances, but these two discs' worth are nothing short of amazing. Jazz is alive and well in the 21st Century.

Average customer rating:

Smooth Jazz CD
A most enjoyable and passionate journey.

Little Tokyo
Hiroshima
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Moyo
This Way
Good to Go-Go
Stay with Me
Born 2 Groove

ASIN: B000P7V5VG
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Midnight Sun
On the Fence
Lanai
Red Beans and Rice
Sir Charles
Hidden Times
Shades of Honor
Quan Yin
Drama
Hiro Chill
Little Tokyo Underground

Customer Reviews:

Smooth Jazz CD.......2007-06-27

This CD is a smooth soothing jazz style.
A very relaxing blend of music.
Similar sytle to earlier works such as Turning Point, and I Do Remember.
Must have for any Hiroshima fan.

A most enjoyable and passionate journey........2007-06-05

Hiroshima are not so much a band but an institution nowadays in the USA, they symbolise the classic maxim, 'East Meets West' whereby the music of Asia is fused with the music of North America and Europe but also the fusing of cultures both old and new.
On this new release , the Japanese Americans Dan and June Kuramoto, which form the basis of Hiroshima, continue with their tried and trusted formula of fusing the music of their present and past.
"Little Tokyo", which is named for a well known Asian neighborhood in Southern California, combines Asian, Latin American, African American and more influences into their compositions.
There is an exotic dimension to this CD collection the defies definition. That it is one of Hiroshima's most creative releases to date is definite.
Every performance shines with individuality, whether in solo or in group expression.Guest keyboardist and labelmate James K. Lloyd of Pieces of a Dream joins in on the catchy tune titled "Lanai".
The album offers a cocktail of young and old, east and west, funky tunes and contemporary jazz grooves with a dash of lyricism and the result encapsulates the dedication and reverance of some of today's finest exponents of Japanese and American idioms.
If you haven't heard any of Hiroshima's music yet, this is a good starting point and you will soon be looking for those back catalogue albums to learn more about their unusal musical adventure.
This is most enjoyable album of diversity,it is like a journey, not a destination for a band who have enjoyed more than 30 years of success playing music in a style and mode which is consistent with today's evolving cross cultural themes.

Average customer rating:

great music
Consistant as always.
Supreme sound, engaging mood!
Meadows is the Music Man
Awesome

Dressed to Chill
Marion Meadows
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Shine
In the Moment
Pillow Talk
Playin' Favorites
Just Getting Started

ASIN: B000FAOC6S
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

Dressed To Chill
Remember Me
Dance With My Daughter
Miss Know It All
Bounce
I Believe I Can Fly
Coco Flow
Just My Style
Scent Of A Woman
Steppers...Let's Do This
1000 Dreams
To Love Her

Amazon.com

Soprano/tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Marion Meadows comes from the smooth jazz sax tradition paved by Grover Washington, Jr. and George Howard. Though his sound is not a full as those two, he makes up for it with his lyricism, which imbues the twelve tracks here. Highlights include the "down-low" quiet-storm track "Miss Know it All," with vocalist Will Brock, "Dance With My Daughter," Meadows' companion piece to Luther Vandross' "Dance With My Father,""and his engaging cover of R. Kelley's "I Believe I Can Fly." The lively "Steppers...Let's Do This" is a high-energy salute to the disco-house dance genre from Chicago. With production by keyboardists Michael Broening and Chris "Big Dog" Davis and some instrumental support from guitarists Chuck Loeb and Freddy Fox, this recording is the right fit for Marion Meadows' contemporary fans. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

great music.......2007-05-14

I love this cd! As always Marion Meadows has produced great music!

Consistant as always. .......2007-05-10

Once again the gifted marion is on top form as always. Although not as strong as previous outing "in deep", a similar musical journey, the highlights being "dance with my daughter" and the wonderful "1000 dreams".
As always Marion's art of soprano playing is head and shoulders above any current and forseeable smooth jazz sax players.

Supreme sound, engaging mood!.......2007-03-13

Among the new promises of the sax in this genre, Marion Meadows has become a figure of first order. His kaleidoscopic arrangements, memorable harmonies and brilliant display of febrile lyricism, have earned him an enviable status in this hour.

Go for this album; one of the best of the year and convince by yourself. He is one of the greatest ones of the instrument.

Meadows is the Music Man.......2007-02-19

Marion really brings home the soothing sounds on this CD. His studio recordings are great but his live performance is superb!!!

Awesome.......2007-01-28

Awesome, the cd was received with in a reasonable time,no damage to the cd case or package.The music is great,good to listen to when driving long distance.I will continue to order from Amazon.com
Thanks for your customer service.

Average customer rating:

Long Walk to Freedom
wow
byrd52
celestial
Long Walk to Freedom

Long Walk to Freedom
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Voices from Heaven
Blessed
The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Vol. 2
Shaka Zulu

ASIN: B000BVEKSQ
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Tracks:

Nomathemba
Hello My Baby
Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
Homeless
Rain Rain Beautiful Rain
How Long
Mbube
Amazing Grace/Nearer To My God To Thee
Nkosi Sikelel 'Iafrica
Inkanyezi Nezazi
Shosholoza
Long Walk To Freedom
Thula Thula

Amazon.com

For more than 30 years, South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo has infused its township sound of Isicathamiya with rich gospel harmonies. LBM's unique sound was brought to American audiences thanks to Paul Simon's landmark Graceland, and the group has toured and recorded tirelessly since. Long Walk To Freedom is a new retrospective in which the group rerecords new versions of songs from throughout its career with help from such guests as Emmylou Harris, Sarah McLachlan, Taj Mahal, and Zap Mama as well as several popular countrymen. As with the Simon album, the North American guests' voices fit hand-in-glove with the group's warm harmonies. Highlights include "Nomathemba," which was the band's first hit in 1973, the popular "Hello My Baby," and the Graceland tunes "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "Homeless." Though ostensibly a career retrospective, this new recording actually proves that Ladysmith Black Mambazo has never sounded better. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Long Walk to Freedom.......2007-01-10

Ever since their emergence on Paul Simon's Graceland, the unique harmonies and rhythms have kept me enthtralled. The notable thing about this CD is how their famous guests adapt to their sound, choice of material, and blend is solid. Some collaborations work better than others. Mellissa Ethridge and Natalie Merchant are two standouts. This a worthwhile introduction this group.

wow.......2006-11-06

If you like A capella work this is a great addition to your collection.

byrd52.......2006-08-21

Never appreciated in the Paul Simon days, think he exploited the novelty of their sound (OK, not a Simon fan). Incedible harmonies, and teh guest stars like Melissa blend in beautifully.

celestial.......2006-04-07

what can I say? this is as good as it gets for African vocal harmonies (i spent 1974-1977 in the Central African Republic.)

i really should say the best vocal harmony anywhere

i could talk about each song with the wonderful stars who are featured

i'll just say that Natalie is sublime in rain

she's as amazing as they are!!!

Long Walk to Freedom.......2006-03-12

This CD is classic Ladysmith. They continue to present the songs and rythyms of Africa in their unique style.

Average customer rating:

Pilgrimage
Michael Brecker
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Good to Go-Go
On the Other Side
Time Control
Gaucho
Bach: The Goldberg Variations 1955 Performance: Zenph Re-performance

ASIN: B000QFCCSM
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

Mean Time
Five Months from Midnight
Anagram
Tumbleweed
When Can I Kiss You Again?
Cardinal Rule
Half Moon Lane
Loose Threads
Pilgrimage

Average customer rating:

Stern is one hip cat!
it's alright
A little more music to live by
Great Jazz guitar CD
Versatile and innovative.

Who Let the Cats Out
Mike Stern
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Paris Concert
Industrial Zen
Metheny / Mehldau
Saudades
Tiki

ASIN: B000GI3SWS
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Tracks:

Tumble Home
KT
Good Question
Language
We're With You
Leni Goes Shopping
Roll With It
Texas
Who Lets The Cats Out?
All You Need
Blue Runway

Album Description

Mike Stern, one of the most recognized and celebrated guitarists of his generation, released his Heads Up International worldwide debut album, Who Let the Cats Out?, on August 15, 2006. On SternÂ's thirteenth release as a leader, the award winning three-time GRAMMY nominee continues to blur the boundaries between jazz, funk, blues and rock with eleven unique originals.

Who Let the Cats Out? was recorded in January 2006 and features a stunning lineup including bassists Richard Bona (who handles vocals on two tracks), Anthony Jackson, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chris Minh Doky and Victor Wooten, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, saxophonists Bob Franceschini and Bob Malach, drummers Dave Weckl and Kim Thompson, harmonica player Gregoire Maret, and keyboardist/producer Jim Beard.

It isnÂ't surprising that Stern spent time playing with Miles Davis. Like the legendary trumpeterÂ's best work, one never knows what to expect from a new Stern release. Who Let the Cats Out? offers a range of memorable melodies with plenty of dynamic playing by the guitar hero and crew. The album ranges from bluesy, powerful funk (Â"Tumble Home,Â" Â"Roll with ItÂ") and lots of dynamic interplay (Â"KT,Â" Â"TexasÂ") to tightly-packed new jazz (Â"Good Question,Â" Â"Leni Goes ShoppingÂ") and gentle, heartfelt ballads (Â"WeÂ're with You,Â" Â"All You NeedÂ").

Customer Reviews:

Stern is one hip cat!.......2007-03-09

Mike Stern has solidified himself in the top echelon of jazz/blues/fusion guitarists. Who Let the Cats Out is a varied disc that shows off what he can do when supported by a top notch band, each with something to add. Mike knows how to vary the mix enough so that he doesn't become predictable.. there is always an edge of newness to his playing and this album doesn't disappoint. While I would not hold out "Who Let the Cats Out" as the quintessential Stern recording, it surely belongs in your collection of you appreciate his styling, chops, and musicality.

it's alright.......2007-03-03

I think like this album.
It's a bit easy , but pleasant -in a good way.
Won't listen to it every day, but it makes perfect background music, and the playing is of usual standard.
It's "Odds or Evens" though which is on my Ipod - In my mind a completelly different calibre of an album altogether.

A little more music to live by.......2007-02-12

Some say Mike Stern is an acquired taste. I agree. But I acquired it when Odds or Evens came out and I've been a devoted fan ever since. So much so that I have spent nearly as much time compiling a favorites play list of Mike Stern's music as with any other artist, including my all time favorite Pat Metheny. And my Mike Stern "so far" play list is always at or near the top of my go-to stack. Every time I listen to it I find new reasons to be impressed by his body of work. That earlier release (Odds or Evens) includes in my opinion one of the finest solo guitar performances ever recorded - and this from a die-hard Metheny fan. Alas, there are no such moments on Cats. In fact, at least two of these tracks sound a little too much like cutting room floor material from the previous two or three CDs. That said, tunes from Cats will definitely end up on my favorites play list - just a little more music to live by. The rest will simply remain solid Mike Stern material suitable for any devoted fan's collection.

Great Jazz guitar CD.......2007-02-07

I don't buy alot of guitar instrumental CDs. In fact, I only bought two in thelast 12 months.... this and Frampton's Fingerprints.

Mike Stern, after having heard clips over the years and owning his "Standards" CD, is as fresh and new-sounding as he is honed on his style he has played for decades. Unlike some straight-up jazz players, Mike liberally blends blues and rock (inflections only, but effective) into his playing. And I LOVE the tone!!!!!!

BUY IT!!! You will not be disappointed!

Versatile and innovative........2006-12-10

Versatile set from on-song contemporary fusion axe hero. Stern's CV speaks for itself. As well as a memorable stint with Miles Davis in the 1980s, it boasts sideman credits with the likes of fusion luminaries such as Jaco Pastorius and David Sanborn.
Since the mid-80s, he's become something of a fusion icon himself with a series of albums as leader that have picked up three Grammy nominations, actually four with this album.

As on his recent albums, this one benefits from the stunningly unique talents of Cameroonian vocalist/bassist Richard Bona. Bona's sweetly uplifting vocals are a highlight on a versatile set that combines African, rock, blues and bop. Stern says the recording is "a return to blowing" and this is supported by his choice of the hottest contemporary improvisers to guest alongside regulars such as keyboardist Jim Beard. Bassist Meshell 'Ndegeocello adds a sly funk touch to KT, while trumpeter Roy Hargrove and harmonica player Gregoire Maret ensure this recording packs a killer punch.
A must 'listen to' CD.

Average customer rating:

Presence - Chuck Loeb
Smooth return finds Loeb in fine style
Wow
Harmonious.
Great sound!

Presence
Chuck Loeb
Manufacturer: Heads Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ready to Play
White Sand
Grand Central
He Had a Hat
Stay with Me

ASIN: B000LPR4HG
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

Good To Go
Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Window Of The Soul
Starting Over
Llevame
Presence
The Music Outside
The Western Sky
Hangin' With You
Mr. Martino
Shed A Little Light

Customer Reviews:

Presence - Chuck Loeb.......2007-07-06

I'm a Chuck Loeb fan and this album does not disappoint. Track 1 and Track 5 are my favorites. If you want to bunp things up a knotch to an uptempo album try Chuck's EBOP album. Sonny

Smooth return finds Loeb in fine style.......2007-06-06

Presence finds Chuck Loeb squarely back in the smooth jazz camp after two solo releases that veered more toward straight ahead. It's a welcome return. While the New York guitarist's work with projects such as Steps Ahead and Metro prove that he has the chops to play straight, his pop-jazz style is more accomplished.

One of the veterans of the smooth jazz scene, Lobe has, besides recording more than half a dozen of his own solo projects, produced for Spyro Gyra, Bob James, Walter Beasley, Larry Coryell, Jeff Kashiwa, and Kim Waters, among others. He has written for film and television, and in his early career in the 70's was the composer, arranger and bandleader for the Stan Getz Orchestra.

Like the best of his previous work, Presence is remarkable for Loeb's light touch on the guitar, on songs like the elegiac title track written for Loeb's recently deceased father-in-law, or in his lilting acoustic lines on the James Taylor cover, Shed a Little Light, or in just the right amount of country twang in The Western Sky (in which Loeb trades lead with Till Bronner's plaintive trumpet).

On hand for this recording, his first on Heads Up Records, is a host of Loeb's past and present touring band mates, as well as guests Andy Snitzer, Paul Brown, Dave Mann, Till Bronner, Wolfgang Haffner, Mitchel Forman, and vocalist Carmen Cuesta-Loeb. Altogether a stellar cast for a fine recording.

Welcome back, Chuck.

Wow.......2007-05-09

aThis cd is really a piece of jazz memorabilia. I had never heard Chuck before and found his melodies both soothing and [...]. He reminds me of the Chuck Mangione era of jazz when the greats were popping and the wannabe's went hopping. Excellent tones and rhythmic unity on all of his collaborations

Harmonious........2007-03-04

This album includes a group of soothing songs that consolidate certain musical instruments to encapsulate a virtually perfect jazz album.
"Good To Go" is a jovial rollick complete with guitar work from Loeb and string work from Mitchel Forman. It's an upbeat song that will get you in a peppy mood.
"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" has synthesizer bass work and fender Rhodes play from Loeb as well as from Mike Ricchiuti and Matt King. Loeb also utilizes his keyboard skills which make this opus an unforgettable one.
"Window of the Soul" is a soulful rhythmic composition that has drum work from Wolfgang Haffner, Brian Dunne and Josh Dion, acoustic bass play from Christian Diener, keyboard work from Loeb and percussion play from Dion for a track that muses different types of instruments into one harmonious exposition.
"Starting Over" has skillful piano play from King, more keyboard and fender Rhodes work from Loeb, Ricchiuti and King for a track that has a marginally modified vibe than the others.
Chuck Loeb's "Presence" definitely has its own charisma and has its own brand of magnetism.
Enjoy !

Great sound!.......2007-02-21

I think this latest cd from Chuck Loeb include a smoth and very well sounded list of tracks. He has a great taste for wonderful sound and production. The old Steely Dan song "Rikki don't lose that number" is great. I have listened several times on the cd and it's great for background music as well. It's not his best cd, but it's worth buying it.

Music:

Music

music