Circles in the Stream

circles in the stream

Track Listings

1. Pipes. The Pipes. [Instrumental]

2. Starwheel

3. Never So Free

4. Deer Dancing Round a Broken Mirror [Instrumental]

5. Homme Brûlant

6. Free to Be

7. Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse All Night Long

8. Cader Idris [Instrumental]

9. Arrows of Light

10. One Day I Walk

11. Love Song

12. Red Brother Red Sister

13. Lord of the Starfields

14. All the Diamonds in the World

15. Dialogue With the Devil (Or "Why Don't We Celebrate")

16. Joy Will Find a Way (A Song About Dying)

17. God, Bless the Children

Circles in the Stream,Bruce Cockburn,Island,Popular Music,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

Circles in the Stream

Average customer rating:

5 Stars for Bruce, 1 Star for Rounder Records
You're not a Cockburn fan if you don't own this.
Worth buying again? ABSOLUTELY!

Circles in the Stream
Bruce Cockburn
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Sunwheel Dance
Speechless
Life Short Call Now
High Winds White Sky
Humans

ASIN: B0008FPJA8
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

Pipes. The Pipes. [Instrumental]
Starwheel
Never So Free
Deer Dancing Round a Broken Mirror [Instrumental]
Homme Br
Free to Be
Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse All Night Long
Cader Idris [Instrumental]
Arrows of Light
One Day I Walk
Love Song
Red Brother Red Sister
Lord of the Starfields
All the Diamonds in the World
Dialogue With the Devil
Joy Will Find a Way
God, Bless the Children

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars for Bruce, 1 Star for Rounder Records.......2006-12-09

It seems to me that Bruce's pre-1979 work has been vastly underrated. This is due to a few things: 1. Bruce's popularity really only began to take off in 1979 with the success of "Wondering Where The Lions Are". Before that he was really only a big deal in Canada. 2. The consistently high quality of work from 1979 on, including some of his most popular material in the 80's like Humans, Stealing Fire and World of Wonders. 3. Bruce himself increasingly ignoring that decade as the years go by. He'll throw in a couple songs maybe in each concert. There are no retrospective cd or dvd box sets from Bruce; he ain't looking back. I can understand that, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. I personally think '74 - '80 is the high point of Bruce's art. The Rounder reissues were very welcome to those of us hoping to get a little bit extra from some of those lost years. This has been a missed blessing (you can see some more of my comments on this in my review of In The Falling Dark). Circles in The Stream is a great snapshot of Live early Bruce. This is a great concert. The songs and performances are wonderful - full and rich, and really unlike any other Bruce cd. Rounder does a good job remastering this cd. The sound quality is an improvement, but not a drastic improvement. But here's my complaint: This concert has been out on record forever and on cd for quite a few years. If you already have it on cd why should you buy it again? Frankly I can't see any reason why. There is no bonus material on the cd. If Rounder wanted to do this right they could easily have turned this into a 2 cd set. I'm sure this concert was longer than 80 minutes. Even if the original tapes were lost why not add some other live Bruce material from the mid-70's. Apart from Circles the whole decade is unrepresented in any official live recordings. This would have been a win for everyone. With all the live material officially released by artists much inferior to Bruce it is disappointing that we have to take whatever scraps come our way. But I guess that is why we have bootlegs.

You're not a Cockburn fan if you don't own this........2006-10-19

I was introduced to Cockburn one day while listening to "Coming of the Rains" from his "Charity of Night" album on a road trip. I soon found myself buying his albums, one by one, in chronological order.

And then I bought this, "Circles in the Stream" about eight years ago or so.

After that, I was convinced that Bruce Cockburn is a genius.

Even though I still have the CD as it was issued in the late 1990s, I bought this edition. Not for the improved sound or anything (Although, to be honest, I would have been happier if they had omitted the bagpipes, I dislike them so.), but the mere worry that it IS possible to wear out a CD.

If you're new to Cockburn and don't know where to start, first purchase "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws", and maybe "High Winds, White Sky" and this. You won't regret it. This is a fantastic live album.

Worth buying again? ABSOLUTELY!.......2005-07-01

Although it is a daunting task attempting to remaster a tape remastered just 8 years ago (the technology hasn'y advanced that much), still there is a definition to the instruments here that positively sparkles. The music has more presence and dynamic to it than it has ever had in any format.

This was a threshold recording for Cockburn, and he must have known that he, Godfrey, Boucher had to deliver the goods. They did. Hockey Night in Canada has nothing of the whallop of this CD. Recorded at Massey Hall in TO, the concert summed up Cockburn's early Christian based folk and romantic music and launched him into a more jazz inflected, mystical and social activist stance that he has cultivated with commitment over the succeeding years. You can't really pigeon hole him well, thank God, but there is that sense that nothing will be the same after this disc. And it wasn't.
Nearly every major song of his early work is present along with his unique blend of historical and contemporary efforts. No. 1 with a cross-bow bolt as he intones on "Love Song" says it all. What you notice throughout is his masterful technique, at times recalling Mississippi John Hurt, at times the Burgundian author referenced, at all times uniquely Cockburn. His voice was a lot more confidant by this point as well. SUN, SALT AND TIME, had been a major advance in his compositional and singing style that was enhanced by JOY WILL FIND A WAY. Those records are well represented and the fact that Cockburn still draws upon them in concert today indicates the role they played in his development. I was fortunate to catch him at this gig and many others in along Bloor, Yonge, Spadina, back in the day. Listening to this CD brings back all the first thoughts I had about this amazing man.
So, having bought the re-issue a few years back, is it worth buying again? Absolutely. It sounds better than ever. There is a nice essay and some terrific photos, but it's really the music, and that just rings out!

Average customer rating:

"Is There Any Reason Why The People Dancing In The Back Can't Continue Dancing?"
Early Cockburn at his best
Very Likely, The Best Live CD you'll ever listen to
It just gets better with age.
fine example of a uniquely creative artist -

Circles In The Stream
Bruce Cockburn
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Speechless
In the Falling Dark
Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws
Humans
High Winds White Sky

ASIN: B000006X4L
Release Date: 1997-09-30

Tracks:

The Pipes.The Pipes
Starwheel
Never So Free
Deer Dancing Round A Broken Mirror
Homme Brulant
Free To Be
Mamma Just Wants To Barrelhouse All Night Long
Cader Idris
Arrows Of Light
One Day I Walk
Love Song
Red Brother Red Sister
Lord Of The Starfields
All The Diamonds In The World
Dialogue With The Devil
Joy Will Find A Way
God, Bless The Children

Album Description

1997 digitally remastered reissue of his 1977 album. 79:30 long, this release contains all 17 of the tracks from the original two LP set, including the only recorded versions of 'Cader Idris', 'Deer Dancing Round A Broken Mirror' & 'Homme Brulant'. True North.

Album Details

79:30 Minutes of Live Bruce Cockburn Recorded in Concert at Massey Hall in Toronto, April Eight and Nine of 1977. Reissued. 17 Tracks.

Customer Reviews:

"Is There Any Reason Why The People Dancing In The Back Can't Continue Dancing?".......2006-02-07

Recorded during a live concert in '77, 'Circles In The Stream' is in my estimation the best live concert album/CD I've ever heard and an "ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL" to any serious Bruce Cockburn collection.

Containing - 17 tracks - this highly original musical blending of folk-jazz-blues and rock influences along with a medieval melody or two, we are treated to a truly delightful listening experience featuring the very best of the early Cockburn years (which are by far my personal favorite). Filled with a compilation of songs from his first seven albums/CD's: 'Bruce Cockburn', 'High Winds White Sky', Sunwheel Dance', 'Night Vision', 'Salt, Sun and Time', 'Joy Will Find A Way' and 'In The Falling Dark', this CD is a wonderful trip down memory lane.

From the opening bagpipes to the finale; 'God Bless The Children' you will be in awe of the amazing musicianship, lyrical depth and soul of this French Canadian composer and musician. Much like the people dancing in the back spoken of by Bruce at the end of the concert, you too will continue to dance to this glorious music long after the concert's over.

Early Cockburn at his best.......2004-01-29

As a Cockburn fan of 20 years standing, i must rate this recording at the top of all his 70s and even later recordings. This reording is taken from a live performance on April 7 and 8 in 1977. The full measure of the songwriter, musician and performer are available here. As some others have noted, the vinyl versions of this recording have been literally worn out by repeated listening. This reissue captures much of the original performance - unlike the rare Japanese CD which deleted the spoken introductions. I hope that for the forthcoming Rounder reissue, the orignal complete recordings will be reviewed and additional material added as well as all the spoken material

For those just "meeting" cockburn, I would suggest giving the following earlier albums a listen:
Dancing in the Dragons Jaws, In the Falling Dark, Humans, and Waiting for a Miracle (another live performance recording)

Very Likely, The Best Live CD you'll ever listen to.......2003-09-29

Not just for fans, but for anyone interested in guitarcraft, songcraft, performance art, this is a remarkable testament, that in Canada established categorically that Cockburn was a major, major writer, at least as significant as Young, Lightfoot or Mitchell, and soon to prove to be one of the most planetary writers, period.
Everything about this disc is a joy. He is in great form, his accompaniests, particulalrly Rob Boucher are amazing, and his material sets a centuries broad comprhensiveness later emulated by Richard Thompson.
Frankly, I wait in ecited anticipation for the Remaster in the current Rounder series, hoping there may be even more material to round out 2 discs. The concerts from this period were just captivating!

It just gets better with age........1999-08-24

Back in the wonderful days of vinyl I picked up a copy of this album. Because of the exquisite musicianship of Bruce's previous albums, I was anxious to hear how the music translated live. (At this point I had not had the opportunity to see him live.) Lets put it this way. I've worn out nearly three copies so far. This is without a doubt my favorite live album ever. When I heard that it had finally been released on cd, I had to have it!! (It's tough to wear out those suckers, thank God.) By the way, make sure that you get the copy with Bruce's comments. His very insightful and often hilarious commentary has always been a wonderful part of any live show that I have seen of his. On a parting note, I've purchased several live albums over the years. Most have a tendency to "date" themselves after a few years. This album, without a doudt, just gets better with age.

fine example of a uniquely creative artist -.......1999-06-26

i agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer from sonora. very fine. circles was recorded in 1977 and captured the richness of cockburn's lyrics and rhythms. this import version of the live recording deleted all of cockburn's comments and interactions with the audience. the recently available u.s. re-release, is equally fine for all the music tracks and does include all the between song material, just as contained on the original lp. circles in the stream should be in the collection of anyone who enjoys cockburn, the musician and the man behind the music. another 1987 live album, waiting for a miracle, is available as a 2 cd set, and is equally fine.

Average customer rating:

Cockburn's Live Opus
Bruce's best ever
NAFTA soul?
Perhaps the performances of this period in his career

Circles in the Stream
Bruce Cockburn
Manufacturer: True North
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000000J1V
Release Date: 1997-11-28

Tracks:

The Pipes.The Pipes
Starwheel
Never So Free
Deer Dancing Round A Broken Mirror
Homme Brulant
Free To Be
Mamma Just Wants To Barrelhouse All Night Long
Cader Idris
Arrows Of Light
One Day I Walk
Love Song
Red Brother Red Sister
Lord Of The Starfields
All The Diamonds In The World
Dialogue With The Devil
Joy Will Find A Way
God, Bless The Children

Customer Reviews:

Cockburn's Live Opus.......1999-07-22

Listening to "Circles" is an intoxicating grand experience. Cockburn amuses with "The bagpipes," draws you into the LIVE experience with the impressionistic renderings of "Star Wheel," and "Never so Free," Then the lyrics come full-speed from richly textured pictures of his own country's abuse of native populations (Red Brother,Red Sister) and his understanding of poverty of spirit (One Day I walk).

Circles is also a theological-poetic work. Although Cockburn makes no effort to hide his passion and wonder for his Christian faith, the poetry also is a stand alone project. "Love Song" transcends love for a human object - focusing to the Greater One. Cockburn assumes the role of a modern Psalmist. "In your heart where the world comes from, there you will find me."

And with "All the Diamonds" "...Two thousand years - and half a world away, dying trees will still grow greener when you pray." But not is all quiet on the path...Cockburn also confronts personified evil in "Dialogue with the Devil" Ultimately he calls attention from human strength to THE greater other...You don't fight a bully on his terms. A word of caution though this work has a lasting impact...the lyrics follow you and the melodies flow as musical mantras...In short it may profoundly affect your heart and mind...BUT that is the hazard of all great art.

Bruce's best ever.......1999-06-22

I've been a Bruce fan since the original release of Circles, the CD is great - glad to replace my worn out cassette!! Must have - best tracks are cader idris, lord of the starfields & dialogue with the devil

NAFTA soul?.......1999-01-08

I know bruce is canadian only because my best friend is in Penticton. I'm a musician myself and I spend a lot of time in Key West and listening to Bruces "world music" is nice. He's very global in the concepts that he plays in the form of ragas. Bruce is a nominee for my award of Favorite Canadian guitarist. There will always be Ian Tyson, Chris Rea, Sylvia Frica, Gordon and Joni Niel, but what differentiates Bruce from these peers is a literary resonance. I'm sure a lot of people would find him deeply hypnotic, and some would want him to foretell their future; he has that kind of cerebral knowledge of what you're hearing when you listen to him, like Yogi Berra said: "Deva VU all over again...". Bruce is a very serious guitarist whe hasn't been invited (that I know of) to record with Chet Atkins yet. But hey, Chet Atkins probably hasn't been invited to record with bruce either. This is a terrific product!

Perhaps the performances of this period in his career.......1998-10-22

Although a "live" album, none of the selections suffer the lack of studio recording capabilities. This remains one of my favorite albums for sheer feel and intimacy with the artist. You won't be disappointed by either the quality or arrangements found on this selection!!!

Average customer rating:

Circles in the Stream
Bruce Cockburn
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000DEMH6
Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

Pipes. The Pipes. [Instrumental]
Starwheel
Never So Free
Deer Dancing Round a Broken Mirror [Instrumental]
Homme Br
Free to Be
Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse All Night Long
Cader Idris [Instrumental]
Arrows of Light
One Day I Walk
Love Song
Red Brother Red Sister
Lord of the Starfields
All the Diamonds in the World
Dialogue With the Devil
Joy Will Find a Way
God, Bless the Children

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