Northern Lights

northern lights

Track Listings

1. Introducing (Instrumental)

2. Ghost of Love (Annica Wiklund)

3. Over (Timo Rainio)

4. Inca Princess (Hannu Leiden)

5. The Loner (Instrumental)

6. Hearts on Parole (Annica Wiklund and Hannu Leiden)

7. Never Enough (Ila Loueranta)

8. On the Other Side (Timo Rainio)

9. Miracle Man (Hannu Leiden)

10. Love Me, Hate Me (Annica Wiklund)

11. Northern Lights (Instrumental)

Northern Lights,Jartse Tuominen

Northern Lights

Average customer rating:

The final classic
One of the Band's Best -- An Elegant Swan Song
I like the words; the singing is great, some songs outstanding
3rd Best Band Album, Still one of the Top 100 ever
****1/4. The Band's last great record

Northern Lights-Southern Cross
The Band
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stage Fright
Moondog Matinee
Cahoots
Islands
The Band

ASIN: B00005B4GA
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

Forbidden Fruit
Hobo Jungle
Ophelia
Acadian Driftwood
Ring Your Bell
It Makes No Difference
Jupiter Hollow
Rags & Bones
Twilight (Early Alternate Version)
Christmas Must Be Tonight (Alternate Version)

Amazon.com

Hailed upon its arrival as a significant comeback for the Band, this 1975 collection hasn't aged as well as the likes of Stage Fright, Moondog Matinee, or even the outfit's post-Robbie Robertson output. The eight-song collection (augmented on the 2001 reissue with two agreeable extras--alternate versions of "Twilight" and "Christmas Must Be Tonight") isn't without its delights, foremost being Rick Danko's heavy-hearted reading of the devastating "It Makes No Difference." But for every "Forbidden Fruit" and "Ophelia"--worthy additions to Robertson's credits--there are the somewhat forced likes of "Jupiter Hollow" and "Rags and Bones." Also, Garth Hudson stocked up on the latest technology before heading into the studio, but the layers ARPs and mini-Moogs here contribute to a feeling of busyness. Northern Lights--Southern Cross is very much a '70s album--not a good thing from a quintet whose best music was tough to peg to any era. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

The final classic.......2007-01-10

The Band's sixth and final proper studio album (I don't really count Islands, the collection of half-hearted studio outtakes, as a real album), Northern Lights - Southern Cross is a surprisingly strong comeback in both writing and performance. The Band hadn't released an album of new material since the disappointing Cahoots, and the extracurricular substance-related activities of Richard Manuel and Rick Danko lessened their songwriting output considerably (completely in Manuel's case). However, despite their stumbles and a growing divergence of some members (guitarist/songwriter Robbie Robertson would be ready to leave the group not long after the album was released), the quintet pull off amazing comeback album, filled with what originally made The Band so classic--great writing, strong playing from Manuel, Danko and Levon Helm, and expert playing, especially from organist/multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson.

The album kicks off with the rocking "Forbidden Fruit," a cautionary tale sung by Helm. One thing I actually like about Robertson's somewhat egotistical prominence in the later Band material is his up-front, gnarly guitar--he starts using the whammy bar on this album, and the results are wicked to say the least. He takes a few blistering solos in "Forbidden Fruit" that make you wonder if he sold his soul for his guitar skills. This song also marks Garth Hudson's introduction of (then) new synthesizers into his arsenal of keyboards. It might off-put you if you're a classic Americana Band fan, but give it a chance--it really grew on me. Regardless of the instrument, it's still being played by the bearded master, Garth Hudson. The second track is a "Hobo Jungle," a mid-tempo narrative that features some excellent acoustic guitar from Robbie and one of the finest vocal melodies on Band record, sung by Richard Manuel. Despite his heavy drinking, his voice still sounds great, though it's become quite weathered. "Ophelia" is one of the more well-known tracks on the album. The Band uses an almost Dixieland horn arrangement and Levon Helm, in addition to singing, pounds the skins with reckless abandon.

The other well-known track is "Acadian Driftwood," a song Robbie wrote about the Acadian Indians who were forced to move from Canada to Louisiana. It's a heartfelt tribute, sung by all three vocalists and featuring a piccolo part by Garth Hudson. "Ring Your Bell" is one of the group's funkiest songs, a pretty humorous outlaw tune and a all-out belter from Danko, who also sings "It Makes No Difference." One of Robbie Robertson's best love ballads, this track became a sort of signature torch tune for Rick, and it's buoyed by some of Robbie's revelatory guitar and Garth on saxophone. "Jupiter Hollow" is a long (for The Band) and experimental song--a great detour, with a lot of mythological and mystical imagery, and a whole lot of synth overdubs from Garth Hudson. It makes for a really cool listen and has a groovy vibe and some creative drumming from Levon. The album closes on a truly classic note with "Rags and Bones," another darkly funky romp through a night-time city with some of Robbie's most lively and creative guitar (check out that left channel--wow!).

Northern Lights - Southern Cross is The Band's shortest album, and it's always over too soon. The bonus tracks are OK, but as usual don't add anything (careful they don't spoil the vibe of the original album). This one definitely ranks pretty high up there for me as one of their top albums--worlds better than Cahoots and with moments that transcend a lot of their other material. It's such a pity they had to quit making music when their last album was this great. A lot of people will tell you they didn't make any good music after Stage Fright, but give Northern Lights - Southern Cross a try and I think you might agree with me that that's simply not true. I hope you enjoy The Band's final classic!

One of the Band's Best -- An Elegant Swan Song.......2006-02-14

I disagree with the reviewers who find this album too "70s" -- yes, the production and Garth's use of the Moog and other synths peg the recording date of the record -- but why is that presumed to be a bad thing?

I love the way these songs flow seamlessly from one to another -- the songs all deal with loss, upheaval, movement, endurance, cycles of joy and sadness, all beautifully pieced together. The liner notes on the reissue really add to the significance and enjoyment of these songs; I love the way Robbie wrote "Ophelia" and "Forbidden Fruit" using older, discarded chord progressions. Danko knocks one of the park with his tortured, sensitive reading of "It Makes No Difference," and personally I enjoy Garth's enveloping and intricate synth work on "Jupiter Hollow." Of course Acadian Driftwood is a classic story of uprooting, perseverance, and survival, and even the unadorned and simple Christmas song tacked on to the end works for me.

One of the Band's best and a great way to go out (I prefer to ignore Islands....).

I like the words; the singing is great, some songs outstanding.......2006-01-16

On Junior Day, 2006, I would like to seek lessons from the twentieth century that apply to the situation in the world. Things change, but our grasp of sentimentality can ebb or flow either way, particularly if it is informed by listening to The Band album from 1975, `Northern Lights, Southern Cross.' Someone in The Band might be from Canada, and the song `Acadian Driftwood' pictures a family with a broken-down car trying to get someplace where life was better, as some French Canadians made it all the way to New Orleans after France lost its hold on Quebec. Somehow the music seems a bit more cheerful for the song `Ophelia,' when The Band is singing:

Ashes of laughter, the ghost is clear,
Why do the best things always disappear,
like Ophelia? Please darken my door.

There are a number of songs about drifters. `Hobo Jungle,' `Jupiter Hollow,' and maybe `Rags And Bones.' In the first song, `Forbidden Fruit,' there is an admonition:

You got one life that you better not waste.

The Band had been playing together for years when `Northern Lights, Southern Cross' was recorded. Among the tales of woe that allowed music to explore the depths of the human situation, `It Makes No Difference' by J. R. Robertson took four or five chords to get through the first two lines, added a few more chords for the chorus, then managed to fit in a few more for the part in the middle that declares:

Now there's no love
As true as the love
That dies untold
But the clouds never hung so low before.

Civilization requires certain limits to love, which threatens to uproot the basic standards of stability, but music keeps morphing, as The Band throws in a few more chords near the end with the words:

Without your love I'm nothing at all
Like an empty hall it's a lonely fall
Since you've gone it's a losing battle
Stampeding cattle, they rattle the walls.

Well, I love you so much
It's all I can do
Just to keep myself from telling you
That I never felt so alone before.

The last four lines probably use the same chords as the lines ending with "But the clouds never hung so low before." The hurt of lost love seems to apply to love that never even happened yet, rain or shine, because "The shadow never seems to fade away." And as for songs:

These old love letters
Well, I just can't keep
'Cause like the gambler says
Read 'em and weep
And the dawn don't rescue me no more.

3rd Best Band Album, Still one of the Top 100 ever.......2005-06-19

It is well known that by 1975 when this album was recorded, The Band was much less a band than they used to be, not due to loss of talent, but loss of the easygoing friendships that had fueled the first two albums. What a showing they still make.

To me Richard Manuel sang some of the greatest performances of his life on this album, for instance check out: Hobo Jungle, Rags & Bones, Acadian Driftwood. Levon and Rick also hand in some fine performances, Levon particularly on Forbidden Fruit, Rick's Swan Song is most definately It Makes No Difference. Robbie provides some very good lyrics for the whole album. Garth is brilliant of course, "ain't it easy when you know how" .

My only complaint is it is just not long enough, 8 songs on the original, 10 on the remastered edition. I grew up in a house full of Classic Rock "N Roll. When I heard The Band, I was mesmerized by how each song can sound so different from each other but they never lose that tight ensemble sound. To me Richard Manuel is the greatest singer in the History of Popular Music.

A must purchase for any fan of The Band, or any fan of Truly Soulful, meaningful Roots Music.

****1/4. The Band's last great record.......2004-08-03

The strongest Band album since "Stage Fright", "Northern Lights, Southern Cross" was The Band's first studio album in four years. Better than "Cahoots" and "Moondog Matinee", it is really The Band's last hurrah, although the mediocre "Islands" did come out in 1977, after the Canadian-American outfit had stopped touring for good. (Robbie Robertson says about "Islands": "It wasn't even an album, we were just trying to get out of a contract!")

"Northern Lights, Southern Cross" features the same dense, muscular arrangements as previous albums, anchored by Levon Helm's supple, versatile drumming, and the role of lead vocalist is still passed around between Helm, Danko, and Manuel. The only notable difference is that Garth Hudson had partially abandoned his Lowrey organ in favour of synthesizers (that may sound ominous, but it really isn't).

Robbie Robertson is credited as the sole composer on all eight tracks on the original LP, as well as the newly added bonus cuts, and the many highlights include the rollicking "Ophelia", Rick Danko's excellent performance of the mournful ballad "It Makes No Difference", and the lyrical, acoustic folk-rock of "Hobo Jungle".
But the album's centrepiece has to be the epic "Acadian Driftwood", a nearly seven minute folkish narrative which chronicles the story of the Acadians, a people exiled from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in the 1750s. It is a superbly evocative masterpiece, one of Robbie Robertson's very best songs.

Not as highly touted as "Music From Big Pink" or "The Band", "Northern Lights, Southern Cross" is nevertheless one of The Band's classic albums. Being the Band's fourth best record really isn't half bad, you know.

Average customer rating:

Enchanting and Mystical
Very Good CD
Enchanting
Important Celtic compilation
Not bad

Celtic Odyssey
Northern Lights , and Orison
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Celtic Spirit
Celtic Legacy: A Global Celtic Journey
Heart Of The Celts: Songs Of Love
The Celtic Circle: Legendary Music from a Mystic World
Celtic Voices: Women of Song

ASIN: B000005P56
Release Date: 1993-05-25

Tracks:

Carolan's Ramble To Cashel - Northern Lights
The Butterfly - Orison
Donal Agus Morag/The New-Rigged Ship - Altan
Calliope House/The Cowboy Jig - Alasdair Fraser/Paul Machlis
Chuaigh Me 'Na Rosann - Scartaglen
Trip To Skye - John Whelan/Eileen Ivers
Are Ye Sleeping, Maggie? - Alasdair Fraser
Tribute To Peadar O'Donnell - Moving Hearts
Siun Ni Dhuibher - Relativity
Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda - Capercaillie
Puirt A Beul - Sileas
The York Reel/Dancing Feet - Gerald Trimble
Morgan Meaghan (Edit) - Laurie Riley/Bob Mc Nally
Strathgarry - Simon Wynberg

Customer Reviews:

Enchanting and Mystical.......2007-07-02

Along with the other reviewers, this is my favorite celtic compilation. I, too, am moved to tears by Strathgarry at the end. My husband and I loved the music on this cd so much that we used most of it for our wedding 10 years ago, and had it included in our wedding video. It's still as good today as it was then.

Very Good CD.......2007-06-16

Really Enjoy this CD every time I listen to it. I highly recomend it. A great combonation of some slow and some faster paced songs.

Enchanting.......2007-05-11

I agree with all the other reviewers--this is a great CD. It's not too mellow and not too rowdy--just right, and there's a variety of music--some instrumental, some with vocals. I recommend it highly.

Important Celtic compilation.......2006-08-17

Most Celtic compilations usually have 4-5 really good songs mixed in with a bunch of crap. Do the editors think that they can fool us folk fans into believing that just because something has a violin, or a harp, or ethereal vocals, or bagpipes, that it's "good" Celtic music? That's like saying any song with a guitar is good rock. Well, at least according to my personal taste , most if not ALL songs on this CD are good and fit well together. They range from fiddle and drum jig, to slow and melancholy fiddle solo, to a cappella duet, to harp, to drums and other instruments, all mixed in with very crisp, Gaelic vocals. If you're a Celtic music fan, this NEEDS to be a part of your collection!

Not bad.......2005-12-13

Sounds real "purdy". But except for a couple of numbers, not a lot of character to this collection. Makes me think that if the ancient Gaels had elevators, this would be the music they'd be listening to.

Average customer rating:

An Oasis of quality music.
Wonderful CD
cool classical/rock/jazz fusion
cool classical/rock/jazz fusion
A Disaster

Nylon & Steel
Manuel Barrueco , Aaron Copland , Celso Machado , Al di Meola , Steve Morse , Stanley Myers , Ernesto Nazareth , Andy Summers , Victor Valls , Al di Meola , Andy Summers , and Steve Morse
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005ICL0
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

Odeon - Manuel Barrueco
Beyond The Mirage - Manuel Barrueco/Al Di Meola
Azzurra - Manuel Barrueco/Al Di Meola
The Grand Passion - Manuel Barrueco/Al Di Meola
Wolvesville (An Improvisation On Etude No.1 By Villa-Lobos) - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
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Northern Lights - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
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Mysteries Of The Slow River - Manuel Barrueco/Andy Summers
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Crow At Midnight - Manuel Barrueco/Andy Summers
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Amazon.com

Classical guitar lovers looking for a jazzier change of pace shouldn't be disappointed by Nylon & Steel, Manuel Barrueco's album of duets with Al Di Meola, Steve Morse, and Andy Summers. But ironically enough, it's the two solo tunes that bookend this disc, Barrueco's "Odeon" and his solo guitar arrangement of Aaron Copland's "Rodeo," that are the real highlights. His three cuts with Di Meola are a mixed affair, but the interplay between the duo seems to gel on the longer "Azzurra." Steve Morse's electric guitar is loaded with Bill Frisell-like effects, but on "Wolvesville," he and Barrueco create an inspired and unleashed fusion between rock and classical music (the inspiration for the piece is a Villa-Lobos étude). Three mellow collaborations with Summers round out this set of intriguing guitar instrumentals. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

An Oasis of quality music........2005-04-14

The tracks on this recording vary from exuberant latin-american jazz - like 'Beyond The Mirage'- to more introspective music like 'The Grand Passion'. 'Northern Lights'is very sensitive as well, it makes you a little bit melancholic. Between all the noisy dance-music we have nowadays, 'Nylon & Steel'is an oasis of quality and high standard.(Though there is no classical music played on this cd - apart from Villa-Lobos - don't let that spoil the fun). Something about this music reminds me of the piano-music of Brad Mehldau: it sounds familiar and at the same time it's something new.

Wonderful CD.......2003-06-04

I didn't think I would like this CD. However, after the first listen, I had to admit this is a fantastic CD!

cool classical/rock/jazz fusion.......2001-10-29

This is a very interesting combination of the classical and rock/jazz worlds of guitar playing. All four guitarists have amazing chops and they're all quite tasteful on this recording. If you're a fan of Barrueco, DiMeola, Morse, or Summers, check out this CD. I had heard Barrueco and Summers before, and knew of DiMeola and Morse by reputation, so I had an idea of what to expect...but "Nylon & Steel" surpassed those expectations. Very cool, indeed.

cool classical/rock/jazz fusion.......2001-10-29

A Disaster.......2001-09-08

Except for the two Barrueco solos, this CD made me nauseous!!!Listening to it reminded me why I stopped listening to most improvised music.

Throughout tracks 2 to 4, DiMeola struggles futilely to come up with anything but comical latin cliches. DiMeola's mindless noodling is an affront to Barrueco's musicality. Summers playing on the other hand, while somewhat musical, is mostly syrup.

Villa-Lobos' Etude 1 duet hurt the most. I have played this piece for years and, though an etude, I find it quite entertaining (as do most classical guitarists I think). During most of the piece, Morse simply plays scale-exercise filler and obliterates all the musical ideas in the piece. Listen, Villa-Lobos was one of the most original and masterful composers of this century. It is criminal to think that playing this electronic fluff over Villa-Lobos' etude does it justice.

A word to the uninitiated - buy Sergio and Odair Assad's "Latin Music for Two Guitars" and learn something about the depth and beauty of serious latin guitar music.

Under Northern Lights
Average customer rating:

Worth buying, but not Keiko's best work.

VERY TALENTED ARTIST...

Early, Good, More Mellow

Beautiful

Under Northern Lights
Keiko Matsui
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
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No Borders

Ring

Whisper from the Mirror

Cherry Blossom

Full Moon & the Shrine

ASIN: B0000001PF
Release Date: 1997-02-25

Tracks:

Under Northern Lights
Mountain Shakedown
Secret Forest
The Morning Moon
As Far As The Eye Can See
The Ruins Of Sonora
High Brow Country Affair
Walls Of The Cave
Flight Of The Angels
The Gate

Customer Reviews:

Worth buying, but not Keiko's best work........2004-11-16

"As Far as the Eye Can See" and "High Brow Country Affair" both make me gag.

"Ruins of Sonora" has a Spanish trumpet thing going on that, while it was technically sound in its own right, just didn't jive with anything else I've heard from Keiko. It was like a well-painted piece of the wrong puzzle. I didn't like it.

Take those three tracks out of the album, and you've got the gold standard set by Keiko's other work.

If you're a Keiko collector, buy this album for tracks 1 - 4 and 8 - 10. If you're thinking of trying Keiko for the first time, I recommend one of her other albums -- particularly Dream Walk.

For the rest of the album, I enjoyed it immensely and found it just as engaging as anything else I've heard from Keiko.

-sean henning

VERY TALENTED ARTIST..........2003-07-18

This CD Is Beautiful, Every Song Is Breathtaking. You Can Relax with her music, or Stay up all Night and Work With it. Very Talented Lady.

Early, Good, More Mellow.......2000-03-30

This is Keiko's second release. I find it to be a little more mellow than some of her other CDs. It is a Keiko product and thus better than CDs by most artists, but I hesitantly place it in the lower half of her CDs. If you are addicted to her music like I am, then you should definitely buy it because it is really very good. If you are only exploring her music, then buy "The Keiko Matsui Collection". Half of the songs on that CD are from "Under Northern Lights", and "Collection" contains the best songs from "N. Lights".

Beautiful.......1999-08-01

This album has brought me to tears. I can listen to this CD for hours. My favorite track is Ruins Of Sonora, which is not included in the Keiko Matsui Collection. If you are going to explore Keiko's music, this is a good choice.

Average customer rating:

Great
Your choice

Northern Lights
Steve Coulter & Harris Moore
Manufacturer: Gourd Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

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The Illusionist (Widescreen Edition)
Awake

ASIN: B000005C2B
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Tracks:

Busker's Dream
Sleepers Awake
Pyramid / In The Wood / In The Bright Light / Star Of The County Down
Carolan's Draught
Mushrooms Of Fagernes, The
Squire Wood's Lamentation On The Refusal Of His Tuppence
Carolan's Ramble To Cashel
Fair Haired Lass, The
Carolan's Receipt

Album Description

As an independent label, we've worked hard to develop a distinctive sound — part-folk, part-classical, all-acoustic instrumental music. We feel our music is indeed unique, and we've never compromised in our determination to produce only the highest quality, most beautifully packaged recordings.

We include detailed liner notes for those who are curious about the history and background of the music.

Gourd has licensed music to Warner Bros. Music, Narada, Hearts of Space, Windham Hill, The Disney Channel, A&E and The History Channel. Selections from the Gourd recording The World Turned Upside Down were featured on the Ken Burns documentary Thomas Jefferson. Three Gourd recordings were featured on Ken Burns' latest project ( a documentary on Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton) on PBS.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2006-07-28

I received it earlier than I expected. And the music is just great. Thanks a lot.

Your choice.......2001-11-25

This music will take you anywhere you want to go and introduce you to places you never dreamed of - awesome peace. Buy at least two copies - you'll wear it out quickly & for certain will want to share it's simple beauty.

Average customer rating:

A brilliant, moody fusion of straight-ahead balladry and "nu jazz"
MAGNIFICENT ALBUM!!!!

Northern Lights
Mike Mainieri
Manufacturer: NYC (New York City)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Pilgrimage
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ASIN: B000J234A2
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

Nature Boy
Poochie Pie
I've Seen It All
Vertigo
Flamenco Sketches
Naima
Dance Of Ran
Bang
Remembrance

Customer Reviews:

A brilliant, moody fusion of straight-ahead balladry and "nu jazz".......2007-03-28

This is a stunning, innovative album that deserves much more attention than it's gotten. Mainieri's sidemen here are the cream of the crop of the new generation of Scandanavian jazz players who have been influenced by electronica, including Nils-Petter Molvaer, Bugge Wesseltoft, Lars Danielsson, Jan Bang, DJ Strangefruit, and a bunch of other low-key geniuses who regularly play on one another's records. Moody standards like "Naima" and "Flamenco Sketches" fit perfectly with the reflective atmosphere of the originals. If you want to dip your toe into "nu jazz," this is a great place to start. A marvelous album for late night listening, and a taste of the future of music.

MAGNIFICENT ALBUM!!!!.......2007-03-04

This is truly magnificent!!!, once again Mike Mainieri brings up a recording that reaches all of your senses; The album evolves beautifully from beginning to end, with very high peaks on "I've Seen it all" and "Flamenco Sketches", teamed up with Norwegian sax player Bendik Hofseth(he appears on Steps Ahead-NYC)and a group of other wonderful Norwegian players, Northern Lights is simply one of the best jazz offerings of this year. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Average customer rating:

Traditional Newgrass

Take You to the Sky
Northern Lights
Manufacturer: Flying Fish Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000000MPO
Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

Northern Rail
Hold Watcha Got
The Roseville Fair
Early Morning Riser
Let It Roll
T For Texas
Winterhawk
Home Brew Fever
April Snow
Souvenirs
Back On My Mind Again
Bourree/Borealis Blues

Customer Reviews:

Traditional Newgrass.......2000-08-22

While the instruments may lead you to believe that they will play simple traditional bluegrass, Northern Lights delivers with a charismatic, foot stompin' melee that will knock you off your feet. The lead singer and mandolin player definately has a voice for traditional bluegrass but he does amazing things with it. I think they have a new live album with Vassar Clements coming out soon. Look for it!

Average customer rating:

Excellent Buy it!
A Brilliant Baroque Ensemble Whipping It Out
Love it or hate it - choose only one
Wondrous And Exotic
Not for Zappa Fans

Ensemble Ambrosius: The Zappa Album
Frank Zappa , and Ensemble Ambrosius
Manufacturer: Northern Lights
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Frank Zappas Hot Licks & Funny Smells: Live at Moers Festival 2004

ASIN: B0000508S2
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

Night School
Sofa
Black Page #2
Uncle Meat
Igor's Boogie
Zoot Allures
Big Swifty
T'Mershi Duween
Alien Orifice
Idiot Bastard Son
RDNZL
Orange County Lumber Truck
Echidna's Arf (Of You)
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G-Spot Tornado

Amazon.com

Since his death, Frank Zappa has enjoyed several translations of his extremely original and quirky material onto discs performed by jazz ensembles and major European orchestras with such eminent conductors as Pierre Boulez. Not too shabby. This disc by the Finnish Ensemble Ambrosius takes some of Zappa's more tuneful pieces and reworks them for Baroque instruments. This is actually a brilliant maneuver, since much of Zappa's writing translates well for such instruments as oboe, harpsichord, and mandolin (or lute). Highlights here include the catchy theme from Uncle Meat, the short but goofy "Igor's Boogie," and "Idiot Bastard Son," sung with the solemnity of a monk's chant. The performances are above average, but there is some blurring of textures and some lack of clarity in the recorded sound. Overall, though, it's a worthy effort that advances the cause of Zappa's music. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Buy it!.......2005-06-30

This is one of my favorite non FZ produced cds of FZ music. Heck it may even be my favorite. This is FZ music stripped of all artifice except melody / harmony (i'm aware of the over-simpflication, but roll with me here). FZ dinner music this is. I play it for people who "normally don't like FZ " and they like it. Gorgeous melodies. Performed and arranged lovingly. When you want to put the pedal to the metal: pull out the FZ produced canon. When you want to bliss out on his melodic sense and ability to craft the finest of tunes and variations on a theme: this is the place.

A Brilliant Baroque Ensemble Whipping It Out.......2005-02-17

Firstly I need to address the validity of this album as many have questioned its validity as a Zappa tribute - and be clear that I believe it's an amazing tribute.

Frank Zappa was the greatest composer of the 20th century in terms of the stunning spectrum of elements he was able to incorporate in his works without being consumed by them. He wasn't just a rock and roll guitarist a la Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy. He had fun doing that but he was so much more than that. As an improviser, Frank Zappa was unique but then again so is anyone who's good at it, and many of his guitar solos still thrill me today. That part of Frank Zappa will never be seen again but there is so much more to the man that can still be brought to life - in his own words "My main interest is composition - getting an idea and manifesting it in a way that people can listen to". He was a person who listened to Edgar Varese for entertainment as a teenager. "I didn't write rock and roll until I was in my twenties, but I started writing other kinds of music. I couldn't play it, I could only write it. I liked the way music looked on paper. It was fascinating to me that you could see the notes and somebody who knew what they were doing would look at them and music would come out. I thought it was a miracle". How many rock musicians does that apply to?

Throughout his musical career he produced music in many different styles and many different formats and those two points are distinct - for example he would have rock and roll type themes played in a symphonic format or neo classical type themes played in a jazz/rock big band format. The formats he chose were not always purely dictated by his own whim, he lived in the real world and worked with the resources available to him at any given time and projects some times collapsed as with his original aims with the combination of the early Mothers and 14 members of the BBC orchestra on 28th October 1968 in the Royal Festival Hall, London. The album that was originally intended never materialised.

When Zappa was approached by the Ensemble Modern he was initially sceptical about what could be achieved but he warmed to the idea and The Yellow Shark album is a testament to what was possible. I believe if he was still alive and was approached by Ensemble Ambrosius he wouldn't turn them away and Olli Vertaperko might have been saved one or two years of his life. None the less, Olli's work on transcribing Zappa's compositions is nothing short of incredible. Those close to Frank have commented about how long it took him to complete some of his pieces and his attention to detail and I think that Olli's arrangements have captured that element of Frank's work. Zappa may or may not have suggested a different choice of pieces had he collaborated with Ensemble Ambrosius but he surely would not have knocked back their choice of instruments. One of them plays the harpsichord - so naturally it appears a great deal in the arrangements.

As I've said elsewhere, we need brave new productions of Zappa's music. The Zappa Album by Ensemble Ambrosius is brave, new, unique and brilliant and just as there is no Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy on Yellow Shark there isn't one here either and so what? We should leave it to rock bands perhaps to attempt to capture that aspect of Zappa's work, note that there are no members of the BBC orchestra, or any other classical ensemble for that matter on the Bong Fury version of Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy. Let's not forget that a significant motivation for Zappa's rock music participation was to make a living, it wasn't his prime directive. In his own words when asked during the last year of his life if he missed the rock and roll life - "No". And his attitude to the guitar at that time - "Every once in a while, I feel like playing the guitar, but I stop and think what I'd have to go through in order to do it. The urge goes away". He was a composer to the end and was working on the completion of Civilisation Phase lll, which by the way, also has no Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy.

My favourite piece on The Zappa Album is RDNZL, and I mean the arrangement and performance on this album. All the other tracks are just as amazing in my opinion. It's made pretty clear that this album is performed on baroque instruments so don't be surprised if you buy it and find its performed on baroque instruments. Many baroque instruments aren't very loud and to amplify them would compromise their baroque character. Hence the production is often very subtle and might take some time to grow on you, it only took me two listens to figure it out. Play it really loud at least once. I can't see how anyone who appreciates the entire spectrum of Zappa could not at least respect this album. It is an honourable tribute to him and I'm sure he would have appreciated it. If I could have got my copy for 99 cents it would be one of the best deals I've ever had.

Love it or hate it - choose only one.......2004-08-10

I have been listening to Frank Zappa on LPs, CDs and at concerts since FREAK OUT! was released in 1966. I own a copy of most of his material including two obscure interview CDs.

Prior to buying ENSEMBLE AMBROSIUS, I noticed a wide diversity of opinion among the Amazon reviewers. In fact, based on these reviews, it appears that a person is either going to love or hate ENSEMBLE AMBROSIUS. There seems be no middle ground of appreciation for this work. Because of the negative reviews, I purchased it with a great deal of hesitation.

The question becomes, why do so many people hate it? and conversely, how can so many others love it? I've been reading and rereading the other reviews and thinking about their comments for several days and have come to one conclusion. Those who liked it, were expecting something unusual and their expectations were fulfilled. Those who hated ENSEMBLE AMBROSIUS, I believe were expecting to find Zappa's soul or imprint on this CD. Zappa is not on this CD. Ensemble Ambrosius didn't miss notes, didn't hit the wrong pitch, they didn't get "it" wrong. It is not a rotten tribute. It is their interpretation of Zappa and, most importantly, you may not like it.

In the end, you're either going to love ENSEMBLE AMBROSIUS or hate it. There will be no middle ground. The problem: Amazon, as with so many other CDs, does NOT offer (at the time of this writing) its potential customers an opportunity to listen to sound bites prior to purchase. The negative reviews nearly stopped me from buying this CD. I suspect that others who would like this CD will not buy it because of the reviews, but, in fact, would enjoy owning it if they had an opportunity to listening to bites of the CD on Amazon's web page.

Wondrous And Exotic.......2003-11-17

This is an excellent album.

When I first heard it, I had two criticisms. The fast lick near the end of "The Black Page #2" seemed sloppy to me. But it's just phrased differently.

And the vocalist on "Idiot Bastard Son" sounds a little strange on some low notes, but I've gotten used to it. The treatment of the tune is beautiful.

The great music on this album makes up for any minor weaknesses.

Highlights include : "RDNZL", "Inca Roads",
"Uncles Meat", "Alien Orifice", "Echidna's Arf",
"Night School", "G-Spot Tornado" and "Igor's Boogie".

The harpsichord doing the incredibly fast melody that Ruth Underwood used to play toward the end of "Inca Roads" is something to hear.

Not for Zappa Fans.......2003-06-25

Do not look for Carolina's Hardcore Esctacy on this CD (lalalalalaa la). I don't think its that FZ's music doesn't mix with baroque instruments, I think these musicians have gotten it all wrong. They try (and fail) to 'be creative' with the rhythmn, hit a few totally errant notes (which can sometimes be excused), and show a lame ability to rework Frank'z music and get it right. If there was a 99 cent bin in my town, it would be there. Since there's not, I think Mom will cotten to this "Frank Zappa lite" album - slow, simple and inoffensive - it that a rotten tribute or what?!

Average customer rating:

A whistling wonder
Terrific Album!
THIS ALBUM IS THE BENCH MARK FOR ANY WHISTLING ALBUM

Whistling Virtuoso

Manufacturer: Northern Lights
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Torna A Surriento
Mamma
An Die Rosen
Minuet. Allegretto
In A Monastery Garden
Mattinata
L'Amour En Heritage
Der Rote Sarafan, Romanze
Romance De Nadir
My Lovely Celia
Morakullans Vals
Lied Ohne Worte
Varen
Sonata No.12
Summer Night Serenade
Walzer
The Dream Of Olwen
Varmlandsvisan
Oppna Ladskap
Symphony
Rondo Alla Turca
Sakkijarven Polkka

Customer Reviews:

A whistling wonder.......2007-01-04

I ordered this cd as inspiration for my African Grey parrot. (no kidding) I adopted him a couple of months ago and his first family taught him some basic tunes. I ask you, how many times do I have to hear the 'wolf whistle'? While he's hopefully absorbing some new, more challenging tunes, I'm enjoying listening to familiar scores whistled, accompanied by a piano.

Terrific Album!.......2002-04-05

Leo Eide will be remembered as one of the greatest whistlers of all time. I cannot recommend this album highly enough.

THIS ALBUM IS THE BENCH MARK FOR ANY WHISTLING ALBUM.......1999-06-08

I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THIS ALBUM I ONLY WISH I COULD HAVE TALKED WITH MR. EDDIE ABOUT HIS TALENT IT IS A GIFT. THE ACOMPANYMENT IS OUT STANDING HAKAN SUND IS GIFTED ALSO. MAMA AND RETURN TO SURRENTO ARE MY FAVORITES IF YOU LOVE WHISTLING I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS ALBUM THIS ALBUM IS THE BENCH MARK FOR ANY WHISTLING ALBUMS TO FOLLOW. WHISTLER SEAN LOMAX

Average customer rating:

A treat for any VW or Sibelius lover
A Great 20th Century Symphony Cycle

Tubin: Symphonies
Tubin , Jarvi , Swedish Rso , Bergen Po , and Bamberg
Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set)
Melartin: The Six SYMPHONIES
Ture Rangström: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)
Vagn Holmboe: The Complete Symphonies
Edward Rubbra - Complete Symphonies / Hickox

ASIN: B000083MHD
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Customer Reviews:

A treat for any VW or Sibelius lover.......2004-10-11

These are wonderful pieces of music. If you like Vaughan Williams or Sibelius, or better, both, opening this set is like opening a box of chocolates. The Fourth, especially, has an otherworldly, luminous character that is totally captivating, and sounds almost like VW's symphony 5a. The Fifth has an Andante that starts out much like the slow movement of Shostakovich's 11th, but instead of dragging on as that piece does, turns into sheer magic, the transfigured final bars drifting up into the stratosphere. There are stereophonically placed sets of timpani a la Nielsen 4, that come into their own in the finale and provide an extremely thrilling conclusion to the piece. The Second also has imaginative use of timpani, as well as an opening of spell-binding magic, with mysterious piano arabesques in the background. But it also features a devastating funeral march and an intense, multifaceted finale. Each of the ten symphonies included holds its own share of surprises and delights; as a whole, this oeuvre to me is quite a discovery.
The recordings, unfortunately, are not all as clean and perfect as one would like. The disc containing symphonies 1 and 5 gave trouble on my CD-player, where the music was accompanied by a persistent and extremely distracting ticking noise, growing louder in fortissimo's and sounding for all the world as if the conductor was marking a syncopated beat by furiously slapping his desk with his baton. However, in my DVD player it sounds fine, so I suppose this is an error that newer machines have no trouble dealing with. The recording of the Fourth sounds downright messy at times; unlike the others, it was taken from a public concert, and there is a fair lot of extraneous noise, incredibly enough including footsteps and distant whistling! The recording by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra on the Alba label is definitely preferable. The other symphonies fare rather better and offer wide-ranging and sufficiently (though not ideally) detailed and natural sound, especially in quieter passages. On the other hand - don't let the tam-tam strokes in the Eight catch you unawares!
The clever packaging is somewhat of an intelligence test and may have you believe that one disc is missing - but don't be fooled...

A Great 20th Century Symphony Cycle.......2004-03-28

If there were any justice in the music world, the symphonies of the Estonian composer Eduard Tubin would be as popular as the symphonies of Shostakovich, Sibelius, Prokofiev, Nielsen etc. They synthesize Sibelius' melody and harmony and Prokofiev's rhythm in a wholly original way. Tubin was a master orchestrator,who draws magical and beautiful sounds from the orchestra. The first six symphonies in particular are all bona fide masterpieces. Start with the beguiling Fourth (Aptly entitled The "Lyrical") and then listen to the Fifth and the dramatic Second Symphony. I have been listening to these symphonies for the best part of 20 years and can truly report that I never tire of them. If I could only take one box set of cds to a desert island this would be it. ANYONE who cares about 20th Century music needs to hear these performances, led by a conductor who knew the composer. Performances and sound are excellent. Inevitably, Tubin will be recognized as one of the great composers. Why not listen to his symphonies and discover one of the best kept secrets in the world of classical music?

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