Virtuosity (1995 Film) [Soundtrack]

virtuosity (1995 film) [soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Three tracks to note on this companion to the hit cyberthriller: 1) A funky and inconsequential debut by the David Byrne-less Talking Heads (now just The Heads) featuring Deborah Harry; 2) A mesmerizing, The The-like tune ("A Big Day in the North") marking the American debut of Black Grape, the promising new venture for Happy Mondays founder Shaun Ryder; and 3) "Party Man," a trademark mid-tempo Peter Gabriel yawner co-written to no apparent effect by Tori Amos. --Jeff Bateman

Virtuosity (1995 Film),Various Artists,Mca,Alternative Dance,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Soundtrack,Soundtracks & Film Scores

Virtuosity (1995 Film) [Soundtrack]

Average customer rating:

Playful Virtuosity
Dick Hyman
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

In Recital
Stridemonster!

ASIN: B000OZ2BNU
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Embraceable You
Fascinating Rhythm
Oh, Lady Be Good
The Man I Love
Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away)
Somebody Loves Me
I Got Rhythm
Back Home Again in Indiana
Ready or Not
Escape from the Woojies
Big Finish
Django
Moderato
Andante
Allegro

Album Description

For her Ryko debut, the versatile pianist (and official Turkish State Soloist) Meral Guneyman teams up with legendary piano player, arranger and composer Dick Hyman to trade "playful" interpretations of a diverse group of works including Gershwin and a tribute to Django Reinhart. The album is a musical banter between two masterful artists who clearly delight in their craft and feed off of one another's unique creative spirit.

The Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Mendez

Average customer rating:

Superb except for the Sound Quality!
The Greatest Trumpet player ever
"Today, I had the honor of becoming an American citizen"
Masterful Trumpet Virtuoso
Supurb Virtuoso

The Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Mendez
Rafael Mendez , Leroy Anderson , Vittorio Monti , Anonymous , Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov , Russian Traditional , Vincent Youmans , Calleja , Georges Bizet , Felix Mendelssohn , Leo Delibes , and Pablo de Sarasate
Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Legacy
World's Greatest Trumpet Virtuoso
Cornet Favorites
Turn-of-the-Century Cornet Favorites
Carnaval

ASIN: B0000038KF
Release Date: 1995-06-19

Tracks:

La Virgen de la Macarena
A Trumpeter's Lullaby
Mendez Jota
Czardas
Chiapanecas
Tico, Tico
Flight of the Bumblebee
Dark Eyes
I Know that You Know
Yuba
Mexican Hat Dance
Farewell, My Granada
Dance Boheme from Carmen
Mendez Czardas
Mendelssohn Concerto
Bell Song
Samba Gitana
La Rosita
Zigeunerweisen

Customer Reviews:

Superb except for the Sound Quality!.......2006-05-10

I both love and detest this album. The title is correct. Mendez's virtuosity is legendary and the playing is great. The problem is with the quality of the recording. I don't know if that is an artifact of the originals or if it is an artifact of sloppy production for this release. In any event, it is disappointing.

The selections somewhat varied in style but ultimately all scream "Latin Trumpet". This is as true of LA VIRGIN DE LA MACARENA as it is of the selections from the opera, CARMEN. In all of them, the skill is superb. I just wish the recordings were as well.

I give it 5 stars for the art and 2 stars for the sound. I compromise with 4 because, deep down, I love it.

The Greatest Trumpet player ever.......2005-09-19

Not to many people will argue that Rafael Mendez was the
greatest Trumpet player ever..yes better than M.Davis, Hirt,
Gillespie, Severson. This is a must own if you really want
to hear the greatest.

"Today, I had the honor of becoming an American citizen".......2004-03-20

This recording is fantastic in every way. Mendez is truly one of the greatest to ever pick up a trumpet. From the outstanding renditions of latin classics "Tico Tico", "La Virgen De Macarena" and "Mexican Hat Dance" (which are all un-paralleled) to the flawless "Flight Of The Bumblebee" to the heartstring-pulling gem written by Leroy Anderson, "Trumpeter's Lullaby", this album is simply mint. As good as it gets. Mendez also plays amazing versions of "Danse Boheme" from Carmen, his own classic composition "Samba Gitana" and the grand finale, "Zigeunerweisen". However, the most touching moment comes on the live performance of "La Rosita", where Mendez plays wonderfully and then reveals his citizenship. He even plays some great big band with a latinized "I Know That You Know". That sound, the articulation is so crisp and perfect. Mendez is truly a legend. Any trumpet fan needs this.

Masterful Trumpet Virtuoso.......2001-04-11

The name Rafael Mendez is synonymous with trumpet virtuosity, and this CD provides ample evidence as to why. The clarity and technique of the performances are astounding and constitute a must-hear CD.

The one down side is that these were originally 78 rpm recordings from the 40's and 50's, and, as such, the sound quality leaves something to be desired. But don't be put off by that. The greatness of the performances still comes through.

Supurb Virtuoso.......2001-01-09

As a youth I had the wonderful opportunity to play in an orchestra which provided the accompaniment for several of Mr. Mendez's concets. I have never been in such awe of anyone before or since. There are no words to describe the command he has over the trumptet. There never has been anyone who even approaches his expertise and his virtuosity is timeless. The selections on this CD are many of the best he ever recorded and display his incredible ability in every style...every range. If you are not familiar with Mr. Mendez, this CD will make a believer out of you. You will be amazed at what a trumpet is capable of producing. I can't say enough about this incredible man's incredible talent. I don't know of any musician, trumpet or otherwise, who has the complete mastery of his instrument that Mr. Mendez does. NOTE: This recording was remastered and unfortunately, not very well. It is tinny and very "mono" sounding. Thus the 4 stars.

Average customer rating:

Should be required listening
Not only a great: singer/songwrite/musician/composer/etc.etc
Breath of FRESH air!
The best album I've heard in many a year...
A Very Special Album

Musicbox
Peter Mayer
Manufacturer: Little Flock Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Romeo's Garage
Stirrin' Up The Water
Spare Tire Orchestra
Earth Town Square
Midwinter

ASIN: B0002XQAYA
Release Date: 2004-05-03

Tracks:

The Last Island
Faith In Angels
Musicbox
Cool Blue Swing
When It Rains
Sweet Nothing
Yesterday's Fool
Jesse's Hill
Walking To The Sun
Good To Have A Friend
Every Morning
Somewhere In Between
Approaching Caroline
Golden Light

Album Description

Peter Mayer's "Musicbox" CD brings to life Mayer's 14 new original songs, including Faith in Angels, Last Island, Walking to the Sun, as well as the title track. This collection of tunes showcases Mayer's versatility and virtuosity, weaving finely honed lyrics and memorable melodies with influences from blues, country, folk, jazz, pop and rock into a compelling soundscape that reveals more with each listening.

Customer Reviews:

Should be required listening.......2006-11-13

Peter Mayer, brother Jim, Roger Guth, and the rest of this band are some of the most brilliant musicians to come together and form a band. This album is fantastic from start to finish. Peter's voice and guitar work, the wonderful lyrics, and the stylistic melodies are a pleasure to listen to again and again. Very relaxing yet inspiring music. This is a must have for every music lover!!!

Not only a great: singer/songwrite/musician/composer/etc.etc.......2006-10-13

Peter has his own recording studio and does all the sound mixing for Jimmy Buffett. He has years of experience and talent; even enough to make Jimmy sound good. When someone that knows the how and why behind taking something that sounds good and making it sound great becomes the artist, they start with great and make it superb. Music Box is just that, superb!

Breath of FRESH air!.......2005-10-17

I bought Peter's "Music Box" & "Stirrin' Up The Water" CDs last year and haven't listen to anything as much as these two since. If I could write and produce songs like this I'd be a happy man, well lets just say way happier. The dynamics, musicianship, detail and production chops on these two albums are stunning. Forget that he is Jimmy Buffett's guitarist... you'd never know it. Any recording musicians out there that need inspiration... this is it. Total ear candy. Truly an original breath of fresh air.

The best album I've heard in many a year..........2004-10-15

...and that's not just rhetoric. This album is wonderful. The lyrics are deep and insightful, the production is very pleasant and not overbearing, and it has the hallmark of all Peter Mayer work - incredible musicianship and wonderful arrangements. That and a boatload of hooks.

When I say Peter Mayer, people say "who"? Then I tell them that his day job is the lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett's band, and he plays to his real muse in his own group. I tell them that his sound is like a cross between Dave Matthews and Paul Simon (and on this album there's some more poppy stuff that I swear could be on a Sugar Ray album if it was only a little poppier). The music runs the gamut from folk to jazz and dixieland to pop to world beat and gospel. And it all works. This album is that good. (And the song Faith in Angels was just broadcast on the MTV show "Made"). The title track is stirring, both lyrically and in the song structure.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Peter Mayer and his brother Jim (the bassist) and they are amazingly humble for the talent they possess. Don't let them be secrets, for this music needs to be heard. "Adult Album Alternative" radio should be all over this.

A Very Special Album.......2004-10-07

Peter Mayer has been Jimmy Buffett's lead guitarist for 15 years. Sadly, his incredible guitar playing and song writing, which has inspired 7 fantastic solo albums, seems to be a well-kept secret within the Buffett fan base and a small but dedicated fan base for Peter.

But that fan base is growing every day thanks to consistently great new releases, such as "Musicbox."

This album has all of the great attributes that make Peter such a great songwriter, musican and performer. The songs are lyrically deep and introspective, and feature likeable textures created by the world-class musicans that make up the Peter Mayer Group.

This includes artists like Roger Guth and Jim Mayer, accomplished musicians who share the stage with Peter in Jimmy Buffett's band. But it also includes appearances by legendary jazz drummer Dave Weckl, and the extremely accomplished and diverse songwriter, pianist and producer, Jay Oliver.

With all of this in mind, the album still has tremendous pop value, and Peter's virtuoso guitar playing and crystal-clear voice combine with these other incredible musicians to form 14 great songs.

Average customer rating:

Even my kid likes this!
Bassoon Me!
Brilliant Bassoonastics
OUTSTANDING QUARTET
Simply fantastic!

Bassoonatics!

Manufacturer: Musica Viva
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Tangos | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Captured! The Bassoon Brothers
Mozart, Weber, Hummel: Bassoon Concertos
Wanted-The Bassoon Brothers
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concertos
Williams: The Five Sacred Trees (Bassoon Concerto) / Takemitsu: Tree Line / Hovhaness: Symphony No. s, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain" / Picker: Old and Lost Rivers

ASIN: B0000067V1
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Three Preludes: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso
Three Preludes: Andante Con Moto E Poco Rubato
Three Preludes: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: I (Tempo Giusto)
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: II
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: III
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: IV
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: V
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: VI (Vivace)
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: VII
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: VIII
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: I - Prospero
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: II - Ariel
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: III - Miranda
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: IV - Caliban's Song
Three Postcards: L'ange Verrier
Three Postcards: Faunesse Dansante
Three Postcards: Les Noces Du Duc De Joyeuse
Madrigal
Sonatine No. 1, Op. 67: I - Allegro
Sonatine No. 1, Op. 67: II - Largo
Sonatine No. 1, Op. 67: III - Allegro Moderato
Gigue, K574
Bassoonists' Holiday
I Got Rhythm
I'm In The Mood For Love
Caravan
Oh! Darling
Tango (1940)
Tango (1995)
Youkali
Tango (1984)
Azure

Customer Reviews:

Even my kid likes this!.......2005-11-07

This is an amazing collection of songs, all performed with such skill that even my 8-year-old son likes this CD. Brahms and Beatles, Mozart and Ellington, there is something here for everyone. And thank you, thank you, thank you for "Bassoonist's Holiday."

Bassoon Me!.......2004-08-09

I delight in the bassoon! What a unique and great sound, throaty and thrillingly coarse, yet soaring to sound at times like sax, like oboe, like cello, like a bunch of bassoonatics!

This is delightful collection of musical styles played by this innovative and talented quartet. Choosing to select pieces that are not typically of the bassoon repertoire, we go from Waltz to Gershwin to Broadway to Motzart to Lennon/McCartnye to Sibelius to most of us unknowns such as Mitchell Clarke to Duke Ellington.

All played with passion and gusto and excellent tonality, phrasing and tempo.

Bassoon Me again!

Brilliant Bassoonastics.......2003-09-27

This would have to be the best bassoon ensemble cd on the market. The arrangements are stylish and clever, and the performances brilliant! Fraser Jackson must be the most accomplished contrabassoonist I have ever head. This cd is a must for any bassoonists collection be you amateur or proffessional.

OUTSTANDING QUARTET.......2002-04-14

This disc is really superb!!! Not only is the playing at an extremely high level by the group, the arrangements are also outstanding. The Brahms is abolutely beautiful. The group goes from lightning fingers bravura to sweet soulful singing. It is a joy to listen to again and again.

Simply fantastic!.......2001-10-26

I simply love the Caliban Quartet! They breath new life into bassoons! The way they bring out the music is simply magical. Not only do they sound good, their technical abilities are simply amazing!

Average customer rating:

Virtuosity Review
It's still good as it was in the past
This CD is a must have. Go get it NOW
Virtuosity - A Landmark for the Virtuous Ladies
Awesome

Virtuosity!
Virtue
Manufacturer: Verity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Free
Get Ready!
Nothing But the Hits
Kiss
Testimony

ASIN: B00005NQKE
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

We're Virtue (Intro)
He's Been Good
Something About The Way
Gotta Worship
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
You've Been Merciful
Till You Believe
He's Been Good (Uncle Freddie's Remix)
God Is Your Source
I Am God
You Are My Everything
Can't Believe
Down On My Knees
Never 2 Late

Customer Reviews:

Virtuosity Review.......2006-03-03

This album is enjoying from beginning to end. It ministers the ways and the thoughts of God. It's a blessing to listen to time and time again. There is quite a bit of variety with Ballads, Hip-hop. I truly recommend it. My favorite tracks are Can't Believe, and Down on Your Knees. I usually play them both twice as I listen to the entire album.

It's still good as it was in the past.......2006-01-11

I recently bought a MP3 player and I decided to add Virtue's music on it. So I played it before I decided to put it on my mp3 player and their music is still good as it was in the past. The music and lyrics are very good. I want to say that this is their best contemporary gospel album. I can't wait until they come out with a new album.

This CD is a must have. Go get it NOW.......2004-01-30

Virtuosity is a great album by Virtue. The songs are off the hook and the vocals are tight. I love GOTTA WORSHIP, HE'S BEEN GOOD (REMIX), SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY, GOD IS YOUR SOURCE and more. If you love gospel R&P then buy this cd NOW, you cannot be disappointed!!

...

Virtuosity - A Landmark for the Virtuous Ladies.......2003-08-07

I have been a long time Virtue fan, and I must say that this album deeply blessed me when I first heard it two years ago. Although there have been changes in their lineup (Shavonne and Negelle moved on to pursue other aspirations and be closer to their families), but their mission to praise Jesus and encourage Christians remains the same. Karima and Ebony continue to deliver outstanding vocals, and the addition of Heather helps to add depth to their high soaring vocals. All in all, the Trotter girls have more than enough talent and skill to take Virtue to the next level.

Stand out songs include "Till You Believe", "He's Been Good", and "Down on My Knees". However, every song has something special to share with the listener. One thing I like about Virtue is that their music often shows both the highs and the lows of the Christian experience. This is evidenced by the "God is Your Source" song which begins, "I'll never pray again . . .". That's keeping in real! That's dealing with the human weakness with which every Christian struggles. Yet, they never leave you in the valley because eventually God's mountaintop will be displayed.

Their new CD "Free" is out August 19th, 2003. I will definitely purchase it to see where these amazing women will take us next.

Awesome.......2003-01-05

I got The Cd when in it's first week of it comming out and i can say that i just said i was going to listen to to the cd and scaan through it well plans changed once i hit play. because i heard the intro then i hread he;s been good, something about the way' then got to worship then put the demo down and basically runned to by this cd it is so good it shows there giftes and talent that good has bless them with, it's a perfect fix ablum. i have all virtue ablums and they have truly grown in many ways yes in level, sound and worship and just groving and praiseing the lord. I will recommmand This to any one who love god and god music period get Virute Ablums and espeaily Virtuosity. god bless you and god Bless Virtue i Pray increase on there sells and that they win more souls for the lord . Can't Wait for A new Ablum I hoipe it's this year.

Average customer rating:

Not as Good
good vibe
Very Saucy
Virtuosity

Virtuosity (1995 Film)
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Strange Days: Music From The Motion Picture
Babe: Pig In The City - Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture
Against All Odds: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Wild Thornberrys Movie
Natural Born Killers: A Soundtrack For An Oliver Stone Film

ASIN: B000003BRG
Release Date: 1995-08-01

Tracks:

No Talking Just Head - The Heads/Deborah Harry
A Big Day In The North - The Heads/Deborah Harry
Party Man - The Worldbeaters/Peter Gabriel
Hu Hu Hu - Dig
White, Discussion - Live
The Loyaliser - Fatima Mansions
Fallen Angel - Traci Lords
Abbaon Fat Tracks - Tricky
Into The Paradise - William Orbit
Build It With Love - Londonbeat
I Can't Get No Sleep - India And Masters At Work
Samurai - Juno Reactor
Young Boys - Lords Of Acid

Amazon.com

Three tracks to note on this companion to the hit cyberthriller: 1) A funky and inconsequential debut by the David Byrne-less Talking Heads (now just The Heads) featuring Deborah Harry; 2) A mesmerizing, The The-like tune ("A Big Day in the North") marking the American debut of Black Grape, the promising new venture for Happy Mondays founder Shaun Ryder; and 3) "Party Man," a trademark mid-tempo Peter Gabriel yawner co-written to no apparent effect by Tori Amos. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Not as Good.......2003-01-31

When I watched the film Virtuosity, I was pleasantly surprised. Pretty good film, although a little phony in spots. The soundtrack during the film sounded incredible and I thought I just had to own it. Well, I guess I didn't need to after all. Yes, there are a few great songs on the CD, and I'm glad I bought it, but it sure wasn't the "must have" I thought it was. I wouldn't recommend spending a whole lot on this CD, but if you can spare a few dollars, it is worth it for the few great songs on it.

good vibe.......2000-04-06

all i got to say is tricky is on this album,,so you know its the bomb

Very Saucy.......2000-03-27

Awesome mix to jam to, drive to, and dance to. There a various styles of music, though mostly techno, its fast, soft, and some are blood rushing!

Virtuosity.......2000-03-13

Overall this is a valuable buy. Virtuosity has an intense techno theme throughout that I found enjoyable in many ways. I particularly liked the pieces by LIVE and LORDS OF ACID.

Tracks:

The Ski Team!
Right Hand Man!
Disco Barry!
Plans!
Another Song Ray Hates!
Hands on the Ceiling!
My Defense!
Indian Nation!
Wesley!
If!
Why Ray Hates Track 5

Album Description

"As Best As We Can" represents a unique position in the bands sonic history. A deft blending of material including sparkling new treatments of some of their best loved live songs and brand new material are woven into a musical cloth that is soft, comfortable and just familiar enough to feel good about. Stand out tracks include "The Ski Team" with jangling guitar pressed into service sweet vocal harmonies, "My Defense" another great road song with pounding piano, "If" a seemingly straight ahead rock song with hilarious lyrics, and "Another Song Ray Hates" whose muted trumpet and mellow guitar meld into a near perfect pop classic. Treat your ears to 11 songs that you won't be able to get out of your head - your brain will thank you.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2006-01-25

Energy, talent and a tuba. I think those three words best describe the nerd-rockers of Snmnmnm.

Pass this down to all your friends! Amazon has a great description of the album, better than whatever I could babble on about...but I will babble, nonetheless.

Not many digital tricks, pure indie goodness, crunchy guitar riffs, Beach Boys style harmonizing (as Amazon has aforesaid) this is just a very overlooked album. Give it to your local College Radio station! They'll eat it up!

The only thing that gets stuck in my craw is the lack-luster "Another Song Ray Hates" I think I understand the premise, but it's just soooooo bland.

Otherwise, great album, awesome band, cool tuba. (ELECTRIC tuba. I saw that guy live, he had an amazing 5-minute solo in "Spanish Cucumber, jeeze he's got one set of lungs.)

Average customer rating:

Nice performances, boring production quality
and the winner is Garaj Mahal

Blueberry Cave
Garaj Mahal
Manufacturer: Harmonized
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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

Mondo Garaj
Cosmic Hug
Live, Vol. 1
Live, Vol. 2
Boston T Party

ASIN: B000BI0WP4
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

The Shadow
Alvin
Blueberry Cave
'Spect Rap
No 'Spect
Massive
Cosmic Elevator
Paladin
Bicycling In Bombay
Celtic Indian

Customer Reviews:

Nice performances, boring production quality.......2006-01-18

Great band- I've seen them a bunch of times. My only problem with this CD is the amateurish production. You can tell that it is basically homemade. It is a fine recording, I just wish that they would get into a top studio with a good producer to get a fuller, more polished sound. This is recorded pretty much straight, which is, I guess, a more jam band purist approach. I haven't heard the other CD's yet.

and the winner is Garaj Mahal .......2005-11-21

and the winner is: Garaj Mahal "Blueberry Cave"

Songs:
The Shadow (Eckhardt)
Alvin (Hertz)*
Blueberry Cave (Levy)
`Spect Rap (Eckhardt)
NO `Spect (Haque/Hertz)**
Massive (Hertz)
Cosmic Elevator (Eckhardt)***
Paladin (Levy)
Bicycling in Bombay (Garaj Mahal)*
Celtic Indian (Hertz)

Personnel:
Kai Eckhardt: Bass
Fareed Haque: Guitars
Eric Levy: Keyboards
Alan Hertz: Drums

Guests:
*DJ Fly Agaric: Turntables
**Tasha Levine: Vocals
***Shanan Edelheit: Vocals

Review:
Garaj Mahal, the Jazz Rock Jam Band Supergroup, has finally released its second studio recording to the delight of music lovers no matter their shape, size, or taste. There's just something about this recording that appeals to everyone. "A little bit of everything" is usually a recipe for disaster in the world of music. Most attempts leave the listener unsatisfied or the band isn't capable of delivering the goods. "Blueberry Cave" is a total success in every respect. Jam Band lovers will enjoy this recording because it has that cosmic groove so essential to a good Jam Band. Jazz Rock fans will love it because the compositions, performance, and soloing are top shelf, reminiscent of the Jazz Rock pioneer groups such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, and Return to Forever.

Garaj Mahal bridges the gap between Jazz Rock and Jam Band like no one else. The main reason is that with Jazz Rock fans, it's not enough to be a great musician, you have to be an amazing musician. That's no knock on the fantastic talent in the world of Jam Bands, just a proclamation of Garaj Mahal's incredible musical gifts. Individually, Kai Eckhardt and Fareed Haque have played with a virtual Who's Who of Jazz Rock musicians, while Eric Levy and Alan Hertz are equally capable of doing the same. As a group, they come together and speak in one voice as clearly and in most cases better than the best Jazz Rock or Jam Bands on the scene today.

Blueberry Cave certainly contains a little bit of everything from the cosmic groove, funky on the corner, Eastern flavor, children of Miles, to "a little Grateful Dead is always good for the soul". Consequently, I'm inclined to say "a little Garaj Mahal is good for the soul"!!! There's no getting around it, these guys have something special that feels good and brings a smile to your face and your day.

I've been listening to Garaj Mahal for some time now and downloaded dozens of their free concerts from The Archives. With all that exposure, I was expecting this studio recording to be a disappointment because of the band's obvious love for performing in front of an audience. To my surprise and delight, Blueberry Cave showed another side of the band that is usually reserved for professionals of only the highest caliber. This recording brings together all the individual and group gifts without a weak link anywhere. The compositions hold up after many listens and the performance is nothing short of spectacular.

No matter your musical tastes, Garaj Mahal's newest recording Blueberry Cave is a "must have" Cd for everyone's collection. It doesn't just feel good, it IS good. In the world of today's musical diversity, the winner is Garaj Mahal Blueberry Cave!

By,
Rick Calic
jazzrockworld dot com

Average customer rating:

The last American Romantic pianist!
Sorcerer's Apprentice
Sensational pianistic fireworks

The Virtuosity of Earl Wild

Manufacturer: Ivory Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Galops | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Earl Wild at 88
Earl Wild Plays Liszt (The 1985 Sessions)
Earl Wild: Virtuoso Piano Transcriptions
Earl Wild - Living History 'At 90'
Earl Wild Plays Johannes Brahms

ASIN: B00000HY82
Release Date: 1999-01-10

Tracks:

Liszt: Grand Galop Chromatique
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Tchaikovsky/Wild: Pas de Quatre from 'Swan Lake'
Dohnanyi: Capriccio in F minor, Op.28, No.6
Liszt: Mephisto Waltz No.1
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No.4
Moszkowski: Etincelles, Op.36, No.6
Tchaikovsky: Scherzo a la Russe, Op.1, No.1
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No.12
Schubert/Tausig: Marche Militaire, Op.51, No.1
Liszt: Polonaise No.2 in E Major (Busoni Coda)

Tracks:

d'Albert: Scherzo in F sharp Major, Op.16, No.2
Schumann/Liszt: Fruhlingsnacht
Paganini/Liszt: Etude No.3 (La Campanella)
Paganini/Liszt: Etude No.2 (La Capricciosa)
Paganini/Liszt: Etude No.5 (La Chasse)
Chopin: Polanaise in A flat Major, Op.53
Liszt: Transcendental Etude No.10 in F minor
Mendelssohn: Spinning Song, Op.67, No.4
Liszt: Etude in F minor (La Leggierezza)
Liszt: Transcendental Etude No.2 in A minor
Wagner/Liszt: Spinning Chorus ('The Flying Dutchman')
Verdi/Liszt: Rigoletto Paraphrase
Liszt: Valse Oubliee No.1
Liszt: Gnomenreigen (Dance of the Gnomes)
Liszt: Transcendental Etude No.7 (Eroica)
Liszt: Waldesrauschen (Forest murmurs)
Dohnanyi: Capriccio in B minor, Op.2, No.4

Album Description

Scintillating - Exciting - Riveting - Powerful - Awesome - Stupendous performances of some of the most difficult piano showpieces ever written. Earl Wild bedazzles with his keyboard pyrotechnics, charms us with his musicianship and always impresses us with his élan. The virtuosic Liszt, Dohnányi, Tchaikovsky, Moszkowski, Chopin, Mendelssohn, and d'Albert compositions come alive in this 2 disc collection that every piano enthusiast will want to own! (ADD & DDD)Recorded: 11/63, 10/64, 1966, 4/67, 4/68, 6/69, 1976, 10/78 and 12/85. Mastered using 20-Bit State-of-the-Art Technology — HDCD Encoded

Customer Reviews:

The last American Romantic pianist!.......2005-11-19

Earl Wild is a true icon in the story of the American pianism. His excel virtues and broad gusto for an impressive of composers and tendencies have become him in obligated reference at the moment of rethink and establish a definitive valuation of the most intrepid and virtuosi pianist of several generations.

Once more he surprises us with his idiomatic Liszt, conferring him of vitality, spontaneity, expression and flair. Do not forget to include him among the selected dynasty of the Great at the moment to name Giants of the status of Gyorgy Cziffra, Erwin Nyiregihazi, Louis Kentner, Edith Farnadi, Samson Francois, Leslie Howard, and Michael Ponti.

Sorcerer's Apprentice.......2005-04-29

It's almost comical, the embarrassment of riches one finds on this 2-CD set. Each performance here stands as its own jewel. Each interpretation is carefully mapped out and flawlessly executed. One gets the feeling with Wild that seldom does he walk away after a performance not having done at least 99% of what he set out to do.

In the difficult(although rather silly)Grand Galop Chromatique of Liszt, Wild's touch is light but solid all at the same time. Very few pianists get to the end of this piece without sounding like their hands are going to drop off from fatigue. Yet Wild never gives a sense of this.

Having listened to perhaps fifty different recordings of the Mephisto Waltz #1 over the last twenty years, I still prefer Wild's. More than anyone he captures the sense of hallucinogenic sexuality that's heavily laced into this piece. Even with the brisk tempo he takes, the playing never loses its creaminess, it's seductiveness; it's dangerous allure.

There's nothing more satisfying than to be able to return to favorite pieces of music throughout the years and constantly find new things about them you never discovered before. So to with these interpretations, you'll find many reasons to keep coming back again and again, to savor the superb artistry of Earl Wild.

Sensational pianistic fireworks.......1999-06-15

Ivory Classics are now releasing a series of the veteran American piano virtuoso Earl Wild's recordings, upon which his reputation as a super-virtuoso rests. These superbly refurbished recordings date from the 1960s to 1980s and mostly capture Wild at his technical and interpretative best. Take the fiendish Liszt Mephisto Waltz No. 1 for example. Even in the light of Wild's three other recordings of this piece, and other famous ones from Kapell, Horowitz, and Cziffra, this version is a spine-tingling diabolic ride at a staggering basic tempo. Other high-lights include Liszt's Grand Galop Chromatique (better balanced and controlled than Cziffra's), Gnomenreigen, and a stunning Dohnanyi pairing. Many other adventures await the listener - snap these discs up, a bargain at the price.

Average customer rating:

Today, Tomorrow and Forever
Valarie King
Manufacturer: Valarie King
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAD5SW
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Music:

Music

music