Positive

Positive

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
"Black Helicopters," "Corrosion of the Masses," "Fall of the American Empire," "Roswell Crash," and "The Grassy Knoll" sound like index entries in a book about conspiracy-theory paranoia, but the first four are actually song titles from Positive; the fifth is the name of the group that made the album. The Grassy Knoll is actually just aural assembler Bob Green and whatever hired hands he brings on board for each project. His music has also been described as ambient, techno, dub, fusion and prog-rock. Too often, though, it simply sounds like new-age background music with the bottom brought up in the mix and with distortion added to the bass and guitar. --Geoffrey Himes

Positive,The Grassy Knoll,Polygram Records,Acid Jazz,Alternative Pop/Rock,Club/Dance,Jazz Music,Pop,Rock

The Meeting Place
Average customer rating:

Never judge an album by the one that came before it

the phoenix rises

A refreshing CD from one of the best!

Exciting journey.

Delicious!

The Meeting Place
Ken Navarro
Manufacturer: Positive Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Ready to Play

Presence

White Sand

Sweet Surrender

Grand Central

ASIN: B000JGWBG6
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

Lucky
Did You Hear That?
I Wish I Knew
No Other Way
My Beautiful Girls
The Meeting Place
Lakes
Just Like That
Language Of Peace
That TIme Of Evening
The Challenge

Album Description

The new 2007 release from this storied contemporary jazz guitarist and composer contains 11 new recordings including a stunning version of Pat Metheny's classic "Lakes". This is not an assemblage of numerous musicians and multiple producers working on a patchwork of songs. It's six seasoned and totally individualistic musicians who came in and played their hearts out and did it in the studio face-to-face. Jay Rowe (keyboards), Gary Grainger (bass), Andre "Blues" Webb (drums), Kevin Prince (percussion), and Rob Holmes (sax) play together with Navarro's guitar so seamlessly it just flows with tangible energy.

If too much processed music has left you desensitized it's like that first breath of fresh air after too much time in a stuffy room. There was a point in time when the music that was to become smooth jazz split into two separate streams, one thrived while the other almost dried up. Creating a Meeting Place where these streams intersect again was a brave and spirited thing to do. Taking it off the backburner and serving it up is a gift to the people who will hear it. A gift that will make it a little bit harder to settle for less.

Customer Reviews:

Never judge an album by the one that came before it.......2007-05-15

Hearing Ken wail on electric guitar on the closing track, "The Challenge," was quite a surprise. His trademark nylon six-string work is also present throughout the album, but the energy level is several steps up from its predecessor, the somewhat lifeless "Love Colored Soul." He's always had a gift for melody, and his virtuosity has never come into question. He just seems much more inspired and passionate on "The Meeting Place." It's his first album in a while that's flowed and functioned as an album (rather than a source to cherry-pick mix CD or iPod tracks from). My knowledge of Ken's career only goes as deep as this CD and the three that came before it, but I think it's safe to say that if you purchase it based on liking this kind of music and reading the different reviews here, you will not be disappointed. For future albums I'd like to see Ken continue to pursue the sonic diversity found on "The Meeting Place." This was an unexpected treat. Thanks, Ken.

the phoenix rises.......2007-05-10

After a couple of disappointing releases for Shanachie and the tepid "Love coloured soul" the Nylon string master surprises with what has to be one of his best album's ever.Too many good tracks to choose a favourite , lets just say if someone produces a crisper sounding joy inducing Cd this year then i hope to be the first to hear it. By far my my most favoured guitarist ,i already own a mere 7 of his previous releases , all of which are superb ,i was still left Breathless at just how faultless this current release is. TRULY BREATHTAKING....buy it.

A refreshing CD from one of the best!.......2007-03-27

The Meeting Place is one of those CDs that you'll instantly find yourself telling others to buy. It's not just another new smooth jazz CD, but a highly successful experiment in musical creativity and musicianship. From Ken's use of the electric guitar that complements his smooth nylon string guitar to Jay Rowe's mix of keyboard instrument sounds to Rob Holmes' melodic sax, the result is a refreshing sound that today's smooth jazz artists rarely attempt. In fact, in order to find electric & nylon string guitars together with the variety of keyboard sounds that Jay adds, along with some nice smooth sax, you'll have to go back in time to some older Rippingtons music, when the keyboard was still a "key" player on the musical team.

Don't wait to add this CD to your collection...or you'll end up having others telling YOU to buy it!

Exciting journey........2007-03-04

The seventeenth in a solo career that dates back to 1990, "The Meeting Place" by contemporary jazz guitarist is full of all the fire and energy that he wanted to put into a studio recording and is coupled with his strong sense of the value of warm, memorable melodies.
This album is his most mature and ambitious work. Ken Navarro has picked up the elements of rock and pop that have been phased out of the smooth jazz soundscape over the last decade and woven them around genre-friendly melodies and textures, reconnecting the best of both worlds in the process.
The "Meeting Place" is a tight, accessible 11 song collection that includes ten of his own new compositions plus a superb version of the Pat Metheny classic "Lakes".
This album is an intoxicating collection that is way above the average.In texture and tonality, at times it recalls Santana.
Jay Rowe (keyboards), Gary Grainger (bass), Andre "Blues" Webb (drums), Kevin Prince (percussion), and Rob Holmes (sax) play together so seamlessly it just flows with tangible energy.
My favourite track are : "The Challenge", "Did You Hear That?", and " My Beautiful Girls".
Listen to it and enjoy

Delicious!.......2007-02-07

Navarro's hit it perfectly this time. This is a wonderful album, suited for jazz lovers of all types. He's brought all of his talent to the table in this one. It's light, breezy, masterful, technically incredible, powerful, got a bit of rock, got a bit of soul! Highly recommended.

Heartstrings: Visualizations for Pregnancy

Average customer rating:

Excellent Pregnancy Relaxation CD
A soon-to-be Mother's MUST!!
good for bedrest
Very relaxing
Love it!

Heartstrings: Visualizations for Pregnancy
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sound Beginning, LLC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Mozart for Mothers-To-Be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child
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Meditations for Pregnancy: 36 Weekly Practices for Bonding with Your Unborn Baby
Health Journeys: Meditations to Support A Healthy Pregnancy & Successful Childbirth (Health Journeys)
Divine Delivery - Guided Meditations for Pregnancy and Childbirth

ASIN: B000F2BWNC
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

At Peace
Relaxed Affirmation
At Peace Affirmation
The Mountain
Safe Affirmation
Powerful Affirmation
Stable Affirmation
Heartstrings
Love Flows Affirmation
My Baby Affirmation
The Peaceful Sea
Strong Affirmation
Supported Affirmation
At Peace (instrumental)
The Mountain (instrumental)
Heartstrings (instrumental)
The Peaceful Sea (instrumental)

Product Description

Heartstrings: Visualizations for Pregnancy is a program of music-evoked visualizations specifically created for use during the prenatal period. Each visualization and spoken affirmation was carefully created by Board Certified Music Therapists to induce a peaceful and relaxed body/mind/spirit connection. When used in conjunction with regular prenatal medical care, a woman can feel confident she is providing the optimal environment for her baby's health and development.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Pregnancy Relaxation CD.......2007-04-11

I bought this CD to practice relaxation in order to prepare for a natural childbirth. It was toward the end of my pregnancy but I listened to it almost daily and really enjoyed it. It is calm, not annoying, and I liked the verbal imagery the lady uses. I was indeed able to have a natural childbirth. It is definitely worth getting during pregnancy. I plan on using it in the future and even think I'll use it right now with my newborn when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Great CD.

A soon-to-be Mother's MUST!!.......2007-02-16

I was given this CD as a gift, and I call it my "God-sent gift" because it helped me overcome all of the "fears" I had about becoming a new Mommy. The meditations helped me focus on my breathing, and I remembered the music and visualizations as I was going through labor. When my baby was very young, she hated travelling in the car...I play Heartstrings and it calms her (and I) down immediately!!

good for bedrest.......2007-01-08

I bought this cd for my wife because the doctor put her on bedrest and said she needed to reduce stress. She says it was a great support for a difficult pregnancy.

Very relaxing.......2006-06-03

This program has saved my sanity! I've been using these meditations for about 4 weeks and already I can feel a positive effect in my mood and stress level. I didn't know what to expect when I bought it, but after a few days of doing one meditation plus a couple of affirmations every morning and night, I was hooked. The music is pretty and melodic, and the voice is friendly and soothing. When I use this CD I feel like I'm being proactive in the healthy development of my baby. I highly recommend buying this CD and making the committment to yourself to take 5 or 10 minutes out of every day to bond with your baby. It's made my pregnancy experience much happier and less stressful!

Love it!.......2006-05-13

Using this CD throughout my pregnancy really helped me relax and made it easier to deal with all the stress in my everyday life. The underlying music is really nice - it's not too "new-agey" like a lot of those other guided meditation CDs on the market. Also, the guided visualizations are short enough that you can do one or two a day without having to take too much time out of a busy schedule. I love this CD and recommend it to all my friends who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant.

Average customer rating:

Could have been better
Very Good
Absorbing and engaging album!
middle of the road
Smoothjazz.com Review

Love Coloured Soul
Ken Navarro
Manufacturer: Positive Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Pacific Coast Highway
It's on Tonight
Got It Goin' On
The City
Flipside

ASIN: B000787ZSK
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

You Are Everything
You Did It Again
Glass Dolphins
Stoned Soul Picnic
Love Coloured Soul
Breathe
Parallel Lives
Gentle Soul
Let It Go
Summer Of Love

Customer Reviews:

Could have been better.......2007-05-10

After the two Shanachie releases i was overjoyed to see the acoustic wizard return to his in house production with the only final critic being his fine self.Expected more and received it in abundance on latest release "The Meeting place".I do understand that those not familiar with previous works will not understand what the hell i'm on about and find this album perfectly acceptable. Acceptable it is The Meeting Place it is not.

Very Good.......2007-01-18

This is the first CD I've bought of his. The music and writing was very good. All tracks except for Stone Soul, are original, which I prefer. Very mellow, laying around the house groovin, sort of music. :)

Absorbing and engaging album!.......2006-09-24

Ken Navarro achieved a particular place among his enormous discography with this special smooth jazz music box. The formidable arrangements and engaging lyrics make of this album an original proposal at the moment to decide oneself to acquire a smooth jazz album with imagination and refined taste.

middle of the road.......2006-09-16

Not bad.... not bad. But not really something I'd run out to the store for if I heard any one of those songs somewhere on the radio. Solid musical work, nice arrangements - just very, very predictable and not awfully original. Doesn't even come close to Ken's "Island life" album.

Smoothjazz.com Review.......2005-01-26

Ken has outdone himself on his latest project, which was created innovatively and interactively through his website, www.kennavarro.com . LOVE COLOURED SOUL contains no compromises...no filler...it's quality we've come to expect from Ken Navarro's guitar-work and production standards, but now even more evolved and nuanced. He's been a part of this music genre since before it was even called Smooth Jazz, and if anyone knows how to hit the mark in this format, it's Ken Navarro. The music on LOVE COLOURED SOUL is consistently solid from the first note to the last of eight compelling originals and two well-chosen and beautifully crafted covers (Laura Nyro's "Stoned Soul Picnic" and John Klemmer's lovely "Glass Dolphins"). Of the originals, "You Are Everything" has that Smooth Jazz hit sound to it, with Ken's signature guitar sound starring in a beautifully produced setting. Ditto for "You Did It Again" (with the addition of Rob Holmes' tasty soprano sax work) and the compellingly rhythmic "Breathe." This is another superb collection of radio-friendly hits that will gain a healthy share of air time throughout the coming new year. If you're already a Ken Navarro fan, as I am, and own some, if not all, of Ken's other 15 albums...his new one is a no-brainer. If you have yet to own a Ken Navarro album, then you need to start someplace. LOVE COLOURED SOUL is unquestionably that place! ~Scott O'Brien

Average customer rating:

My Favorite Acoustic Alchemy Recording
Probably the most soothing Acoustic Alchemy album
A Bittersweet Release
BEST EVER !!!!!
First encounter

Positive Thinking
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
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The Beautiful Game
Back on the Case
Red Dust & Spanish Lace
Reference Point
Against the Grain

ASIN: B000006NGP
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

Passionelle
Rainwatching W.I.
Cadaques
The Five Card Trick
Positve Thinking
The Better Shoes
Vapour Trails
Augustrasse 18
Time Gentlemen Please
Limited Excess

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite Acoustic Alchemy Recording.......2007-05-14

I have a number of Acoustic Alchemy recordings in my collection. (Why stop with one? :) This is probably my first and is certainly my favorite. This music carried me through many dark days several years ago when my depression was at its worst.

When the darkness threatened, I could plug in my headset and set my iPod to play AA music. The ebb and flow of their work was a welcome distraction. The work is always excellent and the recordings are well engineered. The band is tight and hanging in the pocket.

I love the mix of instruments and that they change guitars now and again. There is something about instrumental music when it is well-executed that is special. Instead of listening to a lyric, one listens to the flow of melody and the interaction of melody with harmony and support. At least I do.

If you have any Acoustic Alchemy but don't own this recording, add it to your collection. If you're new to Acoustic Alchemy, then this is a good recording to try. I'd also suggest Red Dust and Spanish Lace. It's good too.

Probably the most soothing Acoustic Alchemy album.......2005-11-16

Acoustic Alchemy founding member Nick Webb died before Positive Thinking was completed, and that had to have influenced the album. Every track is gentle or noticeably sad, or both. It doesn't have the energy or edge that many other Acoustic Alchemy albums (such as Arcanum, Red Dust and Spanish Lace, and Reference Point) have, but it may make good relaxation music. The best tracks are probably "The Five Card Trick" and "Positive Thinking."

A Bittersweet Release.......2004-04-30

Greg Carmichael and Nick Webb made a lot of great music during the years they worked together. Positive Thinking was slated to be their 10th collaboration. Unfortunately, as many of us know, Nick Webb died as this album was being put together, so it was left to John Parsons to fill Webb's very big shoes. Though Webb was not around to play on the CD, he was able to share in the compositions and arrangements. Long-time Acoustic Alchemy fans will be able to feel his touch as they listen through, and that makes this a very bittersweet release indeed.
What's not to like here? The band is tight and inspired, seemingly coming together flawlessly in Webb's memory. For my taste, favorites include the languid Rainwatching W.I.; the Spanish-tinged Cadaques; The Five Card Trick, Auguststrasse 18; and the laid-back jazzy Time Gentlemen Please.
It is unfortunate but inevitable that the band went off in a new direction following the issue of Positive Thinking. Yet its a miracle under the circumstances that this project did not fall through. This is one Acoustic Alchemy CD that should be on every fan's shelf, both for the quality of the music and as a tribute to the power of Nick Webb's positive thinking and determination to see it through.

BEST EVER !!!!!.......2003-11-25

I am a long time Acoustic Alchemy fan and no matter what album I am listening to, I always go back to this CD. I never get tired of it. I think with Nick Webb being so ill during the recording of this CD, made it very meaningful to the entire band. My favorites are "Five Card Trick" and "Passionelle". There is not one song on the entire CD that I skip over. I highly recommend to any smooth jazz fan !!!!!!

First encounter.......2002-12-24

This was my first encounter with Acoutic Alchemy and it gave me a feeling I had not experienced in while. I could not decide what 'type' of music this way. I wanted to say Jazz, but when I listened to some of their other stuff, I realize they are not a jazz band. It was kind of a blend of alternative music, Jazz and county kinda fused together. I love this CD, though I don't really think this band is my everyday style of music. I recommend Postive Thinking..oh yeah, the CD too!

Average customer rating:

Once you hear them your hooked!
Nice
A long, long wait has paid off
still rumbling along
This is real music from inside America!

Positive Friction
Donna the Buffalo
Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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

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

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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

Life's a Ride
Rockin' in the Weary Land
Wait Til Spring
Mule to Ride
Live from the American Ballroom

ASIN: B00004TDPC
Release Date: 2000-07-17

Tracks:

No Place Like The Right Time
Movin' On
Yonder
Riddle Of The Universe
Front Porch
In Another World
Revolution
Family Picture
Positive Friction
Man Of Constant Sorrow
I Wish You Love
Arrows Pointing Sideways
Your Way Home

Amazon.com

Roots-rockers Donna the Buffalo count both Bob Marley and Ralph Stanley as major influences. It's a tribute to the band's musicianship and to the songwriting talents of Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear that they are able to blend such disparate styles into a cohesive whole. On "Yonder," for example, the sound of Nevins's Appalachian fiddle and slightly nasal country voice soar over the driving drum and wah-wah guitar groove as if it is the most natural thing in the world. And their mournful version of "Man of Constant Sorrow" is such a surprisingly perfect blend of tropical island rhythms and old-time mountain harmonies, you wonder if Ralph Stanley might have spent some time as a member of the Wailers. But for all of their contemporary genre-bending, Positive Friction has an earthy feel that makes you realize they are just an old-time string band who have picked up a few tricks to help them survive in the modern world. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Once you hear them your hooked!.......2006-07-29

I first heard No Place Like the Right Time two years ago on a college radio station from Hartford, CT WWUH. I just had to know who this was singing this wonderful song. Luckily WWUH can be heard on the internet [...] and I was able to get the playlist that morning. I immediately bought Positive Friction and after listening to the album, I had to have it all.
I am now a 100% devoted DTB fan and I can't get enough. I am eagerly awaiting their next album. If you have the opportunity to see them live you will be totally mistified as I was at the Rhythym and Roots Festival where I first saw them. They are by far the best fun band out there right now in my opinion.

Nice.......2006-03-20

Ilove this cd. I love her voice! what a good kick back, kinda mellow, kinda groovy music. I would love to see these guys live.

A long, long wait has paid off.......2003-02-04

I first saw this band at Riverbend in Chattanooga and my cynical musical heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe I was hearing music this original, this fun, this RIGHT. I am a wandering pilgrim of a Deadhead, and I have been so disappointed in all the vane attempts other bands have made to try to capture that musical magic that it has left me wondering if there was any music out there that would ever grab my attention again. Phish was sophomoric and forgettable, ditto moe., Widespread Panic completely escaped me, etc. etc. These bands would pop up on the horizon, offer lame lyrics and forgettable monotonous melodies, and I wondered if any band could get it right. Well, Donna the Buffalo got it right.

This is a great album to start with, in my opinion. I did, and I'm a serious fan now. The music is so incredibly addictive and listenable that it didn't leave my CD player for weeks after I got it. They can (gasp!) write gorgeous melodies!! They can (imagine!) construct interesting and poetic lyrics that actually make sense! I couldn't believe my ears. Music I hummed again, all day long. Little turns of phrase that crept into my speech and thoughts. What a refreshing thing.

Try this band out on this or any other of their discs. This one is as good as any. But I've never heard a band (except for one) that had this much quality stuff to lay on the table. Enjoy, and eat hearty.

still rumbling along.......2001-12-21

I'm going to disagree with my fellow Rochesterian and say that this is a good DTB album with which to start, if you haven't heard them before. It was recorded live in the studio, so it managed to capture the headlong-but-relaxed feel of their live shows better than any previous album.

The title cut, "Positive Friction", is one of the best Jeb Puryear songs yet. He generally comes up with at least one anthemic epic per album (e.g., "Conscious Evolution" on Rockin' in the Weary Land and "Mystic Water" on The Ones You Love) and this is the brawniest one yet.

In this band Tara writes the pop songs and Jeb writes the rock songs. They are both excellent songwriters and the polarity of their styles is part of what broadens the appeal of the band and also creates the tension that is at least part of what makes their live shows worth seeing.

DTB beat the Coen Brothers to the punch with their re-recording of "A Man of Constant Sorrow" and Jim Miller does as good a job with the song as Norman Blake did on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

Check out DTB's website to pick up their new double live CD. Then you will *really* know what all the fuss is about.

This is real music from inside America!.......2001-08-23

Donna the Buffalo are like Dylan meets the Wailers via Louisiana and Appalachia. On this record, they manage to capture almost perfectly the wonderful, warm, homey rhythm that is really their main appeal. I don't care for most "jam" type music, but the thing that makes this music irresistable is the fact that the deep grooves and improvisational parts never lose the sense of the main tune that everything is built around. The music is, on some level, always pretty. It is also an ineffable combination of so many American genres of music that fans of country, reggae, rock, any branch of American folk music, and zydeco music will all find something familiar.

Now, about "Positive Friction" in particular: Donna the Buffalo is a band to hear live. That's the truth. BUT this album does manage to translate the energy and sound of the band live into very enjoyable snapshots. All of the elements are there, and it is hard to pick out a standout song. "No Place Like the Right Time" mixes a rich sense of harmony with a kind of country wistfulness that contrasts nicely with Tara Nevins' other more groove-based songs on the record. "Positive Friction" is a good example of the band's really striking sense of rhythm that encorporates a tonal breadth. With a booming bass guitar note marking the beginning of each chorus and the higher sounds of the washboard mixing with the drums, the beat of this song is as important and as recognizable as the tune itself.

Amazon.com

Refusing to fit any molds either the mainstream or Christian music community might have in mind for her, Ashley Cleveland is one of the strongest and most righteous voices on the face of modern pop music. Cleveland has won multiple Grammy and Dove awards and toured with John Hiatt, but Second Skin, her fifth album, is her most ambitious and gritty recording to date. The release includes take-no-prisoner rockers, sweet pop tunes, soulful ballads, and slow-burning blues songs, plus splendid hybrids of them all. Her voice is smooth, strong, and incredibly expressive, adaptable to a wide array of song styles. She might remind you of Melissa Etheridge on one song, Bonnie Raitt on another, and Sheryl Crow on the next, but mostly she'll just remind you of herself. Cleveland smartly retools Hiatt's "Riding with the King" in a manner that implicitly replaces its original subject--Elvis--with Jesus Christ, while her covers of Tom Waits and Neil Young are irresistibly straightforward. Her own songs, especially "Wired" and "Don't Let Me Fall," reveal grace, humility, and courage. Now this is how rock gospel oughta sound! --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

The Ashley Cleveland Album I've been waiting 10 years for..........2005-01-21

If you've ever seen Ashley Cleveland in concert you know she puts on a passionate, energetic show and always leaves you challenged. I've got all of Ashley's projects and this is the first album that truly captures her live essence. There isn't a filler track on this album. Tracks like LIFE IS WAR and THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE show that Ashley is still not afraid to tackle subjects most in the genre won't even brush upon. This is one of the best projects of 2002 and should be in every music lovers collection.

Best Artist You Never Heard Of.......2004-04-13

Ashley Cleveland is one of those rare artists that just keeps getting better and better. She keeps turning our projects that are true to herself and not mainstream radio. The best part is that instead of running out of creative steam she is just getting stronger with every album.
Second skin seems like the strongest project yet. Somehow she has managed to keep her unique voice while experimenting with some new sounds in the studio. When I listen to this CD it is as if she is performing in the studio and I'm sitting in the control booth listening. It sounds so intimate that if you close your eyes its as if she is singing right to you.
If you are tired of weak whispy singers that dont sound as if they are sure of themselves then Ashley Cleveland is the antidote. She writes great songs and has the talent to sing them like she means them.
This is a must have CD....it just gets better with every listen.

Ashley does it again.........2002-08-30

Ashley Cleveland creates another musical masterpiece with her first studio album since 1995's "Lesson of Love". Although loved by many, there were complaints that "Lesson" didn't rock hard enough. Well, "Second Skin" definitely takes care of that. The hard-edged guitar work and production of Kenny Greenberg contribute to Ashley's hardest album since "Big Town". Combine that with the more faith-based lyrics of "Lesson Of Love", and you get a little glimpse of what "Second Skin" is like. Tracks that are not to be missed: the rocking "Power Of Love", excellent cover of "Riding With The King", "Broken Places" featuring guest vocals by Jennifer Knapp, the bluesy "What It Takes", and superb "Life Is War".

Ashley Rocks...Inspires....Brings Hope!!!.......2002-08-24

RUN, don't walk to go get Second Skin -- right now! The really cool thing about this record is that it's got blues, rock, folk, funk and gospel goin' on. Ashley has a voice that's got a range and a passion like no one else on the scene. She's as passionate as Aretha Franklin or Tina Turner.

This Amazon.com review above says it well, you know, this is truly how Rock Gospel ought to sound! If you are looking for excellence in Christian music, this is it. It's got to be one of the finest Rock/Gospel releases I've heard this year. Great CD for your car, (try not to blow your speakers out!)
I think this is Ashley's finest hour, it's clear this was a labor of love, the lyrics are amazing like this from the rock-out song "Power of Love"
Well I know that I can never be thankful enough/
How you turned me around with all of that love/
You set the edges of the sea/
It's a wonder that You ever even thought about me/

There's an awesome retake on John Hiatt's "Riding with the King" Some amazing guitar work by her husband, Kenny Greenberg and Jennifer Knapp joins her on one song. "Land of the Living" is a great song. I could go on and on but there isn't one bad apple in the whole bunch!

Cleveland, an awesome acoustic guitarist, has two Grammy awards to her credit, and there's a real winner here too. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Now y'all go get you some.

Average customer rating:

Positive Energy

A Star is Rising

Positively Love Positive Energy!

steve is good.

Brilliant,Masterful,Iam jumping for Joy!WOW!

Positive Energy
Steve Oliver
Manufacturer: Native Language
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

3D

Radiant

First View

White Sand

The Meeting Place

ASIN: B000067F79
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

High Noon
Positive Energy
Right Direction
Ocean Blue
Festevo
Show You Love
Day's End
Horizon
Mr. Hipster
Come On Home
Horizon (reprise)
Show You Love (instrumental version bonus track)

Album Description

The follow-up to Steve Oliver's award-nominated debut album, "Positive Energy" takes a cue from Steve's enlightening and energetic persona with exciting Smooth Jazz and Instrumental Pop nuggets that feature Steve's unique style of vocalese and guitar work. Steve's blend of acoustic guitar in the style of Peter White fuses with his one-of-a-kind vocal sounds and scats to create a truly memorable experience. On "Positive Energy," Steve delves deeper into his passions for Latin and R&B music, and incorporates his trademark and crowd-pleasing wordless vocals into each of the 12 original tracks. Together, with Steve's dynamic band and a great cast of special guests, including Spyro Gyra keyboardist and co-founder Tom Schuman, bass phenom Brian Bromberg, saxophonist and labelmate Jeff Kashiwa, and saxophonist Brandon Fields, the elements are in line truly to create his best work yet.

His 1999 debut "First View" was nominated for an AFIM (Association For Independent Music) Indie Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Recording. The album earned Steve the distinction of "Debut Artist of the Year" from Smooth Jazz News.

Customer Reviews:

Positive Energy.......2007-03-26

This is great for my long drive into work. No more "road rage" A very soothing listen.

A Star is Rising.......2003-07-24

I had never heard of Steve Oliver before he came to Harrisburg, Pa., as part of a musicfest along the river. Within minutes of listening, I was hooked. What a fresh sound! It's smooth jazz with a Latin twist, a little funk, a hint of George Benson, a dose of Al Jarreau-like instrument impersonation, some old-jazz scatting and some beautiful sounds that I can't even label. Steve's voice has tremendous range and versatility. His guitar-playing is beyond a talent -- it's a gift. I've never heard quite the sound and style he's come up with.
Needless to say, I immediately ordered Steve's second album, "Positive Energy," and it is fantastic -- one of the best collections I've heard in years. There's not a weak cut out of 12. I can't think of any other album I can say that about. The title cut is great, but I dare anyone to listen to "Show You Love" without tapping his/her feet.
If this young fellow doesn't become a star, it'll be hard to believe. I'm going to do my part by ordering his first album, "First View," right now and watching for everything new he comes out with. I should also mention that I got to briefly talk to Steve after his hard-working Harrisburg performance and found him to be kind and humble. Can you tell I'm sold?

Positively Love Positive Energy!.......2003-03-14

Do you like contemporary jazz guitar? Do you love it? Then you'll positively love this CD. One of the best contemporary jazz guitar featured CD's I've heard all year. And, if you're like me and you check out the liner notes, you'll see that Steve O has some very talented players backing him up:Will Donato, Steve Reid, Jeff Kashiwa, Dave Kochanski, Tony Guerrero, Brandon Fields, and Tom Schuman. Most of the tracks are uptempo, including the radio cut "High Noon", the title track "Positive Energy", and the Tom Schuman featured "Festivo". The slower tracks are smooth and mellow, ("Horizon" and "Ocean Blue") without having the snooze factor found in most smooth jazz radio friendly songs. Add this CD to your collection. You can thank me later.

steve is good........2003-02-12

this is real music. he is a real artist. i like him.
you ought to buy this CD. really.

Brilliant,Masterful,Iam jumping for Joy!WOW!.......2003-01-18

Ladies and gentlemen,Iam dancing,jumping,shouting,smiling,totally overwhelm with joy,happiness and positive energy.Who is this guy,i have never heard of him before until listening to my smooth jazz station.I literally drove miles to find his cd...then of course i place it into my audiophile system and WOW..iam jumping out my seat banging my head into my 14feet ceiling.I have since them played this cd in 3 different cd players to fully enjoy every aspect of its raw beauty.For the record,his name is STEVE OLIVER,as an authority on this type of music,i insist that you find this album NOW.

Average customer rating:

Soulfull, slightly jazzy
Simply disappointing! I don't recommend this album to anyone!
"For This Time It Isn't Fascination Or A Dream That Will Fade And Fall Apart"
Great!
Manna from Heaven!

Accentuate the Positive
Al Jarreau
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
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All I Got
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This Time

ASIN: B000244O1U
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Tracks:

Cold Duck
The Nearness Of You
I'm Beginning To See The Light
My Foolish Heart
Midnight Sun
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
Betty Bebop's Song
Waltz For Debby
Groovin' High
Lotus
Scootcha-Booty

Amazon.com

Al Jarreau's style bridges Jon Hendricks's vocalese and Bobby McFerrin's incredible flights of fancy. This CD, with Diana Krall's rhythm section--guitarist Anthony Wilson, drummer Peter Erskine, and bassist Christian McBride--should please fans of albums like Jarreau's phenomenal 1977 live LP, Look to the Rainbow. Duke Ellington's "I'm Beginning to See the Light" is illuminated by Larry Goldings's down-home Hammond organ, while Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun" bops with hip-hop-friendly rim shots. Jarreau's tenor tones curve with saxophonic dexterity and pulse with percussive precision, especially on Dizzy Gillespie's "Groovin' High," where he slyly drops in a few words from the old show tune, "Whispering." --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Soulfull, slightly jazzy.......2007-04-08

Such a great talent when it comes to melody, married to harmony and rhythm, Jarreau usually choses to stick to the corny arrangements and lazy rhythms, even when performing songs that really yearn for some of his old "Better than anything" magic...

Only on few songs, such as the title cut of this album, he gives a small taste of what he is capable of (most of the repertoire of modern jazz + occasional old fashioned blues inflection are at his disposal)...

It is not un entirely unpleasant CD (far from it), but it definitely is disappointingly drowsy and uneventful for such a potentially great and mostly wasted vocal artist.

Simply disappointing! I don't recommend this album to anyone!.......2006-11-15

It seems that all the energy, the "music stamina" Al Jarreau had, is definitely gone. I waited until I could read all the comments on this album, then bought it. Wasted money! If you're expecting to find more of the magnificent Jazz & Pop exercises Al Jarreau did in "Breakin' Away", "Jarreau" or "L Is For Lover", just forget it...!!! This album is for dark-Jazz & Blues fans only. Anyway, Jarreau's voice sounds simply murky and boring.

"For This Time It Isn't Fascination Or A Dream That Will Fade And Fall Apart" .......2006-06-25

"Tons and tons of thanks to Susan and Ryan, my wife and son, co-captains of the `A-Team' and both sharing the MVP Award (Congratulations, Mr. Jarreau, for garnering this prestigious award). They continue to buoy me up, take up the slack, and watch my back while cheering and bootin' me in the butt. Picturing that is hard to do, but they do it and it's priceless. Thank you dear Susan and Ryan. ~ Al Jarreau ~

This is one of the greatest and best-ever jazz albums of all-time and it's to-die-for every time I listen to it especially tracks two, four and five. Al Jarreau has been one of the exceptional jazz artists in my list of favorites. My stunning sister, Debbie, who's in her forties (but looks half her age) with a model-like figure who was once a piano teacher and has an exquisite taste not only in music, but everything else, introduced me to Al Jarreau's music in the eighties thru one of his earliest recordings, "Breakin' Away" and from that point on, I was hooked with Mr. Jarreau's kind of music and his extraordinary vocal artistry. My top favorites from among his many hits are "Wait For The Magic," "Try A Little Tenderness," "Ain't No Sunshine," "After All," "Mornin'," "Since I Fell For You," "My Favorite Things" and "Teach Me Tonight." I can't wait to be at his concert with another great jazz artist, George Benson, at the Hollywood Bowl this August.

The charmer on this CD is Victor Young and Ned Washington's "My Foolish Heart." I have always loved this song and his interpretation is so sublime, his vocals soft and mellow and its Bossa Nova arrangement is so pleasing to my ears! Listen to it and you'll definitely agree with me that it's the best track of all. It starts off with a beautiful piano intro by Larry Williams who is also the arranger on this gem of a song and most of the tracks as well. It also features Anthony Wilson on guitar, David Carpenter on bass, Peter Erkstine on drums and Luis Conte on percussion.

"For this time it isn't fascination
or a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love
my foolish heart."

The rest of my top favorites are Johnny Mercer, Sonny Burke and Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun," which highlights the hauntingly beautiful harmonica playing of Tollak Ollestad, Hoagy Carmichael and Ned Washington's "The Nearness of You," Duke Ellington/Don George/Johnny Hodges/Harry James' "I'm Beginning To See The Light," Dizzy Gillespie and Al Jarreau's "Groovin' High" and last but not least, the song that I dedicate to my sister, Bill Evans and Gene Lees "Waltz For Debby." Thanks so kindly my beautiful sister! You really got an ear for good music.

Listen to this CD and enjoy the magic of Al Jarreau's extraordinary vocal artistry and the exceptional musicianship of his band: Larry Williams (keyboards/arranger), Christian McBride & David Carpenter (bass), Anthony Wilson (guitar), Mark Simmons & Peter Erkstine (drums), Luis Conte (percussion), Keith Anderson (sax), Russel Ferrante (piano), Tollak Ollestad (harmonica) and Larry Goldings (organ). Did I miss anybody?

Music to enjoy for a lifetime!

Great!.......2006-01-21

This Ripon College graduate never fails to come up with quality CD's. "Accentuate the Positive" is a treat from a musician who is still growing in many ways.

Manna from Heaven!.......2005-09-01

I picked this CD out of my mailbox at 2 pm today, it is now midnight and I am still listening to it! Thank goodness for that repeat button. "Betty Bebop's Song" is a poignant tribute to songbird Betty Carter. "Midnight Sun" - what can I say? I had to play that one alone for a couple of hours. Tollak Ollestad on harmonica had me thinking Toots, very lazy, extremely sensuous (Dee Dee Bridgewater also does a steamy rendition on "Dear Ella"). This CD has opened my eyes to some older material, i.e., "Accentuate the Positive" - who'd a thunk it? Absolutely fabulous as only the inimitable Jarreau could accomplish such a feat! "I'm Beginning to See the Light" - Larry Goldings and Anthony Wilson definitely get it together and AJ does it so effortlessly (for him). I did, however, think I was about to hear "You Don't See Me" when "Groovin' High" started, but after the intro, that thought was no longer . . . . If you are a serious Jarreau fan, DO NOT WASTE ANOTHER MOMENT, pure heaven. . . Amen

Average customer rating:

TYA, the generic version
Underrated...to me
BGO remastering for Positive Vibrations
Good cd
POSITIVELY ROCKS

Positive Vibrations
Ten Years After
Manufacturer: Chrysalis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

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Rock & Roll Music to the World
Recorded Live
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Ssssh
A Space in Time

ASIN: B0001CTJQS
Release Date: 2004-03-15

Tracks:

Nowhere to Run
Positive Vibrations
Stone Me
Without You
Going Back to Birmingham
It's Getting Harder
You're Driving Me Crazy
Look into My Life
Look Me Straight into the Eyes
I Wanted to Boogie

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Re-issue of Alvin Lee and Company's Last Studio Album for Chrysalis that was Originally Released in 1974.

Customer Reviews:

TYA, the generic version.......2006-07-24

'Positive Vibrations' was released in 1974 as the last studio album from Ten Years After. The band had an incredible run of eleven excellent albums. In the same year that 'P.V.' appeared on the shelves, Alvin Lee released a double vinyl disc with a collection of musicians known to him affectionately as "and company". That album lacked the classic Ten Years After sound that Lee's fan base had grown accustomed to, yet revealed Lee's composing prowess was anything but exhausted. In contrast, 'P.V.' possesses the superficial sound of TYA, but absent the composing genius that had continued into their previous studio album, 'Rock and Roll Music To The World', and the fire of their 'Recorded Live' 1973 release.

The title track from 'P.V.' is one of only two highlights on the disc, and even that song gives one the feeling that you've checked into a psychiatric hospital and the staff is trying to calm you down. The track does possess some interesting ponderings, such as Lee's complaint about "too many wonderers, ponderers and squanderers are wondering, pondering and squandering". Images like that may in themselves drive you crazy, if the rest of the disc doesn't. While Alvin and his fellows work hard to recreate the TYA formula for success, throwing in good-time rock & roll ('Going Down To Birmingham', complete with lyrics like "boom, boom, boom, boom", and "say hey, hey, hey, baby"), a lengthy, thoughtful epic ('Look Me Straight Into the Eyes', at 6:18 the longest excursion on the disc), a laid-back acoustic love ballad ('Without You', even with its dubious lyrics, such as, "I'm just like a grave without the flowers..."), a nod to the band's nodding off, drug enthused chapter ('Stone Me', which announces, to no one's surprise "I can't deny... I'm high"), and a Bob Seger 'Katmandu' redeux, 'You're Driving Me Crazy'. 'It's Getting Harder' brings in some horns to spice up the night, and a couple funky rock tracks with decent riffs (no surprise there) can be found in the opener, 'Nowhere To Run' and 'Look Into My Life', with lyrics harkening to '50,000 Miles Beneath My Brain'.

The best song on the disc turns out to be the closer, however... which gives us something positive besides the previous vibrations to remember the band by. While 'I Wanted To Boogie' may seem like faux-boogie at first glance, there's some sweet pickin' and interestin' lyrical work going on here. It's the one song on the disc where Alvin really churns convincingly on his e-lectric geetar. And with each verse beginning with "Well I wanted to boogie...", and finishing with entertaining mantra's such as "... but I wasn't sure if I wanted what you wanted me for", the song gets your foot to tappin' and you're brain cells firin'. Really too bad the rest of the album can't cook like that. I guess 'P.V.' retired the band in the same way all too many of our favorite entertainers, sports stars, and generals exit our lives... they just fade away. This one is for hard-core fans and completists only. I considered giving the disc two stars, but let's add one as a "thanks for the memories" to Alvin Lee, Chick Churchill, Ric Lee, and Leo Lyons. Thanks for the positive vibrations, men!

Underrated...to me.......2006-06-28

When I was a kid (this was in the early 90s) I was something of a classic rock junkie. My Dad gave me all his old records and I was in hog heaven. I'd spend my $5 allowance per week on 50 cent albums at thrift stores and used book stores. I loved the Beatles especially but would even buy albums by Journey, Bob Seger, The Eagles, and others if they were cheap enough. I liked them well enough but they were cheap and, more importantly, MUSIC, so I loved it.

My Dad had Positive Vibrations in his library and I found it when I was young. This is not their most popular release, but I'm very glad my Dad had it (he became a fan of the band after their awesome performance at Woodstock and their hit A Space In Time album). I used to pretend that I had a radio station back then and I'd pick a few choice cuts to put in regular rotation. My favorite on this one was the title cut. The lyrics, in retrospect, are kind of lame, but the chord progression and melody are classic, just totally fantastic. I wonder if Positive Vibrations is a play on Good Vibrations...

My other favorite cut on this album was Look Into My Life, which features better lyrics and a great riff that is expounded upon very well by the insanely well done drums. Another good melody on this one, as well. Look Me Straight Into The Eyes is another highlight, featuring the band in very tight form and another driving melody.

The rest of the album is pretty good as well, comprised of 50s rock throwback sounding songs (even a great Little Richard cover) and pretty straightforward Ten Years After sounding 70s blues/rock.

I could see how some would say that TYA had run out of steam by this album, as certain parts sound like they're coasting. But that is the view of the jaded music critic; the less cynical music fan will most likely find it enjoyable and worth the money - especially if you can find it in the 50 cent bin at the thrift store!

BGO remastering for Positive Vibrations.......2005-11-22

Definitely a superior sound. Great hearing these classic TYA tracks come alive. Hit 'I Wanted to Boogie' and crank up the volume. You'll hear keyboards & cowbell percussion not noticeable on the American Chrysalis release. Enjoy.

Good cd.......2005-07-30

Not as good as rock 'n roll music to the world, but A solid effort.

POSITIVELY ROCKS.......2004-09-11

GOING BACK TO BIRMINGHAM, YOU'RE DRIVING ME CRAZY, LOOK ME
STRAIGHT INTO THE EYES, I WANTED TO BOOGIE, LOOK INTO MY LIFE,
and IT'S GETTING HARDER are all stand outs in the great tradition
of earlier TEN YEARS AFTER releases. But the band had set the bar
so high by the time of this set that it was close to impossible
to reach on a consistent basis. The remaining four songs are not
quite up to the standards these guys had set for themselves,
which is not to say they are bad songs. If they had been recorded
by any other band of the time, they may very well have been
considered album highlights.
Yes, the band was getting tired by '74 {and tired of eachother}.
Even so, they come through hard enough on this release for it
to be considered a rock classic and an essential entry into any
serious rock collection.
POSITIVE VIBRATIONS? The title almost invokes visions of a
softer, gentler TEN YEARS AFTER, but make no mistake, this c.d.
ROCKS.
Thanks, and keep rockin' to the classics.
Tom

Average customer rating:

Ken Navarro is on of the best guitar players ever!

When Night Calls
Ken Navarro
Manufacturer: Positive Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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In My Wildest Dreams
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ASIN: B000000JYW
Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

When Night Calls
My Lucky Stars
Club Midnight
Night Is Young and You're So Beautiful
Let Me Love You Tonight
Make It Rain
All the Time You Need
Can't Get Enough
Test of Time
Morning Glory

Customer Reviews:

Ken Navarro is on of the best guitar players ever!.......1999-06-11

I love the variety of guitars that Ken uses and the variety of song pacing. This is a must have for true jazz listeners.

Music Review:

Music Review

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