Essabo/Titanium [CD-single] [Import]

Essabo/Titanium [CD-single] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Essabo [Short Cut]

2. Titanium [Short Cut]

3. Essabo

4. Titanium

Tracks:

Spellbinder
Witchcraft
It Was a Very Good Year
Gypsy Queen
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)
Cheetah
My Foolish Heart
Yearning
Autumn Leaves/Speak to Me of Love

Customer Reviews:

Spellbinder.......2007-04-03

This CD does not in any way convey the excitement and dynamics of the original vinyl recording. This made the listening experience somewhat frustrating, like trying to catch the rainbow. But Gabor is, after all, Gabor. For those who dont know, he is a lyrical guitarist, with a unique style. Four stars for the content.

Spellbinding.......2007-01-09

Hungarian guitarist Gabor Szabo had a unique style that some forty years later still helps him retain a place in the lexicon of jazz. The title track "Spellbinder" features heavyweight musicians, Ron Carter on bass, Willie Bobo on percussion and the man with whom he cut his jazz teeth, Chico Hamilton on drums. The hypnotic rhythms are sustained throughout the driving song while Szabo's gypsyesque jazz guitar weaves a pulsating spell on the listener.There are a few standards here that Szabo gives the gypsy treatment to including "Autum Leaves" but "It Was A Very Good Year" is just sublime."Gypsy Queen" is a free flowing song that remindes Szabo of his days watching the gypsies dance by the firelight. The result is a mystical song that was caught on tape by the genius of engineer Bob Thiele who while the band was warming up in order to get in tune and a rhythm decided to roll tape. The result is a spontaneous jam that was named later and now part of the lore surrounding Bob Thiele. In this song you can hear the influence this song and style had on Santana, especially on his classic earl works. Some songs are time warps that should have been left in the time machine."Bang Bang"(Sonny & Cher)is a pop song given the jazz makeover but falls short with the accented lyrics sounding like they belong in a smuggled low budget Eastern-bloc movie. Dionne Warwicks "Yearning" features more singing that is really not Szabo's best musical quality."Cheetah", inspired by the N.Y disco of that era is a free flowing song that recalls mods and mini-skirts. This disc gives testament to the lyrical expression and distinctive style that was Gabor Szabo. Recommended for jazz enthuisiasts and purists alike who like music from a different era on occassion.

Quirky, but I like it.......2006-10-10

I don't know what possessed me, but I bought this album without knowing a thing about Gabor Szabo. I'm glad I did, because I have it on all the time. I find it incredibly moving. I especially like "Witchcraft" which I had never heard without the vocal before, and it's charming. Szabo's vocal on "Bang Bang" is quirky and engaging. All in all, I find the album both adventurous and mellow, and I recommend it.

Formidable........2006-07-16

Gabor Szabo had a unique and distinctive sound, love it or hate it , he influenced many successive jazz guitarists among them George Benson and Lee Ritenour. George adopted the 'clangy' metallic sound on many of his very early records and in 1976 covered a tune originally done by Gabor. (i.e."Breezin" which was incidentally written by Bobby Womack. Thanks for the reminder "theta"!)
Gabors Eastern mystical side caused him to try and emulate the sitar and to combine that sound with gypsy angular scales.I think he succeeded very well and although today he may sound dated to me he sounds unique.
It's true that his choice of tunes was a little bubblegumish but then back in 1968 even Leonard Nimoy was making records and even Joe Pass did a tribute to The Rolling Stones!
"Gypsy Queen" sums up Gabors style. Carlos Santana regards 'Spellbinder' as one of the greatest guitar albums ever and almost worships Szabo.
Back in 1970 i purchased some Gabor Szabo albums but didn't understand this mans direction until many years afterwards.
It's a cause for stumbling among many listeners today. Unless we can be transported back to 1968 we will find it difficult to appreciate the music contained here.
If you find the tunes here on this CD a little too light and wish to really hear Gabor Szabo cut loose and blow your mind try purchasing Chico Hamiltons "Man From Both Worlds" CD ...OR Gabors "In Contrast" CD where he teams up with the legendary Bobby Womack himself.

Wonderfully eclectic sensibility; unique and deeply moving playing.......2006-04-10

Take a Latin rhythm section and add a Hungarian immigrant with formal musical training and a love of Jazz and Gypsies. Then place in a recording studio in 1966 with a producer with the courage and deep pockets to let the music happen largely unplanned. Now add a touch of genius and a sprinkling of bad taste and you have Spellbinder. I have to say that I can easily forgive the vocal because it is so charming. It really is disarmingly silly. And the overdubs are out of place. BUT Spellbinder and Gypsies Queen are well worth the price of admission, and most of the other tunes are very moving as well. This is one of the most enjoyable, spontaneous and heartfelt guitar albums of the 60s. No, Gabor Szabo is not Jimi Hendrix or Johnny Smith. Let's say he is to Hendrix or Smith as Scriabin is to Brahms. It is a wild and magical trip complete with an occasional Hungarian guttural. Relax. Close your eyes. Let it happen. Take the trip.

Beethoven: Chamber Music for Horns, Wind & Strings

Average customer rating:

Very good, except for the microphone issues
Genius Made Manifest
Great Chamber Music Collection!

Beethoven: Chamber Music for Horns, Wind & Strings

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Complete Chamber Music for Flute
Beethoven: Bagatelles and Dances, Vol. 1
Beethoven: Bagatelles
Beethoven: Bagatelles & Dances, Vol. 3
Beethoven: Bagatelles and Dances, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000001448
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

Septet In E Flat Major For Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon, Op.20: Adagio - Allegro con brio
Septet In E Flat Major For Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon, Op.20: Adagio cantabile
Septet In E Flat Major For Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon, Op.20: Tempo di Menuetto
Septet In E Flat Major For Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon, Op.20: Tema con variazioni: Andante
Septet In E Flat Major For Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon, Op.20: Scherzo: Allegro molto e vivace
Septet In E Flat Major For Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Clarinet, Horn And Bassoon, Op.20: Andante con moto alla Marcia - Presto
Quintet In E Flat Major For Three Horns, Oboe And Bassoon, H.19: Allegro
Quintet In E Flat Major For Three Horns, Oboe And Bassoon, H.19: Adagio maestoso
Quintet In E Flat Major For Three Horns, Oboe And Bassoon, H.19: Minuetto
Sextet In E Flat Major For Two Horns And String Quartet, Op.81b: Allegro con brio
Sextet In E Flat Major For Two Horns And String Quartet, Op.81b: Adagio
Sextet In E Flat Major For Two Horns And String Quartet, Op.81b: Rondo

Customer Reviews:

Very good, except for the microphone issues.......2007-04-29

I really like this CD. It is a good collection of some Beethoven chamber music, which is sadly not performed enough. The Septet takes up most of the disc and is the peice that the album showcases. Personally, in my opinion, I think that the Septet is the weakest piece of the collection.

For me I feel that the wind instruments in the Septet were recorded at very close range or with sensitive microphones. I also feel that the strings were not recorded close enough. They are not quite heard as much as I would've liked. This recording does give the feeling of sitting in a big lively hall, but with the strings backstage or in a corner. For me, I actually had to strain my ears to hear them, especially in the violin cadenza in the last movement. This imbalance actually got quite annoying after a few minutes. In addition to the winds being closely recorded, the clarinet reigns supreme, being louder than every single instrument. If the strings would've been recorded close like the winds then there would be no problem.

The other two pieces are great, though the Quintet feels incomplete, which it is. The Sextet is simply amazing, displaying great technical skill needed by the horn players.

I bought this recording for the horn as I am a horn player, but I felt with the Septet there was just too much. My only real gripe about this recording is the Septet because of how the strings were miked, which is strange because the Sextet does not seem to have a string problem. Maybe they had some different people working on mike placement or maybe they fixed it, having learned that the Septet sounded odd. That being so, why did they not go back and re-record the Septet to get better quality? Naxos is usually good about their techniques, but I find this mistake very disappointing.

4 out of 5 due to the Septet.

-AL

Genius Made Manifest.......2006-04-06

Naxos' "Beethoven; Music for Horns Winds and Strings" is a phenomenal experience. The bubbling, piping, singing, nature of this music, and these instruments, is truly a delight, and whilst the mood is predominantly gleeful, amidst this joy there also lurks profundity, romance, serenity, and pathos. Beethoven did not treat these pieces as mere wallpaper music, but rather as symphonies in miniature; small orchestral works into which he poured the whole of his genius. These pieces move and progress with all the finesse, complexity and guile that we could hope for from Beethoven, and the excellent work of these first-rate musicians brings them bursting to life. The intimacy and passion of the chamber is here, alongside the sweeping movement, variation and grandness of the symphony. Unlike a previous reviewer, I find the Septet to be profoundly delightful and clever, and am willing to bet that the lion's share of listeners will join me in marveling at its beauty and ingenuity; the opening 1:40 of the first movement is particularly breathtaking. This is to take nothing from the quintet and sextet, which are luminous and thoroughly engaging as well. Sound quality is smooth and rounded, an effect (enhanced by the given instrumentation), which brings to mind the qualities of premium vinyl. The instruments don't seem to have been recorded at particularly close range, giving the listener the effect of sitting midway back in a medium-sized hall.

At times, for me at least, these pieces recall Mozart's "Gran Partita." And whilst the Mozart is focused more so upon the winds, I believe admirers of one will find much to like about the other. A superb and inexpensive recording of the "Gran Partita" can be found on the Telarc label, featuring Mackerras conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke's.

I don't fear the risk of hyperbole when I advise music lovers and admirers of Beethoven that experiencing these pieces, be it through this fine recording, or some other, is nothing short of essential.

Great Chamber Music Collection!.......2000-06-18

This recording becamse an obsession of mine. I had heard of it's existence but could never find it until about a month ago. I was so excited, being a horn player, to see the Quintet for 3 horns, oboe and basson, since it is rarely recorded. This is the highlight of the recording for me, it showcases Beethoven's absolute brilliance in writing for Winds, particularly the horn. The sextet is another favorite piece of mine, this recording being a perfect example of impeccable balance between the horns and strings. The low horn player needs to have absolute agility for this piece, and this recording shows how it is done! The Septet is played wonderfully also, but to tell the truth, is not really one of my favorite pieces. This recording is perfect for it's diversity in repetoire and the price cannot be beat!

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6

Average customer rating:

Haydn's Op 33 String Quartets
Haydn's Top 30 Quartets

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 1, No. 2 "The Joke", No. 5 "How do you do?"
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6

ASIN: B0000013YF
Release Date: 1995-01-25

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Scherzo: Allegretto
Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Finale: Rondo-Presto
Vivace Assai
Andante
Scherzo: Allegretto
Finale: Allegretto
Allegro Moderato
Scherzo: Allegretto
Largo
Finale: Presto

Amazon.com

Haydn claimed that his Op. 33 string quartets were composed in a "new and special way," and ever since musical scholars have been arguing about what he meant. Was it mere advertising, or is something different really going on? One this is certain: in place of the usual minuet movement, Haydn invented something called a "Scherzo," which means "joke" in Italian--an innovation that was immediately taken up by Beethoven and just about every composer since. These were also the string quartets that inspired Mozart to compose his great Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn, making them one of the most influential set of pieces in the history of music. Witty, sophisticated, and tuneful, the music itself is its own best advertisement. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Haydn's Op 33 String Quartets.......2007-02-19

I ordered this CD and its mate with the other three quartets of Opus 33. My interest in these six quartets was originally their importance as models for Mozart's six late quartets dedicated to Joseph Haydn. However, I discovered that these are great works on their own, in the same class as Mozart's. The differences between them show the differences in Mozart and Haydn's temperaments, rather than any difference in genius of the composer or excellence of workmanship.

The performances of the Kodaly Quartet are uniformly first-rate, and the quality of the reproduction is excellent.

Haydn's Top 30 Quartets.......2005-07-29

This is general review of the Naxos series of Haydn's string quartets.

You know the old saying, "you get what you pay for." This is usually true for sure ... but once in a while in life something comes around whose quality and value far exceed the price. Such is the case with the Naxos recordings of the Kodaly Quartet. These are performances of top caliber recorded with very good to excellent sound quality.

But, where to start with so many Haydn quartets? One suggestion is to get the Naxos SETS of these works which are an even more stellar bargin. But, if you are buying one CD at-a-time (which perhaps allows for more appreciation and slower savoring), you might focus on what is known as "Haydn's Top 30." This is a list of Haydn's quartets that are recognized by many experts as his finest: Op. 3 (no. 3,5) - Op.9 (no. 2) - Op. 17 (no. 5) - Op. 20 (no. 4,5,6) - Op. 33 (No. 2,3,6) - Op. 50 (no. 6) - Op. 54 (no. 1,2,3) - Op. 64 (all) - Op. 74 (no. 1,2,3) - Op. 76 (all) - Op. 77 (no. 1,2).

Quartets prior to Op. 17 have more of a simpler, pleasant "galante" style and are quite enjoyable for "everyday listening" ... Op. 20 sees Haydn fully in his "Storm & Stress" period with bold harmonies and dynamic rhythms ... By Op. 33 Haydn was over his pre-Romantic-era emotive composing and returned to a more lyrical style .... Op. 64 has a really gorgeous and relaxed style ... then in Op. 76 & 77 we see the pinnacle of Haydn's craft late in his life with quartets rich in intelligent construction, complex part writing and more grand 'symphonic' harmonies - part due to his writing for large London audiences. A good place to start is to get one CD each from roughly Haydn's early-middle-late periods - like Op. 3, Op. 33 and Op. 76 and see the development that occured as Haydn literally gave birth to the modern string quartet.

Another quartet with a keen affinity for Haydn is the Austrian quartet, Quatuor Mosaiques, whose vivid recordings of Op. 20, 33, 64, 76 and 77 have won critical acclaim for their in-depth readings and beautiful sound. Using period instruments, the Mosaiques' recordings in general are more dramatic in style and tone generally than the Kodaly Quartet (using modern instruments) and are considered by most to be the finest of any period-instrument quartet right now. Their award-winning Op. 20 recording is most exceptional and dramatic. But the Kodaly Quartet with their lucious, smooth-sounding Haydn recordings gets universally high marks from most reviewers and is the finest value bar none. Go for the sets for the best value.

Average customer rating:

Dreams
Gabor Szabo
Manufacturer: Skye
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music

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

Mizrab
Gabor Szabo 1969
Femme Fatale
Macho
High Contrast (Dig)

ASIN: B000O590RA
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Album Description

2007 reissue of this album from the influential guitarist. From the opening chords of 'Galatea's Guitar', it is clear this is no an ordinary Jazz album. Through the seven pieces here, the guitar is naturally at the forefront, yet the backing group is anything but secondary. For this album, his quintet (featuring guitar ace Jimmy Stewart) is augmented by Gary McFarland's fine string arrangements. The set features a nice selection of originals and pop covers. The warm tones and Eastern influences of 'Dreams' makes this one of Gabor Szabo's best albums. Skye.

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 77, Nos. 1 & 2

Average customer rating:

For $9.00 This Is a Steal!
Unsatisfactory value
Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Opus 77 No. 1 & 2

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 77, Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 71, Nos. 1-3 "Apponyi Quartets"
Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 33 "Russian", No. 3 "The Bird", 4 and 6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 76, Nos. 4, 5 and 6
Haydn: String Quartets, Op. 20 "Sun", Nos. 4-6

ASIN: B000001455
Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Allegro Moderato
Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Adagio
Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Menuetto: Presto
Quartet No. 66 In G Major, Op. 77, No. 1: Finale: Presto
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Allegro Moderato
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Menuet: Presto
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Andante
Quartet No. 67 In F Major Op. 77, No. 2: Finale: Vivace Assai

Customer Reviews:

For $9.00 This Is a Steal!.......2007-05-31

These quartets, along with op.76, were obviously a massive influence on Beethoven's op.18 set. In my opinion. they completely overwhelm Beethoven's early output as a whole and pushed Ludwig Van to achieve greatness in his middle period.

It's apparent that the reason that Beethoven couldn't learn much from his lessons with Pappa Haydn was because the latter was really busy composing some of his greatest masterpieces like these quartets and the "Creation".

The performance here is excellent, perhaps a bit trebly and refined. But most music lovers want that from the recordings of Mozart and Haydn, which is just fine. And the compositions themselves are jaw-dropping...full of fascinating complexity, pre-Romantic era tidbits (check out the remote key changes throughout), and mature wit and style.

Unsatisfactory value.......2006-05-26

The playing is certainly good, but with only 51 minutes of music, and with Naxos's new non-bargain price, this is not your best choice. Other quartet ensembles, notably the outstanding Mosaiques Quartet, includes Op. 103, Haydn's last incomplete quartet, along with the Op. 77 works. This is a logical coupling and one that you should consider.

Exploring the Haydn Quartets -- Opus 77 No. 1 & 2.......2005-02-03

Haydn composed his opus 77 string quartets (there are only two) in 1799 and dedicated them to Prince Lobkowitz, who would also become a major patron of Beethoven. They are Haydn's last completed works in this form. Together with opus 76, the opus 77 works constitute the summit of Haydn's achievement in the string quartet. These two works are closely and intricately written with detailed part writing, counterpoint, and creative use of the sonata form. They manage to be both spacious and spare in structure. Yet for all their seriousness and craft, the opus 77 quartets are a delight to hear. Haydn had the extraordinary ability to be both accessible and deep. The quartets work at the level of the musical involvement of the listener. Put another way, Haydn had the ability to convey both cheerfulness and high seriousness in his music. This ability is at its height in these two quartets. Haydn scholar Karl Geringer observed in his study of the composer that these quartets were written "when true expression seemed more important to Haydn than a perfect balance between form and content." (Haydn: A Creative Life in Music at 323)

There are not many individual recordings of the opus 77 quartets. Thus it is doubly fortunate that they are available in an outstanding reading by the Kodaly Quartet as part of its cycle of the Haydn quartets and that the CD sells for a budget price on the Naxos label.

The first quartet in G major opens with an allegro moderato featuring a lilting first theme in the violin over a brushing accompaniment. The violin and the cello soon join in a dialogue over the theme. The exposition is expansive and lengthy but detailed at the same time. After a broad development section which moves widely among different keys, the exposition returns in a much-shortened recapitulation. The second movement is an adagio in a remote key from the opening movement. It features a singing theme given to the cello, and the meditative character of the movement is punctuated by several long pauses. The movement is serene, and it glows. The third movement is a minuet, which in both this quartet and the second quartet, is brusque and rapid almost in the manner of a Beethoven scherzo. This minuet features a gypsy-like theme. The finale is a rapid, lively presto with a great deal of counterpoint and interplay among the voices. The movement is througout based on the theme announced at its opening.

The second quartet of opus 77 is in F major and strikes me as more serene than its companion. The first movement, allegro moderato, begins with a single chord which is followed by a lyrical theme, and a slower-paced secondary theme. The movement develops tension during the development which ends in a minor key before returning to the opening material. The second movement of this quartet is the minuet which, again, is quick, rough and brusque. The contrasting trio is smoother in character and is placed in the lower part of the register of the instruments. The third movement, andante, is taken at a walking pace with a theme that grows in intensity as it proceeds. After a dramatic stop, the them is repeated in the cello accompanied by a lovely filigree in the violins. The finale, vivace assai, opens with a loud unison chord followed by a quirky, gay theme that is used throught the movement and subjected to contrapuntal treatment. It reaches a large climax, pauses, and rushes on to a light, joyful close.

Haydn was a masterful composer of string quartets and these, his final efforts, are among his greatest. They constitute pure music at its best and are full of the sheer joy and craft of music-making. Those listeners who would like to enhance their enjoyment of this music by reading a short but perceptive recent appreciation of Haydn may find rewarding Terry Teachout's article, "Haydn!" in the January, 2005 issue of "Commentary".

Average customer rating:

Bobby
Smooth mind bending frets
A genre classic
Between 3 & 4 Stars - Good Gabor
Jazz or pop, it still sounds great

High Contrast (Dig)
Gabor Szabo
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bacchanal/1969
Macho
Spellbinder
Femme Fatale
The Sorcerer

ASIN: B00007KMS5
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Breezin'
Amazon
Fingers
Azure Blue
Just A Little Communication
If You Don't Want My Love
I Remember When

Customer Reviews:

Bobby.......2007-02-25

With da "help" or da touch of bobby womack, gabor give us such a
good moment of guitar jazz, it s so clear and crystal, u ll like
the purety of this album...

Smooth mind bending frets.......2006-12-27

I believe this disc in many ways was ahead of the curve or one of the forerunners of a subgenre of jazz that is now known as smooth jazz. Recorded in 1971 most pop jazz was typically pop standards reworked into a jazz idiom; George Benson's recording of Beatles songs come to mind as well as Wes Montgomery. This disc maintains true jazz integrity with improvisation yet unveils the smooth side of jazz. It is actually quite an accomplished bit of interaction by soul-ballader-singer Bobby Womack(later known for a classic of smooth jazz entitled "What You Won't Do For Love)who does not sing here but rather plays electric guitar. The distinct fret work by Hungarian Gabor Szabo is hard to describe but he bends his notes in a gypsyesque-rock-jazz style that was definitely his own style. Once you here his work you will always be able to distinguish his style.The song made famous by George Benson but written by Bobby Womack, "Breezin"(later a smooth jazz monster hit)is a song you will want to here over and over. It is so pure and perfect and the interaction by Womack and Szabo is complete harmony on guitar. Another song that is very melodic is "Azure Blue" where the guitar work by Womack reminds me of George Benson at times but the Szabo twang interacts to create an element of foreign distinction. Four of the tracks are penned by Womack including "Just a Little Communication" that features more of the duo guitarists in sync."If You Don't Want My Love" is a breezy ballad that shifts tempo but always stays on track and during certain parts sounds like Wes Montgomery. This is original music that establishes a style and receipe that others would adhere to and capitalize from years later. This is an original smooth jazz disc with attitude before their was a genre.

A genre classic.......2005-12-30

I discovered this album at Vauxhall Station in London in 1990 when I was on my way to watch some live cricket. The fact that I remember this tells you what I think of this album. I don't quite know why I like it so much. It has its bland moments and features a number of cover versions of Bobby Womack tracks but Gabor Szabo and Bobby Womack combine beautifully to create my desert island summer record. And Jim Keltner's drumming is fabulous.

I saw a bootleg copy of this in a cd shop in Pristina, Kosovo recently and asked the guy who owned the shop if he had heard it. he hadn't so he put it on. Within 5 minutes, and after the original version of Breezin' had permeated through the shopping mall two Kosovar shop owners came in and said how brilliant it was. Good enough for me.

Between 3 & 4 Stars - Good Gabor.......2005-08-27

I am a great fan of Gabor Szabo but I feel strongly that the essence of his greatest contributions to music is concentrated in the formative years when he created music like that heard on Jazz Raga and Spellbinder. So it is hard for me to give this recording the five stars those albums would always get but I definitely like a good portion of High Contrast. Every worthwhile artist tries to move along into different sounds and Gabor was always looking to mix with the popular vein to some groovy extent. I would sum this album up as some very nicely orchestrated and well played "acid jazz". The first four tracks are good to excellent, Breezin' is as nice as Benson's later interpretation. The remaining three tracks were noticeably more akin to a disco / smooth jazz sound and I lost interest pretty quickly. But it is very well done and does display a fair taste of Gabor's always unique and expressive guitar style, especially the first part of the album. I was relieved to see that Bobby Womack didn't make this into something that Gabor might not fit in with, no singing thankfully (although I am fond of some of Gabor's quirky vocalizations from the 60's), and definitely a Szabo album. Szabo fans should add this to their collection as I have. If you're new to this special musician, you may like this, High Contrast is something anybody will find pleasant if not very likeable. However, a true jazz fan will probably prefer the earlier works as I have mentioned but it isn't for everyone.

Jazz or pop, it still sounds great.......2003-06-23

Szabo is a bit hard to categorize or describe for that matter. A master with the guitar for sure, and a major influence on many others as well. His music is refined, easy to listen to and expertly done. I'm no expert but I've listened to a lot of guitarists in lots of genre's and this man has one of, if not _the_, cleanest sound I've heard. Not a note wrong and there's a sense of listening to someone who's so good they make it sound easy.

Tracks:

Femme Fatale
Zingaro
Serena
Thousand Times
Out of the Night

Customer Reviews:

The Best in Hungarian Jazz.......2005-09-23

I received the LP as a gift in 1990. The Music by Gabor Szabo was excellent. I so loved the LP that I have the CD Version. The Music was excellent. The Instrumental Duos with Chick Correa were the best. Even though this was Gabor Szabo's Last Recording, it appears to me that he went through the musical details to make a classic [as he did with his previous recordings]. This is a Classic Recording destined to last Forever.

Gabor left us far too young.......2004-03-28

Jazz guitar greats have always been in short supply. The father of the instrument was Charlie Christian who died in his early 20's, the incredible Wes Montgomery died very young, thankfully we still have the inimitable and superbly tastefull Kenny Burrell, and the fine player-vocalists George Benson and John Pizzarelli. Alas, Hungarian born Gabor Szabo died young also, but no one brought more unique expressiveness and pop excitement, and by his recordings, still does than the Gypsy man Gabor. His mystic-jazz-exotica is instantly recognizable and delicious as well. The fact is, anything he left us from the incredibly creative 60's is a delicacy still to be savored.

Average customer rating:

can be missed
Only one complaint...
Kalman Berkes is on fire!

Weber: Clarinet Works

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Stamitz:Clarinet Concertos Vol. 2
Stamitz: Clarinet Concertos, Vol. 1
Weber: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas and Trio
Brahms: Clarinet Sonata In E Flat/Clarinet Sonata In F/Schumann: Fantasiestücke,Op.73

ASIN: B00000144N
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

Clarinet Quintet In B Flat Major, Op. 34 (J. 182): Allegro
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat Major, Op. 34 (J. 182): Fantasia: Adagio ma non troppo
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat Major, Op. 34 (J. 182): Menuetto: Capriccio Presto
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat Major, Op. 34 (J. 182): Rondo: Allegro giocoso
Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet And String Quartet, Op.posth.
Grand Duo Concertant For Clarinet And Piano, Op.48 (J. 204): Allegro con fuoco
Grand Duo Concertant For Clarinet And Piano, Op.48 (J. 204): Andante con moto
Grand Duo Concertant For Clarinet And Piano, Op.48 (J. 204): Rondo: Allegro
Seven Variations On ATheme From Silvana For Clarinet And Piano In B Flat Major, Op.33 (J. 128)

Customer Reviews:

can be missed.......2005-08-16

The compostitions are pleasant enough and the playing is lively. I would agree with Mr. Hite that the reverb is excessive and would go farther and state that it spoils the whole thing.

Only one complaint..........2004-07-30

I'll get the bad stuff over with quick... the only problem I have with this CD is that there is occassionally too much reverb, and the clarity suffers. This aside, the recording is very nice.

Berkes absolutely flies on the quintet (I can't help but wonder if the last movement hasn't been sped up!). In the Silvana Variations (which can be a bit boring as written) he makes some embellishments, particularly in the slower variation, that really spice it up.

Berkes is an excellent player (I have many of his CDs and have always been impressed). For the price, this CD is a great deal. Plus, the Intro, Theme and Variations w/ String Quartet and the Silvana Variations aren't too common on recordings, so this CD is a valuable addition to your CD collection. Go for it!

Kalman Berkes is on fire!.......2001-04-14

The works on this CD are flashy, not deep. Fun, not contemplative. Weber's works are a pillar in the repertoir for virtuoso clarinet, and "virtuoso" is the word that leaps to mind upon hearing these renditions.

Berkes simply flies over the technical passages with a grace that is astounding. His articulation at high tempi is remarkable. The moderate, playful sections are imbued with humor and charm. The slow sections - while not really the point of Weber's music for clarinet - are played with pleasing warmth.

It's interesting to listen to the tone that Berkes produces. One of the finest Hungarian clarinetists, his sound is not quite as rustic as some of the Eastern European traditions. It's also not as supple as some of the traditional clarinet styles from Western nations. His sound is, while not "mainstream" in an international sence, very pleasing and utterly flawles in its consistency. But this is merely a footnote for clarinetists as the quality of Berkes' tone production is of the highest standard, making nationalistic style irrelevant to all but a few snobs.

The Auer Quartet and Naxos' own piano workhorse, Jeno Jando, are in excellent form. They strike a perfect balance between accompanying and playing out when called for. The feelings and interpretations between Berkes and the ensemble are of one mind.

Recording balance between clarinet and ensemble is likewise excellent. The overal sound has ample presence, though something is just a bit off in terms of clarity and transparency.

Tracks:

Marche militaire franse ( From Suite Algerienne, Op.60 )
Havanaise In E Major, Op. 83
Danse macabre In G Minor, Op. 40
Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
Introduction And Rondo capriccioso In A Minor Op. 28
Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 92: Andante con moto
Bacchanale From Samson And Delilah
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22: Allegro scherzando
Violin concerto No.3 in B minor, Op. 61: Andantino quasi allegretto
Le Rouet d'Omphale In A Major, Op. 31
Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78, Organ: Presto

Music Review:

Music Review

music review