Live in Bonn [Live] [Import]

live in bonn [live] [import]

Track Listings

1. It's My Life

2. Revolution Day

3. Yesterday's Heroes

4. Prelude

5. January Morning

6. Rock 'N' Roll Star

7. Song (They Love to Sing)

8. Life Is for Living

9. Marlene [from the Berlin Suite]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
2003 Release of a Live Recording of the Venerable Band as They Performed in Bonn, Germany in 2002.

Live in Bonn,Barclay James Harvest,Edel Germany,British Folk-Rock,England,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

Live in Bonn [Live] [Import]

Average customer rating:

Better than expected
Live Album
Eh
Loved it!
Great guitar

Try! John Mayer Trio Live in Concert
John Mayer Trio , John Mayer , Steve Jordan , and Pino Palladino
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Continuum
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ASIN: B000BJS4SU
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Tracks:

Who Did You Think I Was
Good Love Is On The Way
Wait Until Tomorrow
Gravity
Vultures
Out of My Mind
Another Kind of Green
I Got A Woman
Somethings Missing
Daughters
Try

Amazon.com

Longtime listeners have seen it coming: it was only a matter of time before John Mayer dropped the pop star pretense and proved he could really bring it. Chalk it up to one too many Dave Matthews comparisons, or the cupcake-sweet residue stuck to his image after the success of "Your Body Is a Wonderland"--but something convinced Mayer it was time to take him game to the next level. With help from studio pros Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, he succeeds on Try. If the muscled-up covers of Jimi Hendrix's "Wait Until Tomorrow" and Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman" don't scream "no more Mr. Nice Guy" loud enough, the brawn of blues-rock opener "Who Do You Think I Was" does for sure. Mixed in with the Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton-esque stuff are a few mellow numbers--"Daughters," most notably, returns from Heavier Things alongside "Something's Missing"--but even those songs seem hopped up on rock-God hormones. This newfound sizzle can't fix everything; that segment of the music-buying public that would accuse the singer of having a voice like "a whispering midget" (to quote a customer review of Mayer's work) won't want to add this disc to their collection. The good news for Mayer, though, is that anybody with an ear for genuine rock'n'roll chops will. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Better than expected.......2007-05-30

John Mayer does have a lot of live albums for a guy who just put out his Jr. cd this past fall. But, hey...if you have the chops, and the raw muscial talent than people will listen, even if it's the same tracks. Mostly because he's the king of creative variation. This CD is better than I expected, and more edgy than some of his past albums.
There are old favorites here, but again- he never sings the same song twice, and has a lot of fun with his music! His music is so dam good people buy cd's with the same tracks just to hear them a different way!

Live Album.......2007-05-26

This isn't the first John Mayer cd Ive bought but I think it's the best. Hearing him live is a whole new experience.

Eh.......2007-05-13

Bought this CD primarily for one song and after a month or so it's the one that I primarily listen to :) ( I got a woman)

Maybe I should have gotten it for 99c from I-tunes

Not a bad album, but not GREAT imho.

Loved it!.......2007-05-13

Wow! But I am also a John Mayer fan. I really enjoyed this CD -- great combination of his own modern style and classic rock/blues. I liked every song on the CD.

Great guitar.......2007-05-07

For those of you who, like me, first heard John Mayer as another nasally, self-indulgent pop singer, this album is a revelation: excellent blues-rock guitar throughout and passionate renditions of Mayer songs. There's a delightful cover of Hendrix's "Wait Until Tomorrow" and an equally refreshing cover of a Ray Charles song. This album made me a believer in Mayer, even though I'm a long way from his generation.

Average customer rating:

Great to Hear All those great Voices from the Past
A Good One!

Greatest Hits: Broadway

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029PM
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

Oklahoma!: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' - John Raitt/Franz Allers
On The Town: New York, New York - Michael Kermoyan/Adolph Green/John Reardon/Cris Alexander & Chorus/Leonard Bernstein
Annie Get Your Gun: I Got The Sun In The Morning - Doris Day/Franz Allers
Fiddler On The Roof: If I Were A Rich Man - Topol/Gareth Davies
West Side Story: Tonight - Larry Kert/Carol Lawrence/Max Goberman
The Sound Of Music: The Sound Of Music - Mary Martin/Frederick Dvonch
My Fair Lady: On The Street Where You Live - Jerry Lanning/Theodore Saidenberg
Annie: Tomorrow - Andrea McArdle/Peter Howard
The Music Man: Seventy-Six Trombones - The Boston Pops Orchestra/John Williams
Anything Goes: You're The Top - Eileen Rodgers/Hal Linden/Julian Stein
Bye Bye Birdie: Put On A Happy Face - Dick Van Dyke/Elliot Lawrence
Mame: Open A New Window - Angela Lansbury & Cast/Don Pippin
Strike Up The Band: Strike Up The Band - The Chestnut Brass Co.
Sweet Charity: Hey, Big Spender - Helen Gallagher/Thelma Oliver/Fan-Dango Girls/Fred Werner
Bells Are Ringing: Just In Time - Judy Holliday/Sydney Chaplin/Milton Rosenstock
Gypst: Together, Wherever We Go - Ethel Merman/Jack Klugman/Sandra Church/Milton Rosenstock
Cabaret: Cabaret - Jill Haworth/Harold Hastings
Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - The Boston Pops Orchestra/John Williams
Show Boat: Ol' Man River - William Warfield/Franz Allers
A Chorus Line: What I Did For Love - Priscilla Lopez & Cast/Don Pippin
A Little Night Music: Send In The Clowns - Glynis Johns/Harold Hastings

Customer Reviews:

Great to Hear All those great Voices from the Past.......2007-07-05

I just wanted to confirm what the first reviewer had to say about this CD. To hear Ethyl Merman, Mary Martin, Andrea McCardle etc. singing their trademark songs brought a lot of memories from the mid-centry musical theater back again. The last song by Glynis Johns is especially poignant.
You certainly can't beat the price!

A Good One!.......2006-11-10

This is a very good CD, mostly because it's the original artists. I've had some that were re-recorded by no name artists that were ghastly. This one is a really good one--including the sound quality. If I had one wish, I would wish it were longer!

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason

Average customer rating:

It's Dreamy
My Favorite Composer of all time
An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears
OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!
It's simply lovely

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Thomas Hampson , Jay Ungar , Molly Mason , Garrison Keillor , David Alpher , Mark Rust , Michael Parloff , Peter Ecklund , John Kirk , Arnold Kinsella , and Stephen Foster
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002SK7
Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

Opening Solo Violin
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Hard Times Come Again No More
The Voice Of Bygone Days
Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
That's What's The Matter
Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
Gentle Annie (1856)
Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Average customer rating:

Elton Classics Revisited
Definitive Elton John/Taupin Live Album
Remastered, But Not Improved
If I could only own one CD this would be it

Live in Australia
Elton John
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000APS3
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Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
The King Must Die
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Candle In The Wind
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Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Customer Reviews:

Elton Classics Revisited.......2007-06-28

Elton's Geffen Records contract had run its course and his old home, MCA, made him an offer he couldn't refuse. MCA also wanted to bring Elton back into prominence, to regain the respect and sales he'd accumulated in the 70's. How better to do that, then, than to revisit those early songs in a live context? Better yet, Elton enlisted the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and James Newton Howard to create a televised extravaganza with eyes towards a live album. The set list leaned heavily towards the early years (nearly half the "Elton John" album is here) and tapping some underrated songs like "Tonight" from "Blue Moves" and "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player's" "Have Mercy On The Criminal."

The orchestration is magnificent, utilizing the original Paul Buckmaster and James Newton Howard arrangements, and on CD they are absolutely majestic. Elton made one of his last forays into costume drama, showing up in full Mozart gear and powdered wig. "Live In Australia" even paved the way for "Candle In The Wind" to finally become an American hit, hitting number 6 in 1987. It is a gorgeous album, lush in sound and giving justification to all claims of the brilliance of Elton and Bernie's songwriting.

Only one problem: Elton's voice was almost shot. He was mere weeks away from major, voice threatening throat surgery and the roughness on his vocal chords shows. He can't sustain the highs and his falsetto is gone. On some of the songs, he makes up for it admirably. In fact, he sounds really good on the songs where range isn't a major requirement (like the dramatic "The King Must Die" or "Take Me To The Pilot"), but the ballads occasionally show the frayed spots (like "Tonight," where the orchestration is very Gershwinesque, or "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"). Had it not been for those moments where Elton's voice betrays him, this could have been a five-star definitive work, on a par with "Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra." While "Live In Australia" is still pretty darn good, the definitive live Elton remains the remastered "Here and There."

Definitive Elton John/Taupin Live Album.......2007-05-17

The music of Elton John and the lyrics of Taupin are showcased in this album of lush orchestral rock. The choice of songs has some of the best loved as well as some of the most underrated songs of the John/Taupin classic years.
All the songs are powerful, evoking emotions that are encouraged by the full rich sound of the orchestration. The resulting album starts off with less well known songs such as 'The Greatest Discovery' and builds to the signature tunes of 'Candle in the Wind' and 'Your Song'.
For younger fans, this is a definitive look at Elton at the peak of his career. For the older fans this is a wonderful look back at the classic years, using pivotal songs, not necessarily the most popular.
For those lucky enough to see Elton John live, this album is a treasured memory. Great live sound, combined with technically superb stagecraft.

Remastered, But Not Improved.......2007-03-16

I am a huge Elton John fan. Just saw his Captian and the Kid tour in February. Fantastic! Best 2 1/2 hour show I have ever seen. Just as good as the Fleetwood Mac 2003 Say You Will tour. Anyway, let's all just keep hoping and praying that Universal / Chronicles Music group will put out a Deluxe 2-disc set of Elton John's Live In Australia album, the complete show, including the 90 minute opening set of Elton's band without the Melbourne Symphony (check out the video of the show).

This quote "Remastered" version is no more than a re-issue by Island Records. It has no more output or better sound than my original Live In Australia issued by BMG back in 1986. Don't waste your money if you are looking for improved sound. It does have a nicer booklet and new liner notes, but that's all.

The same thing happened to me when I purchased the 2001 Island version of Elton John's Greatest Hits 1976-1986. I figured the newer version surely would sound better than the old 1992 original version. WRONG. They were exactly the same.

Now you know.

If I could only own one CD this would be it.......2007-02-22

I can listen to this CD over and over and over without getting tired of it. I just absolutely love the orchestra backing up ELton's raspy singing voice, the combination is magical to me. I am not as fond of the music coming from Elton John in the last decade or two as I was in his earlier days, and this album to me is ELton singing the best of the best. I also especially like that at least half of the songs are not his most known songs and so they have not been played on the radio ad nauseum (even though I play them in my car ad nauseum!)

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly beautiful
Coltrane in Japan - Epic and Majestic.
LIVE IN JAPAN: epic live
Explorations from Coltrane's last band.
God Speaks Again!

Live in Japan
John Coltrane
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003N61
Release Date: 1991-05-14

Tracks:

Afro Blue
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Peace On Earth
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My Favorite Things

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly beautiful.......2006-07-12

I just bought a copy of Live in Japan, with admittedly some trepidation, not knowing whether I would be faced with abhorrent sound quality (Olatunji Concert), uninspired playing (Live at the Village Vanguard Again!), overly-intellectual music that I wouldn't understand (Interstellar Space) or complete [...] (Live in Seattle). When it comes to Coltrane's final years, it is best to be cautious.

Well, I was very surprised, in many ways. I have so far only listened to Disc 1 and Disc 4, but both have been a revelation.

From the beginning of 1966, Coltrane toured with a new band, the Second Quartet, featuring Garrison from his old band, drummer Rashied Ali, pianist Alice Coltrane, and (sometimes) Pharoah Sanders on tenor.

The new band caused outrage and controversy wherever they went. Stanley Crouch visited a Coltrane concert in 1966, and saw Coltrane and Sanders, both with tenor saxophones, just screaming at each other eternally. There were three people in the audience, including himself. Great saxophonist Dave Liebman was a teenager in 1966. He wandered into a Coltrane concert, and found himself confronted with a half hour version of My Favorite Things in which the band members chanted "Om Mani Padme Om" while shaking tambourines and hitting bells. Liebman says that, after the theme was stated once, there was literally nothing recogniseable - just screaming.

This period of Coltrane's music is puzzling even to many great musicians. It is doubly puzzling to us now, because almost no recordings were made by the band in 1966. During that year, for some reason, no recordings were made - not even bootlegs or radio broadcasts - except for the Village Vanguard performance, and two concerts recorded by Japanese radio in July 1966.
Coltrane and his band recorded an enormous amount in 1965 and 1967. The vital, controversial year of 1966 is a howling void.

I was unimpressed by Live at the Village Vanguard Again, which I regard as being supremely overrated. The version of "My Favorite Things" seemed sluggish, the soloes somtimes verging on the banal, and the band often lacking co-ordination. It was therefore with great interest that I bought these Japanese concerts.

I have been disappointed before with Coltrane concerts. "Live in Seattle" is still probably the Coltrane recording I dislike most. But I was hoping for something with the majesty and power of the Olatunji Concert. What I did not expect was wonderful peace and joy.

The Penguin Guide describes the version of My Favorite Things on this album as "the equivalent of bombing Nagasaki just days after laying waste to Hiroshima". It goes on to wonder as to the musical worth of "music as humourless and God-bothering as this".

I must say I found the opposite to be the case. Coltrane may not be a laugh a minute, but I found the atmosphere on this recording to be surprisingly cordial and light. Whereas you could justifiably call "Live in Seattle" humourless and God-bothering (as well as "trippy" and "blatantly inept") I found the Japanese concerts to completely change my view of Coltrane's later period.

After reading articles by eyewitnesses to Coltrane's 1966 style, I was expecting something harsher and weirder. Instead, we have here completely sane and engaging sample of music.

"Afro-Blue" begins with Coltrane playing the theme, as always, and launching on a three minute solo. Then Pharoah Sanders squawks, farts and quacks for ten minutes (I must say, I still cannot get used to Sanders' style at all). Alice Coltrane plays a rare solo after that; then Coltrane blows everything out of the water with a raging soprano solo that cuts up the tune in every way possible. At one stage he plays screeching, toneless phrases obviously inspired by Sanders, though with far more musical judgement. The atmosphere is fierce and bloody, but there is a certain classical tidiness to it, which is a stark contrast to the version on Live in Seattle, which I would rate the worst thing on that album.

"Peace on Earth" (written, of course, during the Vietnam War) is a stunningly beautiful theme I have never heard before. Coltrane's solo is heartfelt and a voice of protest in a world of violence. Sanders' solo after this is also surprisingly beautiful, thus showing that he can solo without screaming after all. A very beautiful performace.

"My Favorite Things" is, of course, a piece that Coltrane played every night. He played it even when he went avant garde. Coltrane starts off with alto-saxophone, an instrument he last played with Dizzy Gillespie in the 1940s. He takes full advantage of the horn, making it a pity he never played the instrument much. The sound takes advantage of the lighter sound of the horn, while the low-register honks show you what a soprano couldn't do. Pharoah Sanders' solo is again not worth talking about. Alice Coltrane then enters, playing the My Favorite Things theme in such a harmonically altered way that it is literally unrecogniseable unless you are actively listening for it. Then Coltrane comes in on soprano in a thrilling solo that always touches base with the atmosphere of the original. It is a world away from the tepid version from the Village Vamguard, and also from the ferocious version on Olatunji Concert.

The sound quality, by the way, is incredible. While it is mono, and there is too much tape hiss, the sound of the two horn players comes through stunningly clear and wonderful. The timbre of Coltrane's horn (especially his alto) is actually better here than on most Impulse recorded live stuff. It is certainly better than the echo-y sound from most of his European concerts. I dont know if the Japanese used better microphones, but there is a silky sound to the horns that I've not heard elsewhere.

Overall, the Live in Japan concerts (at least the two discs I've heard) are a surprisingly beautiful recording that should be more widely available. I would vote it as second only to Olatunji Concert in documenting this band live.

Coltrane in Japan - Epic and Majestic........2005-10-10

"Live In Japan" is a mammoth 4-disc set which documents John Coltrane's first and only concert tour in that country. The occasion took place in July 1966 (exactly one year before Coltrane's untimely death) and this was during the time in which Coltrane's music was at its most free-form, experimental and arguably most innovative. Coltrane's musician personnel had shifted as well. The previous year, drummer Elvin Jones and pianist McCoy Tyner had left and were replaced respectively by Rashied Ali and Coltrane's wife Alice. Also joining Coltrane is second saxophonist Pharoah Sanders who made his debut with the dynamic leader on the earth-shattering free-for-all "Ascension". Bassist Jimmy Garrison was the only long-term member of the ensemble to still be in Coltrane's group. Also of interest is the fact that these Japanese concerts find Coltrane (as well as Sanders) performing on alto sax in addition to the unsual tenor and soprano.
As for the music itself, it is loaded with fierce improvisational chops with the ensemble stretching the music to its outer limits. The idea of releasing an album of this material was not initially planned in 1966 so, Coltrane and his group of players took the music into an area of no boundaries or limits whatsoever. Although this set may take a few listens to fully digest, it doesn't take long before the listener is completely emmersed in the music.
Musical standouts in this 4-disc set are as follows:
Afro Blue: Pharoah Sanders' shrieking tenor solo and Coltrane's nearly 20-minute solo on soprano sax which closes the piece.
Peace on Earth (Version 1): Alice Coltrane's beautiful piano solo and John and Pharoah's tenor duet.
Crescent: Jimmy Garrison's extended bass introduction and another standout piano lead from Alice.
Peace on Earth (Version 2): Pharaoh's excellent alto sax spotlight.
Leo: Pharoah's ferocious alto solo, Rashied Ali's extended drum feature, John and Pharoah's catfighting alto duel.
My Favorite Things: Another great extended Garrison bass intro, John performing the melody on alto sax as well as an extended soprano solo in the middle, a flowing piano solo from Alice and another sax duel from John and Pharoah.
"Live In Japan" isn't recommended for a first-time Coltrane listener. However, this is definitely an essential purchase once you've studied his other musical periods and have made it to this, his final period of pure musical exploration. It also should be noted that all of the music in this set was recorded in mono. Despite this, the sound quality is excellent and every musician comes through sharp and clear.
This is late-period Coltrane at its very best!!!

LIVE IN JAPAN: epic live.......2005-09-21

an epic live event. John Coltrane in japan! this 4cd set is one of the most surprising and amazing live albums of all time. surprising in the fact of how controlled this band is. the music John was recording at this period in his creative life was far more turbulent than what is presented here in japan. alot of his more "out there" stuff would have been what i would have expected him to play if i was attending these concerts. now, there is plenty of wild playing...and some skronk here and there. but everyone sticks to some very tight and beautiful stylings...even Pharoah Sanders. wow. actually, Pharoah is a revelation on here. his playing is shockingly fluid and full of melody and grace. perhaps the eastern climate cooled everyone down a bit...or jetlag maybe? haha. well, whatever the reasons, there can be no denying that this is wonderful music. also great to hear Jimmy Garrison getting lots of extended solo time. his playing is astounding and quite creative. if i had to pick my favorite disc out of all these 4, i would have to go with disc 3. the combination of the serene "Peace On Earth" segway into the fiery "Leo" is the kind of magical music that will leave your jaw on the floor. unbelievable! Live In Japan deserves 5 stars and high recommendation. it stands the test of time as a further testament to Coltrane's power, beauty, genius, and eternal search for the higher plane. a document of perfection in mammoth proportions.

Explorations from Coltrane's last band........2005-04-04

Recorded over two nights in Tokyo, "Live in Japan" shows Coltrane's last band in full flight. Trane (on soprano, alto, and tenor saxaphones and percussion) is joined by Pharoah Sanders (on alto and tenor sax, bass clarinet, and percussion), Alice Coltrane (piano), Jimmy Garrison (bass), and Rashied Ali (drums). Often maligned as the successor to the much beloved "classic quartet" (with only Garrison left from that band), and for their largely exploratory nature, this is a band largely in transition-- they're finding each other, finding their places together, already some of the bonds are starting to show between the band members that would develop fully by the end of '66, but there's a looseness to these recordings that hadn't existed on a live Coltrane document that adds an interesting spice to the mix. Trane is quoted in the liner notes as stating that knowing you're being recorded tends to cause a tightening up, but he didn't know these shows were recorded, and if that's the result on other contemporary live recordings ("Live in the Village Vanguard Again!"), it shows when compared to this. There are two shows captured here, each is about two hours long and features three pieces.

Now mind you, you need to be ready for things like fourteen minute bass solos or twenty minute sax solos to be able to digest this stuff, and thats not for everyone-- considering that much of jazz was still in the three minute vein (and many of Trane's contemporaries were playing eight or nine minute pieces as extended), this may be a bit much, but there's a lot to hear on these.

Whats interesting is to see how far Coltrane is reaching with his playing, his solos (particularly on tenor, although he also solos on alto and soprano) have a quality of almost incompleteness to them as though he isn't quite where he wants to be yet-- comparing these to the urgency and power of his 1967 recordings, you get the impression that he found it then. But on extended solos on "Afro Blue" and "Crescent", Coltrane is looking. Joining him in this exploration is the mighty Pharoah Sanders, whose playinig is no doubt inspiring, check the alto solo on "Peace on Earth" for a good example of this. The rhythm section is also interesting, although the sound quality tends to force Garrison out when the other instruments get aggressive, he's already developed a rappport with Rashied Ali (who to my ears was a better partner for Trane's exploratory phase than Jones was-- and I've always felt that Trane sought his most sympathetic support from his drummers). Ali's playing is actually breathtaking, his stylistic developments after Elvin Jones left the band is pretty incredible. Coltrane's second wife, Alice, adds a unique touch to the piano-- also a harpist, there's a sparseness to her playing on this recording that I suspect comes from her harp background, that nicely offsets the density of Trane and Pharoah's playing.

The recordings are interesting, certainly worth hearing. Maybe not for everyone, but if you're a fan of Trane's later work, this is essential.

God Speaks Again!.......2005-03-31

You see, this time, it is through John Coltrane which is not surprising. Praise the Lord and thank him for creating the man named John.

Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital

Average customer rating:

Robeson on wax
The voice, the sound quality and the interpretation
A Voice from the 40s, often dated, often moving
Robeson at his best
some of the greatest songs of the last century

Songs of Free Men/ A Paul Robeson Recital

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Paul Robeson Live at Carnegie Hall
Ballad for Americans
Ol' Man River: His 25 Greatest
Paul Robeson - Here I Stand
Spirituals

ASIN: B0000029YJ
Release Date: 1997-12-09

Tracks:

Balm in Gilead
Chassidic Chant
Quiet Flows The Don: From Border To Border
Quiet Flows The Don: Oh, How Proud Our Quiet Don
Elijah, Op. 70: The Lord God Of Abraham
The Purest Kind Of Guy
Joe Hill
The Peat-Bog Soldiers
The Four Insurgent Generals
Native Land
Song Of The Plains
Cradle Song
Within Four Walls
By An' By
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
John Henry
Water Boy
My Curly Headed Baby
Mah Lindy Lou
Wagon Wheels
The House I Live In
Showboat: I Still Suits Me
Sylvia
Showboat: Ol' Man River
Porgy And Bess: It Ain't Necessarily So

Amazon.com

There was nothing like the Robeson sound, ever. To describe his deep, rich, perfectly equalized instrument is futile. Go instead to "Balm in Gilead," the opening track, and see if you can listen to the last pianissimo phrase without falling to pieces. Robeson was at his best when the music was slow and the words contained spiritual or social messages. Faster, lighter fare like Kern's "I Still Suits Me" or Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" find the serious-minded singer out of his element, lacking irony and swing. "Old Man River," though, gets a simple, dignified treatment. It's Songs of Free Men, though, that will just keep Robeson's artistry rolling along, especially in Sony's astonishing transfers. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Robeson on wax.......2007-06-19

I found this album in a thrift store last week, for a couple of dollars. It's the original pressing on four 78 RPM records, in a gatefold format. It's in pristine condition. I really bought it for the incredible cover art, although I hope to be able to listen to it in this format at some point.

The voice, the sound quality and the interpretation.......2004-09-24

Put this on your stereo and if it is good enough the depth and richness of Robeson's voice will make your fillings rattle and your chest rumble. The power of his voice is awesome. This CD is superbly recorded with no audible noise at normal listening levels.

A Voice from the 40s, often dated, often moving.......2002-09-01

"Red diaper babies" have greeted this disc with nostalgic joy, and it captures a time and an aesthetic and a political belief with precision. Anyone interested in the emotional life of the pro-Soviet left of the 1940s should buy this disc. It's something like Henry Wallace set to music. There is much more to Robeson than that, however, and Sony has given us Robeson whole: there are songs by American masters of the musical, there are labor songs, religious songs, as well as the kind of faux-folk songs which the butcher supreme Josef Stalin encouraged and which were not taken seriously inside the USSR (except at gunpoint!!) but which were taken up by dupes around the world. This is Robeson at his least savory - willing propagandist for a vile mass murderer. Songs such as "Native Land" (fittingly, Robeson is referring to the Soviet Union) and the Red Army song are the equivalent of the "Horst Wessel Song", anthems of murder, and it is difficult to listen to the worst of them without retching. On the other hand, Robeson's commitment to American folk culture was real. "Balm in Gilead" is deeply beautiful; "John Henry" is heroic; "By an' By" is both resigned yet hopeful. "Joe Hill" captures an era in labor history. Anyone interested in American popular song should hear these. Turning to Broadway, his "Old Man River" is very fine, though Robeson changed the lyrics for political reasons and Leonard Warren has done the song better. I disagree with the editorial reviewer: "I Still Suits Me" is wonderfully playful and shows Robeson using his gorgeously rich voice to tease and poke fun. However, Marc Blitzstein's "Purest Kind of a Guy" is beyond saving - another example of Robeson recording an unworthy song by a political fellow-traveller. Ugh. But for every miss there are two hits. Robeson performs Mendelssohn's Elijah with nobility, and sings his favorite song, "Water Boy", with joyous pride: "There ain't no hammer that's on these mountains that rings like mine, boys, that rings like mine."
No one need have any fears about the mono sound quality. The orchestra in the second half of the program is at times a little dwarfed by Robeson's voice, but it generally sounds clean and colorful, and the great artist's voice rings like no other.

Robeson at his best.......2000-05-12

It's hard to believe that most of these recordings pre-date the advent of magnetic tape: the CD transfer is superlative. The songs and performance are beyond reproach. Notable is the imaginative packaging in miniature 'record album' format, complete with the original cover art, and a replica of the original Columbia record label applied to the CD.

In response to a previous question: Robeson's performance of Danny Boy (Londonderry Air) can be found on the Vanguard LP entitled "Robeson" (VRS-9037).

some of the greatest songs of the last century.......2000-05-05

In the 1940s, before rabid McCarthyism and racism had taken its toll on him, Robeson made these wonderful recordings of spirituals, classics and pop tunes. Accompanied by the solo piano of the incomparable Lawrence Brown, or by an orchestra, the songs ring out with pride, dignity, skill and unmatched integrity. The shameful treatment that Robeson was subject to from American authorities certainly seem grotesquely absurd to a modern listener. The wonderful version of "The House I Live In" included on this cd should forever kill off any suspicion that Robeson did not love his country deeply. This album ought to be heard by millions of people, world wide. Robeson's voice is nothing less than a glorious high point in 20th century music, and it's hard to think of any recording capturing it to greater advantage.

Average customer rating:

The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra needs a guitar player!
Persuaders Theme!
A Variety Of Classics!
Incredible Barry Collection
" one of cinema's greatest composers...John Barry"

John Barry: The Collection

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music
Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music
Beyondness of Things
The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection
Eternal Echoes

ASIN: B00005BADD
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

Zulu
From Russia With Love
From Russia With Love - 007
Goldfinger
The Ipcress File
The Knack
Mister Moses
Thunderball
The Wrong Box
Born Free
The Quiller Memorandum
You Only Live Twice
The Girl With The Sun In Her Hair
Deadfall

Tracks:

The Lion In Winter
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Midnight Cowboy
Midnight Cowboy
The Appointment
The Last Valley
Walkabout
Monte Walsh
Diamonds Are Forever
The Persuaders
Mary Queen Of Scots
The Man With The Golden Gun
The Dove

Tracks:

The Tamarind Seed
King Kong
Eleanor And Franklin
Robin And Marian
The Deep
Hanover Street
The Black Hole
Moonraker
Somewhere In Time
Raise The Titanic
Body Heat
Frances
Octopussy
The Cotton Club

Tracks:

High Road To China
A View To A Kill
Out Of Africa
The Living Daylights
Dances With Wolves
Dances With Wolves
Chaplin
Moviola
Indecent Proposal
The Specialist
The Scarlet Letter
Cry The Beloved Country
Mercury Rising
The James Bond Theme

Customer Reviews:

The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra needs a guitar player!.......2006-11-09

Granted, they only need it for one composition (the last one, "The James Bond Theme") but still, without the guitar it's just not the same. Barry didn't compose this one so I suppose it was a bonus and I shouldn't complain, really. The rest of the music on all the CDs is fantastic. Some of the stuff I had heard before without realizing who had composed it. Very enjoyable, to say the least.

Persuaders Theme!.......2006-03-02

Buy it for the Persuaders theme, probably the best TV theme song ever written.

A Variety Of Classics!.......2005-12-06

John Barry has been composing film scores for over forty years and this is only scratching the surface of his productions. Never mind that the entire set is recorded by the Prague Philharmonic; it's pure to Barry's themes. While John Williams compositions ("Star Wars", etc.) are wild and flamboyant and Jerry Goldsmith's (Hoosier's, etc.) are mood pieces, John Barry crosses over all barriers and is amazingly diverse. Barry has recorded most of the exciting James Bond themes, melodramatic classics like "The Lion In Winter' and moody theme hits like "Midnight Cowboy". He also tugs at the heartstrings with compositions from, "Somewhere In Time", "Frances" and "Out Of Africa". He varies his themes for all types of films and few composers capture it so well.

There is over four hours of music in this set with a colorful and informative booklet.

Incredible Barry Collection.......2004-03-11

Any fan of movies will absolutley love this collection. Being a movie buff I couldn't wait to get this boxed set. Knowing Barry from all the James Bond movies, I did not realize his involvement with so many others. The orchestra is magnificent in all these themes. I'm listening to "High Road to China" right now and I'm drifting in the clouds in a Tiger Moth with Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong. If you are familiar with a movie it will definitely have you seeing it again, if not the scores are still beautiful. Any fan of classical music will be pleased as well. Travellers will defintitely enjoy it for a long drive. I know from when I use to travel that music like this made the miles float by faster. I highly recommend these four CDs even if you just know a handful of the songs.

" one of cinema's greatest composers...John Barry".......2001-07-06

This collection of four compact discs...are worth their weight in GOLD! Barry creates visual moods for each film he scores...romantic, sentimental, action, adventure, suspense and mystery...the list could go on. Strings, brass and lush-velvet arrangements overlay each cue in his distinctive style of legendary scoring...we have ~ "John Barry:The Collection", Silva Screen's release traces 40 years of film music, featuring "The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra" ~ conducted by Mr. Nic Raine (outstanding)..."Crouch End Festival Chorus" ~ David Temple, Choir Master...perform 56 selections, over four hours of symphonic suites with a full orchestra sound...all individually wrapped-up into one neat package...just the way "film-score-buffs" like 'em!

Must ask the following to take a bow ~ James Fitzpatrick (compilation producer), always in their pitching, Reynold da Silva (executive producer), Nic Raine (conductor, arranger, orchestrator & associate producer), a tremen!dous asset to every project he undertakes...and the man who made it all possible...a legendary icon always leading the way in film scoring ~ JOHN BARRY!

Total Time: 258:76 on 56 Tracks ~ SSD-1128 ~ (2001)

You might try other albums from Silva Screen, all worthy of a good listen ~ "The Essential James Bond" (SSD-1034)..."Bond:Back In Action" (SSD-1100)..."Bond:Back In Action 2" (SSD-1119)..."Zulu" (SSD-1095)..."Raise The Titanic" (SSD-1102)..."Walkabout" (SSD-1120)...check out my reviews on amazon.com/music.

Average customer rating:

Great Music and Outstanding Voices
Time for a new one
Wonderful music, wonderful voices
Professional on professionals
Tenners for Tenors

Live in Belfast
Irish Traditional , James L. Molloy , Philip Martin , Lynette Johnson , Thomas Moore , Frank Lambert , Raymond Loughborough , Percy French , Richard Farrelly , William Wallace , Tempest Sanderson , and Francis McPeake
Manufacturer: Music Matters
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan
Ellis Island
The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
Heritage
Home for Christmas

ASIN: B00004RDSK
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

Dublin Medley: Dublin in the Rare Old Times; Molly Malone
Carrickfergus
Bantry Bay
Scorn Not His Simplicity
The Fields of Athenry
Star of the County Down
The Last Rose of Summer
Red is the Rose
Lift the Wings
She is Far from the Land
Ireland, Mother Ireland
Green Isle of Erin
Percy French Medley: Phil the Fluther's Ball/Come Back Paddy Reilly/The Lay of the West Clare Railway (Are Ye Right There Michael?)
Mary from Dungloe
Isle of Inisfree
There is a Flower that Bloometh
As I Sit Here
The Kerry Dance
Will Ye Go Lassie Go?

Product Description

1. Dublin Medley
2. Carrickfergus
3. Bantry Bay
4. Scorn Not His Simplicity
5. Fields Of Athenry
6. Star Of The County Down
7. The Last Rose Of Summer
8. Red Is The Rose
9. Lift The Wings
10. Ireland Mother Ireland
11. She Is Far From The Land
12. Green Isle Of Erin
13. Percy French Medley:
-Phil The Fluther s Ball
-Come Back Paddy Reilly
-The Lay Of The West Clare Railway
14. Mary From Dungloe
15. Isle Of Inisfree
16. There Is A Flower
17. As I Sit Here
18. The Kerry Dance
19. Go Lassie Go

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Just a year after their smash breakthrough debut album--itself still riding high in the charts--the Irish Tenors have added another delightfully varied collection to their discography. Live in Belfast again showcases the group's obvious concert charisma from a performance given in February 2000. It's a generous smorgasbord of medleys, traditional numbers, and songs from popular sources (including "Scorn Not His Simplicity," which Sinead O'Connor has interpreted)--mixing nostalgic sentimentality with selections of bittersweet melancholy. Binding the whole together is the unmistakable stylish charm of the Irish Tenors, whether singing in solos or in ensembles. But the biggest surprise for fans already hooked on the Tenors is the introduction of Finbar Wright as replacement for original member John McDermott. Wright's bright, romantic voice easily wins over a potentially skeptical crowd--especially in the dreamy "Isle of Innisfree"--and blends nicely with his colleagues. (McDermott, who had to bow out of the performance due to the death of his mother, makes a surprise appearance to solo in a memorable and touching "The Last Rose of Summer"--given as a tribute to his parents--and to rejoin the Tenors for "Red Is the Rose.") The arrangements by Tenors producer Frank McNamara are played with zest by the Orchestra Warsaw Sinfonia. --Tom May

Customer Reviews:

Great Music and Outstanding Voices.......2007-03-28

My wife and I saw these tenors live and on stage and we were truly impressed. Their voices blend beautifully and they present a well rounded variety of songs. We so enjoyed the first CD that we bought this current one.

Time for a new one.......2001-10-19

I bought this CD, (plus the video) in July 2000 and listened to it so much I think it must be just about worn out.!!!The video I have seen so often I bet I have seen every idiosyncrasy of each of them. The Tenors are almost my total pastime. About 12 hours a day, listening and viewing. I "met" them July 22/00 and have been to four concerts, and I'm still impressed by the joyous sounds of their voices.
It's been a lomg time since I wrote my last review of this CD, but I hope I have helped to encourage others to enjoy the thrill of the most magnificent voices of their lives.
The Tenor's #1 Fan,,,, Joan Way

Wonderful music, wonderful voices.......2001-05-31

I do not claim to be a musical expert. It has always been my contention that music which makes the listener feel good, which raises the spirits and makes the heart glad, is worthy of being heard. Such is this CD. I don't listen to it to search for flaws, flubs, failings and screw-ups. I listen to it because it makes me happy. I am of Irish ancestry, and this wonderful music stirs a core deep within my soul. I got to hear some traditional Irish folk music I'd never heard before. I would hope that all those who listen to this CD would choose to enumerate its merits based on the fact that this music is meant to lighten the soul. It never was meant to be held up to intense scrutiny, because it is folk music. These are the songs the people sang. They weren't meant to be grand, classical opera, and should not be regarded or critiqued as such. They are beautiful and moving, just as they stand, and I am grateful that God gave these four men such voices to sing these old tunes and to preserve them for the generations to come. God knows we need positive, beautiful music now more than ever.

Professional on professionals.......2001-05-05

I am taking from the best in the world. I have met Pavarotti's teachers (Joan Doanerman and Joan Sutherland) and also take from them. I am very well-known in musical analyzing and teaching. I have read all reviews, and personally, many of you need to learn much more about proper vocal technique to be a critic. The voice must flow, with support (breath), low larynx, etc. All four tenors possess the proper singing qualities. However, stage presence, song interpretation, and musicianship also take into affect. Finbar Wright needs to continue his musicianship. He possesses much more romanticism than he shows. Also, anyone can say words like "texturing, spellbinding and dominance," and sound like a knowledgeable critic. However, these words are thrown into sports review as well. Face it folks, know what you are saying. John McDermott has a beautiful voice, but it is a much different classical style than many people know. John is a Celtic Tenor, which means that his under- and overtones will sound much different than the other three. The symphony is NOT too dominant, David Schierholz. If you have worked with the Met recording studios, than you can talk with me, because I have sat in on them. These are live performances, not takes in a studio. Folks, I am a born and bred Irishman. These men are great, but there needs to be more of there individual literature available. I would love to find Anthony Kearns classical recordings. Then, when you have studied and understand the nature of the voice and theatre, then you can write your reviews.

Tenners for Tenors.......2001-02-16

This cd and video was my introduction to the wonderful "Irish Tenors". Seperately each is spellbinding. Together they are nothing short of magical. Finbar Wright is a dashingly romantic figure while Ronan Tynan is most compelling. Anthony Kearns will be a major star someday in the opera world. His voice is clear and strong. Wright's voice soars in songs such as "Carrickfergus" and "Isle of Innisfree". He seems a bit nervous which is understandable given he had only 10 days to prepare for this concert. He was asked literally days before the performance to step in for John McDermott. Thank goodness he did! The one downer for me was the appearance of John McDermott as his voice is not my cup of tea.

Average customer rating:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!
Yet another compilation
how precious!
Disappointing Duplication
If you like this sorta thing

Song of America
Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Charles Naginski , Ned Rorem , American Traditional , Elinor Remick Warren , Kurt Weill , Haydn Wood , Michael Parloff , Jay Ungar , Armen Guzelimian , Craig Rutenberg , David Alpher , Evan Stover , Garrison Keillor , and Mark Rust
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best of Thomas Hampson
Christmas with Thomas Hampson
Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson
American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Leading Man

ASIN: B000BGR0TW
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

As Adam Early In The Morning
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)
Shenandoah (Traditional)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
Danny Deever
Roses Of Picardy
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (1854)
Hard Times Come Again No More (1854)
Molly, Do You Love Me? (1850)
An Old Song Resung
Tomorrow (When You Are Gone)
The Erie Canal (Traditional)
We Two
The Nightingale (Traditional)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Luke Havergal
To What You Said
Look Down Fair Moon
Dirge For Two Veterans
Ethiopia Saluting The Colors

Amazon.com

Thomas Hampson is a persuasive advocate for these treasures from the Library of Congress' vast collections, so this CD's generous sampling leaves you wanting more. It covers the American songbook in all its variety, from traditional "folk" items like Shenandoah to Stephen Foster to the immigrants Erich Korngold and Kurt Weill to Leonard Bernstein and contemporary composers. Hampson adjusts his flexible, light baritone to fit each song. The voice is full and resonant on Danny Deever, simple and direct in 19th-century traditional songs and ballads, and nuanced in songs like Ned Rorem's "As Adam Early in the Morning," one of several on the disc with texts by Walt Whitman. A standout is the last song in this recital, one that leaves you with thoughts about music, history, and our nation's continuing issues, "Ethiopia Saluting the Colors," by Henry Burleigh. Most of the selections are performed with piano accompaniment, but several are with a small ensemble of traditional instruments. A word of caution: everything was recorded in the 1990s and presumably was available piecemeal on previous releases, although few are likely to have more than a handful of these 20 gems. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

It's lovely - But not newly recorded!.......2006-10-04

I don't think this recording deserves One Star ratings or that the artist deserves such crude bashing. And re: Hampson's eye-colour.... Uh, these aren't lenses? He has blue eyes. I met him many times and...indeed, they are dark blue.

Anyhow, this is what Hampson is focusing on right now, American song. While those aren't exactly my thing I have to say that he sings them beautifully. I wish he'd stick to that rather than heavy Verdi and Wagner which his voice isn't right for.

Yet another compilation.......2006-06-13

I am a huge Tom fan. I go to his concerts and buy all of his CDs. I must say that I have been disappointed by this CD because it's entirely made of old recordings. There's a new photo on the cover, but that's all that is new here. So if you've bought your share of Tom CDs over the years, you want to check out the track info before you guy this one.

Now, Tom has been on tour and I STRONGLY recommend that you go see him next year when he comes through your city.

The other thing really annoying is that on the CD where you'd expect information about the music or the recording co., you instead get a large warning label from the FBI on pirating.

how precious!.......2006-05-08

Thomas Hampson swoons and croons to monotonous effect throughout this tired collection; again displaying his ego and faux scholarship in ample measure. Oi-vay, what a disaster! And what is with the blue contact lenses in the Jacket phot? Hampson's eyes are brown. What an unbelievably vain Diva!

Disappointing Duplication.......2006-01-17

I have not even heard the album, and I will not. Although I revere Mr. H. in just about everything he does, especially in song and Lieder, I am very disappointed that so many of these songs appear on other cds of which I already have about 19 of him. I think he and the producers should have chosen totally NEW material for this instead of drawing on his past achievements. I have no reservations about his performances, for I have seen him at the Met in opera and at Carnegie Hall in Mahler. I value them and all of his past cd productions.

If you like this sorta thing.......2006-01-17

Here Mr. Hampson is in his element. Unlike his less than viable attempts at Opera, Mr. Hampson is a thorough and intelligent singer of songs. His affectations, so fully inappropriate in bigger operatic literature, work well with the intimate nature of these sweet and personal songs. If you are Hampson fan, this album will thrill you.

Average customer rating:

beautiful patriotic music
All new recordings, with a strong patriotric theme

Spirit of America

Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

Peace Like a River
Consider the Lilies
Love Is Spoken Here
Sing, Choirs of Angels!
Showtime! Music of Broadway and Hollywood

ASIN: B0000A4G6H
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

America the Beautiful
Bound for the Promised Land
This Land Is Your Land
Shenandoah
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Distant Land
They, The Builders of the Nation
House I Live In
America, The Dream Goes On
Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor
God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand
Hymn for America
Pledge of Allegiance
Cohan's Big Three: Yankee Doodle Dandy/Give My Regards to Broadway
Goin' Home
God Bless America - Craig Jessop, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Orchestra
Star-Spangled Banner
Call of the Champions

Customer Reviews:

beautiful patriotic music.......2003-08-28

This is an excellent CD. The music, both voices and orchestra, is superb. The content of the lyrics is inspiring. It reminds me of so many reasons I'm proud to be American.

All new recordings, with a strong patriotric theme.......2003-07-16

Surprised that no one has reviewed this yet. Amazon.com doesn't give much info on this release, so I thought I'd rectify that. This is the second brand-new release on the "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" label, following their April 2003 release of "Consider the Lilies." Again, several of the arrangements are by Mack Wilberg, with direction by Craig Jessop and accompianment by the Orchestra at Temple Square. The track list is as follows:

1 America the Beautiful
Music: Samuel A. Ward

Text: Katherine Lee Bates
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg (Oxford University Press) 4:30

2 Bound for the Promised Land
Music: American folk hymn.
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg (Oxford University Press) 2:35

3 This Land is Your Land
Music: Woody Guthrie
Text: Woody Guthrie
Arrangement: Percy Faith & Michael Davis 2:40

4 Shenandoah
Music: American folk song.
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg (Oxford University Press) 4:48

5 Battle Hymn of the Republic
Music: William Steffe
Text: Julia Ward Howe
Arrangement: Peter J. Wilhousky (Carl Fischer, Inc.) 5:19

6 Distant Land
Music: John Rutter
Text: John Rutter
Arrangement: John Rutter (Hinshaw Music, Inc - ASCAP) 4:41

7 They, the Builders of the Nation
Music: Alfred M. Durham
Text: Ida R. Alldredge
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg (Deseret Book Co.) 3:28

8 The House I Live In
Music: Earl Robinson
Text: Lewis Allen
Arrangement: Michael Davis 3:26

9 America, the Dream Goes On
Music: John Williams
Text: Alan and Marilyn Bergman 3:18

10 Give My Your Tired, Your Poor
Music: Irving Berlin
Text: Emma Lazarus
Arrangement: Roy Ringwald (Shawnee Press, Inc. - ASCAP)
Orchestration: Michael Davis 3:01

11 God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand
Music: George W. Warren
Text: Daniel C. Roberts
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg (Oxford University Press) 4:12

12 Hymn for America
Music: Stephen Paulus (Paulus Publications)
Text: Michael Dennis Browne 3:08

13 The Pledge of Allegiance
Music: Charles Osgood
Text: Francis Bellamy
Arrangement: Michael Davis 2:39

14 Cohan's Big Three (Yankee Doodle Dandy, +below)
Music: George M. Cohan
Text: George M. Cohan
Arrangement: Floyd E. Werle
+Give My Regards/Brdway, You're a Grand Old Flag 3:53

15 Goin' Home
Music: Antonin Dvorak
Text: William Arms Fischer
Arrangement: Jay Welch 4:36

16 God Bless America
Music: Irving Berlin
Text: Irving Berlin

Arrangement: Roy Ringwald (Shawnee Press, Inc. - ASCAP)
Orchestration: Michael Davis 3:44

17 The Star-Spangled Banner
Music: John Stafford Smith
Text: Francis Scott Key
Arrangement: Robert Russell Bennett 2:21

18 Call of the Champions
Music: John Williams
Text: Olympic Motto 4:47

The sound on this release is, if anything, even cleaner than the previous release, with the Choir and orchestra very evenly balanced. The programming includes a mix of both traditional and brand new songs, a couple of which (Stephen Paulus's "Hymn For America," and Charles Osgood's "The Pledge of Allegiance") were commissioned especially for this recording. Additional note: several of these songs were included on the Choir's 2003 Northeastern States tour, which was a huge success. I highly recommend this recording!

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