Circle of the Sun

CD101.9
Sensuous, laid-back urban grooves get a dash of international flavor on Jazzhole's fourth release...

Product Description
Circle of the Sun, Jazzhole’s fourth studio recording, finds founding members Warren Rosenstein, John Pondel and Marlon Saunders exploring the new hybridity of modern urban soul: a sound that incorporates downtempo grooves and acoustic R&B, with hints of ambient electronica and bossa nova. As much a neo-soul as a nu-jazz release, Circle of the Sun benefits from performances by several new guests: tabla player Naren Budhakar; vocalist and Cameroon-native Kaïssa Doumbè (Manu Dibango, Jean-Michel Jarre, Salif Keita); and percussion star Daniel Sadownick (Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Maxwell, Screaming Headless Torsos). Refreshingly, Jazzhole remains an evolving collective of many of New York’s most accomplished live and studio musicians.

Circle of the Sun

Circle of the Sun,Jazzhole,Beave Music,Chilled-out soul with acid jazz roots, bossa top notes and world vision

Average customer rating: A wonderful and pure voice If you liked the "O Brother.." soundtrack, you'll love this! Growing Up with Sally's Music Joan Baez has nothing on Sally with this album Lyrical, richly varied, singable tunes

The Unclaimed Pint/In the Circle of the Sun Sally Rogers Manufacturer: Flying Fish Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Closing the Distance We'll Pass Them On Generations While We Live Gloryland ASIN: B000000MK4 Release Date: 1993-09-01

Tracks:

1. When The Wagon Was New
2. Lovely Agnes
3. One I Love
4. White Oak Mountain/Kitchen Girl
5. Jubilee
6. When Jesus Wept/David's Lamnetation
7. When I Was A Fair Maid
8. A Knock On The Door
9. Mathey Groves
10. The Touch Of The Master's Hand
11. Circle Of The Sun
12. Planxty Fanny Power
13. Lady Margaret
14. I Wish I Had Someone To Love
15. Where The Coho Flash Silver
16. I'm Going Home To Georgia
17. Ecstacy
18. Old Father Fall
19. A Little Man Of My Own
20. Fall Is Here
21. Thanksgiving Eve

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful and pure voice.......2006-09-06

Her voice as an instrument really stands out in its clarity and wonderful tone. The songs are fun and a pleasure to listen too from a story telling perspective. My 5 year old son enjoys listening to the stories and he asks me plently of questions about the stories. The album avoids left/right politics and political correctness and reflects the simplier times when a song could just be a song and not a weapon. This is her finest work !

If you liked the "O Brother.." soundtrack, you'll love this!.......2002-09-25

Twenty years before traditional music showed any sign of making a comeback, Sally Rogers was performing beautiful, true-to-form renditions of classic ballads, as well as compositions of her own that sounded right at home alongside them. Like most modern-day folksingers of such longevity, she has gone largely unnoticed by the mainstream but is revered by the genre's hardcore fans. What does set Rogers apart from most of her peers is her combination of a purist approach to instrumentation and a progressive, often feminist sensibility in her original lyrics and choices of traditional songs. This collection, culled from her first two albums, features what just might be the best distillation of that formula.

More than most post-60s songwriters, Rogers has studied the roots of her craft just as seriously as she loves the songs themselves, and it shows in that it's often hard to tell the original compositions here from the traditional ones. (I thought for a long time that Rogers wrote "Jubilee," until I found out that Carolyn Hester had recorded it years beforehand, and I still think of Rogers' version as the definitive one.) "Lovely Agnes," a musical biography of Rogers' grandmother written as a gift for her 92nd birthday, is just the sort of song one could imagine as a folk classic decades from now. Alongside it, Rogers sounds equally authoritative on songs that already hold that distinction, such as "When I Was a Fair Maid" and "I'm Going Home to Georgia." Other standouts include "White Oak Mountains," a tragic, angry traditional ballad set to an energetic bluegrass raveup; "I Wish I Had Someone to Love," this collection's most wistful moment; "The Touch of the Master's Hand," an obscure but inspiring poem set to music by Rogers; "Circle of the Sun," another original that sounds like it's been in the canon for years; and the finest performance I've ever heard of Bob Franke's often-covered "Thanksgiving Eve."

Regrettably, there were a few songs on both of the LPs represented here ("The Unclaimed Pint" and "In the Circle of the Sun") that have been deleted from the CD, probably in order to fit all the music on a single disc. The rollicking "Kissing Song" is especially sorely missed. Nonetheless, the songs that are included are uniformly wonderful. This is modern folk music at its very best. Don't miss it!

Growing Up with Sally's Music.......2000-08-27

I am 20 years old, and I have been listening to The Unclaimed Pint for as long as I can remember. For many years, I listened to her sweet, soothing, and strong voice because my father would put the record on the record player. Now, having studied music and listened to music of all genres, I find myself putting this CD on in my car and in my house to come home to this warm, friendly collection of folk songs, many a capella, and all sung with feeling appropriate to the mood of the song. This is a CD to share with family.

Joan Baez has nothing on Sally with this album.......1999-02-15

Sally out did herself on this album! Everyone in our family loves this album from our 8 month old grandson to our 77 year old uncle! The songs are wonderfully melodic and exquisitely done. The songs are fun to dance, dream and sing to. This is a must have in everyone's collection.

Lyrical, richly varied, singable tunes.......1998-08-04

One of my favorite all time albums. This is early Sally and very folky. She sings several songs acapella and the music ranges from rich versions of traditional songs to songs like Lovely Agnes, written by Sally herself.

Average customer rating: a ew indie discovery

Circle Gets the Square Kevin Devine Manufacturer: Immigrant Sun ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Make the Clocks Move Put Your Ghost to Rest Every Famous Last Word Kevin Kolankowski Last Gasp ASIN: B000063WZ1 Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

1. Fingerprints And Photographs
2. Write Your Story Now
3. Protest Singer
4. Guys With Record Collections
5. If We Meet Today
6. This Box Is Empty
7. Working In Quiet
8. Letting A Good One Go
9. Confessional At 6 P.M.
10. Lullaby For A Snow-Faced Girl

Customer Reviews:

a ew indie discovery.......2002-06-03

Ok, I've had a copy of this album since May of 2001, and I haven't stoppedwaiting for a new release by Kevin Devine. It's not the most polished album on the market, but that's part of the point. The vocals are exposed and usually accompanied by nothing but a single acoustic guitar. This one is for fans of early Elliott Smith. The music (i.e., guitar) is more simplistic than Smith's for the most part, but once again, that's not bad...just different. I can see Kevin Devine becoming qutie popular on the indie scene after a couple more releases, and I look forward to watching him progress as an artist. If you're one of those indie rockers who likes to get in on an artist before he/she is big, this is one to watch.

Average customer rating: It's Good, but... All you can get until something better comes out

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon/Concerto of the Midnight Sun Original Soundtrack ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Castlevania: Curse of Darkness - Original Soundtrack Castlevania Lament of Innocence Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Original Soundtrack Castlevania: The Belmont Legacy (Castlevania) ASIN: B000AL9DVG

Product Description

Track list: Disc One (59:05) Castlevania: Circle of the Moon 1) Requiem 2) Sign of Blood Relations (from N64 version "Demon Castle Dracula Apocalypse") 0:37 3) A Vision of Dark Secrets (from MD version "Vampire Killer") 0:45 4) Inversion 0:46 5) Awake 1:31 6) The Sinking Old Sanctuary 1:50 7) Clockwork (from FC version "Demon Castle Legend") 1:22 8) Shudder 0:53 9) Game Over 0:09 10) Fate to Despair 1:41 11) Aquarius 1:18 12) The Trick Manor 2:22 13) Big Battle (from FC version "Demon Castle Legend") 0:56 14) Nightmare (from FC version "Demon Castle Legend") 1:31 15) Vampire Killer (from FC version "Demon Castle Dracula") 0:51 16) Illusionary Dance (from PCE version "Demon Castle Dracula X: Circle of Blood") 1:06 17) Proof of Blood 1:22 18) Incline of the Repose of Souls 1:51 19) Circle of the Moon 1:02 Castlevania: Concerto of the Midnight Sun 20) Prologue (Maxim Kischine's Theme) 1:47 21) Title Screen 0:24 22) Name Entry 2K2 (from FC version "Demon Castle Dracula") 1:17 23) Successor of Fate (Juste Belmont's Theme) 1:27 24) Offense and Defense 1:46 25) The Approach of Deplore 1:12 26) Luminous Caverns 1:47 27) Aqueduct of Dragons 1:21 28) Chapel in the Air 1:11 29) Clockwork Tower 1:11 30) Skeleton Den 1:17 31) To the Center of the Demonic Castle 1:11 32) Beloved Person (Lydie Elranger's Theme) 1:50 33) Dark Covenant (Death's Theme) 1:07 34) Decisive Battle 1:18 35) Epilogue 1 1:21 36) Game Over (from GB version "Dracula Legend" series) 0:07 37) Incarnation of Darkness (Dracula's Theme) 0:43 38) Old Enemy 1:17 39) Epilogue 2 (Lydie Elranger's Theme, Variation) 1:53 40) Successor of Fate (Juste Belmont's Theme, Variation) 1:03 41) Peddling At My Own Pace (Merchant's Theme) 0:32 42) Door of Darkness 0:54 43) Night Head 1:10 44) VK2K2 [Vampire Killer 2002] (from FC version "Demon Castle Dracula" / "Demon Castle Legend") 2:14 45) Chapel in the Air (Arranged Version) 4:18

Customer Reviews:

It's Good, but..........2006-03-14

Well, The Castlevania games have been always my favorite ones, the music from this CD is...ok...the first part (Circle of the Moon) is only an arrange of other titles of Castlevania, I mean, no new music, and the second part is my favorite (Concerto of the Midnight Sun), because when I played this game, I loved the soundtrack...the only bad thing is that the sounds only last like one minute or so...they're not very long...and you think...WHAT?!! THAT'S IT?!!...but anyway, it's a good CD, if you're a fan of Castlevania.

All you can get until something better comes out.......2005-10-25

The CastleVania series has some of the best music in early video game history and it's kinda sad that there hasn't really been an audio compilation outside of playing the game. This is really the only cd I've been able to locate, and it is a bit diappointing.

I don't own a gameboy, and one game is Japanese exclusive anyway, so most of the music is unfamiliar to me. There are a few classic CV tracks - Vampire Killer, The Castle Intro, Boss Battle, but the quality and remixing leave a lot to be desired.
The sound files are sound quality comparable to Super Nintendo, a bit disappointing when audio game files are now released in cd or dvd quality sound.

If you are a huge Castlevania Fan, this is pretty much all there is in the audio selection, and it's pretty hard to get, so grab it. It's better than nothing.

Average customer rating:

Simply Musicals Manufacturer: Simply ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Simply Jazz Greatest Songs from the Musicals ASIN: B0002S303Y Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. Comedy Tonight [From a Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Foru] - National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
2. Circle of Life [From The Lion King] - National Symphony Orchestra, David Shannon, Martin Yates
3. Elaborate Lives [From Aida] - Vanessa A. Jones, Sean McDermott, National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Patrick Vaccariello
4. All That Jazz [From Chicago] - Jan Horvath, Julian Kelly, National Symphony Orchestra
5. If I Were a Rich Man [From Fiddler on the Roof] - John Owen Edwards, Jerry Lanning, National Symphony Orchestra
6. On the Street Where You Live [From My Fair Lady] - John Owen Edwards, Gary Mauer, National Symphony Orchestra
7. Luck Be a Lady [From Guys and Dolls] - Gregg Edelman, John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra
8. Younger Than Springtime [From South Pacific] - Graham Bickley, John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra
9. What I Did for Love [from a Chorus Line] - National Symphony Orchestra, Catherine Porter, Martin Yates
10. Anything You Can Do [From Annie Get Your Gun] - Mark Adam, John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra, Caroline O'Connor
11. Impossible Dream [From Man of La Mancha] - John Owen Edwards, , National Symphony Orchestra
12. Try to Remember [From the Fantasticks] - Graham Bickley, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
13. Oklahoma! [From Oklahoma!] - John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

1. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang [From Chitty Chitty Bang Bang] - Simon Bowman, , National Symphony Orchestra, Sally Ann Triplett, , Martin Yates
2. What Kind of Fool [From Saturday Night Fever] - Julian Kelly, National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Caroline O'Connor
3. Memory [From Cats] - John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra,
4. Anthem [From Chess] - Andrew Halliday, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
5. Phantom of the Opera [From The Phantom of the Opera] - Graham Bickley, Claire Moore, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
6. What Kind of Fool Am I? [From Stop the World I Want to Get Off] - Holloway/Gold/Yates, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
7. Dancing Queen [From Mamma Mia] - Julian Kelly, National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Caroline O'Connor
8. Sun and Moon [From Miss Saigon] - Graham Bickley, Katrina Murphy, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
9. Anything Goes [From Anything Goes] - John Owen Edwards, Louise Gold, National Symphony Orchestra
10. As Long as He Needs Me [From Oliver!] - John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra, Sally Ann Triplett
11. People's Song [From Les Miserables] - National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
12. Time Warp [From the Rocky Horror Show] - National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Martin Yates
13. We Are the Champions [From We Will Rock You] - Dean Collinson, , Jim Graeme, Paulette Ivory, Sally Ann Triplett, Martin Yates

Tracks:

1. Tonight (Quintet) [From West Side Story] - John Owen Edwards, Paul Manuel, National Symphony Orchestra, Caroline O'Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan
2. Good Mornin' [From Singin' in the Rain] - Craig Barna, Michael Gruber, National Symphony Orchestra, Randy Rogel,
3. Summer Nights [From Grease] - John Barrowman, Shona Lindsay, National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Martin Yates
4. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious [From Mary Poppins] - Jim Graeme, , National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
5. Make Believe [From Show Boat] - John Owen Edwards, Teri Hansen, Doug LaBrecque, National Symphony Orchestra
6. You'll Never Walk Alone [From Carousel] - Muriel Dickinson, John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra
7. Woman in Love [From Guys and Dolls] - Gregg Edelman, John Owen Edwards, Emily Loesser, National Symphony Orchestra
8. Deadwood Stage [From Calamity Jane] - John Owen Edwards, Debbie Gravitte, National Symphony Orchestra
9. Maybe This Time [From Cabaret] - National Symphony Orchestra, Sally Ann Triplett, Martin Yates
10. New York New York [from New York New York] - Craig Barna, Sean McDermott, National Symphony Orchestra
11. If Ever I Would Leave You [From Camelot] - Gerry Anderson, Robert Meadmore
12. Nowadays [From Chicago] - Julian Kelly, National Symphony Orchestra, Caroline O'Connor
13. 76 Trombones [From The Music Man] - National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates

Tracks:

1. Macavity [From Cats] - National Symphony Orchestra, Jacqui Scott, Martin Yates
2. With One Look [From Sunset Boulevard] - Kim Criswell, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
3. Whistle Down the Wind [From Whistle Down the Wind] - Jim Graeme, National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Martin Yates
4. All I Ask of You [From The Phantom of the Opera] - Andrew Halliday, Katrina Murphy, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
5. Only You [From Starlight Express] - John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, Grania Renihan
6. Another Suitcase in Another Hall [From Evita] - John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra, Grania Renihan
7. King Herod's Song [From Jesus Christ Superstar] - Christopher Biggins, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
8. Music of the Night [From The Phantom of the Opera] - John Owen Edwards, Jim Graeme, National Symphony Orchestra
9. Buenos Aires [From Evita] - Julian Kelly, National Symphony Orchestra, Caroline O'Connor
10. As If We Never Said Goodbye [From Sunset Boulevard] - National Symphony Orchestra, Jacqui Scott, Martin Yates
11. Unexpected Song [From Song and Dance] - Clare Burt, National Symphony Orchestra, Martin Yates
12. Close Every Door [From Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat] - John Barrowman, John Owen Edwards, National Symphony Orchestra
13. Our Kind of Love [From the Beautiful Game] - National Symphony Orchestra, Sally Ann Triplett, Martin Yates

Average customer rating: The Best Non-Christmas Christmas Album Northernness! I dare you not to love this music I dare you not to love this music Perfect blend of folk and early music

Midnight Sun: Traditional Nordic Melodies Swedish Traditional , Finnish Traditional , Estonian Traditional , Norwegian Traditional , Icelandic Traditional , Scottish Traditional , Latvian Traditional , Danish Traditional , and Kirk Elliot Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nordisk Sang Edda - An Icelandic Saga - Myths From Medieval Iceland / Sequentia ASIN: B00003Q027 Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

1. Bravery, Courage And Fearless Men
2. On A Summer's Night
3. Who Can Sail WIthout Wind
4. Poor Sickle
5. Polska Efter Karl Lindblad
6. Polska Efter Nergards Lasse
7. Polska Efter Mats Wesslen
8. Brides's March
9. The Great Oak
10. O Siri, My Siri
11. Circle Dance/Russian Dance
12. The Raven's Song
13. Rock The Swing
14. The Lass Of Humberside
15. Alarm Calls
16. The Skipper O'Dundee
17. Why Did You Not Come To Me?
18. We Two Sisters
19. Oh Mother Of Mine
20. Give Your Children Some Bread
21. On The Farm
22. Rosie And Her Mother
23. My Sweetheart Is Beautiful
24. Greenwin Air
25. Just Like The Stars Up In The Skies
26. In Our Meadow

Customer Reviews:

The Best Non-Christmas Christmas Album.......2005-12-17

None of this is actual Christmas music, but, besides its other virtues and interest for what it *is*, it all *sounds* like Christmas music. In that way Midnight Sun fills Eno's definition of ambient music: it is rewarding both close up and in the background. And of course the background is where everyone plays Christmas music.

Play the first clip to the end, up to the point where it breaks into a sort of Delta blues. (I had to save the RealAudio file to disk, rename it to something.ram and start it manually.)

Northernness!.......2002-04-03

Listening to this wonderful music from Ensemble Polaris, I cannot help but think that C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien would have loved it. This is "Northernness" personified in music. This is musical greatness. I hope that Ensemble Polaris makes more music, and soon. If nothing else, this disc deserves to be heard by as many people as possible.

I dare you not to love this music.......2000-12-22

The Grand Poobah of Ragamuffins, Brennan Manning, reminds us to "think big about God." So why not think big about music? After all, God has created music.

Still, as I engaged in that perpetual ritualistic struggle familiar to all music fans (trying to peel off the plastic wrapping), I thought to myself: "Traditional Nordic Melodies??? I know Dorian's a great label...but TRADITIONAL NORDIC MELODIES???"

Then I placed it in my CD player and pushed play...

Take my advice friends--this is a GREAT recording! Dorian has done it again. I dare you not to love this music. From the very first song, "Mandom, mod och morska man," I knew this would be one of my all time favorite recordings. It is.

This music is inventive. This music is full of passion. This music made me like the clarinet...an instrument that I've despised since my days in middle school.

Each song is a mini-masterpiece. My three favorite songs are probably the first and last tracks as well as "Halb Sirp"--a song about a woman who is frustrated with trying to harvest with a poorly made sickle. Sarah Granskou's vocals make the song outstanding. The instrumental playing is top rate throughout the whole disc.

I urge you to get a copy of "Midnight Sun: Traditional Nordic Melodies" today. It is outstanding.

I dare you not to love this music.......2000-12-22

The Grand Poobah of Ragamuffins, Brennan Manning, reminds us to "think big about God." So why not think big about music? After all, God has created music.

Still, as I engaged in that perpetual ritualistic struggle familiar to all music fans (trying to peel off the plastic wrapping), I thought to myself: "Traditional Nordic Melodies??? I know Dorian's a great label...but TRADITIONAL NORDIC MELODIES???"

Then I placed it in my CD player and pushed play...

Take my advice friends--this is a GREAT recording! Dorian has done it again. I dare you not to love this music. From the very first song, "Mandom, mod och morska man," I knew this would be one of my all time favorite recordings. It is.

This music is inventive. This music is full of passion. This music made me like the clarinet...an instrument that I've despised since my days in middle school.

Each song is a mini-masterpiece. My three favorite songs are probably the first and last tracks as well as "Halb Sirp"--a song about a woman who is frustrated with trying to harvest with a poorly made sickle. Sarah Granskou's vocals make the song outstanding. The instrumental playing is top rate throughout the whole disc.

I urge you to get a copy of "Midnight Sun: Traditional Nordic Melodies" today. It is outstanding.

Perfect blend of folk and early music.......2000-07-12

Midnight Sun by Ens. Polaris is one of the best discs that I have heard in a long time. The tunes are from the Scandinavian countries and Estonia, Scotland, and Canada. But the sound is very unique--a blend of many early and world music traditions. The wonder of the disc is that each song receives a unique treatment and arrangement that an ensemble of various instruments (from jews harp, hurdy-gurdy, and clarinet to you name it!) can create--each arrangement seems so perfectly matched to nuances of each song. The result is incredible variety in all respects and a collection of sounds that is strongly rhythmic or gorgeously melodic-- predominantly an early instrumental music sound, but with various influences of celtic, klezmer, middle eastern and blues! Plus there are six haunting vocals by two guest female vocalists. I'm hoping for more great stuff from this group.

Average customer rating: From another world A Fluid, Lively Celebration

Circle of the Sun Aine Minogue Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mysts of Time Celtic Lamentations Between Worlds Celtic Meditation Music An Ancient Muse ASIN: B000003FS0 Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

1. Si Do Mhamo I
2. Gabhaim Molta Bride
3. The Butterfly
4. O Boro Braindi Braindi
5. Fill It To The Brim
6. Harvest Moon Jig
7. Teir Abhaile Riu
8. Maire Mhor
9. A Winter Story
10. Days Of Emerald
11. A Mhuire 'S A Ri
12. A Midwinter Concerto: Eleanor Plunkett
13. A Midwinter Concerto: Planxty Burke
14. A Midwinter Concerto: O'Carolan's Concerto

Amazon.com

This album from Irish singer and harpist Aine Minogue finds her veering Enya-ward with this sweepingly epic album, which celebrates the seasons according to the Celtic wheel of the year (a diagram is helpfully included in the CD booklet). Circle of the Sun is a mix of traditional airs and original compositions; fans of Irish music will find many of the traditional songs familiar, and the original pieces are composed in a similar vein. (The sole exception is "O'Carolan's Concerto", a classical-sounding piece that is a tribute to Turlough O'Carolan.) Minogue's lovely harp and lovelier voice are supported by a host of backup musicians; fiddle, guitar, flute, whistle, and various percussion instruments feature prominently, especially on the faster tracks. Much of the music is relaxing, even conducive to meditation; however, Minogue's skill as a performer and as a composer prevent Circle of the Sun from ever being boring. Fans of Loreena McKennitt will find a lot to like here. -- Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

From another world.......2002-12-16

The melodies and the rhythms that you will hear in this CD recall music from ancient rites and remote lands. The quality of the recording is superb. I believe, however, that the greatest value of the CD is Minogue's voice. If you enjoy unusual, powerful-yet-soothing voices, if you appreciate listening to gifted singers, Anne Minogue is the person you should listen to. Her voice is beyond this world.

A Fluid, Lively Celebration.......2001-05-27

This album is more lively than either The Mysts of Time or Between Worlds. It doesn't feel as much like music from a temple ... it feels more like celebrational music. And that makes sense because that's what it's supposed to be. Each song is a celebration of a point on the calendar.

One of my favorite pieces on this album is O'Carolans Concerto - his music is actually a very traditional thing for Celtic instrumentalists to play. And here, this piece certainly feels like a festival of winter. I can almost see velvet gowns swirling about in front of massive fire places.

And another gem is "Fill it to the Brim" which has a lively beat that absolutely calls you to dance. It features Aine singing in an almost frisky whisper, "Fill it to the brim and don't say when. Drink your fill and drink again." Whether or not you celebrate the summer solstice, it's a great song for putting a spring in your step first thing in the morning.

This is a creative, uplifting album. It's a perfect blend of gentle and spirited.

I confess that I wouldn't want all of Aine's albums to be like this one because I would miss the ethereal holiness of her other albums. This one is a bit earthier.

But I'm thrilled she made it. And frankly, if I owned the last copy of it on earth, you'd probably have to pay me six figures to get me to part with it.

Average customer rating: Jazzhole is one of the baddest ever! Jazzhole's Best Work To Date! (www.dustygroove.com) File under easy listening For sure, this music sounds like it was made in the sun 4-1/2 stars -- Definitely worth the hype

Circle of the Sun Manufacturer: Beave Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Soul | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Blackburst Poet's Walk The Beat Is the Bomb And the Feeling Goes Round Jazzhole ASIN: B0000719TH Release Date: 2002-11-01

Tracks:

1. Love Philosophy
2. Three Days
3. Ndolo
4. Um Ritmo No Meu Sono
5. Enjoy the Silence
6. Who Do You Love?
7. A Little Dress for Mary
8. Circle of the Sun
9. Winter's Melting
10. A Love Thing
11. Horn Interlude
12. Superstar

Album Description

Circle of the Sun, Jazzhole's fourth studio recording, finds founding members Warren Rosenstein, John Pondel and Marlon Saunders exploring the new hybridity of modern urban soul: a sound that incorporates downtempo grooves and acoustic R&B, with hints of ambient electronica and bossa nova. As much a neo-soul as a nu-jazz release, Circle of the Sun benefits from performances by several new guests: tabla player Naren Budhakar; vocalist and Cameroon-native Kaïssa Doumbè (Manu Dibango, Jean-Michel Jarre, Salif Keita); and percussion star Daniel Sadownick (Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Maxwell, Screaming Headless Torsos). Refreshingly, Jazzhole remains an evolving collective of many of New York's most accomplished live and studio musicians.

Customer Reviews:

Jazzhole is one of the baddest ever!.......2005-02-01

They definitely can groove real big. That's why I'm goin' out and cop their CDs from Blackburst to Circle of the Sun. They sure can kick a groove I can compare them with. I oftenly compare them to Miles Davis, Grover Washington Jr., Guru, Ronny Jordan, George Benson, David Sanborn, The Crusaders, Lonnie Liston Smith, Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder, Chet Baker, Impromp2, Brian McKnight, Alicia Keys, The Brand New Heavies, OutKast, The Roots, Common, Musiq, Boyz II Men, Usher, Barry White, Kanye West, Slum Village, Dwele, Nas, Mase, Quincy Jones, just to name others.

Their blends of style are jazz, hip-hop, funk, neo-soul, R&B, old school, new school, fusion, you name it. So why ya'll say this isn't a good album 'cuz it has no feel to it? My friend Anthony Rupert there's no problem with the album b/c it has what you're looking. I agree with some reviewers who said this is best to pick out if u're into rap, smooth jazz, hip-hop, R&B or whateva. I luv the entire album and hope to pick it up ASAP along with others like the Crusaders, Chris Standring, Ronny Jordan, Rick Braun, Lisa Stansfield, Jon B., etc.

'Specially I recommend Guru's entire Jazzmatazz collection from volumes 1 thru 3 and check out Kenny G's At Last: The Duets Album and 'mos definitely Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. This would definitely keep you in the mood.

Jazzhole's Best Work To Date! (www.dustygroove.com).......2004-05-02

Smooth, soulful, and very slinky -- the fourth album by Jazzhole, and their best to date! The hip New York group have really honed their sound nicely -- focusing on their rich talents as a collective, and showcasing the work of a variety of great lead vocalists. Despite the size of the group, the sound's remarkably unified -- and the album comes off like a solo set by an individual, so strong is the collective vision of the work. Loads of great numbers -- with keyboards dancing over gentle beats, and sweetly soulful lyrics providing the finish! Titles include "Circle Of The Sun", "Love Philosophy", "A Little Dress For Mary", "Winter's Meeting", and "Superstar".

File under easy listening.......2003-12-21

I was looking for something to bridge the gap between Chet Baker, early Miles and Thievery Corporation - something jazzy but with a groove. Cirle of the Sun is jazzy and has the production values of TC, but it has no soul or groove. This is yuppy jazz - the kind you'll hear on the smooth jazz station, sandwiched between Kenny G tracks. The word "ersatz" comes to mind, though it might help to think of the music as new-age meets smooth jazz meets world music. Not my thing.

For sure, this music sounds like it was made in the sun.......2003-08-22

I'm only 23 years old as of August 11, but I'll still say that my tastes in music have become more sophisticated than most others my age. Turn on an alternative rock radio station, and chances are you'll have me running out of the room or begging to be let out of the car. On the other hand, most people as young as me eat that stuff up, and would consider anything remotely quiet and mellow to be for their parents. Hopefully, some middle ground will be established thanks to Jazzhole's recent album CIRCLE OF THE SUN.

It is mostly thanks to John Jones that my interest in acid jazz or soul-jazz was kindled, with Incognito also being a recent favorite, along with the Brand New Heavies (or at least their former lead singer, N'Dea Davenport). Why on Earth Jazzhole hasn't received the kind of V.I.P. status those bands claim is a mystery for they have an equal ability at delivering a brand of jazz that is palatable both to casual (who might like a little R&B with their jazz) and avid (may be more traditional) fans. CIRCLE OF THE SUN should then appeal to even those musicgoers who are keen on finding the flavor of the month before diving into more lasting stuff.

The neo-soul fad may be starting to trickle out by now, but it's obvious that soul-jazz had a hand in unofficially creating that sub-genre, and Jazzhole helps prove that as many disciples as they spawn, the originals know how to do it the best. Songs like "Love Philosophy", "Who Do You Love", "A Little Dress For Mary" (a song about the joys of having a new baby rather than the usual subject matter involving a "baby's mama"), and "A Love Thing" are so undeniably catchy and sunny, one can not help but gently sway along to the music with a beaming smile on their face (like vintage soul music used to do). This is helped to no end by vocalist Marlon Saunders, whose solo album ENTER MY MIND just might be next on my "to-buy" list. Let's hope he works out just as well on his own as with the band. Marlon's other track "Winter's Melting" is more of an ambient tune that is equal parts new age and jazz that one can put on at the end of the day (repeat button recommended) and just drift off to.

Marlon Saunders may be the breakout star of Jazzhole (that's how things look, at least), but Kaissa Doumbe might have something going in her direction as well. She's out front singing the tribal-rhythmic "Ndolo", the bright and carefree title track (Marlon chips in here, too), and probably the album's masterstroke, a cover of Leon Russell's "Superstar" translated into Duala. Both Incognito and BNH often featured a touch of the "mother land" in their music, but Jazzhole seems to wear more of it on their sleeve, and Kaissa could very well follow in the footsteps of Angelique Kidjo on the Afro-Pop scene.

The two other vocal tracks have singers with a lot of promise as well, but perhaps a little more exposure on the next Jazzhole album will make solo possibilities more likely. Michelle Lewis does complete wonders with her rendition of Depeche Mode's classic "Enjoy The Silence", but replacing the original's synth-driven instrumentation with a more Indian-flavored beat is an excellent method I'm sure the guys in Mode couldn't have thought of beforehand. If Michelle is given more songs to demonstrate her talents on, she has the goods to go forward. "Three Days" features Spanish singer Lucia Iman on a song about the time-honored subject of being away from the one you love, but knowing you'll be coming home to them soon enough. Indeed, if Sade was a much more prolific artist, she could have conjured this one up.

The instrumentals show that Jazzhole isn't just a gaggle of singers with able musicians backing them up. "Um Ritmo No Meu Sono" is an almost indescribable blend of Latin and African, yet either way the urge to dance is inescapable, even for an eternally left-footed soul like me. "Winter's Melting" is almost all instrumental, but there is the occasional instance of Marlon Saunders turning his voice into yet another instrument to accent the atmosphere created by the song. "Horn Interlude" struck me as the only sour grape in an otherwise delicious bunch in that it's only 2 minutes long, meaning just as you're getting into it, it's on to the next track. Perhaps a slight lengthening could have turned into a proper song.

While I may have a certain old guy-sense in my musical choices, I still believe there are some younger artists who can keep the music fresh while still not neglecting where the music once went. The whole genre of soul-jazz might be an example of this, but even there are some visionaries for newer ones to look up to, and Jazzhole definitely is one of them. CIRCLE OF THE SUN never fails to look back to the music's past, while at the same time taking it in new or under-used directions. As the mainstream music scene continues to become more about what sells rather than what lasts, albums like CIRCLE OF THE SUN and bands like Jazzhole will be an example of the wonders music can do without any regard for the bottom line.

4-1/2 stars -- Definitely worth the hype.......2003-07-24

Now, this is no exaggeration: no matter what album I look at on this site, I look at "Our Customers' Advice", and under it, at least 3 people recommend Circle Of The Sun in addition to, or instead of, it. And after a while I asked, "What IS that?" To find that out I picked up the album, and I'm sure glad I did.

Although the group is called Jazzhole, the music on here isn't strictly jazz. It's more like jazz sprinkled with neo-soul. And there are plenty of good examples of that on here, like "A Little Dress For Mary", "Love Philosophy", and "Who Do You Love".

The group also does well with remakes. I know some people may be tired of hearing covers of The Carpenters' "Superstar" (no, Luther fans, he did NOT make that song first), but this version is really good. And I'm not exactly sure why they chose to remake Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence", but they do a good job on that too.

There really isn't anything wrong with this album, although some people may wonder why they would need guest vocals on "Three Days" when there are already 12 people in the band. Oh well, do what everyone advised you to do and pick this album up.

Anthony Rupert

Average customer rating:

Sun Games Jazz Circle Manufacturer: Timeless Holland ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000AU21 Release Date: 2000-01-01

Tracks:

1. Sun Games
2. Palestine
3. Nancy's Dance
4. Swimming Pool
5. Broken Circles
6. Love to Chick
7. Tarsicon
8. Lush Life
9. Monkey

Average customer rating:

Circle in the Sun The Humans Manufacturer: Verge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000S6UX6W

Product Description

10 tracks: circle in the cun * you're my dream * beautiful dove * apocalypse * grow * lemon drop * another day * movie * in-turnity * current

Average customer rating:

Make a Circle Like the Sun Manufacturer: String of Pearls Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAFWS8 Release Date: 2001-08-28

Tracks:

1. Song Of Life
2. Rhymin' Time
3. Five Little Monkeys
4. Won't You Be My Valentine
5. Mi Cuerpo
6. Red Yellow Orange And Brown
7. Save Some Trees
8. There's A Dog In The School
9. Little Caterpillar
10. The 1-2-3's (English/French/Spanish/Swahili)
11. Las Hormiguitas (The Little Ants)
12. Everybody Started Out Small
13. Little Rabbit & Red Bird
14. Gentle Hands
15. Make A Circle Like The Sun
16. Mother Goose Rhythm & Rhyme
17. Monster Day
18. Rainbow 'Round Me
19. Rockin' Robin

Album Review:

1. Circo Loco at DC10: Monday Morning Sessions
2. Cold Steel World
3. Da Hype [CD-single] [Import]
4. Don't Tell Me [CD-single] [Enhanced]
5. Erotic Lounge: Sensual Passion, Vol. 2 [Import] [Limited Edition]
6. Everlasting Blink
7. Expand Your Head
8. Exposed [Enhanced]
9. Fabric 21
10. Fabriclive.19 [Live]

Album Review

album review

Album Review

Subject~Object

A Bridge Beyond

A Little Different

Music: The Pleasure and the Greed

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Level 42 [Import]

A Fine Day to Exit

Angel in Your Eyes

A. B. Michelangeli in Performance

Wild at Heart/Little Victories [Import]

Wow

X

Zanzibar [Import]

You Stepped into My Life [CD-single]

Hail Queen of Heaven

Restrictions