Chiaroscuro [Import]

1. Opening Image

2. Bird's-Eye-View

3. Chiaro

4. Holography

5. Blue Silk

6. Parallel Action

7. Circled Take

8. Scuro

9. Time Lapse

10. Ending Image

Chiaroscuro,Arve Henriksen,Rune Grammaphon Nw,Dance Music,Electronic,Norway,Pop

Average customer rating: A Felicitous pairing the story of an incredible meeting

Buddy Tate Meets Abdullah Ibrahim: The Legendary 1977 Encounter Buddy Tate Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Duet African Sun Journey African Magic African Piano ASIN: B000003H94 Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

1. Goduka Mfundi (Going Home)
2. Heyt Mazurki
3. Poor Butterfly
4. In A Sentimental Mood
5. Doggin' Around
6. Just You, Just Me
7. Shrimp Boats
8. Django

Customer Reviews:

A Felicitous pairing.......2004-05-28

This unlikely 1977 pairing turned out to be a bonanza for both men. Tate had not yet begun to lose his wind and Ibrahim was young and still open to the jazz influences he was searching for in America. Both men somehow conspired to bring out the best in the other. Ibrahim was so respectful of Tate that he entrusted his own opening tune, "Goduka Mfundi", to the captaincy of Tate and the rhythm section and sat out on piano. Tate never sounded better. Ibrahim's South African tonic was just the pick-me-up Tate needed as he entered the senior years of his career. And Ibrahim displays what a completely original keyboard voice he is on Duke's "In a Sentimental Mood" and the monumental, "Django". Thought you'd heard everything that could be done with "Django"? You haven't heard this. But perhaps the greatest revelation of this CD is bassist, Cecil McBee, who is liberally featured throughout and proves himself an absolute monster of the upright.If Hank O'Neal ever produced a better record I haven't heard it yet. This is jazz at its shining best.

the story of an incredible meeting.......2001-12-26

Who would have thought that Buddy Tate and Abdullah Ibrahim (aka Dollar Brand) would record together someday ? Buddy Tate (1913-2001),a tenor sax master from the swing era, was a member of Count Basie's orchestra at the end of the thirties,and remained active in music after he turned 80 years old. Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (born October 9,1934 in South Africa),was discovered by Duke Ellington.Duke even produced his first recording session, on the Reprise label (at that time,Abdullah was known as Dollar Brand),and also produced a record of Dollar's wife,singer Sathima Bea Benjamin.Then,Abdullah recorded several masterpieces,mostly in solo piano ("anthem for the new nations" on Denon,"ode to Duke Ellington" and "memories" on West Wind,"african piano" on ECM,"anatomy of a south african village" on Black Lion,and many others.
In 1977,producer Hank O'Neal had the crazy idea of inviting Dollar and Buddy to record together.This was the idea: Abdullah would teach Buddy some of his tunes ("Goduka Mfundi" and "Heyt Mazurki"),Buddy would teach Abdullah some of his ("doggin' around" and "just you,just me"), and a pair of standards would complete the session ("poor butterfly" and Duke's "in a sentimental mood").Bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Roy Brooks were hired for the session;they both recorded with Abdullah for Enja a few months before.Buddy Tate's playing is great,he really feels at home, and Abdullah's solos on standards is interesting to discover.After the first six tracks were taped,Buddy had to leave because he was playing at the Crawdaddy Club,NYC,so the trio recorded two more tracks which didn't appear on the original LP."shrimp boats", a Randy Weston original, sounds very african."Django", of course, is John Lewis' masterpiece, a tune dedicated to french gipsy guitar player, Django Reinhardt.After a haunting ad-lib introduction,with only drums,bass and voice (Abdullah's ?),the trio goes into a Coltrane-like exploration of the theme,without playing it.Abdullah's playing is very reminiscent of McCoy Tyner's,not based on the melody of the tune but only on the chords.THis is a very interesting meeting of two masters who maybe would never had the opportunity of playing together.And another marvel from Chiaroscuro,a label who commited some great records in the 70's.

Average customer rating: It swings!!

Joe & Zoot & More Joe Venuti , and Zoot Sims Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Joe Venuti and Zoot Sims Alone at the Palace Hot Sonatas Never Before...Never Again S'Wonderful: 4 Giants Of Swing ASIN: B00006CTFB Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

1. I Found A New Baby
2. There's A Small Hotel
3. Indiana
4. My One And Only Love
5. The Wild Cat
6. It's The Girl
7. Oh, Lady Be Good
8. Someday Sweetheart
9. C Jam Blues
10. Blue Too
11. Oh, Lady Be Good
12. Dinah
13. Tea For Three
14. Diga Diga Do
15. I'll Never Be The Same
16. String The Blues
17. The Blue Room

Customer Reviews:

It swings!!.......2003-02-15

I first saw this album mentioned in Down Beat, and the two title stars obviously caught my attention, but that didn't completely convince me that I should run out and buy it. That was achieved by the Down Beat writer's use of the magic words - Adrian Rollini. No, Rollini isn't on this session (he wasn't even around then, seeing as he died in the mid-fiftes), but the reviewer noted that Spencer Clark played in the Rollini style on this album, and not badly, either.

I think Adrian would have liked Clark's work here very much. I also think Adrian would have told the sound engineer to get a better balance between the bass sax and everyone else at times, but that's beside the point. Of course the two title stars are great on the album as well! Zoot Sims plays on the first nine songs, and he plays more on the soprano sax than he does on his tenor. After listening to him on soprano, I think I have finally become de-traumatized and gotten over my sopsaxophobia brought on by having heard the ubiquitous so-called jazz musician Kenny G. That being said, Zoot's tenor work is also enjoyable; breathy, but not without focus. Venuti plays the hot numbers extraordinarily hot and the ballads wonderfully. The blend he achieves with Zoot is especially notable. Other big names on the album include Milt Hinton and Bucky Pizzarelli.

The style of all the songs is not limited to a single genre. Elements of everything from trad to bop are thrown in and used tastefully. All in all, it swings!

Average customer rating: Six stars, at least Keep Copies Everywhere

Chiaroscuro Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sign Language ASIN: B000000NGD Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Dolphins
2. Saurian's Farewell
3. Beneath The Surface
4. Spring Gesture
5. Bach Prelude
6. Piacenza
7. Coming Back
8. Dardanelles
9. Bach Bouree (From The French Suite)
10. Beloved Infidel

Customer Reviews:

Six stars, at least.......2006-10-05

I bought this CD when in first came out in 1985. 20-odd years later, I'm still listening to it. There has not been a time when this album was not in rotation on my player. There isn't any other album I can say that about. It's good, it's still good, it never stales.

Keep Copies Everywhere.......2004-04-09

It's a bit of an embarrassment to admit that the thing that has gotten in the way of reviewing this album is that I keep forgetting to review and wind up just listening. All of the musicians at the heart of this album are remarkable. Darol Anger on violin, Mike Marshall on guitar, Michael Manring and Todd Phillips on Bass, Andy Narell on Steel Drums, Barbara Higbie on synth, and even George Marsh on triangle. Some of the best light jazz players of their time (1985), it is immediately apparent that they respect what each has to add to the mix and have a strong commitment to be something else besides 'yet another new age group.'

Darol Anger needs no introduction. 'Dolphins' and 'Spring Gesture' are hallmark tunes, that get a lot of airtime and inclusion in other collections. Mike Marshall is no slouch either, comfortable trading lines with Anger or stepping out for a short moment of Bach just to show off. These to are regular playing partners and have the entire Windham Hill stable of artists to draw one. This makes the player lists on their albums a catalog of wizardry. As I've already demonstrated, Chiaroscuro is no exception to that rule.

So the next time you are feeling that New Age music is a little to spacey, and that light jazz has vaporized, grab this album and give a listen. This is fun, showing off, and everything from Bach to blues in the blinking of an eye. And not by rote, but with every bit of imagination that they can muster. Anger and Marshall playing 'Piacenza' is something that needs to be experience at least once in every life. Trust me, this album is one of the reasons you have a shelf right next to your CD Player.

Average customer rating: Found At Sea

Live at the Floating Jazz Festival Johnny Frigo Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Johnny Frigo's DNA Exposed! I Love John Frigo...He Swings Live from Studio A in New York City ASIN: B00000JWQZ Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

1. My Romance
2. Porgy And Bess Medley
3. My Favorite Things
4. There Will Never Be Another You
5. Detour Ahead
6. The Man I Love/I've Got A Crush On You/Liza/Strike Up The Band
7. My Foolish Heart
8. It Might As Well Be Spring
9. This Can't Be Love
10. Isn't It Romantic
11. Lester Leaps In

Customer Reviews:

Found At Sea.......2004-10-03

If anyone thinks it isn't possible to be lyrical, and swing at the same time, one listen to this album will disuade you of such a notion. Frigo's playing will convince the listener that the violin was originally designed for jazz all along.

Average customer rating:

Live at the Roosevelt Grill, Vol. 2 Bobby Hackett Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Dixieland | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live at the Roosevelt Grill, Vol. 3 Live at the Roosevelt Grill With Vic Dickenson, Vol. 4 Live at the Roosevelt Grill Jazz Ultimate/Coast Concert Soft Lights/In a Mellow Mood ASIN: B000003H8S Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

1. Thou Swell
2. Things Aint What They Used To Be
3. It's Wonderful
4. Lover Come Back To Me
5. If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight
6. Jitterbug Waltz
7. Blue Lou
8. I'll Try
9. Misty
10. A String Of Pearls
11. More Than You Know
12. Just You, Just Me
13. 'SWonderful
14. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
15. A Time To Love
16. Easter Parade
17. I May Be Wrong

Average customer rating: It delivers the goods A Warning to Buyers

Last of the Whorehouse Piano Players Ralph Sutton with Jay McShann Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Stride Piano | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Swing Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Last of the Whorehouse Piano Players: The Original Sessions Swings St. Louis Goin' to Kansas City Jumpin' the Blues King of Stride Piano 1918-1944 ASIN: B000003H9F Release Date: 1994-03-04

Tracks:

1. Honey
2. Old Fashioned Love
3. Fore Day Rider
4. On the Sunny Side Of The Street
5. Sweet Georgia Brown
6. Do Wah
7. Indiana
8. Deed I Do
9. Crazy Rhythm
10. Cherry
11. Pretty Baby
12. I've Found A New Baby
13. JazzSpeak

Customer Reviews:

It delivers the goods.......2004-05-12

This is one spectacular recording -- toe-tapping, head-nodding, straight-up piano jazz. Dig it. Worth every penny.

A Warning to Buyers.......2002-02-02

There are TWO (count 'em, two) CD's called "Last of the Whorehouse Piano Players," both with Jay McShann and Ralph Sutton, but with completely different song listings. If you want to see the other, type that title into the Search box and they both pop up. They also have almost identical identifiers: The one with this review is Chiaroscuro; ASIN: B000003H9F, and the other one is Chiaroscuro; ASIN: B000003H98.

Average customer rating:

Live at the Roosevelt Grill With Vic Dickenson, Vol. 4 Bobby Hackett Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live at the Roosevelt Grill, Vol. 2 Live at the Roosevelt Grill, Vol. 3 Live at the Roosevelt Grill ASIN: B0000931LQ Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

1. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
2. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
3. Take The 'A' Train
4. Mister Lucky
5. Stompin' At The Savoy
6. Love Is Just Around The Corner
7. Sunday
8. The Girl From Ipanema
9. Love Is Here To Stay
10. Manha De Carnaval
11. Autumn In New York
12. Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week
13. I Left My Heart In San Francisco
14. Manhattan
15. Keeping Out Of Mischief Now
16. I Thought About You

Average customer rating:

Live at the Roosevelt Grill, Vol. 3 Bobby Hackett Featuring Vic Dickenson Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Dixieland | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live at the Roosevelt Grill, Vol. 2 Live at the Roosevelt Grill With Vic Dickenson, Vol. 4 Live at the Roosevelt Grill Jazz Ultimate/Coast Concert ASIN: B00000J27A Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

1. Fidgety Feet
2. Baby Won't You Please Come With Home
3. Way Down Yonder In New Orleans
4. Tin Roof Blues
5. Sweet Georgia Brown
6. After You've Gone
7. New Orelans
8. Struttin' With Some Barbecue
9. Basin Street Blues
10. Wolverine Blues
11. Ain't Misbehavin'
12. Someday Sweetheart
13. Muskrat Rambie
14. I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None O' This Jelly Roll

Average customer rating: The first opera Overshadowed, but great Incredibly important work done superbly The "professional" review is understated...

Monteverdi: L'Orfeo / London Baroque - Medlam, Chiaroscuro - Caudle Claudio Monteverdi , London Baroque , Charles Medlam , Nigel Rogers , Emma Kirkby , Mario Bolognesi , Rogers Covey-Crump , Catherine Denley , Jennifer Smith , Stephen Varcoe , and Guillemette Laurens Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Kirkby, Emma | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine 1610/Venetian Vespers Purcell: Dido and Aeneas Purcell: Dido and Aeneas / James, Lewis, Baker, Herincx Handel: Messiah /Nelson * Kirkby * Watkinson * Elliott * Thomas * AAM * Hogwood Monteverdi: Il Ritorno di Ulisse in Patria ASIN: B000002S5F Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. L'Orfeo: Toccata
2. L'Orfeo: Ritornello ... Dal mio Permesso amato a voi ne vengo (Orchestra - La Musica)
3. L'Orfeo: Act 1: In questo lieto (Pastore 1)
4. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Vieni Imeneo, deh vieni ... Muse, honor di Parnaso (Coro - Ninfa)
5. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Lasciate i monti ... Ma tu, gentil cantor (Coro - Pastore II)
6. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Rosa del ciel ... lo non diro (Orfeo - Euridice)
7. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Lasciate i monti
8. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Vieni, Imeneo (Coro)
9. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Ma s'il nostro gioir (Pastore 1)
10. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Alcun non sia(Pastori I, III)
11. L'Orfeo: Act 1: Che poi che nembo (Ninfa - Pastori II, IV)
12. L'Orfeo: Act 1: E dopo l'aspro (Pastori - Coro)
13. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Sinfonia ... Ecco pur ch'a voi ritorno (Orchestra - Orfeo - Pastori I, III - Coro)
14. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Mira, deh mira (Pastore I - Messaggiera - Pastori II, III - Orfeo)
15. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Tu sei morta (Orfeo)
16. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Ahi, caso acerbo! (Coro - Messaggiera)
17. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Chi ne consola, ahi lassi? (Pastori I, III)
18. L'Orfeo: Act 2: Ahi, caso acerbo ... (Coro - Pastori I, III)

Tracks:

1. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Sinfonia (Orchestra)
2. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Scorto da te, mio nume (Orfeo)
3. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Ecco l'atra palude (Speranza)
4. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Dove, ah dove ten vai (Orfeo)
5. L'Orfeo: Act 3: O tu ch'innanzi ... Sinfonia (Caronte - Orchestra)
6. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Possente spirto
7. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Orfeo son io (Orfeo)
8. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Ben mi lusinga alquanto ... Sinfonia (Caronte - Orfeo - Orchestra)
9. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Ei dorme, e la mia cetra (Orfeo)
10. L'Orfeo: Act 3: Sinfonia a 7 ... Nulla impresa (Orchestra - Coro)
11. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Signor, quell'infelice (Proserpina)
12. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Benche severo (Plutone)
13. L'Orfeo: Act 4: O, degli habitator (Spiriti)
14. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Quali grazie ti rendo (Proserpina - Plutone)
15. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Pietade, oggi, e amore(Coro - Spirito I)
16. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Ritornello ... Quai honor di te fia degno (Orchestra - Orfeo - Spirito III)
17. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Ahi, vista troppo dolce (Euridice - Spirito IV)
18. L'Orfeo: Act 4: Sinfonia a 7 ... E la virtute ... Sinfonia a 7 (Orchestra - Coro)
19. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Ritornello ... Questi i campi di Tracia (Orchestra - Orfeo - Eco)
20. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Ma tu, anima mia (Orfeo)
21. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Sinfonia ... Perch'a lo sdegna (Orchestra - Apollo - Orfeo)
22. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Ritornello ... Vanne Orfeo (Orchestra - Coro)
23. L'Orfeo: Act 5: Moresca (Orchestra)

Amazon.com

This recording of Monteverdi's retelling of the Orpheus legend may not be as fine overall as John Eliot Gardiner's, but it has much to recommend it. Nigel Rogers was the first great modern Monteverdi tenor: he made this record after his prime (he no longer has the beautiful sound one wants from an Orfeo), but his virtuoso passage-work and stylish ornaments should be required listening for every student of the role. The cast, chorus, and orchestra give solid, if occasionally reserved, performances (though Guillemette Laurens is a shrill Messenger). The best singing of the entire record is (perhaps unfortunately) at the beginning: Emma Kirkby's sweet voice, imaginative embellishment, and eloquent delivery as Music result in absolutely the best rendition of the Prologue on record. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

The first opera.......2005-10-10

This work by Monteverdi is often considered the first opera. As a composer, Monteverdi is a bridge between the Renaissance and Baroque periods. His music represents definite developments beyond the more typical constraints of Renaissance polyphony and sacred composition, and anticipates some of the types of orchestration and composition that will come to fulfillment in the Baroque period. He was a prolific composer of secular pieces, including this of the earliest operas, L'Orfeo.

This piece demonstrates the kind of grand orchestration for which Monteverdi is noted. The performers on this piece include The London Baroque (a group of twelve musicians), directed by Charles Medlam; the London Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble (a group of nine musicians), directed by Theresa Caudle; and Chiaroscuro (not the type of lighting, but rather a vocal ensemble formed in 1979 dedicated to the performance of Italian music) under the direction of Nigel Rogers.

This piece was largely overlooked through the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, being revived again in the early twentieth century as a somewhat regularly performed piece. The subject matter is well known (there are other musical works, literary works and art works based on the same subject) - Orpheus, who attempts to rescue his lover Eurydice from the underworld. Orpheus is a musician of such power that his music can sway the gods.

In the first act, Orfeo and Eurydice celebrate their marriage. In the second act, Orfeo receives word that Eurydice has died, and resolves to rescue her from the underworld. In the third act, a personified Hope follows Orfeo to the entrance of the underworld; Orfeo's music enchanted Charon, who falls asleep so Oreo can pass. In the fourth act, Proserpina, queen of Hades, is enchancted by the music, and convinces Pluto to let Eurydice go, which he does, but only on the condition that Orfeo not look back (of course Orfeo does, and Eurydice vanishes). In the final act, Orfeo is struck with grief, but Apollo takes pity on him, and sets the image of Eurydice in the stars.

L'Orfeo has many features that are new to its time - it has strong melody lines, and consistency of drama throughout the piece; this is not a disjointed series of songs, but rather a complete story. L'Orfeo shows the assignment of specific parts to specific instruments (it seems strange to us today that this would be an issue, but often in older music, there was no such designation made).

Commentator Clifford Bartlett states that listening to this work on CD in the comfort of one's own home is sometimes more true to the original composition and performance ideas than live performances in modern opera houses, that put a distance between the performers and the audience, and between the performers themselves. The vocals on this recording are good, and one can see that the pacing and appreciation for the words themselves is enhanced by being able to concentrate on the recording. In total, this is a magnificent recording, and one that is a treasure in any CD collection.

Overshadowed, but great.......2005-01-28

This recording is overshadowed by Gardiner's, which soon followed; but while both are near-perfect, my heart just favors certain quirks of this one. Rogers's Orfeo is as virtuosic, assured and vulnerable as it can possibly be, and the rough patches in his voice do not in any way impair the musicality or beauty of his interpretation-- they enhance it, if anything, making a highly personal statement. I love the tempi here-- no dragging-- dance always hovering nearby. The ritornello and chorus of the spirits as Orfeo crosses to Hades are not lugubrious, but rather matter-of-fact, even jaunty. These spirits are interested observers-- but quite rightly, not emotionally overcome, as the lamenting nymphs and shepherds of Act II.
The playing and singing are splendid and expressive. The cast as accomplished and seasoned as Gardiner's, with such stalwarts as Covey-Crump, Thomas and Varcoe in prominent roles. I especially love little acoustic details, such as the receding sound of Orfeo's and Apollo's duet, as Orfeo is borne up to Olympus. Last but certainly not least, probably the best available rendering of "Possente Spirto" anywhere.

Incredibly important work done superbly.......2002-07-06

This was the first great operatic work. It would have been performed in an intimate setting and that shows from the very beginning with the fanfare calling for the attention of the audience and the prologue transitioning the audience into the work. Certainly, that is a classic method of beginning a drama and was done all the time back then, but the reason they did it so much was because of the manner and place in which it was performed.

There is so much to love in this recording and much of it has to do with Nigel Rogers. I love his voice and manner of singing. Some have problems with it, but I can't imagine a better "Vi ricord, o boschi amorosi". If you know of one, please email me.

And I also worship at the altar of Emma Kirkby ever since I heard her live in Ann Arbor in 1980 (I was in the chorus and she was the soprano soloist in a revolutionary performance of "Messiah" that totaled about 50 performers including the orchestra).

If you love ALL of opera I don't know why you wouldn't want this in your collection. Monteverdi is one of the great geniuses in all musical history and is the first great composer of opera and this is his first opera.

The "professional" review is understated..........2000-04-16

It's true that Roger's voice is close to being raw in some places, but I don't think that detracts in any way. There is much to recommend here, not the least being the very immediate sound of the recording and the broad dynamic range. It is easy to imagine this being sung in a small theater by a group of people who were not quite sure what they were making. Stephen Varcoe's Plutone is wonderfully rough, and another stand-out. I don't like opera as a rule, and I love this.

[Added 2/18/2002: I'm sorry to see "limited availability" on this CD; get it while you can! One thing I didn't mention - the few times I have played this for other people, slipping it on during conversation, they typically stop talking as soon as Emma Kirkby begins singing the Prologue (is that what it's called? I've lost the booklet...), listen intently for a minute or so, and then say, "This is *beautiful*! What is it?" The only reply that fits is, "Perfect."]

Average customer rating: Reviewing Live at the New School A hot jazz instrumental recording George knew how to swing Two great musicians at the top of their form.

Live at the New School Ruby Braff & George Barnes Manufacturer: Chiaroscuro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Dixieland | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Don't Get Around Much Anymore Gems Cornet Chop Suey Old Man Time Ruby Braff & Ellis Larkins: The Complete Duets ASIN: B000003H8N Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. This Can't Be Love
2. With Time For Love
3. There Will Never Be Another You
4. Solitude
5. Struttin' With Some Barbeque
6. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
7. Thou Swell
8. Body And Soul
9. Squeeze Me
10. It Don't Mean A Thing If It Aint Got That Swing
11. Rockin' In Rhythem
12. Sugar
13. Liza
14. You're A Lucky Guy
15. Don't Blame Me
16. Cheek To Cheek
17. Mean To Me
18. Here There And Everywhere
19. Goose Pimples
20. Nobody Else But You

Customer Reviews:

Reviewing Live at the New School.......2006-03-26

This is a good CD especially if your a George Barnes fan. He demeonstrates some great interplay with Ruby Braff and Mr Braff's solos are lyrical and wonderful. This isn't my favorite of the George Barnes material that's out there however. If I had to choose one recording of George's that I came across on Amazon than that would have to be "Gems" with Joe Venuti. His playing sounds more lively than on this recording. That being said, the tune choices are great. I love thier versions of "There Will Never BE Another You', 'Sunny Side of Street', and 'Cheek to Cheek." If you play guitar like me then there are a lot of great licks to "cop" but if you only have enough bucks for one CD then get "Gems" instead.

A hot jazz instrumental recording.......2003-07-04

This is a very sharp recording of some great jazz standards by Ruby Braff and George Barnes. They are both not as well known (and underrated) to many jazz fans, but their style is distinct, crisp, and very fun. Its like sitting in a jam session with some great musicians. These guys know their music and instruments well, and it comes through on this CD. If you really enjoy jazz guitar (a la Barney Kessel) this is the album for you.

George knew how to swing.......2003-02-14

a total pleasure. masterful guitar work from a much underappreciated musician's musician. if you listen close enough you will enjoy this more and more.

Two great musicians at the top of their form........2001-01-11

This is the best album by far that the Braff / Barnes quartet ever made,which is not to say that their other records are bad, they weren't, but this one is an absolute treasure, made better by including all the music recorded that night,unlike the original LP. Ruby Braff must be the best cornet player in jazz,and George Barnes amongst the best swing guitarists of his time. They play so wonderfully together that it is difficult to single out any tracks as being the best,but my favourite numbers are "There will never be another you","Solitude", "Rockin' in rhythm" ,"Struttin' with some barbecue", and "It don't mean a thing". But really the whole record is great, with the highest standards of musicianship from both the principals and Michael Moore and Wayne Wright on bass and rhythm guitar.Interestingly, the lack of a drummer doesn't stop the group swinging like crazy! The recording is excellent too,it does a great job in capturing the beautiful tone that both Ruby and George coax from their instruments. This is the most enjoyable jazz album I bought during 2000, and in my opinion the Braff/Barnes quartet was one of the outstanding groups of the seventies. In conclusion, buy it! Anyone with an appreciation for good music making cannot fail to be inspired and uplifted by this tasteful, humourous and sublime recording.

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3. Club Hits 2006: 28 Essential Tracks
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Album Review

album review

Album Review

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