Improvisations & Edits: Tokyo 09-26 2001 [Live]

1. Straight Life

2. Ballads

3. Hot Barbecue

4. Barbecue's Version

5. New Anthem

6. Watch What Happens

7. Post-Anthem

Tracks:

Ruby
Carnelian
Citrine
Aventurine
Azurite
Amethyst
Quartz
Synthesis

Album Description

The Tranquil Harp consists of eight Celtic harp improvisations for relaxation, meditation and integration. The music was improvised, and recorded live in a concert hall without any added reverb or effects. Each track is in a different key, correlating with the frequencies of color and the energetic centers of the body. The pure harmonically rich harp sounds played at a slow regular pulse encourage alpha wave activity in the brain, resulting in greater relaxation, clarity, focus and concentration. Practical exercises are suggested for each improvisation to assist in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual integration. These improvisations were created on a Dusty Strings FH-36B Celtic harp made in Seattle, Washington.

Customer Reviews:

Healing music.......2007-02-22

Whether lying in bed and reading, driving my car in stressful moments, or just relaxing, the Tranquil Harp provides a wall of wonderful sound that can soothe and center me. Paul Baker has a tender touch, and his improvisational style is beyond compare.

Tranquil harp for babies.......2006-03-21

Paul Baker's improvisations are inspired and beautiful. We use his recordings with high-risk premature babies at the local hospital, with outstanding results. The babies are soothed by the stabilizing tone and rhythms, relaxing their heartrates and improving their overall condition. I have started giving this recording to new parents as a baby gift. I use it myself on stressful days. Thank you Paul!

Soothing the Mind.......2006-03-20

I love this CD and the "Ladder of the Soul". Beautiful composition. What a way to escape.

My Heartfelt Review for "The Tranquil Harp".......2004-05-23

I am continually amazed by the healing power of music. Especially harp music. As those who know me know, my healing from a debilitating stroke came about in large part due to the improvisational healing harp of one man: Paul Baker.

Mr. Baker is such a talented person. He could have chosen to record albums using his vast knowledge and technique on the large and impressive concert harp, piano, or organ. However, for posterity, he chose to record improvisations for healing on the smaller and more personal celtic harp.

How does one capture the essence of such music in words? His two albums, "The Tranquil Harp" and "The Ladder of the Soul" are groundbreaking in their simplicity and breadth. And each one has its own unique place in my life.

"The Tranquil Harp" helped me most in my physical healing. Its music is very basic, simple, and gentle. It has brought, and continues to bring, growth and strength to every part of my physical being. To play it is to bathe in regeneration and light.

"The Ladder of the Soul" continues this healing on the emotional and spiritual planes. It connects our essence to the divine in such a way that we emerge purer and more aware of our true being and purpose in this life. This is real health. Divine health. What a gift to be brought to us by one man. This album is so aptly named as it proves that the harp truly is "the ladder between earth and heaven," connecting us to the divine safely and lovingly.

Thank you, Mr. Baker, for sharing yourself in such a way that allows all of us to unfold in ourselves and in the world with true happiness and peace.

Not sure I agree with the across the board 5 stars.......2004-05-12

I have several meditation CDs including some other ones that use harp music. I found this CD to be uninspired. The music is soothing in a boring way. It certainly is not my favorite. I personally like the 4 CD Global Meditation series put out by the Rainforest Alliance the best.

Average customer rating:

Microcosmos
Great value with a few flaws
eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much
Best classical value out there
5 Stars for the music and performance

Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Brahms: Works for Solo Piano

ASIN: B00008X5AY
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Amazon.com

Sàndor, still active at 90 as this reissue appears, was a student of Bartók and a preferred interpreter of his music. Since this set appeared on nine LPs in the early 1960s, it has been the standard for Bartók's piano music; in this fine-sounding reissue, it still is. Sàndor can hit hard enough for such virtuoso pieces as the Piano Sonata and "Out of Doors," but he also retains the romantic element heard in the composer's own playing which tempers the harsher qualities of the music. While this collection isn't quite as complete as advertised (some early, insignificant piano music by Bartók is omitted), it includes all of Bartók's significant piano music, including such relatively obscure gems as the Bagatelles, eight Improvisations, and many delectable folk arrangements which will appeal even to listeners who think Bartók is too challenging for them. Vox's recorded sound, superbly remastered, resists obsolescence as effectively as Sàndor's performances. Even with the inclusion of the early books of "Mikrokosmos," which will appeal mostly to piano students, this set is worth several times the asking price. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Microcosmos.......2007-03-08

Sándor was a champion not only of Bartók's music but also of Bartók's style of playing. He often complained that people were too quick to see Bartók as ultra-modern, and to fail to appreciate the rich seam of lyricism that also runs through his music.

The piano music is dominated by short pieces, many of them written for piano students, notably the collections "Microcosmos" and "For Children". These, together with suites of folk dance arrangements, make up the bulk of the solo piano output.

Sandór plays these short, and often simple pieces, with neither too much nor too little art. As a gifted teacher, he knew unerringly how much music each of these small vessels held. The result is beguiling - but be warned: no-one can listen to the 153 short pieces of Microcosmos end-to-end. This is an anthology to be dipped into, not swallowed whole.

The remastering is pretty successful (fortunately - some of Vox's CD reissues are plagued by severe deterioration of the original tapes). And it's for half nothing-what's not to like?

Great value with a few flaws.......2006-07-28

I am not a Bartok expert by any scale, but I do like the way these pieces, without exception, are played. There are, however, a couple of other problems.

As mentioned by an earlier reviewer, very few of the works are split into tracks - Mikrokosmos is divided into 7 for each of its six volumes, and to accomodate for a full CD. In these seven tracks there are 121 songs. I would have much preferred if the songs had been split into tracks. Almost the entire CD set is this way - Fifteen Hungarian Songs is one track, Fourteen Bagatelles, etc. It is very annoying when one wants to hear a particular song in those tracks and not the others.

Another detriment to the collection is the recording quality. It is decent most of the time, but in loud sections the piano buzzes. One might be able to ignore it, but I think that it detracts from the passion of the forte quite a bit.

Overall, for $18 it is pretty decent, but if you are like me and like to keep your music library neatly organized (and aren't extremely cheap), I would not recommend this set.

eeh, I guess I don't like Bartok that much.......2006-07-25

I like the fact that Bartok is into the folk tradition and all, but he just tends to forget the fact that melody has to be SOMEWHERE in the music. I'm all for creative expression when you're sitting alone at the piano, but abstract music should be reserved for performance art. I like playing some of your stuff Bela, but I just don't want to listen to you.

Best classical value out there.......2005-10-05

To put this set in perspective, for months I would go to my local Tower Records fishing for worthwhile classical CDs at least once a week. One of the discs that sat in the bins the longest was a single CD of Bartok piano music, played by Zoltan Kocsis. It was Volume 7 of a complete series. This CD listed for $17.99, and as long as I went to that Tower Records, it did not budge an inch, nor was its price amended.

Now, Kocsis is one of the greatest pianists alive, and if anyone is worthy of commanding a premium, it is him. And to be fair, that CD is going to be re-released on October 11 as part of a Collector's Edition - eight CDs, $63.97 MSRP. But it's already going up against this little gem, which contains five CDs with all of the truly great solo-piano works by an internationally recognized Bartok specialist for $21 - not much more than the cost of one CD from the other set. This kind of value is not to be taken lightly.

I came to this set with my impression of Sandor informed by his complete Prokofiev - ultra-hard, sometimes rhythmically slack, always melodically lacking in some way or another. But he held a very special feeling for Bartok, and saved his best playing for the great Hungarian. In passages like the first of the Three Csik Dances, the opening of the Improvisations Op. 20, or in the Ten Easy Pieces, there is a simplicity, charm and wistful homesickness that is quite touching. In pieces like the Out of Doors suite, the Sonata, or the Burlesques, there is a vicious, impulsive energy, a wicked sense of humor and an overabundance of overtones. It is never mindless, inappropriate or even overly harsh - it's just very, very loud.

In this set I like best the endless landscape of the Sonatina, the unusual colors and fragrances in the Etudes, the brilliantly conceived Bear Dance (the last of the Ten Easy Pieces), and the multifaceted, complex, gorgeous Improvisations. Any fan of Bartok should hear these.

5 Stars for the music and performance.......2005-04-04

This is a fantastic deal, but the problem with this Collection stems from the fact that the pieces are often not separated by tracks. This is especially annoying for the Children's Pieces and Mikrokosmos. There are so many pieces, one wears out the fast forward button and still may miss the particular piece one is looking for. The booklet is fairly insightful, and the performer is widely hailed as the supreme interpreter of Bartok's piano music. So aside from this slightly annoying at times and ridiculously annoying at other times flaw, this is one of the best deals in Classical music. Don't hesitate. Add it to the cart.

Average customer rating:

BAGATELLES SPIRITUELLES
A Delight

Poulenc: Piano Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Poulenc - Aubade · Les biches · Les animaux modèles / Pascal Rogé · Charles Dutoit

ASIN: B0000C24I5
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

Preambule
I. Le Comble De La Distinction
II. Le Coeur Sur La Main
III. La Desinvolture Et La Discretion
IV. La Suite Dans Les Idees
V. Le Charme Enjoleur
VI. Le Contentement De Soi
VII. Le Gout Du Malheur
VIII. L'Alerte Vieillesse
Cadence
Final
I. C Major
II. B Flat Minor
III. E Minor
Pastourelle
I. Assez Modere
II. Tres Modere
III. Alerte
Valse
No. 1 In B Minor
No. 2 In A Flat Major
No.3 In B Minor
No. 6 In B Flat Major
No. 7 In C Major
No. 8 In A Minor
No. 12 In E Flat Major 'Hommage A Schubert'
No. 13 In A Minor
No. 15 In C Minor 'Hommage A Edith Piaf'
I. Pastorale
II. Hymne
III. Toccata

Customer Reviews:

BAGATELLES SPIRITUELLES.......2006-05-17

This disc won a Gramophone award in 1988, the citation praising in particular the `tenderness and sensitivity' of the performances. That seems fair to me. I would not call the playing here any exhibition of ultimate refinement in the manner of Michelangeli or of Gould, but this is not music that requires anything of that kind.

The 31 pieces here are very unpretentious. Only one lasts longer than four minutes, and nearly half of them clock out after less than two. The harmony is almost entirely tonal (after some Stravinskyish assertiveness at the start of the very first number), and most of the recital consists of items that seem to have started life as improvisations. Nine numbers go by that title explicitly, and if they don't seem to be one's normal idea of improvisation, having more thematic content than I for one would have expected, that may simply reflect the fact that Poulenc was an outstandingly gifted improviser. The suite Soirees de Nazelles with which Roge opens the recital is reported to have originated in pieces that he improvised at some kind of informal Schubertiads during his residency there, and they also have more substance than show about them.

The sense of improvisation is strengthened in the Nazelles suite by what sounds to me like an unmistakable allusion in the Preamble and again in the Cadence to Bach's Chromatic Fantasia, itself highly improvisatory in manner. Allusiveness in general is another strong characteristic of these works. There is an explicit Homage to Schubert and another to Edith Piaf, for instance. Poulenc was closely associated with Stravinsky, and while I can't hear much of Stravinsky in the three `perpetual motion' works as the liner-note writer tells me I should, I hear him loud and clear in the Preamble to the Nazelles suite. Nor do I think it unduly speculative to detect the influence of Schumann in the finale to the same suite, and while the attractive melody of the Valse may of course be Poulenc's own something leads me to doubt it.

Above all what these miniatures recall to me is Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words. This is not a matter of specific allusions or of the musical idiom, it's just a matter of the overall impression created. They show the same kind of variety and resourcefulness within a fairly restricted range of expression, and the harmonisation is also, with a couple of exceptions, cautious and unadventurous as Mendelssohn's tended to be - there is no experimentation in the manner of Faure, still less that of Debussy or Ravel. For all that, these works have real character and personality, and they are thoroughly agreeable and companionable, even striking a distinctly deeper note in the Pastorale from the Three Pieces. The `variations' in the Nazelles suite are not variations as Franck or Bizet (or any of the German masters) used that expression, more a little collection of miniature tone-poems, and you may be relieved to learn that the three `perpetual-motion' works are hardly that at all - one toccata is quite enough for me. I would rather not get into the topic of the Satie-style names for the `variations', an issue for which `tiresome' would be a restrained characterisation.

Roge's playing suits the music very well. The first `improvisation' and of course the toccata call for a bit of virtuosity, which he is not short of. Otherwise the technical demands seem generally fairly moderate, the real requirement being to capture the intimate and `off-duty' feel of the music which, as the Gramophone critics said, he does very well. The sound comes over very agreeably too, in part through Roge's tactful and sympathetic pedalling, in part from the acoustic, but above all, of course, from the player's touch.

The liner-note is short and fairly basic, but fine as far as it goes. All in all, this is a very pleasant disc that can be commended in good conscience to all but the most ultra-conservative listeners. I am very pleased to have spotted it, and very happy too to endorse the acclamation it was given in 1988.

A Delight.......2006-05-10

There's little use looking further for a recording of Poulenc's piano music, not when Pascal Roge captures the elegance, charm, and wit of his countryman's art so well. The disc starts with "Les Soirees de Nazelles," where some of Poulenc's more virtuosic passages lie. Also demanding are some of the "Improvisations." I find both of these works the most stimulating works on the disc, though my favorite single piece may well be the "Pastourelle," a piano reduction of a work Poulenc wrote for "L'Evential de Jeanne," a collaborative ballet from the 1920s. It capsulizes the sophisticated wit that marks Poulenc as perhaps the drollest of France's Les Six.

Roge is fully attuned to the more virtuosic moments as well as to the humor and verve of Poulenc's idiom. And Decca, often maligned for their inability to turn out consistently fine piano recordings, has here produced a model sound recording. Maybe it's the venue, a London church, that contributes just the right degree of warmth and detracts not a whit from the clean, powerful tone of Roge's piano.

The Ladder of the Soul - Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, & Integration

Average customer rating:

Centering and healing
Time for Ladder of the Soul #2
beautiful music, beautifully played
My Heartfelt Review for "The Ladder of the Soul"
The Most Beautiful Music

The Ladder of the Soul - Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, & Integration
Paul Baker
Manufacturer: Vocal Integration Concepts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Tranquil Harp: Improvisations for Relaxation, Meditation, Integration
The Healer's Way: soothing music for those in pain, Vol. I
Healing from the harp
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Harp Of The Healing Light

ASIN: B00005MCVL
Release Date: 2001-06-15

Tracks:

Awakening
Acceptance
Understanding
Compassion
Forgiveness
Loving
Grace
Transcendence

Album Description

Peaceful relaxation and meditation music performed on the Celtic harp by master harpist Paul Baker. Following in the tradition of “The Tranquil Harp”, “The Ladder of the Soul” presents eight improvisations in keys corresponding to the energy centers of the body. The improvisations are designed to ground your body, open and tune your mind, balance your emotions and soothe your spirit. The pure and ancient sound of the harp, sometimes called “the ladder between earth and heaven”, is ideal for relaxation, meditation and integration. Each track is provided with a suggested meditation.

Customer Reviews:

Centering and healing.......2007-02-22

This healing music can be used with babies, little children, and testy adults! Paul Baker's unique inovative style provides wonderful, soothing sounds that can be used for meditation or to create a quiet space.

Time for Ladder of the Soul #2.......2006-04-11

Beautiful throughout. Mr. Baker, your music is wonderful. I feel totally peaceful while stretching the morning. It' time for another masterpiece.

beautiful music, beautifully played.......2005-03-30

Lovely music, not only played with great skill by Paul Baker, but also music whose heart and sincerity of compassion shines through. Not overly simplistic like some massage music, but rather with real musical interest and beauty.

My Heartfelt Review for "The Ladder of the Soul".......2004-05-23

Thank you, Mr. Baker, for sharing yourself in such a way that allows all of us to unfold in ourselves and in the world with true happiness and peace.

The Most Beautiful Music.......2002-03-19

The Ladder of the Soul has become my favorite CD of all, and with good reason. I love this CD! It`s the most beautiful relaxing music I have ever listened to. If you have a stressful job or just want to unwind this is the CD for you. A cup of tea with Paul Baker is a peaceful way to end any day.

Average customer rating:

Best CD I Own

Organ of the Mormon Tabernacle

Manufacturer: Klavier
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000009K1A
Release Date: 1994-10-10

Tracks:

Vierne: Symphony No. 1, Op. 14: Finale
Elmore: Rhytmic Suite: Pavane
Saint-Saens: Prelude and Fugue, Op. 99/2
Variations, Op. 40/1
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Mendelssohn: Sonata, Op. 65/3
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Customer Reviews:

Best CD I Own.......2006-07-16

The sound quality of this instrument surpasses all instruments worldwide. You can hear a pin drop extremely clearly in the tabernacle the instrument is housed, making the pipe organ a highly effective sound producer. The larger 32' pipes sound just like thunderous power. A must buy for organists and organ enthusiasts.

Average customer rating:

Savall family extravaganza

Du temps & de l'instant

Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Diáspora Sefardí

ASIN: B0009JOMDI
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Cantiga De Amigo V: Quantas Sabedes Amare
Nastaran
Noumui, Noumi Yaladatii
Variations Sur O Sonjal
La Canco Del Lladre
Romanesca & Pasamezzo
La Salve
Paxarico Tu Te Llamas
Apo Xeno Meros
Ghazali Tal Jahri
Durme, Hermosa Donzella
Tarantela D'apres
Jaroslaw
Canarios
Fantasiant
Muzettes I-II (IV.28.29)
El Cant Dels Aucells
Diferencias Sobre La Guaracha
Sentirete Una Canzonetta

Customer Reviews:

Savall family extravaganza.......2006-01-27

Jordi Savall and Montserrat Figueras are the two giants in the Catalan early music scene. On this album they enlist the help of percussionist Pedro Estevan and their two children to produce some truly exceptional music. Jordi Savall, the most famous family member, almost fades into the background, although he is obviously the rock that anchors the album. His playing is superb, and it seems as though it was most likely him who chose the excellent repertoire. Figueras, like wine, is only improving with age. Also like wine, however, she's a bit of an acquired taste; I am a huge fan of straight tone singing and even I took a while to get used to her bizarre, raw sound. It's worth it, however, as she is one of the most intriguing singers of this era.

Daughter Arianna is a world-class artist in her own right. Like her father, she is multi-talented; she sings, plays the harp, and composes (her contribution to this album, "La Salve," is beautiful and affecting, but some of the selections on her own solo album "Bella Terra" are far superior). Like her mother, her voice is haunting and beautiful, more polished than the elder woman but slightly less interesting. She sounds particularly lovely in the background of the first track. Ferran Savall also lends his voice to the album, although his singing is far less classical sounding, which may be a plus to some listeners. "Noumi, Noumi, Yaladatii," which Figueras has previously recorded as a solo, includes a vocalise from Ferran astonishing in its power, although his one solo on this album, "La Canco Del Lladre," is the least impressive track, as his voice can be irritating after a while and the song itself is repetitive and overlong.

The instrumental tracks are universally excellent. Jordi Savall is one of the world's best viola da gamba players and this album proves that he is still at the top of his game. Arianna's virtuosic harp solo is one of the album's highlights; her playing is less restrained and more visceral than most harpists. Pedro Estevan seems to have very little to do, but a little goes a long way with this music.

I sincerely hope that this will not be the last album to feature the Savall-Figueras family together. These five musicians have produced an album of surreal beauty, not to be missed.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic performances.
Dark, Weird & Accessible

Maldoror

Manufacturer: Brassland Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Maldoror and the Complete Works of the Comte de Lautréamont

ASIN: B0000E5SJV
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

May It Please Heaven
One Should Let One's Fingernails Grow
The Wind Groans
O Stern Mathematics
The Palace Of Pleasures
Here Comes The Madwoman
I Am Filthy
Flights Of Starlings
Be Contemplates The Moon
A Sewing-Machine And An Umbrella

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic performances........2005-05-02

"Maldoror" is a unique concept, producer Michael Montes put text rom Comte de Lautreamont in front of Friedlander-- the master cellist read the text and improvised what he saw. The results are nothing short of breathtaking.

If you're not familiar with Friedlander's work with John Zorn and others, you're likely in for quite a pleasant surprise-- I can think of very few musicians I have had the pleasure of hearing who possess such a stunning command of their instrument as Friedlander does. His technique is overwhelming, particularly in pizzicato, and as an improviser, he is agile and inventive. These lead to the great strength of this record, namely that Friedlander can through his technique express something much more visceral than one would expect from any musical performance.

The improvisations are largely oriented on texture and space, whether arco or pizzicato-- each note counts, as does each lack of note. Friedlander may have an overwhelming technique, but what makes both him and this recording brilliant is his ability to make decisions about when to show it and when not to. "The Wind Groans", for example, is better served by long tones and understated delivery, to meet the mood of the piece he read, then it is by any show of powerful playing.

For fans of improvised music and virtuoso performance, this album is essential. Highly recommended.

Dark, Weird & Accessible.......2004-01-12

I bought this because I saw a piece on Erik and this record in the Wire, a magazine I really trust. And though it's not the kind of thing I usually pick up, I love Maldoror. It consists of dark and atmospheric cello scraping, bowing, plucking, and pulling -- all improvised. I know, I know, it sounds like it'd be really weird and inaccessible, but there's something about Friedlander's sense of melody, his technique, and his ability to compose on the fly that makes this a record a classy little thing. It makes me think of dark moments, French films, and John Coltrane's best work. Try it. You'll like it.

Average customer rating:

Nice performances, boring production quality
and the winner is Garaj Mahal

Blueberry Cave
Garaj Mahal
Manufacturer: Harmonized
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Live, Vol. 1
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Boston T Party

ASIN: B000BI0WP4
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

The Shadow
Alvin
Blueberry Cave
'Spect Rap
No 'Spect
Massive
Cosmic Elevator
Paladin
Bicycling In Bombay
Celtic Indian

Customer Reviews:

Nice performances, boring production quality.......2006-01-18

Great band- I've seen them a bunch of times. My only problem with this CD is the amateurish production. You can tell that it is basically homemade. It is a fine recording, I just wish that they would get into a top studio with a good producer to get a fuller, more polished sound. This is recorded pretty much straight, which is, I guess, a more jam band purist approach. I haven't heard the other CD's yet.

and the winner is Garaj Mahal .......2005-11-21

and the winner is: Garaj Mahal "Blueberry Cave"

Songs:
The Shadow (Eckhardt)
Alvin (Hertz)*
Blueberry Cave (Levy)
`Spect Rap (Eckhardt)
NO `Spect (Haque/Hertz)**
Massive (Hertz)
Cosmic Elevator (Eckhardt)***
Paladin (Levy)
Bicycling in Bombay (Garaj Mahal)*
Celtic Indian (Hertz)

Personnel:
Kai Eckhardt: Bass
Fareed Haque: Guitars
Eric Levy: Keyboards
Alan Hertz: Drums

Guests:
*DJ Fly Agaric: Turntables
**Tasha Levine: Vocals
***Shanan Edelheit: Vocals

Review:
Garaj Mahal, the Jazz Rock Jam Band Supergroup, has finally released its second studio recording to the delight of music lovers no matter their shape, size, or taste. There's just something about this recording that appeals to everyone. "A little bit of everything" is usually a recipe for disaster in the world of music. Most attempts leave the listener unsatisfied or the band isn't capable of delivering the goods. "Blueberry Cave" is a total success in every respect. Jam Band lovers will enjoy this recording because it has that cosmic groove so essential to a good Jam Band. Jazz Rock fans will love it because the compositions, performance, and soloing are top shelf, reminiscent of the Jazz Rock pioneer groups such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, and Return to Forever.

Garaj Mahal bridges the gap between Jazz Rock and Jam Band like no one else. The main reason is that with Jazz Rock fans, it's not enough to be a great musician, you have to be an amazing musician. That's no knock on the fantastic talent in the world of Jam Bands, just a proclamation of Garaj Mahal's incredible musical gifts. Individually, Kai Eckhardt and Fareed Haque have played with a virtual Who's Who of Jazz Rock musicians, while Eric Levy and Alan Hertz are equally capable of doing the same. As a group, they come together and speak in one voice as clearly and in most cases better than the best Jazz Rock or Jam Bands on the scene today.

Blueberry Cave certainly contains a little bit of everything from the cosmic groove, funky on the corner, Eastern flavor, children of Miles, to "a little Grateful Dead is always good for the soul". Consequently, I'm inclined to say "a little Garaj Mahal is good for the soul"!!! There's no getting around it, these guys have something special that feels good and brings a smile to your face and your day.

I've been listening to Garaj Mahal for some time now and downloaded dozens of their free concerts from The Archives. With all that exposure, I was expecting this studio recording to be a disappointment because of the band's obvious love for performing in front of an audience. To my surprise and delight, Blueberry Cave showed another side of the band that is usually reserved for professionals of only the highest caliber. This recording brings together all the individual and group gifts without a weak link anywhere. The compositions hold up after many listens and the performance is nothing short of spectacular.

No matter your musical tastes, Garaj Mahal's newest recording Blueberry Cave is a "must have" Cd for everyone's collection. It doesn't just feel good, it IS good. In the world of today's musical diversity, the winner is Garaj Mahal Blueberry Cave!

By,
Rick Calic
jazzrockworld dot com

Average customer rating:

A fascinating glimpse into Barokian style
Bela Bartok, The pianist.

Bartók Plays Bartók

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Airs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Claude Debussy: The Composer as Pianist
Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music
Maurice Ravel: The Composer as Pianist and Conductor
The Composer as Pianist
Prokofiev Plays Prokofiev

ASIN: B000000WPP
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

Ste, Op.14 Allegretto: Scherzo: Allegro Molto: Sostenuto
Two Rumanian Dances Op.8a: No.1, Allegro Vivace
10 Easy Pieces: No.5, Evening In Transylvania; No.10: Bear Dance
Allegro Barbaro
14 Bagatelles Op.6 No.2: Allegro Giocoso; 3 Burlesques Op.8c: No.2, A Bit Drunk
9 Little Piano Pieces: No.6, Air, No.8, Tambourne, Petite Ste; V, Bagpipes
3 Rondos On Folk Melodies: No.1, Andante
15 Hungarian Peasant Songs: Nos. 7-10, 12, 14, 15 (Old Dance Tunes)
Sursum Corda No.7 From Annees De Pelerinage, Book 3
Mikrokosmos: No.124: Staccato; No.146: Ostinato
Petite Ste Ia. Slow Melody: , Ib. Walachian Dance; II. Whirling Dance; III. Quasi Pizzicato...
9 Little Piano Pieces: No.9, Prld All'ungherese
3 Rondos On Folk Tunes: No.1, Andante; 14 Bagatelles: No.2, Allegro Giocoso
3 Rondos On Folk Melodies: No.1, Andante
15 Hungarian Peasant Songs: Nos.7-10, 12, 14, 15; Old Dance Tunes
Annees De Peleringe, Book III: No.7 Sursum Corda - Bela Bartok/Ditta Pasztory-Bartok
Mikrokosmos: No.124: Staccato
Mikrokosmos: No.146: Ostinato
Petite Ste: Ia. Slow Melody
Petite Ste: Ib. Walachian Dance
Petite Ste: II. Whirling Dance
Petite Ste: III. Quasi Pizzicato
Petite Ste: IV. Ukrainian Song
Petite Ste: V. Bagpipes
9 Little Pno Pieces: No.9: Prld-All'ungherese
3 Rondos On Folk Melodies: No.1, Andante
14 Bagatelles: No.2, Allegro Giocoso
Improvisions On Hungarian Peasant Songs: No.1, Molto Moderato
Improvisions On Hungarian Peasant Songs: No.2, Molto Capriccioso
Improvisions On Hungarian Peasant Songs: No.6, Allegro Moderato, Molto Capriccioso
Improvisions On Hungarian Peasant Songs: No.7, Sostenuto, Rubato
Improvisions On Hungarian Peasant Songs: No.8, Allegro
3 Hungarian Folk Tunes: No.1
3 Hungarian Folk Tunes: No.2
3 Hungarian Folk Tunes: No.3
7 Pieces From Mikrokosmos: I. Chord And Trill Study
7 Pieces From Mikrokosmos: II. New Hungarian Folk Song
7 Pieces From Mikrokosmos: III. Chromatic Invention

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating glimpse into Barokian style.......2007-04-20

I will be brief. These recordings, made between the late 1920s and 1940, are technically deficient in showing Bartok's fabled tone (though a little of it comes through) but musically fascinating in showing how much more lyrical and gentle his playing of his own music was than that of most pianists today. Based on this evidence, then, pianists like Annie Fischer are much closer to Bartok's musical concept than Gyorgy Lehel or many of the others who have recorded his concerti in recent decades. A major resource for students of Bartok's music. (Only four stars given because of the scratchy discs and boxy sound, not because of intrinsic musical value.)

Bela Bartok, The pianist........2007-03-15

Hungarian composer Bela Bartok (born in Romania) was an innovative composer in his day and along with Gyorgy Ligeti is highly regarded as one of the greatest composers to come out of Hungary in the 20th century.
While a majority of Bartok's works are timeless classics in modern Classical repertoire, recordings are Bartok performing his own music are extremely rare to find these days. This is what makes the "Bartok Plays Bartok" disc from Pearl Records such a treat to listen to.
The recordings on this disc date from between 1929 and 1941 and display Bartok's gifts as a solid pianist in their fullest. His pianistic attack and full command of the instrument comes through in every piece included here.
Standouts include the opening piano "Suite", Bartok's own rendition of his famous "Allegro Barbaro" and the "Petite Suite". The 2-piano arrangement of three of Bartok's "Mikrokosmos" pieces is also a standout and features Bartok's wife Ditta as second pianist.
Indeed, there is plenty of history and lessons heard in these historic performances. For a pianist studying on how Bartok's music ought to be played, "Bartok Plays Bartok" is an ideal CD to have. We get to hear a master composer prove himself to be a master pianist.
Definitely a must have for any Bartok fan.