In the Beginning [CD-single] [Import]

1. Scumfrog Mix

2. Tom Middleton Vocal Mix

3. Turntable ..... Mix

Tracks:

II: Andante - Stephen Hough
I: Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Dame Moura Lympany
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat - John Ogdon
Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
II: Adagio - Cecile Ousset
Tango - Dame Moura Lympany
Liebestraum No. 3 In A Flat - John Ogdon
Waltz No. 9 In A Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
Traumerei - Dame Moura Lympany
La Maja Y El Ruisenor - Magda Tagliaferro
Nocturne No. 5 In F-sharp Minor - Maurizio Pollini
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Fur Elise - Dame Moura Lympany
Etude In E 'Tristesse' - John Ogdon
Fruhlingslied - Daniel Adni
II: Andante - Dmitri Alexeev

Tracks:

II: Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
II: Romanze - Annie Fischer
Aria - Maria Tipo
II: Romance (Larghetto) - Garrick Ohlsson
Granada - Gonzalo Soriano
Waltz No. 15 In A Flat - Maura Lympany
II: Largo - Andrei Gavrilov
An Den Fruhling - Daniel Adni
Nocturne No. 10 In A Flat - Daniel Adni
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Walter Gieseking
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - Dame Moura Lympany
Cancons I Dansas No. 1 - Gonzalo Soriano
II: Adagio Sostenuto (Opening) - Cecile Ousset
Prelude No. 15 In D Flat 'Raindrop' - Dmitri Alexeev
Gnossienne No. 1 - Aldo Ciccolini
Berceuse - Jean-Philippe Collard
Minuet In G - Dame Moura Lympany
Berceuse In D Flat - Peter Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

something to have.......2007-03-14

These CD's are filled with all the awesome relaxing songs for the evening when you need it. It is just one of those must have items in your CD collection.

Excellent Music.......2007-02-19

This album was a "try and see" purchase but I love it. It makes great dinner music, great music to drift off to sleep with, or just nice background filler during social events needing a softer tone. It is not all solo piano music if that s what you are after; the other instruments blend very well however and don't challenge the piano playing. It is a piano album after all!

buy now.......2006-09-01

Want to know why I think the piano is the best musical instrument ever invented? Because no matter how the piano is played, it will always sound good. Whether the music is fast, slow, quiet or loud, it ALWAYS delivers with an appealing sound. This is something you need to buy.

Lovely.......2006-02-22

This is a beautiful calming cd. The playing is excellent and the pieces are well chosen.

Aesthetically Pleasing.......2005-09-14

I simply love piano music. If you're looking to relax, enjoy a peaceful time, then you must check out this album. If you truly enjoy piano music, this album is by far one of the best you can purchase.

As it says....it is the "Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever..." Well, I haven't listened to all piano albums in the world, but I don't need to, this one is just perfect for me, and I think you will agree!

I would say the pianists' are extremely accomplished. At times, I would admit-it's a bit 'spine tingling'!

The Mozart Effect: Music for Newborns - A Bright Beginning

Average customer rating:

Great first step to Mozart
I'm a fan of slow songs in latter half

The Mozart Effect: Music for Newborns - A Bright Beginning

Manufacturer: Children's Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Mozart Effect: Music For Babies: Nighty Night
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Beethoven for Babies

ASIN: B00004YR74
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Tracks:

Rondo in C, K.617 - Vienna Volksoper Ens/Peter Maag
Sinf in D, 'The Peasant's Wedding': V. Finale: Molto Allegro - Karl-Heinz Schickhaus
Vars On 'Ah Vous Dirai-je Maman', K.265 - Janos Sebestyen
Lodron Night Music, K.247: IX. Allegro Assai - Capella Istropolitana/Wolfgang Sobotka
Ser No.10 in B, K.361 'Gran Partita': Theme With Vars - German Wind Soloists
Ser No.10 in B, K.361 'Gran Partita': Romance And Adagio - German Wind Soloists
Ser No.3 in D, K.185: II. Andante - Salzburg CO/Harald Nerat
Ser No.3 in D, K.185: V. Andante Grazioso - Salzburg CO/Harald Nerat
Ser No.4 in D, K.203: II. Andante - Salzburg CO/Harald Nerat
Divert in D, K.205: III. Adagio - Capella Istropolitana/Richard Edlinger

Customer Reviews:

Great first step to Mozart .......2006-11-08

This cd is a great way to introduce your baby to Mozart. My son loves it.

I'm a fan of slow songs in latter half.......2006-03-25

I prefer the slow songs, they seems to be a better fit for my baby. I also bought The Mozart Effect: Music For Babies: Nighty Night which I like a lot. The performances are well played by talented musicians. (I have a degree from Peabody so that's a true compliment)

Average customer rating:

Arrgh...
Living with War
Bernie in TO
Better than the original
RAW is the way to go!

Living with War - "In the Beginning"
Neil Young
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Live at the Fillmore East
Neil Young: Under Review 1966-1975
West

ASIN: B000JMKKEU
Release Date: 2006-12-19

Tracks:

After The Garden
Living With War
The Restless Consumer
Shock And Awe
Families
Flags Of Freedom
Let's Impeach The President
Lookin' For A Leader
Roger And Out
America The Beautiful

Album Description

For this raw limited-edition CD+DVD version of Living With War, the critically acclaimed original album, Neil Young strips away the choir, ratchets up the guitars and blasts away with all the passion and volume worth of one of rock's greatest singer-songwriters. In addition, packaged with the new audio CD is a DVD featuring video clips documenting the recording sessions for each of the 10 songs on the album (which is also presented with new artwork). With this Living With War, Neil Young is once again rockin' the free world

Customer Reviews:

Arrgh..........2007-06-19

The original version of "Living with War," with its choir, has its charms, and some songs on it just don't work as well without the extra voices (e.g. the "flip flop" section of "Let's Impeach The President").

That being said, it's inarguable that once you remove the non-rock choir section, you're left with pure rock. Pure Neil Young rock. Cherry.

However -- what the hell is up with Neil Young releasing two versions of everything recently? "Greendale" comes to mind. Don't like having to buy two versions of the same album.

Living with War .......2007-04-29

Neil Young-Living With War *****

Released in 2006 and Living With War was the return of Neil Young. What is ment by that is the return of authentic Neil, this is his first album in several years that is fully impassioned. You can since the ergency in Youngs songs here. Living With War is an album of satire and propaganda that you are either going to love or hate, there will be no middle ground with this album and Young lost and gained a number of fans over this album as well. Being a Canadian Young took a bold risk by making an entire album critisizing the American government. Now if he were to make an album about the Canadian parliment maybe that would be more suitable but then again Neil Young is about as American as you can get. This was a move I did not give a chance at first but then decided if I am a real Neil Young fan I will give it a chance and did and loved it.

Released in packaging that resembles a paper sack for authenticity and minimalism, which is what the entire album is about. It opens with 'After The Garden' a song about what will happen when the world ends in a nuclear holocaust. It is a rockin' track and one that really sets the pace for the album. Easily on of Neils better tracks as of late. 'Living With War,' the title trackis written from a soilders point of view. It is another great song witha chorus sure to grab your attention. 'The Restless Consumer' is easily the best song Young has released since Ragged Glory. With his patent harmonies as only his voice can deliver, and his conviction even if you disagree with what he is saying he makes you want to believe in it, and if you ask me that is the mark of a great song. The great guitar playing during the song is classic Neil Young. Destend to become and anthem is 'Shock And Awe.' A killer track with anthemic chorus' andpower resembling the power of the Young classic 'Rockin In The Freeworld' from the freedom album. The song speaks of days past with a less corrupt government so to speak. 'Families' is a great song with lots of good guitar work and great vocals, especially the harmonies. But the song does not realy do much to stand out on the album. 'Flags Of Freedom' is a great song. A song of hope and desperation at the same time. Speaking of the youth and how they have a voice and a choice to make and need to use both to change what needs to change. 'Lets Impeach The President' is forced and contrived to say the least. Though it does make the point, calling George W. Bush a Flip-Flopper but I just wish the song would have been written better, but the use of audio clips from Bush's speaches does add a nice touch. The song is entertaining to say the least even though it does stretch a little. 'Lookin For A Leader' is a personal favorite. It is a plea for a leader, a real, great upstanding leader of the old days to come and help rebuild the country and take it to the full potential. 'Roger And Out' is a slower song with some heavy guitar. One of the best songs on the album, easily. While the song is still slightly political it is really loosly political because there is much more subject matter behind it then just the government. The album ends with 'America The Beautiful' which is sung with an entire chior and done wonderfully. It is a really sentimental and touching way to end an album that is anything but that.

While I may not totally agree with Youngs views on the country (though some I do), and even though he is not an American citizen he does live in America and this album shows that. He clearly knows what he is singing about and you can really tell that the man loves his country. For those who say Neil has no buisness making and album like this and that this is not him, he is just an old hippie and it is about time that he released a politicaly charged album, and because he waited so long I am convinced that is why it turned out as fabulous as it did. This album is highly recomended.

Bernie in TO.......2007-03-25

Does anyone really need this disc? As an avid fan for 30 years or more and possesing most of the catalogue it is disheartening to find ol' Neil putting out a purely redundant disc such as this. There is nothing remotely "raw" here, just a background vocals stripped version of the original recording. True, the more austere sound here makes for a more personal, vunerable listen than the original. But it is not the raw we expect from ol' Shakey. Raw is Mirrorball, raw is Baby What You Want Me To Do, that old Jimmy Reed tune that fills out Broken Arrow. "Raw" is a case of misleading advertising, pure and simple. His fans deserve better.

Better than the original.......2007-02-16

This version of Living With War is a lot more raw than the originally released album. On here, it's only Neil singing, leaving out the choir, which I thought had weakened the first effort just a little bit, but not much. This is taken from the first mix at the time of the recording, and it comes across as more urgent than the first release. The guitar has more feedback, and it sounds a lot like a Crazy Horse collaboration, although it's not.

RAW is the way to go!.......2007-02-13

Buy this for the RAW audio...the other reviews are right; I prefer this recording to the original LWW with choir, etc.

The LWW videos are not Dolby Surround (they are 2 channel) nor are they wide screen format, but the content is historically significant and adds enjoyment to the listening experience.

The "archive" songs (Mideast Vacation & Around the World) recorded originally during a 1986 Crazy Horse concert are fantastic, appear to be recorded in a different format (dolby?)than the LWW stuff, and are relevant to the LWW theme.

A great package!

You may want to take care in opening the CD/DVD package to save the sticker on the outside...it has format info, etc that I have not noticed inside (although I must admit I have not spent as much time with this set as I would like so there might be info there).

Average customer rating:

Wailing!
Disappointingly Raw
Fantastic playing
Inspiring!!! . . . and Depressing
Before the silk kimonos

In the Beginning
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Live at Carnegie Hall
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Texas Flood

ASIN: B0000028V0
Release Date: 1992-10-06

Tracks:

In The Open
Slide Thing
They Call Me Guitar Hurricane
All Your Love I Miss Loving
Tin Pan Alley
Love Struck Baby
Tell Me
Shake For Me
Live Another Day

Amazon.com essential recording

This visceral live recording from April 1, 1980, was broadcast on radio from the Steamboat 1874 club in Stevie Ray Vaughan's adopted hometown, Austin, Texas. It circulated among collectors, and his manager used some of the tape as a demo before Vaughan was signed to Epic Records by John Hammond. Young Stevie Ray's performance bristles with uncorked energy. Vaughan is caught improvising on raw slide guitar, growling through Otis Rush's "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)," and pushing his fretboard speed and vocal limits on Guitar Slim's "They Call Me Guitar Hurricane." Also offered are unpolished versions of tunes that became fan favorites: "Tin Pan Alley," "Love Struck Baby," and "Tell Me." --Ted Drozdowski

Customer Reviews:

Wailing!.......2007-07-20

If you like rockin blues this is for you! Stevie pulls out all the stops and just plain wails for the entire album. Tin Pan Alley is the standout track, which although is slower than the rest, rocks with seering vocals and a blistering extended guitar solo where Stevie truly shines. The stripped down sound jumps out at you and makes you realize what a raw talent Stevie truly was. The passion and energy on this live disc is unbelievable and lacking on a lot of blues albums. Buy it and prepare to be dazzled.

Disappointingly Raw.......2006-10-28

I'm a huge SRV fan and enjoy Stevie's early more pure blues work more then his later more rock influenced music (which is still great). I was excited that a live album from his early period was put out, but became disappointed after repeated listings. My disappointment stems more from the band then from Stevie. This is the Layton\Shannon Double strouble we have come to love as Double Trouble. This album features Jackie on base it is just no comparison. Steve could be Stevie because DT was so GOOD. To understand how great and tight Doubel Trouble is just listen to Texas Flood. This is for hard core SRV fans only. Better live albums can be found in Live at Carniage Hall and Live at Montreux are much much better.

Fantastic playing.......2006-10-23

As a longtime fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan, I had the priviledge of seeing him play live at one of his last gigs. As always, he was brilliant. As time went on throughout his career, he began to experiment and expand a bit with new ideas, musicians, etc...

But not here. This album is raw, unadulterated, straight-ahead, ballsy blues guitar playing from a young Stevie Ray, who emerged onto the music scene fully formed and ready for business. Listening to IN THE BEGINNING, I feel like I'm right there in the audience. It confirms that Stevie Ray's playing was more than just something he learned to do. It's who he was, 24 hours a day.

Inspiring!!! . . . and Depressing.......2006-09-15

Before the Montreaux Jazz Festival, before Bowie's "Let's Dance" album, before "Texas Flood", before the Grammys, before the cocaine and alcohol abuse, before the redemption of sobriety, before the joyful "In Step" and "Family Style"..... before August 27, 1990..... before the all-star tributes, before "The Legendary Stevie RAY Vaughan"......

There was an unknown, hardworking 24-year-old gunslinger named Little Stevie Vaughan, learning his craft the hard way in the trenches of the Austin Texas clubs, trying his darndest to get out of the shadow of his famous older brother Jimmie.

It wouldn't be long.

Anyone lucky enough to have been in the audience at this early live show, on April Fools Day in 1980, could have told you that.

Here we have a rare glimpse into the evolution of a blues legend.

For those of us who play the guitar, this album is inspiring. I'll tell you why:

Even at this young age, Stevie still has that musical "feel" that you just can't teach. He is never musically lost, seeming to know exactly where to go every moment. His playing is filled with the passion of youth.... but even with all of that, this is still---quite clearly--- an immature and not-yet-fully-developed Stevie. His solos aren't as complicated as they WILL be.... the rhythm work is a bit more repetitive than it WILL be.... his technique is a bit sloppier than it WILL be.... it's like peeking over the shoulder of a teenage Picasso, and seeing glimpses of "Guernica."

I say this is inspiriing, because it shows that even our "Holy Legends" did not drop, God-like, from the sky fully-formed. They had to WORK HARD, they grew, they changed... they IMPROVED. In short, they were HUMAN, just like you and me. Listening to this album we are reminded that there was a time when Stevie Ray Vaughan was just Little Stevie Vaughan-- a great guitar player, but not yet a legendary one.

But the album is also depressing.... because we are left wondering: "How much better would he have gotten if he had never gotten into that helicopter?"

Because, even then--- even during the recording of "In Step" and "Family Style"--- he was still improving.

I guess this world was just not yet ready for a guitarist even BETTER than "The Legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan."

I miss him dearly.

Before the silk kimonos.......2005-03-23

In the Beginning . . . ironic to say that this was the last and final cd to go into my srv collection, (i don't have the box set, but the thought of it makes me salivate) and it's quite possibly my favorite.
The announcer comes on plugs a few ads then he says here's "Stevie Vaughan and Double Trouble!", and before you know it your hairs blown back, you've fallen outta yer chair and your socks are across the room, and you stay that way for nearly the whole next hour. Stevie, being as generous as he is, gives you two breaks though, both to introduce his backup ("Jakie Newhouse on the bass, and Chirs Layotn on the drum")but they're hardly enough to get you to breathing normal. His covers are amazing, and his three originals surpass what they would later become, example; "Live another day" seems more alive on here than "I'm crying" on Texas Flood, but none the less they could both slay most band's top numbers.
Love Struck Baby, as always in pure Stevie style, is different from any version i've heard before and is full of enough electricity to power Panama.
Be warned though don't listen to Slide Thing while driving, you'll be going through six lanes of traffic and a hundred and six, moving like a bullet in and out and right into a wall it's so good.
All Your Loving is just a brilliant song, that no one can make it sound bad, but Stevie just does it better than anyone else.
Tin Pin Alley on here is what Texas Flood is on "The Sky Is Crying, or the El Mocambo Video, he just slows you down but with licks that could jump start yer heart.
And Guitar Hurrican is such a fitting title you wonder why THAT wasn't the title any of his albums. He plays with such conviction and sheer geniusness that it doesn't come as a cover, but Stevie simply telling you "I'm here, listen up."
So all in all what do we learn? That stevie Ray was a genius long before his crash into abus, recovery, and death? That Stevie had a fuel that would burn better and brighter than anyone since Robert Johnson? That the small Austin club audience heard some of the best music to grace theis earth? Yes we learn all that and more, we learn what5 it was like before the Flood.

-Drew Patowsky

Average customer rating:

a wonderful surprise
What!? How is this possible?
Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all
A perfect marriage of music and lyrics
The Maury Yeston Songbook

The Maury Yeston Songbook
Maury Yeston , Christine Andreas , Brent Barrett , Betty Buckley , Liz Callaway , Alice Ripley , Sutton Foster , Brian d'Arcy James , and Philip Chaffin
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
December Songs
Jule Styne in Hollywood
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00008H2LJ
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Please Let's Not Even Say Hello - Alice Ripley
Only with You - Brent Barrett
I Want to Go to Hollywood - Sutton Foster
Danglin' - Johnny Rodgers
I Had a Dream About You - Betty Buckley
My True Love - Philip Chaffin
A Call from the Vatican - Alice Ripley
Now and Then - Laura Benanti
You're There Too - Christopher Fitzgerald
Is Someone Out There? - Eden Espinosa
New Words - Brent Barrett
My Grandmother's Love Letters - Christine Ebersole
By the River - Christine Andreas
I Am Longing - Philip Chaffin
Home - Laura Benanti & Robert Cuccioli
Another Day in the Modern World - Michael Holland
Simple - Liz Callaway
Unusual Way - Brian d'Arcy James
Be On Your Own - Betty Buckley
No Moon - Howard McGillin

Amazon.com

Despite racking up Tony nominations and/or box-office success with Nine, Grand Hotel, and Titanic, Maury Yeston remains a relatively unknown Broadway auteur. And yet, what a fabulous songwriter he is. Listen to "Home," for instance: This excerpt from Phantom (the other adaptation of Phantom of the Opera) has great melodic hooks, along with natural sweep and unrestrained emotion. Like every song on this CD, it also has such dramatic drive that it easily stands on its own outside of its regular narrative frame. This collection of new recordings provides an excellent overview of Yeston's talent, juxtaposing numbers from his three best-known scores (though there's only one from Titanic) with rarities and a generous selection from his 1991 song cycle December Songs. Christine Ebersole, Liz Callaway, and Betty Buckley turn in expectedly strong performances, but watch also for Laura Benanti (the star of the 2003 revival of Nine), Christine Andreas, and Foster Sutton, who completely make the material theirs. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Description

The Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist -- who's given us the smash hit musicals Titanic, Phantom and Grand Hotel, and whose first stage show, Nine, is currently being revived in New York with Antonio Banderas -- is celebrated in song by the best stars o

Customer Reviews:

a wonderful surprise.......2007-07-22

Like others, I bought this CD primarily for Sutton Foster's rendition of "I Want to Go to Hollywood." And while that's wonderful, the real surprises here are the songs from Yeston's song cycle "December Songs." Christine Ebersole and Christine Andreas give absolutely lovely, technically proficient, completely heartfelt renditions of "My Grandmother's Love Letters" and "By the River", respectively. I'd heard Andrea Marcovicci's recording of "December Songs" and was seriously underwhelmed. These two tracks just prove that Yeston might have over-estimated Marcovicci's range and technical ability. "By the River" is a revelation in the right hands, and Ms. Andreas's rendition is just four minutes of wonderful. I also want to mention Howard McGillin's "No Moon". This little song from "Titanic" is just so moving. Pulled out of context, it becomes a little jewel of metaphor.

The CD as a whole is beautifully recorded, with an intimacy and clarity that makes you feel like you're in the first row of a very small theatre. If you come across this and you're on the fence, take a chance. I bet that you'll be as pleasantly surprised and deeply moved as I've been.

What!? How is this possible?.......2007-01-20

How could one put together a Maury Yeston Songbook cd without a track from Andrea Marcovicci? He wrote a song cycle for her. Granted there are some great singers here but a grave oversight to not include Ms Marcovicci.

Beauty and grace, charm and wit - Maury's got it all.......2006-11-14

Maury Yeston may be musical theatre's unsung genius to the public at large, but I've heard his praises sung many times. A friend convinced me to buy the original Broadway cast of "Nine", and while there were some fantastic songs and an undeniable melodic gift throughout, it left me lukewarm. The same with "Grand Hotel". And I couldn't stand "Titanic" - too big, too self-important, too reliant on booming low brass and bombastic orchestral swells.

"Phantom" was the only one of his scores that touched something other than distanced admiration in me. It was everything Sir Lloyd Webber's popera travesty could never quite aspire to - epic yet human, beautiful and touching, with songs that showed actual details and emotions. So it was with that in mind that I purchased this, figuring that maybe Maury could prove me wrong, shorn from the restrictions of a book musical format.

And by God, did he prove me right and then some.

Maybe it's the singers. Maybe it's the perfect orchestrations. Maybe it's just the absence of a plot to follow. More than likely, it's all three, but this is one of the most gorgeous, enjoyable, heartbreaking albums I've ever purchased. Yeston has assembled an impressive cast to give voice to his music - such heavy Broadway hitters as Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole and Howard McGillin mix with up-and-comers like Eden Espinosa, Sutton Foster, and Brian d'Arcy James. But the most impressive turns are given by people I'd never heard of before - Johnny Rodgers (who?) has a voice spun from gold, and he's absolutely perfect in "Danglin'", a simple and powerful song despite some odd lyric choices by Yeston. Likewise Philip Chaffin in "My True Love" and "I Am Longing", and Michael Holland displays a warm and untrained performance of "Another Day in the Modern World". These three men, who I'd never heard of before, absolutely stole the show. It doesn't hurt that they're given some of the best songs from the album.

Of course, the rest of the ensemble uniformly turns in worthwhile performances. The professionalism of Broadway is gloriously evident here, each singer making their song uniquely theirs. Brent Barrett made me hear "Only With You" as if for the first time. Betty Buckley is surprisingly vulnerable in "I Had A Dream About You". Alice Ripley is her usual bundle of raw emotion in "Please Let's Not Even Say Hello", and turns in a rare comic performance in "Call From The Vatican" to great effect (listen to that surprise high note near the end! Wow, Alice!). Christine Ebersole is heartbroken, elated, vulnerable, and tough all in the course of "Grandmother's Love Letters"' 4 minutes.

There are some weak spots - Eden Espinosa is mostly one-note during her song, and while it's certainly a high note, it's nothing you haven't heard her do better elsewhere. Laura Benanti's "Now and Then" goes by without much notice, which is a shame for this talented actress. And Betty Buckley goes back to her usual high-volume stridence in "Be On Your Own", which despite its chilling music deserves a more nuanced performance than Buckley gives here. But these songs would be standouts on any other album, and it's only the company they keep that prevent them from being excellent.

Oh, and "Unusual Way", possibly Yeston's best-known song, is so beautifully performed here by Brian d'Arcy James and a three-piece band that I nearly cried hearing it. And that's quite a feat for a song that I swore never to listen to again after the seventeenth girl in a day auditioned with it (badly). But the gender swap works perfectly, and d'Arcy James' golden Irish tenor swings through the music effortlessly.

As for the band - there are no missteps here. Each song is given exactly what it needs, from the Romantic-with-a-capital-R string section on "Home", to the jazzy saxophone on "Letter From the Vatican", to "Be On Your Own", which is given a Herrmann-esque string section. Some particular touches stand out - that lovely acoustic guitar on "Danglin'", the simple piano line on "Modern World", and the sublime cello/piano outro in "Unusual Way" really stuck with me after the album stopped playing. And the recording is without fault - crisp, encompassing, personable and expansive as the mood requires. The whole album sounds fantastic.

There is such a wide range of style and substance here that each song would deserve purchasing individually. As a collection? It's bliss. If you're a fan of theater music, appreciate great vocals, or just need something to keep you company on long nights, this is required purchase.

A perfect marriage of music and lyrics.......2006-09-07

I think Yeston must be the most underrated talent in music theatre. And not just music theatre ... for as far as I know, "Danglin'" is not from a show - a jewel of a song ... and a disarmingly honest rendition from Johnny Rogers (what a beautiful voice! Why hasn't he made more CD's?) Some other favourites are "New Words" (not enough parent-child love songs out there ... and I can't imagine it could be sung any better than this), "You're there too" (with a charming and unexpected twist), "Simple" (Callaway is superb), "Only With You" (loveable rogue!) ... to name but a few. Inspired music theatre writing. A must for any musical buff, composer or singer seeking repertoire that will help them stand out from the crowd.

The Maury Yeston Songbook.......2006-08-30

A good album sung by good singers. I have been an admirer of Maury Yeston for a number of years . I am a great fan of "Nine"
which I consider his best work.(If possible try to listen to the
Australian Cast Recording with John Diedrich) I enjoy listening to artists like Alice Ripley, Brent Barrett, Sutton Foster,and my very favourite singer Liz Callaway. All in all a great CD to just sit back ,relax and enjoy Les Breen

Average customer rating:

Brilliant collection of TVZ's earliest studio work
Townes kicks ... from the Beginning to end.
A real miracle!
In the beginning. Not nearly the end.
Laid Down With A Prayer & A Song

In the Beginning...
Townes Van Zandt
Manufacturer: Compadre Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Gentle Evening with Townes Van Zandt
At My Window
High, Low And In Between/Late Great
Live at the Jester Lounge: Houston, Texas 1966
Townes Van Zandt - Be Here to Love Me

ASIN: B00008V5TM
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Black Widow Blues
Maryetta's Song
Hunger Child Blues
Gypsy Friday
Waitin' For The Day
Black Jack Mama
When Your Dream Lover Dies
Colorado Bound
Big Country Blues
Black Crow Blues

Amazon.com

The haunting songs of the late Townes Van Zandt combined searing honesty and tender melancholy in equal parts. The tortured Texas troubadour contributed a series of classic compositions (such as "Pancho & Lefty" and "If I Needed You") to the modern country repertoire, but his live work often crossed over into folk blues, especially in his early days in Houston. The newly discovered In the Beginning, recorded in Nashville in 1966 two years before the release of his debut, makes his blues affinity obvious while showcasing the unusual emotional maturity of his first efforts. His youthful voice is pure and strong, but the lyrics, permeated with his signature streak of fatalistic acceptance, are already deep and dark, as songs such as "When Your Dream Lovers Die" and "Hunger Child Blues" amply illustrate. These stripped-down demos are lean and enlightened, and when Townes proclaims in "Black Widow Blues" that he's "got the blues sewn into my jacket sleeve" there's no reason to doubt him. In addition, his overlooked flat-picking guitar work, modeled after one of his musical heroes, Houston blues legend Lightnin' Hopkins, provides an additional attraction. --Michael Point

Album Description

Ten exceptional tracks from the legendary singer/songwriter circa 1966, previously unreleased, unheard and unreal! Compadre Records. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant collection of TVZ's earliest studio work.......2003-12-06

This collection of Van Zandt's first professional studio recordings provides a bittersweet opportunity to peer early into the artist's evolution. These 1966 demos, recorded two years before his official debut album, find Van Zandt in superb voice, flush with youthful clarity and strength, and devoid of the burnished ravages that time would eventually add. At the same time, his lyrics - at the age of 26 - are already laced with the fatalism and restlessness that would characterize his life's work.

These ten previously unreleased tracks are a pristine look at the result of Van Zandt's mid-60s woodshedding in Houston's clubs, rife with his folk, blues and country influences. The segue from the Hank Williams' styled wail of "Waitin' For the Day" to the percussive blues of "Black Jack Mama" shows how early Van Zandt could masterfully handle a range of material and moods. Most of these tracks are recorded solo, with Van Zandt's flat-picked guitar providing truly impressive accompaniment. The few band tracks, such as the opener, are driven arrangements of guitar, harmonica, drums and bass - the sort of rumbling electric-folk made popular on the West Coast by Country Joe & The Fish.

This is a must-have for Van Zandt fans, and an interesting introduction for the uninitiated: chronologically faithful to Van Zandt's development, but out-of-time with respect to the public disclosure of his career. Recording quality is excellent throughout, providing a very intimate experience. The tapes, having disappeared for over 35 years, retained their original vitality, and are reproduced crisply on this CD. This is a masterful collection of songs from a songwriter, who, retrospect tells us, was only at the beginning of his brilliant arc.

Townes kicks ... from the Beginning to end........2003-07-21

What a breath of fresh air! Ten new songs from the Late Great TVZ.! Amazing that the genius showed even at the tender age of 22.
Thanks to Jeanene Van Zandt for searching out and finally finding and putting these recordings together!

A real miracle!.......2003-06-04

What a surprise, I was completely unaware of this release or the intention of releasing a cd from 1966 by Townes Van zandt. I never even heard that these songs existed.
These are 10 unknown songs by Townes Van Zandt, and don't be afraid of the word demos on it, except for a place were the voice fades a bit, these are very good recordings from the 60's, as good as they come. Most songs are only played with guitars, a few have a band.
The songwriting is as good as Van Zandt always is, his voice is fuller than what we heard in his later recordings and in some cases he sounds a bit like Rodney Crowell (he was roaming with him at the time in Nashville) and you can hear that Townes is still searching for his "grove".
This cd is highly recommended for Van Zandt fans, aren't we a bit tired of new releases with old songs? only "new" songs here, but I doubt that even someone listening to him for the first time through this cd will be disappointed.

Thanks Jeanene and thanks Townes.

In the beginning. Not nearly the end........2003-05-02

`In The Beginning' is truly a great album; a definite must-have for any fan of Townes. The album is aptly named, introducing for the first time demos of his early career, 2 years prior to his first album. It's still filled with the same compassionate, complex lyricism, and his sound transcends categorization of any music from that period. `Black Widow Blues,' `Gypsy Friday,' and `Maryetta's Song' are among my favorite songs. The recording is surprisingly good, and the packaging itself is attractive, with paintings and photographs of Townes in the booklet. This is good stuff. And I highly recommend it.

Laid Down With A Prayer & A Song.......2003-04-27

For longtime fans, this is essential. They're all originals. Some tunes might sound faintly reminiscent of later material, but each has a life of it's own. For beginners, REARVIEW MIRROR is the place to start. But for those who felt some of his albums occasionally suffered from dated overproduction, this is sure to please. Here the foundations are exposed. That's not to say this is some glorified bootleg. Though we're spared the production frills, these tracks were recorded live in the studio. In some cases, probably in one take.

The uncharacteristically aggressive opener, "Black Widow Blues" might take many longtime listeners by pleasant surprise. There aren't many recordings of Townes accompanied by full Rock backing. Like much on here, it's a lost gem.

The likes of "Maryetta's Song" rank up there with some of his most fragile, heartbreaking work. "Hunger Child Blues" goes to show the shadows were there from the start, with lines like,"Your battle's built on doom".

His Hank Williams influence has never been more apparent than on high & lonesome tunes like, "Waitin' For The Day" & "When Your Dream Lover's Die". As the closer, "Black Crow Blues" it's a bleak dirge in the classic Van Zandt style, delivered with startling intensity.

Throughout, Van Zandt's oft praised finger picking skills can be heard like never before. More so than on any record he later produced. Obviously, the bottle a this point was half full as opposed to chronically empty.

The fact that the gems herein never saw the light of day till now only makes this collection more precious for longtime fans. This is the sound of a talent in it's prime, confident in the sound of it's own unique voice. A big hand to Jeanne VZ & Jack Clements for rummaging through the attic. What a gift.

Average customer rating:

Their first and it's one of their best!
Classic hard rock never sounded better
ABOUT TIME!
If you don't own this you should
You had to be there.

In the Beginning
Triumph
Manufacturer: Tml Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rock & Roll Machine

ASIN: B000003OTD
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

24 Hours A Day
Be My Lover
Don't Take My Life
Street Fighter
Street Fighter Reprise
What's Another Day Of Rock 'N' Roll
Easy Life
Let Me Get Next To You
Blinding Light Show/Moonchild

Customer Reviews:

Their first and it's one of their best!.......2006-05-04

Well as others have said, this release along with Rock & Roll Machine and Just A Game are all must have Triumph cd's. The others are sub par in my opinion with maybe Allied Forces and Thunder Seven being the exceptions.

If you really enjoy good guitar driven rock & roll the first 3 cd's are the ones you want. Sound quality is good and the tunes rock. What more can you ask for?

No bad for a 3 piece outfit hailing from Toronto Canada. They were indeed a great band at one point and time.

Classic hard rock never sounded better.......2004-05-26

Triumph (1976.) Triumph's first album.

Triumph is, without question, one of the greatest rock bands to ever emerge from Canada. Although most of the great rock bands of the past came from America and England, Triumph proved to be an exception to this rule - and WHAT an exception! Rik Emmett, Gil Moore, and Mike Levine were three extremely talented musicians, and through the course of the late seventies and eighties, they proved this point tirelessly. The band's first album, which was self-titled, was released in 1976. Read on for my review.

Triumph's first album is kicked off with 24 Hours A Day. The first minute of the song is slow and melodic, strikingly similar to the Styx song Lady. But after that minute expires, it becomes fast-paced classic hard rock you'd have to be a fool not to love. On most of this album, the band's sound bares a strong resemblance to that of early Rush - the vocals in many places are strikingly similar to those of Rush vocalist Geddy Lee. This isn't surprising, as Rush was another great rock band to come from Canada. The album continues to progress with a series of great tracks. Be My Lover and Don't Take My Life are excellent rockers - rockers that only Triumph could ever pull off. One of the finest points of the album is the two-track Street Fighter medley. The first half of the song is hard and heavy rock, while the second half (entitled Street Fighter Reprise) slows things down. The two songs go together perfectly, despite their differences. As the album progresses, the band continues to serve up an onslaught of classic hard rock that almost certainly won't fail to please if you're a fan of the genre. Closing out the album is Blinding Light Show/Moonchild, the longest song on the album - and quite possibly the best. In the end you are left with a damn fine rock album - Enough said.

THE TEXT IN THIS PARAGRAPH REFERS EXCLUSIVELY TO THE "IN THE BEGINNING" CD REISSUE OF THE ALBUM. It took long enough for this album to be released widely on CD, but it finally has been under the name In The Beginning. It's great to finally have the album available on CD, with remastered sound quality. Furthermore, the record company includes lyrics! There aren't any bonus tracks or anything of that sort, but no complaints.

Triumph's debut was the beginning of something great for the ever-so-cool Canadian rockers. Although Triumph would change their sound drastically in the eighties to conform to modern trends, their debut album would remain one of their strongest efforts - It's hard to believe that this is the same band that recorded Tears In The Rain a decade later! What more can I say? This is a solid rock album through and through. If you like classic hard rock, this is a must own.

ABOUT TIME!.......2002-01-26

This took me 25 years to obtain on a CD, but now I've got it and I don't have to worry about wearing my album out! I've read mixed reviews on this album and must say I disagree with those that don't like it, but everyone's entitled to their opinion, even when they're wrong! Not only is this a great first album, it is one of their 3 best, the others being Rock & Roll Machine and Just A Game. I must admit my opinion is jaded, because I view Triumph as one of the best rock bands ever! This should tell you I don't base my opinion on sales or airplay. Although where I'm from Triumph is and has always been on the air.

This album showcases it all; Rik Emmett's great guitar work and vocals, Gil Moore's primal pounding and vocals, and Mike Levine's production and bass work. There is a variety of music and styles here, which should serve to showcase the talent of this band, which is also the reason I assume some don't like it. To each there own, though! I would have to encourage you to buy this if you've liked any of the songs that did receive airplay by them over the years. If you own other Triumph, this and "Rock & Roll Machine" should be essential parts of your collection. Mine wasn't complete until I finally found them on CD. Now I can breath a sigh of relief.

Do your ears and stereo a favor and try out "In the Begining", whose original title was just plain Triumph when it came out on Attic records back in the day. You can always get the RCA copy of Rock & Roll Machine, which is a compilation of the first 2 Attic releases, but you'd be cheating yourself out of some great music.

If you don't own this you should.......2001-08-17

This is a must for any Triumph Fan! This cd is actually the combination of two albums that Triumph did. The first one being simply called "Triumph" this was only released in canada and is now available to alot of folks now on disc. The second part was also some songs that were only released on the Canadian release of "Rock and Roll Machine" If you love Rik Emmett's Playing then you will love this raw power record mixed with some of the best acoustic music he ever wrote! Check this Disc Out!

You had to be there........2001-04-01

This sounded great to me in 1981. It sounds pretty silly now, though. Maybe it was the booze.

Average customer rating:

In The Beginning
Malice Is Awesome
Malice - 'In The Beginning' (Wounded Bird)

In the Beginning...
Malice
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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License to Kill
Rough Cutt/Rough Cutt Wants You!
Red, Hot and Heavy
Metal of Honor
Future World

ASIN: B00081918S
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Rockin' With You
Into the Ground
Air Attack
Stellar Masters
Tarot Dealer
Squeeze It Dry
Hellrider
No Haven for the Raven
Unwanted
Godz of Thunder

Customer Reviews:

In The Beginning.......2006-05-15

In the 80's most rock acts where just doing bigger hair,
Malice came out doing BIGGER SOUND! they had the look 2nd they had the SOUND/VOCALS/RIFFS/HOOKS/LAYING IT DOWN 1st.
KILLER BAND - Song after Song. Metal AAA+++
- Myself a young...20 something drummer found Malice and never got tired of them. Now after some 20 odd years and distroying more than a few "In the Beginning and Lic to Kill" LP's and Tapes, I'm back for Malice in CD format.
You like ROCK - You will love Malice - START to END!
REUNION GUYS? "Gods of thunder coming back to rule" keep the promise - I will be up front with my 3 teen GIRLS!

Malice Is Awesome.......2005-09-19

This Band is a good band for the most part like the other reviews up top i agree they must of had a thing for judas priestish type metal.

neal (lead vocals) sounds almost exactly alike rob halfford on this album. but for the most part it's good if you like 80's metal.

Malice - 'In The Beginning' (Wounded Bird).......2005-09-02

Originally released in 1985,this appears to be the Los Angeles metal band's first effort.Just as good as their 'License To Kill' disc(see my review).Like Armored Saint,Savatage and King's X,I've always felt that Malice never did receive their just due.Alright,ENOUGH complaining.Tracks that carry this reissue CD,plus make it a real keeper were "Rockin' With You",their Judas Priest-like "Air Attack","Squeeze It Dry",the rocking "The Unwanted" and "Godz Of Thunder".Recommended,of course if you like '80's metal.

Average customer rating:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company
Soaring majesty!
a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance

Robert Ward: The Crucible

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Floyd: Of Mice and Men
Zwilich: Symphony No. 1 / Celebration / Prologue & Variations
Dominick Argento: From the Diary of Virginia Woolf
Melinda Wagner: Concerto for Flute, Strings, and Percussion; Poul Ruders: Concerto in Pieces (Purcell Variations)
Notturno: Music by Donald Martino

ASIN: B0000049L5
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

Act l: Beginning - Gloria Wynder/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks/Naomi Farr/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern
Act l: 'Gently, Sirs, Gently' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Spiro Malas/Joyce Ebert
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks
Act l: 'For Much In the World' - Joyce Ebert.John Macurdy/Naomi Farr/Eunice Alberts/Patricia Brooks/Gloria Wynder/Spiro Malas...
Act l: 'Oh, How Many Times Mr. Parris' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy/Patricia Brooks
Act II: Beginning - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin
Act II: 'I've Forgotten Abigail' - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible
Act II: 'But, Oh, The Dreams' - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster
Act II: 'For Sarah Good Confessed' - Nancy Foster/Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Richard Krause
Act II: 'You Will Go To That Court' - Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster

Tracks:

Act III: Beginning - Patricia Brooks/Chester Ludgin
Act III: In The Courtroom - Richard Krause
Act III: 'Open Thou, My Lips, O Lord' - Jack DeLon/Richard Krause/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert
Act III: 'These Girls Never Saw A Spirit' - Chester Ludgin/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Nancy Foster/Patricia Brooks/Jack DeLon/New York City Opr...
Act III: 'No, No, It Is A Natural Lie To Tell' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Patricia Brooks/Nancy Foster
Act IV: Beginning - Gloria Wynder//Richard Krause/Patricia Brooks
Act IV: 'But Sir, You Stir Rebellion' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/Frances Bible
Act IV: 'What Word Of The Children - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Jack DeLon/Eunice Alberts
Act IV: 'God Does Not Need My Name' - Chester Ludgin/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/John MacurdyEurnice Alberts/Frances Bible.

Customer Reviews:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company.......2003-10-04

I became familiar with this recording of the "The Crucible" back in the 60's when it was available on the old CRI label. It was an exciting piece then and it remains one now. It has been a puzzle to me why such an opera has not been taken up and presented regularly by major companies. The music is appealing--and frequently more than that; the drama is potent and never fails to captivate; it offers wonderful opportunites to a cast of singing actors. So what's the problem?! Granted some of the liberties taken with the Arthur Miller text render certain moments dramatically unclear and the Gershwinesque strains that accompany the slave Tituba's character are certainly a mistake. Still, the work as a whole is an exciting one. Hightlights abound, with the whole of the last act being especially moving.

This is still the only recording available and, overall, it is excellent. The leads perfectly embody the roles of John and Elizabeth Proctor, while the balance of the cast, a few vocal duds notwithstanding, competently fill in the many character roles.

The CD sound is very good and far superior to my old vinyl disks.

If you've never heard "The Crucible," give this recording a chance. It is well worth your time.

Soaring majesty!.......2001-12-19

This performance is a gem. Just the soaring majesty of Frances Bible is well worth the experience. What a sadly underrated artist. The final duet with Bible and Ludgin is a lesson in passionate, searing drama and full-out singing.

a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance.......1999-03-23

I had the privilege of being part of a cast of this opera at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the late 70's, directed by the avuncular Herbert Wildeboor (since deceased). I've always loved the 7/8 hymn at the end of the first act. However, this performance is very uneven, including generally unfortunate singing by female leads, and bad acting (at least) by the person singing Reverend Parris. Reverend Hale and John Proctor are consistently good. And the orchestra parts, very demanding, are well handled. It astounds me that there is no new recording in all these years. I've since seen it done in Pittsburgh and know it's being done somewhere on the West Coast. While Mr. Ward's music is considered cliche by some, I prefer it much to, for example, Moore's Ballad of Baby Doe. Perhaps my affection for it is due to having the opportunity to perform it.