Reflections

About the Artist
Sid Hille was born 1961, in Freiburg, Germany. He studied piano, jazz improvisation and composition at the music academy in Utrecht, Netherlands, from 1987 to 1994. Sid currently lives in Finland where he teaches jazz and improvisation at the Ostrobothnian Conservatory in Kokkola. Apart from teaching, he has his own jazz band which is well-known in Europe through their touring and two releases in that area with the label A-Records in the Netherlands. For the past ten years, along with his many activities in jazz, he has been involved in numerous recordings of meditation and world music. These experiences and his life with Osho, whom he met in 1981, inspire him in his solo piano playing, where he endeavors to instill the spontaneous expression in sound with the timelessness of silence.

Product Description
In his second solo piano recording 'Reflections' Sid presents his own compositions. In them he combines the creation of beautifully crafted melodies with the immediacy of spontaneous improvisation. Sid responds to and is guided by the music and the silence that surround him. The melodies serve as a starting point for a musical journey that leads within. His music reflects a state of allowing and letting go, to which the artistry of the pianist gives a musical shape. Sid compares this fascinating process to the moon reflecting the light of the sun and by her mere presence causing magical beauty. Sid's 'Reflections' were played on a Steinway Concert Grand and invite the listener to ease into the same space of receptivity, availability and joy, that they originate from. An exquisite listening experience, a key to the NOW.

Reflections,Sid Hille

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Average customer rating: GOOD MUSIC Superb! Carly Simon: Touched By The Sun.....Goddess If you're only getting ONE..... Carly's Best

Reflections: Carly Simon's Greatest Hits Carly Simon Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tapestry Into White The Best of James Taylor Moonlight Serenade The Best of Simon & Garfunkel ASIN: B0001XANAS Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

1. That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be
2. Legend In Your Own Time
3. Anticipation
4. The Right Thing To Do
5. You're So Vain
6. Mockingbird- with James Taylor
7. Haven't Got Time For The Pain
8. Nobody Does It Better
9. You Belong To Me
10. Jesse
11. Coming Around Again
12. Give Me All Night
13. The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
14. All I Want Is You
15. Let The River Run
16. Better Not Tell Her
17. Love Of My Life
18. Like A River
19. Touched By The Sun
20. Amity- with Sally Taylor

Album Description

This is the first career-spanning, multi-label single disc compilation of her career, including hits from Elektra, Arista, etc.

20 songs- every one of Carly's top Billboard charting hits Digitally Remastered directly from the master tapes.

First single disc multi-label compilation ever!

One of music's most influential and cherished singer/songwriters, Carly Simon has recorded and released over 25 albums and is internationally renowned as a versatile artist who is consistently breaking new ground.

Grammy and Oscar winner, her experiences in life, love and motherhood and her strive for success have translated into several of the most memorable hit songs ever recorded.

Various musicians such as Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Tori Amos, and Mandy Moore have recently covered some of Carly's songs.

Extensive CD booklet with introduction by Carly Simon!

Includes rare photos and complete essay by Stephen Davis on Carly's illustrious career.

Customer Reviews:

GOOD MUSIC.......2007-07-03

JUST ANOTHER GREAT BUY FROM AMAZON...BRINGS BACK LOTS OF OLD MEMORIES...DEFINITE PLUS TO MY MUSIC COLLECTION

Superb!.......2007-07-03

What a beautiful collection of songs. To have them remastered so they are crisp and clear is wonderful! I find it so enjoyable to listen to as I'm driving. You can't go wrong with this CD.

Carly Simon: Touched By The Sun.....Goddess.......2007-07-01

Wow, what a great talent she is. Has thirtysome years really slipped by since I first bought the Anticipation songbook? (which I still own in mint condition I'm proud to say). This CD collection is the holly grail of Carly's work and a must have for those who "dig" (thanks Murray The K) her sound. Most everything's here on the CD which includes some truely great pictures on Carly, some which I've never seen before. Man, did she have the sexist album covers or what? Carly TRUELY ENJOYS being a woman more than any woman I have met or seen. This fact comes through in her photos like a sledgehammer. We need more woman like her! All in all a great package and a real keeper. Please buy one.

If you're only getting ONE............2007-06-16

My wife has accused me of having a crush on Carly. At least I'm not fool enough to deny it. Carly has been called the voice of my generation, and she is [along with Carole King].

This album is an hour and nineteen minutes of a pure, joy-filled journey over about thirty years, delivered in pretty much chronological order. All, or at least most, of your favorites are here. No point in discussing individual tracks; if you're reading this, you probably have them memorized. It's a good thing that "Better Not Tell Her" is not about me.

I have all of Carly's records. Not everybody will care to. Sad. If you only want one, start here. You will probly get hooked, and want them all.[Unfortunately, a couple are tough to find]. Carly's voice has actually improved with time, and every girl should be lucky enough to have her looks at 60. Essential album.

Carly's Best.......2007-06-14

A second copy of my favorite Carly cd for the car!

Average customer rating: A brief review from someone on the outside looking in... Absolutely amazing A great introduction with a...wilfully commercial air. Nice compilation of hu\its, nice new songs. Mary J. 5++++ stars, but this release is not a true retrospective, not even for casual fans

Reflections - A Retrospective Mary J. Blige Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Breakthrough Fantasia Ten Ciara: The Evolution The Evolution of Robin Thicke ASIN: B000JU8HHE Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

1. Reflections (I Remember)
2. We Ride (I See The Future)
3. You Know
4. King & Queen
5. No More Drama
6. Family Affair
7. Real Love
8. No One Will Do
9. Be Without You
10. I'm Going Down
11. 911
12. Not Gon' Cry
13. My Life '06
14. Be Happy
15. I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By

Amazon.com

Mary J. fans are about as likely to put up with chain-pulling as the queen of hip-hop soul herself--which is why a good many of them have been quick to point out that this disc, exceptional as it is, doesn't quite equal a greatest hits package. Where among these favorites are biggies such as "Love @ 1st Sight," "You Remind Me," "Your Child," and "Dance for Me"? The answer is it doesn't much matter. Because Reflections, as its name suggests, is a mere dip in the Mary J. memory pool--a meatier hits package is likely on the way. There's no time like the present, then, for rolling with the latest on offer from R&B's reigning bruised-hearted lady. Threaded through evergreens like "Family Affair," "Not Gon' Cry," and "No More Drama" are four new tracks, not a one of which is a throwaway: "We Ride (I See the Future)" coasts on attitude and a hand-clappy beat; "King & Queen," a duet with John Legend, seems spun from some ecstatic fantasy; "You Know" breaks itself down to a dizzy-headed disco vibe; and opener "Reflections (I Remember)" is a proud look back on a lifetime of heartbreak and healing. It may not be as definitive a disc as some would like, but in determining whether to buy it, take a cue from Mary J.: don't hold back. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

To state that 2006 was one of the biggest years of Mary J Blige's career isn't hype. It is truth. In 2006 there was no bigger story or artist, in any genre, than Mary J Blige. Thanks to a chart-topping album, history making #1 single, galvanizing television appearances and a sold out tour, 2006 became the 12-month span in which the multiple platinum selling, Grammy winning Queen of Hip Hop Soul scaled new creative, personal and commercial heights. So after all of those dazzling achievements what does Mary J do to top it? Simple. She rewards her fans by recording yet another classic in the making - REFLECTIONS - A RETROSPECTIVE.

A much anticipated and long awaited collection Reflections -A Retrospective not only gathers together all Mary J's timeless greatest hits but features FOUR NEW GREATEST HITS TO BE - the first of which is the hot single "We Ride (I See The Future"). Spanning the entirety of Mary J's spectacular 15-year career Reflections- A Retrospective is more than a greatest hits collection. It's a soulful shout out to Mary J's loyal fans, and a celebration of the year when one of R&B's most influential singers "broke through" bigger than ever.

Released on December 20th, 2005, Mary's 7th cd The Breakthrough debuted at #1, and sold an astonishing 727,163 copies its first week: making it not just the best opening week for a solo R&B female artist in SoundScan history but the biggest opening week of 2006 to date. Period. Yet even more explosive than The Breakthrough's success was the album's lead off single "Be Without You". Written and produced by BRYAN MICHAEL COX and JONATA AUSTIN (the same creative team responsible for "We Ride (I See The Future"), "Be Without You" had the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B charts on lock; and stayed there for a record breaking 15 straight weeks. "Be Without You" was not only the biggest hit of Mary's already brilliant career, it entered the history books by becoming the longest-running No. 1 song on the R&B chart since it was reintroduced, after a brief hiatus, in 1965. You'd have to go back to 1949 to find a #1 song with as lengthy a chart run as "Be Without You."

The Breakthrough was equally dominant. The emotive CD was the recipient of universal critical acclaim, with Vanity Fair declaring, "...she's still the Queen..." USA Today stating "Another Blige `Breakthrough' ...Blige still touches souls..." and the Boston Globe hailing the cd as "...a start-to-finish triumph."

Fans also felt The Breakthrough's power. Following Mary's stellar performance on the 2006 Grammy Awards, (dueting with U2 on their ballad "One"), The Breakthrough recaptured the top spot on the Billboard 200. Along with that electrifying appearance -which the St. Petersburg Times declared was "chills-inducing" - Mary also performed on the finales of "Dancing With the Stars" and "American Idol", "Oprah", and the ABC soap "One Life To Live".

RON FAIR, Chairman of Geffen Records says of Mary's success "Mary J. Blige has reached the defining moment of her life - as a vocalist, as a songwriter, and as a human being. Her new album "Reflections- A Retrospective" is an essential collection of songs that solidifies Mary as one of the greatest recording artists of all time. Anyone who has ever suffered loss, experienced pain, been in trouble, gave love or been loved, can find themselves in the music of Mary J. Blige."

With her landmark 1992 cd What's The 411 Mary J Blige became R&B's standard bearer, setting both its sound and style. Since that debut Mary has earned 3 Grammys, had 7 multi platinum albums, lent her support to a slew of high profile charities and earned the unqualified respect of fans, critics and her fellow performers. With a soulful power that knows no equal, Mary J Blige owned 2006 and the Queen continues her reign with Reflections - A retrospective.

Customer Reviews:

A brief review from someone on the outside looking in..........2007-08-01

The first time I heard Mary doing "Family Affair", I had to drop everything I was doing and pay attention. This song is a serious groove! If you can get a boring, middle-aged, middle-class, suburban white guy to shake his money-maker, you're truly on to something! It made me take the time to get on-line and go through the rest of her catalogue.

Unfortunately, what I discovered was that this artist has gone out of her way to focus on slow-burning soul music. Granted, she is very effective in this role (what a beautiful voice!). But she seems to spend too much time vacillating between slow, sexy songs (reminiscent of the Staple Singers "I'll Take You There") and slow, bitter songs of love gone wrong, life on the street, etc. I'd like to see an album from her that mines this "Family Affair" energy and strength. This song says "I know something you don't. Let's Go. Follow me.". It's a perfect blend of her soulful instincts and traditional hip-hop bravado.

Mary needs to find a producer that can present her in this light. It's not too late. Madonna put out a great techno album in the twilight of her career ("Ray of Light") which put some of her earlier (bubblegum) efforts to shame. Overall, the "Reflections" collection is a little "milquetoast" for someone as supremely talented as Mary J. Blige.

There was an attempt (several years ago) to give Mary's music some added punch-a cd entitled "Dance For Me". It had some nice moments but some of it sounded forced and unnatural. It's an album full of remix experiments which speeded up Mary's music to the point where you couldn't always get the full effect of her subtle, soulful delivery. She needs to find a middle ground, in my humble (and somewhat uninformed) opinion.

Sidenote: Her cross-over collaborations with Sting (from "The Police") and Bono (from "U2") are both excellent.

Absolutely amazing.......2007-07-03

I knew MJB could sing, but this album proves beyond any doubt that she's amazing. Each song was awesome and the overall feel is the best yet. Don't even think about passing this one up. It's a must have.

A great introduction with a...wilfully commercial air........2007-05-27

Although sequenced non chronologically, "Reflections" is a fascinating insight into Mary J Blige's evolution as both a woman and artist, from street savvy youth fighting to get her family out of the Schlobam housing projects in Yonkers, New York, to hip hop soul pioneer wrestling her own personal demons to the reigning queen of soul at one with her world.
Although itis indeed a retrospective collection of songs spanning the R&B superstar's 15 year career, it also boasts four brand spanking new tracks, including her hot single "We Ride (I See the Future)".
Highlights include the yearning, Chaka Khan influenced funk of "Real Love"; the Norman Whitfield penned soul ballad "I'm Goin' Down" - in which Blige comes across like Aretha Franklin at her most pure and tormented - and the cathartic gospel tinged pop of "As" (featuring George Michael).

Of course, at only 18 tracks it could be argued "Reflections" is too short for someone with such a rich back catalogue as Blige ("Mary Jane", "All That I Can Say" and "Not Today", for example, are noticeably absent), but this is nitpicking.

Brimming with timeless slices of soul, "Reflections" serves as an excellent introduction for anyone looking to explore Blige's work for the first time, while the very thought of a few fresh cuts is sure to satisfy fans' thirst for new material until her next studio album arrives.

Nice compilation of hu\its, nice new songs........2007-05-12

Love it. She have a great voice and can fill it up with pure emotions.

Mary J. 5++++ stars, but this release is not a true retrospective, not even for casual fans.......2007-05-06

I flat out love Mary J. Blige. From the first time I heard her sing "Real Love" in 1992 (that's 15 years ago!) until the amazing 4 new songs on this "retrospective" release, she has proven to be she's here to stay as she has the brains and raw power that comes across in the way she connects with her songs.

While Amazon usually gets things right, it wrongly states in its product description that this release is a "reward" to her fans after making her critically and commercially praised "The Breakthrough," when in reality this retrospective was initially being pushed by her record label to cash in on the 2005 holiday season. Mary J. refused to go along with the plan and pushed hard for the release of "The Breakthrough" before any greatest of release. The importance here lies in that Geffen was ready to release this AS IS as a full 1 disc retrospective and as such does not cut it, especially for fans who would want to have her greatest hits/retrospective/best of, in one package. She is one of few artists who even at this stage of the gaem requires at least a 2 CD retrospective to cover her essential material. I won't go into details of what is missing as fans probably know what's missing.

Geffen was very smart (yet annoying) in that this release has 4 killer new songs (almost 1/3 of the release) and SOME of Mary's greatest hits, so it made hard for any true fan to overlook it even if he/she had all of Mary J.'s releases. What is also great is that these songs are at the start of the release and directly address the listener with Mary's declarations of self-love/no more drama and while she has made the claims before, it's clear that this is always an ongoing process. Obviosuly any listener will see that she's as eloquent as ever as speaking to her fans about the journey.

I "only" give this 4 stars in order to warn the casual listener that this is not by any means a full retrospective and for hard-core fans to know that the 4 new songs are worth the price of the release (I love them), but to buy with caution.

To resolve this impasse, I have made my personal 2 CD best of, which include songs from a release that just came out that has most of her favorite duets. You can only find this duet release at a particular CD vendor (initials C.C.).

I would still recommend this release to all, but just want to help spread the word about the real story behind the timing of this release and what you should expect. Thanks for reading and for the nice e-mails.

Average customer rating: A decent trance CD Shows you what we knew..... PVD, true maestro in the DJ world! Simply a great album great album

Reflections Paul Van Dyk Manufacturer: Mute U.S. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Trance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Out There and Back The Politics of Dancing, Vol. 2 Time of Our Lives The Other Side Global (Bonus DVD) ASIN: B0000C8ATU Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

1. Crush
2. Time of Our Lives
3. Like a Friend
4. Reflections
5. Nothing But You
6. Buenaventura
7. Homage
8. Never Forget
9. Knowledge
10. That's Life
11. Connected
12. Spellbound
13. Kaleidoscope

Amazon.com

Paul Van Dyk's pop sense dominates Reflections, giving his squeaky-clean progressive trance a catchy, yet disposable weightlessness. As a DJ, Van Dyk is beyond human, existing in that rarefied "superstar DJ" realm filled with exotic locales and sweat-soaked masses of young, beautiful fans. But on record, his reputation as a master spinner takes a backseat to his songwriting/production work. Even 2001's The Politics of Dancing, billed as the DJ's first proper mix record, was given a dollop of post-production gloss. Too often, there's a feeling something is missing, that blood and sweat has been replaced with something cold and muted. With a variety of guest vocalists on hand, Reflections comes close to a proper "crossover" record without taking the verse-chorus-verse plunge, and this actually gives it some heart. Jan Johnston's cheerful mantra on "Like a Friend," for instance, makes for a lovely bounce, like a lullaby with a beat. More often though, the ear drifts into a nostalgic desire for early mornings spent in dark clubs, listening to Van Dyk spin music with a little more meat on its bones. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

Paul Van Dyk's first new artist album in 3 years! Features 13 tracks. Mute. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

A decent trance CD.......2006-11-02

I never really got into the electronic scene until a few months ago, but I started with some hard stuff, then decided to get some trance. This was one of my first Trance albums, and it's a decent CD.

One thing I can say for certain is that most of the good music can be found in the first half of the album. All the music (minus Like a Friend) on the first half is very well produced and the vocals and the music were mixed brilliantly. That being said, after track 8, Never Forget, the mix between vocals and music doesn't seem natural and didn't feel as lovely as the beginning of the cd did.

One of my favorite tracks is Time of Our Lives, which is a slightly harder trance song, but the construction of the song and the feeling brought through the beat really makes me happy. One of my least favorite tracks is the next song Like a Friend. In this song, it doesn't feel that the music flowed with the vocals at all, which didn't feel like it belonged on the record alongside the other songs.

Shows you what we knew............2006-03-27

OK, I admit it, I'm a huge PVD fan since 2001 and I own most of his CDs. When this one came out I had such a totally different expectation that I was offended with its departure from Paul's usual style. POD-1 and "Out there and Back" were soooo different than this. When I heard snippets of "Reflections" on the Amazon site, I regretfully decided it wasn't for me and moved on.

Fast forward to today....I just decided to give "Reflections" a second chance after seeing the special 2-CD edition in a store on sale. Well, unbelievably, I was not disappointed at all. I have decided that this CD was ahead of its time because it does not sound at all outrageous or lame to me now, especially after hearing Paul's "Politics of Dancing 2" and some other artists' newer stuff. It is not uncommon for popular musical artists to want to branch out, and even when I felt disappointed in this music I didn't anticipate that PVD was going to hell in a handbasket, just that he was going to attempt some different sounds. Oakenfold did it successfully, so why shouldn't PVD? PVD is still making music in his signature style, so what's the big deal if he ventures into other sounds once in a while? Also, I have to hand it to him that he can grow and evolve and still produce what I consider great music.

I think it is the mark of a true fan to appreciate all the styles of a truly great artist, and to be able to evolve with them into a more mature and modern sound. To be hung up on only one type of sound that existed circa 1999 and trash everything else an artist comes out with even if it is good (like this CD is, or obviously it wouldn't have garnered a Grammy nomination) is to be a person who is stuck in a musical rut and refuses to come out! Expand your horizons, you may be surprised at how your feelings may change after giving this CD another chance and listening it for more than a few times.

PVD, true maestro in the DJ world!.......2006-03-09

This was my first serious listen to PVD's work, and I gotta' say, I love it. In general, I'm a big fan of DJ-styled electronica (Tiesto, BT, Sasha, etc.) and this album ranks up there with the best. Love the vocals by Jan Johnston. My favorite track of the album is opening one, "Crush", although I also love "Reflections" and "Buenaventura".

Simply a great album.......2005-08-18

Well for FOOLS who don't understand this Godfather i'll tell ya.

Paul Van Dyk has serious emotional beats that makes you cry, or Reminds you of your own life.

He has won many awards in his hometown in Berlin, other german cities and around the world.(Don't belive me go to PvD's website.)
Reflections almost won a grammy but got beaten by Basement Jaxx's "Kish Kash" but is still good.


Reflections, Connected and Nothing but You are the singles that I enjoy.

Worth the money!

great album.......2005-05-20

well everyone knows by now that reviews mean jack. Here is another fine example. Get this album because Van Dyk has made a turn for the better. No more repetitive beats. Its a new era and a new Van Dyk much welcomed. Obviously if you like the trance from 99 then your time is up. Stop listening to music. But if you like the new style pick this one up. it will not disappoint.

Average customer rating: Reflections of the music Gregory sings One of my favorites Highly Recommended! REFLECTIONS will not disappoint

Reflections Gregory Harrington Manufacturer: Estile ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Out Stealing Horses: A Novel After the Wedding Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression Up Front and Down Low We'll Never Turn Back ASIN: B000JCEWB2 Release Date: 2006-11-16

Tracks:

1. Czardas 4'59
2. Deep River 2'32
3. Syncopation 2'00
4. Ashokan Farewell 5'18
5. March from the Opera "The Love for Three Oranges" 1'29
6. Poem 2'06
7. The Battle of Kinsale 3'37
8. Theme from "Schindler's List" 4'32
9. Prelude No. 24 in dminor, Op. 34 1'15
10. Chiquilin de Bachin 5'21
11. Danny Boy 4'30
12. Perpetuo mobile from Little Suite, No. 6 1'38
13. Milonga en Re 4'18
14. Summertime 2'08
15. Miniature Vienniese March 2'59
16. Sabre Dance from the ballet "Gayeneh" 2'23

Customer Reviews:

Reflections of the music.......2007-01-25

I have this CD and will purchase more, not for myself but to give away as gifts. Gregory Harrington is a musically excellent violinist. I have seen him play and he brings you into the music in person or in the CD. It is music you can listen to over and over again. He is supported by pianist Bill Lewis. The duo play extremely well together knowing each others parts and play in total musical agreement.

I highly recommend this CD.

Gregory sings.......2007-01-11

Gregory makes his violin sing like no one else. The selections on this album show the full range of his talent

One of my favorites.......2007-01-04

My copy of "Reflections" is worn out, it's the CD I reach for most often when I am at work, in my car or just relaxing. Gregory Harrington performs with virtuoso skill and great emotion. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

Highly Recommended! .......2006-12-09

"Reflections" is the debut CD by Dublin-born violinist Gregory Harrington. He has toured extensively, but came to my attention when he accompanied tenor Ronan Tynan in concert. This CD is a collection of pieces that have very personal meaning to the artist, and it shows: he plays with pure emotion, and with love and respect for the material as well as the instrument itself. The pieces on this album illustrate the skillfulness and the depth with which he plays.

Some highlights are:
-"Ashokan Farewell", which absolutely aches with longing
-The haunting melody of "Theme From Schindler's List"
-The moving "Battle of Kinsale"
-"Sabre Dance" and "Perpetuo Mobile" are great examples of Mr. Harrington's technical expertise

A note should also be made about the wonderful piano accompaniment by William Lewis- it's really a perfect pairing. Also, be sure to read the lovely program notes written by Mr. Harrington that accompany the CD. He gives some background on each track, and it really enhanced my appreciation of the music. And, to top it all off- the whole thing was recorded with crystalline sound quality so you can hear every gorgeous note ring out.

REFLECTIONS will not disappoint.......2006-12-07

Gregory Harrington's debut CD REFLECTIONS is a beautiful collection of his favorite pieces clearly showing both the intensity of his passion for the violin and his great talent. From the tenderness of Gershwin's SUMMERTIME to the aching beauty of the theme from SCHINDLER'S LIST, Greg is gifted in his ability to convey emotion. My particular favorite is ASHOKAN FAREWELL, from Ken Burns' television series, THE CIVIL WAR. This music framed the reading of Sullivan Ballou's love letter to his wife shortly before he was killed in the Battle of Bull Run. Greg captures the poignancy of Ballou's feelings of deep love for his wife measured against deep love for his country.

If you love the music of the violin, REFLECTIONS will not disappoint. It is superb.

Average customer rating: LOVE IT Aim to please Great Listening LOVE THIS SOUND Nice to listen in peak traffic

Reflections of Passion Yanni Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dare to Dream In My Time In Celebration of Life Love Songs Tribute ASIN: B0000000JS Release Date: 1990-04-24

Tracks:

1. After The Sunrise
2. The Mermaid
3. Quiet Man
4. Nostalgia
5. Almost A Whisper
6. The Rain Must Fall
7. Acroyali
8. Farewell
9. Swept Away
10. True Native
11. Secret Vows
12. Flight Of Fantasy
13. A Word In Private
14. First Touch
15. Reflections Of Passion

Amazon.com

Reflections of Passion is the first of what has became a near-torrent of "best-of" collections and other repackagings involving Yanni's early work. To avoid confusion when pondering the long list of Yanni "special projects," keep this in mind: Reflections of Passion is the pick of the litter, a handsome distillation of Yanni's most imaginative period, his Out of Silence and Chameleon Days era. This was before saxophones and sopranos and string sections began cluttering what had been one of contemporary instrumental music's most arresting and thoughtfully energized keyboard-powered sounds. Listen to the commanding-yet-nonaggressive bravura of "After the Sunrise" and "The Rain Must Fall" and recall the days when Yanni infused the "new age" genre with a refreshingly brawny sound, a distinctive style that surged as convincingly as it serenaded. The straightforward approach displayed on this superb sampler is a welcome reminder of the evocative sparks Yanni's compositions could strike before he entered his black-velvet and pink-bow phase. Even the disk's three bonus tracks, particularly "Flight of Fantasy," are aglow with the keyboardist's then-unmistakable style of saintly sexuality. Here's hoping future Yanni works don't merely reflect the passion, but recapture it as well. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IT.......2007-07-14

i have it on all the time at work, and i feel relaxed and in a good humor all day, i love yanni.

Aim to please.......2007-04-04

I was surfing through various artists on the amazon site and i came across Yanni,i must admit i had never heard of him ,i played a couple of sample tracks and liked what i heard,and so i sent off for three cd,s of Yanni,it was a good investment,every track is very good,Yanni combines piano with synthasiser,some of his tracks are very relaxing others a bit more lively,i now have six cd,s and two dvd,s ,if you like J.M.Jarre,Kitaro,R.Wakeman,you will love this guy as i do,his music is brilliant.

Great Listening.......2007-03-16

This cd caught me by surprise with it's wide range of melodies. The more I listen the more I like it.

LOVE THIS SOUND.......2007-03-09

IT IS SO RELAXING WHEN I HEAR THIS MUSIC AND I NEED RELAXING THINGS :)

Nice to listen in peak traffic.......2007-01-03

It was the first time I heard the song "Almost a Whisper" - I knew it would be a perfect song to hear when you are on the road.. There are some nice ones in this album, but there appears to be limited variation in rythm.

Average customer rating: Fuller versions of two classics Exquisite music beautiful reflections The Best Yet another Spanish guitar music....

Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar David Russell , Isaac Albeniz , Enrique Granados , Joaquin Malats , Francisco Tarrega , and Antonio Ruiz-Pipo Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music Barcarolles | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces Aire Latino: Latin American Music for Guitar Spanish Guitar Music 300 Years of Guitar Masterpieces Classic Williams: Romance of the Guitar ASIN: B00005V0WV Release Date: 2002-01-22

Tracks:

1. Serenata espanola (Joaquin Malats)
2. Capricho Arabe (Francisco Tarrega)
3. Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Francisco Tarrega)
4. Andaluza (Spanish Dance No. 5) (Enrique Granados)
5. Danza melancolica (Spanish Dance No. 10) (Enrique Granados)
6. La Maja de Goya (from Tonadillas al estila antiguo) (Enrique Granados)
7. Valses poeticos - Vivace, poeticos, Tempo de vals noble, Tempo de vals lento, Allegro humoristico, Allegretto, Sentimental, Vivo, Presto (Enrique Granados)
8. Sevilla (from Suite espanola, Op. 47) (Isaac Albeniz)
9. Mallorca, Op. 202 (Isaac Albeniz)
10. Asturias (from Suite espanola, Op. 47) (Isaac Albeniz)
11. Cancion y Danza No. 1 (Antonio Ruiz-Pipo)

Amazon.com

David Russell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but his family moved to Spain while he was still a young boy so he could study music in the birthplace of classical guitar. On Reflections of Spain, Russell plays the music of his childhood home with all the joy you would expect from someone revisiting a beloved place. Russell's formidable technique is powered by a keen intelligence and tempered by an emotional delivery. He plays chestnuts like Tarrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and Albeinez's "Austurias" with a fond intimacy that rescues them from cliché. Perhaps the finest moments on the CD are Russell's guitar arrangements of four of Granados's compositions. Although Granados wrote pieces like "Danza Melancolia" and "Andaluza" for piano, Russell's thoughtful versions remind us that the folk dances that inspired them were originally accompanied by the guitar. David Russell is one the finest classical guitarists to emerge in recent years, and his playing on Reflections of Spain is a near perfect wedding of technique and temperament. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Fuller versions of two classics .......2007-07-29

One additional element worth noting: David Russell plays the "full" versions of both 'Recuerdos de La Alhambra' (Tarrega) and 'Sevilla' (Albeniz)on this recording. He plays all the repeats in Recuerdos, which times out at 5:31, almost twice the length of most recordings due to the repeats. Hey, the more of Russell's liquid-smooth tremolo we get, the better! On 'Sevilla' Russell repeats the entire 'A' section at the end. Nearly all guitarists in the past (Segovia, Williams, Bream, etc. etc.) have played the piece with a curtailed A section at the end.
The Granados arrangements are wonderful. Russell's sheet music arrangements of Spanish Dances 5 and 10 and 'La Maja de Goya' are available - it's great to have a clean, modern arrangement of the Spanish Dance #10 in particular.

Exquisite music.......2007-06-09

This is my most favorite CD. David Russell has exquisite taste and exquisite execution. He is an absolute master of the classic Spanish guitar, and he shows off this mastery in this beautiful CD. Each piece is a joy to savor. His crystalline technique makes this a superb addition to anyone's collection. You will smell the lemon blossoms in the courtyard of the Mezquita in Cordoba when you listen to this marvelous recording.

beautiful reflections.......2006-07-07

Having just returned to England after a long spell living in Spain I was searching for an evocative suite of Spanish guitar music to accompany my extensive array of photographic studies. Being familiar with the work 'Recuerdos de la Alhambra' I was immediately attracted to this compilation: 'Reflections of Spain'. The music was a revelation. David Russel made the guitar sing lyrically, recalling many bitter sweet moments of life in Iberia. The light and shade of the choices included covered such a broad scope as to fit my purpose exactly and give enjoyment better than I could have hoped for.

The Best.......2006-04-16

This is the best Spanish guitar CDs that I have found. Even with "Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces" having more tracks and two CDs, this is better material. I am not saying that "33 Guitar Masterpiece" was bad, I actually rate it second. No need to skip through "Reflections" like many other compilations of this mixed type CD. The quaility is crisp but lower overall peak (loudness) sound compared to some of my other CDs. Read reviews of other CDs of this type because there is many that have substandard recording measures. I believe this is a must for the any guitar lover!!!

Yet another Spanish guitar music...........2006-03-09

Like every one else I have probably heard all other worthy versions of most of these tunes....I happened to find out about David Russell via reading a bio of Barrios and recommended recordings....it said...Dave Russell is the man...I had not heard of him before that...I got the CD...and WOW...!!then I got interested in his music so I bought anything I could from him including the Aire latino , plays Bach and this one....this guy was born to play the classical guitar...

This is the first artist that I hear uses proper dynamics in his performance...the rest of the pack do not nearly use the guitar as a guitar they use it just another vehicle to play a composition....David's strumming...pulling pushing the music and his singing tone is above all others...not as controled as other classical players....if people played the guitar as a guitar not as a lute..or harpsicored or a piano...then this is what it should sound like...acoustic guitar's range is very limited ...but in the hands of a master...there are no limits....

Average customer rating: Apocalyptica Experiments Dark and powerful This Is Interesting - Do Not Pass It Up drums from a good drummer more is less?

Reflections Apocalyptica Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Apocalyptica Cult Amplified: A Decade of Reinventing the Cello Live How Far ASIN: B0007SL3CE Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

1. Prologue (Apprehension)
2. No Education
3. Faraway
4. Somewhere Around Nothing
5. Drive
6. Cohkka
7. Conclusion
8. Resurrection
9. Heat
10. Cortege
11. Pandemonium
12. Toreador II
13. Epilogue (Relief)
14. Seemann (Album Version)
15. Faraway Vol. 2 (Extended Version)
16. Deep Down Ascend (Demo)
17. Kellot (Demo)

Customer Reviews:

Apocalyptica Experiments.......2006-03-07

After Apocalyptica released Cult, the band went through some issues together. The returned to the studio to record Reflections, this time with only 3 members (2 from the original lineup) and included more percussion (which they barely touched on Cult). This album features no metal covers at all, which takes away from what made them so addicting in the first place, however they bring in legendary drummer Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Grip Inc., Etc.) to play drums on tracks 1,2,4,8 and 10. The results are devastating especially with his Drum solo on somewhere around nothing. The rest of the songs feature other drummers, but for the most part the drumming is simple. As for the cello playing throughout the CD; its top notch. I still feel that inquisition Symphony is their best album because the covers were so amazing and the three original songs were awesome as well. Reflections contains both the Metal Cello songs and original classic material that should appeal to everyone, new fans and old.

If you are already a big Apocalyptica fan, I suggest you hunt down the re-released import edition titled Reflections Revised. It contains five bonus tracks (Seemann (Rammstein Cover) featuring Nina Hagen, Faraway Vol. 2 (featuring Linda, who honestly kills the original song), Delusion, Perdition and Leave Me Alone.) There is also a second disc, a DVD featuring live videos from two concerts with them playing Nothing Else Matters, Somewhere Around Nothing, Faraway, Enter Sandman and Inquisition Symphony. We also get the music videos for Faraway Vol. 2 and Seemann as well as the making of the music videos and the members of Apocalyptica talking about the making of the album Reflections. Mine features different artwork as well and is actually a darkened night version of the original picture.

So there you have it. Try and hunt down Reflections Revised with eBay or something. The bonus content is worth it. Even if you don't get the revised edition, you're still going to get an amazing CD. Its well worth the money, had this CD had even a handful of metal covers, it would easily been their best CD and topped Inquisition Symphony. Hoped this helped.

Dark and powerful.......2006-02-08

This is great music. Dark and powerful, but filled with fluid melodies. Anyone who enjoys classical music and heavy metal will revel in this intoxicating mixture.

This Is Interesting - Do Not Pass It Up.......2005-07-24

The idea of a Metal band having a cellist is odd enough but when you add two more you are left with the wondrous creation that is the group Apocalyptica. This band clearly have taken traditional barriers and shattered the accepted with something completely out of left field. Mixing classical instruments with heavy music is not something that has never been done before (see the Metallica S&M as well as KISS Symphony releases for examples of that). Now while those were appealing in their own unique ways, the Apocalyptica music is new creations entirely. As I listened to this skillful blending of classical instrumentation along with rock solid riffing I was wondering if I was listening to Metal at all. Instead I wondered if perhaps a new breed of Progressive Music was upon us. At fear I would leave something out, I decided to settle on this being a little bit of both. In any case it is a welcome addition to the fold. With Progressive music there are often many classical inferences, what better way to showcase them than with actually classically trained musicians who also are lovers of Metal and things heavy.

The three main figures in Apocalyptica are Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen, and Perttu Kivilaakso who all are very adept at the cello and as you listen you find yourself quickly swept up into a unique array of musical colors as you listen to the piece. In addition to the studio musicians who encompass the rest of the recorded piece, Dave Lombardo (most noted for his work in Slayer) appears on a number of tracks as drummer and percussionist.

I enjoyed most of this CD, and had so many interesting takes as Listened. The song "Faraway" had an almost movie soundtrack feel to it. It was a warm and sincere piece, while "Prologue Apprehension" which starts the CD kicks you into a decent gear. In "Somewhere Around Nothing" there are some technical chops that one only generally would find in stuff like Dream Theater or Yes. It is a recommended piece for those who choose to experiment a little more often than others, or for those seeking a different level of musical satisfaction. There are 18 tracks on the CD, a large number of bonus tracks and a video. It is certainly a good amount of value for the money. Of all the tracks, there is two vocal songs, and one is sung by Nina Hagen.

drums from a good drummer.......2005-06-25

It's ok to add drums if they're played by Dave Lombardo of Slayer.

more is less?.......2005-06-14

oops. I saw Apocalyptica live in D.C. with their drummer and I rescind all previous comments about percussion being a bad idea.

Yes, I like Reflections. Yes, I love Apocalyptica, and this album is good and I'm happy that someone had the sense to release it in the States. But here's the thing. Part of Apocalyptica's appeal was the fact that their music was exclusively created by cellos. On "Inquisition Symphony" they even boasted about this. On "Cult", Path Vol. 2 (when they brought in a vocalist) was really f'in cool. Yes, I'm glad that they want to experiment and "expand their sound" and I want the group to feel free creatively, but the addition of percussive elements on some tracks on this album seems to take away from their unique, original butt-kickin' nature, the feeling of "Oh my god, they made all this crazy noise with just /cellos/?!" So, Apocalytpica is still doing well, but I fear with the addition of other instruments they have become just another orchestral metal band.

Average customer rating: Ellington is the best 1953 piano trio recordings. Great piano playing in small ensemble Masterful! ...if the world was right:

Piano Reflections Duke Ellington Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Swing Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Piano in the Foreground The Pianist The Great Summit: The Master Takes Masterpieces by Ellington Blues in Orbit ASIN: B000005HFA Release Date: 1989-09-20

Tracks:

1. Who Knows?
2. Retrospection
3. B Sharp Blues
4. Passion Flower
5. Dancers In Love
6. Reflections In D
7. Melancholia
8. Prelude To A Kiss
9. In A Sentimental Mood
10. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
11. All Too Soon
12. Janet
13. Kinda Dukish
14. Montevideo (AKA Night Time)
15. December Blue

Amazon.com essential recording

These 1953 recordings brought Duke the pianist into clear focus, proving him to be a clever, quirky, thoughtful, and bold improviser--often simultaneously. Ellington wrote 8 of these 15 cuts specifically for this record, while offering new interpretations of classics such as "Prelude to a Kiss," "In a Sentimental Mood," and "All Too Soon" plus Billy Strayhorn's delicate "Passion Flower" and son Mercer's "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." As strong as those readings are, the highlights here are the new pieces. "Reflections in D," "Retrospection," and "Melancholia" are spooky-but-serene tone poems; "Montevideo" and "Kinda Dukish" (actually the introduction to "Rockin' in Rhythm") are jagged and urgent; and "Janet," a two-minute suite in three parts, combines both moods. The lesser-known "Dancers in Love" (from The Perfume Suite) receives a delightful treatment that shows just how much can be said with one title and two minutes. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Ellington is the best.......2007-05-07

Great cd, low price, shipped quickly, what more could you ask for?

1953 piano trio recordings........2007-02-25

wonderful stuff, these piano trio recordings from 1953 show duke ellington could well have carved a place in the world of jazz for himself even without his virtuoso big band skills. his playing is bright and inventive with a touch perfectly intune with nuances to be found in a song. i love this album and highly recommend it to ellington lovers, or lovers of jazz piano trio recordings. i surely do.

Great piano playing in small ensemble.......2006-03-31

This is a great showcase of the Duke's piano virtuosity -- not to mention his beautiful compositions. Not a perfect recording, though, since there's a fair amount of high-end hiss, but still quite enjoyable. Almost as good as Money Jungle!

Masterful!.......2003-07-23

There's not much to add to what the other reviewers have said. I've owned the LP of this album since the 70s, and it's just flat-out wonderful!

Ellington is generally remembered as a genius composer and bandleader, but he was also an ace pianist. These solo and trio performances show that his unique style encompassed everything from the stride/ragtime/barrelhouse styles he heard in his youth to the sophisticated chromatic "modern" approach of the 50s. And he could be just as expressive alone on the piano as with his orchestra full of monster soloists...

Great stuff!

(Also recommended for hearing Duke as pianist: the 1961 sessions with Louis Armstrong, now available in a couple of different CD packages. Fantastic!)

...if the world was right:.......2002-03-21

- you should be able to turn on any radio station in america and have a one in twenty chance of hearing at least ONE duke ellington composed or played song...give the man two and a half minutes and you gonna get you somethin classic, believe that!!!

(why dont we have a holiday here that recognizes the achievements of our artistic legends? it would be nice hunh?)

once you learn to appreciate musical giants, such as mr. ellington, the closer you get to joinin the club they call "what-us-grown-folks-be-doin"...

...i grew up on r&b that was good for my soul and hip-hop which toyed with my intelligence...but a good jazz album is good for the spirit because it bridges both...if brother duke aint for you, then look around, there is plenty of good stuff out there...

Average customer rating: Not overly impressed He is gorgeous Easy to Love... Mostly perfect Charismatic

Reflections From Broadway John Barrowman Manufacturer: Jay Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Swings Cole Porter Aspects of Lloyd Webber Putting It Together: A Musical Review Torchwood: Another Life Simple Song ASIN: B00003TFLM Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

1. Beauty And the Beast: If I Can't Love Her
2. Anyone Can Whistle
3. Miss Saigon: Why God Why?
4. I'd Rather Be Sailing
5. Whistle Down the Wind
6. Dreamers
7. Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
8. Red Red Rose
9. Good Thing Going
10. Easy to Love
11. Boy from Nowhere, The
12. Tell My Father
13. Being Alive
14. I Chose Right
15. Try to Remember
16. Proud of Your Boy
17. Sunset Boulevard

Amazon.com

On the heels of his Broadway appearance in Stephen Sondheim's Putting It Together in November 1999, John Barrowman makes his solo debut with Reflections from Broadway, and it's a beauty. He provides plenty of Sondheim, of course, as well as numbers from other shows he has performed in both New York and London, including Sunset Boulevard, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, Anything Goes, and Michael Leander and Chris Seago's Matador. Barrowman's voice is sweet on ballads and rings bright and clear on the big numbers, and the orchestra and piano accompaniments sound just as good. Also on hand are some rarities, William Finn's delightful "I'd Rather Be Sailing," and Marvin Hamlisch's "Dreamers," which disappeared quickly in 1983 as part of the critically lambasted Jean Seberg but is becoming something of a standard for lighter voices. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Not overly impressed.......2007-01-27

I am upset to say that I was not overly thrilled with this CD. I really like John Barrowman as a performer but I didn't like the style of the work on this CD. I think that some of the songs sound great, however I think the orchestrations for it could be a lot better. I would say buy this CD to have in your collection, but if you like to hear songs done the way they should be, don't expect them all to be done that way.

He is gorgeous.......2007-01-16

John Barrowman is gorgeous and he has the sweetest voice ever, im always talking about him to my friends and they get annoyed so much...

I have loved John since... not the christmas we just had, but the one before... 25th December 2005.

He has an amazing voice and an amazing acting talent, everyone should love him as much as i do...

From John Barrowman's absolute no.1 fan!!

[...]

Easy to Love... Mostly.......2007-01-05

His voice is gorgeous. Clear and bright, he can sail through a number as well as an A above middle C. It just floats! John Barrowman likes to show what he's got, and on this album (a collection of songs with personal meaning to John), he's got what it takes. He introduces us to his voice first with a nice ballad from Beauty and the Beast: If I Can't Love Her. It is a nice ballad, not a great one. There are far better songs in Beauty and the Beast, but Menken wrote those for Belle! That said, by the end of the song, it is clear that John has taken center stage and turned a nice song into an exciting opening number. It's powerful and says, "Hey! You there! I'm a 'belter'." We move forward to the first of a few Sondheim standards, "Anyone Can Whistle." This tender song may have been written with a woman's voice in mind (Lee Remick sings it on the original cast album), but John takes it and makes it his own, showing us here that he can float up to high notes with ease and comfort. Beautiful! (although, I'm wishing for Jonathan Tunick's orchestrations!) Soon we arrive at one of the most exciting treasures on this album. It may be about halfway in, but "Red, Red Rose" is stunning! Possibly one of the most beautifully orchestrated numbers on here, the lyrics intertwine so effortlessly with the music, that a tear is easily lost for that lost love we all have. This song is not to be missed. Soon after, we finally reach some Cole Porter! (and it's about time, considering he had just starred in "Anything Goes".) "Easy to Love" has long been one of my favorite standards, and there is nothing more that I could want than John singing this so effortlessly. The orchestrations are beautiful, his voice delicate, and the mood just right for that night out on the terrace with a bottle of Chandon and an extra pair of hands. There are some other great numbers on here, such as William Finns "I'd Rather Be Sailing", two Sondheim Standards ("Good Thing Going" is fantastic; "Being Alive" will make you wish you weren't however. Who suggested such orchestrations? Terrible!), "I Chose Right" is fun, and "Why God Why?" enthralls as more exciting than any Cast Album. As much as I love these songs, there are some major issues I have with this CD. One of these issues lies in "Proud of Your Boy." I love this song. It is possibly the best song Menken ever wrote, and when done right will reduce an audience to tears. His interpretation is rushed and the bridge feels like he paid no attention to what he was singing. The emotional journey is completely lost here to the point at which each additional listen makes me cringe, because it could have been so much better. "Tell My Father" is just boring; we knew Frank Wildhorne started losing it during "Scarlett Pimpernell," but why do people continue to sing his music Post-Pimpernell? Additionally, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" is a bad Elton John ballad, and I won't go into "Whistle Down The Wind" but if you press the skip button on it, you'll be much happier to have those few minutes of your life without that song.
Having flushed that out, I have to point out that this album is definitely a must-have for any fan of musical theatre. The treasures on here (and again, I mention "Red, Red Rose" and "Easy to Love") are worth every penny. Buy this album now!

perfect.......2007-01-03

i was given this cd whilst recovering after ''911''- a perfect voice -perfect delivery -wonderful orchestrations- a marvelous selection of little known and famous songs -most worth while ,mr barrowman is the male counterpart to barbara cook in his crystal clear delivery and command of his beautiful voice

Charismatic.......2006-08-13

This has become one of my all-time favorite CDs. Whether the simplicity of a selection like DREAMERS (piano and voice) or the full ferocity of showstoppers like the songs from MISS SAIGON or SUNSET BOULEVARD, Barrowman excels. It is also wonderful to have someone who has played the parts in various London and Broadway productions have his signature tunes from those shows replicated here: and unlike someone not tooled in the productions there are no distracting (clever! bah) new arrangements, this is more a snapshot of how the song would have been played/portrayed for the production itself, so the lyrics that need to be stressed to convey the emotion, and how they are stressed, are per the instructions of the composer and director of the productions who hired Barrowman in the first place.

TRY TO REMEMBER, a signature tune for another artist, is presented here, and the only questionmark I have re this CD: It's like anyone but Garland doing OVER THE RAINBOW, it can't but suffer by comparison. However, for all that, Barrowman has a beautiful voice and the arrangement is true; he provides a real lilting quality I never heard in it before.

For anyone seeking new arrangements for Broadway standards - this isn't the place to get it. This is about re-creating arrangements from shows so they live again on a recording placed next to other songs, with only one vocal interpreter (the only thing missing is the audience applause).

Another reviewer declares Barrowman to be requiring voice lessons, as he is "untechnical," personally I detected no flaws here, as Barrowman's voice is vigorous, able to lull or pontificate as per the arrangements, so either sweet or bombastic, the full range is offered here.

It is true Barrowman is more pop/showtune vocalist (though not weak-voiced at all) than sublime operatic tenor in the way of Patrick Wilson (who can also sing rock; a great versatile and strong lyric tenor - where is his solo CD? I keep asking myself). But other "untrained" excellent singers of the past have been Sinatra and Garland, and they managed to convey great emotion, and that shines over technical brilliance in what stands the test of time. In re "technique" Barrowman is obviously superior to Sinatra, with much greater range, which is showcased here, which is not a putdown of Sinatra, who was never a Broadway-based performer, or required that power or range.

On this CD, it would be surprising if someone couldn't find a favorite selection amongst this collection of gems; as Barrowman chose wisely, so little known songs are in competition with show signature tunes, yet they all have equal pride of place.

One puzzlement: The surprise closing number, supposed to be a duet between Barrowman and his mother, is missing on my CD, so perhaps it was deleted on later issuings.

If I had to steer someone to Barrowman's voice and music I would steer them in this direction, rather than the Swings Cole Porter, as here his vocal talents are more showcased.

Average customer rating: NOT AS BAD AS SOME SAY... Highly recommended Diverse, exciting, innovative I'll wait... Steve, please stop singing!

Real Illusions: Reflections Steve Vai Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Shred | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Passion and Warfare Super Colossal Fire Garden Bloom The Ultra Zone ASIN: B0007GADZO Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

1. Building The Church
2. Dying For Your Love
3. Glorious
4. K'm-Pee-Du-Wee
5. Firewall
6. Freak Show Excess
7. Lotus Feet
8. Yai Yai
9. Midway Creatures
10. I'm Your Secrets
11. Under It All

Customer Reviews:

NOT AS BAD AS SOME SAY..........2007-04-30

Let's get one thing straight: Each artist have a peak on its career,one album or series of albums that put them in the top of the lists (personal and professional ones)

Led Zeppelin have a career based on awesome,solid albums. Metallica almost made it: they put out terrible albums such as "St.Anger" and destroyed their credibility.Joe Satriani has put out things like "Is there love in Space?" that pale in comparison with other albums.

You can't always be Led Zeppelin. Metallica has "The Black Album". Satch has "Surfing". Truth is that you can't reach some levels of creativity every time.I'm not an artist, but I can understand that they are not divine. They CAN FAIL.

Cut to the chase: This is not "Passion and warfare".Not even "Fire Garden" (another favorite of mine).But it represents a well-known facet of Steve: weirdness.This is his most "Zappesque" album of all time. And this is a compliment.I love Frank Zappa,and Steve is the 1st admitting that his playing is wildly influenced by the moustached genius.

Real Illusions is a "kind" of "conceptual album".Yes, something like "The Wall" or "The lamb lies down on Broadway".But it's more disjointed and surreal,kind of a fever dream.It's a story of a voyager that founds a town in another dimension. Very weird!

The music.

If you like the "regular Steve sound" listen carefully to songs like "Building the church" (a new classic), "Midnight creatures" (acrobatics on the fret), "Km-Pee-Du-Wee" or the wonderful "Lotus Feet" (a song recorded with a orchestra in Holland-Those shows will be available on CD and on DVD soon!)

"I'm your secrets" remind me a lot of "Burning up the mountain",it's like the latter with lyrics.But is a terrific, haunting song.It's melody can elevate your soul almost inmediately.

"Under it all" is the final song, with plenty of references of the storyline.It's a grand finale, I liked it a lot.

Keep in mind that songs like "Glorious" or "Yai Yai"(yes,that's really guitar,it's all about pedals) are WEIRD.But,as some reviewer said before me,"Steve is weird and he'll always be".That's the main trait of his personality.If you don't like it go listen to Green Day and their "down to earth" sound.

In essence,this is not a classic, nor the hideous album some may claim.It's a beautiful album,listen to it,carefully.I repeat, this is not a Green Day record. I love this CD.Give it a try.

Oh,for those who claim that Steve has not a good voice, I'll tell you something about emotion and feeling.Has Ozzy a good voice technically speaking? Or Mike Jagger? Or even Johnny Rotten? You really like those singers, don't you? Listen carefully and try to understand.

Highly recommended.......2007-04-29

I am the proud owner of every studio cd Mr. Vai has ever released and I can honestly say that this may be my favorite. Overall the guitar playing is amazing as always. Steve has total command over not just his speed, like some of the other "shredders" he's often classified with, but the perfect tone and grace of every note he plays, no matter how fast or slow.
The whole "concept" of this concept album is kind of interesting, although somewhat difficult to follow. but it's cool how the whole album, as you follow it, sticks with a mood and gradually takes you down this strange musical path. His song-writing on this album is fantastic and very melodic.

Building the Church starts with an insane 2-handed tapping intro in a style I'd never really heard before, then continues into a very well written melody that, to me, never gets old.

Dying For Your Love is a vocal song, without much flashy guitar. One of the weaker songs, in my opinion, but kind of pleasant.

Glorious is quite cool. The lead guitar line is played on a fretless guitar with a wah-pedal. Kinda sounds like a cat that can really sing. A nice solo in the middle of this one too.

K'm-pee-du-wee is a slow yet very tender ballady song that was meant to sound like a guitar singing a lullaby. beautiful guitar phrasing in this one.

Firewall was another vocal song, which, again, is not my favorite side of Steve. But it's tolerable and the solo, makes it worth it.

Freak Show Excess speaks for itself. It's kind of a fun song and the outro solo is insane-absolutely insane.

Lotus Feet is done with just Steve and an orchestra. Steve really uses the guitar as his voice in this song. You can almost hear it speaking, rather than playing.

Yai Yai is interesting, kinda weird. Completely done with the "yah-yah" feature.

I'm Your Secrets is all acoustic and although Steve sings in this one too, I find it quite lovely. The accoustic melody is really captivating.

Under It All is the most interesting if you're following the storyline of the cd. It has all the characters making little speeches and like the rest of the cd, the melody of the song itself is rather captivating.

Overall, like I said, it's not his flashiest playing, but it's definitely enough that guitar players will be happy. I consider it his most melodic song writing he's ever done. And yes; Steve is weird. He's always been weird, he'll always be weird. If you like his weirdness, you will love this cd. Enjoy, friends.

Diverse, exciting, innovative.......2007-01-17

The negative reviews here are a sad commentary on the extent to which most people want an artist to go on doing whatever he did before. Vai is one of those rare musicians who is truly versatile. After a crowdpleasing opening track (very stereotypically metal) this compilation explores many moods and directions; there's even a quasi-Zappa solo. Vai does have a slight tendency to be facile, but there are substantial compositions on this album. It's a very fine and thoughtful piece of work.

I'll wait..........2006-12-11

Simply put, steve isn't the best singer on the music scene, although at a concert his singing seems to blends in well with the environment, but as far as recordings go he should stick to instrumental. Vai is one of my favourite musicians, but this album, for me just isn't worth listening to in my opinion except for maybe two tracks.
Other than that the man is an absolutely amazing guitarist and the majority of his work is timeless.

Steve, please stop singing!.......2006-09-27

I am like the rest of most people in here. I believe Steve Vai is as talented as any guitar player ever, ever! Nobody shreds faster or can get the same sounds out of an Ibanez. HOWEVER, he has 1/10 the musical intelligence of Joe Satriani. I can listen to Satriani anytime, each album is unique and exciting. However, with Vai, you get these hit and miss CDs with some creative playing and some awful heavy metal tracks featuring terrible singing. Here is hoping that Steve gets some direction, so his musical genius can be recorded for the ages.

Meditation Music:

1. Reflections of Hope
2. Remembering the Movies
3. Romantic Nights
4. Romantic Rhapsodies [Enhanced]
5. Rubycon
6. Seven Waves
7. Sketch Proposals
8. Skys
9. Songs, Hymns & Carols
10. Stillpoint

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Animal Lover

Music Review: A Descent Into the Maelstrom

Hill Climbing for [Limited Edition] [Import]

Music: 12 Stas for Flute, Hpschd & Bassoon

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed: Suit CD V.3 [Import]

KZO: The Best Kept Secret

Live Denmark 1972 [Import] [Limited Edition] [Live]

Grok This! Defacing The Music Of Todd Rundgren

Pop Music: 1001% Arabica: An Introduction to Rai [Import]

In Celebration Of Christmas

Live in Chicago [Live]

Judith [Import]

Makin Moves

Da Villain in Black

Laurita