Lydia

1. De la Amistad Al Amor

2. Solo Pienso en Ti

3. Fueron Buenos Tiempos

4. Suspirar de Amor

5. Tacto de Su Piel

6. No Se Si Es Amor (It Must Have Been Love)

7. Sin Ti No Puedo

8. Amor Fugaz

9. Puedes Conseguirlo

10. Junto Al Mar

Lydia,Lydia,Wea Latina,Int'l & World Music,Latin,Latin Music,Latin Pop

Gypsy Passion: New Flamenco (Narada Collection Series)

Average customer rating:

viasualize paradise
A Pleasure
great new flamenco
Sizzling Guitar
"New Flamenco" not new Flamenco

Gypsy Passion: New Flamenco (Narada Collection Series)

Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music

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Gypsy Soul: New Flamenco
Obsession: New Flamenco Romance
Gypsy Fire
Guitar Greats: The Best of New Flamenco
Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar

ASIN: B000005P66
Release Date: 1997-02-25

Tracks:

Lucia - Oscar Lopez
Gipsy - Jesse Cook
Gypsy Flame - Armik
Dulce Libertad - Lara & Reyes
2 The Night - Ottmar Liebert
Bola - Strunz & Farah
Danza Mora - Eric Tingstad
Rumba Rumba Gitanita - Ruben Romero & Lydia Torea
Torero - Govi
Istanbul - Bruce Bec Var
Torrecillo Del Leal - Miguel De La Bastide
Rockin' Gypsies - Willie & Lobo

Customer Reviews:

viasualize paradise.......2006-08-30

I would recommend this CD. A friend of mine had this Cd, I liked it so much I had to get my own copy. I have also had a lot of other friends ask about this CD.

I'm not a deticated fan of tis music as others may be but if you are oing to start anywhere, this is one you want. To me, all the songs are gtreat to listen to. The songs will take you to another world.

A Pleasure.......2006-06-26

This CD is fantastic for anyone who loves Flaminco and the Flaminco guitar. It surges with energy and might just have you "dancing in the streets" or rushing out to sign up for lessons. Enjoy it; you won't be disappointed. P.S. I have heard and seen live Flaminco in Seville, more than once, and this one really took me back with even greater awe and admiration, in addition to the otherwise wonderful memories.

great new flamenco.......2006-03-26

OK let me just settle all this criticism for all those who may want to buy this cd. First of all I play flamenco guitar professionally. There are 50 different styles of flamenco that are well know and countless others that arene't so well known.
Within those styles are hundreds of compas most based on the city in Spain of origin. There are a myriad of time signatures including the 12 meter hemiolic which most common in Bulerias.
I have reviewed this and other CD's like Flamenco chill and comment without reserve that these are flamenco songs. The "modernization" of flamenco music can be equated to blues appearing in every rock recording for the last 50 years. An old type flamenco recording would usually be a concert piece from Tarraga or Jerez or one those classically trained flamenco artists. It could well be argued that they classicized flamenco which ripped out all the guts and soul of the music. The amazing picado runs, powerful rageos, and alzapua licks are all mandatory elements of flamenco. If one would participate in a juelgo they would see a cajon, castenettes, palmas, cante, baille etc...this is a letre..a play of sorts with everyone responding to the cante. To listen to this in a recording would be like listening to the sound of a baseball game..there would be so much missing that it would be a complete waste of time.
SO stop tying to be mr. know it all and just enjoy music for what it is..an expression of human emotion....peace out

Sizzling Guitar.......2006-02-25

i'm an amature but trust me this fusion of guitars is one of the BEST your ears could ever..rythym,skill,harmony all in one.

"New Flamenco" not new Flamenco.......2005-12-07

With apologies to Mr. L.K. Coleman and his utterly misleading Spotlight Review, this album does not pretend to be anything but what it is. Flamenco is a traditional form of music born in Andalusian Spain and created from Indian, Arabic, Jewish, Romano-Iberian and Celto-Iberian elements. GYPSY PASSION and its successors in the Narada catalogue are examples of Nuevo Flamenco or "New Flamenco" which is a style of Fusion incorporating traditional Flamenco, Jazz, Rock, Classical, and other musics. Either Mr. Coleman doesn't know about New Flamenco as a school of performance, or he's a purist who just dislikes it.

In either case, this album deserves five stars as a lively, engaging and pleasurable listening experience. And yes, "New Flamenco" has revitalized the traditional Andalusian form in modern-day Spain. GYPSY PASSION is absolutely worth your time.

Véronique Gens - Nuit d'étoiles (Mélodies Française) / Vignoles

Average customer rating:

Lovely
An unexpected glimpse of happiness.
Enchanting recital of French Melodies
Nuit d'toiles - Melodies Francaises/ Gens, Vignoles
An Outstanding Vocal Performance

Véronique Gens - Nuit d'étoiles (Mélodies Française) / Vignoles
Gabriel Fauré , Claude Debussy , Francis Poulenc , Véronique Gens , and Roger Vignoles
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Véronique Gens ~ Berlioz - Les Nuits d'été · La mort de Cléopatre
Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov)
Tragédiennes
Forgotten Songs: Dawn Upshaw Sings Debussy
Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin

ASIN: B00003ZKR9
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

Apres un reve, Op. 7 No. 1
Sylvie, Op. 7 No. 3
Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8 No. 1
Lydia, Op. 4 No. 2
Le papillon et la fleur, Op. 1 No.1
Mandoline, Op. 58 No. 1: 5 Melodies de Venise
Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
Les berceaux, Op. 23 No. 1
3 Chansons de Bilitis: I. La flute de Pan
3 Chansons de Bilitis: II. La chevelure
3 Chansons de Bilitis: III. Le tombeau des Naiades
Fetes galantes: I. En sourdine
Fetes galantes: II. Fantoches
Fetes galantes: III. Clair de lune
Nuit d'etoiles
Beau soir
Fleur des bles
La Belle au bois dormant
Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison
BANALITES: I. Chanson d'Orkenise
BANALITES: II. Hotel
BANALITES: III. Fagnes de Wallonie
BANALITES: IV. Voyage a Paris
BANALITES: V. Sanglots
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: I. Montparnasse
2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire: II. Hyde Park
Les chemins de l'amour - valse chantee

Customer Reviews:

Lovely.......2005-08-30

I recommend this to any art-song lover, and really, anybody at all. Gens does an excellent performance of a great collection of beautiful French songs. Her voice is enjoyable all the way, she has great expression, and a convincing mastery of the genre.

An unexpected glimpse of happiness........2001-07-21

Stendhal wrote that "the sight of anything extremely beautiful, in nature or in art, brings back the memory of what one loves, with the speed of lightning. That is, ... all that is beautiful and sublime in the world takes part in the beauty of what one loves, and this unexpected glimpse of happiness immediately fills the eyes with tears. This is how love of the beautiful and love give each other life." This is what Ms. Gens will do to you when you listen to this CD.

Enchanting recital of French Melodies.......2000-07-07

This is a most enjoyable release, all the more so because Veronique Gens, who is generally considered a baroque specialist on the lyric stage, may well be a torch-bearer of the elusive art of the French song in the coming decades. The voice of Gens, which is solid and well-integrated with an alluring dash of vibrancy embedded therein, is eminently suited to the repertoire represented in this new Virgin Classics release. Her secure technique (just a hint of strain in one or two high notes) also renders it possible for her to fine down her voice in the ending of phrases to a charming effect. Being a native French speaker certainly helps, too. Although hers is perhaps not the most strongly-etched of readings, she is able to inflect the text intelligently, and her subtle but heart-felt stresses on particular words not only serve to illuminate the poetic prose, but also meld beautifully with the notes that she sing.

The CD opens with songs by Faure, and while Gens may not possess the charm and naturalness of utterance of Maggie Teyte, whose recordings of Faure's songs are, in the opinion of this reviewer, unsurpassable, she can conjure up the right kind of feeling for every song as no one can. Her tempo for the popular "Apres un reve" is a trifle too laid back. Yet, she conveys to perfection the dream-like quality of the song, as well as the sense of confusion and regret at awakening. Her singing of "Le papillon et la fleur" is delightfully vivid, and her evocation of the feeling of sadness being kept in restraint in "Les berceaux" makes the performance both intimate and touching.

The Debussy group is no less impressive. Despite the innovative idiom in which most of these songs are composed, Gens is able bring them off effortlessly and stylishly. She is in total command whether in the serenity of "Beau soir", the romanticism of "Nuit d'etoiles", the rustic charm of "Fleur des bles", or the harrowing grimness of "Noel des enfants qui n'ont plus de maison", the last one composed when Debussy was being haunted by the atrocities of the Great War. In "Fetes galantes I", although the vocal and piano parts are often independent of each other, Gens's remarkable interpretation succeeds in unifying the two strands into a picturesque and colourful whole. The "3 Chansons de Bilitis", which are composed very much in the style of PELLEAS ET MELISANDE, also find an ideal interpreter in Gens where, blessed with a keen sense of rhythm, she succeeds in propelling the texts forward with musical grace and dramatic import. She would surely make a wonderful Melisande.

The Poulenc is equally fine. The young soprano is able to do full justice to the diverse moods in "Banalites", which, according to Olivier Opdebeeck, who penned the CD notes, is composed in a "part-melancholy, part-joyful tone with a barb of irony which the composer identified in the poet". The "2 Melodies de Guillaume Apollinaire" are sharply contrasted, one (Montparnasse) languid and brooding and the other (Hyde Park) gusty and piquant. Gens's singing of "Les chemins de l'amour", a cross between a Viennese waltz and a cabaret song, is loveliness itself and provides a delicious end to an enchanting recital.

The major reservation that this reviewer has involves the accompaniment of Roger Vignoles. While he is able to provide secure support for the singer, his playing is uncharacterful and even bland. Besides, the piano tone seems to be rather thin at times. Nonetheless, this should not detract one from the sensuous beauty of Gens's performance. This reviewer hopes that Virgin Classics would be encouraged by the success of this release so that they can present this most promising singer in further volumes of French songs by, say, Chausson, Ravel and Duparc.

Nuit d'toiles - Melodies Francaises/ Gens, Vignoles.......2000-06-13

Not being a professional, but loving the genre of French melodies I'll avoid technical commentary; I have become a collector of these in recent years and find this one extremely satifying and appreciate the variety this CD presents.

An Outstanding Vocal Performance.......2000-05-01

This ranks as one of the very best recordings of French 'melodies' that I have yet heard. Unlike most other singers, Gens gives the words drama and meaning. Too many singers perform these works in a detached 'artistic' manner that often makes them all sound almost alike. I say this not to belittle Gens' voice (which is superb), but to indicate that this disk will take you beyond the 'standard' interpretations of these works. I had a chance to compare one of the melodies with another recent recording by Schafer, another singer whom I respect Both were being featured in a local record store. It was hard to realize they were actually singing the same piece. I recently saw Gens perform much of the same program at a recital in NYC. This was the best recital I had heard in a very long time (I go to many). The disk is almost as good. It suffers a bit from a very unnatural recorded sound: the microphone is much too close to the singer and the piano is much too forward. Also the accompaniest in NYC was clearly better. Nevertheless, it would be hard to find a better recorded performance. The more I listen to the disk, the less I notice these drawbacks. The choice of repetoire is also well done. I particularly liked the Debussy 'Trois chansons de Bilitis.' She ends with 'Les chemins de l'amour' which Poulenc wrote for Jean Anouilh's play 'Leaocadia'. This has become very popular outside the normal recital circuit. If you get only one disk of French melodies, this is the one to get.

Average customer rating:

Some Things Don't Get Better With Time
Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, you soul-rockin' encylopedia
The Queen Hath Returned
30 years was worth the wait!
Cold Blood runs HOT

Transfusion
Cold Blood , and Lydia Pense
Manufacturer: Dig Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Thriller!
First Taste of Sin
Cold Blood/Sisyphus
Hip Li'l Dreams
Lydia

ASIN: B000AA4KB0
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Face The Music
It's The Man That Makes The Clothes
It Could Be Me It Must Be You
Coming Back
Wait For You
Guide Me Home
Hooked On You
Down To My Last Heartache
Cool Drink
You Make Me Sweat
Will This Saga Ever End
Down To The Bone

Album Description

Cold Blood was originally signed in 1969 by Bill Graham to his own label and went on to record six albums before disbanding in the late 1970s. The band was revived in the late 1980s and the current lineup started to coalesce in the mid-`90s under the direction of guitarist Steve Dunne, which culminated in a triumphant return to the Fillmore in 1998. In 2001, DIG Music released Vintage Blood: Live! 1973, a previously unreleased powerhouse collection of songs including their signature version of "You Got Me Hummin'," recorded in an intimate studio setting before a live audience.

At the same time, former Cold Blood member Skip Mesquite, who had a number of songs he'd written and thought would be well- suited for Lydia, came in contact with DIG Music. Armed with these great new songs, a continually improving band, an excited indie label, and with Lydia singing better than ever, the elements were aligned for making a new Cold Blood album a reality.

"Transfusion" is Cold Blood's first studio album on DIG Music, showcasing more of the band's horn-driven rock and soul- drenched sound, and demonstrating that Lydia Pense's vocal chops have lost none of their power or feeling. Joining her in the band are former Starship/Elvin Bishop drummer Donny Baldwin, Steve Dunne on guitar, Rob Zuckerman on sax, Rich Armstrong on trumpet, Evan Palmerston on bass, Mike Morgan on percussion and Steve Salinas on keyboards. The new album was produced by Steve Dunne and Skip Mesquite and recorded at Sy Klopps Studio in San Francisco.

Special guests on Transfusion include Michelle Shocked, who joins Lydia for a vocal duet on "Down To The Bone," and Lenny Williams, who sings with Lydia on "It Could Be Me, It Must Be You." Other friends include keyboardist Roger Smith, drummer David Garibaldi and guitarist Jeff Tamelier of Tower of Power, sax player Skip Mesquite, ex-Tower of Power trumpet player Mic Gillette and original Cold Blood keyboard player Raul Matute.

Customer Reviews:

Some Things Don't Get Better With Time.......2007-01-07

I'm glad CB w/Lydia Pense is back recording / touring, but something seems missing. I think I miss the "soulfulness" of her sound, that just doesn't seem to be there anymore. She sounds too husky now (age I guess).

Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, you soul-rockin' encylopedia.......2006-04-28

I was in Portland Oregon in mid-April and was stunned to find out I just missed a performance by Cold Blood and almost fainted when I found out there was a new record. I always thought of Lydia Pense as one of the all-time underrated singers and frankly that CB was better than their original label mates, Tower of Power. "Transfusion" only confirm all those thoughts. This is without question, the most consistently satisfying CB record since "Thriller," (by the way you should take advantage of Amazon's double offer to buy "Thriller" with "Transfusion.") It is truly amazing that Lydia's voice has aged as soulful and funky as it has. As usual, the band is thistight and the guitar solos have an edge that cuts hard right through those powerful horns. There's not a weak track on this disc and the duets with former TOP frontman Lenny Williams and Michelle Shocked (on the CB classic "Down To The Bone, no less) are sublime. I remember as a young man trying to turn all my friends in my hometown of Chicago to Cold Blood. The process starts again. Thank you Lydia.

The Queen Hath Returned.......2006-01-25

Wow! I can't believe how great Lydia sounds after all these years. Her soulful voice is as powerful and full of feeling as ever. She is the best blue-eyed soul singer that has ever graced the stage. As for the new recording...tremendous! This is the album that Cold Blood wanted to do but were never given the go ahead. It's a big rock-soul sound with a funky edge. Pehaps this is the one that will give this great band the notice that they truly deserve.

30 years was worth the wait!.......2005-10-09

Waiting 30 years to hear another Lydia Pense recording was too long. Why the wait? Lydia has not lost a thing since those rich early days. One of the best blue eyed soul singers of her generation should not be such a well kept secret. Its a true testament to her talent that such a collection of well respected musicians are featured on this CD. I can only hope distribution and air time can follow so more people can finally discover the talent that many inside the music business have known all along.

Cold Blood runs HOT.......2005-10-07

I have had this CD on my car stereo for a solid week. I have yet to hit the eject button. Each song reveals itself in more detail with each listening. Lydia's soulful voice is as strong and vibrant as it ever was, only it's more mature, more seasoned (she was, after all, introduced to Bill Graham by Janis Joplin). Steve Dunne's guitar tightens an already taut rhythm section and his solos have a bite in the tradition of CB's sound. And the horns, oh the horns! This may be where my bias for all that blaring brass causes me to lose some objectivity. The trumpet really stands out, as it should when you have the young local sensation Rich Armstrong in the band and guests Mic Gillette (TOP) and Dennis Cruzan. Suffice it to say that Cold Blood was once the pride of a local sound and they continue to excel in the same. Coming up with 10 new songs that are true to their tradition is a remarkable accomplishment (they do recycle their "Down To the Bone" with Michelle Shocked joining Lydia). Most are most penned by guest saxophonist and co-producer Skip Mesquite (of TOP's East Bay Grease and Bump City glory and once of CB). Other TOP alumni guests include Lenny Williams, David Garibaldi (drums), Roger Smith (Hammond B3 & keys) and Jeff Tamelier (guitar). It's like a Who's Who of the rock-soul-funk sound, so it's no wonder the music does not disappoint. I will be able to better judge this Transfusion more fully after next Saturday's Fillmore show and I can't wait!

Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin

Average customer rating:

Le parfum d'extase
Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It.
Great!!!
A delightful programme
Limpid, refined, elegant music.

Fauré - Mélodies / Souzay · Ameling · Baldwin
Gabriel Fauré , Gérard Souzay , Elly Ameling , and Dalton Baldwin
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Debussy - Mélodies / Ameling · Mesplé · Command · Souzay · von Stade · Baldwin
Poulenc - Melodies / Ameling · Gedda · W. Parker · Sénéchal · Souzay · Baldwin
Susan Graham - La Belle Époque (The Songs of Reynaldo Hahn)
Artistry of Elly Ameling (Coll)
A French Song Companion

ASIN: B000002S30
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

Le papillon et la fleur: Le Papillon et la fleur, Op. 1, No. 1
Mai: Mai, Op. 1, No. 2
Reve d'amour: Reve d'amour, Op. 5, No. 2
Dans les ruines d'une abbaye: Dans les ruines d'une abbaye, Op. 2, No. 1
Les Matelots: Les Matelots, Op. 2, No. 2
Lydia: Lydia, Op. 4, No. 2
Hymne: Hymne, Op. 7, No. 2
Seule: Seule, Op. 3, No. 1
L'absent: L'Absent, Op. 5, No. 3
L'Aurore: L'Aurore, Op. posthume
La Rancon: La Rancon, Op. 8, No. 2
Chant d'automne: Chant d'automne, Op. 5, No. 2
Aubade: Aubade, Op. 6, No. 1
Tristesse: Tristesse, Op. 6, No. 2
Chanson du pecheur (Lamento): Chanson du pecheur (Lamento), Op. 5, No. 1
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Op. 7, No. 3
2 Duos pour deux sopranos: I Puisqu'ici-bas, Op. 10, No. 1
2 Duos pour deux sopranos: II Tarentelle, Op. 10, No. 2
Ici-bas !: Ici-bas !, Op. 8, No. 3
Au bord de l'eau: Au bord de l'eau, Op. 8, No. 1
Serenade toscane: Serenade toscane, Op. 3, No. 2
Apres Un Reve: Apres un reve, Op. 7, No. 1
Sylvie: Sylvie, Op. 6, No. 3
Le Voyageur: Le Voyageur, Op. 18, No. 2
Automne, Op. 18, No. 3

Tracks:

Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 1. Rencontre
Poemes d'un jour, Op. 21: 2.Toujours
3. Adieu
Nell, Op. 18, No. 1
Les berceaux: Les Berceaux, Op. 23, No. 1
Notre amour: Notre amour, Op. 23, No. 2
Le Secret: Le Secret, Op. 23, No. 3
Chanson d'amour: Chanson d'amour, Op. 27, No. 1
La Fee aux chansons: La Fee aux chansons, Op. 27, No. 1
Aurore: Aurore, Op. 39, No. 1
Fleur jetee: Fleur jetee, Op. 39, No. 2
Le Pays des reves: Le Pays des reves, Op. 39, No. 3
Les Roses d'lspahan: Les Roses d'lspahan, Op. 39, No. 4
Nocturne: Nocturne, Op. 43, No. 2
Les Presents: Les Presents, Op. 46, No. 1
Clair de Lune: Clair de lune, Op. 46, No. 2
Larmes: Larmes, Op. 51, No. 1
Au Cimetiere: Au Cimetiere, Op. 51, No. 2
2 Cantiques: 1. En Priere
2 Cantiques: 2. Noel, Op. 43, No. 1
SPLEEN: Spleen, Op. 51, No. 3
La Rose: La Rose, Op. 51, No. 4
Chanson de Shylock: Chanson de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 1
Madrigal de Shylock: Madrigal de Shylock, Op. 57, No. 2
5 Melodies: 1. Mandoline
5 Melodies: 2. En sourdine
5 Melodies: 3. Green
5 Melodies: 4. A Clymene
5 Melodies: 5. C'est l'extase
Serenade du Bourgeois gentilhomme

Tracks:

La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 1. Une Sainte en son aureole
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 2. Puisque l'aube grandit
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 3. La Lune blanche luit dans les bois
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 4. J'allais par des chemins perfides
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 5. J'ai presque peur, en verite
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 6. Avant que tu ne t'en ailles
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 7. Donc, ce sera par un clair jour d'ete
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 8. N'est-ce pas ?
La Bonne Chanson, Op. 61: 9. L'Hiver a cesse
Le Parfum imperissable: Le Parfum imperissable, Op. 76, No. 1
Arpege: Arpege, Op. 76, No. 2
Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton: Pleurs d'or, duo pour soprano et baryton, Op. 72
Melisande's song: Melisande's song, Op. posthume
Prison: Prison, Op. 83, No. 1
Soir: Soir, Op. 83, No. 2
Dans la foret de septembre: Dans la foret de septembre, Op. 85, No. 1
La Fleur qui va sur l'eau: La Fleur qui va sur l'eau, Op. 85, No. 2
Accompagnement: Accompagnement, Op. 85, No. 3
Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal): Le plus doux Chemin (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
Le Ramier (madrigal): Le Ramier (madrigal), Op. 87, No. 2
Le Don silencieux: Le Don silencieux, Op. 92
Chanson: Chanson, Op. 94
Vocalise-etude

Tracks:

La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 1. Paradis
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 2. Prima verba
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 3. Roses ardentes
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 4. Comme Dieu rayonne
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 5. L'aube blanche
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 6. Eau vivante
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 7. Veilles-tu, ma senteur de soleil ?
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 8. Dans un parfum de roses blanches
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 9. Crepuscule
La Chanson d'Eve, Op. 95: 10. O mort, poussiere d'etoiles
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 1. Exaucement
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 2. Quand tu plonges tes yeux dans mes yeux
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 3. La messagere
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 4. Je me poserai sur ton coeur
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 5. Dans la Nymphee
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 6. Dans la penombre
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 7. Il m'est cher, amour, le bandeau
Le Jardin clos, Op. 106: 8. Inscription sur le sable
Mirages, Op. 113: 1. Cygne sur l'eau
Mirages, Op. 113: 2. Reflets dans l'eau
Mirages, Op. 113: 3. Jardin nocturne
Mirages, Op. 113: 4. Danseuse
C'est la paix !: C'est la paix !, Op. 114
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 1. La ber es infinie
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 2. Je me suis embarque
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 3. Diane Selene
L'Horizon chimerique, Op. 118: 4. Vaisseaux, nous vous aurons aimes

Customer Reviews:

Le parfum d'extase.......2007-05-18

This 4-CD set receives five stars from me in spite of some flaws. I'll outline those flaws first.

Firstly (a flaw to me, perhaps not to others), I'm not very fond of Gérard Souzay's voice and vocal approach. He frequently sounds blustery and the timbre does not really appeal to me. Yet his commitment to these beautiful songs is impeccable, and he has a wealth of experience, beautifully authentic French (of course!) and occasionally the singing is very effective indeed. I agree that the "La bonne chanson" set is sensitive and moving - it's Souzay at his best. But in general... Souzay is not one of my favourite baritones.

Secondly, as other reviews have mentioned, no translations are included. However, the full text of each song is contained in the accompanying booklet, and for those who don't read French well enough to translate, there are translations on-line of all of the poems set by Fauré. I agree this is not an ideal solution, and that the boxed set would have been improved by translations.

Thirdly, one is sometimes overwhelmed by the balance of the voice compared to that of the piano - this is particularly noticeable in Souzay's singing. However, the piano is still audible. The solution is mostly to turn down the volume for one or two tracks.

Let me now explain why, in spite of the above faults, I still consider this a superb set.

Firstly, the truly lovely singing of Elly Ameling. What a gloriously pretty sound - and I mean "pretty" without any denigration whatsoever. It's not JUST pretty - it's beautiful as well. This is a lovely gleaming sound, perfectly placed, and with a wealth of intrinsic and elegant interpretation that is native to Elly Ameling's singing. She's a miracle - no matter what she sings, it sounds "sung in" and perfectly understood, perfectly interpreted. (I admit Ms Ameling's French is slightly accented at times, but it's completely understandable and very good. It doesn't impair the performance of these songs at all.)

Secondly, Dalton Baldwin's playing is sensitive and impassioned in turns - always lyrical, always attuned to the requirements of each song. What a huge amount of work must have gone into this mammoth 4-CD task!

Thirdly, these vocal compositions are exquisite. Several of them are justly famous as works of genius, and fall so delightfully upon the ear that it seems they have always existed, perfect and full of wonder... that Fauré plucked them out of semi-existence to give them reality.

Fourthly... it's 4CDs of Fauré's vocal works. For those who love French vocal music, it's an extravagant delight to have such a thorough and wide-ranging collection. For singing students, how marvellous to have such a collection to hand to help when choosing songs. For fellow singers, what joy to have all of these songs in such a fine collection in order to note details and particularly admirable points.

In short - this is a set I wouldn't be without. While it's not flawless, it's full of delights. Ameling's singing of "La rose" is one of the highlights, and Fauré's three exquisite duets are all represented here. Highly recommended.

Superb chansoms. Superb Ameling. Buy It........2007-03-01

This EMI Classics package of four CD's for the price of two (plus) is really the way I like to buy classic recordings, where the complete set covers all of a single especially interesting grouping of works. This set, like the comparable one on Debussy, is simply grand, especially, as noted by other reviewers, with the contribution of Ameling, a soprano from whom not much is heard of today, but who, in her prime, was on top of her game.

My only objection to the package is that while the notes five the French text of the songs and the author of the text, there is no translation. Otherwise, this is a super buy.

Great!!!.......2006-06-19

The music on this compilation is beautiful. It is also beautifully sung. Amelling is amazing, as always!!!

A delightful programme.......2006-01-20

Faure was a genius and his songs are some of the most beautiful ever written, being animated by the spirit of beauty itself (Ms Venus:-).)

The performers did an outstanding job singing this repertoire, and especially Elly Ameling's performance is pure *delight*
- honestly-.

I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.

Highly recommended.

Limpid, refined, elegant music........2001-04-04

This famous set provides on 4 CDs the complete songs (mélodies, he preferred to call them) by Faure. They are entrusted to the native French baritone, the Dutch soprano, and their accompanist Dalton Baldwin, and were recorded in the early 1970s. The set is not inexpensive, so I shall try to outline its merits. The music itself is enthralling. Faure set, over a period of sixty years, texts by French poets. Limpid, refined, elegant music, it repays repetition and close listening. One reviewer has suggested that no listener will want to listen to umpteen of these mélodies in one sitting, but I have never had too much of them. If slow tempi and arpeggio accompaniments begin to pall, listen to "Nell" (CD 2, Track 4). The performers satisfy on all counts. Souzay's contribution reflect a life time's association with the music, and a tradition that goes back through his teachers to the time of Faure himself. His definitive version of "La bonne Chanson" is especially fine. If his style is more suited to the impassioned, ardent items, it balances well with the cooler, more detached singing of Elly Ameling. So that you will not be disappointed, I should also mention that translations of the texts are not provided. I also wish that the balance had been better engineered. Sometimes Souzay seems to have the microphone in his mouth, and always the piano seems too distant. These are but minor flaws, however, in a long necklace of priceless pearls.

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French Flute Music Ranging from Sweet to Avant-Garde

French Flute Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Reinecke: Harp Concerto: Flute Concerto
Emmanuel Pahud - Paris
Les Nouveaux Musiciens
Alexa Still, Flute
Flute Master Pieces

ASIN: B0007ORDVI
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

Allegro Malinconico
Cantilena
Presto Giocoso
Le Merle Noir
Sonatine
Chant De Linos
Sonatine
Sonatine

Customer Reviews:

French Flute Music Ranging from Sweet to Avant-Garde.......2005-04-08

Patrick Gallois is surely one of the most illustrious French flutists in the post-Rampal generation. He's done some outstanding work on the Naxos label in the past and this new one is excellent as well. He is partnered by a Canadian pianist new to me, Lydia Wong, and she, too, is an excellent collaborator. This CD starts out with the many-times-recorded Poulenc Flute Sonata, surely one of the great pieces in the flute/piano literature, and Gallois plays the bejabbers out of it. He not only commands the sweet tones required for the first two movements, but he plays the Presto giocoso movement faster than I've ever heard it and with what sounds like superhuman articulation: I cannot imagine how anyone can play so many staccato notes so fast. It does not sound rushed, but rather simply exuberantly alive.

The other pieces include the Messiaen 'Le Merle noir,' the Sonatine by Pierre Sancan, Jolivet's 'Chant de Linos,' Sonatines by both Dutilleux and Boulez. I recall hearing the latter years ago and finding it ugly. I suppose I've come some distance in the intervening time because this time it doesn't sound ugly, although I must confess I still can't make much sense of it. I went through a time of trying to understand Boulez's music by studying some scores, and finally gave it up as beyond me. My deficiency, I'm sure, but there you are. One can say, however, that Gallois and Wong make a good case for it without convincing this particular jury. On the other hand, I've grown more and more fond of Messiaen's music over the years--his piano music has made a real believer of me, particularly in some recent recordings by Hakon Austbo ('Petites esquisses d'oiseaux/Catalogue d'oiseaux' et al.) and Pierre-Laurent Aimard ('Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus')--and this performance of 'The Blackbird' builds on that admiration. This is not only gorgeous music, it is gorgeously played, with real feeling for the birdcalls. The fast section toward the end is really exciting.

I don't recall ever seeing the name, much less hearing any of the music, of Pierre Sancan (b. 1916). He was for many years a professor at the Paris Conservatoire. The music is rather more impressionistic than anything else here, very reminiscent of the flute writing of Debussy. Jolivet's 'Chant de Linos' is a threnody that attempts to recall funerary gestures of ancient Greece. Jolivet's style is more disjunct than Poulenc's or Sancan's and seems to alternate between songful and dancing sections. It does indeed evoke ancient times although I can't quite put my finger on how Jolivet accomplishes this. That said, it did not stick with my aural memory for very long; each time I listened to it seemed to be the first time.

Dutilleux is another fairly recent discovery of mine, perhaps in the past ten years, and I am happy to label him as a great composer. Some of his orchestral works--e.g., 'Métaboles,' 'Tout un Monde lontain,' the Cello Concerto--are truly masterpieces. The Flute Sonatine, less than ten minutes long, was written in 1942 as a test piece for the Conservatoire, is rather more clearly impressionistic than his later music, but the limpid melodies and evanescent atmosphere so characteristic of his later works, is already present. I'd not heard this work before but found myself returning to it repeatedly. There is a calming effect, always, for me in his music, no matter how dramatic it becomes, and that is true for the Sonatine as well. I think that is because Dutilleux is, to use a psychological term, constantly centered, constantly at peace with himself and the world. At least that how it sounds to me.

With the exception of the Boulez, which I didn't hate but also didn't 'get', this is an exceptionally beautiful disc. And even with the Boulez the playing is beautiful. I really don't think anyone interested in this corner of the chamber music literature would go wrong to acquire the disc, and the superbudget Naxos price makes that painless.

TT=59:35

Scott Morrison

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Farrell Rules
Farrell Shines in Verdi, Ponchielli

Eileen Farrell in New Orleans

Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Puccini Arias
Metropolitan Opera Gala Honoring Sir Rudolf Bing [Highlights]
The Voice of the Century
La Nilsson: My Life in Opera
Eileen Farrell Sings Verdi

ASIN: B000LRZ03O
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Product description

VAIA 1260, Scenes from La Forza del Destino (Verdi) 1963 with Richard Cassilly, Dino Dondi & La Gioconda (Ponchielli). 1967 with Nell Rankin, Chester Ludgin.

Customer Reviews:

Farrell Rules.......2007-07-17

Eileen Farrell, one of the greatest voices of the Century, is heard in two roles that she performed in New Orleans as well as at the Met. She brings the excitement of live performance and a good interpretation. Unfortunately, since she sang so little live Opera in her career, there is not the extra punch of a Milanov, who owned these roles during her Met career.

This is not to belittle Farrell's interpretations, which are well thought out, just to wish for a little more stage savvy. Neverthless a CD to be cherished in an age when there are practically no singers who can negotiate either of these roles.

Farrell Shines in Verdi, Ponchielli.......2007-02-09

As an artist, Eileen Farrell was all over the chart--opera, concerts, blues, jazz--and she excelled in all of these areas. But, in truth, complete opera performances were rather rare compared to her concerts, recitals, and TV appearances. So we are fortunate to have these selections from two of her most popular portrayals, Leonora in Verdi's La Forza del Destino and the title role in Ponchielli's La Gioconda, performed under the auspices of the New Orleans Opera Association.

Farrell's Leonora is presented virtually complete (only the Inn scene is missing because it was not performed in this production, as was common during this era, even at the MET), and each of Leonora's scenes is presented uncut, allowing the listener to hear her characterization in context rather than as a recital. Farrell is in her prime (this is 1963) and presents a fully-delineated Leonora. Her wide vocal range is evident as the contrast between the quiet beauty of "La vergine degli angeli" in the Monastery scene and the dramatic intensity of "Pace, pace mio Dio" in the last act attest. She is in command of the role, and (contrary to her stated dislike of performing in complete operas), shows remarkable understanding and belief in the character. The rest of the cast is filled out with veterans Ara Berberian, Richard Cassilly, Raymond Michalski, and Nicola Moscona, and (a name new to me), Dino Dondi as Don Carlo. Fabled MET and RCA conductor Renato Cellini brings his usual competence to the performance.

The disc is rounded out with three excerpts from a 1967 New Orleans Opera performance of La Gioconda (under the direction of Anton Guadagno), again with Farrell in the title role. Farrell is every bit as exciting in this performance as she is in the earlier Forza. Farrell's "Suicidio" gains so much from being part of a complete performance, and her command of the role is everywhere evident in these brief selections.

The sound in both operas is in excellent, clear mono, and the liner notes (by Jack Belsom, New Orleans Opera Archivist) provide a concise record of Farrell's numerous appearances in New Orleans.

Highly recommended to all fans of Eileen Farrell.

Interesting that VAI and the New Orleans Opera Archives project chose to issue this cd so soon after releasing complete performances of both Forza (VAIA 1252-3) and Gioconda (VAIA 1255-3) with Zinka Milanov, and within a decade of each other, time-wise. Comparisons are inevitable, but, in this case at least, ultimately useless. Who can choose between the sheer beauty and glorious tone of Milanov, and the sheer volume and dramatic fire of Farrell? Fortunately for us, there is no need to choose--all three releases belong in every serious opera cd collection as souvenirs of two very special sopranos at the top of their form, in performances that recollect a golden era of regional opera performance in America.

Note: The New Orleans Opera is struggling to stay active after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina last year. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this cd (and all VAI New Orleans Opera Archive recordings) go to support the continued existence of the local company. Your purchase will aid in the New Orleans Opera's recovery effort.

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2 For 1 CD is Ultimate bargan.

Howells: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Howells: Music for Strings
Howells: Piano Concertos 1 & 2 / Penguinski
John Ireland: A Downland Suite
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Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set)

ASIN: B0007KIGGI
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

Allegro Brillante-Animato - London Symphony Orchestra
Allegro E Vivace - London Symphony Orchestra
Tranquillo, Quasi Andante - Moray Welsh
Lento Calmato, Assai Teneramente - Moray Welsh
Tranquillo, Non Troppo Lento - London Symphony Orchestra
Allegro Moderato, Sempre Ritmico - London Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

I. Overture. Bublum - London Symphony Orchestra
II. Lament. Bartholomew - London Symphony Orchestra
III. Scherzo. Blissy - London Symphony Orchestra
IV. 'Mazurka' Alias 'Minuet'. Bunny - London Symphony Orchestra
V. March. Benjee - London Symphony Orchestra
I. Giocoso Molto - Lydia Mordkovitch
II. Quasi Lento, Quieto - Lydia Mordkovitch
III. Molto Allegro - Lydia Mordkovitch
I. Under The Greenwood Tree - Yvonne Kenny
II. The Goat Paths - Yvonne Kenny
III. Merry Margaret - Yvonne Kenny
IV. Wanderer's Night Song - Yvonne Kenny
V. On The Merry First Of May - Yvonne Kenny

Customer Reviews:

2 For 1 CD is Ultimate bargan........2006-04-13

This is a 2 CD set that combines Howell's previously released Chandos Orchestral Works Volume 1 and 2.
Which makes this an Ultimate Bargain.
Because this is the most Glorious and Beautiful English orchestral and String music this side of Vaughan-Williams.
The recording is Spectacular as is expected from Chandos.
I won't go into detail about the compositions or performance here. Instead go to the listings for the single CD editions where other reviewers have been more eloquent than I could ever be.
I do know what i hear though. This music is mostly Pastoral, Rapturous and Beautiful.
If you LOVE Vaughan-Williams, you will wonder why you've never given Howells a shot. Better late than never...Go Now and get this CD...

Havana and Matanzas, Cuba 1957: Bata, Bembe and Palo

Average customer rating:

Havana and Matanzas, Cuba 1957: Bata, Bembe and Palo
Lydia Cabrera & Josefina Tarafa
Manufacturer: Smithsonian Folkways
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cuba | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Havana Cuba ca. 1957: Rhythms & Songs for Orishas
Matanzas, Cuba ca. 1957: Afro-Cuban Sacred Music
Bembe
Sacred Rhythms of Cuban Santeria
Musica Yoruba

ASIN: B0000DJYQF
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

Tui-Tui for Shango
Ide werewere ni'ta Oshun ide werewere (Song for Oshun)
Oku o Shola Kiniba o (Praise song [oriki] for Aganju)
Baba Fururu olore re o (Song for Obatala)
Kurukuru bede/Osain adadara mada o (Song for Osain)
Mojuba Olodumare (To Olodumare, the orishas, and the ancestors)
Ago ago 'lona mojuba/Ibarabo ago mojuba (Song for Eshu)
Oya o owo kode Oya be wa lo (Song for Oya)
Obe re obe Ayanaku Nana lewa (Arara song for Nana Buruku)
Ibeji ota ese aremu 'beji ota ese (Song for the divine Twins)
Kiri nya kiri nya ago/Eshu o Elegbara e (Song for Elegua)
Kolele kole o iya o wo miya kolele (Song for Ogun)
Baba Fururu olore re o (Song for Obatala)
Moforibale oba [k]oso/Moforibale fu'[n] Shango (Song for Shango)
Kayoba Oba o omo lowo Oba lere mi/oba eleko aya osi (Song for Oba)
Awoyo, Yemaya o omo du kwe [modup(u)e o]Iowo mi (Song for Yemaya)
Iyami ile [odo] (Praise song or oriki for Oshun)
Okonile re ra e oko mi lo e mile bewa e
Omode t'orisa de ke awao omode funmi rawao
E be oro, be mode loro
Ndudu dale vuelta al ingenio (The spirit is circling the sugar mill)
.
Shanigo
Oyaya obe
Oba o china
Mareengue
Umbe
Vamo' tune tune tune a casa mangoya

Amazon.com

Pre-Castro Cuba was not only about cigars, rum, and tourism. Even more than today, the countryside was a haven for practitioners of African-derived religions. These marvelous field recordings are a treasure trove of rare and thrilling material and still sound remarkably clear and immediate. They were the work of Lydia Cabrera, an anthropologist and writer of Cuban birth and Parisian nurture. She began gathering examples of music from slave descendants during the 1950s, often accompanied by photographer Josefina Tarafa. Using Tarafa's portable tape recorder and with help from engineers who later transferred her finds onto fourteen discs, this intrepid woman captured indelible examples of religious drumming, chants, and songs from the Yoruba, Angolese, and Dahomean traditions, back when the original languages and drumming styles were still relatively unadulterated. The accompanying booklet is chock-full of fascinating details and illustrated by examples of Tarafa's idiomatic black-and-white photographs. --Christina Roden

Album Description

These recordings, made just a few years before Fidel Castro's rise to power, reflect Afro-Cuban musical and spiritual life in Havana and around the sugar cane mills of Matanzas. In 1957, Lydia Cabrera and Josefina Tarafa captured a fascinating snapshot of African slave-descendant communities performing their religious songs and ceremonies. Influences from present-day Nigeria, Angola, and Benin became some of the critical components of a vital religious movement in the Cuban countryside where linguistic, symbolic, and musical elements blended over time. As reflections of evolving practices, these recordings, are considered a soundtrack to Cabrera's writings on Afro-Cuban religions and are the perfect complement to volumes one and two.

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WOW!!!
The Best of The Best
You can find better
Great Christmas Album
Good Stuff!

The Christmas Album
The Canadian Brass , Franz Xaver Gruber , George Frideric Handel , Jr. Hopkins John Henry , William James Kirkpatrick , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , Felix Mendelssohn , James Pierpont , Michael Praetorius , Ward Swingle , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Christmas Traditional , John Francis Wade , Anonymous , and Lydia Adams
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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A Christmas Experiment
A Festival of Carols in Brass
A Canadian Brass Christmas
Best of the Canadian Brass
The Essential Canadian Brass

ASIN: B00000412W
Release Date: 1990-08-10

Tracks:

A Visit From St. Nicholas
Carol Of The Bells
Away In A Manger
Jingle Bells
The First Nowell
Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
We Three Kings
Angels From The Realms Of Glory
Coventry Carol
D'ou veins-tu, bergere
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Oh Come, Immanuel
I Wonder As I Wander
What Child Is This?
La cloche de Noel
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Noel Nouvelet
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
Good King Wenceslas
Hallelujah Chorus
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
O Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

WOW!!!.......2007-03-26

What has not been said about the Canadian Brass? The album is a wonderful blend of brass and voices. I especaily appreciate the non-traditional selections. It is a heart warmer.

The Best of The Best.......2004-12-15

Just be sure to buy this version (18 tracks) rather than what appears to be a very pared-down later issue (same cover, only about half a dozen tracks).

This is by far the best holiday album I have ever heard. I am a double-reed player and I must take issue with the complaints about intonation and musicianship by the one negative reviewer on this page. The song selection, mix of secular and religious, mix of serious and light, mix of familiar/less heard - Good as driving music, gift wrapping, or sing-along. This is the Holiday CD I listen to year round. If you are looking for ONE CD to buy for the season- for your collection or as a gift- This is it!

You can find better.......2004-11-24

Lousy musicianship here, frankly-- missed notes and poor intonation. I was hugely disappointed when I heard this album. Greatly recommend A Festival of Carols in Brass (Philadelphia Brass Ensemble) instead, which is pure joy for the listener.

Great Christmas Album.......2003-11-05

I've had this particular Canadian Brass album for so long that I have it on cassette! But it's become a classic family Christmas album for us. It's a great addition to any Christmas, especially as background music. It's very calming and just plain good. I can't imagine my Christmas without it.

Good Stuff!.......2000-12-12

This is yet another top-notch Canadian Brass Christmas album. These guys, once again, demonstrate why they are the best in the world at what they do. With the addition of the fine choral singing by the Iseler Singers, this is the complete Christmas CD, one you'll never get tired of year after year. Buy it!

Average customer rating:

THE JAPANESE RELEASES HAVE BETTER AUDIO MASTERING
All The Right Moves, But...
Woe !
Once Again Lydia Shines
A few good punches with lots of jabs

Lydia
Cold Blood
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Thriller!
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First Taste of Sin
Cold Blood/Sisyphus
Vintage Blood: Live! 1973

ASIN: B00019JRBI
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Ready to Live
Simple Love Life
Under Pressure
When My Love Hand Comes Down
When It's Over
Consideration
I Only Wanted Someone to Hear Me
You're Free Lovin' Me
Come Back into My Life Again
Just Like Sunshine

Album Description

Produced by legendary Stax guitarist Steve Cropper, "Lydia" was Cold Blood's fifth album, and it marked the album where the band began to be marketed as "Lydia Pense With Cold Blood" rather than just "Cold Blood." "Lydia" peaked at #126 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart when released in 1974.

Album Description

Produced by legendary Stax guitarist Steve Cropper, Lydia was Cold Blood's fifth album, and it marked the album where the band began to be marketed as Lydia Pense With Cold Blood rather than just Cold Blood. Lydia peaked at #126 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart when released in 1974. Collectables. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

THE JAPANESE RELEASES HAVE BETTER AUDIO MASTERING.......2007-02-15

In 2006, the first five CB titles were issued in Japan in LP-replica mini-sleeve CD format on the Bomba label:

COLD BLOOD - BOMBA BOM24086
SISYPHUS - BOMBA BOM24087
FIRST TASTE OF SIN - BOMBA BOM24088
THRILLER - BOMBA BOM24091
LYDIA - BOMBA BOM24092

The audio mastering on those discs are all superior to their Collectables/domestic counterparts.

If you really love these CB albums, get the Japanese releases before they are sold out, as all mini-sleeve CD's are limited edition.

They are certainly more expensive than the domestic CB titles, but are definitely worth the price.

Link to the Japanese remaster.

All The Right Moves, But..........2006-08-17

Having reviewed Cold Blood's top-rated 1973 Reprise release "Thriller!" (reissued on CD by Rhino Records last year); now the (turn)tables turn to "Lydia", their final studio album before their contract ended with the Warner Bros. label which; when originally released, put the focus more on lead vocalist Lydia Pense. After this; they were essentially billed as Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, though the group structure pretty much remained as it had been. So, what basically amounted to a marketing strategy was a classic case of ...too little; too late...to be able to capitalize on the band's growing popularity and increasing visibility. Not long after this release; they moved on to a short-lived tenure on ABC Records, where they only produced one album(which I purchased) - generally considered one of their less impressive records - but still good music to listen to. Cold Blood sometimes labored in the shadow; it may have seemed; of that other tight, rhythmic Bay Area horn band - Tower Of Power; who for a while, were cranking out hit after hit during the 70's and a string of albums now considered as some of the best musical releases of the time. But Cold Blood's sound was; aside from the similar use of a big - band style horn section; quite different and noticeably distinct with Pense's immediately recognizable voice and style and way more laid back and bluesier than 'TOP's style. Here though; the overall package appears to suffer from uneven song selection. Produced on this outing by famed session guitarist/producer Steve Cropper; whom I had the privilege to meet in the studio once in L.A.(he affectionately calls almost everyone "Babe"); the stronger cuts overshadow a few that seem less weighty(perhaps due more so to the album sequencing as originally released). Side 1 seemed convincingly stronger(for an album); though the entire set as a package plays well from start to finish; perhaps because the energy starts cooking right at the outset with "Ready to Live", one of the band's strongest songs - and one of Pense's most captivating vocal performances on record(at least, for my money) - then subsides a bit moving into the second half of this batch of more pop-oriented, less bluesy tunes. But at the end, the warm glow returns with the closing number "Just Like Sunshine". So while it's a somewhat 'up and down...then, up again' ride; it still ranks among the better half of their overall works. One note about the recording - the majority of the tracks were cut in L.A. with pretty much the same group of musicians from the "Thriller!" album sessions; (and a few L.A. studio session veterans added) while three were done with a slightly different lineup of players - in Memphis, Cropper's old stomping grounds. This also could be the reason why the overall tenor of this record feels a bit uneven. But you can try resequencing the playing order with your CD player's programming function and you may possibly come up with a smoother listening experience...hmmm??!!

'

Woe !.......2005-05-09

This often hard to find album represents a really SLICK side of COLD BLOOD... Unlike their earlier East Bay psychadelic funky rockin' Blues and Soul outtings, this album has a bit of a Jazzy edge thrown into their trademark rockin' soul mix - - by Jazzy, I mean as in the Saturday Night Live horns, Al Rubin/Lou Marini, Dr. John and the other great Jazz/Soul/Rock influenced studio bands of the era... not Grover Washington or the Crusaders! - -Everything is tight and crisp and highly energetic... and the solos are just as mean as the engineering. - - The group at this point is somewhere in between Blood Sweat and Tears and Tower of Power... literally.... Tighter than ever... Lydia is strong, and there's a wild sax solo on READY TO LIVE that made my hair stand on end... - - A very different sound than their outtings on the SAN FRANCISCO label, this was COLD BLOOD at their peak (at a time they were very well giving TOP a nice run for their money !) and shows a Lydia who's kinda moved *a bit* away from the Janis Joplin thing and has a sound of her own (Janis Joplin meets Chaka Kahn ???) All in all... this is ESSENTIAL brass rock 'n soul listening ! ! !

If you like this CD, check out Tower of Power's IN THE SLOT... !

Once Again Lydia Shines.......2005-04-22

"Lydia" is the 5th album in Cold Blood's catalog. Once again Lydia Pense showcases her talents as a vocalist. In fact, anything she does is great! Cold Blood aptly demonstrates their versatility by a fusion of funk, jazz and blues. The result is a "soulful delight" with a monstous horn section. "Just Like Sunshine" and "Ready to Live" shine through. "Lydia" is a must for your Cold Bood Collection

A few good punches with lots of jabs.......2004-04-02

OK, this is not the best overall Cold Blood lp released. For my tastes, it moves closer to a mainstream sound (pop?) than the other collections.

BUT, the funk-blues-jazz blender spins into maxi on two noteworthy tracks that I feel are worth the [money]. "Ready to Live" is by far the standout. A syncopated lead guitar line mixed down to just above the rhythm level is the dash of cayenne that holds the stew together; driving horns dance with a boogie bass line; and, of course, Lydia Pense gives the vocals her throat growling, butt-shaking nastiest. Like the best of their earlier work this is a COLD BLOOD tune where everyone's chops get a turn in the high beams.

Too bad that most of what follows is a notch or two or three below the opening track. The last song, "Just Like Sunshine," however, is a pleasant surprise. The horn section lays the red carpet and Ms. Lydia's voice flows over it. MmmHmmm -- think, "butter."

I bought this because these two tracks aren't found on any anthology, yet they so critically illustrate the "versatility without compromise" creed that I remember from their live performance.

Mexican Music:

Mexican Music

Music: Ultimate Clifford Brown

Second Album + the First [Import]

Retorno A Las Raices

Showstoppers [Import]

Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 6-7; Nächtlicher Ritt und Sonnenaufgang

Smilin'

The Best of Herbie Hancock: The Blue Note Years

Strays [Enhanced]

Pasiones

Serie Enlace: Los Tres Reyes/Los Dandys [Original recording remastered]

Soul Classics 6

Forever Loved