Redwood

Redwood

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Lunasa's past three albums have sometimes dabbled with outside influences, but Redwood is really proof of how much life there is in these traditional renderings of Irish tunes. Recorded in Northern California during a break in its 2002 tour, the instrumental quintet sounds as a comfortable as an old pair shoes here, but ones with plenty of support left in them--the musicians easily sprint through "Temple Hill" at a pace that barely leaves room to breathe. "Harp And Shamrock" is lovely duet between flutist Kevin Crawford and fiddler Sean Smyth (both acclaimed in their own right as players), where Crawford opens with a long solo passage before he hands the song off to Smyth, who solos to the conclusion as the rest of the band accompanies him. The arrangement is a simple idea, but one that's well executed with dramatic results, which is actually something that can be said about all of Redwood. --Tad Hendrickson

Tracks:

Cregg's Pipes
Welcome Home
Harp And Shamrock
Fest Noz
Spoil The Dance
A Stor Mo Croi
Dublin To Dingle
Lady Ellen
Cotati Nights
Two-Fifty To Vigo
Temple Hiill

Amazon.com

Lunasa's past three albums have sometimes dabbled with outside influences, but Redwood is really proof of how much life there is in these traditional renderings of Irish tunes. Recorded in Northern California during a break in its 2002 tour, the instrumental quintet sounds as a comfortable as an old pair shoes here, but ones with plenty of support left in them--the musicians easily sprint through "Temple Hill" at a pace that barely leaves room to breathe. "Harp And Shamrock" is lovely duet between flutist Kevin Crawford and fiddler Sean Smyth (both acclaimed in their own right as players), where Crawford opens with a long solo passage before he hands the song off to Smyth, who solos to the conclusion as the rest of the band accompanies him. The arrangement is a simple idea, but one that's well executed with dramatic results, which is actually something that can be said about all of Redwood. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

This awesome album grows stronger the more you listen to it!.......2004-08-10

I have all 5 Lunasa albums and this was the last one I bought. Initially I played it and thought that the tunes were "also rans" but of course well performed and recorded, this is now my favourite album by far now. Like some fine vintage wine or whisky this album gets better the more you listen to it. Georgeous melodies and masterful playing make this a must buy for enthusiasts of this type of music, you won't regret it.

High class.......2004-06-03

The music fan from Boulder who reviewed this album to say it was not "band-approved" didn't look carefully enough. The CD is actually the same as they sell on their own website - the dispute with Green Linnet seems to have been only over the artwork.

Basically so far there's no duds from this classy Irish band, so if you have one of their albums you know what to expect from the others. They're excellent musicians and they have a flair for interesting, if occasionally quirky, arrangements. Of the five albums so far, my own top choices would be this one and the first self-titled album. Redwood, like the debut album, flows along effortlessly and just makes you feel good. What more could you want?

Lunasa continues to inspire.......2003-12-03

The main claim to fame of Irish traditional band Lúnasa is their ability to blend trad songs with their own compositions so that the average listener cannot tell the difference between the two. This tradition continues on their 2003 release, Redwood (their last for the Green Linnet label after a long struggle).

Lúnasa say in the liner notes of the CD that their intention was to capture the live experience of their tour onto disc, so they took some time off in February, 2002, to record these tracks. I have to say they've done the job because I can feel the gasp for life in each breath taken between flute blows on "Harp and Shamrock." Ten of the eleven tracks on Redwood (with the sole exception of "Two-Fifty to Vigo" are composed of medleys of multiple reels--which compositions by the band members blended in inconspicuously--and the arrangements make for cohesive listening, with each track seeming like one song.

Now I have to admit here my minimal education in Celtic music--I'm generally more acquainted with Celtic rock like Boiled in Lead or the Saw Doctors. However, Lúnasa's Redwood makes me want to increase my knowledge--at the very least of their music. Their virtuosity and their ability to blend their instruments into one sound, make for a fascinating experience that simply makes me want to get up and dance--or, if that's not appropriate, at least to tap my foot.

Beware - not "band approved".......2003-11-16

I was recently browseing the Lunasa site and found they had a new albulm. Joy! Lunasa is one of the driving forces in modern Celtic music IMHO, so I was all ready to rush out and get copy from Amazon. However, the band also mentions (on their site, http://www.lunasa.ie) that they have split from Green Linnet, and that the version of albulm from them is not as they wanted. They offer an "artist approved" version for sale from their web site. I suggest you get that instead, at least till Amazon stocks it.

Average customer rating:

Imaginacion
Inti-Illimani
Manufacturer: Redwood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Andes | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

Chile | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

Peru | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Folk | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Autores Chilenos

ASIN: B000006JFX
Release Date: 1993-01-05

Tracks:

Ronda
Tema de la Quebrada de Humahuaca
Trigales
Longuita
Calambito Temucano
El Vals
Ramis
El Mercado de Testaccio
Huajira
Pascua Linda
San Juanito
Campanitas - Mis Llamitas
Alturas
Danza de Cala-Luna

Linda Bouchard: Pourtinade / Paul Chihara: Redwood / Dmitri Shostakovich: Viola Sonata, Op. 147 - Kim Kashkashian

Average customer rating:

Charmed

Linda Bouchard: Pourtinade / Paul Chihara: Redwood / Dmitri Shostakovich: Viola Sonata, Op. 147 - Kim Kashkashian

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000025XPC
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

Pourtinade - Robyn Schulkowsky
Redwood - Robyn Schulkowsky
Sonata, Op.147: Moderato - Robert Levin
Sonata, Op.147: Allegretto - Robert Levin
Sonata, Op.147: Adagio - Robert Levin

Amazon.com

The first two works are for viola and a battery of percussion instruments. Pourtinade, in nine sections with highly descriptive titles whose order is decided by the performers, elicits every possible sound and color effect from the viola, and an extraordinary range of blending and contrasting textural timbres from the instrumental combinations. "Redwood," inspired by Japanese woodcuts, uses the percussion as melody instruments; often it seems incredible that a single player can produce such a wealth of sounds. Opening softly and mysteriously, it becomes quite active, and then a beautiful viola solo fades away. The Shostakovich Sonata, written in the shadow of death, is heartbreakingly moving in its lamentatious mournfulness and turbulently desperate outbursts. The piano texture is pared down to skeletal spareness; the viola mourns in the dark low register and soars radiantly up high. The Scherzo is defiantly sardonic; the Finale, full of quotes from Beethoven, ends in resignation. The playing is beautiful and projects the changing moods with a riveting, inwardly experienced expressiveness. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Charmed.......2000-07-26

If you're looking for charismatic music, this CD is for you. The bell sounds are great. This CD is slow moving, but definately capturing.

Average customer rating:

Ancient Reflections

Manufacturer: Redwood Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA37G2
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Who Am I
Josh
Sioux Traditional
Lea Sally's Lullaby
Redwood Goddess
Trail Of Tears/Amazing Grace
Zuni Sunrise
Northern Plains
Ancient Reflections
The Flower Of Isis Rose
Warrior's Song
Happy Valley
Stick Indian
Eagle Spirit
Journey Back Home
Angels Of Grace

Classical Relaxation: Guitar With Redwood Forest Sounds

Average customer rating:

Classical Relaxation: Guitar With Redwood Forest Sounds
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Soundecor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BGQRKK
Release Date: 1998-06-30

Tracks:

Cavatina - Marc Teicholz
Prelude No. 1 - Richard Patterson
Romanza de Amor Fantasia - Stevan Pasero
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Marc Teicholz
Your Warm Shaded Forest - Stevan Pasero
Recuerdos de la Alhambra - March Teicholz
Concerto in D - Richard Patterson
Afro-Cuban Lullabye - Richard Patterson
Catalonian Fantasia - Stevan Pasero

Product Description

Come along on a nature walk in the forest with some of the world's great composers. Join Vivaldi, Back, Tarrega and others as their timeless compositions are mixed with the natural sounds of an old growth forest creating a unique and relaxing musical experience.

Average customer rating:

Live from El Salvador
Various
Manufacturer: Redwood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006JG6
Release Date: 1991-02-15

Average customer rating:

Lee Actor: Music for Orchestra

Manufacturer: Master Musicians Col
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BRP25A
Release Date: 2005-11-29

Average customer rating:

El Siete
Sotavento
Manufacturer: Redwood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Folk | Latin Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000008KY1
Release Date: 1994-03-23

Tracks:

Cosas del Tiempo
Pampa Lirima
Amacord
Esto Es Sencillo
El Destajo
Siete
Guitarra
Guarachabanera

Average customer rating:

Summer Night's Dream
Marcel Khalife
Manufacturer: Redwood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000008H9Z
Release Date: 1994-03-23

Tracks:

Overture
Beautiful Girl
Capricio Orientale
City's Sadness
Where the Sun Rises
Magic
Tango for My Lover's Eyes
Kohl
Dance in the City Square
Queen's Processions
Vendors
Twilight
Dance of the Harem "I"
Dance of the Harem "Ii"
King of Times Past
Madness
Bridal Procession "I"
Bridal Procession "Ii"
Salutation

Average customer rating:

Reprinted from Gramophone Magazine, March 2007
Lori Laitman Triumphs in Third CD!

Lori Laitman: Becoming a Redwood

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Dreaming: Songs of Lori Laitman
Mystery: Songs of Lori Laitman
Songs in Transit: An American Expedition
Song: A Guide to Art Song Style and Literature

ASIN: B000ION63G
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Customer Reviews:

Reprinted from Gramophone Magazine, March 2007.......2007-06-23

It's inevitable that any American art-song composer will at some point be compared with Ned Rorem, as is done in this disc's booklet notes. It's a testament to the quality, melodic richness and subtlety of Lori Laitman's songs that for once the comparison is not inapt. The Albany label is clearly committed to the flautist-turned-composer, with this third disc following up two previous releases: "Mystery -- The Songs of Lori Laitman" in 2000 and "Dreaming" in 2003. I hadn't heard either but the current anthology, "Becoming a Redwood," is an extraordinarily impressive achievement.

The programme presents a variety of singers in five shortish cycles and a handful of individual settings. Early Snow offers three songs that display Laitman's gift for setting a mood with great economy and precise word-painting. "Last night the rain spoke to me" is lovely, Barber-like in its simple tonal melody. In the title-song Laitman distills the evocative scene and emotion most artfully. Jennifer Check is a sensitive advocate though her voice tends to turn shrill on top. In Daughters, Laitman's songs, setting poems by Anne Ranasinghe and Karen Gershon, are masterly, probing the requisite nostalgia and aching sense of loss. "Sheila Remembered" is particularly affecting with great depth of emotion, simply rendered. At nearly nine minutes, "A Letter to my Daughter" is the most extended song on the disc but Laitman sustains the structure masterfully, with a natural flow yet alert attention to the elliptical, shifting stanzas. Patricia Green's rich mezzo is well suited to these settings, and Laitman's inventive writing for the backing piano trio is on a similarly high level.

The Throwback, on varied poems by Paul Muldoon on the life cycle, benefits from the warm, incisive baritone and exemplary diction of William Sharp. The off-centre carousel feel of "The Ancestor" displays a quirky humour as striking as the deeper expression assayed in the other settings. In the cycle Becoming a Redwood soprano Barbara Quintiliani is a bit wobbly at times, though she is effective in the reflective moments, as with the beautifully floated vocalise at the coda of "Pentecost." The song that gives the disc its title is one of the finest here, with the piano postlude sensitively performed by the composer.

The Apple Orchard offers a gentle pastoralism, nicely etched by tenor Robert McPherson. "This Space Available" shows a more whimsical side, with a witty epigrammatic vocal line, as does the cabaret song Being Happy with its absurdist verse of social manners deftly delivered by baritone Lee Poulis. Written to poems of CGR Shepherd, Long Pond Revisited closely reflects the poems' loss, anger and acceptance, with obbligato cello adding to the burnished expressive depth, though the settings here are not quite as subtly varied in profile, dark and lovely as they are.

But this is a minor quibble in a disc that gives increasing evidence of a major talent; Lori Laitman's beautiful, sensitively crafted songs deserve to be performed widely, and much better known. Apart from some shrillness from the high female voices, the singers' inspired performances provide Laitman's music with all the advocacy it deserves. --Lawrence A Johnson

Lori Laitman Triumphs in Third CD!.......2007-04-24

I discovered the wonderfully melodic, highly original songs of Lori
Laitman through her first album, "Mystery," and I later reviewed her
second album, "Dreaming," for Amazon. I couldn't wait to hear what this
gifted composer would produce next, and when "Becoming A Redwood" was
released last fall, I got a copy and listened often. Ms. Laitman's
genius shines through in each cycle, but her lyrical, emotional
settings of poet Dana Gioia are my favorites, sung
brilliantly by Barbara Quintiliani and Sari Gruber, Robert McPherson,
and Lee Poulis. A glowing review by Lawrence A. Johnson in the March
2007 issue of Gramophone only confirmed my beliefs: "It's inevitable that
any American art song composer will at some point be compared to Ned
Rorem...It's a testament to the quality, melodic richness and subtlety
of Laitman's songs that for once the comparison is not
inapt...Becoming A Redwood is an extraordinarily impressive
achievement...[It's] a disc that gives increasing evidence of a major
talent; Lori Laitman's beautiful, sensitively crafted songs deserve to
be performed widely and much better known...The singers' inspired
performances provide Laitman's music with all the advocacy it
deserves."

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Hot Space Truckers

Paul Ramsier: Compositions for Virtuoso Double Bass

Platti: Sonatas for harpsichord Op4; Sonatas for harpsichord Op1

King of the Blues Trombone

Radio One Sessions, Vol. 1: 1981-1983 [Import]

Reflections [Import]

Nick at Nite: A Classic Cartoon Christmas, Too

Mozart: Symphonies 39 & 40

Open Up Your Heart

Mexico y Su Musica

Primal Scream [Import]

Music of South America [Import]

Para el Party: Dance Trance Music

Something About Us

I Phantom