Under American Skies
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Protest songs were a staple of the early '60s folk movement, and while most of them have been forgotten, the best survived long after the events that inspired them faded from the news. On Under American Skies, Tom Paxton, one of the best songwriters to emerge from the folk revival, and Anne Hills, a younger singer who is carrying on some of the same traditions, revisit some of their favorite topical songs from the '60s and '70s. Hills and Paxton harmonize on a well-chosen collection of songs including Richard Fariña's "Birmingham Sunday," Bob Gibson's "Well Well Well," Malvina Reynolds's "God Bless the Grass," and Kate Wolf's "Links in the Chain." They are backed by guitarist Al Pettaway, an excellent player whose inventive arrangements are a reminder that the music is as important as the message in a topical song. Paxton and Hills help keep the protest-song genre alive by contributing a few new songs of their own, including the title track, which they composed together. Because of the number of older songs here, this CD has a slightly nostalgic feel at times, but the new songs keep it from becoming a wallow in the past. --Michael Simmons
Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
"A stirring recording, guaranteed to inspire those who fight for and believe in a more just world."
Under American Skies
Under American Skies,Tom Paxton & Anne Hills,Appleseed Records,Folk,Folk & Traditional,Folk Revival,Pop,Singer/Songwriter,“The singing is impeccable and the songs are first-rate…Paxton and Hills deserve plaudits for helping to keep the political folk genre alive.” – All Music Guide
Average customer rating: 
|
Under American Skies
Tom Paxton & Anne Hills Manufacturer: Appleseed Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Traditional Folk
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Revival
| Folk
| Styles
| Music
Singer-Songwriters
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Folk
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005LN4W Release Date: 2001-07-24 |
Tracks:
Amazon.com
Protest songs were a staple of the early '60s folk movement, and while most of them have been forgotten, the best survived long after the events that inspired them faded from the news. On Under American Skies, Tom Paxton, one of the best songwriters to emerge from the folk revival, and Anne Hills, a younger singer who is carrying on some of the same traditions, revisit some of their favorite topical songs from the '60s and '70s. Hills and Paxton harmonize on a well-chosen collection of songs including Richard Fariña's "Birmingham Sunday," Bob Gibson's "Well Well Well," Malvina Reynolds's "God Bless the Grass," and Kate Wolf's "Links in the Chain." They are backed by guitarist Al Pettaway, an excellent player whose inventive arrangements are a reminder that the music is as important as the message in a topical song. Paxton and Hills help keep the protest-song genre alive by contributing a few new songs of their own, including the title track, which they composed together. Because of the number of older songs here, this CD has a slightly nostalgic feel at times, but the new songs keep it from becoming a wallow in the past. --Michael SimmonsCustomer Reviews:
Tom and Anne ... at last!.......2002-05-28
Well, two out of three of the friends ain't bad. This album gives us Paxton and Hills singing (mostly) protest songs that show (unfortunately) how little some things have changed since the 60s and '70s. The songs aren't so much nostalgia as a continuing challenge for the 21st Century, and in resurrecting them Hills and Paxton have given them modern settings quite different from the voice-and-guitar standard of 35 years ago. There's a lot of piano on this album, for example. It works well but may be offputting to some folk purists. Most of the performances are also bit (but not a lot) bluesier than the protest performances I remember from the '60s, but that also makes them fresher.
Vocally, Hills is the stronger of the pair--but then she's one of the finest vocalists in contemporary folk. Paxton, of course, has reached that category known as "living legend," and his gentle personality shines through again and again. And his vocals are perfectly adequate.
If I had a quibble, it's that I'd like to see more songs on which Paxton and Hills let their voices interweave (as they do on about 1/3 of the numbers), rather than simply trading leads and backup-vocal responsiblities. Hills is a stunning trio and duet singer (as she's revealed in her women's albums), and on the songs where she and Paxton do let their voices merge, he rises brilliantly to the challenge.
With some hesitation, therefore, I'm giving this four stars, rather than five. I'd prefer to give it 4 1/2, but that's not an option, and I'd rather save top raves for Hills' other ensemble work.
Talent defined.......2001-09-17
Average customer rating: 
|
Collection: Say It With Music (Dlx)
Andr Kostelanetz Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Soundtracks
| Styles
| Music
General
| Easy Listening
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Easy Listening
| Pop
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00007L8X4 Release Date: 2003-02-18 |
Tracks:
Album Description
The multi-faceted Andre Kostelanetz left his mark on the music world as an acclaimed conductor/arranger/accompanist. His most notable contribution is the creation of the Easy Listening genre, done by bridging the gap between Classical and Pop music. Highlights on this 6 CD box set include Irving Berlin's 'Cheek To Cheek', George Gershwin's 'The Man I Love' and Jerome Kern's 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'. Includes 3 bonus tracks 'Just One Of Those Things' (Cole Porter), 'Sweet Leilani' (from Waikiki Wedding) & 'Frenesi' (Cancion Tropical). Standard jewel cases housed in a deluxe wooden box w/hinged lid (approx. 6 x 5''). Collectables. 2003.
Average customer rating:
|
Under Desert Skies
John Huling Manufacturer: Novox Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| International
| Styles
| Music
Native American
| North America
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
New Age
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
| Ambient
| Celtic
| Environmental
| General
| International
| Jazz
| Meditation Music
| Piano
| World Dance
General
| International
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
North America
| International
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00005MLPN Release Date: 2001-07-24 |
Tracks:
Music Review:
Recommended Music:
Sings a Buddy Holly Song [Import]
And the Hits Just Keep on Comin'/Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash [Import]
The Complete Clef/Verve Count Basie Fifties Studio Recordings [Box set] [Import]