October's Hill

October's Hill

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A songwriter's songwriter, a troubadour's troubadour, Bill Staines remains an unassuming secret of contemporary folk music, even though his work has long been celebrated by his peers (Nanci Griffith still performs his "Roseville Fair" in concert). The New England native has lived on the road, and his 22nd recording suggests how much his songs share with the careful images of Guy Clark (he covers Clark's "Virginia's Reel") and the roving ballads of Townes Van Zandt, even though his baritone voice is more genteel and less compelling than those Texas singers. When he delivers the 19th-century hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" it's easy to hear why his children's recordings have been so popular. But judged purely on songwriting, October's Hill successfully captures the restless, quixotic melancholy of the troubadour's life. --Roy Kasten

October's Hill,Bill Staines,Red House,Contemporary Singer/Songwriter,Country & Western,Folk,Folk & Traditional,Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Traditional Folk

An American Composer in Concert
Average customer rating:

December Morning

Splendid Live Performance from Modern Composer Tim Janis

Very good but not excellent

An outstanding CD that leaves you wanting more

Incredible music from an incredible evening...

An American Composer in Concert

Manufacturer: Tim Janis Ensemble
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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The Promise

Across Two Oceans

Water's Edge

A Thousand Summers

Beautiful America

ASIN: B00005Q6P0
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Cape Elizabeth
The Fallen Leaves of Autumn
Ocean Mist
Half Moon Bay
The Edge of September
Pacific Wind
Menemsha Harbor
Light on the Moon
Sea Rose
Music of Hope
Twin Lights
White Mountains
Blue Hill Bay
Seascape
Cry of the Blue Whale
Water's Edge
Ocean Heights
Flowers in October
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

Composer Tim Janis has long straddled the line between contemporary instrumental and classical music. With An American Composer in Concert, he further blurs that line. The first nine tracks of this disc were recorded by the Tim Janis Ensemble in the composer's studio. They're short, majestic, and relaxing instrumentals named after nature themes ("Cape Elizabeth," "The Fallen Leaves of Autumn," "Pacific Wind"). Things pick up slightly during the 10 live tracks that make up the second half of this disc. Recorded at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center with the American Symphony Orchestra, these tracks feature luxuriant strings, the occasional pennywhistle solo, and one vocal track (a take on "Amazing Grace" with sweeping orchestrations). As with most Janis efforts, there's nothing groundbreaking here, just soothing music and pleasant melodies. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

December Morning.......2004-10-17

It is just so soothing. I've had the opporturnity to see him in person (sort of) on QVC shopping channel. I can just see his face as he places along with the rest of the group. He looks so peaceful and serene. And that is how I feel listening to his music.

Splendid Live Performance from Modern Composer Tim Janis.......2003-04-24

Tim Janis's latest CD is split into two sections; the first 9 tracks feature new works, and the latter 10 tracks are taken from his live performance at the Lincoln Centre (USA) earlier in 2001.

The new tracks are a little repetitive in sound, but there is some quality music within them. Where the CD really takes off, however, is in the live section, which features renditions of his favourite pieces ably supported by the American Symphony Orchestra. Stand-out tracks include "Twin Lights", "Water's Edge" and my favourite of all, "Amazing Grace", featuring the powerful voice of Gwendolyn Leathers supported by some fabulous orchestration.

"White Mountain" deserves a mention of its own for its sheer excellence and beauty. Stunning penny-whistle playing!

These live tracks are taken from Janis's previous releases, including the excellent "Water's Edge" and the now unavailable "Flowers in October".

At over 70 minutes in length, you get a lot of music for your money.

If you enjoy melodic, soothing instrumental music played by a symphony orchestra, this CD may well be the one for you.

Highly recommended.

Very good but not excellent.......2002-11-22

When I first heard Tim Janis on our local PBS station, I was memerized by his music so I had to get the CD. I'm glad I did but I have to admit when a friend pointed out that all his songs pretty much sounded the same, I had to agree. Maybe as he gets older there will be some more variety, I hope so. He's a very talented young man.

An outstanding CD that leaves you wanting more.......2002-03-15

"An American Composer in Concert" is another outstanding CD from Tim Janis. The lush mixture of ensemble and orchestral songs truly transport you to a better place emotionally and mentally. Tim Janis composes the music I've been waiting my whole life to hear, though I didn't know it until I heard it. I'm much more at peace with nature and myself after listening to his music. On this CD, "Blue Hill Bay" is probably my favorite of all Tim Janis' songs, but all the songs on this CD (with the possible exception of a vocal rendition of "Amazing Grace" that doesn't seem to belong) are great. If you haven't heard Tim Janis' music, you owe it to yourself to get this one and listen to it. Since I've found his music grows on people, I guarantee if you listen to your CD 5 times, you'll be hooked like I am and explore his other CD's as well. Enjoy!!

Incredible music from an incredible evening..........2001-11-23

I LOVE the music of Tim Janis and this CD is a truly wonderful CD. This CD has georgeous live tracks and extra bonus tracks to make it completely full of breathtaking melodies...I would truly recommend it to anyone who wants to have some beautiful music around the house!

Average customer rating:

amateurish
A classic for Staines
Undiscovered Beauty
Vintage Staines! Another Great Album !
October's Hill is a Bill Staines Classic!

October's Hill
Bill Staines
Manufacturer: Red House
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bridges

ASIN: B000040JCU
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Dear Friend
On The Road Again
Some Distant Hill
The Games People Play
Virginia's Reel
Love's Been Good To Me
Ghost Towns
Old City Jail
Gold Watch And Chain
When I Hear The Music Play
An Afternoon At Cohan's
All Things Bright And Beautiful

Amazon.com

A songwriter's songwriter, a troubadour's troubadour, Bill Staines remains an unassuming secret of contemporary folk music, even though his work has long been celebrated by his peers (Nanci Griffith still performs his "Roseville Fair" in concert). The New England native has lived on the road, and his 22nd recording suggests how much his songs share with the careful images of Guy Clark (he covers Clark's "Virginia's Reel") and the roving ballads of Townes Van Zandt, even though his baritone voice is more genteel and less compelling than those Texas singers. When he delivers the 19th-century hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" it's easy to hear why his children's recordings have been so popular. But judged purely on songwriting, October's Hill successfully captures the restless, quixotic melancholy of the troubadour's life. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

amateurish.......2002-03-13

The cd was a big disappointment after reading the reviews, which make it sound like it must be great. Fact is the songs are a very mixed bag with some ok and some that I wonder why they were included. For example the cd closes with a religious hymn in which Mr. Staines sounds like a little boy singing in church. When my wife heard the cd on a recent trip, she asked me "why did you buy this cd?". And she did not mean that she liked it.

The main problem as I see it is when Bill sings in a higher key the result is less than on a professional level of performance. When he sings in a lower key the result is much more pleasant. Unfortunately about half of the songs on this cd are in the higher key. This is one cd that will collect dust before I play it again.

A classic for Staines.......2001-11-18

Having almost every piece of work Bill Staines has recorded, October's Hill is ranked close to Whistle of the Jay - my absolute favorite. I recently purchased this at one of his recent concerts and it has new classics. The last couple of CDs while great, I feel are not as strong as this one. Virgina Reel, Ghost Town and more are wonderful. My single disappointment is Games People Play, which I imagine would probably come across better in person than the version appearing here on the CD.

With so many outstanding CDs from Bill Staines, if you must only purchase 1, start with either Whistle of the Jay or Million Miles Volume 1. Once you hear these you'll come back and need to hear more. Or see him in concert as soon as he comes your way. Enjoy!

Undiscovered Beauty.......2000-11-09

I was ecstatic when I found this CD at my local music store. I used to follow Staines's career because he used to make frequent stops in Baltimore, and I always loved his music, but I hadnt heard about him in a while. This is actually the first CD of his that I have ever found, and I bought it without thinking about it. Having not heard his music since I was quite young, I never realized how much his music really means. I always enjoyed his "All God's Critter's" (which unfortunately is not on this album) because of the uplifting beat, but his music has a meaning, and it's so easy to relate to. "Dear Friend" is simply what the title indicates, and everyone has a close friend who "carries them along" like Staines sings about. "On the Road Again" is a song that essentially seems autobiographical, but is easy to relate to, because the themes of change and taking chances are universal. It's not until the fourth track that he demonstrates his ability to pick up the pace a little, but he is always in control of his music. Virginia's Reel (track 5) is the style of his that I remember, and it brings back memory of my childhood. It's such a playful song. "Love's Been Good to Me" slows things back down, but unlike many musicians, Staines can effectively change pace without affecting the flow of the album. Again, he sings of love, a very common theme, but a very touching theme. "Ghost Towns" and "Old City Jail" can almost go together, but each maintains its individual integrity. "Gold Watch and Chain" is perhaps the easiest song to learn the words to on the album, and is fun to sing along with. Overall, it is truly a pleasure to see that Staines has remained true to his roots. I almost think of him like John Denver, because even if you are unfamiliar with him, his voice is incredible, yet simple, and easy to listen to. Staines sings to make himself happy, and at the same time makes the listener happy. Do yourself a favor, and discover this little known about treasure of the folk community.

Vintage Staines! Another Great Album !.......2000-02-16

The new "October's Hill" CD is vintage Bill Staines! Having seen him live in concert four times within the past year, it's exciting to see that this album reflects some of his best work. Favorite song on the album is "When I Hear the Music Play," which tells of his early interest in music and how soothing music can be. "Dear Friend" was a special song written for a friend of his. The Rod McEwen song, "Love's Been Good to Me" is also one of my favorites. I was happy to add this album to my Bill Staines collection. If he comes to your area, you're in for a real treat if you can see him live in concert!

October's Hill is a Bill Staines Classic!.......2000-02-10

Bill Staines proves once again that he is the best folk singer around! October's Hill is filled with rich, reflective tunes that only Staines can produce. You can't help but to fall in love with the opening track "Dear Friend". It immediately joins the classic tunes Staines has given us over the years. Go buy this CD and enjoy the wonders of Bill Staines!

Anyone Can Play Radiohead: A Tribute To Radiohead

Average customer rating:

"Exit Music" is more impressive than the original
Anyone can play Radiohead...except these people
This is pure crap... and I didn't even have to buy the CD
Anyone can release a cd called Anyone Can Play Radiohead
Embarassing

Anyone Can Play Radiohead: A Tribute To Radiohead
The Illuminati , Paige , Silent Gray , Meegs , and October Hill
Manufacturer: Cleopatra
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Strung Out On OK Computer: The String Quartet Tribute To Radiohead

ASIN: B00005K9GF
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Tracks:

Fitter Happier - Silent Gray
No Surprises
Creep
Fake Plastic Trees
Stop Whispering
Exit Music (For a Film) - Miranda Sex Garden
Planet Telex - Secret Society
Karma Police
Climbing Up the Walls - Diva Destruction
Everything in Its Right Place - Meegs Rascon,
Subterranean Homesick Alien
Bullet Proof...I Wish I Was
How to Disappear Completely (And Not Be Found) - Lunasect

Product Description

1. Silent Gray - Fitter Happier
2. Paige - No Surprises
3. Aleister Einstein - Creep
4. October Hill - Fake Plastic Trees
5. Dot Fash - Stop Whispering
6. Miranda Sex Garden - Exit Music (For A Film)
7. Secret Society - Planet Telex
8. Dragon Style - Karma Police
9. Diva Destruction - Climbing Up The Walls
10. Meegs Rascon & Paul Rivera - Everything In Its Right Place
11. The Illuminati - Subterranean Homesick Alien
12. P.M. Project - Bulletproof... I Wish I Was
13. Lunasect - How To Disappear Completely (And Not Be Found)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

"Exit Music" is more impressive than the original.......2005-09-19

First of all let me say I've never been a fan of Radiohead's work, but this album includes one version of their original song "Exit Music" by Miranda Sex Garden which is worth hearing and stands out as the finest in this irregular tribute album.

Radiohead's original version (included in "O.K Computer") is nothing run-of-the-mill. I consider Thom Yorke as a very mediocre singer but the voice of Katharine Blake takes the song a lot further. The teenage drama portrayed in the lyrics is conveyed much better and the climax is far more epic and exciting thanks to the richer instrumentation featured and the great performance of the musicians who succeed in bringing a new and better dimension to a track which originally was nothing out of the ordinary.

If you don't care at all for Radiohead, my piece of advice would be to download that very one song and forget the rest.

The title of this tribute is obviously an irony but in this particular case it has become more than evident.

Anyone can play Radiohead...except these people.......2004-05-26

I must agree with the other reviewers that this tribute is terrible. After buying great tributes like the Christopher Riley piano tribute and the string quartet renditions, I thought it would be nice to hear some new versions of these songs. Let me tell you, listening to this album in lieu of Radiohead is like passing up a Picasso for a paint-by-number. This should only be bought by those who simply must have everything with the name "Radiohead" printed onto it. All else need not apply

This is pure crap... and I didn't even have to buy the CD.......2003-11-26

All I had to do was listen to the samples found on this site. This is pure garbage, and an insult to Radiohead. Total embarassment.

Anyone can release a cd called Anyone Can Play Radiohead.......2003-10-28

...and people like me will buy it. This completely takes the soul out of the songs. Like "Fitter Happier" for instance. I admit it's an ok song, but it destroys the message Radiohead tried to put into it. The original presented lyrics changing from what sounds like a normal lifestyle gradually into insanity, with a computer voice to symbolize the inhumanness of it and drunken piano in the background to give a dissonant feeling to it. Silent Gray redoes this song using rock instruemnts and actual singing, and worst of all, they rearrange the lyrics. The message and soul of the song is destroyed.

Other bands are hard to listen to without cringing, like Diva Destruction, who can carry a tune but can't sing with anywhere close to the talent or elegance that Radiohead can. Other songs are experimental electronic remixes of songs, which are somewhat interesting but not at all catchy and have no shelf life whatsoever. The rest of the songs are mostly just other bands doing straight covers of Radiohead songs, which really aren't that big of a deal and worth maybe a listen and nothing more.

If you're a huge Radiohead fan and must have this album, go ahead and get it, but you'll probably only play about 1/3 of the cd more than once, and maybe two songs off of it more than twice. There's a reason you can't find it anywhere.

Don't let this dismay you from buying other Radiohead cover cds however... the compilations by Christopher O'Riley and The Section are fantastic and a must-have. Unfortunately, "Anyone Can Play Radiohead" is simply uninspired.

Embarassing.......2003-09-15

This CD shows that not anyone can play radiohead. This album is, simply put, a disgrace to the beautiful songs that are covered. If you want to listen to some Radiohead covers then I recommend the orchestral tributes.

Average customer rating:

Andy Tubman
Andy Tubman
Manufacturer: PokeyHo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000IFH4UQ

Product Description

What does one say about a singer/songwriter of this magnitude? That he or she is amazing? That he or she must been be heard? Well Andy Tubman is that individual. His music is beautiful, inspiring and heart-felt. In his band are the very best musicians. Andy Tubman is the real deal. You can say that you heard it here first. CONTENTS: 1) Walking on a Train 2) Bubble Gum World 3) Face 4) Joshua 5) Four Points 6) On and On

Average customer rating:

You'll Love this Music!
An Amazing Work of Art by Steve Suvada
Finest American Composer for Classical Guitar
The Quiet Cove,

Pick: Interludes

Manufacturer: The Orchard
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004RGEN
Release Date: 2000-03-29

Tracks:

The Interludes: Interlude I: On The Meadow
The Interludes: Interlude II: View From The Hill
The Interludes: Interlude III: A Fond Farewell
The Interludes: Interlude IV: Holiday
The Interludes: Interlude V: A Summer Garden
The Interludes: Interlude VI: On A Frescobaldi Theme
The Interludes: Interlude VII: Butterflies
The Interludes: Interlude VIII: Quiet Cove
The Interludes: Interlude IX: Abandoned Farm
The Interludes: Interlude X: Dancing Snowflakes
The Interludes: Interlude XI: The Bird Sanctuary
The Interludes: Interlude XII: Strolling The Pathways/The Sanctuary 2
The Interludes: Prelude: The Pine Grove/The Sanctuary 3
The Interludes: Interlude XIII: The Arbor/The Sanctuary 4
The Interludes: Interlude XIV: Emphatic Trifles
The Interludes: Interlude XV: Sundrops
The Interludes: Interlude XVI: Hyacinths
The Interludes: Interlude XVII: Poem
The Interludes: Interlude XVIII: The Pavilion
The Interludes: Interlude XIX: On The Carousel
The Interludes: Interlude XX: The Blue Bicycle
The Interludes: Interlude XXI: Piece Of Eight
The Interludes: Interlude XXII: The Arboretum In Autumn
The Interludes: Interlude XXIII: August Nocturne
The Interludes: Interlude XXIV: October Song
The Interludes: XXV: Day's End
The Interludes: XXVI: Second View From The Hill
The Interludes: Interlude XXVII: Fragments
The Interludes: Interlude I: Morning Mist
The Interludes: Interlude II: Peregrinations
The Interludes: Interlude III: From A Canoe
The Interludes: Interlude IV: Lullaby For Mandy
The Interludes: Interlude V: Badlands Cameo
The Interludes: Interlude VI: Ski Trails
The Interludes: Interlude VII: Afterthoughts
The Interludes: Interlude VIII: Pleasant Prospects
The Interludes: Interlude IX: Dearest Events
The Interludes: Interlude X: In A Mandan Council Lodge
The Interludes: Interlude XI: Endeavors
The Interludes: Interlude XII: Wanderings
The Interludes: Interlude XIII: A Touch Of Blue
The Interludes: Interlude XIV: The Chapel
The Interludes: Interlude XV: Echoes At Dawn
The Interludes: Interlude XVI: The Lonely Woods
The Interludes: Interlude XVII: Pleasant Encounters
The Interludes: Interlude XVIII: Woodland Lake
The Interludes: Interlude XIX: The Red Lakes, Minnesota
The Interludes: Interlude XX: Along The Shore
The Interludes: Interlude XXI: Tripping The Light Minuet
The Interludes: Interlude XXII: Western Hills
The Interludes: Interlude XXIII: Achievement
One Day In Time Suite: I- Morning
One Day In Time Suite: II- Midday
One Day In Time Suite: III- Evening

Customer Reviews:

You'll Love this Music!.......2006-04-26

This is my favorite CD! Mr. Suvada plays beautiful guitar. I hope to be as good as him someday. If I keep practicing, maybe someday I will make a CD is great as this one!

Justin M.

An Amazing Work of Art by Steve Suvada.......2004-07-21

This cd is a wonderful work of art that uses the natural sounding classical guitar to portay many beautiful landscapes. From quiet meadows to a holiday celebration, Steve Suvada depicts a wide range of Richard Pick's most beautiful songs. As a student of Steve Suvada, I can tell you that this cd is a small taste of his incredible talent as a very creative and devoted guitarist. You will surely be amazed by his ability to carry on the wonderful music of Richard Pick.

Finest American Composer for Classical Guitar.......2004-06-27

Richard Pick's music is some of the finest I've ever heard written for the classical guitar. He is truly one of the most underrated voices of his generation, and is wonderfully American and Naturalist in his themes. I hope people will listen to this wonderful performance by Mr. Suvada and thank him for perpetuating the music of this inspiring American composer...Richard Pick. It is obvious to the listener that he worked closely with Richard Pick in the production of this recording, so as to come up with the definitive interpretation of Pick's work. The two men made a marvelous team in the production of this beautiful record. Thank you for this gem of American Classical guitar music!!!!

The Quiet Cove,.......2003-12-17

Steve Suvada is the perfect player for this music. Richard Pick's music touches the soul, and can make you forget about any problems of the world that may be in your way. If you are looking for some beautiful music to chill out and relax with, this is a great Cd. If you are a guitarist and not familiar with Pick's music, then you should look into it.

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Music Review

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