Incognito

Incognito

Track Listings

1. Wild About my Lovin'

2. I'm Satisfied with my Gal

3. Never Swat a Fly

4. Sister Kate

5. Rag Mama

6. Love Potion #9

7. Someone to Watch Over Me

8. Blues my Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me

9. Sadie Green

10. He Caught the Katy

11. Poison Ivy

12. Summer in the City

13. Willie the Weeper

14. My Gal

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
The Knucklehead Jug Band is descended from bands originally formed in the late 1960s in the college town of San Luis Obispo, California. The current line-up consists of several original members and guest artists from the top acoustic groups on the Central California coast.

Product Description
Good time jug band music, featuring blues, roots, ragtime, and folk music.

Incognito

Tracks:

Everybody Loves the Sunshine
Everyday
Summer in the City
Always There
Raise
Still a Friend of Mine
Tin Man
Crave
Deep Waters
You Are Golden
That's the Way of the World

Amazon.com

Jean-Paul Maunick and his Incognito mates have spent the last 30 years refining and boiling down their version of acid jazz to a smoothly textured, immaculately produced sheen. Bees + Things + Flowers has a more retro vibe about it, filled with peaceful soul, stellar vocalists, and a few smartly executed covers. "Summer in the City" is a prime example of the latter, featuring a loopy vocal line, nimbly negotiated by Carleen Anderson, that floats over soft horns and snippets of playful synth. The singers Maunick brings in are often given the spotlight, even on a jazz flight like "Stand;" of course, a singer like Jocelyn Brown isn't exactly easy to upstage. At times, the record sacrifices tight structure for wandering bliss, like on the nine-minute Earth, Wind & Fire closer "That's the Way of the World." On the other hand, it's not like you can't wait for that nine minutes to end. Maunick, as always, makes it sound like there's all the time in the world. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

The enduring success of Incognito is one of the great stories of UK music. Inspired by the acoustic and soulful-yet-Laidback funk of Bill Withers, the haunting string arrangements of David Axelrod, and the close harmonies of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, bees + thing+flowers was recorded with the 'unplugged' concept in mind. Every instrument is acoustic except the Fender Rhodes electric piano and Fender electric bass. The new album is a mixture of the old ('Deep Waters,' 'Still a Friend of Mine'), the borrowed ('Everybody Loves the Sunshine,' 'Tin Man') and the new ('Crave').

Customer Reviews:

i love the sunshine.......2007-07-30

who is joy rose and where has she been hiding. everybody loves the sunshine is the bomb. talk about a nice cd. to bad the smooth jazz station here in las vegas never played this song on the radio, with all due respect to roy ayers this song was much better, though mary j blidge did it gorgeous also. track 2 everyday is also very smoothing and of course maysa on here makes me smile. glad i bought this one also, buy it folks and get your smile on, trust me

Summer album........2007-05-31

The album starts with song titled "Everybody Loves The Sunshine". That's 100% true. Everyone rates Incognito's "Adventures in Black Sunshine" as the top class and it will be difficult for the band to surpass The Adventure's great musical and commercial success.

"Bees + Flowers + Things" may be targeted at a narrower group of Incognito fans than any of their previous albums. Because of the style chosen for the album: relaxed, tranquil, unhurried summer music. Newcomers to Incognito may feel it to be too mediocre and they may find it appropriate to better start with another Incognito's album, for instance "Adventures in Black Sunshine". For the Incognito fans "Bee + Flowers + Things" may present a difficult load on ear as the initial expectation to hear the Incognito's original style will not match the reality. I stopped playing the CD half way during first listening session. The next day I tried "BFT" again, as background music. And I stopped the CD less than half way through it. The marketers call it "post-purchase dissonance". There will be moments when you expect to finally hear "that deep-low solid boom" and it does not happen... It took me courage to load the CD in my player in two days and... enjoy the album.

The music is very delicate. There are points I found to be of possible importance to enjoy this album. (i) It does not work as background music and requires attention of the listener because the idea is in the detail. (ii) It is more comfortable to listen to this CD at somewhat lower than average loudness level as jumping above breaks the intimacy of music. (iii) The music is better played at the twilight as the song collection does not fit daytime. You may find it different from my experience and that will be fair enough.

As to the repertoire, I would include a couple of more songs a-la "Summer In The City" to pour more energy in music. Anyway the vocals are powerful enough in themselves to deliver that energy. I also found that starting listening to the CD from track 8 "Crave" and then moving to the beginning to track 1 is a good way to set the mood and enjoy the music. You may wish to try this.

The arrangements are perfect. They are subtle and all about the details - this is why the album requires full listener's attention to understand the music.

A star in my rating is eaten by the sound engineering. It could have been better. Such delicate music is about a detail. The sound quality does not deliver that final "dzing" to appreciate the micro-details of wonderful human voice and perfect instrumental play. With a better sound mastering the album would be a top notch for those who is about understanding the music.

Has its moments but is tepid compared to, say, 11.......2007-05-05

I love Incognito and the usual suspects are all here: great performances and amazing vintage sounds married to Steely Dan quality production. This album was supposed to be a change for them and I totally applaud their choice to try to mix it up. Unfortunately, the album just doesn't have the burn of other Incognito albums, leading to an overall so-so performance for them. The covers of their own material---some of their best material, like "Still a Friend of Mine"---just never seem to make it off the runway for me. Other tracks where they're covering other people actually work better. Tin Man and, especially, That's the Way of the World groove. On That's the Way of the World Incognito manages to channel EWF in their heyday (no small feat and I bet they're one of the few bands who could manage it given the vocal talent they have) and sound like they're having an amazing time doing it. In short, it might grow on me so I'm not writing it off right yet, but I don't anticipate this would be anything like 11, 100 Degrees and Rising, Adventures in Black Sunshine, or No Time Like the Future in terms of rotation on my player.

Emotion To Spare.......2007-04-02

Jean Paul 'Bluey' Maunik has always been a great assembler of talent,much in the same way Quincy Jones and Normman Connors were in past years.So it's only fitting a CD like 'Bees + Things + Flowers' has a guest list for the ages;it is after all something of a tribute to the songs that inspired this group in the beginning.Strangely enough I am not familier with all of these songs,even though I love them all.The Axlerodish orchestrations and Chicago style horns (the band Chicago I mean) really combine well.As far as originallity "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" and "Tin Man" seem to stick too closely to the originals,except maybe in vocal arrangement on the latter and the abundance of fender rhodes piano soloing,which is omnipresent throughout.On the other hand "Summer In The City" sounds very nice;it's similar only to BB Kings 70's version in that it's reduced to a slower crawl tempo but this version is heavy on the groove,not the blues.And Incognito fans will be especially shocked by "Alway There" because,for one the band have done this song in the traditional dance style ad infinitum and because here it's dropped right down to slow jam pace,almost unrecognizable.The most incredible thing about this is how the CD closes-a nine minute version of "That's The Way Of The World".Now here's a song that's been covered by so many people and always sticks close to the original.This keeps only the melody and basic arrangement,but the production is very spare and the overall mood very loving;the heavy gospel/cinematic melodrama Maurcie White and Philip Bailey baught to the terrific original is absent from it.You can say this is the "no drama" version of the song and I am not being unfair because the original is a classic and I love both versions.It's just a great song whoever's doing it.One thing that Incognito fans will not find on this,as you would on CD's such as No Time Like the Future , Eleven or even the earliest effort Jazz Funk is uptempo dance and funk tunes;everything here is very soft and mellow and is perfect accompanyment to a beautiful,sunny summer afternoon.If you like your musically incredibly well done this will interest you.

OK but their traditional style is better.......2007-03-08

I am a huge Incognito fan, having all their CDs and having seen them in person several times. This CD is a remake of many of Incognito's previous works. It is "acoustical," not the big band party sound we are used to. Too bad -- that's what Incognito does best. It is like Incognito made into elevator music -- a watered down version of their work. Go for the other CD's; much better. Incognito go back to your roots!

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Wonderful
Refresing Incognito!
Good Music
Incognito (Eleven)
Disappointed...

Eleven
Incognito
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sweet Classic Soul
Adventures in Black Sunshine
Bees + Flowers + Things
Get Used to It
SOULidified

ASIN: B000CS45I8
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Tracks:

Let The Mystery Be
We Got Music
Come Away With Me
Baby It's Alright
When Tomorrow Brings You Down
Jacaranda
Show Me Love
Will I Ever Learn?
I'll Get By
It's Just One Of Those Things
As Long As It's You

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Wonderful.......2007-05-02

Eleven was my first Incognito record and it won't be my last. Love it. I am no music critic but I know good music when I hear it and this is GOOD MUSIC.

Refresing Incognito!.......2007-03-19

Been a Incognito fan since the way early Nineties (remember them?)I welcome Maysa back into Incognito's fold; She's the soul of Incognito!

I was impressed with the production of this album - WOW! It's so easy to listen to and melodic all beyond. Bluesy should consider returnign to the USA again since I missed him on the East Coast. Missed you again! Ug.

The problems with this album are sublime yet obvious: Too political and the beats seem regurgitated. Aside from this, Bluey should be given a medal for keeping all of us believing in love.

This music makes you believe again...

Good Music.......2007-03-09

I have always liked Incognito and this CD did not let me down.

Incognito (Eleven).......2007-01-09

I love this CD and the first is what made me a Incognito fan. I now have 5 CD's by this group.

Disappointed..........2006-11-29

After hearing and completely enjoying "Aventures in Black Sunshine"- this CD was a letdown. Maybe I need to revisit it after reading the previous reviews?

Average customer rating:

Funky and Soulful
Phat
The Best Incognito Album. Great Jazz!
Positivity - 4.5 stars
Still a friend of mine....

Positivity
Incognito
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

100° and Rising
Tribes Vibes + Scribes
Beneath the Surface
No Time Like the Future
Adventures in Black Sunshine

ASIN: B0000046UI
Release Date: 1994-03-22

Tracks:

Step Into My Life
Still A Friend Of Mine
Smiling Faces
Where Do We Go From Here
Positivity
Inversions
Givin' It Up
Talkin' Loud
Deep Waters
Do Right
Pieces Of A Dream
Thinking 'Bout Tomorrow
Keep The Fires Burning

Customer Reviews:

Funky and Soulful.......2007-03-22

Smooth as silk yet still gives you the upbeat funky and playful feeling. Maybe it is just me, some how i can not find bands or groups nowadays that can produce jazzy soulful pieces like the 80's 90's bands did.

Phat.......2007-03-08

This group is off the hook,worth having,
Hey i'm a musician snd songwriter
Funky and Smooth

The Best Incognito Album. Great Jazz!.......2006-06-19

Well the specific genre of Jazz this is considered is Acid Jazz. Incognito was at a creative and musical peak with this album. I recently sometimes hear "Still a Friend of Mine" on smooth jazz stations. From the opening of "Step into my Life" I was hooked. Maysa's vocal are incredible, and Bluey really lets his creative arrangements loose. Too bad I can't say that about Incognito's recent albums. If you like this album I would also recommend "Beneath the Surface" which is the second best album released by Incognito IMO.

Positivity - 4.5 stars.......2006-04-15

I just pulled this favorite out and listened for the first time in a while. Although released in 1993, the music is truly TIMELESS and sounds as fresh as if it were released yesterday. This is my favorite Incognito album featuring excellent music production, the British acid-jazz sound and with more than a few stellar lead vocal performances by Maysa Leak.

My favorite tracks: DEEP WATERS, STILL A FRIEND OF MINE, DO RIGHT, STEP INTO MY LIFE, SMILING FACES & PIECES OF A DREAM.

Still a friend of mine...........2005-03-15

Even after all these years, this remains my favorite Incognito album...from start to finsih! Each and every song, jazzy, soulful, melodic, upbeat, downtempo, with meaningful lyrics! I still play the heck out of this CD...the uplift it gives is unbelievable... The best!

Average customer rating:

They were really "Incognito" back then...
JAZZ Funk?
A British Jazz Funk Classic.....Hands Down
The best jazz funk cd ever.
disappointing.......

Jazz Funk
Incognito
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Life Stranger Than Fiction
Tribes Vibes + Scribes
Bees + Flowers + Things
100° and Rising
No Time Like the Future

ASIN: B000003JBJ
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Parisienne Girl
Summer's Ended
Shine On
Wake Up The City
Interference
Incognito
Sunburn
The Smile Of A Child
Why Don't You Believe Me
Chase The Clouds Away
Walking On Wheels

Customer Reviews:

They were really "Incognito" back then..........2005-03-15

Although they are not anymore. I remember my brother introduced me to this classic gem. Another stellar set of music form his vast and valued "wax" collection.

I was schooled and it all started with this Diamond! Original 1981 release of jazz-funk-fusion! The beginning of it all! Terrific sounds! Still sounds as good now as it did then!

JAZZ Funk?.......2004-04-23

Perhapes not since none of the material here has the least bit of improvising...sort of.But this is a fine early 1980's
channeling of the funk-fusion sounds of Roy Ayers,Lenny White,
Herbie Hancock,George Duke and Patrice Rushen-all given that
hazy smoothness that ONLY Incognito have been able to dish out.
Actually this album doesn't sound all that different from some
of the bands newer albums such as the excellent "No Time Like The
Future" but the production is far lesser and the vocals and instrumentation alot sparser.Jean-Paul Maunick is apparently singing on some of the songs such as the dreamy "Smile Of A Child".However it's apparent his voice could be stronger,but at least he's honest-I can respect that in a singer more then showing off for the sake of it.But on "Shine On" and "Incognito"
the band deliver fine,dancable lite funk in the finest tradition
of the term.And on "Interferance" Incognito are SCORCHING as they
they indulge in some SERIOUS jammin' on the one on a burning
disco-funk jam.If you are interested in listening to this bands
music or discovering the earliest roots of todays acid jazz or
simply enjoy jazz-funk music (Nigel Hall I'm talking to YOU!!!"
then you've gotta' have this!!!!

A British Jazz Funk Classic.....Hands Down.......2003-08-05

The re-release of this album is absolutely terrific. Incognito's 1981 classic, "Jazz Funk", is one of the ultimate jazz/fusion albums ever recorded. I was blown away by this album. I just recently discovered Incognito while looking up some of the bands from the British jazz-funk era in the late seventies/early eighties like Second Image, Freeez and Loose End(s). This is the standard by which groups like Jamiroquai and the Brand New Heavies followed. Anyone who is new to this genre of music should consider picking up this very excellent CD.

The best jazz funk cd ever........2003-06-20

First of all I want to say that the first guy doesn't know what the hell he's talking about I'm sorry to say that. The genre "Jazz-Funk" is more smooth that regular funk that is the definition of the stile so he just had the wrong expectations of his unawareness. This album is the best in this style it has this very early 80 spirit over it and every song is good. That is very rarely you can say that about a whole album. And it doesn't get to smooth in my opinion and the songs are very variated and not as monotonous as a lot of other records in this genre.
I just love : "Summer's Ended" and "Incognito".
Incognitos later albums with different musicians are defenently not as good as this album it's amazing.

disappointing..............2001-06-29

I was very excited about getting this cd based on all the great reviews written here. I had never heard Incognito before but it sounded like they kicked ***! But I must say I was a bit disappointed with this. The name jazzfunk makes me think that its going to be some kind of booty-shakin band with jamming horns ala James Brown-style but instead this is what Kenny G would sound like if he was black. This is smooth jazz with a few funky bass lines. If you're looking for party music that you can't help but dance to, this AIN'T IT!!!!

Average customer rating:

Forever Spyro !
A review of Spyro Gyra's Incognito.
Timeless!
Still holds up after 20 years.
Spyro Gyra at their best!!

Incognito
Spyro Gyra
Manufacturer: Amherst Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Freetime
City Kids
Catching the Sun
Alternating Currents
Morning Dance

ASIN: B000001O7O
Release Date: 1994-06-07

Tracks:

Last Exit
Old San Juan
Harbor Nights
Stripes
Oasis
Incognito
Sueno
Soho Mojo

Customer Reviews:

Forever Spyro !.......2004-09-30

Consider Harbor nights and the glorious and unforgettable theme : Old San Juan .
Only for this last track , the CD is recommendable . Spyrogyra was in a real inspiration mood with the highest creative powers through their brilliant career, with that unique sound and superb beat .
One of the top albums of the eighties and a classic issue of this original ensamble .

A review of Spyro Gyra's Incognito........2003-04-28

Incognito is a fantastic Spyro Gyra cd. It was made in 1982. It is classic Spyro Gyra. This cd was produced around the time when they were at the pinnacle of their musical career. This is a nice cd featuring 8 super songs.

This is the third Spyro Gyra cd that I purchased. I wasn't dissapointed when I got it either. This cd would have to be in the top 7 of my favorite Spyro Gyra cd's of all time. There are plenty of unforgettable, melodic tunes to be had on this album. Old San Juan would have to be their most popular song on this cd. It is one of their most famous.

My top 3 favorite tracks on this album would have to be 1,2, and 5. Last Exit is a nice upbeat song to start of the cd. Old San Juan, of course, has an unforgettable melody to it. Oasis is also a nice quiet piece, hence the name. Every other song on this cd is just as good.

Another feature of Spyro Gyra that I admire is the art on their cd covers, and this one is no exception.

To summarize, this is a great Spyro Gyra album. It's vintage Spyro. It's worth it to buy it. You will have a great listening experience. Thank you for taking the time and generosity to read my review.

Timeless!.......2002-10-29

This was my first Spyro Gyra purchase 20 years ago (on vinyl) but I have replaced it with a CD. My fav tune is till 'Old San Juan' and I still play it every chance I get! Awesome! You won't be disappointed!

Still holds up after 20 years........2002-07-24

Although I had been familiar with Spyro Gyra since hearing Morning Dance on AM Radio when it was a crossover hit, Incognito was the first Spyro Gyra album that I bought. I was sixteen years old, and most of my album purchases were along the lines of Duran Duran and Adam Ant, but this album captured my attention from the first playing. I remember the mystery that surrounded the packaging. No pictures of the band. Band personnel changed from one track to the next. What was with this group with the misspelled name?

Of course the purchase of this album immediately brought about the purchase of other SG albums, but this has always been my favorite. It is immediately relaxing and puts me in a good mood from the first bass note. The album, then CD, have never been far from my stereo. I highly recommend this CD. Albums in this period, including "City Kids" and "Freetime" represent, to me, the peak of this group's career. While I wouldn't give it five stars if you compared it to fusion classics such as "In a Silent Way", it is five stars when taken for what it is: smooth jazz before smooth jazz was hip. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Spyro Gyra at their best!!.......2000-12-12

This is my all time favorite Spyro Gyra CD. All memorable melodic tunes.

"Last Exit" is a great upbeat start that can brighten up even the most somber moods. "Old San Juan" is a nice catchy tune that will have you whistling along with it very soon. I didn't particularly like thier choice of putting the live version of "Harbor Nights" on the CD as this version seems both unnecessarily long and slow compared to the studio version. "Stripes" has an nice interesting bluesy sound to it. Then "Oasis" and the title track "Incognito" pick up the pace nicely followed by "Sueno", a nice relaxing balad. The CD then ends with the catchy and upbeat "Soho Mojo".

Tracks:

Still A Friend Of Mine
Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
Everyday
Deep Waters
Spellbound And Speechless (Edit)
Colibri
Roots
A Shade Of Blue (Edit)
Change (Bluey Remix)
Nights Over Egypt (Edit)
Always There (David Morales Remix)
Yesterday's Dreams
Talkin' Loud

Amazon.com

With the success of Erik Truffaz, Nils Petter Molvaer, and St. Germain, the epicenter of the acid jazz/funk scene moves fluidly between the European continent and London, home of Incognito. The genre's roots are inextricably linked to Incognito, a huge amalgamation of musicians led by composer and guitarist Jean Paul "Bluey" Maunick. The band's rabid devotees will no doubt use this 13-song compilation as an Incognito primer for potential converts, particularly pointing to the back-to-back inclusion of their three biggest hits--"Everyday," "Deep Waters," and "Spellbound and Speechless"--which convey perfectly their layers of funk, jazz, and r&b vocal harmonies to the uninitiated. Several special remixes make this best-of important to the knowledgeable hard core who can't get enough of Incognito's vocalists--Maysa, Jocelyn Brown, and Pamela Anderson--including one with Stevie Wonder playing harmonica on Bluey's punched-up version of "Change," and mix-master David Morales's take on Ronnie Laws's "Always There." Much more important to Bluey's army of American fans is the very last track--a rowdy version of "Talkin' Loud." Finally, there is a live Incognito album, Last Night in Tokyo: Incognito Live, available as an import. --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

AWESOME CD!.......2007-02-12

All I can say is I love this group and Maysa can sing she is awesome!
I finally got to see her live on a jazz cruise and all I can say is awesome this is a great CD the whole darn thing is good!

Love this band!.......2006-12-15

I fell in love with this band when I saw them live in Belgrade, Serbia last May. Their music is energetic, and they wowed the crowd from start to finish. This album is the best of their best music!

I love Acid Jazz!.......2006-08-02

I currently own this cd and it is without a doubt my favorite cd. I just love the smooth and soothing sounds of Maysa's voice and the collection itself is just undeniably the best! This is my wind down music, it takes me somewhere else after a hard day. I would surely recommend this classic for any of you Smooth, and Acid Jazz lovers.

Mediocre Wedding Band.......2005-01-25

I bought this based on the enthusiasm of the reviews. I can only surmise that the reviewers are either friends and family of this group, or that Incognito has compromising pictures of the reviewers. If you're into wedding bands, then this is for you. If you're looking for an original sound with a real groove, look elseswhere.

maysa.......2004-05-12

I wanted to know the name and cd for a song that has some of these words. GOING OUT OF MY HEAD. and where I can get it in detroit.

Average customer rating:

An adventure for sure
Great disk, with one exception
Another fantastic release from Incognito
Get up and get ready
Phenomenal

Adventures in Black Sunshine
Incognito
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Eleven
Who Needs Love
Smooth Sailing
Positivity
Beneath the Surface

ASIN: B0002IQI1A
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Don't Turn My Love Away
Everything Your Heart Desires
Close My Eyes
The 25th Chapter
True To Myself
The Principles Of Love
This Thing Called Love
Fences And Barriers
Mindin' My Business
Autumn Song
Listen To The Music
Mr. Jones
The World Is Mine
Beyond The Clouds

Customer Reviews:

An adventure for sure.......2006-11-16

It's interesting to read the reviews out there and see just how clinical some of you folks are when you dissect the music. On this one, one reviewer says the "Adventure" doesn't start till track 5. Another says "Listen To The Music" is reason enough to ding the album. Another basically says "ho-hum", gives it a 3 but would mark it up if this was their initial release-or words to that effect. Huh? Fine, we're all entitled to our opinions, and here's mine: This is a monster! Buy it, press play, and press on. Entertain, party, or just chill. The Cogs are smoking, and continue to bring us good quality music.

Great disk, with one exception.......2006-03-13

I really liked this album. The performances are great, the recording is very nice and organic, and vintage gear like the '70s Rhodes sounds better and better with well-done modern production. And Maysa Leak is, of course, amazing.

Standout tracks: Well on an Incognito, standing out too much isn't really the point--the whole thing is supposed to be a fairly seamless experience IMO. However, some tracks are better than others. Don't Turn My Love Away has some really fantastic performance from Maysa and a way-cool between-verses riff that can only be played by musicians who are as good as are here (the real test would be live). Autumn Song, is, IMO the one where it all comes together. This song is Dan-worthy. The instrumental 25th Chapter is also fun.

Sadly there is one glaring exception. Listen to the Music (a cover of the old Doobie Brothers song) just doesn't work for me. I don't much care for the original song but the cover reveals that it's not that great a song and was basically carried by the original performance. (There are a number of "classic" songs like this.) Furthermore, in the context of the *album* it really breaks up the flow. Sadly Autumn Song is immediately followed by the worst. When I listen to it on the computer, I program Listen out. This dings one star....

Another fantastic release from Incognito.......2005-11-03

I always approach a new Incognito album with both excitement and hesitation. Being such a huge fan of this amazing, mainly British band (that were largely responsible for the explosion of the Acid Jazz scene in the UK along with "The Brand New Heavies"), I can't wait to get my hands on their newest material.

Over the years, I have however occasionally been disappointed with new releases. You see, I like my Incognito tracks a particular way - catchy riffs, mind-blowingly beautiful instrumentation, soulful vocals, occasionally danceable - all do it for me. Some of my favourite tracks of all time include "Nights Over Egypt" and "Wild and Peaceful" (from No Time Like the Future), "Stay Mine", "Worlds Collide", "There Will Come A Day" and "Castles In The Air" (from Life, Stranger Than Fiction), "One Hundred And Rising", "Too Far Gone", "After The Fall", "I Hear Your Name" and "Barumba" (from 100 and Rising) and "Living Against The River" (from Beneath The Surface - one of their best all-round albums to date in my opinion).

I don't like a lot of the material on Incognito's earlier albums, but thankfully, since their 1999 release "No Time Like The Future", Incognito has delivered a string of exceptional albums. "Adventures in Black Sunshine" is another album I will be listening to over and over again.

From the moment I heard the opening piano chords of "Don't Turn My Love Away", I knew I was going to be in for a treat.

This album has something for every type of Incognito fan: that great full and rounded Incognito sound on "Don't Turn My Love Away" and "Everything Your Heart Desires", beautiful vocal layers on "The Principals Of Love", a simple keyboard and vocal track in "This Thing Called Love", a couple of 'harder' tracks in "The 25th Chapter" and "Mindin' My Business", the ethereal quality of "Fences and Barriers", the simplicity and harmonies of "Autumn Song". For those that like to have a good dance to Incognito tracks, you won't be disappointed with a choice from "Listen To The Music", "The World Is Mine" and "Beyond The Clouds". My own personal favourite track on this album is "The World Is Mine".

Maysa fans will be delighted to hear that she plays a huge part in this album. As always, her vocals are stunning (although being an audio engineer myself, I can hear some sloppy 'Auto-Tuning' in some tracks - come on, this lady certainly does NOT need any assistance from this plug-in, Bluey!).

All in all, a very good release. I can't recommend this album enough.

Get up and get ready.......2005-09-13

This is one hell of a good CD, especially to get you in the mood as you are preparing to go out and have some fun, stirring those vibes for a night out dancing and just having some happening time at home with friends...this is it. I have always found that great "funk/jazz" style in Incognito's music but this CD is by far their best to date. If you are looking for that "class above" in the way of funk jazz listening here is the ultimate addition to your collection. This one will be hard to follow by Incognito.

Phenomenal.......2005-08-16

I was lucky to be at 2 performances of Incognito last year (2004). The first was the pre-release concert for this album. I purchased my copy the day after the official release and for a couple of months, I had to listen to it at least once a day. Even now, over a year on, it is still full of that joyous, jazzy, funky, soulful music for which Incognito is reknowned, and I listen to it regularly.
Awesome album.

Average customer rating:

No Use's debut
Don't Listen to These Other Reviews
NUFAN
you melodic schmucks should go back to phat wreckords hell
Thank God NUFAN changed

Incognito
No Use for a Name
Manufacturer: Fat Wreck Chords
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Daily Grind
Don't Miss the Train
Leche Con Carne
Keep Them Confused
Making Friends

ASIN: B00005QXCA
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

DMV
Sign The Bill
It Won't Happen Again
Hail To The King
Weirdo
Truth Hits Everybody
Felix
Noitall
I Detest
Puppet Show
Record Thieves
Power Bitch

Album Description

Fat Wreck Chords reissue.

Customer Reviews:

No Use's debut.......2005-08-11

The music on here is a rather strange mix of brutal punk rock, metal, and what can only be described as growling, courtesy of Chris Dodge (of Spazz "fame"). Now, I'm not talking about effeminate, light Iron Maiden-esque metal here. In spite of the metal influences, there are few solos on this album. The songs are constructed around a blend of pounding guitars, screaming, and transitions between slow and fast tempos. The track that epitomizes this sound is "It Won't Happen Again," which builds with slow-paced yelled verses before making a transition to a blazing punk chorus. Those who enjoy NUFAN for their poppy melodies would do well to approach this album with serious caution; INCOGNITO is filled with melodic moments, but the majority of these moments are of a nature that will appeal only to those who enjoy bands such as Sick of It All, The Avenged, and Snapcase. Nonetheless, there are a few exceptions. "DMV" and "I Detest" are surprisingly direct in their approach to accessible punk rock, and would not be out of place on NUFAN's mid-90s albums. They are, however, simply not of the same caliber of the songs found on those gems, primarily due to Tony Sly's at-the-time undeveloped singing style and the band's incomplete search to find true cohesion and direction as a unit.
INCOGNITO's biggest flaw lies in its pacing. Most of the songs begin with a nice intro...which then proceeds to go on, on, and on, until you find yourself wondering if the track is an instrumental. Take "Felix," for example. Its duration is 2:24, but Tony only starts singing 1:08 into it. Now, the song's chorus is enjoyable in itself, but in this verse-less format it simply feels like a stand-alone chorus, a head without a body. There are never any build-ups. The music ranges from passable to good, so you won't ever find yourself cringing as you listen, but it detracts from the songs in that you won't feel a rush waiting for that great chorus to come along. You will merely listen, and, if you like hard-edged punk, enjoy, but the experience will be devoid of any genuine anticipation.

Lyrics? You can forget about the "relationship crap" some purists complain about when referring to the band's later albums. The sole relationship Tony Sly addresses is a seemingly bitter one (she's just a power bitch/that I already know). Sly's lyrical themes focus mainly on politics, mean people, and juvenile matters that need not be described here. At times he is pedantic: "People like you should be punched/Punched right in the face!/Feeding us your lies/Gonna put you in your place." On occasion, he shows signs of a burgeoning maturity: "This is not a puppet show/No one in the world is hanging on a string/Take a look around; there are people everywhere/They might be going in circles, but it's their own thing." And in "Truth Hits Everybody," he actually manages a few good lines that hint at greater things to come: "You had me thinking in a backwards motion/You use no Scope to smell you daddy's breath/She does not choose to use no suntan lotion/If you don't like the words, then you can guess." Wait, that's a Police cover. Well, he sings it with conviction.

Singing with conviction is not something that can be said about Chris Dodge. In fact, most of his "vocals" on this record (2 complete songs, a few verses, and backups) shouldn't even be classified as such. "Record Thieves" is a strange, strange affair in which Dodge appears to be randomly growling out the liner notes while the band plays out-of-tune. In "Weirdo" Dodge at least follows the music, but sounds so bizarre that it will be impossible for your ears, or your brain (which I recommend that you don't use to scrutinize the lyrics), to focus on anything but the guy. By the way, that latter song will go down in history as NUFAN's most experimental ever. You've never heard a song quite like "Weirdo" before, trust me.

This album just feels like a hodgepodge of good and bad ideas. There are some linear, enjoyable tracks (DMV, Sign the Bill), some which fall a bit short due to the band's excessive reliance on the instrumental (Felix, Hail to the King), and some which are only semi-interesting due to the hilariously awful growling of Chris Dodge (Record Thieves, Weirdo). Essentially, INCOGNITO is a light-hearted version of NUFAN; one full of little indulgences, goofiness, cheesiness, and most importantly, fun. For a mature and confident effort from the band, check out their latest album instead.

Don't Listen to These Other Reviews.......2005-05-04

Incognito is NUFAN's best album by far. Sure they got melodic and strated sounding nice (I own all the other CDS), but this CD is NUFAN at their best. "Hail to the King" and "Felix" stand out as well as the entire album.

NUFAN.......2004-10-06

This Album is so Good, the Sound is real hard Punk.
I love it and I love No Use For A Name and so do all my friends.
If you're in the Military Wow it will get you into that special unit if you don't get surpressed on the way.
The whole Album is That good.
I love girls and this Album lets me day dream about them all day.

you melodic schmucks should go back to phat wreckords hell.......2004-03-19

no use for a name is the best example of NOFX ruining the sound of punk with the overwhelming stretch of their style changing influence! this is the best punk album that came out post 1990!!!! i love this album, and always will, i bought several albums by nufan after incognito, and hated every single one of them......that melodic stuff can GO AWAY, and never come back.... what happened to bands with good crunchy song writing???? the hard core and the metal these days all sucks.....but incognito has everything you need!
more punk bands need to bring back the captain crunch!!!

Thank God NUFAN changed.......2003-05-13

This isn't a terrible cd by any means. I would much rather listen to this cd than most of the other music out there, but that isn't saying much. If you take a listen to NUFAN's album "More Betterness" or "Hard Rock Bottom" you will see no similarities in those albums to this. NUFAN has, thankfully, matured into a talented melodic punk rock band. This is a cd that was made by young guys just wanting to play crazy fast punk music. There are no real tunes on this, you definitely won't find yourself singing along to it like you will on NUFAN's other albums. Tony Sly has also improved his singing an unbelievable amount from this album. I consider myself a die-hard No Use fan, but I find it hard to like this album. I never really take it out of its case. Not sure who to recommend this album to. Definitely sample before buying.

Average customer rating:

The last truly great "old school" Céline album en français...
Her Best French Album!
Exquisite,magical sound
An absolute gem!
Incognito

Incognito
Celine Dion
Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music

Pop | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dion Chante Plamondon
Au Coeur Du Stade
Live à Paris
Unison
Early Singles

ASIN: B000007U0Q
Release Date: 1992-10-06

Tracks:

Incognito
Lolita (Trop Jeune Pour Aimer)
On Traverse un Mirroir
Partout Je Te Vois
Jours de Fievre
D'Abord, C'Est Quoi l'Amour?
Delivre-Moi
Comme un Coeur Froid

Album Details

One of Diva's Early Albums that was Performed Entirely in French that was Recorded in her Adolescence. Even Then, the Qualities that Make her the Superstar She Eventually Became were Evident in her Delivery and Vocal Ability.

Customer Reviews:

The last truly great "old school" Céline album en français..........2005-01-15

From 1981-1985, Céline's earliest songs were written almost entirely by the late, great Eddy Marnay, songwriter to the likes of Edith Piaf, Nana Mouskouri, and Maurice Chevalier. Céline confided all of her dreams, her crushes, and her ambitions to Eddy, who created songs that captured the innocence and chaste crushes of childhood.

Around 1987, Céline underwent a drastic transformation from a gawkish teenager with long frizzy curls and pointed teeth to a confident, sexy young woman in preparation for her attempt to conquer the English-speaking market in Canada and south of the border (the United States). To reflect this change, Céline's manager and future husband René Angélil switched from Eddy Marnay to Québécois lyricist Luc Plamondon (easily recognized by his wild blond pompadour and extravagant sunglasses), the edgy creator of the mega-musical Starmania, La Légende de Jimmy and more recently, Notre Dame de Paris (Céline contributed a track, "Live for the One I Love," on the English cast album).

The lyrics and music on Incognito reflect this change, with Céline spunkily erasing the memory of her last boyfriend (Incognito), crooning her desire (Lolita--"Lolita isn't too young to love, not too young to give herself when desire consumes her body to her fingertips") (Jours de Fievre-"the world's more than a hundred degrees, I have heaven and hell, love and war inside of me...I burn and you'll burn with me"), and heartbreak (D'abord, c'est quoi l'amour-"You talk too much, you play with words. When you talk, I believe you...when you say "I love you," I understand it as "for life," but for you it's just for a night, and without knowing what love is, you spend your time talking about love").

The music is delightfully 1980's old school as well, with cheesy synth and drum machine overkill. Sultry sax solos heat things up on "Comme un coeur froid." Although dated, this is still my favourite "old" Céline album. The unique melodies are high-energy and rock-and-roll influenced (especially Incognito, Delivre-moi, and Jours de Fievre), a step up from the string-drenched puppy love ballads of Céline's earlier years. Slower ballads are still to be found in On Traverse un Mirroir, Partout Je Te Vois (rerecorded in English as "Have a Heart" on her first English album Unison (1990), and the strong closing track Comme Un Coeur Froid.

"Incognito" is, for me, is the pinnacle of Céline as a young woman---sexy, confident, and flirtatious, without belting out showstopping lovesick ballads. You can really hear how much her voice has matured from when she first began recording in 1981, or even from her previous album C'est Pour Toi (1985), with clear indicators of her future diva status. She is just experiencing her first taste of love and all the possibilities that await her. If you only buy one French-language Céline Dion CD, make it Incognito and hear what you've been missing!

Her Best French Album!.......2002-12-28

There's no doubt that this record is one of Céline's best of all times! This is my favourite french album, Céline comes back with a renewed style and look. With powerful ballads and atonishing dance hits that topped Canada's charts back in 1987. If you want to try Céline Dion this is the right one... believe me! Her voice is at its best and she's filled with energy!

Exquisite,magical sound.......2002-07-08

Beautiful music, delivered with great sensitivity. A work of art by an original

An absolute gem!.......2000-10-03

A young Celine singing in her native language makes for an incredible listening experience. It is 80s-like and lots fo fun. As someone else noted, if you like Celine, this is a must-have!

Incognito.......1999-12-29

Celine- whom is my favourite singer of all time's first CD is awesome. It is a must have if you are a French speaker or for that all time Celine Fan!

Average customer rating:

warning: no libretto
Excellent in every way, yet another ignored Verdi Voice!
Musical Sheet Lightning

Verdi: La Forza del Destino

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Verdi: Il Trovatore
Verdi: Macbeth
Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia
Verdi: Attila
Verdi - Un ballo in maschera / Arroyo · Domingo · Cappuccilli · Cossotto · Grist · NPO · Muti

ASIN: B000BO0GPO
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

Overture - Philharmonia Orchestra
Introduzione-Scena: 'Buona Notte, Mia Figlia' - John Tomlinson
Recitativo: 'Temea Restasse Qui Fino A Domani' - Jean Rigby
Romanza: 'Me Pellegrina Ed Orfana' - Rosalind Plowright
Scena: 'M'aiuti, Signoria' - Jean Rigby
Duetto: 'Ah, Per Sempre, O Mio Bell'angiol...Seguirti Fino Agl'ultimi' - Jose Carreras
Scena-Finale I: 'E Tardi...Vil Seduttor' - Various Artists
Coro-Ballabile: 'Hola, Hola, Hola! Ben Giungi, O Multattier' - Mark Curtis
Scena: 'La Cena E Pronta'/Recitativo: 'Viva La Guerra' - Various Artists
Canzone: 'Al Suon Del Tamburo' - Various Artists
Preghiera: 'Padre Eterno Signor...Pieta Di Noi' - Various Artists
Scena: 'Viva La Buona Compagnia'/Recitativo: 'Poich'imberbe E L'incognito' - Various Artists
Ballata: 'Son Pereda, Son Ricco D'onore' - Various Artists
Scena, Coro E Ripresa Della Danza: 'Sta Bene' - Various Artists

Tracks:

Aria: 'Son Giunta! Grazie, O Dio!...Madre, Pietosa Vergine' - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Scena: 'Chi Siete?' - Juan Pons
Scena E Duetto: 'Chi Mi Cerca?...Infelice, Delusa, Reietta' - Paata Burchuladze
Finale II: 'Il Santo Nome Di Dio Signore...La Vergine Degli Angeli' - Various Artists
Scena: 'Attenti Al Gioco' - Jose Carreras
'La Vita E Inferno All'infelice' - Jose Carreras
Romanza: 'Oh, Tu Che In Seno Agli Angeli' - Jose Carreras
Scena E Duettino: 'Al Tradimento...Amici In Vita, In Morte' - Jose Carreras
Scena: 'All'armi!'/Battaglia: 'Arde La Mischia!'/Scena: 'Piano...Qui Posi' - Various Artists
Duettino: 'Solenne In Quest'ora' - Renato Bruson
Scena: 'Morrir! Tremenda Cosa!' - Renato Bruson
Aria: 'Urna Fatale Del Mio Destino...Egli E Salvo! Oh Gioia Immensa' - Jose Carreras

Tracks:

Ronda: 'Compagni, Sostiamo' - Abrosian Opera Chorus
Scena E Duetto: 'Ne Gustare M'e Dato Un'ora Di Quiete...Oh Tradimento!' - Renato Bruson
Coro: 'Lorche Pifferi E Tamburi' - Abrosian Opera Chorus
Strofe: 'Venite All'indovina' - Agnes Baltsa
Scena: 'Que, Vivandiere, Un Sorso' - Agnes Baltsa
Arietta: 'A Buon Mercato'/Coro: 'Pane, Pan Per Carita' - Various Artists
'Che Vergogna!' - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Coro-Taratella: 'Nella Guerra, E La Follia' - Various Artists
Predica: 'Toh, Toh! Poffare Il Mondo'/(Recitativo): 'Lasciatelo Ch'ei Vada' - Juan Pons
Rataplan: 'Rataplan' - Various Artists
Coro Ed Aria Buffia: 'Fate La Carita...Che? Siete All'osteria?' - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Scena E Duetto: 'Auf! Pazienza Non V'ha Che Basti...Del Mondo I Disinganni'/Scena: 'Giunge Qualcun..Aprite' - Paata Burchuladze
Scena E Duetto: 'Invano, Alvaro, Ti Celasti Al Mondo...Col Sangue Sol Cancellasi L'infamia' - Renato Bruson
Melodia: 'Pace, Pace, Mio Dio' - Jean Rigby
Scena E Terzetto Finale: 'Io Muoio...Confessione!...Non Imprecare, Umilitati' - Various Artists

Customer Reviews:

warning: no libretto.......2007-02-22

This is a good recording, no doubt about it, but costumers should be aware of the fact that there is no libretto included, but only a detailed synopsis.

Excellent in every way, yet another ignored Verdi Voice!.......2007-01-06

Fortunately, we do not have too many recordings of Forza to choose from. It is hard to cast those roles, so dramatic and long winded and phrases requiring piano and fortissimo and Rosalind Plowright was up to the challenge, but you need more than a big voice to justify Forza, you need TEXTURE too - depth, width, and sheen! No wonder, the opera has vanished from the repertory.

According to what I've heard, she was a Verdi soprano par excellence! Her tendency to cut the top notes short, play with the rhythm at times, and bottle up the tone can't detract from that awesome exciting voice AND that excellent Verdi beat. HOWERVER, Rosalind Plowright seemed to assiduously avoid the typical Verdian soprano sound a la Milanov, Price, Dunn, and Arroyo etc but opted for a brighter sound every bit as huge and crisp as Crespin and as veiled as the Callas of the 1960's. All this makes for an avalanche of a voice that must have raised the roof. She is very very thrilling to hear and this explains why she was a Verdi soprano of choice in Europe during the Milllo and Dunn years. I assume her voice didn't please everyone because it was unwieldy at the top, again like Crespin and also the tone hardened at times; in fact, i must repeat, she sounds exactly like a combination of Callas and Crespin. But make no mistake, those great divas never wrapped their great voices around Verdian phrases like Plowright, especially in .."Son Giunto, grazie o Dio" for in this regard she joins that long line of Verdians going way back to Arangi-Lombardi, Ponselle, and Milanov -- this is Art and anyone who has studied Verdi can identify a Verdian of this caliber. You Verdians out there know what I mean.

Carerras is close to the microphone, and this forcing does not do well in Verdi. Nevertheless, there is an honesty with this man, a passion, an innate truth. I prefer him dead or alive to Domingo, but he is not at the technical level of Domingo or Aragall. Preziosilla is Ms. Baltsa, and how well she sings. I am a FAN of RENATO BRUSON so its not fair to sing his praises!

Giuseppe Sinopoli is intense and he achieves a noble Verdi sound appropriate for Forza, nice and warm sounding but rhythmic indeed. I do like his work in this Forza and I think his work as a Verdian has NOT been bettered, not even by Jimmy Levine who I also really like. However, Trovatore belonged to Zubin Mehta and Humberg (I think I spelled it right - he is on the Naxos Trovatore)

TOP MODERN VERDI -- THAT IS MY ASSESSMENT!

Musical Sheet Lightning.......2006-10-11

Although Verdi's basic style was established early in Nabucco (1842), he keeps getting better down through the 1860s with the spectacular La Forza del Destino and Don Carlo. In listening to his operas after 1870, I am too familiar with Aida and Otello to be deeply impressed with them; and I have never cared for Falstaff. The progress toward "true music drama" climaxing in Otello does not concern me although Boito's brilliant libretto makes that 1887 opera one of Verdi's best. The setting and plot of La Forza del Destino interest me more than any other Verdi opera. The accidental killing of a father, the brother's irrational but deadly vendetta and ,above all, the role played by Italian monasticism capture my imagination. Verdi's supercharged music is convincing at every point. What could be more electric than the brooding overture with its mournful clarinet melody? Leonora prays convincingly to the Virgin and then with a group of monks in Act II. I recall the role played by Italian monasticism in Ann Radcliffe's striking novel The Italian published in the 1790s, the same decade that Cherubini's Medee set the pattern of "grand opera," a basic element in Verdi despite all the talk about "music drama" without arias. Ewen observes, "With its pronounced dramatic content and enriched harmonic and orchestral writing, La Forza del Destino represents a gradual departure from the style of La Traviata toward that of Aida." I prefer to see this brilliant opera as a end in itself apart from any progressive scheme.

I appreciate most the interaction of keen drama with religion in a form preferable to the rather morbid religious-secular dualism of Wagner's Tannhauser. Although Verdi's monks may sing quietly, the religious element blends with the plot more convincingly than in Wagner's schematically opposed Pilgrim's Chorus and Venusberg music. Even more striking is the contrast between Verdi's opera and Tchaikovsky's frantic Eugen Onegin where the protagonist's stupid egotism results in a tragic duel. In Act IV of La Forza del Destino the noble lover Alvaro tries to convince the vengeful Carlo that "God alone can bring retribution." Although Carlo murders his sister and Alvaro is weak enough to curse his "destiny" (secular language for the overruling sovereignty of God), the last word goes to Padre Guadiano in "Non imprecare, umiliati." In addition to all these features the performance gives us Agnes Baltsa as an entertaining gypsy Preziosilla. Verdi measures out just the right amount of this change of pace rather than making us wallow in it as does Bizet's Carmen. In his great tragic opera, Verdi proves once for all that one of the best forms of opera is high-tension theater. His work forms a perfect complement to the operas of Meyerbeer.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Never Too Soon [CD-single] [Import]

Symphony 4 / Marche Slave

Rossini - La Scala di Seta / Corbelli, Ringholz, Vargas, de Carolis, ECO, Viotti

Masterpieces By Ellington [Import]

Seven [Import]

Taylored to Please

Standing Ovation, Vol. 2

Revenge!

Septembre Bleu

Schumann: Sonatas, Op. 105 & 121; Romances, No. 1-3, Op. 94

Stolen Moments

So Ein Tag So Wundersc [Import]

Sexy: House Nation [Import]

Trecento

Vol. 64-Jazz in the Charts-1941