There and Back Again [Live]

There and Back Again [Live]

Track Listings

1. Sanctuary

2. In the Wake of Things Yet to Come

3. Hammer and the Axe

4. Creatures of the Sea

5. Off the Bat

6. Interlude

7. There and Back Again

8. Drum Solo

9. Free to Live

10. Bad Influence

11. Too Much of Nothin'

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
How it all started...... High school friend Rich Mezger contacted Jordan Macarus in the spring of 1977 asking if he was interested in forming a band. He informed Jordan that he had a couple of people that would like to audition. Enter Doug Brown and Dan Searight. Rich also contacted Doug and Dan, telling them that he had a guy who would like to audition to play with them (Jordan). With Rich Mezger on drums, and everyone else thinking that they were holding the audition, things initially clicked. Rich's scheme had worked to get the key players together, but he probably had no idea that he would end up being the one who failed the audition. It wasn't long before Jordan, Doug and Dan began looking for a more suitable drummer.

Jordan and soundman Henry Myers, went to a local record store in Downers Grove to pick up an add paper frequently used by local musicians. While in the store they saw an advertisement for a drummer on the bulletin board. The ad indicated that this drummer was into the same general musical style, and to "inquire within". Following the instructions on the board, Jordan and Hank went inside and asked the manager about the ad. It was then that they found out that the manager, one Mr. Steve Tsokatos was the person they were looking for. After a brief discussion, they all agreed to get together later in the week for a jam session. A couple of days later, Steve showed up in a VW Beetle, which was packed to the gills with his Octoplus drum kit. There was barely room in the car for him to drive. The session resulted in the birth of Winterhawk.

Jordan, Doug, Dan and Steve rehearsed vigorously for about 2 months, and booked a live show at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. The show was the first of many that resulted in a healthy cult following in the Chicago area. Dan Searight left and was replaced by Steve Brown, and the band concentrated on live appearances, playing another Aragon show the following year. The live recording of "Hammer and the Axe" came from this second Aragon appearance. Steve Brown then left the band to pursue a career as a commercial artist later that summer, and the band settled into a 3-piece unit. They played together as a 3 piece for about 2 more years, opening for acts like Jefferson Starship, Steppenwolf, Black Oak Arkansas, Budgie and others.

At the same time, Jordan's longtime friend Chris Mazur was playing in another band with drummer Scott Benes. The professional relationship between Doug and Jordan started to become difficult. It was becoming clear that personal and musical goals were beginning to go in different directions for Jordan and Doug. Eventually, the 3-piece version of Winterhawk blew up from the inside, and Doug recruited the bass player (Malcolm Williamson) and drummer (Scott Benes) from Mutiny, the band Chris was playing in at the time. Doug asked Chris to join also, but Chris's allegiance was with Jordan. While Steve Tsokatos devoted his time to starting a family, Chris and Jordan decided to attend college, and became roommates at Northern Illinois University. It was there that the brainchild that would become Winterhawk "Revival" was borne

Jordan and Chris began thinking about the business of producing a record album. They listened to several live Winterhawk recordings, and made a list of potential songs. Doug showed interest in the project, and suggested that Scott Benes play drums. The band rehearsed for 7 weekends with Chris understudying the second guitar parts, and then went into Dr. CAW Studios on December 17, 1981. Recording was completed by January 1, 1982. Craig A. Williams manned the boards and Jordan and Chris assisted production through the final mix. The record was released in 1982 on the band's own label and has achieved a formidable cult status among hard rock collectors and enthusiasts.

Product Description
We've raided the archives to bring you this trip back in time to the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago circa 1978! Jordan Macarus deals out solo after solo of some of the hottest hard rock fretwork I've ever laid ears on! Massive Winterhawk classics like "Off the Bat," "There and Back Again," "Creatures of the Sea," "In the Wake of Things Yet To Come" amd more revealed for the first time in over 20 years!!

Tracks:

Celebration
Night Of A Thousand Stars
The Real Thing
Again And Again
No More Do I
Patchwork Quilt
Liberty
Midnight Train
Leave Me Out Of This
Welcome To The Underground
Rock-n-Roll Blues

Amazon.com

Former Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh's first solo album (not counting Seastones, his 1975 electronic collaboration with Ned Lagin) traffics more in Springsteenian arena rock than in the jazzily extended high-wire improvisations of his live shows. While the music lacks the lilt of Lesh's former combo, the band is tight and Dead lyricist Robert Hunter's verses are as evocative, regretful, and optimistic as ever--usually at the same time. Song after song alludes to a golden age of rock hedonism while simultaneously reassuring listeners that the past can be recaptured in the here and now. "Give it up for love, so I've been told," sings deep-throated Lesh in the barrelhouse "Rock-a-Roll Blues," "It seldom gets younger but it never gets old." Guitarist Warren Haynes, who contributes a handful of downbeat power ballads, smears the record with his signature slide playing while fellow guitarist Jimmy Herring bobs and weaves like Bob Weir to Haynes's Jerry Garcia. It's a nostalgia trip for sure, but it just might do until the real thing reappears. --Hazel Luftglass

Customer Reviews:

Different.......2005-11-09

The first time i listened to this cd I didn't like it. I thought it sounded too much like the Allman Brothers Band. But not until after I listened to it a few times did I realize exactly how unique this band really is. Each member of Lesh & Friends has incredible talents. The best songs are "Midnight Train" "Welcome to the Underground" and "Patchwork Quilt". I recomend this to anyone who is into southern rock, jam bands, or plain ol' feel good music.

There and Back -- Worth the trip.......2004-03-24

First, buy the package with the bonus disc.

Regarding the studio recordings, read the previous reviews. They cover the disc fairly and well. I won't waste time and space repeating what's already been said.

Now let's move on to the real jewel in this package -- the bonus disc.

On this disc, Lesh steps into his familiar role of anti-frontman. Although he does take a few vocal turns on these live performances, Lesh mostly does what he does best, create bass lines that manage to drive and snake through the music all at the same time. Phil Lesh is a monster bass player. He has been for years and he hasn't lost his touch (Phil, if you read this, please follow Jack Cassidy's example. Make an instructional video).

The disc opens with Passenger, a personal favorite of mine. The cut features burning slide guitar, an extremely hot organ solo and rough, but dead on vocals. With each of the following cuts, the disc just gets better and better.

St. Stephen, Dark Star, The Eleven (another personal favorite) are all warhorses from Lesh's days with the Grateful Dead. If you've listened to the Grateful Dead at all, you've at least heard the clasic versions of these songs as they were captured on "Live/Dead." The performances by Phil and his friends pay homage to the "Live/Dead" versions without aping them. The music sparkles throughout. The closing cut, "The Eleven" is a joyful romp. Like the Dead, Phil and friends can truly swing in meters that would tie most bands in knots.

"There and Back Again" is a solid disc that holds up to repeated listenings. It rates close to four stars. However, as I said earlier, it's the bonus disc that's the real jewel here. It hasn't left my car's CD player since the first time I loaded it. The four live recordings included on this disc all rate as five star road music delux!

Once in a while you get shown the light..........2002-06-25

Yes Phil Lesh played bass for the Dead and yes he's been rehashing old tunes live on the music circuit but this CD is mostly original material served on a 70's style platter. It's somewhat of a cross between the Dead and the Allman Brothers with a little bit of Charlie Daniels thrown in for flavor. For an old head like me it's quite refreshing to hear above the blur of Puff Daddy (whatever he calls himself) and Britney Spears. Not that I'm knocking them but well... I guess I am.

When I bought this I listened to it over a couple of beers with a friend who hates the Dead and he asked me, "Who is this?" Believe me this guy is a great friend, however, he is not one to convince of anything he wants nothing to do with. When I told him who it was he replied, "Never would have guessed. I think I kinda like it." And with that I found myself at one of lifes moments where you look back and shake your head.

What my point is: this is not just for Dead heads and the like, but anyone who enjoys good old Rock and Roll.

Phil's Where It's At.......2002-05-27

Some have said Phil Lesh & Friends sound like the Grateful Dead, others have said they sound more like the Allman Brothers. Neither of these statements are really true. Phil is Phil and you can't say anything more. This album is the culmination of a lot of new material written a large part by Phil with many vocals by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter. The album also features tracks written by Warren Haynes alone. Phil's composition skills shine through and must be heard to be believed.

Not live, not dead..........2002-05-26

How do you describe a Phil Lesh & Friends performance?

Enigmatic, narrative, electrifying, intense. The type of concert that will have you dancing in philisophical harmony, the music and lyrics bringing forth solutions to many unanswered questions that have lain dormant in your unconscious mind. Phil Lesh has a jazzmans creativity, a jaguars soul, and a relentless will to give.

You will not, however, find this type of action on "There and Back Again."

But let us look at the album itself, at the songs for what they are, and we will see that this is a finely executed record, with a lot of really good songs on it. I was never a big fan of the Grateful Dead's studio efforts, nor has anybody else ever been, but this is a damn fine album. "Celebration" brings us into the record, a pulsing song that is just bursting with positive energy, this song is everything that it's title implies. Songs of particular beauty are "The Real Thing," and "Patchwork Quilt," both allusions to the lives of artists, and the tragedy and struggle of expression. "Night of 1000 Stars" is definitely the song with the most commercial chance on this record, although I doubt that Phil Lesh will even pursue that road.

I definitely recommend buying the "Limited Edition" version of this album, because it contains REALLY GOOD live performances on the bonus disc, most notably the 18-minute "Dark Star."

Tracks:

Celebration
Night Of A Thousand Stars
The Real Thing
Again And Again
No More Do I
Patchwork Quilt
Liberty
Midnight Train
Leave Me Out Of This
Welcome To The Underground
Rock-n-Roll Blues

Tracks:

Passenger
St Stephen
Dark Star
The Eleven

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Just as much a Warren Haynes CD as a Phil Lesh one.......2006-02-20

Not that this is a bad thing. As a Bassist who does some harmony vocals, Lesh is not in the spotlight as often as lead guitarist and vocalist Haynes, from Allman Brothers and Gov't Mule fame. Disc one is the studio set with all new material. Haynes does a tribute to Jerry Garcia on "Patchwork Quilt" and it is memorable. Haynes has taken this song and done it live with Gov't Mule and the Allman Brothers and it has become of his better known songs. Disc 2 is the live set, including a lengthy Dark Star.
There are 2 versions of this set sold- you can get the studio CD by itself or as part of the 2 CD set. Deadheads will definitely want the 2 CD set with the strong live jams SO IF YOU ARE GOING TOBUY IT, GET THE RIGHT ONE.

Blend of the Allman Brothers/Grateful Dead..........2004-12-28

This is really a collaboration between Lesh and Warren Haynes which is the reason why this album sounds like a blend of the Allman Brothers/Grateful Dead. There is some great music here. Plus if you're a Deadhead or you're in the mood for some long jams there is a bonus 4 track disk that includes a 25 minute version of Dark Star.

PHEWWW WHAT A LAME CD.......2004-01-16

This is lift musik with pretentions. It is as ballsy as a LIBERACE CD. Musicaly as challenging as anything by the OSMONDS. The frightening thing is that it took some of my favourite musicians ( HERRING / HAYNES ) to concoct this mess. As my copy cost about a 1,- $, it was at least priced correctly. Sometimes not having a definable style is a bonus as you can attack any genre you like on your CD, in this case it is not an attack it is a killing. Only the HAYNES songs have any merit what so ever, but he does his thing much better on his own CD. The rest is superb if you are an insomniac. This CD can put you back to sleep about 5 minutes after rising. Lucky for me I know a DEAD head ( he would buy and enjoy anything to do with the DEAD, if GERRY farted for about 30 minutes, I swear he would buy the bootleg.) He now loves this CD, as I knew he would. Please do yourself a favour and give this drivel a wide berth. If you must buy DEAD musik, check out JAZZ IS DEAD and there reworkings of older DEAD material.

Best New Rock Album in Ages!!!.......2002-10-30

Reading the 20 other reviews preceding mine, I'm surprised at how divided the opinions are. I think the formula is... if you're an older Deadhead looking to repeat the Magic that was, and still is, the Grateful Dead, you'll be disinterested in the (first) CD full of wondrous new material, but "Grateful" for Bonus Disc 2 (and everyone agrees that you should get the special Limited Edition), which trods in faithful Dead territory. If you're an open-minded listener thirsting for music that is brand new, yet somehow strikes a familiar chord, then you will love this new CD, which i.m.h.o. is The Best New Album of Good Ol', Downhome, Straight-Ahead Rock in maybe 20 years. I've been following GD music since 1970, heard some awesome live shows, but as a singer-player-songwriter myself, I've always sought diversity. The fact is, it's getting harder & harder to do anything really ORIGINAL in the "pop" music arena anymore, especially since the name of the game is "Give 'em what they want"; I think Phil & co. have succeeded on both counts in a big way. Phil is admittedly proud of this record, as he says in the cyber-interview you can see if you buy the Ltd.Ed.,"...if I had to pick one or two songs from this album, I couldn't, because I think every song stands on its own, makes an impression..." It's really wonderful; 62 years old, after a life-saving transplant surgery, and here's Phil, still rocking with terrific, vital, fresh material, and...ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!! You've just gotta hand it to him; Phil Lesh is a real Rock & Roll Legend, just like Jerry Garcia. And the songs are great---Robert Hunter is in fine form, fabulous guitar playing from Haynes & Herring, grooves you won't lose... To the reviewer who called this "elevator music", I say: TURN IT UP, and you WILL be ELEVATED!!! Personal faves: "Night of 1000 Stars"-a HIT, it COOKS! "Again & Again"-special mood, great chorus; "No More Do I"-great groove, unforgettable vocal hook; "Patchwork Quilt"-lovely tribute to Jerry G., did you ever hear a Waltz or a 6/8 ROCK like that? Warren Haynes is so soulful, excellent vocals throughout the album. "Midnight Train"-haunting changes, a slick funky groove reminiscent of Steely Dan at their peak; "Rock-n-Roll Blues"-ragtimey shuffle a-la "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo". "Liberty", while perhaps topping the Dead's version on "So Many Roads" as far as tightness of the arrangement goes, for my taste, the vocal treatment is a bit too "pretty" for this song and lacks the raw guttiness of Garcia's vocal, but it's a minor point. This CD SHINES with more than the holographic spectral colors of its surface. Repeated listening will reward the attentive, even the spaced-out, listener. This music downloads itself right into your soul. And... you can BOOGIE to it! One interesting note: The title "There & Back Again" carries with it a few meanings, from the way a jamband like the Dead takes you "out there" and brings you "back again", to how Phil is living a "second life" after his close call. But something else comes to mind. In the fabulous documentary video "Anthem to Beauty" (a must-see), we witness the conflict that was between Phil Lesh and Warner Bros. exec Joe Smith, who wanted the Dead to "cut the weirdness" and craft accessible pop songs to reach the radio audience. By the time "American Beauty" was recorded, the Dead were moving more in that direction, led off by Lesh & Hunter's beautiful folk-rock classic "Box of Rain". Now, 30 years later, Phil has come full circle to the point where he's released an unabashedly "pop" album loaded with great songs, but also continues as The Elder Statesman of all those who love to JAM, and these songs will also work their way into "the flow", right alongside "Dark Star" and "Eyes of the World". There and back again, indeed... Somewhere, Jerry Garcia, and even Joe Smith, are smiling.

Fall in to the Phil zone..........2002-08-23

This CD grows on me with every playing. I was eager to see what this incredible lineup could pull off in the studio, and I'm not the least bit disappointed. Very different from seeing them live (and if you get the chance to do that and miss it, you should kick yourself). But that's a good thing; instead of just trying to jam in the studio without an audience, they have made an album of fine material that showcases their virtuosity and rapport without sounding overthought or overproduced. This is top-notch rock and roll. And as others have said, do get the limited edition for the bonus tracks, because you can never have too much live Phil. And get out and see the band, because nothing lasts forever and they have the power to make you laugh, cry, and dance like you never have.

Average customer rating:

Symphony 9: Introduction to Dvorak
Dvorak
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Classics Explained: Brandenburg Concertos 4 & 5

ASIN: B000069HGK
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Average customer rating:

Undine - Complete Opera in Four Acts

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00002604Q
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Rhinestone Cowboy
Gentle on My Mind
By the Time I Get to Phoenix
Dreams of the Everyday Housewife
Heartache Number Three
Please Come to Boston
It's Only Make Believe
Crying
Blue Grass Medley
Milk Cow Blues

There & Back Again (Multichannel/Stereo)

Average customer rating:

There & Back Again (Multichannel/Stereo)
Phil Lesh
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006B1NO
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

Celebration
Night of a Thousand Stars
Real Thing
Again and Again
No More Do I
Patchwork Quilt
Liberty
Midnight Train
Leave Me Out of This
Welcome to the Underground
Rock-N-Roll Blues

Average customer rating:

A great album!!!
The Best CD I Own.....
Absolutely, Absolutely Fabulous
A pleasant suprise!
Incredible, but only a peek at what was to come

There and Back Again
Vertical Horizon
Manufacturer: Rhythmic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Live Stages
Go [With Bonus Track]
Everything You Want
Vertical Horizon - Tour Book 1999-01
Go

ASIN: B0000048IE
Release Date: 1997-07-10

Tracks:

Trying to Find Purpose
Children's Lullaby
Footprints In The Snow
Love's Light
The Mountain Song
Prayers For an Innocent Man
Lines Upon Your Face
Willingly
On The Sea
Liberty

Customer Reviews:

A great album!!!.......2006-07-20

Being a mobile disc jockey, I have to keep up with all of the new Top 40 hits. I first heard of these guys when Everything You Want came out. I was very hesitant to pick up any of their earlier CDs as I really didnt know what to expect. One day I broke down and bought this album. Believe me I have NO regrets. This is a great CD and shows their melodic sound and great songwriting abilities. If you are a fan of Go and Everything You Want then, as many other customers said, have an open mind. The lyrics in this CD are heart-felt and the acoustic guitar playing is superb. Now when I get around to it, I have to order Running On Ice and Live Stages. Buy this CD, listen to it with an open mind, and I guarantee you will not have any regrets. I surely didn't.

The Best CD I Own............2006-01-05

My brother brought this CD back when he was in college and it hasn't left my CD player since. I am actually writing this review as I order yet another copy to give as a gift. Since it is always in my disc carousel, it is inevitably played whenever I have people over for a party / dinner. Turns out it is as popular w/ my eclectic group of friends as it was over a decade ago w/ me (when I was a teenager!) As written above though, it isn't like their popular radio tunes. However, it is a must buy if you enjoy DMB, James Taylor, Toad the Wet Sprocket, or Jack-o-Pierce!

Absolutely, Absolutely Fabulous.......2002-06-26

In 1995 in Austin, TX, some friends took me to the White Rabbit on Sixth Street to listen to two guys play acoustic guitars. They, of couse, were Vertical Horizon. I had never heard of them before, but wow, the show was incredible.

Since that concert, I have been a big fan. "Everything You Want" was their big breakout record. It's not a bad record, but I admit that I got disenchanted with their live shows after that release. They were loud and electric and lost all of the soul that their earlier shows had. Did these guys sell out? That's what I am wondering.

Anyway, this record is a reminder of what they were before they became household names. All these reviews say the same thing -- the music is folksy. Well, I am not disagreeing. It has some grassroots sound, but what struck me so much was the songwriting. Good stuff. It's a pretty mellow, melancholy record.

It sounds silly, but some of the lyrics just bring tears to my eyes. "Trying to Find Purpose"...I mean, any guy in the world probably can relate to that song sometime in their life. It could be called, "There's something better out there, I know it, and I'll find it someday with you at my side." My favorite one is "Love's Light". It stikes a chord with me. This one could be called, "You and I are so good together, but you can't see that, so I need to let you go before I become an emotional wreck."

For those who are VH fans because of "Everything You Want", then take this review with a grain of salt. The styles are quite different. But the songs here are great, writing is great, just something to listen to on a lazy afternoon.

A pleasant suprise!.......2002-06-15

I guess it helps to know going in that this album is nothing like Vertical Horizon's hit album 'Everything You Want', and that's not neccessarily as bad as it sounds. 'Everything You Want' was a great pop/top-40/commercial rock album that transcended the limitations of that genre because of the great muscianship and quality songwriting, while 'There And Back Again' shows the early beginnings of those positive qualities and strips down the music to its barest essentials: two vocalists who play acoustic guitars.

All of the songs on this album have a down-to-earth, folksy feel to them, but should be accessible to fans of rock music as well. Obviously Keith Kane and Matthew Scannell are influenced by James Taylor and you can hear that throughout the ten compositions. Contrary to that, most of the acoustic guitar work is very aggressive (no laid back folksy strumming here) and includes many muffled and muted chords with a choppy rock style that is more reminiscent of Pete Townshend than anyone else. Both players wrote five songs each for this album, and their song styles are distinctly different; you will immediately hear the difference from 'Trying To Find Purpose' to 'Children's Lullaby'; the former is my favorite song on the disc--I love the guitar work and inspirational lyrics.

Overall, this album fits nicely in my collection because it is so different from most of the music I listen to. If you are not ready to go in with an open mind, then you might be disappointed, especially if you became a fan after 'Everything You Want' and specifically like that type of music. I tend to like all types of music, and 'There And Back Again' was certainly a pleasant suprise from what I expected.

Incredible, but only a peek at what was to come.......2002-06-13

I love many kinds of music. I love bands like the Goo Goo Dolls, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and especially Dave Matthews Band. I love bands like Creed and Default. I love bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden. I even love bands like Godsmack, Kid Rock, Blink 182, and Pink Floyd. But among all those musical greats, Vertical Horizon holds its own as my favorite band of all time. This is an awesome debut album, but only showed a hint of what would become Running On Ice.

Trying To Find Purpose: This is a great song with an awesome
solo--the best one on the album If you like James Taylor, check this one out.

Children's Lullaby: A touching song with great vocals and easy-to-relate-to lyrics. One of Keith Kane's best vocal performances, up there with Shackled and Wash Away.

Footprints In The Snow: A very sad song, but excellent. Matt Scannell proves himself as a songwriter right here.

Love's Light: One of the only VH songs I don't love...it should be called Whithering Away, just listen to the song and see why. That part ruins it for me.

Mountain Song: One of VH's worst is followed by one of their best. This is an awesome, upbeat song, pointing more in the direction of Running On Ice. Another Tayloresque number.

Prayer for an Innocent Man: VH's only religious song. It's a good song, but the lyrics are a little corny ("Let me do thy bidding, yeah"...come on Keith, you can do better).

Lines Upon Your Face: Awesome song, my personal favorite from this album. It's about a friendship perservering through separation.

Willingly: Pretty good, not the strongest on the album though. The lyrics and the music don't fit together.

On The Sea: Incredible song, with truly touching and tragic lyrics. The live version is so much better, but it's a shame this is the only song from this album they still do live.

Liberty: This has a great folksy sound to it, this was their first minor underground radio hit. Great song.

This album is classic, but barely showed the talent waiting to be revealed. If you like this album, I'd suggest Running On Ice. If you like Running On Ice, I'd suggest Live Stages. If you like Live Stages, I'd reccomend Everything You Want. And if you like Everything You Want, I'd highly reccomend you keep an eye out for their new CD, Go, which will be released September 24th 2002!

Brian Asawa - The Dark Is My Delight And Other 16th Century Lute Songs / Tayler
Average customer rating:

Too Rushed, Low on Feeling

Beyond mediocre

Pretty voice sings pretty songs, but it's pretty mediocre...

HEAVEN!!!

HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian Asawa - The Dark Is My Delight And Other 16th Century Lute Songs / Tayler

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Asawa, Brian | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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David Daniels - Serenade

ASIN: B000003G9X
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
His Golden Locks Time Hath To Silver Turn'd
Flow My Tears
It Was A Time When Silly Bees Could Speak
Sorrow, Stay!
Can She Excuse My Wrongs
A Shepherd In A Shade His Plaining Made
Time Stands Still
Go, Crystal Tears
I Saw My Lady Weep
Away With These Self-Loving Lads
Now Hath Flora Robb'd Her Bow'rs
Author Of Light, Revive My Dying Sprite
Come Let Us Sound With Melody The Praises
Oft Have I Sigh'd For Him That Hears Me Not
Turn Back, You Wanton Flyer
This Merry Pleasant Spring
There Were Three Ravens
The Dark Is My Delight
Willow Song
Miserere My Maker
Where The Bee Sucks
O Death, Rock Me Asleep

Amazon.com

As one of the leaders of an exciting new generation of countertenors, Brian Asawa benefits not only from his distinctive voice, but also from his record label's publicity machine, which has made his name and his first two recordings strongly recognized by critics and listeners. Asawa's success at the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in 1991 and his many opera performances in the United States and abroad certainly haven't hurt his career. The voice we hear is unquestionably pretty and technically refined, but its throaty, dark timbre sounds more like the efforts of a man trying to sound like a woman. He just doesn't have that uniquely male countertenor quality exemplified by three of Asawa's more engaging colleagues--Andreas Scholl, David Daniels, and Daniel Taylor. That's not to say that these performances of some of the 16th century's loveliest songs are not eminently listenable and occasionally sublime. Asawa's agile voice projects a strong character coupled with an effortless delivery that will appeal to many listeners. He has an annoying habit, however, of singing slightly behind the beat and gradually leaning into longer-held notes. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Too Rushed, Low on Feeling.......2006-03-04

I've really tried to like Brian Osawa but when I hear this CD, it sounds to me like he's faking his way through the songs, though I doubt he in fact is. It's passionless.Thankfully I bought this CD used for only $9.99 CDN. Regretably, I will likely be selling it back to the used CD store from which it came. Daniel Taylor and James Bowman's Love Bade me Welcome would be a much better selection, i bought it new and its worth every cent!

Beyond mediocre.......1999-08-26

Sorry, but this self-involved, primping prissy, gen-x "amerrican" version of lute song is a far cry from what I would have hoped to have heard from this supposed "promising" artist. The only promise we can hope for is that he stops inflicting this pap on us. If this is the future of opera, get me outta here.

Pretty voice sings pretty songs, but it's pretty mediocre..........1999-07-04

This album of 16th century songs was VERY highly recommended to me by a store clerk at my local music retailer. I did not preview the album before buying it, but was intrigued by the seeming popular nature of the albums production and promotion. As a 20th centuruy composer and performer, I have dealt extensively with the human voice, in all it's many guises and forms. Asawa's voice has a sweet and fairly clean alto character, but the desired strenth and passion of the counter tenor labeling is obviously lacking. I do not doubt that future albums, perhaps featuring a more complex instrumentation and format will show that Mr. Asawa's voice can be something more than a young alto with an overindulgent rubato complex. The album is not the worst I have heard utilizing "non-traditional" male voices, but the clarity of line and sensitivity needed to convey emotion in these songs is something that perhaps is better left to a more tenured voice. I am ooking forward to seeing what the future brings us from Mr. Asawa, but I do hope he will be braver with the timbres and colors in his voice. It is truly a shame not to let the emotive quality of the counter tenor voice lead the way over "technical" purity.

HEAVEN!!!.......1998-10-01

When you start the CD and sit back you will literally think you have died and gone to heaven! Brian Asawa is heaven on Earth!

If you have not heard anything from Brian, you are in for an extraordinary treat. Brian's voice is an incredible gift that every person should be exposed to. "The Dark is My Delight" is a wonderful display of Brian's range and vocal gifts. A collection of mostly 14th Century lute songs, it is a perfect subject for Brian's unique voice. "Come Again, Sweet Love" is a perfect opening song as it gives you his full range and style. In the beginning you cannot believe that this sweet, melodious voice can be coming from a human, muchless a male. You'll be thinking that throughout this wonderful CD.

There are few CDs that are so extraordinary but then again this is Brian's first CD. EVERYONE should listen and expose themselves to Brian Asawa's talents. He can only be looked upon as a rising countertenor star soon to be at the same level as the "great tenors!" I am not exaggerating. FIVE STARS and TWO THUMBS UP!!! There is nothing more I can say!

HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1998-09-30

Brian Asawa is simply heaven on Earth! Nothing else can describe that wonderous voice of his. You literally feel like you have died and are hearing the angels welcome you to their kingdom. When you listen to the CD you'll understand!

The compilation of songs here are an excellent line-up for Brian. It allows him to, in a sense, tell you stories with excellent lute accompaniment. "Come Again, Sweet Love" was an excellent choice to lead off the CD as it showcases the extraordinary abilities of Brian. His sweet and melodic voice almost transports you back to the late 1500s when this song was written. In fact, you will probably get that feeling with every song on this CD but it is to Brian's abilities that we credit this.

There are very few CDs that I can/do recommend so highly. Brian Asawa is a rising star of countertenors to the same level as the "great tenors." I do not exaggerate when I say this. He has a vocal gift that must be shared with the world and the more people that hear him the better THEY are for it. FIVE STARS and TWO THUMBS UP!!! What more can I say!!!

Imaginary Piano
Average customer rating:
Imaginary Piano
Gary Paul Bryant
Manufacturer: Take Home Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
General | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0007QOMY2
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

Suite #5
Will You Have Me Now
Imaginary Piano
21st Century Waltz
Bye Bye Now!
Last Night in Paris
Simply Happy
Time Moves
FilpSide
Deliberate Love

Album Description

Imaginary Piano, is Gary's sixth release, is tough to classify; it's jazz, it's classical, it's rock, it's quiet, it's loud. You will hear drums, bass, horns, strings and, if you listen closely, his imaginary piano. Hopefully, once you hear it, you'll want to run out and get one of your own.

Average customer rating:

An English Silver Rose

R. Strauss: Rosenkavalier (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus [Highlights]
Mozart - Don Giovanni / Garry Magee · Cullagh · Banks · Plazas · Shore · Tierny · PO · David Parry

ASIN: B00000J8QR
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

Der Rosenkavalier: Act I. Opening - Introduction
Der Rosenkavalier: Act I. Opening - How You Were! How You Are! (Octavian, Marschallin)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act I. Conclusion - Ah, There He Goes... (Marschallin, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act I. Conclusion - Ah! You Are Back Again? (Marschallin, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act I. Conclusion - For Time Is A Mysterious Thing (Marschallin, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act I. Conclusion - My Dearest Love, Why Do You Torture Yourself... (Marschallin, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act I. Conclusion - I'll Go Now, Go To Church, And Pray (Marschallin, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act II Opening - Introduction: A Solemn Day, A Wondrous Day
Der Rosenkavalier: Act II Opening - In This Most Wonderful And Serious Moment (Sophie)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act II Opening - It Is An Honor, An Enchantment (Octavian, Sophie)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act II Conclusion - Here I Am
Der Rosenkavalier: Act II Conclusion - Here (Ochs)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act III (Conclusion) - Leupold, Let's Go (Ochs)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act III (Conclusion) - Oh God! The Story Was A Masquerade And No More (Sophie, Octavian, Marschellin)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act III (Conclusion) - Now Or Tomorrow; If Not Tomorrow, Very Soon (Marschallin, Sophie, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act III (Conclusion) - Marie Theres', How Good You Are (Marschallin, Sophie, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act III (Conclusion) - Bliss Is Too Deep To Understand (Marschallin, Sophie, Octavian)
Der Rosenkavalier: Act III (Conclusion) - Bliss Is Too Deep To Understand (Octavian, Sophie)

Amazon.com

Not exactly a highlights disc, this, but a judiciously pruned and fully coherent presentation of a masterpiece that's arguably too verbose for its own good. All the hits are intact: Baron Ochs's rantings, the slithering presentation of the Rose, the velveteen final trio, and, of course, those indestructible waltzes. A little less of the drawn-out opening scene plus the inclusion of the extraordinary Act 3 Prelude would have made this splendid disc utterly perfect. Perhaps one loses the guttural edge and local color of Hugo von Hofmannsthal's German when rendered in the King's English, but the wonderful cast projects every word without sacrificing Strauss's liquid legato. David Parry plays up the composer's frothy textures, keeping his strings away from the unlimited schlag bar. Chandos supplies an excellent synopsis together with full English texts. In sum, the ultimate Rosenkavalier starter's kit, after which you'll want to try the legendary Karajan recording or Erich Kleiber's incandescent account. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

An English Silver Rose.......2000-06-10

This "highlights" recording, one of the most recent of the Chandos "Opera in English" series, is a superlative issue that must be heard by all lovers of Richard Strauss and fine singing. Indeed, the singing is truly exceptional; mention must be made immediately of the silken voiced Octavian of Diana Montague - from start to finish she maintains a scrupulous control of legato and beauty of tone (similar to, but in my view surpassing, Susan Graham). Rosemary Joshua's Sophie surpassess most other more famous singers of this taxing role; she is truly a match for the likes of Lucia Popp and Elisabeth Schumann. Listen to the ravishing floated pianissimos in the presentation of the silver rose scene, and the final trio and duet, and I am sure you will agree. Yvonne Kenny is a Marschallin sensitive to the nuances of both text and music; vocally she is not in the class of a Schwarzkopf, Janowitz or Fleming, but this is a moving portrayal. And Tomlinson, the great Wotan and Hans Sachs of our age, is an amusing, cavernous voiced, (slightly too) boorish Ochs. The success of this performance is also due to the excellent musical support given by the London Philharmonic and conductor David Parry. Those concerned by the fact that this recording is given in English translation need not be; the translation is singer friendly (though not all the words are audible), and the standard of performance is such as to almost make no difference. If only the work were given complete - but this is still a "must buy"!

Music Track:

Music Track

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