After Dark

After Dark

Track Listings

1. Helluva Time

2. Mr. Lonely

3. Cry in the Night

4. Something Wicked This Way Comes

5. Hold on to Yesterday

6. Don't Go Away

7. Hard Life

8. Society

9. Something Wicked [Live]

10. Don't Go Away [Live]

11. Cry in the Night [Live]

12. Helluva Time [Live]

13. Society [Demo Version]

14. N.I.B.

15. Wonderland

16. Christeen

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
80s rock a la Skid Row/Warrant & Black n Blue. Produced by Michael Kelly Smith (Britny Fox, Razmanaz). This re-release includes 8 bonus tracks, featuring rare demos and never before heard live tracks. Perris Records. 2004.

Tracks:

In The Wee Small Hours Of the Morning - Gene Harris
Prelude To A Kiss - Duke Ellington
Everything Happens To Me - Gene Harris
My Funny Valentine - Miles Davis
Why Was I Born - Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane
The Peacocks - Howard Alden
Spring Is Here - Stan Getz
Blue In Green - Bill Evan
Angel Eyes - Scott Hamilton
Corcovado (Quiet Nights) - Charlie Byrd & Ken Peplowski
'Round Midnight - Thelonius Monk

Tracks:

How Long Has This Been Going On? - Karrin Allyson
Our Love Is Here To Stay - Patti Austin
You Are Too Beautiful - Curtis Stigers
At Last - Ella Fitzgerald with Joe Pass
You Go To My Head - Mary Stallings
Don't Misunderstand - Dennis Rowland
Body and Soul - Diana Krall
For All We Know - Susannah McCorkle
You Must Believe In Spring - Tony Bennett with Bill Evan
Sweet and Slow - Carol Sloane
More Than You Know - Mel Torme with the Marty Paich Dek-Tette
I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You - Carmen McRae with George Shearing
Solitude - Billie Holiday
Some Other Time - Ernestine Anderson with George Shearing

Album Description

The ultimate 2-CD collection of late-nite, mood-setting jazz, featuring classic performances by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday! Playboy Jazz label. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Laid back Jazz at it's very best........2006-11-02

My congratulations and salutations to the jazz afficionado who selected these great numbers for this double CD compilation. The vocal CD is my personal favourite, the selection of artists and songs exemplify the term "After Hours". The instrumental CD is beautifully balanced with an array of front line soloists. A great Album which has pride of place in my jazz collection.

Perfect for a quiet romantic evening.......2006-08-10

These CDs are a collection of quiet jazz pieces --real jazz and not the "elevator music" that is sometimes confused with jazz by those who don't understand jazz. These selections are the perfect background for a dinner party or a quiet evening for two, and also just for listening by yourself if you are in a quiet mood. Volumes I and II are each a double CD which provides plenty of good music for the entire evening.

Hef Knows His Stuff.......2006-08-08

This is a wonderful compilation of great performers doing time tested standards. It is not party music, but slow tempo, late night greats.

Great for a jazz novice.......2006-02-22

I'm no expert on jazz, but I know enough to say that this is an excellent beginning to my budding jazz collection...I highly recommend.

Love It!............2006-02-18

For anyone who enjoys jazz as much as I do (and I really, really do), this has definately got to be part of your collection! There isn't a bad song on here for me - I love 'em all. All the songs flow along so well. Finding this introduced me to Karin Allyson whom I'd never heard of before. And of course all the other greats are all here: Nneena Freelon, Sonny Rollins, Duke, Mel Torme, Cannonball, Sarah, etc., etc. I've been listening to this since I picked it up yesterday. Why listen to anything else right now?

Average customer rating:

Classic
A Classic CD that every hip hop fan must buy
This is a rap album that was actually funny!
One of my all-time favorite rap albums...
This is not the '80s

Loc-ed After Dark
Tone-Loc
Manufacturer: Delicious Vinyl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stone Cold Rhymin'
Mack Daddy
To the Extreme
As Nasty as They Wanna Be
It Takes Two

ASIN: B0000589TL
Release Date: 2001-02-20

Tracks:

On Fire (Remix)
Wild Thing
Loc'ed After Dark
I Got It Goin' On
Cutting Rhythms
Funky Cold Medina
Next Episode
Cheeba Cheeba
Don't Get Close
Loc'in On The Shaw
The Homies

Customer Reviews:

Classic.......2006-02-17

Very good 1989 classic for sure.The best songs on this album in my opinion are Wild Thing,Funky Cold Medina,and The Homies.Wild Thing was a very big hit I don't know who hasen't heard it.Funky Cold Medina was the same way very popular.A great old school rap buy for anybody.

A Classic CD that every hip hop fan must buy.......2004-12-26

I don't care who don't likes him and/or never like his style. 'Cause he's my favorite old-school rapper alongside Young MC, MC Hammer, EPMD, Whodini, Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock, Public Enemy, just to name a few artists from that genre.

You see Tone-Loc always keep it real w/o ever negating the positive images that's behind hip-hop. I consider this an album that shows real sides of whats happening in the world of hip-hop right now, one that shows people that kind of rap music is worth listening to.

Now ya'll think he's the worst rapper 'cause he can't rhyme or sing? Are you saying that this s**t is wack? Hell haw, if this is not 4 you, you shouldn't buy it.

That's why a lot of people are hatin on rap right now b/c it's lost its message and/or its voice. I pray we keep our soul alive in the industry w/o ever falling apart.

Every music or must-have fan should have this 'cause they missin' a lot of real stuff that it's happening 'round our culture.

Long story short, my 1st favorites from the album are Funky Cold Medina, Wild Thing and Loc'ed After Dark. I know I love every song I download off this album.

This is highly recommend 4 those who wants to hear real hip-hop. For instance, if u see BROWN SUGAR or ever listen to Kanye West's classic album THE COLLEGE DROPOUT you would know there's a difference between them making a new direction in the hip-hop culture.

I would love for Tone-Loc to come back with a new album in the near future. No rap fan or non-rap lover should hate on this.

This is a rap album that was actually funny!.......2004-11-19

No deep review needed! Just listen to "Wild Thing" and "Funny
Cold" and you will laugh your @ss off! The sad part is that
some of that is because this is so cheesy!

One of my all-time favorite rap albums..........2004-03-29

I grew up on the beginnings of rap. Ice-T, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, UTFO... these groups laid the foundations for what was to come. Approximately 10 years later Ton-Loc comes on the scene when rap was at an all-time low (in my opinion) and dance-music ruled the airwaves. Ton-Loc was different and that's what made him unique amongst all other rap artists. I first heard Ton-Loc's Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina in '89, my senior year in high school. It wasn't until after I graduated that I heard his whole album. A friend of mine had the tape and I practically wore it out when he left it in my car. A lot of reviewers say they dislike Track 10. Me and a friend of mine were building bass systems in our cars before the car audio market started to take hold. Track 10 was and still is THE song we use to test our systems. It's the benchmark we use to this day. Track 10 was perfect for showing up at a friend's house and "announcing" yourself. In later years I ran it through a bass boost filter and made it even more powerful. Move forward 15 years and I'm still listening to this album. I like most every song except for Cheeba and Homies. You just can't find rap like this anymore because it's all been reduced to cussing and demoralization of others. This whole album is so fleshed out, something you don't find in a lot of debut albums. It's timeless in my opinion. I give this one 5 stars because I never get tired of the songs. The music is clean and crisp and sounds great on a decent system. I'm not a big rap fan anymore since most of the music on the radio nowadays is saturated with different incarnations of it, but albums like this take me back to a simpler time when rap was worth listening to.

This is not the '80s.......2004-03-04

This CD features Tone Loc's two smash hits from the late 80s, "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina". These songs are both undeniable rap classics. Unfortunately, the rest of the album is not as good as those two songs. Most of the other songs are pretty forgetable, although "On Fire" is pretty good. The album reaches a definite low point with the five minute long instrumental "Loc'in on the Shaw", which Loc doesn't even appear on. Fans of old school rap may want to get this CD, if only for the two hits.

Average customer rating:

Jazz: Love Songs After Dark
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Pablo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jazz After Dark, Vol. 2
Playboy Jazz After Dark
Hef's Favorites
Playboy Cocktail Mix
Playboy Jazz: In a Smooth Groove

ASIN: B000NJL0CK
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

In A Sentimental Mood - Sarah Vaughan
There Is No Greater Love - Miles Davis
Embraceable You - Jimmy Witherspoon
Come Rain Or Come Shine - Stan Getz
A Time for Love - Jane Monheit
A Time for Love - Jane Monheit
Since I Fell For You - Vince Guaraldi
When I Fall In Love - Joe Williams
Sophisticated Lady - Thelonious Monk
Medley: Change Partners/If You Never Come To Me - Kurt Elling
Body And Soul - Art Pepper
Don't Explain - Nnenna Freelon
My Foolish Heart - Bill Evans

Tracks:

The Touch Of Your Lips - Tony Bennett
Love Is Here To Stay - Rosemary Clooney
More Than You Know - Coleman Hawkins
All The Things You Are - Curtis Stigers
My Romance - Dave Brubeck
How Deep Is The Ocean? - Etta Jones
Like Someone In Love - John Coltrane
I'm In The Mood For Love - John Pizzarelli
Prelude To A Kiss - Duke Ellington
Honeysuckle Rose - Patti Austin
Misty - Joe Pass
Stardust - George Shearing
You Go To My Head - Gene Ammons
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye - Karrin Allyson

Average customer rating:

Looks like we've finally reached the turning point
What's wrong with this album?
Long After Dark
Long after dark is 80's Petty
Straight Into Darkness

Long After Dark
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hard Promises
Southern Accents
Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)
You're Gonna Get It!
Damn the Torpedoes

ASIN: B00005ABKB
Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

A One Story Town
You Got Lucky
Deliver Me
Change Of Heart
Finding Out
We Stand A Chance
Straight Into Darkness
The Same Old You
Between Two Worlds
A Wasted Life

Amazon.com

By the time of this 1982 album, Tom Petty was a bona fide American rock star, if not exactly a pop icon. Perhaps bowing to that status, Petty essentially commercialized a sound that had heretofore worn its Dylan/Byrds influences proudly on its sleeve. Perhaps he and the Heartbreakers had become status conscious--or mistakenly took their oft-misapplied new wave label too close to heart. Or, more likely, Petty's muse was simply strained to the limit after four exceptionally strong albums in a row and the interminable touring that went with them. "Change of Heart" recalls earlier peaks while "You Got Lucky" remains a classic, but there's a sense the album's larger production (including synths and a thicker overall sound) was filling something of a void in Petty's songwriting. All tracks on this edition have been sonically upgraded via digital remastering. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Looks like we've finally reached the turning point.......2006-11-05

In 1982, TPATHB had reached the turning point, from their youthful exuberance and rocking spirit to their maturation as rock artists finding a balance with their music and their vision.

This album marks the transition as good as any after "Hard Promises" visited commercial pop/rock territory perhaps in response to the overwhelming success of their masterwork, the essential rock album, "Damn The Torpedoes".

It kicks of with the midtempo rock of "One Story Town" sung in Petty's familiar drawl. "You Got Lucky" was the albums hit and features a good dose of 80's synthesizer, it is a track people either hate or love, despite its relative success, I think people do not appreciate this song as much as they should. "Deliver Me" is romantic rock and roll and features an outstanding bridge and outro.

"Change Of Heart" starts of with some crunching guitars and is a spirited love song, incidentally released around Valentines Day as the albums 2nd single. It was a live staple of the time and recently dusted off as a suprise on the Last DJ Live at The Olympic show. "Finding Out" recalls earlier spirited rock and is a fast paced rocker with some great backup vocals from new bassist, Howie.

"We Stand A Chance" is perhaps my favourite songs off this album. With its crunching guitar and dark vibe It could have been on "Your Gonna Get It", Petty delivering a menacing vocal. Back to midtempo with "Straight Into Darkness" which is a popular track that is Bruce Springsteen even loved. "The Same Old You" may have attitude but misfires in my opinion, some of the singing sounds sloppy and it doesnt hold up.

"Between Two Worlds" is the albums other nadir, I just never got into this song. It is not terrible but the album could have done without it for sure. The closer sounds Ferry/Bowie inspired and is one of the most unique songs Tom sung. "A Wasted Life" will draw you in and will not let you go.

In the end we have an overlooked rock album, one of the best from 1982 that has at least 8 fantastic songs and 2 weaker tracks which seperates this work from say, "Damn The Torpedoes". For new Petty fans make this purchase as your 4th or 5th Petty album. You won't be dissapointed.

What's wrong with this album?.......2006-07-09

I'm with most everybody else in the reviews section - what's wrong with this disc? I recall it was panned when it came out, and it's been lumped with the "lower-tier" of Petty's work (Echo, Let Me Up, She's The One). My ears hear something else. This has got a lot more spunk and energy than nearly all the tracks on Hard Promises. The Mike Campbell riffs are solid throughout, and Petty didn't lose any of his ability to write a good melody. You Got Lucky (anybody get tired of watching that video on MTV? - I did), One Story Town, Change of Heart, Deliver Me, and Straight Into Darkness all hold up pretty well after 20 plus years. Sure, Long After Dark isn't Wildflowers or Full Moon Fever or Damn The Torpedos, but if you have a hankering of for a straight slice of American rock, this should meet your needs.

Long After Dark.......2006-07-05

If you had been a Tom Petty fan for 30 years .Like I have . Then you should up date your cass. Buy this great cd from Amazon.com It will sure to get you ROCKING!!!! Thank in getting my order to me fastter then you said you would!! Thank you Amazon.com. Debbie

Long after dark is 80's Petty.......2005-12-22

Oh ya know when are we going except albums from the time period it was in.The Eighties was just that,keyboards,synthesizers,snare drums and commercialism.LONG AFTER DARK is simply a follow up to Damn The Torpedos with a more poppy zing.I grew up through that period this album released 1982.Tom took two years in between in making albums and not like today its get it out quick.The songs like Change of Heart and Deliver Me are great and You Got Lucky which MTV played it to death{cool video though} are just a reminder that this station boosted alot of stars.Although this is a forgotten album us 40 year ols out there remember this time period quite well.Right Guys and Girls you know who you are!!! The Eighties had alot of good stuff out there and bad too.There isn't too many classics left people whether they're too old or dead,Tom Petty doesn't have to make a name for himself he already did that on Damn the Torpedos in 79, thats 26 years ago.Just one last note I agree with one of the writers Wildflower was a boring album but to many its gold.I love Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen in fact thats all I play where Born in the USA is a great frizbie.The point is and Sly from the group Family stone sang it best Different strokes for different folks.

Straight Into Darkness.......2005-11-19

This often overlooked TP and the Heartbreakers album is one of thier best. There are some new elements (the often mentioned synth that Benmont Tench plays like a pro, and a new bass player, the late Howie Epstein) but the essentials, good songs and strong guitar work by Mike Campbell, are all here. I've always loved this album and now I have the remasted CD.

Average customer rating:

Sweet
Sexy,sexy.sexy
Playboy Rises Again

Jazz After Dark, Vol. 2
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Playboy Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Playboy Jazz After Dark
Playboy Jazz: In a Smooth Groove
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Jazz for the Quiet Times

ASIN: B0007X9UE2
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

In A Sentimental Mood (3:17) Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet
Goodbye (6:12) Cannonball Adderley with Bill Evans
When I Fall In Love (4:23) Miles Davis
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (4:36) Coleman Hawkins
Come Rain or Come Shine (4:45) Art Pepper
I Fall In Love Too Easily (6:07) Gene Harris / Scott Hamilton Quintet
Emily (5:52) Jim Hall & George Shearing
All Too Soon (3:51) Duke Ellington
Born to Be Blue (7:03) Gary Burton & Friends
I Thought About You (5:18) Dave Brubeck Quartet
Alone Together (6:49) Chet Baker
What's New (4:57) Marian McPartland with Chris Potter
Ruby, My Dear (6:19) Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane

Tracks:

My Romance (3:44) Tony Bennett
Easy Living (4:36) Sarah Vaughan (with Oscar Peterson)
If I Should Lose You (2:16) Carmen McRae (with George Shearing)
My Foolish Heart (6:55) Curtis Stigers
Lover Man (4:30) Rosemary Clooney
I Didnt Know Enough About You (4:43) Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass
Fool on the Hill / Nature Boy (3:46) Peter Cincotti
Say It (Over and Over Again) (6:00) Karrin Allyson
Don't Explain (6:38) Abbey Lincoln
The Man I Love (3:27) Patti Austin
If You Could See Me Now (4:47) Mel Tormwith Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass)
Good-Bye My Love (3:56) Diane Schuur
The Meaning of the Blues (5:59) Nnenna Freelon

Amazon.com

The title Jazz After Dark II references late night seduction as conjured up in the slow, but purposeful, pace of ballads. The set's two discs are smartly divided into instrumentals and vocals. The thematic focus aligns a broad range of players from Chet Baker to Ella Fitzgerald. There are the classicists (Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington) and the modernists (Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk), with small combos and duets being the setting for them all. The vocal disc covers the greater span of years, with performances by contemporary singers (including Curtis Stigers, Karrin Allyson, and Peter Cincotti) alongside vintage tracks by some of their mentors and influences. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Sweet.......2007-03-02

JAZZ AFTER DARK II presents an interesting mix of instrumental and vocal, both new and old. The moods created are at times contemplative, affectionate, woeful, entranced. An all-star program of great jazz standards provides the listener (or participant) with two hours of fine and dulcet music. Program commentary and track personnel are included. For all lovers of sweet jazz, and all lovers.

TOTAL RUNNING TIMES --
DISC ONE -- 70:08
DISC TWO -- 61:52

Sexy,sexy.sexy.......2006-04-25

ever heard some sultry jazz during a love scene in a movie, or maybe a film noire, and said to yourself-"who is that and where do I get it?!" this CD is the answer, with one disc instumental and etherial, and the other with voice and unique song sytlists. Curtis Stigers! who woulda thunk it, but that cut works as well as the other. this is a must for rainy night alone, with your favorite squeeze; or maybe an afternoon at dusk. Enjoy the classics that PB put together in a pefect mix. There is a reason that this music is timeless... find out

Playboy Rises Again.......2005-07-16

Playboy may be many things to many people, but one thing the iconic label is for sure - and that's a connoiseur of unadorned, raw and searing jazz. Unfortunately, most follow up compilations such as this (Playboy issued JAD I a few years ago) are usually never as good as the original and are just an attempt at a quick cash-in. Thankfully this is not the case with JAD II. If anything, this one improves on the original. Like JAD I, this 2-cd set consists of one instumental disc and one vocal. The selections simply never miss and the mood is sustained throughout. Playboy may have made sex mainstream, but this music is all romance with just a hint of naughty. Here's hoping JAD III continues in this superlative tradition. In the meantime, shuffle both JAD I and JAD II and you've got nearly four hours of some of the greatest American music ever recorded. A must.

Average customer rating:

Pure beauty
WHAT A GIFT!
Incredible voice - Incredible CD
The Best
Charlotte is NO match...

Pure

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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My Gift to You
Hayley Westenra
Odyssey
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Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand

ASIN: B0000TCP9A
Release Date: 2003-11-10

Tracks:

Across the Universe of Time
Never Say Goodbye
Beat of Your Heart
Pokarekare Ana
Who Painted the Moon Black?
River of Dreams
Benedictus
Hine E Hine
Dark Waltz
Amazing Grace
My Heart and I
In Trutina
Heaven
Wuthering Heights
Pokarekare Ana [*] - Russell Watson, Hayley Westenra

Tracks:

Silent Night [*]
Away in a Manger [*]
Mary Did You Know? [*]
Mummers' Dance [*]

Album Description

A major artist in her native New Zealand, with a performance portfolio that includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Russell Watson. Hayley's voice so inspired New Zealand opera diva Dame Malvina Major she offered to tutor her. The first edition of this album was one of the fastest selling records in the classical genre of all time, surpassing even Charlotte Church! This limited edition includes one bonus track on disc one, 'Pokareare Ana' (duet with Russell Watson), & a bonus four track Christmas CD featuring, 'Away In A Manger', 'The Mummers' Dance', 'Mary Did You Know?', & 'Silent Night'. 19 tracks in all. Decca. 2003.

Album Details

Limited Edition Version of the Debut Album from New Zealand Singer Hayley Westenra Comes with a Bonus Disc featuring Four Christmas Songs, Including a Version of the Loreena Mckennitt Song "The Mummer's Dance". Also Includes "my Heart and I" which Does Not Appear on the USA Version.

Customer Reviews:

Pure beauty.......2005-09-06

Ever since Charlotte Church turned into a tabloids' darling and a wannabe pop star, there's been a gap opened for a young, sweet-faced soprano. The best bet on filling it seems to be Hayley Westenra, a young singer/dancer from New Zealand.

The result: "Pure," an album that is reminiscent of early Sarah Brightman, back when she did folk songs and showtunes. Westenra sticks close to her classical sound with songs like the delicate "In Trutina" and the traditional New Zealand song "Pokarekare Ana," which is rendered with the backing of a a rather muddled male chorus and some swelling strings.

However, Westenra doesn't neglect more modern songs, and she does well in classical pop as well as straightforward classical. The big difference seems to be a bit of synth and a delicate guitar melody, in songs like the charming "Beat of Your Heart" and dreamy "Why Painted the Moon Black?" It's a smooth, thoroughly sweet crossover effect.

Westenra also eschews the usual round of classical-pop songs, like "Nella Fantasia." I love that song, but it's been done so many times. Instead, she opts for Maori lullabies, Vivaldi ballads, the neglected "Mummer's Dance" and the orchestral cathedral grandeur of "Benedictus." She even covers Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights," adding a modern feel to the finale.

That is not to say that every choice is an excellent one. "Wuthering Heights" has Westenra trying to sound more Bush-ian, while "Amazing Grace" is too simple vocally. Aside from those, her choices of song are excellent -- rich, uplifting and beautiful, and backed by a wide range of orchestral musicians, especially the strings.

There is also an accompanying EP, in which Westenra covers four Christmas ballads, and does them all justice. Her vocals are well suited to the dignified lyrics of songs like "The Mummer's Dance" and "Silent Night," although a bit less for the still-lovely "Mary Did You Know" and "Away in a Manger."

Her vocals themselves are not operatic, but they are strong, clear and sweet, without pretensions or dramatic flourishes. The effect is stunning, more given to magic and sweetness than to keeping to classical standards. Since this was recorded when Westenra was only sixteen, one wonders how good she'll be in ten years.

Despite comparisons to Charlotte Church, Hayley Westenra is more like Sarah Brightman -- a sweet-voiced singer, straddling the fence between classical and pop. An enchanting experience.

WHAT A GIFT!.......2004-12-20

I RECEIVED THESE 2 CDS AS A GIFT AND I LISTEN TO THEM FREQUENTLY. HER PERFORMANCE WITH RUSSELL WATSON (ON DVD)ON HIS TOUR IS WONDERFUL. I CAN'T WAIT FOR A NEW ALBUM. WOULD LIKE TO GET HER NEW SONG, BRIDAL BALLAD, FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Incredible voice - Incredible CD.......2004-04-29

I recently saw Hayley on TV and had to immediately buy this CD. Her voice is so clear and pure, and her songs are filled with lyrical emotion.

It is an absolutely incredible CD that any music lover should have in their collection. My favorite song is Wuthering Heights.

The Best.......2004-04-27

Her album is the best, voice of an angel.......you can totally relakes to her music.

Charlotte is NO match..........2003-12-15

Hayley is just phenomenal. There is no doubt that she surpasses every other female artist in her genre. This CD is astonishing. My two favorite songs are "Heaven" and "Wuthering Heights". The first Hayley Westenra song I ever heard was "Heaven". It would not be the last. Her voice is like that of an angel. She has a smooth, serene sound, and she has an incredible range. If you want a more classical sound, you want her. It's not that gaudy stuff that people generally think of. This stuff has a beat... and it's not pumping with bass. If you're a fan of Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, Charlotte Church, or Mario Frangoulis... try Hayley Westenra, you won't regret it. I just can't wait 'til she comes to the states... that'll be a good day. She has a few Italian songs, but she's not heavy on the foreign stuff like some of the other artists of Opera / Classical. She's got a wonderful voice for a little girl... I'm a huge fan, Hayley! You roped me in, in about 2 minutes time!

Average customer rating:

Excllenet follow up to their debut CD
SEXY, SEXY, SEXY!!!!!!
R&B Classic!
True R&B!!!!
One of the Great R & Bee Ballads of the 90s....

Beggin' After Dark
H-Town
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Imitations Of Life
Like It Slow
Rome
Diary of a Mad Band
Lose Control

ASIN: B000003BVE
Release Date: 1994-11-08

Tracks:

H-Town Intro '94
Sex Bowl
One Night Gigolo
Prelude To Emotion
Emotions
Cruisin' Fo' Honeys
Full Time
1-900-CALL GI
Tumble & Rumble
Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)
Beggin' After Dark
Indo Love
Back Seat (With No Sheets)
Buss One
Baby I Love Ya'
Sticky Lee Presley
Rockit Steady
The Last Record

Customer Reviews:

Excllenet follow up to their debut CD.......2006-11-16

After a sucessful first album and follow up single Part Time Love from the Above The Rim soundtrack ;H-Town went back into the studio to record their sophomore album Beggin' After Dark. The album wasn't sucessful as the first but true R&B fans know that it was a quality album. The most popular single from this album was the underplayed and also underrated "Emotions". Other hits included "Sex Bowl", "Full Time", "Much Feelin' (And It Tastes Great)", and "Baby I Love Ya" featuring the late Roger Troutman. One of the strongest songs that wasn't a single is One Night Gigloo.

SEXY, SEXY, SEXY!!!!!!.......2005-03-11

This cd was just as good as the first one!! But this one is a little more sexy and seductive!! And with voices like those....It's enough to make any woman wanna scream!!!!!

R&B Classic!.......2005-01-08

This Cd still gets play in my truck today, simply a classic! (R.I.P. DINO)

True R&B!!!!.......2003-02-23

This is one of my all time favorite albums! I've been a die-hard fan of H-Town's from the beginning. From start to finish this album is just beautiful.... the music, the melodies, harmonies and the emotion is so incredible. If you love r&b and smooth slow jams this is for you. R.I.P. "Dino", Kevin Conner, your soul stirring and passionate vocals have inspired me and I will love you forever.

One of the Great R & Bee Ballads of the 90s...........2001-04-02

The great underrated and underplayed tune "Emotions" presented here on H-Town's 2nd CD. I think it got lost in the Jodeci-R. Kelly 90's music era rush...Most people I know kinda dug "Sex Bowl" from this same CD, too.

Average customer rating:

A very nice follow-up to "Soul Embrace".
Saxxy and Sensuous
Smooth Jazz atits best!
Sax lover
Sax lover

After Dark
Richard Elliot
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005GWH
Release Date: 1994-10-18

Tracks:

Streetbeat
Song for Her
As I Sleep
After Dark
El Anio
Tonight
On the Run
If Tomorrow Never Comes
Hold Me Tight
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
The Boys from the Bay
Candlelight
So Special
Slow it Down

Amazon.com

Richard Elliot, a former member of Tower of Power, Kittyhawk, and the Yellowjackets, is a tenor saxophonist with a creamy tone and a penchant for pretty background melodies played over steady but uninspired rhythm tracks. After Dark, includes a heavy-breathing Jeffrey Osborne vocal on "If Tomorrow Never Comes," a synth-drenched remake of "Bridge over Troubled Water," and two house-influenced dance tracks produced by Tony Terry and a reunion with Tower of Power on "The Boys from the Bay." Like a number of smooth jazz contenders, Elliot is a pop instrumentalist rather than a jazz musician, but even as a popster he has trouble finding a strong personality for his recordings. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

A very nice follow-up to "Soul Embrace"........2007-07-08

Elliot's 1993 album "Soul Embrace" is my favorite album by saxophonists pop instrumentalist Richard Elliot and looking back on it, it was tough to follow up on that one but he accomplishes that with his 1994 gem entitled "After Dark". While not quite as strong or consistant as it's predecessor, this CD still features some very strong cuts like "As I Sleep", the confident and haunting "Candlelight" to the final atmospheric classic "Slow It Down". Many years and albums have come and gone since this album came out but both this and "Soul Embrace" and maybe "Chill Factor" are the one's that have as of writing this held up over the years. Highly recommended for pop instrumental lovers.

Saxxy and Sensuous.......2006-01-15

Build a fire, pour a glass of wine and revel in the sensuous tones of Richard Elliot's Sax.
This was my first, and it won't be my last by this terrific musician.
If you love smooth, easy, tones of jazz you'll love this CD.

Smooth Jazz atits best!.......2004-09-30

An awesome display of music! This CD is worth more than you will pay. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Sax lover.......2000-08-24

This was the first CD by Richard Elliot that I had the privilege to Listen to. Needless to say I have several of his CD's in my collection now. Without going into a lot of detail it is still my favorite(maybe because it was my first). There is not a bad song on it. Richard is melodic, soulful, and smooth. At the same time he is funky, brash, and bold. The man can play any style and play it well. Just one warning! If you buy one of his CD's you will want them all! Happy Listening.

Sax lover.......2000-08-24

Average customer rating:

I liked the Bartok. The rest of it...meh
The Gypsy-within
Rubbish
one of the best albums ever
Overshadowed by technique

Gypsy

Manufacturer: Well-Tempered Produc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach Works for Violin Solo
Bach: The Concerto Album
Re: Bach
Bowfire
Violin Concertos

ASIN: B000003Y37
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

'Carmen' Fantasie
Variations On Dark Eyes (Occhi Chornye)
Second Rhapsody
La Gitana
Zigeunerweisen
Gypsy Nocturne
Tzigane
Czardas Caprice

Amazon.com

Lara St. John often displays her anatomy on her CD covers, but she has more to offer than that. In this entertaining collection, she plays freely and on a very large scale, just what gypsy music requires. It may not take much intellect to play Waxman's Carmen Fantasy (I like Sarasate's better, anyway). But it does take intellect, and lots more, to play Bartók's Second Rhapsody as convincingly as she does here, with the very assertive collaboration of Ilan Rechtman. St. John doesn't make the difficulties of Ravel and Sarasate sound easy, but both musicians play with such flair it doesn't matter. Rechtman's gypsy arrangements are goofy and enjoyable. Wide-range sound. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

I liked the Bartok. The rest of it...meh.......2006-05-20

Overall, this wasn't a bad album, just a silly one. Most of these "gypsy" themed confections are throwaway encore pieces anyway, and one really cannot fill an album with nothing but encores. Thus, a few genuinely weighty compositions from Ravel & Bartok are necessary to fill out the album as a whole.

Sadly, she struggles at times with the Tzigane and gives an interpretation that I did not care for at all. What appears to be some overly close miking did not help matters, as one can at times hear her fingers hitting the strings & fingerboard, as well as occasional scratchy bowing.

The Bartok, however --- this gives me hope that perhaps some day Lara St. John can get away from dippy albums such as this and concentrate on making some real music. There is real, honest-to-goodness musical sophistacation to be found here. Why can't she do this all of the time?

The Gypsy-within .......2006-01-29

Its fair to say that violinist Lara St. John projects a public image that can be described as provocative, daring, uninhibited and free-spirited (forget the open top here - check out the bold leather blazer, confident hand on hip, daring look in her eyes and violin at the ready). While such an attitude may not be to the taste of all, it would seem ideally suited for bringing out the drama and passion of Gypsy-inspired music - a genre of music definately not for the timid or academic-at-heart. Indeed such music is far from the formal restraints of Bach which this Canadian violinist first made her mark. But judging from the tantilizing result here, Miss St. John's personna and talents are a great match for this music. Also a factor must have been her frequent trips in her youth to the epicenters of this tradition - Russia, Yugoslavia and Hungary - which perhaps awakened the Gypsy-within. Regardless, she is stellar in this Gypsy repertoire on this CD - as is her musical partner, Israeli pianist Ilan Rechtman.

While more-aquainted with music from Bach to Beethoven to Brahms, I was not too familar with the music of this genre before hearing this CD - so I had no idea what to expect. And I also cannot say how her readings here compare to X, Y or Z. But, I have to say every piece on the CD caught my interest and admiration and jazzed me. While Miss St. John is the cover star of this recording, pianist Rechtman is equally fabulous from the piano. I was impressed with his clear sense of direction and non-intrusive flair in the music - and especially his three original arrangements (the Gypsy Nocturne being particularly poetic and moving).

St. John and Rechtman show wonderful synergy here with crisp ensemble, elegance when needed (Chornye) and with the right intensity and bravura to ignite the spirit behind the compositions. Showmanship is a big part of Gypsy, and both these musicians step up confidently - but not in an annoying way - producing a most electrifying and satisfying result. St. John brings great nuance of color, inflection and flair to her lines that are sung with a similtaneous gorgeous and evocative quality (in Ravel and Bartok especially). Equally fascinating is her harmonics, pizacatto and bowing subtleties in Sarasate's "Zigeunerweisen" that are downright mezmerizing. Perhaps others may play some of the pieces more accurately to the score or with more of this or that, but I found each work musically fascinating, tonally gorgeous and with the ability to hold you in suspense throughout the piece. The range of selections is excellent: from the serene and rhapsodic "Gypsy Nocturne" ... to the graceful lyricism of Kriesler ... to the virtuostic and passionate Sarasate piece ... to the curiously-emotive modern works from Bartok and Ravel. The quirky Bartok number may be her most intelligently conceived effort of the program which she plays with great furvour. In all of these, St. John coaxes fascinating nuances of timbre along with a huge, powerful tone from her instrument, well-earning her merits as a "soloist par-excellence." Judging by the 4.5 star average rating for this CD, most others seem to agree as well.

Other highlights include a very compelling little history of the origins of Gypsy music (orginating from low-caste tribes from India) and a rather lengthy description of the HDCD and 56-bit digital signal processing technology used for this recording (Sonic Solutions). The technical talk here is not hype as the recording quality is indeed absolutely brilliant: super clear, super vivid and with a perfect balance between instruments. It really allows the music to come alive and out of the speakers. In fact, I would say it is one of the best-sounding CD's I have out of a few hundred. In summary, this fine duo find a marvelous spirit and rhythm within this music and give a most invigorating performance that commands as much attention as the violinist's cover photos. (In case you are wondering, Miss St. John is 34 this year). But, more should be said about the fine pianist, Ilan Richtman, whose spirited pianism creates a energetized backdrop for St. John's pyrotechnics (but who is unfortunately missing from the cover photo). Fascinating music, dazzling performances, super-realistic sound and a surprize favorite - 5 stars.

Rubbish.......2005-07-24

This is an excellent album if you subscribe to the school of thought where "virtuosity" in the violin essentially equates to "dragging notes and comprehencively ignoring what is written on the page in the name of expressionism". I have heard better playing at amateur recitals from violinists half her age. I find it rather sad that her label knows this and peddles it anyway, plastering her pretty face everywhere in a blatant publicity attempt.

one of the best albums ever.......2004-08-03

The violinist on this album is just out of this world. What an artist!!! Her technic is amazing, her musicality is breath-taking, her spirit is just one of a kind. Together with her pianist and arranger Ilaan Rechtman, they have created one of my very favorite CDs. I never get tired of the music. It is both easy to listen and yet, deep and most interesting. I highly recommend this to every type of a listener. My favorite track is Carmen Fantasy. It makes all the other Carmen renditions I've heard totally pale in comparison. Don't miss this great album.

Overshadowed by technique.......2004-02-04

There is no doubt that Lara St. John demonstrated her incredible talent and violin genius in this album. In doing so however, the improvs to show technique in some instances overshadowed the melody. Some portions of the famous traditional Occhi Chornye (Dark Eyes) were barely recognizable. If you would like to be impressed by violin virtuoso technique, this is the album for you. If you'd like to enjoy piano and violin gypsy combo however, I recommend Sergei Trofanov's "Gypsy Passion". Start with Tzigane Russe and I guarantee you'll hear piano and violin techniques which are awesome and yet, maintain the integrity of the composition for the true Gypsy violin lovers. _Raoul Watson

Kurt Weill: Life, Love, & Laughter--Dance Arrangements, 1927-50

Average customer rating:

SAIL ON, KURT!
Not at All Vile Weill
ELEVATOR MUSIC

Kurt Weill: Life, Love, & Laughter--Dance Arrangements, 1927-50
H.K. Gruber , and Palast Orchestra
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ein Freund ein Guter Freu
Krokodile und Andere Hausfreunde
Wochenend und Sonnenschein
Superhits Präsentiert Vom Palast Orchester
Superhits V.2

ASIN: B000055YBR
Release Date: 2001-02-12

Tracks:

Mile After Mile
Bilbao Song
Stay Well
Life, Love And Laughter
My Ship
Green-up Time
The Little Gray House
Blues Potpourri
September Song
All At Once
Le Roi d'Aquitaine (Waltz)
Foxtrot Potporri
Alabama Song
Lied Der Jenny
Speak Low
It Never Was You
What Good Would the Moon Be
Tango Ballade
Kanonen-Song

Amazon.com

Here's a disc of 19 familiar and unfamiliar Kurt Weill songs arranged for dance band and played by an expert group of specialists in Roaring Twenties band music. They're led by singer-conductor-composer H.K. Gruber, whose previous recordings include Weill's Die Dreigroschenoper. The result is a start-to-finish delight. From the first notes, you're beamed back in time to one of those sleek transatlantic passenger liners, sitting in an art deco ballroom watching elegant couples in tuxedos and ball-gowns swirl by while the band plays hits from Weill's German and Broadway triumphs. Sure, the venom is leached from the originals, but who needs agitprop when you're on a dance floor? The arrangements are by a variety of hands, hired by Weill's European and American publishers with his approval to get more mileage from his musical theater works. They're delightfully square rhythmically and formulaic in transferring Weill's music to conventional dance bands, but the music still holds up and is fun to hear in its new clothes. A special treat is the eight tracks with Max Raabe, whose light tenor and falsetto singing preserve the spirit of Weill's songs, as well as perfectly mimic the boy band singers of times gone by. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

SAIL ON, KURT!.......2006-04-23

I wouldn't take offence here oh, Weill purists! These reconstructions are charming and harmonically reverent to their originals, more than could be said for many versions of the Weill Songbook through the decades, including Lou Reed's friendly `adaptation' of the September Song's chord progression and melodic line!

Shoenberg and Webern expressed their disdain of Weill's music; curiously, Arnold had also disclosed a secret wish of having his own audiences walk back home "whistling his tunes", oh, don't ask why... You can certainly whistle, hum and sway your partner now, as the transatlantic's bouncy dancehall sails on just as Kurt, Lotte and the lot of them did when escaping the lethal hounds of early 30s Berlin.... the-next-little-dollar bound.

Not at All Vile Weill.......2001-08-13

The ever versatile HK Gruber has done it again digging up these gorgeous dance arrangements for Weill's music--proving, if anything, Weill's versatility. Anyone familiar with the Capriccio historical Weill recordings will be aware of the long tradition of dance bands taking Weill's music as the lead for dance music or pop music incarnations (all the way up through the more obvious appropriations familiar to Americans: Mack the Knife and September Song). Hardly MUZAK arrangements (listen to the delicate violin in track 17's "What Good Would the Moon Be" to hear what I mean), this generous helping of 19 songs offers a chance to see Weill through a delightfully different but entirely compatible lens. Max Raabe provides the ideal vocal compliment on 8 of the tracks, his tenor floating effortlessly into his head voice suggesting a "period" sound reminiscent of Bing Crosby. The import title for this disc is "Charming Weill," and that modest adjective expresses the least of its virtues.

ELEVATOR MUSIC.......2001-05-23

This is a very strange CD: why would anyone want to take the quirky rhythms and melodies of the great Kurt Weill and "tame" them into dance arrangements? Certainly one has listened to (& even perhaps admired) dance arrangements of composers from Victor Herbert to Cole Porter to Jerry Herman, but these are all, if you will, main stream composers-- men whose music sounds good in original Broadway or Hollywood arrangements and just as good (or almost as good) as played by a dance band...think "Begin The Beguine" as done by Fred Astaire on film or "Begin The Beguine" done by Jo Stafford with the Paul Weston Orchestra.

But Weill was an innovator: a man who can still be listened to experiencing the thrill of something fresh and new. One immediately thinks of his collaborations with Bertolt Brecht in Germany: "Threepenny Opera" and "The Rise & Fall Of The City of Mahagonny" or "The Seven Deadly Sins", etc. his American opera, "Street Scene" with Langston Hughes or his American musical plays: "One Touch of Venus" with Ogden Nash or "Love Life" with Alan Jay Lerner, etc. The songs on this CD all deserve great recordings from the "Alabama Song" to "September Song" but they turn into a kind of flattened elevator music instead of having fresh interpretations or even more traditional ones. What happens is that the longing in "What Good Would the Moon Be" and the romance of "Speak Low" and the raucousness of "Bilbao Song" are all much too similar and much too easy.

It's a little weird to think of husbands whispering to their wives," Listen, honey, they're playing 'As You Make Your Bed' from "Mahagonny".........let's fox trot!"

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