Simple Things

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Genuinely moving at times, a bit sentimental at others, pianist Jim Brickman's seventh career release is ultimately a worthwhile, satisfying package. Adhering to the simplicity theme, Brickman front-loads the disc with 10 melodic, nonvocal tracks (a gracious nod to longtime fans), then tacks on a trio of vocal selections. Even instrumental hard-liners, though, should indulge in the disc's fetching title track. Penned with Beth Neilsen Chapman and sung sweetly by fresh country talent Rebecca Lynn Howard), it's a sparkling reaffirmation of Brickman's substantial pop songwriting skills. Those looking for deeper rewards will find them on "The Promise," a beautiful, reflective work that ranks among Brickman's finest compositions: the spare orchestrations (random violin, guitar, electronics) in the first nine pieces that focus the disc's emotional directness on Brickman's piano; the urbane grooves that energize "Serenade." Occasionally ("Catching Twilight," "Gate 41"), Brickman takes aim at easier emotional targets, playing more notes (with more force) than seems necessary, plus the heart-clutching "A Mother's Day" seems out of place here. But these are minor blemishes. Overall, it's an engaging recording. --Terry Wood

Simple Things,Jim Brickman,Windham Hill Records,Adult Contemporary,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Simple Things

Tracks:

I Have Seen
Polaris
Destiny
Give It Away
Simple Things
Red Dust
Distractions
In The Waiting Line
Out Of Town
This World
Likufanele
End Theme
Salt Water Sound
Spinning

Amazon.com

Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop (as found on their debut LP, Simple Things) would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chill-out connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, two Frenchmen beat Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker to the title of "masters of comedown cool," leaving the London duo to be forever called "the British Air." And this is fair; the similarities between Zero 7's lush cinematic soundscapes and those of Air's Moon Safari and the Virgin Suicides score are so strong as to sound almost intentional. Nonetheless, their debut is a truly gorgeous album. It has all the tried and tested atmospheric tricks--bleeps and whooshes layered over plodding Fender Rhodes chords, swathes of strings and tender trumpet parps--but it's Binns and Hardaker's languid grooves and the soft melancholy of their melodies that make dream-state instrumentals "Give It Away" and "Polaris" utterly enchanting. The real power of Simple Things, however, is in its songs. As beautiful as the ambient strains are, when laid beneath the seductive vocals of Australian diva Sia on the ethereal "Destiny" or the heart-breaking "Distractions," their potency becomes apparent. --Dan Gennoe

Album Description

2001 debut full length for dance act described as, 'the British Air', the follow-up to two limited, critically acclaimed EPs. Highlights include the awesome African influenced instrumental passage 'Likufanele', the velvety 'I Have Seen' feat. Mozez & the quiet storm of 'Destiny' feat. Sia. Quango.

Customer Reviews:

WOW!.......2007-08-04

This is a dynamite CD! Over 72 minutes long with clean tasty production & beautiful singing & melodies. It's universally appealing:I've played this for many people of different backgrounds from Brazilian to American and they all like it. This music takes you to another place. Get this one it's a keeper!

Chill - Out Virtuosos at Work.......2007-08-01

I'm very skeptical of ambient-type releases. However, zero7's "simple things" is a very listenable album. English artists have always been generally comfortable in an electronic environment, and zero7 is no exception. This album will range from excercises in electronic minimalism to tracks weaving funky bass lines laced with sultry vocal tracks and sprinkled with notes of rising string instruments.

The problem with most ambient music is that it is far too passive; produced with the full intention of staying in the background without being intrusive. "simple things" does not fall into that category. There is a soul, a backbone if you will, to the production. This album is just sexy and is a perfect soundtrack to any amorous couple's bedroom.

5 stars? Nah........2007-07-30

I am a big downtempo fan, and finally got around to checking out this album, based on its popularity and reviews. The music is ok, but nothing really stood out for me. The track I liked the most was track 11. Check out Bar Lounge Classics - volumes 1, 2 and 3. Great stuff there.

Mere Words Cannot Explain This Music.......2007-07-24

I've listened to a lot of music in my day, but I can safely say I had not lived musically until I heard this CD. Blowing me away would not be strong enough to describe Simple Thing's effect on me. Don't be deceived by reviews that paint this music as existing only relative to others (Air), or depicting it only as a brand of tricky electronic virtuosity. Rather, this is incredibly ethereal music that demands a careful and intent listening. Listen on the freeway when you can focus on the sounds and not be distracted by the demands of stop and go driving. Go into a meditative state and then listen. Or, use some of a well-known herb and prepare to be sent into the stratosphere. The depths of the musicianship and craftmanship behind this performance are beyond my comprehension. I've listened to thousands of CD's in my day, in all genres, but this one has become my favorite after only several listenings. Nothing at all short of incredible.

Fantastic.......2007-04-05

Suave, Refined -- So Cool. I really enjoy this album.
My favorites in this album are "Destiny", "Distractions" (sublime) and "In the Waiting Line".

Average customer rating:

Allure of Sanctuary
Allure of Sanctuary
A Brilliant Piano Album (reviewed by Stephen Cairns at [...])
Allure of Sanctuary
from Solo Piano Publications

Allure of Sanctuary
Karen Marie Garrett
Manufacturer: Karen Marie Garrett Publishing, Waterstreet Records and Publishing Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BGQXKE
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Tip Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)
Lake EWOK Muse (Piano & Cello)
Simple Things
Allure of Sanctuary
Welcome B.
The Green Hills
Gnossienne No 1
Gnossienne No 2
Gnossienne No 3
Will's Song
Toll of War
Lake EWOK Muse Reprise (Piano Solo)

Album Description

A STUNNING CD RELEASE BY KAREN MARIE GARRETT AND LEGENDARY PRODUCER WILL ACKERMAN, creator of Windham Hill Records, gold and platinum record producer, and Grammy Award-Winning recording artist.

Recorded between George Lucas' Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California and Mr. Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studio in Windham County, Vermont.

VICTORY REVIEW; ACOUSTIC MUSIC RESOURCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST; TOM PETERSEN
"Karen Marie Garrett is a top-drawer pianist headed for bigger things. Allure of Sanctuary is the Olympia artist's third release, following a straight classical disc and another in this New Age vein. This new release is as soothing as it's intended, but it's also energizing. Where a lot of New Age is so light it begins to drift and grow unidentifiable, Garrett's compositions are distinct, with melodies for the listener to hook into. It's billed as New Age, but several cuts qualify as Light Jazz - very mellow Vince Guaraldi, perhaps. Thus, Garrett is a distinctive new artist in this field and could, with the right promotion, see herself at the top of the New Age charts (Allure is already getting significant airplay on Easy Listening stations). It won't hurt a bit that she is a pupil of the founder of the New Age genre, Will Ackerman; nor do dead-enders get invited to record their albums at Skywalker ranch, using Lucas's Bluthner grand! Get this album, neighbors - you can say you "knew her when."

Reaches #8 on Top 100 New Age Radio Charts in just FIVE weeks!

TOP 20 ALBUM LIST OF THE YEAR FOR 2005
Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications, New York

Recipient of ENGLAND'S PIANO HEAVEN "GOLD AWARD"
Stephen Cairns, Piano Heaven, England

Customer Reviews:

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-06-13

Allure of Sanctuary is an outstanding album. The music seems to draw you in and want to play it over again

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-05-13

I received this as an Easter present and it is one of the best CD's I have heard in a long time. The music is wonderful.

A Brilliant Piano Album (reviewed by Stephen Cairns at [...]).......2006-12-09

What an amazing album! This is Karen Marie Garrett's third album, and it is a real find. I am immensely impressed with the delightful melodies which run consistently throughout this album. Tip-Toe Dancer has to be heard to be believed. It is such a beautiful piece of music, and makes the listener want to stand up and start dancing. This track is just one of an album full of highlights. Welcome B and Simple Things are so delicate. This album is produced by Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman. Consequently, the production is first-class. A joy from beginning to end. Bravo!!

Allure of Sanctuary.......2006-07-19

Soothing, relaxing music to release tension and smooth out those tight muscles.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-11-14

"Allure of Sanctuary" is the second CD released by Karen Marie Garrett. It is astounding how much this artist has grown since her 2002 debut, "Pensare Piano." Will Ackerman's gifts as producer certainly helped to make this CD as breathtaking as it is, but if the quality of music isn't there, no producer in the world can give it soul and depth - and this CD has mega-doses of both. A classically-trained pianist from the age of five, Ms. Garrett plays with the strength and emotional clarity that come from years of expressing oneself at the piano, sharing the joys and sorrows of life with the beloved 88's. The twelve pieces include eight original compositions, a lovely arrangement of "The Green Hills" by Brian Gibson, and Erik Satie's "Trois Gnossiennes," performed as originally composed. Most of the pieces are piano solo, but Garrett is joined on two by award-winning cellist Eugene Friesen (I LOVE cello and piano together!). Some of the other tracks have English horn, light percussion, and wordless vocals, but this is truly an incredible piano album.

The CD begins with "Tip-Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)," one of the lighter pieces in this collection. It was inspired by a story told by a close friend about a childhood dance performed for friends and family. Graceful yet playful, it is easy to imagine the seriousness of the young dancer and the warm reception of the adults. "Lake EWOK Muse" is an improvisational duet for piano and cello that followed a sunrise meditation beside Lake EWOK at Skywalker Ranch, where the album was recorded. The feeling of serenity envelops you as you listen to the two artists interact seamlessly, creating a perfect sense of peace. "Simple Things" is a celebration that begins in a classical style reminiscent of a children's piano study and evolves, retaining the sweet melody and simplicity of the message but becoming a full and graceful solo. The title track is fascinating. It begins with a mournful piano prelude and becomes a rhythmic dance with a seductive Spanish flavor. Susan Whittle's vocals and percussion provided by Will Ackerman and Derrick Jordan add to the enchantment. "Will's Song" is an improvisational piece that is so deeply felt that it almost sends a chill - what a beauty! "Toll of War (Adagio)" is a wrenching duet for piano and cello. A profound statement of humanity rather than of politics, the sense of loss and pain reach to the depths of the soul. This is a piece that needs to be heard. The gentle, pensive closing track is a solo piano reprise of "Lake EWOK Muse."

"Allure of Sanctuary" is a must-have CD!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
Top Shelf
TERRIFIC CD'S
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway: The American Musical
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating:

One of Parkening's Finest
Music that perfectly touches the soul ...
The end of a Search
Simple, yet delightful, Gifts!
Exquisite & Divine

Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening , Johann Sebastian Bach , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Engelbert Humperdinck , traditional , Gordon Young , John Rowland , Ronald Ravenscroft , and John Hughes
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Grace Like A River - Christopher Parkening
Jubilation

ASIN: B000002SJJ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Cantata No. 29: Praludium
Our Great Savior
God of Grace and God of Glory
Bretheren, We Have Met To Worship
Deep River
Jesus, We Want To Meet
Hanel & Gretel: Evening Prayer
Hymn of Christian Joy
Simple Gifts
Fairest Lord Jesus
Stir Thy Church, O God Our Father
All Creatures of Our God and King
Quartet, Op. 79 No. 3: Variations On 'Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken'
Solemn Vespers, K. 339: Praise Ye The Lord

Customer Reviews:

One of Parkening's Finest.......2007-01-16

A beautiful and contemplative solo guitar recording of hymns, spirituals and other sacred works such as Mozart's Laudate Dominum and Humperdinck's Evening Prayer. Parkening is in exceptional form, the transcriptions are superb, and the recording itself is of the highest quality. Little wonder this has been an enduring classic since its release in the early 1980s.

Music that perfectly touches the soul ..........2005-10-24

Christopher Parkening is the most musically inventive person playing the classical guitar today; you must purchase this CD if you haven't already. It contains exquisitely beautiful hymns & sacred music (arranged perfectly for guitar, I might add) along with Mr. Parkenings masterful transcriptions of works by Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Humperdinck.

Above all, this is music that glorifies God and that was the ultimate purpose of creating this CD.

The end of a Search.......2005-09-23

Classsical guitar is among the top forms of music and Christopher Parkeniong is one of the greatestartists in this genre, if not the best. I had despaired at ever findinding the CD "Simple Pleasures" and was so very pleased to locate it . I am so enjoying it now. I will be back for more as funds permit.

Simple, yet delightful, Gifts!.......2005-02-21

This was one of the first CD's I purchased back in 1988, and I bought it on a whim. Of the hundreds of CD's I now own, including many genres, this one remains in my list of top 10 favorites for a number of reasons.

1. Mr. Parkening plays every song on it with remarkable technical excellence and clearly discernible passion.
2. It includes classical, folksy, and reflective material, which could create a rough flow, but Mr. Parkening moves deftly from mood to mood leaving the listener with a sense of seamless transitions.
3. Although the songs on it are all religious classics they are played without pretense, which makes it accessible to any listener and uplifting for those seeking spiritual refreshment.

In closing, the is one thing "wrong" with this CD is it's too short!

Exquisite & Divine.......2001-02-17

This treasure chest holds such jewels! The cd rushes in with the joyous energy of Bach's Praludium, allows you to reflect and catch your breath on Pritchard's Hyfrydol and Variation, and flows forward with the grace and underlying passion that makes this a precious favorite.

Average customer rating:

Ugh... go back to your 1980-85 time period, or even 91-95 period
Bland and Overproduced
Eye to Eye, Baby (Baby). Eye. To. Eye.
Simple Things are best..
Amy Believer

Simple Things
Amy Grant
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Behind the Eyes
House of Love
Heart in Motion
Lead Me On
Rock of Ages...Hymns & Faith

ASIN: B0000AVHCP
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

Happy
Eye To Eye
Simple Things
Beautiful
Out In The Open
I Don't Know Why
Looking For You
Touch
Innocence Lost
After The Fire

Customer Reviews:

Ugh... go back to your 1980-85 time period, or even 91-95 period.......2007-03-10

It's all well and good to write serious music, but can't it be FUN too? Listening to this album, merely wants to make me slit my wrist (not literally, but it is a depressing sound).

I like UPBEAT music like Amy produced for the albums Age to Age, Straight Ahead, and Unguarded. Yes they were "peppy" pop songs, but they also had a serious message that made you think about your life & your goals.

This current album has a message; which is good.
But they forgot to include the fun.
So we can "dance like david danced".

Unfortunately this album doesn't want to make me dance, but merely to lay-down in bed & vegitate & isolate myself from everyone. ----- And I try to avoid those types of albums. I prefer music that is uplifting & makes me want to enjoy my life. The kind of music Amy used to make.

Bland and Overproduced.......2006-09-20

For those of you giving this a positive review, could you actually HEAR her voice? Because I could barely discern her vocals from the overproduction running rampant on this album. I was very very disappointed, and could only find one song (Eye to Eye) that was remotely listenable (thus 2 stars, instead of 1). Her album before this one, Behind the Eyes, was phenomenal...and having heard that type of brilliance, I was unprepared for the letdown.

Eye to Eye, Baby (Baby). Eye. To. Eye........2006-06-09

In this reporter's opinion, hands down (what the heck does "hands down" mean anyway?), "Eye to Eye" is the reason this album is a success. It's the only song that ties the album to the darkness of "Behind the Eyes", which is Amy's best work to date. Plus it just rocks. Nice guitar bridge too. Yes, guilty as charged, I prefer the introspective, sadder songs.

Ok, the rest of the songs are pretty darn good too. A very enjoyable listening experience, overall. Amy's a great writer.

I do like how she opens "Simple Things" with a nod to "Behind the Eyes" in the first lyric in her first song, "Happy".

"Beautiful" is another sad one. Gorgeous duet with the "unknown guy" (according to a previous reviewer), Vince Gill (her husband).

And, even though I prefer "Behind the Eyes", this is still a great album, worthy of 4 stars at least. Well-produced (and VERY produced, FYI), well-written, well-performed.

I've been a big fan of Amy's since I was young (old?) enough to have a crush on her and her music has been a part of my life for over 20 years. This album doesn't disappoint this life-long fan. Buy it. Denny Krane.

Simple Things are best.........2006-01-07

This album is very good - I love it. Many of the songs are now favourites of mine:
Happy - I love this song - It's catchy, fun and very sweet...
Simple Things - This song is really lovely - Just about the simple things in life, that are most important
Beautiful - This song is also sweet - A lot of this album is about what's important, and these songs, espeically this demostrate that!
Out in the open - It's a reflective song, while catchy, about being forgiven and the pureness of forgiveness.
Innocent lost - This song, I love! I think everyone can relate to the idea of wanting to go back to being a child again - Being innocent once more. Amy sounds lovely on this one, and you can tell that although she didn't write the song, she believes and agrees with it.

All in all, this is a great album for anyone - Nearly everyone will relate to two or more of the songs.

Amy Believer.......2005-11-26

The CD was very good except for "Happy". The lyrics were a bit "rough" as I call it. I've never heard Amy sing like that before and it was quite a change. "Simple Things" was a great song especially with the catchy sound at the beginning! it was a smash hit for me when I heard it, as was "Baby Baby" 15 years ago. "Looking for You" was also a good track expressing the love of your friend and husband/wife. "Innocence Lost" comes to a close second as Amy expresses her personal struggles in song, partly because of divorce from ex-husband Gary Champan.

Overall, this CD is well rounded and if you love songs that are aimed at the heart, this CD is for you.

Average customer rating:

Simple Things
Beautiful, relaxing music
I LOVE THIS CD
Good, but the same ol' Jim
Great CD

Simple Things

Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Love Songs & Lullabies
Picture This
Destiny
By Heart: Piano Solos
Jim Brickman - Greatest Hits

ASIN: B00005NDUQ
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

The Promise
Simple Things
Night Rain
Another Tuesday Morning
Gate 41
Waiting For You
Journey
Devotion
One And Only
Serenade
Catching Twilight
A Mother's Day
It Must Be You

Amazon.com

Genuinely moving at times, a bit sentimental at others, pianist Jim Brickman's seventh career release is ultimately a worthwhile, satisfying package. Adhering to the simplicity theme, Brickman front-loads the disc with 10 melodic, nonvocal tracks (a gracious nod to longtime fans), then tacks on a trio of vocal selections. Even instrumental hard-liners, though, should indulge in the disc's fetching title track. Penned with Beth Neilsen Chapman and sung sweetly by fresh country talent Rebecca Lynn Howard), it's a sparkling reaffirmation of Brickman's substantial pop songwriting skills. Those looking for deeper rewards will find them on "The Promise," a beautiful, reflective work that ranks among Brickman's finest compositions: the spare orchestrations (random violin, guitar, electronics) in the first nine pieces that focus the disc's emotional directness on Brickman's piano; the urbane grooves that energize "Serenade." Occasionally ("Catching Twilight," "Gate 41"), Brickman takes aim at easier emotional targets, playing more notes (with more force) than seems necessary, plus the heart-clutching "A Mother's Day" seems out of place here. But these are minor blemishes. Overall, it's an engaging recording. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Simple Things.......2007-03-13

This Cd is a GReat one. Jim Brickman 's Style transcends through time as one of the best !! You might think that he's repeating some of his songs if you have listened to his other albums . All together a wonderful job on the piano. I couldn't wait to repeat the track all over again.

Beautiful, relaxing music.......2004-10-16

I have a very stressful job, and I listen to this music on the way home from work to help wind down and let go of the stress. Jim Brickman is a masterful pianist who plays lovely selections.

I LOVE THIS CD.......2004-09-02

I, BEYOND ANY DOUBT, LOVE THIS CD. Jim Brickman's gentle finesse takes me from my usually stressed out and chaotic day to a simpler world where I can unwind and imagine I am in a peaceful and serene paradise. I love to put this CD in when I get home from school, work, or whatever. No matter what, it will put me in a better mood and make me feel "soothed".

I have always been a fan of Jim Brickman, and all of his CDs are superb, but I truly loved "Simple Things". Jim Brickman is an amazing pianist and his unique touch will keep you thinking about his songs after you listen to them. As the title somewhat suggests ("Simple Things") this CD is "simple". Jim Brickman tends to play in the same key and in the same tone throughout a lot of his songs. I have heard that many people do not like this idea and think that Jim Brickman needs to reach beyond his norm to express his talent even further. However, I like the simplicity of his music. I especially like it because I know I can just play the CD and listen to the entire thing and stay in the same state of mind. I hate putting in a CD and having to get up and press the skip button because you do not like a certain song. With "Simple Things" I can just put it in and not worry bout it. It's great!

I love this CD and the truth is, if you like relaxing piano solo's and love to just chill out after work, or whatever it is that you do, you will love this CD as much as I do too.

Good, but the same ol' Jim.......2004-03-06

Don't get me wrong, I like Jim Brickman. But I'm just waiting for him to get out of the same 3 keys and play something that shows more skillful playing. Maybe I'm just a little tired of the "simple" sound. I've recently come across a new artist by the name of Josh Kramer, and I really like his sound. It combines the simplicity of Jim Brickman's style with a little more depth and complexity. There are no vocals however, so if you like those, don't buy it. But if you like good instrumental music, consider this album. It is called "Stepping Out" and I actually found it here on Amazon.

Great CD.......2004-02-19

This is a great CD. Jim Brickman at his finest. Still, my favorite pianist/composer is Kostia. If you like Brickman, but also like to hear a pianist that offers a little more of the intrigue, mysterious sound to his music, check out Kostia's Ten Pebbles and St. Petersburg Suite cds. Listen and decide who you like better for yourself!

Tits and Acid/Simple/3 Pin Dim/State of Things

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Tits and Acid/Simple/3 Pin Dim/State of Things
Simian Mobile Disco
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

I Believe
We Are the Night
An End Has a Start
Our Love to Admire
Icky Thump

ASIN: B000SAAPL6
Release Date: 2007-08-11

Tracks:

Tits & Acid
Simple
3 Pin Din
State of Things

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic

Average customer rating:

REAL MUSIC
White bread, well-baked in spots
This is the one!
A Must for the Sabbath
A Must for Sabbath

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites
God Bless America
More Greatest Hits: 18 Best Loved Favorites
Songs from America's Heartland

ASIN: B00005Q5LT
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
Lead, Kindly Light
Arise, O God, And Shine
All Things Bright And Beautiful
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
The Lord Is My Shepherd
The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
All Creatures Of Our God And King
Take Time To Be Holy
The Spirit Of God Like A Fire Is Burning
Simple Gifts
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Abide With Me; 'Tis Eventide
Sing Praise To Him
Come, Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
I Need Thee Every Hour
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Customer Reviews:

REAL MUSIC.......2007-01-16

THIS IS MUSIC YOU CAN LISTEN TO EVERY DAY AND ENJOY OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

White bread, well-baked in spots.......2005-08-12

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir that performs on this disc is a tightly-knit, well-conducted unit, and some of the tracks on the disc border on the ethereal. "Lead, Kindly Light," "Sweet Hour of Prayer" (in parts) and "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," for example, touch the soul and bring tears to the eyes.

However, on other arrangements the choir sounds like a group of white folks far removed from the remainder of humanity. For example, the opening track, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," and also "All Creatures of Our God and King" sound rote and perfunctory, like a group of elementary school students (with very fine voices, to be sure) going through the paces of a daily sing: elevator music on a grand scale. At the opposite extreme, sudden dynamic shifts in other tracks sound pretentious. The final bars of "All Creatures of Our God and King" suggest an attempt at a grand finale, but lack even a hint of majesty or passion. The choir lacks any apparent understanding of the Shaker spirit in "Simple Gifts" --- rather like Lawrence Welk playing Bob Marley. (Not that I've ever seen a Shaker in dreadlocks.) "Battle Hymn of the Republic" begins majestically, but turns into a caricature, and then reverts to a semblance of glory (except for a brief flirtation with a minor key).

The high praise lavished on this disc by other reviewers is no surprise: It is of very high quality for what it is. The choir offers a lovely sound. However, more than half the tracks are seriously flawed, and the musicianship is sufficiently peculiar on the whole as to lower the rating considerably.

This is the one!.......2002-08-24

If you want to hear the best of the best, this CD is it. These hymn arrangements are just beautiful and very touching. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the choir and wants to feel a little closer to heaven. The choir seems to sing literally with one voice and you feel like they are singing just for you. Congratulations to the new conductor, Craig Jessop and all those who contributed to the quality that went into producing this CD.

A Must for the Sabbath.......2002-04-17

I LOVE IT!!! What better way to enjoy the Sabbath than to sing of the Lord's Praises with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? This album is just the ticket! It's very powerful, and uplifting.

What? You mean I can only give this album five stars? But that doesn't even BEGIN to do it justice!

I love it. Truly a masterpiece!

A Must for Sabbath.......2002-02-05

If you only own one Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD, this is the one. It has creative arrangements of many favorite hymns, as well as the best recording of the Wilhousky Battle Hymn arrgmt that I have ever come across. The only downer: it has (another) recording of Simple Gifts, which has been beat to death by choirs in the last decade.

Tracks:

Dearest Enemy: Here In My Arms - Sidney Burchall
Dearest Enemy: Bye Bye - Sidney Burchall
The Girl Friend: The Girl Friend - George Olsen & His Music
Lido Lady: Here In My Arms - Phyllis Dare/Jack Hulbert
Lido Lady: A Tiny Flat Near Soho Square - Cicely Courtneidge/Harold French
Lido Lady: Atlantic Blues - Phyllis Dare
Lido Lady: Try Again Tomorrow - Cicely Courtneidge/Jack Hulbert
Peggy Ann: A Tree In The Park - Dorothy Dickson
Peggy Ann: Where's That Rainbow - Dorothy Dickson
Lady Luck: Sing - Laddie Cliff
Lady Luck: If I Were You - Phyllis Monkman/Leslie Henson
One Dam' Thing After Another: My Heart Stood Still - Jessie Matthews
She's My Baby: A Baby's Best Friend - Beatrice Lillie
Heads Up!: My Man Is On The Make - Helen Kane
Simple Simon: Ten Cents A Dance - Ruth Etting
Cochran's 1930 Revue: With A Song In My Heart - Leslie Hutchinson
Cochran's 1930 Revue: The Little Things You Do - Leslie Hutchinson
Ever Green: Dancing On The Ceiling - Jessie Matthews
Love Me Tonight: The Poor Apache - Maurice Chevalier
Love Me Tonight: Love Me Tonight - Jeanette MacDonald
Love Me Tonight: Mimi - Maurice Chevalier
Love Me Tonight: Isn't It Romantic? - Jeanette MacDonald
Hallelujah, I'm A Bum!: Hallelujah, I'm A Bum! - Al Jolson
Hallelujah, I'm A Bum!: You Are Too Beautiful - Al Jolson
Let's Have Fun: Please Make Me Be Good - Helen Morgan

Average customer rating:

"Come with me, under my coat"
Exceptional tone and quality
Exceptional tone and quality
Exceptional tone and quality

Voices 1900/2000

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Make His Praise Glorious
Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works
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Blue Wheat
Morten Lauridsen: Nocturnes

ASIN: B00005B16W
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

Song For Athene (Alleluia)
Reggel (Morning)
Dieu! Qu'il La Fait Bon Regarder
La Nuit En Mer
Bois Meurtri...
Ite Missa Est
Alleluia
Simple Gifts
How The Soul Speaks To God
Winds Of May
O Love, Be Fed With Apples While You May
The Coolin (The Fair Haired One)
Earth Seen From Above
Other Worlds Revealed
Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal
Shenandoah - Steven Rogino
All The Things You Are
Make Our Garden Grow

Customer Reviews:

"Come with me, under my coat".......2002-12-31

"And we will drink our fill..."

These are the first two strophes of Samuel Barber's "The Coolin," one of the three songs in his choral song cycle "Reincarnations." A friend recommended that I listen to this song, someone who had fond memories of singing it but who had yet to hear a satisfactory recording of the work. Given the enthusiasm, even exuberence, that she displayed regarding the singing, I thought it important enough - and only fair - that I seek out the best possible performance of the work. So I ended up acquiring three CD's, all containing "The Coolin" (and two containing the full set of "Reincarnations" songs). Having listened now to all three, it is easy for me to state that this CD contains the hands-down winner. And to further add that the other two Barber songs in the cycle really don't measure up to this one, so the absence of them on this release is no great loss to me.

Set to a love poem by the early-20th century Irish poet James Stephens, "coolin" is a lock of hair (or "curleen") that grows on a young girl's neck, an expression seemingly equivalent to "sweetheart." Stephens goes on to say, "I sought to represent that state which is almost entirely a condition of dream wherein the passion of love has almost overreached itself and is sinking to a motionless languor." Barber's beautiful setting of the poem reflects that aim totally, and the singing of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra Chorus captures the passionate languor perfectly.

The album - billed as "a choral journey through the twentieth century" and meant to spotlight the excellence of the chorus - is interesting both in terms of what it includes and what it overlooks, in terms of choral classics. The opening track contains a truly fine performance of John Tavener's "Song for Athene" (made famous as the recessional at Princess Diana's funeral although written some years earlier upon the death of a friend of Tavener). If you want a fine performance of this particular Tavener work but are not sure whether you want an album full of his works, look no further.

There are three songs in French (by Debussy, Badings - actually a Dutchman - and Poulenc). For me, the Badings song ("La nuit en Mer," from his "Three Breton Songs" of 1948) is one of the true "sleepers" in this album, a work I'd hardly expect to run across under normal circumstances and a beautful one at that.

Needless to say, there is a lot of "Americana" here as well, including an arrangement of Aaron Copland's harmonization of the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts" for chorus and piano, an Alice Parker setting of "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" and a simply drop-dead-gorgeous setting of "Shenandoah" by J. Erb (no first name provided in the notes). Two fine inclusions are a wonderful setting of Jerome Kern's "All the Things You Are" (breathtaking in its harmonic daring) and the evergreen "Make Our Garden Grow" from Bernstein's "Candide" (the album "closer").

In addition to the Tavener work, the century's end is well-represented by Allen Jay Kernis ("How the Soul Speaks to God"), Morten Lauridsen ("O Love, Be Fed With Apples While You May" from his "Mid-Winter Songs") and Conrad Susa ("Winds of May" from his "Six Joyce Songs").

This is an eclectic collection, as individual for what it does NOT include as for what it does. For example, there is not a single song by Charles Ives (who wrote well over 150 of them, many of them beautiful), or by William Schuman (another prolific songwriter). England is represented only by Tavener, and therefore there are none of the fine songs written by John Rutter and Benjamin Britten. And there is nothing to represent 20th-century Scandanavia. (For example, though Einojuhani Rautavaara is mentioned in the booklet notes and has written many fine songs, none are included here.) Nevertheless, I hardly think that choral fans will be disappointed with the selection provided (chosen, I would guess, by both the chorus itself and by its conductor, Vance George).

Vance George certainly has the proper bona fides (mentoring under both Robert Shaw and Margaret Hillis, herself a Shaw acolyte), and he has developed the San Francisco Symphony Chorus to an enviable level (as can be demonstrated by the fine support they provide for a number of orchestral/choral works conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas). Clearly, this chorus must number among the top half-dozen currently supporting major orchestras in the U.S.

The recorded sound quality is mostly excellent, although a few of the tracks don't seem to be representative of the usual Delos mastery of capturing sound in difficult acoustical environments. But, then, Davies Hall (the home of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) is quite well-known for its tricky acoustics.

The booklet notes - by Laura Stanfield Prichard - are good for what they are. The organization of the notes follows neither the strict chronology of the works nor the actual playing order. But the notes do a reasonable job of describing the works themselves, save for any mention whatsoever of Jerome Kern or of the arranger who provided the drop-dead-gorgeous setting of "All the Things You Are."

But, despite these nitpicking minor criticisms of mine, if you are - like me - a choral junkie, you'll want this album in your collecction. For all the good reasons I've highlighted above. And most especially for Sam Barber's "The Coolin."

Bob Zeidler

Exceptional tone and quality.......2001-06-05

Symphony choruses don't often get to shine outside the spotlight of the orchestras they're associated with, but this collection shows off the high level of quality that the SF Symphony Chorus brings to all their performances. I've never heard a better recording of the Alleluia, which many choruses attempt -- but few can pull off.

Exceptional tone and quality.......2001-06-05

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