Midnight Moon

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Tribal-ambient maestro Steve Roach leaves the percussion behind and returns to glorious stripped-down form on Midnight Moon. Closer in spirit to albums from the beginning of his career (notably 1984's Structures from Silence) and some of the early work of ambient pioneer Harold Budd, Moon sees Roach pick up a new instrument: the guitar. Not surprisingly, he wields it like a keyboard, weaving different sustained tones together to present something soothing yet just unsettling enough to make you pay attention. The instrument's lonely, gently foreboding sound undulates through the disc's 70-plus minutes, evoking a timeless desert landscape captured during the stillness of night. Along with The Magnificent Void, this is undeniably one of Roach's strongest pure-ambient recordings. --Steve Landau

Midnight Moon,Steve Roach,Projekt Records,Ambient,Electronic,Europe,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Space

Midnight Moon

Tracks:

Haunted Heart
River
When Did You Leave Heaven?
You've Changed
Answer Me
My Cherie Amour
In My Life
The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
Wozzeck/The Midnight Sun
Liebst du um Schit
My One And Only Love/This Is Always
Can do Amor
Psych
Hard Times Come Again No More

Amazon.com

While countless fans flock to see soprano Renee Fleming's performances of the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro because she's got the voice and the dramatic ability to handle such meaty roles, the versatile singer throws her fans a curveball on Haunted Heart, singing popular standards and ballads as well as a few altered classical pieces. In her liner notes, Fleming calls this album a "look back at the road not taken" -- she played a weekly gig in a jazz club while in school. Nonetheless, her feel for the material here is undeniable. Interestingly, she drops her voice a full octave from her usual tessitura, and the change reveals a robust gospel-oriented approach filled with dramatic breaths and moans. The lyrical Fred Hersch (piano) and the idiosyncratic Bill Frisell (guitar) provide support, and both are adventurous jazz players who create subtle and uniquely haunting backdrops. It adds up to an interesting cross-section of ideas well carried off by the generous talents of all involved. --Tad Hendrickson

Interview with Renee Fleming
Renee Fleming speaks about recent projects, including her memoir The Inner Voice and her recent Handel CD, in our interview.

Customer Reviews:

Sublime and ridiculous.......2007-06-13

The sublime: much of the artistry of this recording is about sound, and the subtle blending/responding of voice with guitar sounds and / or piano sounds. It is in the sensitive musical interplay between the artists where this effort shines. Definitely not recommended for road trips!

The ridiculous: Fleming ended the majority of most phrases in most of the songs with a guttural of some sort which for me becomes irritating to the point of distraction. These punctuations are mostly quite awful: really tasteless, clumsy, and overused big time and I'm amazed at how this ever got released. Without these ersatz testifyin' noises this CD would be stunning.

So, if you have the ability and inclination to edit out this garbage from your perception as you listen I think you'll be glad you experienced these artists at work together. (Unfortunately I'm not up to it).

Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww.......2007-06-06

Ugh. Like a manufactured home vs. a stick-built house, Fleming's manufactured (aka "training and technique") blues voice compares unfavorably to other jazz/blues singers/lounge acts. Would not, COULD not, listen to this recording straight through--one big long, breathy, minor key train wreck in the making. Took the CD on a road trip and had to pull over and remove from queue--either that or drive into a wall.

Better than I thought it would be.......2007-04-10

I have to admit, Haunted Heart was a lot better than I thought it would be,especially her recordings of "River", "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress, "My Cherie Amour" and "In my life".
I think this is the most artistically successful recording of Pop/Jazz by a classical singer. I enjoyed it even better than the Anna Sophie Von Otter'/ Elvis Costello CD.
The perspective I am coming from is that of a classical singer who started out as a pop singer/songwriter. I perform and teach cross-genre but love a world class instrument such as Flemming's
I wanted to get the perspective of a friend who used to sing jingles and is also a trained singer but is usually critical of any attempts that opera singers make at crossing -over.
My friend is very familiar with Flemming's voice, but did not recognise it in this context when I played the CD for her. Her reaction was very complimentary, although she did comment that the diction was a bit strange.
She then played it for her brother a well known jazz singer and arranger who had a somewhat negative reaction.He found the singing to be overly dark and round. He prefers a cleaner more 'spoken' approach to this style of singing. I understand this perspective and therefore personally prefer Ella to Sarah as well, but let's not get too picky. Obviously, Rene Flemming is of the Sarah Vaghan School of jazz singing, which is not too shabby.

I will continue to enjoy this CD and will wait for another opera diva to top this one. But, somehow I think the next really good CD of Pop/ jazz from an opera star will also come from Rene.

To those who have been unreasonably mean and negative towards her, I can only say you are not fit to polish her shoes!

Brava Renee.......2007-04-09

This talented woman can sing anything. I really enjoyed this cd with the lights turned down and a glass of wine to relax after a very stressful day at work. Renee could definitely have another singing career outside of opera should she choose. Hearing her drop that gorgeous voice down one octave rivals the best chanteuses in the business - Cassandra Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Regina Belle, Sarah Vaughan, etc. This cd of different musical styles reminds me of Nina Simone and Cassandra Wilson, two great singers whom could interpret any song genre and make their versions special. I loved all the songs and the standouts here are "Haunted Heart", "River", "My One and Only Love", "My Cherie Amour", "Cancao do Amor", and Beatles "In My Life", and "Hard Times Come Again No More".
I hope Renee keeps recording whatever catches her fancy because I'll certainly always listen.

Art is always new. .......2007-03-10

Renee Fleming is an artist bringing us something new, and beautiful. The poor will always be with us as manifest in those who resent other's movement from their established zones. Renee Fleming is a great female voice with accomplishments her detractors will never have, but in their dreams.

I welcome Renee's elan demonstrated with her recent recordings, Love sublime with Brad Mehldau, and Haunted Heart with Fred Hersch and Bill Frissell. Bravery, fun, and talent combined by artists and for people who are listening. Hearing long time favorites Mehldau, Hersch, and Frissell is all the more sublime.

Average customer rating:

A decent record, but not up to Midnight Oil's best
Highly Recommended!
Probably the best oil cd
A strong release by Midnight Oil
yikes...5 stars, people? really?

Earth and Sun and Moon
Midnight Oil
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blue Sky Mining
Diesel and Dust
Capricornia
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Redneck Wonderland

ASIN: B00000294N
Release Date: 1993-04-20

Tracks:

Feeding Frenzy
My Country
Renaissance Man
Earth And Sun And Moon
Truganini
Bushfire
Drums Of Heaven
Outbreak Of Love
In The Valley
Tell Me The Truth
Now Or Never Land

Amazon.com

The hurricane-force Aussies reign in their primal power with a varied, gentle, and remarkably tuneful progression on what's come before. "Truganini" is the icebreaker while hardluck charmer "In the Valley" and the retro psychedelia of "Renaissance Man" are standouts. Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

A decent record, but not up to Midnight Oil's best.......2007-03-16

(Actually: 3.5 stars).

Midnight Oil was one of the best bands of the 1980's with four outstanding records (10,9.8.., Red Sails in the Sunset, Diesel and Dust, Blue Sky Mining) and one of the finest live records ever made (Scream in Blue). Their star began to decline a bit in the 1990's as the band members decided to devote more time to family, political activism (including Peter Garrett's political career). Earth, Sun and Moon reflects this reduced focus, as they seemed to try to make a good record instead of a great one.

The record is well-produced, has a very 'live in studio' feel, and sounds great on long drives. The songs themselves have a steadier and slightly slower pace. Jim Moginie has added more bluesy sounds to his diverse palatte, both on guitar and organ, but Rob Hirst seems less active this time around. The frenetic energy that gave rise to Midnight Oil's improvisation and experimentation is not captured in this recording, leaving one wanting a bit more.

The songs drag on a bit too long and are missing the catchy hooks that make so many Midnight Oil songs memorable. 5 of the 11 tracks run over 5 minutes in length, and no song is under 4 minutes, which is much longer than prior Midnight Oil recordings. The choruses are often drawn out, and consequently, some of the melodies fall flat.

The lyrics are more focused on national issues in Australia, and seem to serve as the perfect platform (whether intentional or not) for Garrett's political career. The passion is very much alive, focused (perhaps too narrowly), but the band shows it still knows how to evoke emotions with its direct, defiant and poignant deliveries.

The most memorable songs on this record from my point of view are: 'Renaissance Man', 'Earth and Sun and Moon', 'Truganini', and 'Now and Never Land'. Other worthy tracks are 'In the Valley' and 'Tell me the Truth'.

'Truganini' is as good a song as the band has ever written. It has the passion, creativity and musical dexterity of the best Midnight Oil songs. 'Feeding Frenzy' and 'Renaissance Man' show a deft touch with transitions, melody and demonstrate an ability to incorporate blues into the Midnight Oil framework without missing a beat.

'Earth, Sun and Moon' and 'In the Valley' show the band emphasizing melody over power effectively.

This record will probably have some appeal to those who are not fans of their 80's records, as they sound more like a straight ahead blues/folk rock band, and the musicianship is excellent, while the vocals, though loud, are somewhat more subdued. However, when compared with prior works, one feels as if the band had stopped making music their all-consuming ambition, as the band members moved into their 30's, stopped long tours and focused more on family and on Australia.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-10-15

"Earth and Sun and Moon" from 1993 continues Midnight Oil's commercial success of their two previous albums, "Diesel and Dust" and "Blue Sky Mining". Though a new producer, Nick Launay, was called in to produce, it's another slightly slick produced album - which is in no way meant as a negative observation. All three albums are among my favourites and all contain great songs and great playing.

Midnight Oil succeeds in combining various musical styles like, rock, soul, funk or folk into their own easily recognizeable sound. Other strengths are their fine vocal harmonies and their unique sense of creating catchy choruses.

On this album all their virtues are there. The hit single "Truganini", the title-track and "My Country" are fine examples of Midnight Oil soul-rock with a catchy chorus.

"Bushfire" is a quiet acoustic track and another favourite.

The outstanding track, though, is the exquisite "In the Valley" - great folkish melody - extremely catchy chorus - clever lyrics - in short one of the few songs that seem to have it all.

Highly recommendable album!

Probably the best oil cd.......2006-06-28

I have listened to this CD consistently since it came out and I haven't really gotten sick of it at all. I hope the next generation picks it up and comes to appreciate the musicianship and songwriting of one of the best 80-90s bands.

A strong release by Midnight Oil.......2004-09-21

This CD is somewhat slower in pace from other Midnight Oil releases, but this does not detract from the quality of 'Earth and Sun and Moon'. This CD was released in the period when Midnight Oil was enjoying its success and limelight.

Four songs on this release are standouts, they are 1. Renaissance Man 2. Truganini 3. In The Valley and 4. Tell me the Truth. What really appealed to me was the style and depth that all songs had with thought-provoking lyrics. Again, a strong release from Midnight Oil that will keep being listened to frequently by myself.

yikes...5 stars, people? really?.......2004-08-02

i mean, this is good, but not nearly perfect. granted, this band is a whole lot cooler than most people tend to believe. "oh yeah, they did that 'burning beds' song, right?" and yes, they did, but they're also australia's very own version of bruce springsteen: the band is made up of fiesty political activists who honestly put U2 to shame...because they actually DO things for the greater good. the frontman, peter garrett, all 7+ feet of him, even ran for the australian senate once. and came surprisingly close to winning. read their allmusic.com listing to get an idea of how tireless they've been on that front. anyway, their music conveys a palpable sense of the outback, of australian culture, then and now. the music is hardnosed, catchy, and distinct. they're really much better than they've gotten credit for. this album i have bad associations with, because it's what was playing in my car a couple months ago when i got in a wreck. nonetheless, it's one of their better offerings.

Average customer rating:

not enough Galway
Too Good to Last

Henry Mancini -The Ultimate Collection
James Galway
Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Greatest Hits
Ultimate Mancini
The Wind Beneath My Wings
Mantovani's Golden Hits
The Very Best of James Galway

ASIN: B0000071UZ
Release Date: 1995-12-06

Tracks:

Pink Panther Theme - Plas Johnson, Henry Mancini & His Orchestra
Moon River
Days of Wine and Roses
Baby Elephant Walk
Theme from Hatari
Charade - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Thorn Birds Theme - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Blue Satin
Two for the Road
Mr Lucky
Theme from the Molly Maguires - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Moment to Moment
As Time Goes By - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Shot in the Dark
Misty
Theme from Love Story
Pennywhistle Jig - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Everything I Do (I Do It for You) - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Moonlight Sonata
Tender Is the Night - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Theme from "Mommie Dearest" - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head
Crazy World
Mona Lisa

Tracks:

Peter Gunn
Unchained Melody - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Summer Knows
Experiment in Terror
Windmills of Your Mind
Till There Was You
Speedy Gonzales - Henry Mancini,
Sweetheart Tree
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Lonesome
Pie in the Face Polka - National Philharmonic Orchestra
Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
By the Time I Get to Phoenix
Dear Heart
Charade [Opening Titles]
Shadow of Your Smile
One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
Breakfast at Tiffany's
That Old Black Magic
Evergreen
Midnight Cowboy

Album Description

1995 compilation on RCA Victor featuring 46 of the composer's finest & most memorable recordings from 1956-1991on two digitally remastered, full color picture CDs. Contains 'The Pink Panther Theme', 'Moon River', 'A Shot In The Dark', Wine And Roses', 'Baby Elephant Walk', 'Peter Gunn', 'Everything I Do (I Do It For You)', 'Mona Lisa', 'Unchained Melody', 'Midnight Cowboy' and much more. Well over two hours of easy listening ecstasy! Double slimline jewel case. The full title is 'In The Pink: The Ultimate Collection'.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Double Anthology of the Pop and Soundtrack Composer from the 50's and 60's. Perhaps his Best Counterpart of Today Would Be John Williams. A Film Maker Could Always Rely on Mancini to Deliver a Composition that Hit the Mark for a Film and Conveyed Exactly What was Required and More. He also Filled the Role of an American Mantovani, Recording 'muzak' Versions of Popular Hits. He was Handsome, Personable, but Most of All, Well Respected for his Craft.

Customer Reviews:

not enough Galway.......2003-10-02

There are only four songs with James Galway. The way this recording is presented is misleading and buyers should be aware that this is NOT a joint effort between these two great artists.. I was totally disappointed. I think Henry Mancini is wonderful but was expecting to hear a collaboration. So if you're looking for flute music this isn't it. However it's a great collecton of Henry Mancini's work.

Too Good to Last.......2000-03-03

I heard this on PBS. Galway and Mancini may be two of the most talented musicians of our century. Galway for his complete mastery of the flute and Mancini for his ability to arrange , produce and in this instance direct the orchestra while Galway performs. They do several duets of a comical nature as well. This is important because it is one of Mancini's last efforts prior to his unfortunate passing.

Average customer rating:

The perfect soundtrack for the Dark Tower.
Dark Ambient Heaven!
An Essential Ambient CD
Dreamy, guitar-oriented music from space music pioneer
really powerful !

Midnight Moon
Steve Roach
Manufacturer: Projekt Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Structures from Silence
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immersion : one
Well of Souls
Early Man

ASIN: B00004SSVW
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Ancestors Circle
Midnight Loom
Deadwood
Broken Town
Hope
Later Phase
Moon And Star

Amazon.com

Tribal-ambient maestro Steve Roach leaves the percussion behind and returns to glorious stripped-down form on Midnight Moon. Closer in spirit to albums from the beginning of his career (notably 1984's Structures from Silence) and some of the early work of ambient pioneer Harold Budd, Moon sees Roach pick up a new instrument: the guitar. Not surprisingly, he wields it like a keyboard, weaving different sustained tones together to present something soothing yet just unsettling enough to make you pay attention. The instrument's lonely, gently foreboding sound undulates through the disc's 70-plus minutes, evoking a timeless desert landscape captured during the stillness of night. Along with The Magnificent Void, this is undeniably one of Roach's strongest pure-ambient recordings. --Steve Landau

Customer Reviews:

The perfect soundtrack for the Dark Tower........2005-12-14

I read the 7 books of Stephen King's Dark Tower with the cd Midnight Moon on repeat, occasionally switching to Lustmord's Heresy when the story took a more sinister vibe.

Both the album and the books come highly recommended.

"Hope" is definitely my favorite track here.

Dark Ambient Heaven!.......2005-02-01

Midnight Moon is a great dark ambient recording from the ambient master,the great Steve Roach.This is a great recording of dark ambient music,and captures the musical theme of late-night ambience perfectly.So perfectly,as a matter of fact,that this can be considered the soundtrack to nighttime.Its not surprising,though,when you consider an ambient master like Roach produced this music,as he has been at it for almost 30 years now.This album proves his mastery of creating deep soundworlds.From the very beginning of Midnight Moon,the haunting and mysterious late-night atmosphere takes over your room,permeating it with its mystical sounds of the late-night hours,which makes this album a perfect choice to listen to at night,in a solitary room.Don't get me wrong though,as it is still very captivating and thoughtful music.From the album's beginning on Ancestors Circle,the late-night atmosphere immediately makes itself present.As the album progresses,the tone gradually becomes darker and darker,representing the different phases of the moon and the night,from early twilight,to complete and utter dominance at the midnight hour.While the album contains eight tracks,they are meant to be thought of and experienced as one,single soundtrack,a soundtrack of the night.A truly enthralling and captivating album.One that should not be overlooked for ambient lovers.This album belongs with Steve Roach's best efforts.I whole-heartedly,highly recommend this to Roach fans as well as to newcomers alike.A perfect ambient experience and soundtrack to the mystery and magnificence that is night.

An Essential Ambient CD.......2004-09-11

Roach has done a lot of superb work but something *really* came together with "Midnight Moon." The title describes the tone perfectly; this is the sound of the late evening, not at all light or New Age. The longest track "Midnight Loom" sets a perfectly defined mood, detachment with an undercurrent of recurring tension. How can I say this? As seagulls are the sound of ocean, "Midnigh Moon" is the sound of the early hours, the sound of solitude and moonlight. If you buy one Roach release, get this one. If two, add "Structures from Silence."

Dreamy, guitar-oriented music from space music pioneer.......2003-08-11

Unlike much of Steve Roach's well known work, this album accentuates guitars and dreamy reverie over dark rumblings and spiritual landscapes. It's as evocative and expansive as his best work (DREAMTIME RETURN, WELL OF SOULS, THE MAGNIFICENT VOID among them), but more melodic and gentle. A welcome change of pace from a master of the core ambient, "space music" genre.

really powerful !.......2003-02-25

this music may lead you to dark side of the source. please be careful if you are under the light of the supreme being.

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable - but not beddy-bye music

Midnight Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bedroom Adagios
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Cello Adagios
Violin Adagios

ASIN: B000095J89
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Eine Leine Nachtmusik, K525 - Romance: Andante - Mozart
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight'-Adagio Sostenuto - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Chanson De Nuit, Op. 15 - I Salonisti
Pavene, Op. 50 - Choeur De L'Orchestre Symphonique De Montreal
String Quartet No. 2 In D Major - Notturno: Andante - Borodin String Quartet
Wiegenlied (Lullaby), Op. 49, No. 4 - Marisa Robles
Berceuse Romantique (Caprice) - Joshua Bell
O Silver Moon (Rusalka) - Pilar Lorengar
Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat Major, Op. 73, 'Emperor'-Adagio Un Poco Moso - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Cello Sonata In G Minor, BWV 1029 - Adagio - Janos Starker
Carmen Suite No. 1 - Intermezzo - Bizet
Guitar Concerto In D Major, RV 93 - Largo - Eduardo Fernandez
Five Variants Of Dives And Lazarus (Excerpt) - Vaughan Williams
Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Bailero (Excerpt) (Songs Of The Auvergne) - Kiri Te Kanawa
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Satie

Tracks:

Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major, BWV 1068 (Air On A G String) - Bach
Claire De Lune (Suite Bergamasque) - Pascal Roge
Meditation (Thais) - Nigel Kennedy
Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major, K467 - Andante - Vladimir Ashkenazy
String Quintet In C Major, D956 - Andante (Excerpt) - Miklos Perenyi
Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 26 - Adagio - Joshua Bell
Oboe Concerto In D Minor - Adagio - I Musici
Serenade For Strings In E Major, Op. 22 - Larghetto - Dvorak
Concierto De Aranjuez - Adagio - Pepe Romero
Consolation No. 3 - Rhondda Gillespie
Fantasie-Tableaux (Suite No. 1) For Two Pianos, Op. 5 - La Nuit, L'Amour: Adagio Sostenuto - Andre Previn
Romance (The Gadfly) - Alexander Kerr
Barcarolle (The Tales Of Hoffmann) - Offenbach

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable - but not beddy-bye music.......2003-06-07

"Midnight Adagios" advertises itself as featuring "over two-and-a-half hours of the world's most relaxing music" and while it is beautiful music it is not particularly relaxing. The dynamic changes from track to track--something I find in all musical compilations from disparate sources--are too great. I constantly have to fiddle with the volume control when going from track to track. For instance, on CD 2 of this two-CD set, if I get the volume just right for track 1, Bach's "Air on a G String," then track 2 (Debussy's "Clair de Lune") is almost completely inaudible.

'Adagio' means 'at ease' or 'slow'--somewhere in between 'largo' and 'andante'--but it doesn't necessarily mean 'soft.' There are a few forte movements on both CDs that seem to occur just as I am finally drifting off to sleep. That's why I wouldn't recommend this album to those who are looking for music to lull them to sleep.

"Cello for Relaxation," "Celtic Lullaby," and "Soothing Harp" are all very soporific CDs if sleep is what you're searching for.

Other than the above caveats, "Midnight Adagios" is wonderful music to paint by or cook by (when I'm not fiddling with the volume control). There are a total of twenty-nine tracks interpreted by such artists and ensembles as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Pilar Lorengar, Kiri Te Kanawa, The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, etc. etc.

CD 1 begins with Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" (how could it not?), the andante movement (oops, what happened to adagio?), and ends with Satie's "Gymnopedie No.1."

CD2 begins with Bach's "Air on a G String" and ends with Offenbach's "Barcarolle.

Tracks:

Swanee
Come To the Moon
I Was So Young (You Were So Beautiful)
Tee-Oodle-Um-bum-Bo
Nobody But You
Limehouse Nights
Drifting Along With The Tide
Rhapsody In Blue
Oh Lady Be Good!
Fascinating Rhythm
Hang On To Me
I'd Rather Charleston
The Man I Love
The Half Of It, Dearie, Blues
So Am I
Kickin' The Clouds Away
Concerto In F

Tracks:

Sweet And Low-Down (I)
That Certain Feeling (I)
Looking For A Boy
When Do We Dance?
Sweet And Low-Down (II)
That Certain Feeling (II)
Irish Waltz
Do, Do, Do
Someone To Watch Over Me
Clap Yo' Hands
Maybe
Three Preludes: I. No.1: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso / II. No.2: Andante Con Moto / III No.3: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso
Meadow Serenade
My One And Only
'S Wonderful/Funny Face
He Loves And She Loves
An American In Paris
Liza
Strike Up The Band
Embraceable You
I Got Rhythm (I)
I Got Rhythm (II)

Tracks:

Of Thee I Sing
Jilted
Second Rhapsody
For You, For Me, For Evermore
Cuban Overture
Isn't It A Pity?
Variations On 'I Got Rhythm'
I. Catfish Row: Introduction - Jazzbo Brown - First Chorus, 'Summertime'
II. Porgy Sings: 'I got Plenty O' Nuthin' - 'Bess, You Is My Woman Now'
III. Fugue: Murder Of Crown, Act III Scene 1
IV. Hurricane: Introduction, Act II Scene 3 - Hurricane, Act II Scene 3
V. Good Morning, Brother: Occupational Humoresque, Act III Scene 3 - 'Good Morning, Brother' - Children's Song 'Sure To Go To Heaven' - 'I'm On My Way' (Finale)
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
Our Love Is Here To Stay

Tracks:

Girl Crazy Overture
French Ballet Class
Dance Of The Waves
Slap That Bass
Walking The Dog
I've Got Beginner's Luck
They All Laughed
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Shall We Dance
By Strauss
I Can't Be Bothered Now
The Jolly Tar And The Milkmaid (1st Version)
Put Me To The Test
The Jolly Tar And The Milkmaid (2nd Version)
Stiff Upper Lip
A Foggy day (In London Town)
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Things Are Looking Up
I Was Doing All Right
Love Walked In

Customer Reviews:

Excellent performer.......2007-03-09

This plates are wonderful. I was charmed, and when I close my eyes now, I see scenes with American in Paris or Porgy and Bess but my favorite piece of music is Rhapsody in Blue. It's more than excellent is fantastic. Jack Gibbons perfectly feels the unique tone Gershwin's music, the mixture rythms of jazz with influences of impressionists and clear and beauty melodies.
I'm fascinating.

A unique project.......2006-11-23

Gibbons' undertaking is unique: to reconstruct and then execute and record the note-for-note playing of Gershwin as documented on the composers' piano rolls, sound recordings and certain published arrangements. I agree with the reviewer who points out that the result is like a library and not a recital you sit back and listen to (or get up and dance to). In fact Gibbons does some editing of his "library" now and then, and clearly documents it in his liner notes: in some reconstructions he augments accompaniment effects and even the melodic line itself. I don't mind that at all, especially as Gibbons scrupulously accounts for such tampering in his liner notes; but it seems to me that it is in this area of "tampering" that Gibbons the artist is asserting himself...which of course undermines the "library", the "historical archive": you have to search and read a bit to find out when you're hearing only Gershwin and when you're hearing some added Gibbons. I don't mind; Gibbons is a remarkable artist in his own right, not merely an impeccable documentarian. For sheer generosity of production Gibbons' Gershwin must also be unique: 4 cd's, scholar-level liner notes (yes, you need a magnifying glass to read them), and rock-bottom bargain price.

Gershwin historical, manic, perfect, archival.......2006-06-12

First: this is 4 high-end produced cd's (in low-end jewel cases) for the price of 2. The liner notes of all 4 cd's are condensed in a booklet of microscopic print, so you may need to spend the savings on a magnifying glass. MONEY WELL SPENT.
Second: Jack Gibbons plays (and has recorded) the Alkan op 39 etudes (he probably plays a lot more Alkan than that). For those of you not in the know, this is to say he has world-class chops, indeed history-class (Liszt, who never played his friend Alkan, at least in public). But it's also to say that Gibbons knows how to interpret and personalize fantastically difficult piano music. For me, his Alkan op 39 is personal and passionate and real (contrast the facile and over-pedalled Hamelin and the just-the-notes-ma'me Ringeissen). An appreciation of Gibbons' Alkan is important here because while his Alkan is uniquely personal (as such music must be, no matter how hard it is to play) his Gershwin is deliberately impersonal...which is to say: no pianist, no singer would want to reproduce what Gibbons has given us in these 4 cd's, and in fact few listeners will be able to listen for long to these 4 cd's without a respite, a break , some silence, some minimal styling from somebody (anybody) else...which brings me to
Third: This is an archive, not a recital. This is a library, not a program. There is no track-by-track contrast of moods here, no track-by-track concession to easy listening, varied delight, any more than a library shelf of novels is alphabetized by authors' last names as a concession to mood or fancy or taste of the searching patron. This is the documented Gershwin in his recording mode: manic, notey, clever, "on", and never, as generations of stylists found in him, ravishing, tender, longing, sweet, glad, hopeful...person-to-person, in a word. I can listen to these cd's about half an hour at a time, max. This is Gerwhsin, not Gibbons. And this is just one side of Gershwin. He died at 38, in the summer. Brain tumor. A lot of pain.
Finally, Jack Gibbons has given the world a uniquely valuable and easily available resource. Gibbons could now do us a service by playing us some Gershwin as he feels it, as it hits him and makes him sing (as Gershwin, our American Schubert, does to all of us, and as I think Alkan has done to Gibbons). I would love to see a Gershwin stylings by Gibbons now that Gibbons himself has made sure Gershwin in his authenticity is safe and sound.

Definative.......2005-07-23

Here's the whole Gershwin catalog at a great price... Five plus hours of bliss. Definately five stars!

Gibbons, according to a family friend and biographer Edward jablonski "recreates Gershwin's style." I'll never know. I can say this is a lively recording and has the perfect balance. It's neither stuffy and plodding or cute.

Average customer rating:

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Excellent music for a yoga flow practice
Now THIS is the way to relax after work!!!
Now THIS is the way to relax after work!!!
Midight Flower is a must have

Midnight Flower
Drala
Manufacturer: Dharma Moon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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Mystic India
Music for Yoga and Other Joys
Asana OHM Shanti
Tandava
Jala

ASIN: B0000D8L41
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Child Of Illusion
Midnight Flower
Seven Yogis Spinning
Moment To Moment
Home Again
Only Love (Can Save Us Now)

Customer Reviews:

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......2005-05-31

this is a gorgeous composition. Very relaxing.. chill... meditative and contemplative. Exclent background music for art, writing, reading, tripping out, etc. Spiritual and smooth. Highly recommended alongside "Colors of the Mind" by Steve Gorn (who is half of Drala).

~DJ Raven~

Excellent music for a yoga flow practice.......2004-02-09

I love this CD! It has easily become my favorite. It has a great vibe and has a nice assortment of sounds and grooves. This CD will move you through a flow series practice quite nicely!

Now THIS is the way to relax after work!!!.......2003-10-24

Now THIS is the way to relax after work!!!

Now THIS is the way to relax after work!!!.......2003-10-24

Now THIS is the way to relax after work!!!

Midight Flower is a must have.......2003-10-24

Whether you're in deep meditation, or just need
some downtime, Midight Flower is a must have.

Midnight at Mabel Mercer's/Once in a Blue Moon

Average customer rating:

The best
Simply Elegant
Two discs of Mercer magic
At last!
Mabel Mercer: Simply the Best

Midnight at Mabel Mercer's/Once in a Blue Moon
Mabel Mercer
Manufacturer: Collectables Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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The Art of Mabel Mercer
At Town Hall / Second Town Hall Concert
Echoes of My Life
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Trav'lin' Light/Merely Marvelous

ASIN: B00004X0U1
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Just Once Around The Clock
Poop Pierrot
Young And Foolish
It's A Lie, It's A Fake!
Walk-Up
Is It Always Like This?
Blame It On My Youth
Wait 'Til You See Her
He Was Too Good To Me
Wouldn't It Be Loverly
Lazy Afternoon
Mandy, Make Up Your Mind
Lonely Little Boy
Sonnet
Lucky To Be Me
Some Other Time

Tracks:

Once In A Blue Moon
In The Spring Of The Year
Look At 'Im
Guess I'll Go Back Home
I'm Glad I'm Not Young Any More
My Shining Hour
The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Whenever Winds Blow
Isn't He Adorable
Isn't It A Pity
If You Leave Paris
Sunday In New York
If Love Were All
Sail Away

Customer Reviews:

The best.......2007-01-09

Mabel Mercer is so sophisticated and accomplished that she delivers songs with a simplicity unfolding the complexity of music, lyrics and emotion.
And the songs she chooses are just wonderful.

Simply Elegant.......2002-04-16

It is impossible to describe Mabel Mercer. She is as unique as Blossom Dearie, Tammy Grimes, Elaine Stritch, Bea Lilly, or Edith Piaf, but not nearly as unusual as any of them. Fred Astaire's style might be closest to hers, although Mercer had a better voice with a greater range. Both were songwriter's singers - interpreters who put the song before the personality, who presented the work paying complete attention to the nuances of the music and the exposition of the lyrics. The song spoke for itself. Among current mainstream performers, perhaps most reminiscent of Mabel Mercer is Rosemary Clooney, although Clooney's direction - and she is superb - is not to distill the songs to quite so pure an essence as did Astaire and Mercer.

If elegance is restraint of ornament allied with purity of form and richness of substance, then Mabel Mercer is simply elegant.

Among this rich substance there are some evergreens like "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore," '"Loverly," "Young and Foolish," and, perhaps, "Blame It On My Youth". But most of these songs were obscure even when the albums were recorded in 1956 and 1958, and the passing of more than 40 years has not shed any more light on them. Some are minor works of major composers and lyricists: Romberg, Hammerstein, Kern, Rodgers, Hart, Lerner, Lowe, Coward, the Gershwins, Arlen, Mercer, Bernstein, Comden and Green. Others are works of a group of less known talent: Howard, Wilder, Levant, Coleman, and Grant. But all tell simple stories or present poignant images, and after a night at the theater Mercer's 11:30 PM audience was ready for gentle songs of quiet reflection made, perhaps, even more evocative by their very unfamiliarity.

Almost all of the songs are about love at some stage: anticipation ("Wait Til You See Her"), yearning ("Lonely Little Boy"), despair ("Blue Moon," "If Love Were All'), fulfillment ("Some Other Time"), loss ("He Was Too Good To Me," "Guess I'll Go Back Home"), lost youth ("Isn't It a Pity," "Young and Foolish"), and gained wisdom ("Once Around the Clock," "Sail Away").

Most of the lyrics are of the Seine/champagne variety, although of course there is Noel Coward with this rhyming full-house ("though I never really grumble life's a jumble indeed, and in my efforts to succeed I've had to formulate a creed"), and Ira Gershwin shows his usual virtuosity in "Isn't it a Pity":
Think of all the lonely nights we've wasted: I with the neighbors, you at silly labors,
What joys untasted: I reading Heine, you somewhere in China
. . .
Think of all the lonely years we've wasted: fishing for salmon, loosing at backgammon,
What joys untasted: my nights were sour spent with Schopenhauer

Mercer adds only the most subtle trace of distaste to the word "Schopenhauer." In "Guess I'll go Back Home" she adds just the slightest emphasis to the first "he": "I'll walk by the house where he used to live, I hope he married well." It's the verbal equivalent of a slightly raised eyebrow or an up-turned palm.

On "Midnight at Mabel Mercer's" the accompaniment is provided by two pianos. The pianos are particularly well arranged on "Sonnet," " Wait Til you See Her," and especially "Young and Foolish." On "Once in a Blue Moon" strings are added. Even at this point in her career, Mercer had the ability to overpower the accompaniment. She chose not to, and the strings are distracting.

Two discs of Mercer magic.......2001-07-20

There's an abundance of Mercer riches to be savored on this generous two disc set. "Once in a Blue Moon," on which Mercer is accompanied by piano and a small string section, is a sentimental favorite of many, and for good reason: Mercer has rarely been more affecting than in the title track and her famous version of "My Shining Hour," and the string arrangements are admirably restrained, accentuating Mercer's message rather than imposing false sentiment on top of her interpretations. But it's "Midnight at Mabel Mercer's" that is the real gem here: it offers an opportunity to hear Mercer much as she must have sounded in her legendary New York appearances in the 40's and 50's, accompanied only by piano (two in this recording) and singing uninhibitedly full-out, going for the climaxes of the songs whether the notes are in her voice or not (and quite often they aren't). A word must be said about "the voice" to those unfamiliar with Mercer--there isn't, by the fifties, when these recordings were made, much of it left, though it sounds as though it must have been a perfectly good mezzo in its prime. Just the same it's hard to think of a more eloquent singer of popular song. As skilled at tossing off a frothy number like "Wouldn't it be Loverly" with just the right light touch as she is in revealing all the genuine sadness and regret in potentially maudlin ballads like "Poor Pierrot" or "Young and Foolish," Mercer has that ability to communicate that no amount of stunning vocal chops can compensate for. Sure, there's a lot of creakiness here and there, flubbed top notes and odd rolled r's, but give her a chance and you'll find the tattered velvet of Mercer's voice enormously appealing.

At last!.......2001-04-05

Mabel Mercer's recordings on CD are hard to find, and, indeed, some exquisite sets have never been released on CD, to my knowledge. ("The Art of Mabel Mercer" is particularly to-be-hoped-for.) This 2-CD set includes perhaps the sweetest of Mercer's collections, "Once in a Blue Moon". I was unfamiliar with "Midnight at Mabel Mercer's", but its bill of fare is so varied and so velvetly sung that I was immediately captivated.

Mabel Mercer is, I know, an acquired taste, but, for those in the process of acquiring the taste, this selection is a splendid introduction.

Mabel Mercer: Simply the Best.......2000-10-18

I am extremely pleased to see that some of Mabel Mercer's finest work on vinyl is finally being reissued on compact disc. Her recording of "Isn't It A Pity" included in this set makes a great song even greater for no one was able to interpret a lyric like the incomparable Mabel Mercer. Her singing of "Once in A Blue Moon" accompanied by an extraordinarily beautiful arrangement is worth the price alone and I cannot recommend highly enough this collection for any true Mercer fan. "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore", "Blame It On My Youth" and Noel Coward's "Sail Away" are particular standouts among the gems included here. A great big thank you to the producer of this superlative set--an absolute must buy! A true artist sadly missed!

Average customer rating:

Song to the Moon

Manufacturer: Cbc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000025VE5
Release Date: 2001-07-01

Tracks:

Ov The Freeshooter
The Freeshooter-Act II Scene 2: 'How Did Sleep Come To Me...Softly, Softly, My Pure Song!'
The Queen Of Sheba-Act II, Intro: Night Piece
Das War Sehr Gut.../Dann Aber, Wie Ich Sie Gespurt Hab' Hier Im Finstern Stehn
Ov To May Night-Act III
May Night-Act III: Sleep My Beauty 'Cradle Song'
Rusalka-Act I: Song To The Moon
'Jenufa's Prayer-Jenufa-Act II: Surely This Is My Mother's Room
The Little Boots Or Oxana's Caprices-Entracte Act III, Scene 1: Christmas Eve
The Little Boots Or Oxana's Caprices-'Maria's Lullaby-Mazeppa-Act III: Sleep My Small One And Dream
The Little Boots Or Oxana's Caprices-Pique Dame-Act III: Twill Soon Be Midnight
The Little Boots Or Oxana's Caprices-Eugene Onegin-Act I: Letter Scene

Average customer rating:

A great collection

Pure Cinema Classics

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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The Space Between Us
Simply the Best Movie Themes
Love Actually

ASIN: B000091AIR
Release Date: 2005-01-31

Tracks:

American Beauty: Any Other Name - Nikolaj Bloch
Barry Lyndon: Sarabande - Academy Of St Martin In The Fields
The Shawshank Redemption: The Marriage Of Figaro - Canzonetta Sull'aria - Bernard Haitink
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone: Hedwig's Theme - Nic Raine
William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet - City Of Prague Philharmonic
The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone And His Orchestra
Breakfast At Tiffany's: Moon River - Nic Raine
The Piano: The Heart Asks Pleasure First/The Promise - Michael Nyman
Dances With Wolves: John Dunbar Theme - Nic Raine
Jean De Florette: Jean De Florette Theme - Orchestre De Paris
Ocean's Eleven: Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
The Godfather: The Godfather Waltz - Nic Raine
Pearl Harbor: Heart Of The Volunteer - Nic Raine
Face/Off: 'Raindrop' Prelude No.15 In D Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
A Room With A View: O Mio Babbino Caro - Philharmonia Orchestra
You Only Live Twice: Main Theme - Nic Raine
The English Patient: As Far As Florence Rupert Bear - Kenneth Alwyn
Raging Bull: Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo - Paul Bateman
Traffic: An Ending (Ascent) - Brian Eno
2001 - A Space Odyssy: The Blue Danube - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

The Deer Hunter: Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco
Titanic: My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra
Amelie: La Valse D'Amelie - Yann Tiersen
Midnight Cowboy: Main Theme - Nic Raine
Gladiator: Gladiator Suite - Nic Raine
The Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring: The Fellowship - Nic Raine
Chocolat: Gnossienne No.1 - Anne Queffelec
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence: Main Theme - Mark Ayers
Ghost: Unchained Melody - Nic Raine
Cinema Paradiso Love Theme - Ennio Morricone & His Orchestra
Le Reine Margot: Lullaby - Nic Raine
Elizabeth: Nimrod ('Enigma' Variations) - London Symphony Orchestra
Hannibal: Goldberg Variations - Aria - Maria Tipo
Edward Scissorhands: Main Title/Ice Dance - Paul Bateman
Diva: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Philharmonia Orchestra
Billy Elliott: Swan Lake, Act II, No.10 Scene - Andre Previn
The Man Who Wasn't There: 'Pathetique' Sonata - II. Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
The Big Blue: Overture - Eric Serra Gilbert Dal'Anese
The Killing Fields: Etude - Mike Oldfield

Customer Reviews:

A great collection.......2004-02-28

This is a really fabulous collections of songs. There is a great balance of old and new. This isn't a collection from one single genre and the diversity keeps the mix interesting. It's great to hear songs that wouldn't normally be noticed while a movie is playing and it's also great to hear those easily recognizable tunes from popular movies.

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