Open Book

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Davol's debut release, Mystic Waters, was one of the best-selling New Age records of 1989, reaching the Top 15 on the Billboard New Age Chart and the Top 30 on nationwide NAC radio. Paradox expanded his rhythmic foundation and sonic textures to firmly establish himself as one of New Age music's leading composers. Nature of the Beast, the third release of composer/arranger Davol combined his melodic genius with an imaginative palette of sounds to create a work of remarkably original flare. With Open Book, Davol continues the journey through rhythmic landscapes and cinematic vistas, to create a work of great personal expression.

Born in Hollywood in 1961, Davol moved to Colorado when he was seven and has spent most of his life in the Rocky Mountain state. His musical side was first expressed through the trumpet. When he was thirteen, he grew bored with the fact that his primary instrument was monophonic, and shifted over to classical piano. That was followed by high school exposure to synthesizers and jazz, harpsichord studies in college, and heavy influence and inspiration from the music of Claude Debussy, Jean-Michel Jarre, Andreas Vollenweider and Tangerine Dream.

By the time he moved to Denver in 1983 to pursue a Ph.D. in microbiology at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Davol's future life seemed firmly outlined. Step one: get the Ph.D. and spend his life doing research in medical virology. Step two: stay sane by playing lots of music at home. It was a fine plan, but one that didn't take into account his own talent.

"I took a little music theory in high school, but never ventured to write my own music. I would listen to a lot of things and say to myself 'that's interesting - but they should have done this differently here.' I got a Macintosh and some MIDI sequencing software for my home studio, and it was like a door had opened inside me. I found myself able to test all kinds of compositional experiments and get immediate results. At that point all these ideas just started pouring out. I was ready to start writing."

In 1988, Davol produced a short demo tape as a present for some friends. They passed it on to friends, one of whom brought it to the attention of James Marienthal, president of Silver Wave Records. Marienthal liked what he heard, and backed up his interest with a recording contract for the project that became Mystic Waters.

Interestingly, the success of Davol's music led him to pursuing his music career full-time. After Paradox, he took a leave from his work as a microbiologist, and gave the music his complete attention. Since that time, he has started the company, GIRA Sound & Audio, producing and distributing his music, as well as that of other instrumentalists in the form of CD-ROM music libraries for multimedia applications. Open Book is the first audio CD release on his GIRA Audio label.

Product Description
The fourth release from Davol, Open Book, is a collection of honest and imaginative works that fans and new listeners will welcome. Using a colorful palette of sounds, his keyboard compositions make strong and distinctive musical statements. From rhythmic landscapes to cinematic vistas, each piece takes the listener on a soulful journey. Since 1989 Davol has been one of New Age music's leading voices, and after many quiet years, Davol has returned to satisfy listeners with his Open Book.

Open Book,Davol,Gira Audio,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Progressive Electronic,Sincere, heartfelt and melodic - this is profound electronic music that will enliven your senses.

Open Book

Tracks:

Who Am I? featuring Tye Tribbett
Man Up
Star Struck
Price Tag
13/30
Every Day
Why I Do
That Great Day featuring Donnie McClurkin& Tye Tribbett
I Need You
Open Book
Rose featuring Lisa McClendon
Click (No Regrets)
Fig Tre

Customer Reviews:

Introspective.......2007-08-06

I have never been a huge fan of hip hop. Mainly because 90% of what I heard on the radio was not edifying in any way.I first heard Da Truth on a TBN Praise the Lord episode with Kirk Franklin. I think he did the song Legacy. I had never heard of christian hip hop before but this guy was really saying something. I went out and bought The Faith, which I thought was excellent. I too had to learn to see past the beats (by the way, most of them I liked) and really listen to the message. I believe that God has given us gifts and talents to use, yet we dont all have the same giftings. All of us are unique in the way God made us. I also believe that God intends for us to use what he has given us to glorify Him in the way He gave them to us. I respect Da Truth because he speaks The Truth, which is the Word of God. I do not believe Hip Hop in and of its self is sinful, but it is the heart behind the lyrics that makes it sinful just like any other Genre of music. Da Truth's music is definately edifying Christ. This CD has encouraged me to really examine myself to see if Im in the Faith. Its about being a doer not just a hearer of the Word. Here are some of my favorites from this CD.

1. Who am I-Definately makes me wonder if others see Christ in me
2. Price Tag-This is my absolute favorite song on the CD. This song really ministers to me in my everday struggle of dying to the flesh. So true.
3. Every Day-encouraging, still trying to figure out Gods purpose for me
4. That Great Day-Cant wait till we get there
5. I Need You- Everyday, this is my prayer
6. Rose-Beautiful

Disappointing.......2007-08-05

In this, T.R.U.T.H's third CD, he on a mission to encourage believers to be like' Open Books, exposing the light of christ in our lives, and not doing our deeds in secret. Whilst I admire this man of God for this concept, I have to be honest and say that I wasn't feelin' this release. I can't really put my finger on why, but none of the songs present on here ressonated with me, and didn't make the cut for my MP3 player. If pushed I'd say 'Who am I? is the only song I'd go back to when listening to this CD. The two stars are for the concept, and the very professional looking CD package, which is a long way from when Crossmovement records first started.

It's okay.......2007-08-01

He was preaching the gospel on the first two albums, however this one is extremely watered down. This is in fact a watered down gospel album. However, there are a few bangers, but compared to the first two albums...this one cannot compare. Da Truth needs to step his game back up

Buy it!!!.......2007-07-31

The entire album consists of collaborations with other artists. It's a really different album, but as good as the others. My favorite song has to be She's a Rose. I'm a rose everybody!!!! This album just like the others ministers to every child of God, no matter what your age.

Preaching put to music.......2007-07-14

To be honest, I didn't like this CD when I first played it. It needed to grow on me a little bit. I have the same problem with this album that I did with the last one. The raps were good, but the music could use a little work. I still gave this one 4 stars though because the music is a little better than his last CD and the lyrics are too. This is one CD where those little 30 second clips you get to hear online will not do it any justice. That's because there are songs on here that when you first hear them, you may not like them because of the music, but when you hear what he's talking about, you'll still want to hear the song because of what he's saying. Like most people, I edit people's CDs when I put them on my MP3 player. Usually at most only 4 or 5 songs make the cut. With this album, I'm going to have to put about 8 or 9 of em on there because just about every time I heard a song that I was thinking about skipping (because I didn't particularly care for the music), I said nahh, I can't skip this one because he said so and so.

I like the fact that Da Truth is a pure gospel rapper. He gives you pure word and preaching. He always gives the glory to God and never to himself. He never talks about how good he raps or how much money he has. And unlike his friend Ambassador (who's beats are better by the way) he doesn't seem like he's trying to justify to the church why he does what he does. He just gives the word to his audience and keeps it moving. Even though I'm almost 10 years older than him, I want to be like him when I grow up.

Another interesting thing about this CD is that he was VERY transparent. He exposed himself on this CD like the guy that ran across the field naked during the Super Bowl. Young people need to hear this CD because they need to know that Christians are not perfect, but at the same time, we have a high calling and are striving to reach perfection.

Every young person should hear and take heed to what is said on this CD. If there is anyone out there that has a young person in their life and is trying to reaching them with the right message but is not sure how to do it, buy this CD and give it to them. Because they're not going to buy it themselves. Music is very powerful. The same way secular music is being used to destroy our youth, this can be used to turn someone's life around.

Average customer rating:

Dream a dream
This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!
This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!
A must-have for Christmas music lovers
Gorgeous!

Dream a Dream

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Voice of an Angel
Charlotte Church
Enchantment
Prelude: The Best of Charlotte Church
Our Favorite Things

ASIN: B00004ZDPO
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

Dream A Dream (Elysium)
O Come, All Ye Faithful
The Little Drummer Boy
Mary's Boy Child
Ding Dong! Merrily On High
Winterwonderland
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The Coventry Carol (Lully Lullay)
Joy To The World
When A Child Is Born
What Child Is This?
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Draw Tua Bethlehem/Far Over Bethlehem
Ave Maria
Gabriel's Message
O Holy Night
Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming
Silent Night

Amazon.com

Everybody's favorite precocious sprite of a soprano comes out with her third album in Dream a Dream. It's only been two years since Charlotte Church's smash debut, Voice of an Angel, but that's a big chunk of the Welsh singer's life span so far. This latest is basically a Christmas album, so full of festive cheer you'd never guess it was recorded in the summer. Even the glummest of moods will disappear when you hear Charlotte's infectious take on chestnuts such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Little Drummer Boy" (and having the London Symphony Orchestra as your backup band doesn't hurt either). And on top of that is a really special treat: the title song (borrowing an unforgettable classical melody) which blends Church's soaring vocals with the tender voice of young country prodigy Billy Gilman. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Dream a dream.......2007-04-03

I bought this CD after watching the music video of the same name. Their performance of "dream a dream" is exquisite. The fact that they wrote the lyrics just adds icing to an already magnificent cake!

This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!.......2007-03-01

You know charlotte church has received so much harsh critismn about her,I find that people were jeolous of her voice, and of how a young girl can sing, she is definetly my dream ome true, (So back off johnathan flanders),this girl in the past has done some wonderful music which is inspirational and she is a wonderful person, I dont care whether she has changed, anyway her rock albumn has given me a lease on life and has given me potential in my singing,I love your voice very much, and this reviewer hasnt been written by a kid at all,if charlotte church is reading this,good on yeah girl,you definetly my dream come true,and I hope I will see you one day. your best friend JJCox

This girl has Potential (I wish the press would back off)!!!!!!.......2007-03-01

A must-have for Christmas music lovers.......2006-12-07

this cd is pure magic...almost 20 great christmas songs on one cd sung by the voice of an angel herself..there may be a few mixed reviews by some people who must be opera voice teachers because there is nothing wrong with this cd...it is flawless....charlotte's soaring vocals, the beautiful orchestra and background singers, the whole cd has the christmas feel to it..."o come all ye faithfull" has to be heard to be believed...it is breathtaking...i love charlottes take on "winter wonderland" and "ding dong merrily on high" ..made me want to go dance in the snow or something.....she hits every note beautifully..buy this cd...i bought it back in 2000 and have listened to it at every Christmastime since or Christmas doesnt feel the same.

Gorgeous! .......2005-12-07

Charlotte Church has done it again! She is extremely talented. Even if she was 25 when she put this out, she'd be amazing. But she was only 14-15 years old when she recorded this! Beautiful. This album has great choral accompaniments and fabulous orchestra arrangements. It is a little on the high side in certain songs, but it still sounds amazing. I love her voice.

Average customer rating:

Amazing skills, yet too busy for listening enjoyment
John Bayless Christmas Rhapsody
best concert pianist in the world
My favorite of the season
Best Piano Christmas CD ever!

Christmas Rhapsody

Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002VEQ5C
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL / ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH / HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS / "GOING HOME" NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN / DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY
THE CHRISTMAS SONG
RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER / LET IT SNOW
AVE MARIA
O COME O COME EMANUEL / O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM / THE FIRST NOEL
WINTER WONDERLAND / JINGLE BELLS
SILENT NIGHT / O HOLY NIGHT
SWEET LITTLE JESUS BOY / AWAY IN A MANGER / WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
JESU JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING / AMAZING GRACE
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
WHITE CHRISTMAS

Customer Reviews:

Amazing skills, yet too busy for listening enjoyment.......2006-12-13

I can't believe how well John Bayless has mastered the piano. This is very obvious from the first song that you ever hear him play. I'd really like to watch him play in concert. However, the songs on this album are too much work for me to listen to. The music is so busy that I can hardly concentrate on the melody and it hardly gives me the peace I expect from traditional Christmas music. Some of my favorites for this category are Jim Brickman, David Huntsinger, and Tim Janis.

John Bayless Christmas Rhapsody.......2006-02-13

Christmas Rhapsody has quickly become one of our all time favorite Chistmas CDs. We love it so much that it is February 10th and we are still listening to it.

best concert pianist in the world.......2005-08-18

John Bayless is the best concert pianist in the world. This album shows his genuis. Perfect music to listen to any time of the year.
This is the best Christmas album on the market.

My favorite of the season.......2004-12-31

This is the holiday music I have listened to throughout the season, and it is so beautiful I cannot bear to put it away yet. I love Bayless's work at any time, and these arrangements simply take my breath away. His blending of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with "Going Home" from the New World Symphony is particulary poignant. And his signature "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring/Amazing Grace" is seasonless and timeless. Christmas is over, but get this anyway; it's wonderful.

Best Piano Christmas CD ever!.......2004-12-15

David Lanz? Jim Brickman? John Tesh? Move over guys... John Bayless has done what no others could... Taken the xmas classics to a new level of musical enjoyment! By combining the songs together, and making them so rich and full of life, this will be my favorite Christmas CD for a looooooooooong time.

Average customer rating:

Amazing Celtic-Christian Prog
Excellent World Class production.
Celtic elevator music
Christian Celtic Progressive Rock Concept Album?

The Book of Kells
Iona
Manufacturer: Open Sky UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beyond These Shores
Open Sky
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ASIN: B00009Z5IA
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Kells Opening Theme
Revelation
Matthew - The Man
Chi-Rho
Mark - The Lion
River Flows
Luke - The Calf
Virgin and Child
Temptation
Arrest - Gethsemene
Trinity - The Godhead
John - The Eagle
Kells
Eternity - No Beginning, No End

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Celtic-Christian Prog.......2006-12-20

Let me start by saying I LOVE Iona. I can't think of anything bad to say about them. The music itself is so passionate and meaningful and the orchestrations are amazing. Personally I think it was a great idea to write an entire song cycle about a thousand year old illuminated manuscript of the four gospels and what they mean to the faith of the musicians. Inspiration from something so deep and personal clearly resulted in a deeply, personal composition. Iona is wonderful and this album was an excellent addition to my library.

Another excellent Iona masterpiece is the live album with the All Souls Orchestra. It has some pieces from The Book of Kells, and some from other albums, and it is really beautiful.

Excellent World Class production........2005-11-10

I've had this album for nearly 12 years now and have likely listened to it hundreds of times. I also own a published copy of the ancient manuscript, The Book of Kells. This album is an epic of discovery through the enlightened Gospels and the band/composers should be commended for their musical interpretation of such an important bit of history. I studied the copy of the manuscript initially with this very album playing in the background...it was a perfect soundscape. Several of the songs are titled based on the individual Illuminated Gospels themselves. Mark the Man is one that stands out, but each track is a 10 on its own!

The band takes its name from the island between England/Scotland and Ireland. The history of illuminated Gospels extends to the Island of Iona, so it was highly appropriate that the band, made up of members from both islands, should create and perform "The Book of Kells".

Excellent - better than 5 stars.

Steve in Seattle

Celtic elevator music.......2005-08-16

The Book of Kells was one of the most important pieces of art and literature in Western Culture.
It's a big ask for a modern 'celtic' musical group to produce a serious interpretation of this iconic and complex piece of literature.
Do they succeed?
In a single word, "No."
Whilst their music is good listening; dreamy, ethereal and swoopy, it is closer to 'elevator music' than I would expect.
The lyrics are banal.
Pleasing to the ear, but a little disappointing.

Christian Celtic Progressive Rock Concept Album?.......2004-07-25

Iona, for those of who have never heard of them, are a Christian progressive rock band that from the British Isles. They are an amazingly talented group! Their music is very hard to describe in a only a few short sentences. They are a very atmospheric band that has a remarkable musicianship. All of these musicians in this band are WORLD-CLASS. They can play in any style and do anything they want, because they have the talent. Iona are the following musicians:

Dave Bainbridge - guitar, keyboards, programming
Joanne Hogg - vocals, keyboards
David Fitzgerald - tenor/alto saxophones, flute, piccolo
Nick Beggs - Chapman stick, Wal's 5-string bass
Terl Bryant - drums and percussion
Frank Van Essen - percussion, violin
Troy Donockley - uillean pipes, low whistle

Guest Musicians - Robert Fripp (King Crimson) - guitar, soundscapes, Fiona Davidson - celtic harp, The Paul Whitfield Strings - ensemble violins/violas, the congregation of Kessington Temple Church

Now the music of this album is very conceptual or in other words its music and lyrics all follow a theme that progresses through the album. The album is VERY progressive. It is such a beautiful album. There isn't anything harsh or distorted about this album at all. I think it's a shame that musicians and groups of this caliber aren't recognized in the United States. There is so much good music here that anyone that has musical ears or that plays an instrument can appreciate it. This album also won several awards. One of them being "Best International Album" by Dove. I think Christian music should take some pointers from these masters as they rely heavily on the music to lead. There aren't many vocals on this album at all, because it's mostly instrumental. I understand the importance of lyrics in Christian music, but not all Christian music has to have vocals. Music speaks a voice by itself. Listen to this album and open your heart and you will not be disappointed.

I also highly recommend the following Iona albums:

Open Sky
Journey into the Morn
Beyond These Shores

Average customer rating:

Open Book
Suzanne Gorman
Manufacturer: Palmetto Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Welcome to My World

ASIN: B000F9T6OC
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

You Make Me Beautiful
Sanctuary
Heartbreaker
You Gotta Believe
Stranger and Me
In Africa
This Side of the Riviera
That's What Life's About
After I Say I Love You
Sleeping Beauty

Average customer rating:

Terrific vocal talents for Copland's music
finally sandburg's lincoln portrait
Wow! Pretty Good Deal

A Copland Celebration Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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A Copland Celebration Vol. 1
A Copland Celebration Vol. 3
The Copland Collection: Orchestral Works, 1948-1971
Copland Conducts Copland
The Copland Collection: Orchestral & Ballet Works, 1936-1948

ASIN: B000050HWT
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

Vitebsk, Study On A Jewish Theme
Sextet For Clarinet, Piano And String Quartet: I. Allegro vivace
Sextet For Clarinet, Piano And String Quartet: II. Lento
Sextet For Clarinet, Piano And String Quartet: III. Finale
Piano Quartet: I. Adagio serio
Piano Quartet: II. Allegro giusto
Piano Quartet: III. Non troppo lento
Duo For Flute And Piano: I. Flowing
Duo For Flute And Piano: II. Poetic, Somewhat Mournful
Duo For Flute And Piano: III. Lively, With Bounce

Tracks:

Lincoln Portrait - CARL SANDBURG
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: I. Nature, The Greatest Mother
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: II. There Came A Wind Like A Bugle
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: III. Why Do They Shut Me Out Of Heaven?
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: The World Feels Dusty
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: V. Heart, We Will Forget Him
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: VI. Dear March, Come In!
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: VII. Sleep Is Supposed To Be
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: VIII. When They Come Back
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: IX. I Felt A Funeral In My Brain
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: X. I've Heard An Organ Talk Sometimes
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: XI. Going To Heaven!
Twelve Poems Of Emily Dickinson: XII. The Chariot
Old American Songs (Set 1): The Boatmen's Dance (Minstrel Song, 1843)
Old American Songs (Set 1): The Dodger (Campaign Song)
Old American Songs (Set 1): Long Time Ago
Old American Songs (Set 1): Simple Gifts (Shaker Song)
Old American Songs (Set 1): I Bought Me A Cat
Old American Songs (Set 2): The Little Horses (Lullaby)
Old American Songs (Set 2): Zion's Walls (Revivalist Song)
Old American Songs (Set 2): The Golden Willow Tree
Old American Songs (Set 2): At The River (Hymn Tune)
Old American Songs (Set 2): Ching-A-Ring Chaw (Minstrel Song)
Billy The Kid: I. The Open Prairie - Oscar Levant
Billy The Kid: II. Street In A Frontier Town - Oscar Levant
Billy The Kid: V. Celebration Dance (After Billy's Capture) - Oscar Levant

Customer Reviews:

Terrific vocal talents for Copland's music.......2002-08-08

This second Copland collection focuses on unique talents of veteran performers.

William Warfield lends his voice and his interpretations of Copland's Old American Songs, and he sings them as they were meant to be, not as classical diletantes felt they should be. You have authenticity here.

Martha Lipton likewise contributes an older world charm and charisma to Copland's settings for Emily Dickenson's words.

Carl Sandberg's resonant reading of his own words is worth the full price of this set.

And then the inimitable Oscar Levant's piano treatment of the orchestral pieces...Levant had a wry touch to his interpretations that gave him a voice all his own.

There's much more here, quite a bit that's less than familiar and therefore increases one's familiarity with Copland.

finally sandburg's lincoln portrait.......2001-08-17

For all those like myself who have waited a decade for "A Lincoln Portrait" with Carl Sandburg's narration on CD, here it is finally! Sandburg's heartfelt reading of Lincoln's words is easily the most inspired and inspiring of the legions of others whose voices have been recorded. The orchestration by Kostelanetz also vastly surpasses others. Compare Henry Fonda's reading for example to see a poorly mixed tape where the narrator's voice is overwhelmed by the orchestra.

Wow! Pretty Good Deal.......2001-03-13

I was surprised to find two CDs of such quality being sold for the price of one. It also contained many hard to find Copland works.

Vitebsk is exciting. Strings do much of the work here. The music is very unique to any other Copland works. Definitely here a sample of this.

The Sextet is very interesting. The combination of strings and piano is a prefect balance along with the clarinet doing much of the harmony. It is the same song though as Copland's 2nd symphony, the 'short' one.

Duo for Flute and Piano is fun and happy. The 1st movement fluctuates quite a bit in the feeling but is a very nice combination. The second movement is slightly morbid but the feeling of happy hi ho is not lost. The 3rd movement is light and bouncy and can be described as typical Copland.

Lincoln Portrait is powerful. Though I don't see how it fits on this CD has a rarity or a chamber work. It is the besy Lincoln P. I've ever heard though.

Old American Songs and Poems of Emily Dickinson are not that good though. It's a vocalist and a piano accompanyingthe vocalist. The vocalists are not that good and I felt needed to feel the music a little more. Thomas Hampson and Dawn Upshaw made a CD with these songs which is much better (the only problem is that that CD only has 8 of the 12 Emily Dickinson Songs).

Billy the Kid was a nice way to finish off. It's just a few excerpts played on solo piano. It was interesting hearing the piece performed this way.

The recording quality is okay sometimes and kinda slipping other times. Then again, these are classic recordings for the most part. The skill though of the orchestra and soloists for the most part is that of a high quality. I definitely recommend this CD to any Copland fans out there trying to discover more about Copland. It's a very nicely put together CD and price worthy too.

Open Book
Average customer rating:

His best ever!

Simply Brilliant

Simply a pleasure

A Stunning Instrumental!

Still Outstanding

Open Book
Davol
Manufacturer: Gira Audio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000G36Q
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

Appaloosa
Hand in Mine
Gecko
Aquus
The Hope
Sleight of Hand
Another Day
Papali
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Adieu

Album Description

The fourth release from Davol, Open Book, is a collection of honest and imaginative works that fans and new listeners will welcome. Using a colorful palette of sounds, his keyboard compositions make strong and distinctive musical statements. From rhythmic landscapes to cinematic vistas, each piece takes the listener on a soulful journey. Since 1989 Davol has been one of New Age music's leading voices, and after many quiet years, Davol has returned to satisfy listeners with his Open Book.

Customer Reviews:

His best ever!.......2006-03-03

Music to make you relax, let you unwind. Davol's best cd EVER. (Paradox was very close, but misses the high mark.)

You want his best?
Relax with this.

Want more?
www.davolmusic.com

Simply Brilliant.......2002-02-03

While driving around Park City on vacation , I heard a wonderful instrumental on the radio. Not often do I make attempts to track down a particular artist but did so by calling the radio station. After buying the Open Book CD, I was amazed to find a
brilliant instrumental CD and am an instant and devoted fan of Davol. Having read the other reviews, I find I am in similar company and can't find the superlatives to describe how I feel every time I listed to this wonderful CD. Thank you Davol for sharing your awesome talent.

Simply a pleasure.......2000-08-27

I bought this wonderful c.d. while living in the San Francisco Bay Area, and listened to it a lot while commuting to and from work. It's a great c.d., with a more refined sound than his previous releases. It is consistently good all the way through and is generally more upbeat with a mystical rhythmic style all his own. It's inspiring music that doesn't sound contrived. I know that every Davol fan hopes it isn't another six years before he releases another c.d.

A Stunning Instrumental!.......1999-12-27

Sure it's been a long 6 years since Davol's last release, "Nature of the Beast", but a long wait certainly worth it! Without a doubt, "Open Book" stands out as probably the best contemporary instrumental release of all time. Every piece is superlative in both performance and sonics. The cd is at times uplifting,free-spirited and also pleasently moody. Such a treat to my ears that I listen to the cd almost everyday in my car. Very highly recommended for its musical beauty! Buy it at any cost.

Still Outstanding.......1999-11-07

For lovers of instrumental music, here's a gem. Davol has proved that he still maintains the edge in his music. He's written and produced another incredible journey with his magical signature. It's a shame that artists such as Davol haven't received the press they deserve. This is also true with the other talented instrumental artists like Patrick O'Hearn and Don Harriss. Davol is a survivor and has delivered a beautiful piece of work in an age of pop fluff.

Average customer rating:

My Heart is an Open Book
Jr. Carl Dobkins
Manufacturer: Bear Family
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000282X9
Release Date: 1991-02-22

Tracks:

My Heart Is An Open Book
If You Don't Want My Lovin'
Love Is Everything
My Pledge To You
Lucky Devil
A Fool Such As I
Promise Me
Take Time Out
A Chance To Belong
In My Heart
Ask Me No Question
Sawdust Dolly
Pretty Little Girl In The Yellow Dress
Open Us Your Arms
I'm Sorry
Three Little Peggies
Class Ring
Exclusively Yours
For Your Love
True Love
Raining In My Heart
Sue
That's What I Call True Love
One Little Girl
Genie
A Different Kind Of Love
Lovelight
That's All I Need To Know
Sawdust Dolly
Class Ring

Average customer rating:

Open Book
Evelyn "Champagne" King
Manufacturer: Rnb Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000U1XIR6
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Tracks:

Skillz
Whole Lotta Yum Yum
Dance [Remix]
Open Book
Standing on the Rock of Love
Nobody Knows
(You Deserve) An Academy Award
Paradise
True to My Boo
Creepin'
Dance [Remix]
Not That Kinda Party
Skillz [Remix]

Average customer rating:

Good Music "AGAIN" goes underated!!
THE BEST CD OF THE YEAR!
Great Performer
Titilating from beginning until the end!
My Choice for CD of the Year

My Heart Is an Open Book
Al Johnson
Manufacturer: Clout Recording
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000I90C
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

This, That & the Other
WHY
Here's Lookin' at You
Tell Me Again
Do You Really Love Me
My Heart is an Open Book
Tranquility
This Last Time
You Hit Me Where It Hurts
Anything This Wonderful
Never Like This Again

Album Description

A smooth blend of R&B soul with heartfelt lyrics and tranquilizing melodies from the ballads to the mid tempos.

Al Johnson delivers a sound that's a sincere inspirational mixture of Marvin Gaye, The Whispers and Bryan McKnight. Track to track, the lyrics will engulf and mesmorize you ... "If a picture is really worth a thousand words like they say. Look at me while I'm looking at you baby, it's a love expose. I glow from the inside out, I want to scream, I want to shout, and I know you can feel it cause I can't conceal it, page after page after page... MY HEART IS AN OPEN BOOK."

Customer Reviews:

Good Music "AGAIN" goes underated!!.......2005-10-14

This CD has gotten "some" airplay, but not enough!! The single is "tranquility" which is a good song but they're other beautiful material on here worth listening to. I've always enjoy his voice since he did that duet with Jean Carne (another underated artist with a beautiful voice) "I"m back for more." Here again good music subsituted for gemmick garbage. CDNOW, keep up the good work in bringing good music to the website!

THE BEST CD OF THE YEAR!.......2000-08-01

DON'T SLEEP ON THIS, AL JOHNSON IS AWESOME! EVERY SONG ON THIS DISK IS GREAT. DO TO SORRY PROMOTION, A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL MISS OUT. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY TRUE MUSIC LISTENER.

Great Performer.......2000-02-24

I really enjoyed Al Johnson's show when he was at Constitution Hall on Feb.12,2000. I think that he was really great, I had never heard him before and when I got the CD I said I had to go to the concert to hear in person he is great and he has another fan.

Titilating from beginning until the end!.......1999-10-25

One of the smoothest grooves I've heard since the death of Marvin Gaye. Tranquility really blows my mind, every time I hear it, I hear Marvin. My Heart Is and Open Book, very-very berry nice. I found that I could not pick a favorite, because each evolved into a mesmerizing fantasy of its own and yet collectively appeasing/appealing to my auditory zone.

My Choice for CD of the Year.......1999-06-22

Al has done a tremendous job. This CD has a wonderful blend and mixture of sounds, from easy uptempo to pretty melodic, smooth flowing ballads. The lyrics express exactly what a true romantic feels in their heart, and what anyone would say to the one they love. My absolute favorite "Anything This Wonderful" is a simple love song that flows so nicely, and is soooo pretty I have played it over and over. "Tranquility" is clearly the song you can't get out of your head. A big, big hit!!!! This CD is a tremendous success for Al and his producer. I expect it to go to the top of the charts. Thanks Al and Desi, wishing you lots and lots of success!!!!

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