Walden

Editorial Reviews
Dan Liss, NAV New Age Music Journal, 4/98
His piano breathes life into the writer's passages, like the quiet rippling of the wind on the surface of the water. . .

Product Description
Henry David Thoreau spent two years at Walden Pond living out his belief in the divinity of nature. From this experience, he wrote Walden, his most famous work. Ken Pedersen draws upon Thoreau's ideas to create a musical discovery of beauty and belief in the human spirit. Let his music carry you to a place of serenity and reflection on the meaning of life, nature, and personal choice.

Walden

Walden,Ken Pedersen,Symark

Walden

Walden

Music by... W.G. Snuffy Walden
Average customer rating:

Too much clutter

Ear-pleasing music

Music by W G Snuffy Smith

This is a 10 Star Mood-Enhancing CD!

Tasteful!

Music by... W.G. Snuffy Walden
W.G. Snuffy Walden
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The American President: Original Score From The Motion Picture

Touch-Windham Hill 25 Years of Guitar

The West Wing Script Book

The West Wing Seasons 3 & 4: The Shooting Scripts: Eight Teleplays by Aaron Sorkin (Newmarket Shooting Script)

Sounds of Wood and Steel, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00004DTOE
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Angela Smiled
Love Unspoken
Once & Again
Turtle Bay
Sketches Of Topanga
Eugene's Ragtop
New York/Melting Pot
Room With A View
Felicity's Theme
Thirtysomething (Revisited)
Big City
Alone
West Wing Suite (Bonus Track)
West Wing - Main Title (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

Claiming he was wary of finding himself "playing Holiday Inns at 60," W.G. "Snuffy" Walden segued gracefully from a career as a rock/blues guitarist and sideman/musical director to artists from Donna Summer and Laura Branigan to Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan to become one of modern television's most prolific composers. This collection offers up several of Walden's contemporary TV successes (the powerful, guitar- and wordless-aria-driven elegance of "Once and Again"; the haunting "Felicity's Theme"; an acoustic guitar revamp of "Thirtysomething"; and the stately theme from his Emmy-winning work on The West Wing) alongside other nonsoundtrack compositions that frequently evoke his Louisiana and Texas roots with graceful resolve. Assisted by a strong roster of notable sidemen (including guitarist Dean Parks, pianist Randy Kerber, bassist Neil Stubenhaus, and percussionist Paulinho da Costa), Walden's music gratifyingly stretches the boundaries of the Windham Hill "mold," especially on the evocative solo guitar and orchestra piece "Sketches of Topanga" and the percussive, energetic ambitions of "New York/Melting Pot." With his elegiac acoustic guitar leading the way, Walden's music here mixes woodwinds, orchestra, string quartets, and electric slide guitar into a subtle musical stew that expands on his screen work in ways both logical and rewarding. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Too much clutter.......2006-04-05

Snuffy's simple solo performances on this album are a "5", no question ... and if you like booming symphony orchestras and distracting New Age vocalists to accompany guitars, then you'll probably judge the whole album a "5." But there are too few of the former, too many of the latter. So please give us another album, Snuffy. Only next time bring fewer friends.

Ear-pleasing music.......2005-09-08

It was on "Touch, Windham Hill 25 Years of Guitar" that I first encountered the music of Snuffy Walden.

Well, that's not entirely true. It was back in the 80s, during my brief yet poignant obsession with Hope, Michael, Elliott and Nancy of Thirtysomething that I first became enchanted. Although I didn't really know it at the time; I just tapped along to the tune that opened the show then settled into the sofa for a good hour of 1980s big-hair, big-corporation drama.

Now, nearly twentysomething years later, Snuffy is back in my life, and I couldn't be happier. All the tracks of "Music by W.G. Snuffy Walden" are listenable, and many merit the "back" button on your computer or car stereo. His characteristic tug of the guitar string shows up here and there, which tugs at the heartstrings as well. The best cut is "Felicity's Theme," a sad, liquid tune, delightful in its restraint. "Thirtysomething Revisited" took some getting used to, as this fan remembers the original. But now it's my second-favorite track, causing me to sometimes race across the room to turn up the volume for a better hearing of the guitar work. The rendition is slow and meditative, not the upbeat version that served as the bed for the blue titles of the television show. But hey, this is now, that was then. Slower can be better, or at least just as good.

Bottom line: I've currently got three cds in my changer, which I press "play" and "repeat" every morning before putting in a day's work. So mind you, these three cds are all I have listened to for a good two months. Snuffy's is among them. (Sorry; you'll have to guess the other two.)

Music by W G Snuffy Smith.......2005-07-29

The primary reason for ordering this CD was for the theme for West Wing. It was the one track that was defective. The other tracks ranges from adequate to poor.

This is a 10 Star Mood-Enhancing CD!.......2005-06-30

I came across this CD while looking for others and intuitively, I felt it might be of interest. Excuse me for saying this, but I had never heard of W.G. Snuffy Walden before although I have seen the series "West Wing" on TV and heard the theme music which he wrote and two "bonus" takes of this are at the end of this fine CD.

The music on this CD is beautifully written and performed by Snuffy and/or his friends and is a pleasure to take in over and over. The moods range from mellow, lofty, airy, soothing, melancholy, contemplative, meditative, inspiring, and spiritual.

There are Celtic-like vocals in the background on some cuts along with a beautiful and pleasing arrangements of acoustic and electric guitar, violin, viola, percussions, drums, piano, cello, and woodwinds.

Those who enjoy this type of music will be overjoyed- it's a real jewel and I have put it right at the top of all my mellow mood enhancing CDs!

Tasteful!.......2004-07-09

Tasteful. That's how I would summarize this album.

This recording was a serendipitous discovery for me. In a stack of CDs that were given to our high school library, I was immediately drawn to acoustic guitar on the cover. I was not disappointed when I cracked open the case and dropped it into my CD player.

Snuffy Walden has written some extraordinarily beautiful melodies, and thankfully has kept them free from lyrics on this album. The majority of this recording has a quiet, restful atmosphere, played mostly on acoustic six-string guitar. Tracks at times are accompanied by string quartet, orchestra, voices, or "smooth jazz" style combo.

Snuffy appears to pay tribute on various tracks to some of my all-time favorite guitarists including an unplugged Eric Clapton, Bruce Cockburn, Will Ackerman and Phil Keaggy. There's even a hint of some of the classical greats such as Segovia or John Williams to be heard here (not that they'd ever play steel strings with a pick, but there's still a hint of that sound).

This has quickly become my favorite album of the summer, and it will remain in the top of my personal playlist when I return to school and play it as background music in the library.

Ecstasy's Dance: The Best of Narada Michael Walden
Average customer rating:

Music to Be Inspired By (for just about anything in life) !!

Is It Really Love?

"HIGH ABOVE THE CLOUDS" MUST BE COVERED BY SOME DIVA SOON!

The Best divine pop available on Cd - until all is available

I Miss You My Friend

Ecstasy's Dance: The Best of Narada Michael Walden
Narada Michael Walden
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music
General | R&B | Styles | Music
General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Garden of Love Light

The Best of the T.K. Years, 1975-1985

I Cry, I Smile

The Best of Michael Henderson

Best of the Gibson Brothers: Cuba

ASIN: B0000033WG
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

White Night
Delightful
First Love
Rainbow-Sky
I Cry, I Smile
I Don't Want Nobody Else (To Dance With You)
The Awakening
I Shoulda Loved Ya
Tonight I'm Alright
The Real Thang
Blue Side Of Midnight
Reach Out
High Above The Clouds
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
Divine Emotions

Customer Reviews:

Music to Be Inspired By (for just about anything in life) !!.......2002-05-29

N.M.W. for me was just a name that I would see as credited for writing some of the most smoldering R & B pop hits for various soulful female acts (too many to mention). He also contributed to some of Kenny G's early works. There is no denial that this man is a pure gifted musical genius. The ethereal love ballad Blue Side of Midnight is pure proof positive that Narada can write the tunes to swoon the ladies and inspire romantic moments ! His impeccable way of delving into light rock (White Night) while changing with the trends of music is astonishing.
While greatly underrated as a solo singing artist Narada is one of the music industy's most underappreciated talents of the last two decades...This is a wonderful introspective and retrospective collection which demonstrates his awesome knack for changing with the styles of music during the late 70's and thru the late 80's.

Is It Really Love?.......2001-11-09

I am disappointed that the song "Is It Really Love" was not on here. That's the song that was played in the nightclub scene in the movie "Innerspace"

"HIGH ABOVE THE CLOUDS" MUST BE COVERED BY SOME DIVA SOON!.......2000-08-12

I remember first hearing Narada Michael Walden's LP, "The Nature of Things," when I worked at my college radio station. "High Above The Clouds" quickly became one of my all-time favorite songs, and still is to this day, 15 years later. I began to follow his production work for, among others, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Angela Bofill, Jermaine Stewart, Dionne Warwick, Barbra Streisand, and himself. I listened to his earlier works and was just amazed at the depth and beauty this artist could achieve. I was so happy for Narada when I found out he would produce the theme song for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, "One Moment In Time," by Whitney Houston. Then he bombasted us with his production of the James Bond theme song, "Licence To Kill," by Gladys Knight, still one of the best "bring-the-house-down" Bond themes ever produced. Then came his work on the exquisite Barbra Streisand single, "We're Not Making Love Anymore," part of the "more" in her CD, "A COLLECTION...GREATEST HITS AND MORE."

I was ECSTATIC (hence the title---I did the dance) when I found this "Best Of" collection CD in my local record store. His work has become very hard to find in any format, but to find this treasure chest on CD sent my soul skyrocketing! I agree...something MUST be done to get Narada Michael Walden's past works released on compact disc. This collection includes a good cross section of all his albums. My favorites include "Divine Emotion," "Gimmee, Gimmee, Gimmee (duet with Patti Austin)," and, of course, "High Above The Clouds." Speaking of which, I sincerely believe that "High Above The Clouds," if presently covered by some mega-"diva," could be a HUGE CROSSOVER HIT, transcending the boundaries of POP, R&B, DANCE, ROCK, ADULT CONTEMPORARY, ALTERNATIVE, and MODERN ROCK genres. Somebody please send this song to A&R for WHITNEY HOUSTON, TAYLOR DAYNE, MARIAH CAREY, or someone who wants a great Narada-penned MEGA-HIT SONG. In the meantime, let this CD take YOUR soul high above the clouds!

The Best divine pop available on Cd - until all is available.......2000-08-05

Ecstasy yes, this music lives on and on. You can hear it whenever, in whatever mood, whereever, and always it lifts you. It has been with me during the past 25 years and never has it become dull. Because it is inspired. When Narada sings lovesongs, it is spiritual love; actually everything in the songs refers to the path of enligthenment. It is like a modern western "kawali' music of the Sufi tradition - with fantastic guitar solos by the best players, spiralling violins, and bass and drums that kill. And overall, this music is put together with taste, enormous skill, to make it sound easy, and POWER.

I Miss You My Friend.......2000-03-13

Narada Michael Walden; Where does one begin, do you talk about his present day successes, or do you cherish the stepping stone days that placed him on high, and his association with "Guru Sri Chinmoy"...Narada Michael Walden best work is when he discovered he had the gift, that is the gift of composition. With his first album "Garden of Love Light" that gift was realized, his proceeding albums were eagerly anticipated as well, if you want to hear a real treat, by all accounts should have put him over the top back in the seventies! try to find "I Smile, I Cry", this work is one of the most poetic albums I have ever heard. Truly "Lisa" was the inspiration behind this work of art...Narada I know you will see this review, and when you do, let it be the inspiration you need to lobby Atlantic Record Company, to re-release your whole collection. I truly believe one day your collection will be re-released, I don't believe you will allow your legacy to be over shadowed by the present day definition of artistry.

Much Love, One Love Faatih

Tracks:

White Night
Garden Of Love Light
Delightful
First Love
Meditation
The Sun Is Dancing
You Got The Soul
Saint And The Rascal
You Are Love

Album Description

Walden's first solo album featuring some musical guest superstars, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck and David Sancious among others. This album was orginally released in 1976 and is making its worldwide CD debut. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

Take A Walk In The Garden Of Love Light.......2006-11-07

Fresh from his stint as drummer for the Mahavisnu Orchestra, Narada Michael Walden found himself in a musical age when gospel,funk,pop,jazz and rock were blending with cosmic,social and spiritual meanings in the lyrics.Writer Ricky Vincent calls it the United Funk era and for his part Narada had something special in mind musically for this new era. This 1976 debut 'Garden Of Love Light' is a funk-pop-fusion delight,heavier on the fusion then Walden would later become.Musically the mix is solid as it comes-the title song,"Delightful",the wonderous "You Got The Soul" and the ballad "You Are Love" all tie together soul,pop,gospel organs and walloping jazz fusion drumming to perfection,in each case under five minutes.As is still typical for him Narada had called in the best musicians he could think of:Carlos Santana,Jeff Beck and David Sancious alone (never mind the presense of Raymond Gomez and the glorious Cissy Houston) all make their presense known,even if Narada is always the star attraction.'Garden Of Love Light' is not an album of ego-it's an album of Narada-a great artist (as well as a great assembler of talent) drawing huge musical dynamics and creativity out of everyone playing along with him.This is especially true on the instrumentals "White Night","Saint And The Rascal",the long and winding "The Sun Is Dancing" and Santana's powerful "First Love" that all,like the vocal numbers feel more like ritual marriment then music at times.Lyrically Narada encourages the listener to find the happiness in the music they are hearing,feel it's power and enjoy themselves.It embraces the same positive additude of EWF of the same period and when Narada becomes involved in improvisation he includes the listener on the journey with him.So on 'Garden Of Love Light' instead of trying to find the funk groove in fusion Narada discovers how fusion grooves like mad very well on it's own terms.And as far as melody goes he packs enough into every song (ESPECIALLY the instrumentals) to choke a horse.Narada was laying groundwork for future classics on his own and with many other artists in the future and I must say that 'Garden Of Love Light' gets Narada off to a terrific start.

A talented musician in his first solo effort.......2004-12-09

Narada Michael Walden has been a succesful producer for the likes of Whitney Houston, an impressive drummer who backed Jeff Beck on wired, and also enjoy a little success as a singer/songwrite in the 80s ("I don't want nobody else to Dance with You"). Of all his work this is my favorite of his, I believe it's his first solo effort. The music is more jazz/rock/pop but has a few catch tunes and cameo appariances by several hot musicians of its time such as Santana, Ray Gomez, and Jeff Beck.

drummer/composer .......2004-10-31

This is an amazing CD. I was so into Narada's drumming when he was with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Especially the amazing Vision of The Emerald Beyond. His drumming is so powerful! And now this, his first CD has the power drumming at times, but more than that, the songs are created with so much soul.
There is a little something for everyone on this CD. Don't let the stupid looking cover fool you. Michael Walden is one of the best drummer/composers around. there is a James Bond movie called License to Kill which Gladys Knight sings that is composed by Michael Walden. It's the best James Bond movie theme song since Goldfinger or You Only Live Twice. Definitely worth checking out.

Whitney Houston's mum..........2001-04-26

This is Narada's first album and it is finally available on cd, which is great news. It globally is a very introspective album, as track 5 says ("Meditation"), on the edge of creativity, and with a balance between pure instrumentals and songs with vocals. The opening "White nights" is one of the most spectacular things I have ever heard. You will also find a very psychodelic-symphonic rock like track of over 9 minutes ("The sun is dancing"), dedicated to the Mahavishnu, featuring a very aggressive guitar by Ray Gomez. The genius Jeff Beck makes a remarkable appearance on track 8, another psychodelic one. On bass, Will Lee (one of my favourite Bass players, and a good friend of Toto) playing on all the tracks.

The funny detail with this album is the appearance of Cissy Houston (Whitney's mother...) singing on the title track. That gives you an idea of how long ago this was.

People who have been chasing Narada's work over the years, like I have, will be delighted with this one. This is NOT a poppy album, and it probably is his third best, in my humble opinion. Only problem with this cd : it sounds like a vinyl (LP) playing in your cd player, and I imagine something could have been done to make it sound better.

Soundtrack From thirtysomething (1987-1991 Television Series)
Average customer rating:

I love this soundtrack!

Capturing the pre-recession angst of the late 80's

Almost 20 years later....

One of television's great themes!

Great Show/Great Music

Soundtrack From thirtysomething (1987-1991 Television Series)
W. G. Snuffy Walden
Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Music by... W.G. Snuffy Walden

L Is for Lover

Thirtysomething Stories

Modesty Blaise

Group 87

ASIN: B000000OSD
Release Date: 1991-06-18

Tracks:

Main Title (Extended Version)
Begging For Sex, Part 2
Michael And Hope's New Baby
Another Country (Nancy's Illness)
Post Op
It Must Be Love - Rickie Lee Jones
Nancy And Elliot Take A Train
Michael's Dilemma
Elyn's Wedding
Come Rain Or Come Shine - Ray Charles
Life Class (Nancy's Museum Fantasy)
Second Look
Hot Butter (Miles Comes To Dinner)
Melissa And Men
The Go Between
Gary's Funeral
The Water Is Wide - Karla Bonoff
Main Title (Air Version)

Customer Reviews:

I love this soundtrack!.......2006-08-02

I didn't watch the show much, but I take art classes at a wonderful place and the instructor played it a few times and it is truly a great collection of songs to create to. It is lively enough and calm enough to bring out your muse.

Capturing the pre-recession angst of the late 80's.......2006-04-05

This show was on during my high school years and it was an advanced look at what could happen in adulthood based on certain choices. The music is great and I enjoyed the show even though I was barely out of junior high. Maybe the lyrics warned me that the promise of youth sometimes isn't fulfilled. Who knows. If you can catch the series it will be worth it. When you discover that marriage and parenthood is NOT a guaranteed path to happiness ... and then learn it for yourself before hooking up with tragic consequences. I am convinced that the episodes were what compelled me to avoid traditional time lines that other peers followed, which only resulted in cohabitation, engagement, and marriage before 30 only to have everything erupt in divorce and dating with baggage before 35.

Almost 20 years later...........2004-04-02

Those late 80's, they were a powerful time for most of us late baby boomers...and watching thirtysomething, nursing MY newborn daughter along with Hope. Going through a similar adjustment to being a stay at home mom, who was I becoming? And why was motherhood such a powerful emotion?

Even the characters that I didn't care for at first: Elliot, Gary and Ellen, grew and changed over those 4 years and I wept with joy at Ellen's wedding, wept with sadness at Gary's untimely death and watched with pride as Nancy grew stronger, first through the separation, then in her own skin and finally battling cancer. Yes, even Elliot stepped up to the plate.

And then all in an instant, it was gone. Guess that's why I bought the CD back then, because, just as other reviewer's have said, the tracks will bring you right back to the episode.

My personal favorite track is "The Water is Wide".

One of television's great themes!.......2003-08-12

Great album, even if you never watched the show. (Shame on you if you didn't!) The main theme ranks up there with Love Is All Around from The Mary Tyler Moore Show as the greatest theme song from television. Just like the show that inspired it, this music is still relevant. Perfect for any season...but I tend to revisit this beautiful album in the fall. The only song missing from this collection is Stevie Nicks great remake of Johnny Cash's I Still Miss Someone.

Great Show/Great Music.......2003-01-29

This CD takes you back to the wonderful television world of Thirtysomething. Even those that are not fans of the show will love the instrumentals of Snuffy Walden.

Stokowski: Bach Orchestral Transcriptions

Average customer rating:

Absolutely extraordinary and spellbounding performances!
Arrangements With Power and Beauty
SENSATIONAL NEW CD
Stokowski Lives Again!

Stokowski: Bach Orchestral Transcriptions

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach - Stokowski
Stokowski's Symphonic Bach
Stokowski's Symphonic Bach, Vol. 2
The Fantastic Leopold Stokowski: Transcriptions For Orchestra
Mendelssohn: Octet in E flat major, Op. 20; Bruch: Octet in B flat major

ASIN: B000FGGKI0
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Amazon.com

Leopold Stokowski's Orchestral Transcriptions are guilty pleasures: high-fat concoctions that are always in danger of becoming campy and gargantuan, something like the classical equivalent of Phil Spector, but without the guns. It is crucial to almost (and I mean "almost") underplay them; they will speak for themselves. The transcriptions are not particularly complicated and lack anything even vaguely revolutionary in their tonality. What we get is a wall of string tone carrying the melodies, usually, with brass and winds used for focus and enlarging. The famous Bach Passacaglia finds the entry of the brass reiterating the ostinato with a handsome blare, and much to the credit of conductor José Serebrier, he does not play all his cards so early in the piece. It builds and builds, and then blows us away. The CD opens with the almost too famous Air from the 3rd Orchestral Suite of Bach. Serebrier gets just the right dark, warm sound from the low strings that one associates with a Stokowski performance. Also included on the CD are Dido's Lament (Purcell), not needing its text in such an expressive performance; a big, toasty version of the Pastoral Symphony from Messiah; and a pairing of Two Ancient Liturgical Melodies by Stokowski himself. The Bournemouth Symphony seem to know they're doing something popular. This is a stunning CD and the engineers have done a great job as well. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely extraordinary and spellbounding performances!.......2006-07-25

These are extraordinary and spellbounding performances. The legendary Stokowski sound lives again, now in the hands of that great Maestro José Serebrier, who has put his personal touches to the remarkable Stokowski versions of Bach works. This recording is to be enjoyed from the first, magical tones of the Air from the 3rd. Suite, to the last track, the massive Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor. In between, we are treated to one of the best recordings ever made, in clarity, sound, beauty.
Every recording I have heard (I must have at least two dozen) conducted by Serebrier -regardless of the orchestra he may be using at the time- Tchaikovsky on BIS, Glazunov on Warner Classics, Ives on BMG, Rodrigo on Warner, etc., there is magic there, from the first to the last note. I have read that he is the most recorded conductor today, and I can see why. Well beyond the perfection he attains, and much more important to me, is the innate musicality and great intensity. Not since Stokowski, Toscanini, Szell, have we heard such personal, electric recordings. The Bach-Stokowski is one of the best, but I have also enjoyed the first volume in this series, the Mussorgsky-Stokowski that Naxos released last year. Both are highly recomended.
Pedro Gonzalez
Miami, FL

Arrangements With Power and Beauty.......2006-06-29

Transcriptions for orchestra, once a staple of many orchestras, have fallen out of favor in the past few decades. Tastes seem to lean more toward more authentic renditions of the works of the great composers and for some, orchestral arrangements are nothing short of musical apostasy. Yet we can forget that in many cases, these arrangements were the work of some of music's great legends, one of whom is the well known twentieth century conductor Leopold Stokowski.

In high school when I collected LP's, I had two recordings of Bach transcriptions. One was a full price recording by the Philadelphia Orchestra under the baton of Eugene Ormandy. The music was transcribed by the orchestra's arrangers and from time to time I still listen to this set, but now on CD. The second was a budget recording in mono recoding under the direction of Stokowski. One of the major differences I noticed was the lush sound of Ormandy as opposed to the somewhat edgy and exciting sound of Stokowski as opposed to the more lush performances conducted by Ormandy. Sometimes I'd put on the headphones and I'd jump out of my seat. The music had that much power. As I've become more familiar with Bach's music, I have discovered that Stokowski's transcriptions seem to be closer to what the composer intended and at least for me, the orchestral transcriptions helped me come to see the beauty of Bach's music.

In the past when I've purchased some recordings of Stokowski's transcriptions under other conductors, I've been disappointed. Something seems to be missing. I purchased this collection hoping it would have some of the magic of the old LP, but didn't expect all that much. As soon as I could I put the CD in the player, went to what is my favorite Stokowski transcription, track 12, the Passacaglia and Fugue. I was transported back in time which was probably not a good thing, considering I was driving, and as I listened to the other Bach music, I remembered why I love these arrangements so. My guess is that conductor Jose Serebrier must also have had an appreciation for Stokowski's genius. Perhaps he was also mesmerized by recordings by Stokowski in his youth. My only wish is that instead of the Handel and Purcell music, more of the transcriptions were included such as the Toccata and Fugue and the Great Fugue, but since the other tracks while not Bach are performed well, I can't complain.

SENSATIONAL NEW CD.......2006-06-27

This recording is fantastic! One of the most rewarding I have heard in a long time. Finally there is some warmth and phrasing,
something I have missed in many modern recordings.
The sound is spectacular. I have heard a few recordings made by Phil Rowlands and conducted by Jose Serebrier, and they all sound magnificent. Bravo to the Bournemouth Symphony, the Leopold Stokowski Society and to Naxos. Let us hope this is the start of a long series.

Stokowski Lives Again!.......2006-06-21

As a ten-year-old piano student I learned the piano transcription of Bach's 'Little' G Minor Fugue for organ done by Olga Samaroff. One day my teacher asked, 'Would you like to hear what Madame Samaroff's husband has done with this fugue? He set it for full orchestra.' When she played a 78rpm recording of Stokowski's transcription I knew I'd entered an entirely delightful world. I bought my own record and played it until the grooves were worn down. I had the temerity, though, to ask my teacher if, when I performed the fugue, I should slow down at the climax like Stokowski did and she explained the difference between a keyboard and an orchestral climax, and said something about Stokowski 'taking liberties' on that account. 'It really works, doesn't it?' I'll say!

When I got this CD I went immediately to track 3 -- that same Little G Minor Fugue -- and heard it with the memory of Stokowski's recording in my mind's ear. This one stacks up beautifully and is in modern sound. Actually, though, that transcription is a bit out of character for Stokowski's Bach settings because it is so dependent on the sound of the wind section. His transcriptions typically are based on massed string sound -- he had, after all, the 'Philadelphia sound' (which, of course, he'd created) to work with, those silky, lush, deeply visceral Philadelphia strings. The Bournemouth strings have nothing to fear, though, when compared with the Philadelphia strings of old. There is much to like on this CD. For instance, there is the utter serenity of the first section of 'Es is vollbracht' (from the St. John Passion) which leads to the quicker triumphal middle section with celebratory brass before returning to the earlier calm. Or the sweet contemplation of 'Komm süsser Tod.' Or the majestic chorale from 'Christ lag in Todesbanden.'

But this CD is slightly misnamed: it is not all Bach. There is the Pastoral Symphony from 'Messiah,' a moving transcription of 'Dido's Lament' from Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas,' and Stokowski's own 'Two Ancient Liturgical Melodies' which is an effective intermingling of 'Veni Creator Spiritus' and 'Veni Emmanuel'.

The CD ends with one of Stokowski's most glorious efforts, his transcription of Bach's great Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 582. This gigantic work, so effective in its original organ setting, is perfect for the orchestrational skills of Stokowski who loved nothing better than building layer upon layer of orchestration in a work that starts simply and builds repeatedly to exhilarating climaxes. This is one of Stokowski's (and, of course, Bach's) masterpieces. It is given an exciting reading by José Serebrier and the Bournemouth orchestra, who, by the way, have issued an earlier CD, also justly praised, of Stokowski-Mussorgsky transcriptions including Stoki's own orchestration of 'Pictures at an Exhibition' that is really first-rate.

The booklet notes are by Serebrier who, as most will recall, had been Stokowski's assistant at the very beginning of his career and who was present for many, many Stokowski rehearsals and performances. If Stokowski has an heir it has to be Serebrier. He certainly obtains the characteristic Stokowski style and sound in these marvelous performances. The excellent sonics make this very nearly a demonstration CD.

Heartily recommended.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Jazz Vocals - Especially Bjork & Joni Mitchell!
Don't Listen to An Idiot: Bjork is the Reason to Buy This!
Some real gems

AT& T Presents Stormy Weather

Manufacturer: AT&T/Walden Woods Project
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Similar Items:

Read Between My Lines: The Musical And Life Journey of Stevie Nicks
Dreams, Pt. 2
Crystal Visions - The Very Best of Stevie Nicks (CD / DVD)
Rock a Little
Sound Stage Presents - Lindsey Buckingham With Special Guest Stevie Nicks

ASIN: B00068AEHK

Product Description

Produced by Don Henley for the Walden Woods Project Enhanced CD with AT& T WorldNet service software. All tracks live and exclusive to this issue. Tracks: 1. Almost Blue: Gwen Stefani; 2. You've Changed: Paula Cole; 3. But Beautiful: Shawn Colvin; 4, Good Guy: Trisha Yearwood; 5. Is That All There Is?: Sandra Bernhard; 6. Good Morning Heartache: Sheryl Crow; 7. They Can't Take That Away from Me: Natalie Cole; 8. At Last: Stevie Nicks; 9. Gloomy Sunday: Bjork; 10. Stormy Weather: Joni Mitchell.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Jazz Vocals - Especially Bjork & Joni Mitchell!.......2007-01-21

This rare compilation is a Diamond in the world of compilations!
The powerful and individually-styled female vocalists singing over a backdrop of beatiful orchestral-arranged jazz standards.

Bjork gives an incredible performance that is both on-key and unique. She delivers powerfully and with reverence to the underlying somber emotion of the song. The live audience roars with approval at the songs conclusion. Her performance is well received and rightfully so. It is unfortunate that another reviewer was so narrow-minded in their desire for the musically mundane. Bjork fans will be rewarded, and those unfamiliar will be introduced by a more controlled and introspective side of Bjork's bare, emotional style.

Each artist brings their own style to this great live recording.
This Hard-to-find disc is worth every penny!

Don't Listen to An Idiot: Bjork is the Reason to Buy This!.......2006-01-27

It is truly disgusting that someone would so "hit-and-run" Bjork's good name, like a certain reviewer did in the review before this. The song "Gloomy Sunday" in itself is a masterpiece with a huge Urban Legend attached: people commit suicide to this song's suicidal theme. But Bjork is as brilliant as ever. And just so that you can truly ignore the past writer's comment, here are the many reasons why.

If she can't sing, how come:
-she has made 5 studio albums.
-CD Debut went Platinum in UK and Gold in US
-CD Post went Platinum in US
-She has made two soundtracks to the two film's she's been in (DR9 and DITD)
-She was nominated for an Oscar for best song
-She holds a record for the most Brit Awards ever
-She is nominated for another Brit Award coming up later in 2006
-She was nominated for an Internation Grammy for Medulla
-She is dating the biggest artist of all time Matthew Barney
-She has more fans (loyal one's too...)than most other singer's combined
-She has given performances in some of the best opera houses and arena's the world has to offer
-She made a platinum CD...when she was 10!
-She frontlined a documentary at the age of 15!
-She is still recognized for her amazing work in Sugarcubes
-She performed at the Olympics
-She has 19 singles
-She was awarded a Q award this year
etc....

Do I need to add more? Besides this, she has the strongest, most powerful, and most subtle voice ever. It is beauty in a girl. Nearly ever reviewer has said (except People)that she is the most amazing artist of all time. A perfect blen of new music and old; her music is the music that will be admired as Bach's and Beetoven's was in the past.

There....now, her record is clean again, so that another "wrong" reviewer won't disgrace her again.

Some real gems.......2005-01-02

A diverse group of women get the chance to spread their wings and give some very surprising performances. Notable mentions: Gwen Stefani, Trisha Yearwood, Sheryl Crow and Natalie Cole. Think Natalie Cole type music with a beautiful, supporting orchestra. Only truly awful song is by the one vocalist here that can't sing...Bjork.

Average customer rating:

Amazing arrangements, average recording

No Bounds
Chris Walden Big Band , and Tierney Sutton
Manufacturer: Origin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Home of My Heart
Plays Well With Others
Taking the Long Way Home
Kindred Spirits
Live at Blues Alley

ASIN: B000FMH8OE
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

Winter Games
When You Wish Upon A Star
No Bounds
People Will Say We're In Love
Clax's Theme
In The Doghouse
Try Harder
Smile
Someday My Prince Will Come
Otterkam
It's A Small World After All

Customer Reviews:

Amazing arrangements, average recording.......2007-01-04

Is it possible that some of the brass instruments were electronic?? Either that or the production was so sterilized that it came off that way. The sound reminds me of demo CD from a publisher of high school band music. Chris Walden's mastery of music is breathtaking, but gets lost in the mix.

Average customer rating:

What an Ego...
Better than any other Pop Stars' Efforts
The second star is for effort
Ok stuff, Not bad but nothing special
McCartney Classical, take one

Paul McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Working Classical: Orchestral and Chamber Music by Paul McCartney
Standing Stone
Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum
Liverpool Sound Collage
Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum

ASIN: B000002RSK
Release Date: 1991-10-11

Tracks:

Liverpool Oratorio: Movement I - War: Andante (Orchestra)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement I - War: 'Non nobis solum'
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement I - War: 'The Air Raid Siren Slices Through...' (Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement I - War: 'Oh Will It All End Here?' (Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement I - War: 'Mother And Father Holding Their Child'
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'We're Here In School Today To Get A Perfect Education'
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'Walk In Single File Out Of The Classroom' (Headmaster)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'Settle Down'
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'Kept In Confusion' (Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'I'll Always Be Here' (Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'Boys, This Is Your Teacher' (Headmaster, Miss Inkley))
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'Tres conejos' (Miss Inkley, Headmaster, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement II - School: 'Not For Ourselves' (Headmaster, Miss Inkley, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement III - Crypt: 'And So It Was That I Had Grown' (Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement III - Crypt: Dance
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement III - Crypt: 'I Used To Come Here When This Place Was A Crypt' (Shanty, Preacher)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement III - Crypt: 'Here Now' (Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement III - Crypt: 'I'll Always Be Here' (Mary Dee, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement III - Crypt: 'Now's The Time To Tell Him' (Mary Dee, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement IV - Father: Andante Lamentoso
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement IV - Father: 'O Father, You Have Given...' (Chief Mourner)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement IV - Father: '(Ah)'
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement IV - Father: 'Hey, Wait A Minute' (Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement IV - Father: 'Father, Father, Father' (Shanty, Chief Mourner)

Tracks:

Liverpool Oratorio: Movement V: Wedding: Andante Amoroso - 'I Know I Should Be Glad Of This' (Shanty, Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement V: Wedding: 'Father, Hear Our Humble Voices' (Preacher)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement V: Wedding: 'Hosanna, Hosanna' (Mary Dee, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VI: Work: Allegro Energico
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VI: Work: 'Working Women At The Top' (Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VI: Work: Violin Solo
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VI: Work: 'Did I Sign The Letter...' (Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VI: Work: Tempo I
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VI: Work: 'When You Ask A Working Man' (Shanty, Mr. Dingle)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VI: Work: 'Let's Find Ourselves A Little Hostelry' (Mr. Dingle)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: Allegro Molto
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'The World You're Coming Into' (Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: Tempo I
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'Where's My Dinner?' (Shanty, Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'Let's Not Argue' (Shanty, Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'I'm Not A Slave' (Mary Dee, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'Right! That's It!' (Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'Stop. Wait.'
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'Do You Know Who You Are...' (Nurse)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'Ghosts Of The Past Left Behind' (Nurse, Shanty, Mary Dee)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VII: Crises: 'Do We Live In A World...' (Mary Dee, Nurse, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VIII: Peace: 'And So It Was That You Were Born' (Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VIII: Peace: 'God Is Good'
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VIII: Peace: 'What People Want Is A Family Life' (Preacher)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VIII: Peace: 'Dad's In The Garden' (Nurse, Mary Dee, Preacher, Shanty)
Liverpool Oratorio: Movement VIII: Peace: 'So On And On The Story Goes' (Shanty, Mary Dee)

Customer Reviews:

What an Ego..........2006-08-01

There was a time when oratorios were about religioss figures -- usually Bible stories like Handel's Messiah and Esther -- or classical Greek mythologies...usually lofty themes. Not this. This is about a working class Liverpool kid who becomes a demi-god -- or so he thinks. What great heroic values does this demigod and his oratorio espouse? None -- this is a typical "me, me me" Paul McCartney ego trip -- what serious composer would write an oratorio to himself? Was Te Kanawa really that hard up for money that she would record this mess? Skip this please. Even "Ram" is better.

Better than any other Pop Stars' Efforts.......2005-08-08

I'll admit that I dislike opera, and the only reason I was exposed to this work was because it was McCartney (and also, I suppose, because I love classical music). There are certain elements that are common to all good music, no matter what genre;one such is melody. McCartney has built a career on intoxicating tunes, and he doesn't stop here. I've listened to classical music for a long time, and these are some of the best melodies I've ever heard. McCartney doesn't seem too worried with "Oh, this is Classical, and my my, I mustn't disturb the English caste system of 'how things are supposed to be'". He basically just does what he does best, only he puts it into a classical context. I'm somewhat surprised he pulled it off so well for a first-timer, but then again, McCartney's works from very early on suggest an uncommon ability to write well in a multitude of styles. More so than John Lennon, he seems to be able to step outside himself and indulge in whatever role is needed to write a great song. If Lennon and McCartney had been actors and not Beatles, Lennon would have been a Sean Penn or Alan Alda or Gary Cooper-type, playing basically an extension of himself, but playing it passionately, and playing it very well. McCartney would've been more like Dustin Hoffman or Meryl Streep, with a broad range, amazingly different in every role.
McCartney's sophomore effort, "Standing Stone," was one I found very uninteresting. The next one, "Working Classical," is outstanding.
That stated, I find the first CD (the Oratorio is 2 discs) to be five-star, and the second to drag somewhat, about a 3 1/2. So let's call it a four or 4 1/2.

The second star is for effort.......2005-06-11

This man's been playing Silly Love Songs ever since the contrast between that and the late John Lennon's pre-punk ethos formed the nucleus of the Beatles. But you have to remember that the main reason this freshman effort at symphonic music reached the mass market at all was because McCartney had made his mark many years ago. Already being famous helps, believe me. The arrangements are courtesy of Sir Paul laying out the basic threads using MIDI computer sequencing, at which point an arranger steps in and transcribes the result into real orchestral parts. And the libretto here are more than just a tad weak. One scene deals with a quarrel between Our Hero and his newly-pregnant wife. He makes that one statement in such situations that one regrets as soon as he says it, and gets this response;

Wife: "Right!"
(dramatic rchestral hit)
Wife: "I'm off!"
(repeat of same chord)
Wife: (spoken) "And by the way, you're going to be a father."

And she promptly storms out into the street and gets hit by a car. Oh buh-rother! Unless I miss my guess, operatic work is not McCartney's long suit. Aparently that occurred to him as well, because his followup work is "The Standing Stones", a much stronger work that is instrumental. If you're a follower of Paul as "the cute one" of the Beatles, both of these works will be but pieces in a collection. If you're curious about Sir Paul's musical visions, you're better off with the later work.

Ok stuff, Not bad but nothing special.......2003-12-05

This is ok stuff. Very soothing and easy going stuff, may be an initiation for those new to choral works. The music is too simple, you can make out it's by Paul. The complete school section is good. Basically it has some 5 sections, each depicting a period of pauls life. It feels more like paul wrote a few pop ballads and then he extended it for an oratoria. Not bad, but you dont need to include it in you collection, unless you want very much to see what Paul sounds like in the classical vein

McCartney Classical, take one.......2003-11-10

Best to look at this now in hindsight. This is where McCartney began his Classical Music career - one can point to The Family Way soundtrack, the Eleanor's Dream score based on Eleanor Rigby's string accompaniment which is on Give My Regards To Broad Street, but this is where it begins in earnest. If you've heard the more realized works that followed (Standing Stone, the pieces on Working Classical or the work on Garlands for Linda), you will better appreciate this full length concert work in its proper context. It is not pop music. And it is not fully realized classical either, but it has its moments which are brilliant. Lyrically, it is comical at times and you have to wonder (aside from the Spanish Lesson) how much Sir Paul might have found "funny" at the time, especially hearing august operatic voices singing them. Melodically, phrases will stay with you long after the recording is over. There is some beautiful music here if you will give it a chance. If you are only interested in giving McCartney's classical writing an ear, try starting with Standing Stone or Working Classical (which includes quartet arrangements of many familiar songs).

Average customer rating:

Bigband
Great sounding recording

Home of My Heart
Chris Walden
Manufacturer: Origin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

No Bounds
The Bill Holman Band Live
Fantazm
Plays Well With Others
Menza Lines

ASIN: B0007CEXJA
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

Cherokee
Rainy Day In Vancouver
Film Noir - Part I
Film Noir - Part II
Film Noir - Part III
Mulholland Falls
Here's Looking At You
Star Wars
Home Of My Heart
Feet First
Here's That Rainy Day
How Long Has This Been Going On
Nonino
You Took Advantage Of Me
Stolen Moments
Dr. Stefan Frank

Customer Reviews:

Bigband.......2006-07-24

Not completly what you expect from a LA big band production. I was a bit dissapointed at first. Mr.Walden's arrangements are sometimes fresh, almost exciting but most of the time average or it could be it is not my Big band music tast. The playing is done by fine LA musicians, but it sounds not well together. Many subs for different tracks and I can hear this. Specially for the drums. It realy sounds like two bands at some points.
Chris Waldens own playing sound like a imitation of europe's Finest flugelhorn players Ack van Rooyen, he does his best but doen't come close. But this not Chris his fault, but a great compliment to Ack van Rooyen.
I think there is not enough energy between the fine musicians and the arrangements of Chris Walden.
I am realy looking forworth to his next project, and realy would see the band live in action sometime.
The Big band world needs young gifted people like Chris and I hope he goes on the way he does and I hope even better.

Great sounding recording.......2005-09-04

THis is a great sounding modern recording of some great big band music. The arrangements are good, the playing is first rate. Lots of depth in the arrangements. Reminiscent of some of the Les Elgart recordings with bass trombone and guitar, although Walden uses a piano also. I love it, although it makes it hard to listen to some of the older recordings in mono.