Azure

Track Listings

1. Road to Orion

2. Cirrus

3. I Remember Me

4. Ursa Major

5. Innocent Adventure

6. Nairam

7. Sahara Sonata

8. Fragile Landscape

9. Azure

Azure,Kit Watkins,East Side Digital,Adult Alternative,Ethnic Fusion,New Age / Meditation,Progressive Electronic

Azure

Tracks:

Sleep
Displaced
Don't Make A Sound
Untitled
Another Week
Rise
4th Of July
Safe And Sound
Fever
For No One
How Will You Survive

Customer Reviews:

Azure Ray.......2007-06-27

I bought this CD for ONE song. It turns out I loved the entire CD. Highly Recommended!!

A More Mellow, Female Postal Service.......2005-07-29

As a fan of indie rock magician Ben Gibbard and his Sub Pop side project The Postal Service, I was amazed at the sound of this mellow, soporific harmony. This female duet has a keen ear for the light, orchestral sounds that normally comprise a lo-fi masterpiece. "Don't make a Sound", the standout track, produces a depressing tone suitable for those unable to find their way out of bed. This is truly a soft, indie pop gem, deserving of an intellectual following.

I must say I admire these women greatly - they have a bright future with their gifted sense of harmony and musical prowess.

If you wonder why you continue to get up every morning and live your life, this album is for you.

Not my taste.......2005-05-06

A little to simplistic for my taste, I think kickboxer hit the nail on the head with restaurant music. Thats all it could be for me is background. My girlfriend kinda likes it though, I can't sit and listen to it for long. Some interesting vocal effects not much as far as thoughtfulness or song development, just simple dragging tunes with vocal exercise. And I think you meant Tegan and Sara, not Tea again with Sarah. I think Rilo Kiley might be a better alternative though. Still not my favorite, but better in my book.

restaurant music........2005-03-11

I heard this in a restauran with my friends and it was the perfect occupent for our meal. We were boppin along and humming the songs ont he way hom,e. Also if you like this kind of music you might want to check out the band Tea Again With Sarah.

Wondrously lyrical, Beautiful.......2005-03-09

Azure Ray's music came to me via a friend, and to him I am forever grateful. The day after listening to it I had to run out and find the last copy at a local store. The lovely duet from Georgia has created a wonderful aural journey through different strata of humanity. Their lyrical melodies pull you through their own journey, quiet, reassuring, tempting... It is not out of line to compare them to the Sirens of the Odyssey, tempting people into Azure Ray's own world.

This music is haunting, and bears a certain mindset to listen to, but it a must to any collection. It is the perfect CD for a rainy day, curl up with a book, or just stare out into space to and contemplate... whatever it is you desire. My personal favorite is For No One. The acoustic guitar matches their thin vocals so perfectly, and this song has haunted me far beyond my first listening of it. Overall, the album is palpable, for lack of a better term, and the raw emotions of their music make this truly unforgettable music.

Average customer rating:

their best yet
aural medicine
Evocative -- A Slow Dance in a Ghost Town
Azure Ray
Great Video

Hold on Love
Azure Ray
Manufacturer: Saddle Creek
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Different Stars
Let It Die
Having
All Rise
The Reminder

ASIN: B0000D1FDZ
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

Devil's Feet
New Resolution
We Are Mice
Look to Me
Drinks We Drank Last Night
Across the Ocean
If You Fall
Sea of Doubts
Dragonfly
Nothing Like a Song
These White Lights Will Bend to Make Blue
Hold on Love
Across the Ocean [Multimedia Track]
We Are Mice [Multimedia][Live]

Customer Reviews:

their best yet.......2006-02-15

First and foremost Orenda and Maria are deeply introspective and unpretentious poets.
They are mere mortals and they embrace, yet do not crush, that fact. Nor do they see
fit to make it an altar on which to sacrifice their inner children. The culmination
is that of ancient souls very much aware of their current journey through whimsical
youth. That and a profound sense that both the old and the new are keenly aware of
and watching the other with curious fascination. They articulate these things with
a magical ease that would make the best of deeply human sentiment driven poets to
snap all their crayons in half and take a sabbatical in hopes of losing all the lofty
veneer that weights them near to drowning in waters five syllables deep. They don't
get too specifically personal (no songs that tell us the names of everyone they know
and love and hate - a thing that is all too prevalent in music lately) and they don't
dole out huge clay tables of sage lesson. Instead they discuss experience in the
context of experience.

Secondly they both have multitudes of identity in their voices. Energetic and happy
children etched with young women in and out of love and overcast by clouds of the
weary who have been worn much by experience. They sing sing softly. To many a singer
that is a death card as the human voice usually sounds very different at various
volumes and we live in a culture that charms the the loud and often harsh. Yet they
thrive in the serene end of the pool and again it is magically transposed to the ear.
Their voices compliment one another on an order that is seldom experienced. Get to
love one and you'll melt to a euphoric puddle of goo when you hear them both together.

One of the hallmarks of Azure Ray has been an oft song that sort of drones along the
same base few chords and/or rythems. They not only pull it off such that one doesn't
feel they've been 'droned' but they go so far as to somehow keep it sounding fresh.
I suspect part of that has to do with their skill and talent as musicians equaling
that of every aspect previously mentioned. Their choice of harmonies and rythems are
such that they compliment this style. But not everything they do is like that. In
fact on this album they demonstrate a most impressive harmonically rich song 'We Are
Mice' that really tugs the listener in with it's dark delicious alternating dissonance
and consonance with verse must surely have been penned by someone with firsthand
knowledge of clinical depression:

'it's all in the eyes
the reckless way we dream to die
our past is our future
...
we'll touch hands on the street
smile and keep moving on towards the heat
...
it's our lot in life'

And again they depart in 'If You Fall' which is anything but a drone. It's major
chords progress in half steps with a joyful vivaciousness that will have you
bouncing up and down in your seat to tempo. The lyrics of this song fall in
thematically with the the whole 'Hold On Love' thread and have elements of
optimism, fascination, curiosity, and somewhat tame optimism:

'let's talk and we'll fill the air with imagery that lasts forever
...
if you fall will you get up
...
you drift too far will you swim towards the shore
and if you fell in love will you hold on to it
...
you speak so sweet with words so delicate
a glass i hope will never shatter'

And of as mentioned the weary and worn exemplified in 'Look To Me':

'i hold your hand as you slip from me
as i watch your breath i say to myself one day this will all end
...
but i know you're right as i begin to pack
without raising your eyes i hear you sigh oh you'll be back
because i look to you and you look to me
we're a real f****d up family'

This is Azure Ray's finest collection to date. I see they've both done solo
albums and in reading an interview with Orenda Fink I was left with the
impression that while things are still good they are feeling the need for
time away from one another. Not surprising at all but tragic if that should
turn into a permenant arrangement. I understand they've been touring apart,
one as Azure Ray and the other with collaborative efforts with other musicians
which fortifies my concern. While both are good as individuals it would be
a terrific loss to lose them as a team. I'm always amazed at what hits the
airwaves and music videos; at who is raking in sickening amounts of money
and who still tour as if on a serious budget. These two women are the real
deal. If you like what you've read give them a shot. If you like your shot
then spread the word and buy a copy for a friend or two. It's up to people
like you and I to force an obviously corrupt music industry's hand to play
a much higher caliber of music consistently. Your dollar is the vote that
counts.

Best Wishes, -frank-

aural medicine.......2006-01-19

it's awesome for those nights when you feel completely alone and doomed to fail at life. it's awesome when you need to know that things might not get better and that it's still going to be okay. it's awesome when none of the other cd's you have seem to fit. it's beautiful and poetic. it helps you make something good out of life when it sucks the most. it helps you through those times that we all have.

Evocative -- A Slow Dance in a Ghost Town.......2004-12-30

Taking nothing from their own uniquely sonorous voices, I find Azure Ray at an evocative intersection of Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, and Margo Timmins of The Cowboy Junkies. There is an anti-heroic quality of pastoral loneliness in their voices, like whispers sung; highly recommended.

Azure Ray.......2004-12-23

Beautiful. Every positive adjective known to man.

Enough said.

Great Video.......2004-06-10

The song "We are Mice" is great, and the young boy in the video is very good!

Average customer rating:

Improves over the pop experiments of Song For All Seasons...
Renaissance rules
Sheen On
Quite good, if a bit too electronic
a very fine album

Azure d'Or
Renaissance
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Song for All Seasons
Novella
Turn of the Cards
Scheherazade & Other Stories
Ashes Are Burning

ASIN: B00005A48K
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Jekyll And Hyde
The Winter Tree
Only Angels Have Wings
Golden Key
Forever Changing
Secret Mission
Kalynda (A Magical Isle)
The Discovery
Friends
The Flood At Lyons

Album Description

Originally released in 1979, this is the U.S. CD debut with the original album cover artwork. 10 tracks including, 'Jekyll & Hyde', 'Golden Key' and 'Friends'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

Improves over the pop experiments of Song For All Seasons..........2004-07-21

and by a long shot, but unfortunately repeats some of the same mistakes.

One positive note about this album is that instead of having half of the songs orchestrated and in the classic Renaissance style along with more vocally textured and synth-heavy tunes, it is all basically one cohesive, wall-of-sound style and holds together much better sonically as an album than it's predecessor, A Song For All Seasons. Some may complain that it sounds muddy, and I couldn't disagree more. Sure, it is a very full mix, but the huge layers of keyboards and vocals (with a lot of studio reverb) give it a heavenly sound not too unlike Yes's Going For The One album.

And way to hold together sonically! This is probably the most far removed from the old sound that they had gotten at this point of their career, instead of the earthy, acoustic based sound with orchestra, they opted for many layers of vocal harmonies, ethereal synths and mellotron, and kept the song structures taut and focused, for the most part. Basically, the sound is very reminicent of Genesis around Trick Of The Tail, which is not a bad thing at all.

They sure knew how to introduce the public to the new sound with "Jekyl And Hyde," which pounds along furiously like few Renaissance tracks had before, and it's convulted disco-ish rhythm is so catchy that you probably won't notice some of the more complex rhythm changes that garnish the track. Nope, definately not the same old Renaissance, but it's hardly a bad thing at all.

After this unusually energetic number most of the remainder of the album is stuffed with ballads, some of which are a real treat (The ethereal beauty "Winter Tree," the sentimental, cute ode "Friends" which is a personal favorite and the more seriously toned "Golden Key") some which are just ok-ish ("Kaylinda" "Forever Changing") and one of which is absolutely disgusting (the Camp-sung "Only Angels Have Wings").

The album does contain a few curiosities, when they go for the huge, bombastic vibe or unnecessarily complex structure to compensate for a lack of good music to put in the song it doesn't gel quite as well. "Secret Mission" is the one that will make you shake your head the most and is one of their most bizarre and disjointed songs, which will create a feeling of confusion similar to the way most Gentle Giant would sound on first listen. This is one of the tunes that really tries to ape the prog-lite style Genesis were going for around the time and with all the Moog-Taurus bass pedals, ethereal ARP lines and mellotron it's hard not to make the comparison. Although it is over-complex, downright confusing, and contains way too many different sections of music stuck together that don't initially sound like they belong together, the song will eventually grow on you, as it does contain a couple of really awesome sections that make the tune a worthwhile listen, mainly towards the end when Annie screams "Changing every DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!" and hits that super high note that caps off the best Renaissance tunes. It's just effin' stunning and makes sitting through the preceding chaos worthwhile. The traditional prog-rock style just wasn't their forte, that's all. At least it showcases the rhythm section well, which features some of Camp and Sullivans tightest playing together as a unit and is not too far removed from the sound Squire and Bruford had together.

This album also contains the instrumental piece "The Discovery" which is VERY similar in structure to the Genesis instrumental "Unquiet Slumbers For The Sleepers/In That Quiet Earth" and I can almost see David Hentchell telling both bands to shoot for an instrumental with an energetic, driving first part with a more bombastic and glorious 2nd half to cap it off. It is definately not near as good as its Genesis penned big brother (especially lacking in the first section) it ends with a 2nd half that is among the most menacing and eerie in the Renaissance catalog and you'll be finding yourself rewinding that part over and over again. Again, something worth sitting through something that's so-so to get to something good, but it's worth it, trust me.

The album ends with something again that unfortunately tries to be more complex than it needs to be, but is the best of the failed (somewhat) experiments, which is "The Flood At Lyons" where Annie really gets to stretch out and display her unmatchable vocal power. Once again, an unnecessarily proggy intro and somewhat weak verses are offset by absolutely amazing choruses and a great coda.

It may seem like I have picked apart the album somewhat, but I most definately favor this over the more acclaimed Song For All Seasons album, which was hinting at a more pop oriented direction. See, I don't have any problem at all with them going for some hits with this release, it's just that their attempts at pop music on Azure D'Or were just executed much better than the preceding album, and even the ones I didn't care for as much would at least stick in your head and were memorable in some way, unlike many of SFAS's failures. Instead of breezing by me without leaving much of an impression, they would at least contain more memorable melodies that were catchy in some way, or at least had a few sections I liked a lot.

I really do find it unfortunate they didn't have the same luck Genesis and Yes did with commercializing their sound, as their are several tracks on here that have "HIT" stamped on them loud and proud. As a matter of fact, the attempt to commercialize the sound backfired completely and they charted twice as low as the preceding albums. For this I feel it's recieved an undeserved bad reputation and automatically turns people off to it, but with a rich, full production and enough pleasant tunes and strong performances, the album holds up and is the best of their releases following Novella. Sure, you should buy the classic stuff with Annie first, but if you're interested in their mid to later period stuff this should be the first album you pick up. It's not perfect, but you definately won't be disapointed.

Renaissance rules.......2004-05-17

I can not beging to tell you what this band has meant to me over the years since I was introduced to them back in the early 70's. The hours I have spent listening to Annie Haslam's voice and the journeys it has taken me on. The pain it has soothed. The memories it has recalled. On this CD "Kalynda" reminds me of a woman I once knew in my youth who got me hooked on redheads. "Kalynda" reminds me of the love I had for her. The twinkle in her eyes and the times we shared. This is why this CD will always be special for me. Thank you Annie, John, and the rest of you. Do yourself a favor and take the journey with Renaissance.

Sheen On.......2004-03-24

It might be hard to do, but if you can separate David Hentschel's homogenizing production work from the songs themselves you will probably appreciate Renaissance's effort here quite a lot. What Hentschel did was to take out all of the bass and emaciate what could have been. . .well, very pleasingly plump. Hentschels's synthesized sheen renders the album virtually bloodless- - -play this back to back with TURN OF THE CARDS, for instance, and you'll hear what I mean. Yuk. As for the songs, however, no complaints. Renaissance was always a pop band at heart, admit it or not (ever heard 'Carpet Of The Sun'? 'I Think Of You'? 'The Vultures Fly High'? 'The Captive Heart?') and on AZURE D'OR they allow their pop sensibilities full reign. Particularly excellent are 'The Winter Tree' with its gorgeous melody line and chorus, and the melancholic 'Forever Changing'. None of the songs here are terrible by any means, even if Jon Camp cheesily advises that 'Only Angels Have Wings' (hey Jon, how do you explain Mothra?). It isn't as if every Renaissance album until AZURE D'OR were perfect. . .still, David Hentschel reduced what could have been sonically awesome into near-tepid and all-generic proportions. And I sure do miss the orchestra. And the grrahnd piahno. Come to think of it, I kind of miss Renaissance. Say, where's my copy of WIND AND WUTHERING? Hentschel produced that, too. Sounds like he just changed the vocalists and added a Mellotron or two.

Quite good, if a bit too electronic.......2003-03-18

This album, indeed the last by the most popular lineup of Renaissance, tends to be underappreciated by most fans. In my opinion, it's full of strong songs. One reason some people don't like it is that it doesn't contain any long 10-minute epics like previous works. But some of these "epics", such as "Touching Once" or "The Sisters", seemed to be long just for the sake of being long. I liked the introduction of shorter songs.

But the songwriting is stil rooted in the band's usual influences -- folk and folk-rock ("Friends", "Forever Changing", "Kalynda") or the classical/symphonic ("The Flood at Lyons", the rather baroque "Only Angels Have Wings"). Or, combining the two ("Golden Key","Jekyll and Hyde"). And the marvelous instrumental "The Discovery" proves that Renaissance could still hold its own with progressive rock peers like Yes.
The melodies are catchy, the lyrics are always interesting, and Annie Haslam's amazing five octave range floats above it all.

What a lot of fans had problems with was David Hentschel's production. He had produced the band's previous album, "A Song for All Seasons", which gave the band a huge hit single with "Northern Lights". Hentschel, who also produced Genesis at that time, had enough pull to persuade the band to adopt an approach on which guitars, vocal harmonies and especially synthesizers were endlessly overdubbed. This made them sound quite a bit like Genesis. The "everything-but-the-kitchen-sink" style does make the album sound rather stiff and sterile. The songs don't seem to have much breathing room. Hentschel was able to balance better the use of electric guitars and synthetic orchestration with the band's usual acoustic approach on "Seasons".

Once you get past that, though, you get to some really good songs. For those who find ten minute prog-rock epics a bit overwhelming or boring, "Azure d'Or" might be a good introduction to the marvelous sounds of Renaissance. For more seasoned fans, repeated listening will uncover the wonderful lyrics and melodies of these songs.

a very fine album.......2001-12-06

I'll be short: I didn't know this band in the seventies, I only knew the bandname. One day, a few years ago, I bought this album together with Turn of the cards and found them both great. Afterwards I bought all the albums of this interesting band. Turn... and Azure... are quite different in style, but in both the songs are fantastic. Azure d'Or may be a little more 'pop', still the melodies, the arrangements and the voices are just perfect for me. I even find it excellent that this band managed to produce this different style too. For some fans it's difficult to change along with the artists, I think, and that could be the reason this album isn't appreciated like Ashes are Burning or A song for All Seasons. It's true that albums, which came later, were weaker, but this one stands as a rock. Don't hesitate to buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous, Natural Sound.
SImply Untrue
an extra star for all the guest artists
An Homage to a Great Artist
superb vocals

The Very Best of Thomas Hampson
Marc Barrard , Thomas Hampson , Csaba Airizer , Georges Bizet , Charles Wakefield Cadman , Stephen Foster , Charles Gounod , Edvard Grieg , Charles Tomlinson Griffes , Imre (Emmerich) Kalman , Erich Wolfgang Korngold , Franz Lehar , Gustav Mahler , Jules Massenet , Giacomo Meyerbeer , Gioachino Rossini , Franz Schubert , Robert Schumann , Johann II Strauss , Ambroise Thomas , Giuseppe Verdi , Richard Wagner , Carl Maria von Weber , Antonio de Almeida , Antonio Pappano , Eugene Kohn , and Fabio Luisi
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Song of America
No Tenors Allowed: Famous Duets for Baritone and Bass
Arias - Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert
Samuel Ramey - Operatic Arias
Leading Man

ASIN: B0006VYEI2
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

La Ran La Lera...Largo Al Factotum
O Sainte Medaille...Avant De Quitter Ces Lieux
Ce Breuvage...Vision Fugitive
C'est Toi...Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Placido Domingo
La Fatigue Alourdit Mes Pas...Comme Une Pale Fleur
Ecoute!...Dieu, Tu Semas Dans Nos Ames
C'est Mon Jour Supreme
Tout Est Desert...Son Regard
Ove Son Io?...Vada In Fiamme
Perfidi! All'Anglo Contro Me...Pieta, Rispetto Amore
Di Provenza Il Mar, Il Suol
E Sogno? O Realta?
Komm!
Der Garten Des Herzens
Lied Des Venezianischen Gondoliers
Le Lazzarone
L'Ultimo Ricordo

Tracks:

Mein Sehnen, Mein Wahnen
Wo Berg' Ich Mich?...So Weih' Ich Mich Den Rachgewalten
Wie Todesahnung...O Du Mein Holder Abendstern
Gruss Op.48 No.1
Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
Die Rose, Die Lilie
Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
Ich Grolle Nicht
Gute Nacht
Die Post
Blicke Mir Nicht In Die Lieder
Ich Atmet' Einen Linden Duft
Ich Bin Der Welt Abhanden Gekommen
Von Der Schonheit
O Vaterland, Du Machst Bei Tag
Als Flotter Geist
Komm, Zigany
An Old Song Re-Sung
At Dawning (I Love You) Op.29 No.1 - Armen Guzelimian
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Beautiful Dreamer

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous, Natural Sound........2007-08-04

Thomas Hampson, like Bryn Terfel, is a favored baritone for a reason. He has accomplished the natural tone and beautiful phrasing that all singers strive for throughout their carreers. The only way I could possibly see where the writer of the previous negative review was coming from is if he had been taught to sing in the early twenitieth century when the throaty, dark tone and unnatural phrasing and pronounciations were in vogue. This is an excellent recording of an excellent musician.

SImply Untrue.......2006-08-16

The previous review is simply a gross falsification. I have been an obsessed opera fan for a long time, and Thomas Hampson is a truly special singer. He is not the possesor of the largest or most interesting voice, which he will tell you and indeed says so all the time. His commitment to text, his willingness to search out parts to fit his voice, and his dedication to art song make im invaluable to Americans as a ture Troubador. His light Baritone was ideally suited to Figaro and to Valentin and the art song he loves. He must stretch to sing Verdi, where his voice sounds dry and small but many singers have chanced Verdi at their peril, and his innate ablity to inhabit a song, here evidenced in Di Provenza overcomes fact that it is out of his fach. You misinformed opinion of Hampson is mean and strangly bitter. I love Opera, but I do not love every singer, which doesn't mean I debase their very artistic existance. I have seen Hampson live, and have loved him (in Thias) and somewhat disliked him (in Simon Boccanegra) As for him being pretentious, somwetimes I find him mannered, but always charming. SOmetimes Intellectualism can appear pretentious, but surely you wont hold an opera singer to the charge that he must be unintellectual. what a vitriolic review, please buy this Cd, it merits repeated listening to a true American SINGER,

an extra star for all the guest artists.......2006-05-08

The title of this album is an oxymoron. Or a sick joke. I can't decide. Sure he has made millions by luring the uninitiated listener into his web of deceit and conceit, but don't be fooled any longer. How fortunate Hampson has been to sing for and with great artists to shoulder his heavy load.

An Homage to a Great Artist.......2005-10-30

EMI is wisely creating a series of recordings to gather the moments of artists that showcase the very reasons they become so highly regarded. Usually these collections are produced late in careers or even posthumously, but in the case of THE VERY BEST OF THOMAS HAMPSON the artist is still one of the more active and premiere singers of our day. Yet while he doesn't still perform all of these inclusions, it is wonderful to have excerpts from various successful recordings to remind us of the artistry that Hampson represents.

The two disc set includes arias from operas: Rossini's 'Il barbière di Siviglia', von Weber's 'Euryanthe', Gounod's 'Faust', Massenet's 'Hérodiade', Bizet's 'Les Pêcheurs de perles' (in duet with Placido Domingo), Thomas' 'Hamlet', Verdi's 'Don Carlo', 'Il Travatore', 'Macbeth', 'La Traviata', and 'Falstaff', Korngold's 'Die Tote Stadt', and Wagner's 'Tannhäuser'.

But the rewards of a Hampson recording must include his impeccable career as a lieder stylist and on this recording are excerpts from Schumann's 'Dichterliebe', Schubert's 'Winterreise', Mahler's 'Rückert Lieder' and 'Das Lied von der Erde', as well as songs by Meyerbeer, Rossini, Grieg, Kalman, and Lehar. And very importantly there are examples of American songs that Hampson has always emphasized in his recitals. Works by Stephen Foster, and two extraordinary works with the brilliant accompanist Armen Guzelimian - 'An Old Song Re-sung' by Griffes and 'At Dawning' by Charles Wakefield Cadman - round out this fine survey.

Not usually a collector of such 'recombinations', for this listener this album is so very fine that it deserves the attention of all those who appreciate the artistry of Thomas Hampson - then and now. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

superb vocals.......2005-08-07

Mr.Hampson really gets the chance to showcase his wonderful baritone voice in this "Best of" collection which includes excellent selections from his various other CDs. I like the diversity of the selections featuring operatic arias,works from classical composers, and folk songs. For Thomas hampson fans, as well as fans of the baritone voice, this CD is for them.

Average customer rating:

Less is more on Azure Ray's second album

Burn and Shiver
Azure Ray
Manufacturer: Warm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Different Stars
Having
The Reminder
Winter Passing Original Soundtrack
Carnavas

ASIN: B000063IVN
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

Favorite Cities
The New Year
Seven Days
Home
How You Remember
Trees Keep Growing
A Thousand Years
While I'm Still Young
Your Weak Hands
We Exchanged Words
Raining In Athens
Rest Your Eyes

Amazon.com

Having landed a guest spot on Moby's 18, these two Georgia girls may be in for more attention than they ever bargained for. Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink's sophomore album is all wispy voices and ethereal acoustic guitars, the kind of music made by sensitive souls who would probably have a nervous breakdown if ever approached by strangers for autographs. "It's funny how you can forget there is a world outside yourself / Where the trees keep growing and the cars keep moving," they sing breathlessly on "The Trees Keep Growing." The subject matter might seem ordinary--themes like optimism ("The New Year"), self-doubt ("How You Remember"), and lost love ("While I'm Still Young") figure prominently--but the dense, dark delivery is anything but. Moving at an unfeasibly languid pace and not once breaking the otherworldly spell with abrasive edges, songs like "Home" and "We Exchanged Words" go down like slow-melting lozenges for the heart. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

Less is more on Azure Ray's second album.......2002-05-12

While everyone is listening to Moby, one of the artists that he (Richard Melville Hall) puts on the stereo is Athens, Georgia experimental/chill/twee duo Azure Ray. They co-wrote and performed track 4, Great Escape, on Moby's 18, invited into a coterie along with Sinead O'Connor, Angie Stone, and MC Lyte -- Moby's other collaborators for his first LP in three years.

A month ago Azure Ray (multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Orenda Fink and keyboards player/vocalist Maria Taylor, both also in Now It's Overhead and previously in Little Red Rocket and Bright Eyes) released for the US their second full-length, Burn And Shiver, on Athens indie label Warm Electronic Recordings. It follows their November EP, out since January on Saddle Creek, and their debut, self-titled full length, released January 2001 on Warm.

Azure Ray make heavy-duty introspective dream music, boldly minimalist and anti-pop, quiet nearly to the point of disappearing into silence. In moments the new album's melodies and emotional colors touch the transcendency of Glasgow's Adventures In Stereo, who, like Azure Ray, make magic of multi-tracked, reverberant female vocals and elemental, repetitive themes.

Floating over synthetic bells, hints of percussion, strings, and acoustic guitar, Fink's and Taylor's lyrics hang in the air almost indecently personal (It's funny how you can forget there's a world outside yourself/ Where the one who loves you keeps on living/ Without you there). The album's an open diary on a bed illuminated by a shaft of light from the hall... you walk up to it quietly, hesitate, then pick it up. It's OK... she left it there... you know she trusts you and wants you to read it.

Azure Ray's minimalist and highly personal aesthetic, focused by producer Eric Bachmann (previously in Archers Of Loaf, now in his solo act, Crooked Fingers), reminds me a bit of the Cluster & Eno LP from way back in 1977. First exposure to that album left me wondering, in its time, whether the artists were just [messing] with me -- whether they arrogantly expected to get away with less studio and production time by proffering such extreme simplicity as 'art.' An open mind and a few more listens eventually paid off well back then, and does now.

The Cluster & Eno record remains timelessly beautiful in its minimalism and will forever. I predict the same to prove true of Burn And Shiver. (Review originally appeared on Rockbites.org)

Azure-Té
Average customer rating:

A wonderful collection of standards!

I like her style!!

Azure-Té
Karrin Allyson
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

I Didn't Know About You

Daydream

Collage

From Paris to Rio

Sweet Home Cookin'

ASIN: B0000006O3
Release Date: 1995-03-21

Tracks:

How High The Moon/Ornithology
Gee Baby
Bernie's Tune
Night And Day
Blame It On My Youth
Yardbird Suite
Good Morning Heartache
Stompin' At The Savoy
Azure-Te
Some Other Time
Samba '88

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful collection of standards!.......2000-08-06

Karrin Allyson (first name pronounced Car-IN), really delivers on this disc.

The album contains several jazz standards, such as "Stompin' at the Savoy", "How High the Moon", and "Night and Day". These are mixed with newer music, such as "Samba '88" and the sad, moody French song "Azure-Te".

The selections are clever. By weaving the newer music with classic jazz tunes, it allows the listener a new yet comfortable jazz experience.

Many of Karrin's albums follow this formula, which has now allowed her to do almost exclusively newer/non-English work on her sixth and latest album, "From Paris to Rio". She favors French and Latin sounds, among others. Vocally, the Kansas City-based singer seems to be quite comfortable singing in other languages.

Karrin has a wonderful voice and is bound to become more and more popular among the new crowd of jazz artists. This album is an excellent place to start if you'd like to sample her style. From there you can branch out to her other CDs.

I like her style!!.......2000-07-22

Just by looking at many of the song titles, it looks as if she has a great appreciation for traditional artists. This CD also contains quite a few of her original's too. A joy to listen to.

Average customer rating:

Even my kid likes this!
Bassoon Me!
Brilliant Bassoonastics
OUTSTANDING QUARTET
Simply fantastic!

Bassoonatics!

Manufacturer: Musica Viva
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Tangos | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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

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

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Captured! The Bassoon Brothers
Mozart, Weber, Hummel: Bassoon Concertos
Wanted-The Bassoon Brothers
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concertos
Williams: The Five Sacred Trees (Bassoon Concerto) / Takemitsu: Tree Line / Hovhaness: Symphony No. s, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain" / Picker: Old and Lost Rivers

ASIN: B0000067V1
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Three Preludes: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso
Three Preludes: Andante Con Moto E Poco Rubato
Three Preludes: Allegro Ben Ritmato E Deciso
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: I (Tempo Giusto)
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: II
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: III
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: IV
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: V
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: VI (Vivace)
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: VII
Eight Waltzes, Op. 39: VIII
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: I - Prospero
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: II - Ariel
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: III - Miranda
Little Suite From The Tempest, Op.109: IV - Caliban's Song
Three Postcards: L'ange Verrier
Three Postcards: Faunesse Dansante
Three Postcards: Les Noces Du Duc De Joyeuse
Madrigal
Sonatine No. 1, Op. 67: I - Allegro
Sonatine No. 1, Op. 67: II - Largo
Sonatine No. 1, Op. 67: III - Allegro Moderato
Gigue, K574
Bassoonists' Holiday
I Got Rhythm
I'm In The Mood For Love
Caravan
Oh! Darling
Tango (1940)
Tango (1995)
Youkali
Tango (1984)
Azure

Customer Reviews:

Even my kid likes this!.......2005-11-07

This is an amazing collection of songs, all performed with such skill that even my 8-year-old son likes this CD. Brahms and Beatles, Mozart and Ellington, there is something here for everyone. And thank you, thank you, thank you for "Bassoonist's Holiday."

Bassoon Me!.......2004-08-09

I delight in the bassoon! What a unique and great sound, throaty and thrillingly coarse, yet soaring to sound at times like sax, like oboe, like cello, like a bunch of bassoonatics!

This is delightful collection of musical styles played by this innovative and talented quartet. Choosing to select pieces that are not typically of the bassoon repertoire, we go from Waltz to Gershwin to Broadway to Motzart to Lennon/McCartnye to Sibelius to most of us unknowns such as Mitchell Clarke to Duke Ellington.

All played with passion and gusto and excellent tonality, phrasing and tempo.

Bassoon Me again!

Brilliant Bassoonastics.......2003-09-27

This would have to be the best bassoon ensemble cd on the market. The arrangements are stylish and clever, and the performances brilliant! Fraser Jackson must be the most accomplished contrabassoonist I have ever head. This cd is a must for any bassoonists collection be you amateur or proffessional.

OUTSTANDING QUARTET.......2002-04-14

This disc is really superb!!! Not only is the playing at an extremely high level by the group, the arrangements are also outstanding. The Brahms is abolutely beautiful. The group goes from lightning fingers bravura to sweet soulful singing. It is a joy to listen to again and again.

Simply fantastic!.......2001-10-26

I simply love the Caliban Quartet! They breath new life into bassoons! The way they bring out the music is simply magical. Not only do they sound good, their technical abilities are simply amazing!

Average customer rating:

Special
Beautiful

November
Azure Ray
Manufacturer: Saddle Creek
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Different Stars
Having
Carnavas
All Rise
Apartment Life

ASIN: B00005YWIU
Release Date: 2002-01-22

Tracks:

November
For The Sake Of The Song
No Signs Of Pain
Just A Faint Line
I Will Do These Things
Other Than This World

Amazon.com

Sometimes being immersed in melancholy can be irresistible; there's the deep pull of lingering in a state of wistful romantic sorrow. The music of Azure Ray acts as a blanket, enveloping the listener in the comforts of the sad and the beautiful. Formerly of ecstatic popsters Little Red Rocket, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor have eschewed volume for a softness that is stunning in its fragility and intensity. Hinting at feathery 4AD output, Azure Ray fortify their lonely-heart sounds with songwriting that builds upon the already potent atmospherics. The vocals are whispery and fluid, accompanied by piano, cello, guitar, and bowed bass. Surprises abound as well; a left-field cover of country great Townes Van Zandt's "For the Sake of the Song" is incredibly poignant, and on "No Signs of Pain" there is an edgy tension, heightened by steel-drum clanging and tribal percussion. Closing with the near gospel of "Other Than This World," one is left feeling uplifted and cuddled by this warm and sensual record. --Andy Waltzer

Customer Reviews:

Special.......2003-06-08

The song November is the most beautiful and tender song i have heard in a long time. Like something from 'Blood' LP by This Mortal Coil, but probably even better.

Beautiful.......2002-12-09

Beautiful is the only way to describe the music on this album. Its soft melodic vocals and the background guitar eat at your soul. November is the most amazing song on the album, but there is no bad song to be found here. You do not know what you are missing - buy this right now!

Average customer rating:

Catch The Breeze
Good... but not the best of...
Whats missing in modern music

Azure Vista
Manual
Manufacturer: Darla Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bajamar
Until Tomorrow
The North Shore
Ascend
Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid

ASIN: B0007Y094Q
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

Clear Slies Above The Coastline Cathedral
Summer Of Freedom
Twilight
Tourmaline
Neon Reverie
Azure Vista

Customer Reviews:

Catch The Breeze.......2006-02-01

In case you've missed out on the latest resurrection of a long-dead musical trend that was marginally popular to begin with ... shoegazing is back! Though some have redefined it as blisspop or dreampop, this emperor isn't fooled. Manual have eschewed the vocals (save some occasional hushed whispers), sticking with reverb-drenched guitars and keyboards to get their mellifluous point across. The 6 songs on Azure Vista stretch to over 45 minutes in combined length, mating the sonic sensibility of a Darla release with the breadth of a Kranky offering. If you recognize the references above and wish your Slowdive albums didn't have all that singing, then you already know songs like "Neon Reverie" and "Clear Skies Across The Coastline" are for you. Those who are familiar with Manual's previous works may find this one to be a bit of a departure, but it my mind it's just a step away from the electronics and more towards dreamy guitar soundscapes.

Good... but not the best of... .......2006-01-25

His albums: Acend, and Until Tomorrow are nearly leaps and bounds better in my opinion. Azure Vista is great because it shows he's still doing music that's great, but the richness and melodic textures and layered harmonies are just not as present in Azure Vista. Would like to hear more in the line of Mr. Munk's previous works... Those are of epic and timeless proportions.

Whats missing in modern music.......2005-05-02

The first solo effort from Jonas Munk since the beautiful "Ascend" from awhile back.
Recent collaborations on such albums as "Golden Sun", and the dreamy "Into Forever" allowed Munk to show off his skills along with equally impressive producers such as Icebreaker International and Syntaks.
On "Azure Vista", Munk seems to have extended the journey he first took us all on with "Ascend", quite well in fact.
It seems as if this album is the one he's been wanting to make all along. Its just taken until now to do so.
Six amazing cuts on this album make for a must-have summer cd this year.
Although quite epic at times, Munk finds a way to bring us safely back down from the crashing surf right into the welcoming arms of the shore just in time to watch the sun set.

Average customer rating:

7-10 weeks ??? to purchase this

Bargrooves: Azure
Various Artists
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bargrooves: Magenta
Bargrooves: Citrus
Bargrooves: Black
Bargrooves: Influences by Jay Hannan/Ben Sowton
Bargrooves: The Spring Collection

ASIN: B000ICLGSK
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

In-Ten-City [Original Extended Mix] - Soul Central
4 the Love - DJ Spen, Karizma
S.O.S. [Dubdeluxe Mix] - A Studio,
You've Got the Move - Skape D'Jear
Stallin' Me [Ross Couch Dirty Porn Mix] - Players Inc.
Mesmerise [Original Version] - Mandy Edge, Soulbasics
I Told You [Vincent Kwok Space out Funk Mix] - Mandy Edge, Soularis
Talkin About [Old Skool Jazz Mix] - Mateo & Matos,
Crazy 4 You [Original Version] - Autosoul, Madeleine Kate
Feel the Music - Belocca & Soneec, Belocca & Soneec,
Ibiza Sunday Morning - Solarsides
I Got What U Need [Original Version] - Akisy

Tracks:

Introduction
Magic Star [Simon Grey Vocal Mix] - Roberto DeCarlo, , Joshua
U R the 1 [Andy Holder Dub Mix] - Erik Dillard
Dancing to a Beat - Stereofunk
So High [Original Mix] - Sole Unity
If You Don't Know Me by Now [Dub Mix] - The Little Big Band
Ease Your Mind [Original Mix] - Joosika, , Cherie Matthieson
Together [Original Mix] - Simon Grey, , Robbie Smith
All Gods Children Got Rhythm [Swing Street Mix] - Christian Horbostel, , Keith Thompson
We've Got Joy [Earnshaw's Bumpin Dub] - Central Avenue Revue, Catarina Rea,
Be Yourself [Bongoloverz Remix] - Jay Henry, The Layabouts
Friends [Kid Massive's Afrolektrik Deep Mix] - Kid Massive, Tiger Lily
Balearico [Original Mix] - Ferry B., Franco DeMurlo,
Ride [Richard Earnshaw Remix] - Spiritchaser

Album Description

Completing 2006's supremely successful colour series, bargrooves Azure, returns to its roots for double cd of soul kissed grooves and uplifting funky anthems! Features a dazzling selection of music across two mixes from original bargroover; creator & resident Ben Sowton plus DJ/Producer Richard Earnshaw. Ben's mix heads into solid house territory that bargrooves fans know and love featuring an array of exclusives from the blossoming Seamless Recordings singles labels. Included in the mix are hot new artists Ibizian duo Solar Sides, 7 piece live sensation Soularis and Nottingham's name to watch Soul Basics alongside established anthems from Soul Central, Karizma and A Studio with the huge "SOS"! Taking the helm for Disc 2 is Richard Earnshaw; a highly talented musician, producer and DJ; Richard gained recognition through releasing on respected labels: Mn2S, Soulfuric and Peppermint Jam. Richard's mix takes a more diverse route encompassing: jazzy riffs, afro beats, lush melodies & sweeping strings. Highlights include Erik Dillard on "U R The 1", Stereofunk's "Dancing to the Beat" and Ferry B & Franco de Murlo's "Balearico" as well as generous helping of upfront music from Richard's studio! Always a cut above the rest, Bargrooves Azure features original artwork from esteemed Italian illustrator, Marina Caruso and is packaged in an up market clam shell case with an eight page booklet.

Customer Reviews:

7-10 weeks ??? to purchase this.......2007-06-29

what they gotta one at a time? amazon why do you sell stuff takes more than week to get?, you understand making the order on the internet is suppose to be quicker than mail?

crazy 7-10 weeks? to ship

not buying it

Pop Music:

Pop Music

pop music

Recommended Music:

Black Heart Ep [CD-single] [Import]

Handel: Concerti Grossi, Op. 6, Vol. 2

In the Hush of the Night [Import]

Music: Killing Hellsinki [Live] [Import]

Chronicles [Box set]

Ghittoni Vs Colori [Import]

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat [Soundtrack]

Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks HWV351

Little Games [Import]

Horowitz in Concert

In the Land of I AM

Rock Music rock-music-55

Felices Pascuas [Import]

Countrys All Ill Ever Be

Sol to Soul