Country Retreat

Track Listings

1. Big Sky

2. Old Creek

3. Picket Fence

4. Quiet Rain

5. Shades of Summer

6. Road Home

7. Lazy Afternoon

8. Warm Breeze

9. Country Rose

10. After the Sunset

11. Big Sky (Reprise)

Country Retreat,Dan Gibson,Solitudes,Contemporary Instrumental,Country Collections,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Relaxation

Country Retreat

Tracks:

The Cricket Dance (Violin)
Caprice No. 1 in A Major: Caprice No. 1 In A Major (Violin)
Improvisation #1: Improvisation #1 (Violin)
Caprice No. 2 in G Minor: Caprice No. 2 In G Minor (Violin)
Follow The Scout (Mandolin)
Caprice No. 3 in A Major: Caprice No. 3 In A Major (Violin)
Improvisation #2: Improvisation #2 (Violin)
Caprice No. 4 in D Major: Caprice No. 4 In D Major (Violin)
Fancy Stops And Goes (Guitar)
Improvisation #3: Improvisation #3 (Violin)
Caprice No. 5 in F Major: Caprice No. 5 In F Major (Violin)
River Out Back (Mandocello)
Improvisation #4: Improvisation #4 (Violin)
Caprice No. 6 in G Major: Caprice No. 6 In G Major (Violin)
Flailing (Guitar)
The Star-Spangled Banner (Violin)
Midnight On The Water / Bonaparte's Retreat (Violin)
Amazing Grace

Customer Reviews:

Paganiniesque (is that a word?).......2003-10-21

O'Connor's virtuoso fiddling on this album is truly remarkable. I've followed his career for nearly twenty years now, and his playing was never better than what is presented here. The caprices are pure genius, combining classical styled arpeggios with rock/jazz/blues based riffs with a little fiddling thrown in for good measure. He even uses the bouncing bow technique (spicatto) in a similar fashion to Paganini's first caprice.

The improvised pieces further display O'Connor's musical brilliance and creativity. Improvisation #4 showcases his mastery of harmonics (no, it's not an electric violin you're hearing) and exagerrated vibrato (fiddlers might call it a shake). The liner notes say that this piece was recorded in one take in a moment of inspiration. Unbelievable!

The weakest cuts on this album in my opinion are the guitar and mandolin/mandocello pieces. When I first saw O'Connor he was playing guitar for the David Grisman Quintet on Austin City Limits. I was dazzled by his ability as a flatpicking virtuoso. It was only after I began collecting DGQ albums and reading up on the members that I discovered that he was known more for his world class fiddling than his picking. Later he came out with the False Dawn album where he composed and performed all of the pieces from a selection of over a dozen instruments. The picking on Midnight On The Water fails to live up to the first class playing he did in the 80s, however. (If you ever get a chance to hear the DGQ album Quintet '80 which is out of publication, or the live DGQ album with Stephane Grappelli you'll hear O'Connor at his best on a Somogyi acoustic guitar). It seems to me that as his focus on pushing the envelope for the violin has increased his focus on the plucked instruments has diminished. It's just as well, I suppose, since he reportedly has had to abandon the guitar and mandolin due to a case of bursitis. Still, the caprices alone are well worth the cost of this CD. We may very well not see the likes of this genius again in our lifetime.

Brilliance at work.......2003-01-26

Mark O'Connor has long proved himself to be one the greatest and most talented violinists out there, but this affirms that even more. He is an honest virtuoso - when I hear these recordings I am torn between giving up playing (I play the viola - mostly classical though) because I feel I will never have the technical capabilities he has, or running to unpack my instrument and start practicing. He is amazing, and has shown himself again and again as an extremely talented violinist, guitarist, and composer. If you like fiddle music in the least, or never experienced any, then I would definitely recommend this! It is amazing what he showcases on this album.

Arguably One of the Best Violin / Fiddle Recordings Ever.......2001-06-15

I've followed Mark O'Connor's career since his 1976 "A Texas Jam Session" LP and have watched him evolve into one of the best violinists / fiddlers in the business. This album, which represents the kinds of live one-man shows Mark has been performing for over a decade, is probably my favorite of everything he has ever recorded, and it has squarely established his reputation as a performer, improviser, and composer. Mark sounds better than ever, and these are some of his finest compositions, improvisations, and interpretations.

O'Connor's performance of his musically inventive caprices is absolutely hair-raising. His improvised tracks range from pyrotechnic displays to forays into the blues to ghostly explorations of violin timbres. Additionally there is some beautiful guitar playing on this album. Star-Spangled Banner is incredible; Amazing Grace is stirring, and the traditional Midnight on the Water paired with Bonaparte's Retreat makes for a satisfying high point of the album.

The album was nicely produced; the recording sounds as though Mark is standing right in the room with you- Sony Classical obviously put a lot of money into producing this one. The liners are extensive, informative, and even artistic (a Vanderbilt University poet has contributed a poem for each improvisation).

If you like any kind of violin music, fiddle music, or just sheerly virtuosic music, this album's for you. Even people who say they don't usually like fiddle music have fallen in love with this album.

Doc Wallace

The solo hero.......2000-02-29

Is there anything this man can't do?

After paying tribute to his various sources of inspiration on Heroes - by playing duets with them - O'Connor began a journey into "serious" music. As a composer and performer, Mark O'Connor disappointed me on those early outings, even while I admired and respected his courage to stray from his roots.

It all pays off here. For not only are the master (Paganini) and mentor (Benny Thomasson) here, but all the other heroes as well: Stephane Grappelli, Russ Barenboim, Sam Bush, Vasser Clements, Pinchas Zukerman, to name a few. They've all become Mark O'Connor.

This recording demonstrates maturity in every aspect of O'Connor's craft - as composer, as classical violinist, and as pure fireworks fiddle player. The tone that defines O'Connor (for me) is here, but it shines through the other styles he's absorbed.

The album's title piece is simply the finest O'Connor recorded performance - so far. It pays tribute to Benny Thomasson - a man who felt it was unnecessary to compose new pieces because there were so many undiscovered, unplayed variations on the old ones.

This one's good enough to make you forget to ask "What's next?"

Midnight on the Water.......2000-01-05

Listening to Mark O'Connor playing Midnight on the Water, I was certain I heard the Beloved. And, when it was over and I wasn't sure, I knew it to be so when Amazing Grace captured me. Mark O'Connor understandably speaks of Nicolo Paganini as his inspiration. I would suggest that Sir Paganini is dancing with the angels at this very moment listening to these *amazing O'Connor caprices.*

Average customer rating:

What this is...

Mickey Newbury: An American Treasure
Mickey Newbury
Manufacturer: Mountain Retreat
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Blue to This Day
Stories from the Silver Moon Cafe
Kacey Jones Sings Mickey Newbury
Mickey Newbury: Crystal & Stone
Winter Winds

ASIN: B0002IQBPS
Release Date: 2004-07-14

Tracks:

Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 1: 1940-1959 the Early Years
Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 2: 1963-1968 the Writing in Nashville
Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 3: 1969 Looks Like Rain and Susan
Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 4: The 70's American Trilogy/Electra

Tracks:

Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 5: Family and Oregon
Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 6: The 1980's a New Age
Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 7: 1990-1996 Amen for Old Friends
Music and How It Came to Be, Pt. 8: 1996-2002 a Long Road

Customer Reviews:

What this is..........2007-07-14

There were no customer reviews for this CD, so I ordered it not knowing exactly what this is. Now that I have listened to it - for other curious customers - this is a 2 disc audio biography that you might hear on a radio show, with a narrator describing, interviewing, and playing snippets of songs. The person who wrote, produced, narrated and mixed it is Ron Lyons and is obvious how much Mickey Newbury's music has meant to him. It is very interesting and I am not sorry I purchased it. However, it is not anything you would put in your iPod. I'll find some other people to share this with and it will end up shelved as an interesting item. There are a few songs in entirety but they are part of the band of narration. You wouldn't be able to just bring up that song. I will be on the look out now for Mickey Newbury's albums which seem to be pretty hard to find. I think any fan of Mickey Newbury would definitely enjoy this!

Average customer rating:

Fitting Ending For Mr Newbury
A Fitting Last CD from a Wonderful Singer/Songwriter

Blue to This Day
Mickey Newbury
Manufacturer: Mountain Retreat
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mickey Newbury: An American Treasure
Mickey Newbury: Crystal & Stone
Winter Winds
Nights When I Am Sane
Stories from the Silver Moon Cafe

ASIN: B00014K61I
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Tracks:

Some Dreams Never Die
The Two Step Goes On
Song Of Sorrow
Father's Amen-Interlude
Brother Peter
Mississippi Moon
Help Me Son
House Of Blues
Little Blue Robin
Down And Dirty
Shuck And Jive
All The Neon Lights Are Blue
Tilde
Remember The Good
Goodnight

Customer Reviews:

Fitting Ending For Mr Newbury.......2006-08-19

Blue To This Day is a fabulous last CD from the wonderful, and vastly under appreciated Mickey Newbury.

A little more musical diversity then on some other later Newbury recordings. Newbury's voice is pretty well shot from a technical standpoint, but the only time this is a true distraction is on the remake of "Song of Sorrow". On the other songs, including the gut wrenching, tear inducing " Help Me Son" , the raggedness of his voice only adds to the vivid pictures painted by Newbury.

From the cd's beginning, to the final Newbury spoken "Well Alright" as the instruments slowly fade on the last song " Goodnight", Blue To This Day serves as a fitting epitaph to the one of a kind Mickey Newbury.

A Fitting Last CD from a Wonderful Singer/Songwriter.......2004-02-24

I received Blue to This Day today. I have listened to Mickey for over 32 years and I am still always amazed the first time I play one of his recordings. Just listening to the lyrics, the musicality and the sounds and everything that Mickey put into his work affects you in so many different ways. It takes multiple listenings to try and pick up all the different nuances that he included.

Mickey's fans will love the CD. They will be reminded again why he is so loved and thought of so highly in the Music World. Newcomers to Mickey's Music will be shown what kind ot talent Mickey had for display to our ears and minds.

Mickey has reworked a couple of songs again. They still sound fresh and new even though some have been played and sung for many years. They have aged so very well, like a fine wine.

There are new songs here too. Crafted together they represent a body of music that ebbs and flows with emotion and makes you think and look at things differently.

Even though I only saw Mickey in person once, at Royce Hall at UCLA back in the 1970's I still remember the presence he had on stage. I am grateful that we still have his music to listen to and remember the mastery of music and lyrics he was able to weld together like few others have been able to do.

Mickey will never be forgotten, as long as there as so many legions of fans all over the world. Sleep Well Mickey. You are missed by your Family and fans. But we know that you are in a better place and finally able to breathe deeply again and smell all the wonderful smells along the way.

Tracks:

All My Trials
Cortelia Clark
Willow Tree
Sailor
Frisco Depot
Poison Red Berries
Lovers
San Francisco Mabel Joy
American Trilogy

Tracks:

Introduction
Willow Tree
After All These Years
Goin' to Alabama
Apples Dipped in Candy
Piper
Lie to Me Darlin'
Night You Wrote That Song
Juble Lee's Revival
She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye
That's the Way It Goes
Sweet Memories
Ain't No Blues Today
That Was the Way It Was Then Let's Say Goodbye One More Time
How I Love Them Old Songs
Danny Boy
American Triology - V and Legacy

Customer Reviews:

a masterpeice........2006-01-31

disc one of this double disc set is an enhanced version of the recording "in a new age", which was recorded on march 2nd, 1988. the original recording featured mickey, violinist marie rhines, and some bass accompanyment by edgar meyer. that recording was released on the ill-fated airborne record label.
the story of how this recording came to be started because some nashville producer wanted to take some new recordings of mickey's and release them in some fashion. that fashion featured "new age" arrangements that mickey objected to. The initial sessions started in 1982, and featured a different vocal performance. some copies (vinyl, cassette, and compact disc) were released in canada as "in a new age" (note..on the cd copy, one will not know if they have a "canadian" version until they look at the actual disc. on the disc it is printed "a legend in a new age" instead of "in a new age"..also..on the back of the cover tray, the track names and order are in a "block" font/format..you will also notice on the very bottom that the printing was done in canada..if your copy features what i have just described, you have the canadian version..this is sort of a "butcher cover" collectible for newbury and audiophites alike). as a result of mickey's disapproval, mickey decided to re-record the same compositions in the same order.
he went into a nashville studio with marie rhines on march 2, 1988 and recorded the songs live, without any overdubs. the songs were recorded in one take, with only a coffee break dividing the session.
this recording is becoming one of my all time favorite recordings by any artist. i cannot express the music in words.
this version "it might as well be the moon" was released as a re-release, with an added bonus of a live recording of mickey and marie in san francisco shortly after the original release of "in a new age". the label that originally released "in a new age" came upon financial hardships, thus, the recording had a limited pressing. re-released ten years after the original recording, disc one features some extra percussion (note: the "newest" version does not have any percussion..a mystery that has yet to be explained..so in short.. the tally comes out to FOUR versions that have been released thus far).
both discs in this double set are wonderful, but it is the recordings done on march of 1988 that will, hopefully, take you to an aural place you have never been.
from the first strains of music that come through after the sounds of rain and ambiance, i was moved and transcended into the world and craftsmanship of one mickey newbury.
i listen to this recording on my best and worst days...passages that many know too well, and need that uplift in the form of recorded music. the material and how it is presented here, if you know a bit about mickey's trials, will make sense as a testament: an aural pictorial.
you are invited.
if you find a copy of "in a new age" (the disc)..snag it!!! Also, if you get lucky, you might stumble across the version that was ill released in canada. this may be sac-relig to write, but i am just as touched by the "canadian" version.
enjoy.

Rain and Trains.......2002-07-05

The first CD is pulled together by the gentle sound of rain and distant trains. The sound effects accent a lonesome sadness, the same mood that made Mickey Newbury distinct so many years ago. Disc 2 has equally good music, nearly twice as much as what's on Disc 1. It's recorded live before an audience and Newbury gives a short history of each song before he sings it. There's nothing lost after all these years. This is good Newbury.

A great place to start.......2000-09-25

This dbl cd's contains a rendition of "In a new age" and a 70 minutes of live tracks cd. The sound is pristine, and many of Newbury's great songs are here. If you've never heard of Newbury, you have probably heard his songs, which have been covered more than 300 times, but his versions are the real thing. Highly spiritual, ethereal. One of the best american singer-sogwriters.

Afer you hear this set you'll want the 8 cd's boxed set, so start putting your money aside from now. Enjoy!

One of the must-have CD's from Mickey.......2000-02-21

I couldn't recommend this (2)CD set more highly. If you would like Mickey's website you can contact me at: randec@earthlink.net . You're in for a treat!

Average customer rating:

Country Retreat
Dan Gibson
Manufacturer: Solitudes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Relaxation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000CGOVU
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Big Sky
Old Creek
Picket Fence
Quiet Rain
Shades of Summer
Road Home
Lazy Afternoon
Warm Breeze
Country Rose
After the Sunset
Big Sky (Reprise)

Average customer rating:

Warm and Nicely Done!

5 Miles or 50,000 Years
Mustard's Retreat
Manufacturer: Palmetto Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Live Albums | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Back to Back
A Resolution of Something

ASIN: B000005A4U
Release Date: 1998-02-03

Tracks:

16 Tons
Ballad of Elmer McCurdy
Reincarnation
Barbershop Blues
One Meatball
Sandy Racoon
Bad Dreams
Detroit 1763
Railroad Bill
New Pioneers
Jake & Ten Ton Molly
Canoe Sonnet
Part of Me Remembers
Papa's on the Housetop

Customer Reviews:

Warm and Nicely Done!.......2002-12-19

If you were to buy a release by Mustard's Retreat, this may be the one, since it highlights their strength: live performance. I have witnessed around 30-40 of them dating back to 1979, in their days in the bars and pubs of Flint, MI, and their warmth is nicely captured here.

Typical of their song selection is: 'Part Of Me Remembers', a sincere but not sappy song about loss that always brings a tear to my eyes; 'Detroit 1763', a first-person documentary which is among many they cull from Michigan history; and 'One Meatball', just one example of their great sense of humor.

Tracks:

Aida: Se quel guerrier...Celeste Aida
Rigoletto: La donna e mobile
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
Tosca: Recondita armonia
TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
La fanciulla del West: Ch'ella mi creda
La Gioconda: Cielo e mar!
L'africaine: Mi batte Il cor...O paradiso
Ideale
O sole mio
The Vagabond King: Only A Rose
For You Alone
Manon: Instant Carmant ... En ferman les yeux
Carmen: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee
Faust: Salut! demeure chaste et pure
Martha: M'appari tutt'amor
Martha: Cujus animam
Messa da requiem: Ingemisco
Il Trovatore: Ah si ben mio
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Il Trovatore: Ah si, ben mio
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira
Rigoletto: Questa o quella

Tracks:

La Boheme: O soave faniculla
Rigoletto: E il sol dell'anima
Rigoletto: Questa o quella
Un Ballo in Maschera: Di' tu se fedele
Turnadot: Nessun dorma!
Andrea Chenier: Come un bel di di maggio
Fedora: Amor ti vieta
Cavalleria Rusticana: Mamma!...Quel vino
Pagliacci: Recita! ... Vesti la giubba
Mattinata
L'Elisir D'Amore: Una furtiva lagrima
Les Pecheurs De Perles: Je crois entendre encore
Romeo et Juliette: Ah! leve-tol, soleil!
Manon: Je suis seul! ... Ah! fuyez, douce image
L'arlesiana: E la solita storia
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola
Manon Lescaut: Donna non vidi mai
Tosca: Recondita armonia
Tosca: E lucevan le stelle
La Boheme: O soave fanciulla
Romeo et Juliette: Ange adorable
Jocelyn: Concealed In This Retreat
L'albe separa dalla luve l'ombra

Tracks:

Romeo et Juliette: Hoj dig, du klara sol
Rigoletto: O, I kvinnor: Questa o quella
L'illustre Fregona: Fylld av vemod sanker sig natten: Melancolque tombe le soir
Knyaz (Prince) Igor: Dagen gick langsamt till ro: Vladimir's Cavatina: Medlenno den' ugasal
Tosca: Det skona star att finna: Ricondita armonia
Tosca: Ja minns stjarnorna lyste: E lucevan le stelle
Rigoletto: Ack, som ett fjun sa latt: La donna e mobile
Il Trovatore: Skyhogt mot himlen
Pagliacci: Spela komedi! ... Pudra ditt anlet: Recitar! ... Vesti la giubba
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola
La fanciulla del West: Lat henne tro: Ch'ella mi creda
Fanal: I manner over lag och ratt
Sadko: I sonderns hav
La Belle Helene: Uti en skog pa berget Ida
Der Zigeunerbaron: Vem har oss vigt?
Der Bettelstudent: Skall jag tala ... Antag det fall
Der Bettelstudent: Ny ar jag pank och fagelgri: Ich hab keion Geld, bin vogelfrei
Nar hag for mig shalv i morka skogen gar
Bland skogens hoga furustammar
Ack Varmeland, du skona
Allt under himmelens faste
Tonerna
Sommarnatt: I de lyse naetter
Ett Folk: Sverige
Land, du valsignade
Namner du Sverige

Tracks:

Adelaide
Morgen
Cacilie
Bon i ofredstid
Bisp Thomas frihetssang
In The Silence Of Night
Siren: Lilacs
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Because
Sylvia
A Spirit Flower
Ah, Love But A Day
Tonerna: I Bless Ev'ry Hour
Till havs
Sangen till havest
Visa king slandblom och manskara
Jungfrun under lind
Kung Helmer och Aslog
Trollsjon
Sa tag mit hjerte
Demanten pa marssnon
Cantique de Noel: Julsang (O helga natt) : Cantique de Noel

Amazon.com

This set tells you why Jussi Bjorling is a perennial entrant in the "Tenor of the Century" sweepstakes. Even as the voice darkens from the light lyric to the full, darker instrument of the later recordings, we hear a singer whose elegant style, lovely timbre and innate musicality touch the heart. Many of the selections are sung in Swedish, less of a liability than you might suppose. In whatever language, Bjorling's molten gold flows lavishly. He eschews the sobs and sentimentality that disfigure so much verismo repertory, making his points with stylish vocalism. He's been called a "cool" singer, but try his Puccini and Verdi arias on Disc One and you'll find more than enough vocal and emotional heat. The selections include many neglected Scandinavian songs, sung, like the arias, with a naturalness that disarms criticism. -- Dan Davis

Amazon.com

Swedish tenor Jussi Björling gets many votes for the distinction of greatest all-time tenor. Up to the end, the voice projected a boyish vulnerability, though he also had enough stentorian power to sing the heavy Puccini roles and was ready to take on Lohengrin when he died. He was so deeply musical he eschewed the usual tenor vulgarity without ever slighting the music's theatricality. Even these four well-filled discs of arias and songs can't fully encompass the vocal riches he left behind, but there's a lot here, much of it from his earliest years and (hope you don't mind) sung in a Swedish translation. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Superb!.......2001-07-29

This is an wonderful compilation of one of the most incredible voices on record. Whether you are a new or old Bjorling fan -- and who could hear that voice and not be enthralled by it -- this is a fine CD to have. The quality of the recording is excellent, and the range in years, from 1930 to 1959, gives a splendid overview of his dazzling talent. In addition to many of the arias one might expect, there are also lieder and songs in Swedish, as well as some charming duets with Jussi's wife, Anna-Lisa. I have quite a few other Bjorling CDs, and this is one of the best in terms of quality and scope. It is a most worthy addition to any Bjorling collection, regardless of its size.

Beatiful singing - but where are the Swedish texts?.......2001-06-22

This is an excellent collection, the best available overview of a great tenor.

This would get 4 stars but has been marked down for only supplying token texts and translations in the large booklet. It is understandable (sort of) that the Italian opera excerpts don't merit texts and translations as (apart from the Callas recitals series) EMI generally doesn't provide texts with historical issues. However the tempting inclusion of a dozen or so texts to the Italian and Swedish songs makes one all the more aware of the miserliness of not providing all the texts.

if you like bjorling this is the best thing you can get!.......2000-06-26

this is so awesome, i love his voice, this is good for anyone, the professional or just someone who wants to hear the greatest tenor of all times! this is so great

The ULTIMATE Collection.......1999-11-02

When starting my Bjorling collection, I saw MANY CDs, with his early recordings. I was in a quandry as to what to buy, UNTIL I found this set. TRULY remarkable in many levels.FIRST and foremost, the voice. Captured in all levels, from the earliest to the latest. Truly wonderful, and the Swedish versions are a real treat to hear, don't worry, the Italian versions are here too!!Secondly, the remastering process. This set was remastered at Abbey Studios in London. For the first time I've heard, they actually pressed NEW 78s from the metal plates, and THEN remastered the new discs!!! Inspired, and the results--incredible.I find myself listening to Disc 3 the most. Very interesting, as it is the Swedish one. When the songs are terrific, along with the "standard" tenor arias, and it all comes together, it is PURE MAGIC!! I will admit that due to time limitations of recordings of this era, the opera house Bjorling is not fully conveyed. There are other CDs for that. Most notably "Romeo and Juliet", and for a REAL thrill, his ATLANTA concert, in STEREO, so much so, that the piano is even divided; left hand left, right hand right. Wait a minute, am I playing TWISTER??:-)) But if you want to skip all those unknown labels, you couldn't have a MORE complete set. ALL wit the great remastering I spoke of. Bjorling--His voice will NEVER die, at least in MY house!!!

Definitive survey of one of the finest singers on record.......1998-09-25

Jussi Bjoerling was one of the greatest singers of the century. His voice is pure, effortless and yet thrilling. Even better than the quality of the voice is his style. He never scoops up to a note nor does he ever whoop down from one, instead, he uses perfect legato and faultless intonation to deliver the cleanest sound you'll ever hear from a tenor.

Tracks:

An American Trilogy
How Many Times (Must the Piper Be Paid for His Song)
Interlude
Future's Not What It Used to Be
Mobile Blue
Frisco Depot
You're Not My Same Sweet Baby
Interlude
Remember the Good
Swiss Cottage Place
How I Love Them Old Songs
Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

Easy to listen to and sing along with........2007-01-12

I wore out an LP record of Frisco Mabel Joy, had a cassette tape of several of the songs but poor quality. I was extremely happy when it became available on CD. I love it. D. McIntire

Frisco Mable Joy.......2006-11-02

I'd been looking for this album for a long time, well loved and remembered, it's a joy to have again!

The world will little note..........2005-02-20

what I say here about Mickey Newbury and this album - "'Frisco
Mabel Joy." But, if you listen to the songs on this CD, you will surely be as taken as I was with his haunting lyrics and voice. I saw Mickey on TV many years ago and hadn't thought any more of him 'til I heard Waylon Jennings sing "San Francisco Mabel Joy" and happened to notice who wrote it. I'm glad I did because it has opened up a new and wonderful world of the kind of music I enjoy-country ballads. I was surprised to find it on CD and with the addition of "San Francisco Mabel
Joy." It wasn't on the original album. I have since found that most of his albums have been re-issued on CD. I've also pur-
chased the "Harlequin Melodies" CD. It's also a great album, but 'Frisco is my personal favorite.

God Bless Mickey Newbury.......2004-07-24

Simply one of the greatest albums ever recorded. I first heard Mickey on a jukebox in a small PX/snack bar in the basement of the Army hospital (Nuremberg, West Germany)where I was stationed at the time. The song was "American Trilogy", and a solitary figure was sitting at a table, head down, listening intently. After the song was over I talked to this fella, who, from that moment on became my friend. From that moment, I became a Mickey Newbury fan. That was over 30 years ago. That moment sticks with like it was yesterday.

Like many of the other reviewers, it was an album I wore out. The music is just that enchanting. His voice is haunting. His lyrics melancholy.

I just learned today that he had passed away two years ago. Oh, we live in a busy world! Thankfully, I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live at UCLA (someone who reviewed another album was at the same concert)in the mid-70s and even saw him in the foyer before the show.

This is more a lament than a review, so judge it as such. But, if you have never heard the music of this magnificent man, this is a great place to start.

God Bless you, Mickey. Thanks for the music!

Wow...A Country Concept Album!.......2003-07-02

I recently bought this album from Amazon after reading so many shining reviews, and knowing how hard it is to find in stock anywhere. This record is full of beautifully written and beautifully sung songs that flow together like a well written movie. I really like the sound of falling rain in between some of the songs, and by the way there's not a mediocre song on the disc. If you buy the disc, don't forget to listen to track 12(San Francisco Mabel Joy),It's not listed anywhere on the cover. The cover/booklet is the only bad thing about this album, it needs a remastering as well. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this CD from the Late, Great...Mickey Newbury.

Average customer rating:

Candy Coated " Nights When I Am Sane"
Newbury Shines

Winter Winds
Mickey Newbury
Manufacturer: Mountain Retreat
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Honky-Tonk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Traditional Country | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Blue to This Day
Stories from the Silver Moon Cafe
Mickey Newbury: An American Treasure
Mickey Newbury: Crystal & Stone

ASIN: B0000667O0
Release Date: 2002-05-08

Tracks:

The Thirty-Third Of August
Ramblin' Blues
Lie To Me Darlin'
Nights When I Am Sane
Just Dropped In
Genevieve
Juble Lee's Revival
Apples Dipped In Candy
Angeline
San Francisco Mabel Joy
Poison Red Berries
Heaven Help The Child
Winter Winds Blow
Saint Cecelia
You're My Lady Now
What Will I Do

Customer Reviews:

Candy Coated " Nights When I Am Sane".......2006-06-22

Winter Winds is derived from the same concert that comprises " Nights When I Am Sane". Six different songs have been added, and four subtracted from NWIAS.

For some reason many hardcore Newbury fans just can not deal with the stark beauty and pain of " Nights When I Am Sane". They make ridiculous comments about how Newbury didnt like the recording blah, blah, blah.In reality it just wasnt pretty enough for them, and it was too intense for many casual music listeners, who surprisingly make up a great portion of Newbury fans.

Enter Winter Winds.The performances from " Nights When I Am Sane" have had sound effects, bass, and most annoyingly strings added to them. Other monkeying around has been done too. The result, for the most part, is unbearable. "You're My Lady Now", and "Nights When I Am Sane" have been rendered virtually unlistenable by the sappy strings.The result is like trying to add strings after the fact to Neil Youngs " Tonights The Night". But I am sure the sugary strings will please many Newbury fans, and, sappy as they are ,they do not hide the pain of these songs, and serve only to annoy.

This still rates three stars as it contains some of Newburys greatest songs sung with real feeling. If you have never heard " Nights When I Am Sane", this version might be more tolorable, and rate higher. As it is, it is almost a laughable attempt to homogonize one of the starkest and most heartfelt recordings ever made in Nights When I Am Sane.

Edit: to get the real feel of this concert you simply must purchase the DVD of this concert, "Live At The Hermitage ". This is the original, stringless concert, just Mickey and Jack Williams. The DVD comprises all the songs on both Nights When I Am Sane and Winter Winds, plus some more including the amazing Jessie & Maggie, one of Newbury's best.Be forwarned that Newbury looks a little odd, his hair is cut short and dyed red, for what I have read was for some movie appearance. Nevermind that however, all is forgiven when you watch a perspiring Newbury literally spit out the words to Four Ladies . A very intense, wonderful, timeless performance.

The DVD can be purchased through The Newbury website, which is easy enough to find. Enjoy.

Newbury Shines.......2002-05-19

I have been a fan of Mickey Newbury since Frisco Mable Joy. Through the years I have enjoyed each new CD, but none as much as "WINTER WINDS"!
In these times of turmoil Newbury finds a place for me to sit back and remember what great music really is!For those to young to remember his other Cds, I say give this new CD a chance. For every ballad Springsteen ever attempted, Mickey takes his songs to that special place few can ever see, let alone sing about.
Treat yourself to "Winter Winds", you deserve it!

Average customer rating:

Sad, even for Newbury
masterpiece
another masterpiece by Newbury

A Long Road Home
Mickey Newbury
Manufacturer: Mountain Retreat
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Long Sleeves | Sleeve Length Browse (feature_browse-bin) | Refinements | Apparel
Similar Items:

Blue to This Day
Stories from the Silver Moon Cafe
Winter Winds
Mickey Newbury: Crystal & Stone
Mickey Newbury Collection

ASIN: B00005YQIH
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

In '59
I Don't Love You
Last Question (In the Dead of the Night)
Here Comes the Rain, Baby
One More Song of Hearts and Flowers
Moment With Heather
Where Are You Darlin' Tonight?
Maybe
So Sad
Long Road Home
116 Westfield Street

Customer Reviews:

Sad, even for Newbury .......2006-07-01

Maybe it is just me, but this could well be the saddest, yet most beautiful cd I have ever heard.The last 4 songs in particular are very difficult, yet rewarding listening.The backing music is sparse and appropriate.

Newbury's once strong voice is reduced to a rattling whisper. The lyrics to many of the songs make it clear that Mr Newbury knew his time was short.Yet these are not "pity me" type songs, just beautifully sad,such as only Mickey Newbury could write.

Mickey Newbury is certainly one of the most under appreciated songwriters who ever lived.The songs on this cd are no exception.

masterpiece.......2002-03-15

I have purchased every recording by this artist and every one of them is a treasure to me. This particular recording captures the viewpoints of a mature man who has truly lived and can look back both with pleasure and pain. The autobiographical nature of this work helps chronicle the feelings of one of the most profound and poetic songwriters of our times. The music is lyrical and beautiful. The lyrics are simply some of the finest produced in the last twenty years. If there was any justice in the music business, this album would have won a grammy in the folk genre and I am aware that it would have had to beat out a very good recording by Bob Dylan. Dylan's recent work is great, but does not touch the heart and soul of this work. Buy it and listen to it in one sitting. Then listen again. It truly is an American masterpiece.

another masterpiece by Newbury.......2002-02-17

Newbury's new cd of new material "A Long Road Home" is a long awaited cd by his fans. All the songs here are new songs, so if you are one of those who don't understand why Newbury rerecords his songs time after time as if it was an obsession, then this is a cd you should buy. By now I think I should compare Newbury's work to a Bach cantata or to Mozart's Requiem. This songs live in pain and find beauty where life touches the bottom. Memories of roads not taken, unfulfilled love, and behind all this a deep religious feeling this is not Christian pop, though).

"Oh I tried to keep the rain from falling
you know I tried to keep the rain from falling
it's not the rain in the skies, but the rain in your eyes."

Newbury has built through the years a songbook that is one the best in American music, his songs have been covered 350 times, they have been number one hits but also great covers that brought the best out of the performers. This cd shows he is still doing it, and all the songs (I mean all of them) will one day be considered classics!

"One more song of heart and flowers, one more night of lonely hours
One more mile of winding highway, one more day of new beginnings."

Well, I could go one praising this cd, and if you are wondering about the high price tag that comes with it, just think about the hundred of times you'll listen to it and that most of the money goes to the artist and not to some big corporate. The cd has been for four days in my cd player since I received it. I think it will still be there in a month. This is the kind of cd that makes me forget I have a collection of 5,000 cd's and Lp's.

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