Acoustic Earth

Track Listings

1. Sunday's Child - Chyanna Davis

2. You Feel Good - Chyanna Davis

3. Almost There - Lindsay Tomasic

4. Breaking Down - Lindsay Tomasic

5. Look up Ahead - Toshi Reagon

6. How Did You Decide to Make Tomorrow - Toshi Reagon

7. Sweetest Thing - Donna Roth

8. Love Falling Away - Donna Roth

9. Hottest Sun - Jessie Lee Montague

10. Heaven - Jessie Lee Montague

11. Midnight Ride - Amilia K. Spicer

12. Little Rain - Amilia K. Spicer

Acoustic Earth,Various Artists,Sonic Images,Alternative Pop/Rock,Contemporary Folk,New Age,Pop,Singer/Songwriter

Acoustic Earth

Tracks:

Maggid
You Were Revealed
Adir
Chassidic Waltz
Yonah
Reb Nachman's Deveykus Niggun
Purim
Tzamah Nafshi
If Not For...

Amazon.com

Discs that attempt to cross-pollinate jazz with the soulful sounds of klezmer tend to be hit-or-miss; usually you just end up wondering if today's players are half as proficient as the forefathers they're trying to upstage. Andy Statman's credentials don't allow for such doubts. He apprenticed with klezmer legend Dave Tarras (and was even bequeathed the master's clarinet), and whether on clarinet or mandolin, his playing is impeccable. On Between Heaven & Earth, Statman reaches a (thus far) career high point and creates something completely gorgeous and new. The quartet is modeled on the jazz paradigm (horns, piano, rhythm section), and the occasional virtuoso guest (banjoist Bela Fleck and mandolinist David Grisman) joins in. The results are spectacular: extended meditations on Hasidic themes and compositions that quite literally blossom before your very eyes, with shades of klezmer, bluegrass, and jazz all thrown together. The tunes may not come out swinging, but, filled with gorgeous reflections, a gentle pace, and haunting solos, they simmer to great results. The cuts were recorded live in single takes, and the effect is moving and spiritual; there are quiet moments here, and (thank God) the ensemble never sounds rushed. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

TRUE TRADITIION CUTTING EDGE CLASSIC.......2005-12-02

Andy does a tremendous job of taking nigunim (songs) of the holy hasidic masters of long a go. he puts it in a format which people can appreciate today. However, he does not sell out. Meaning, is he does not "water down" . Andy perserves the holiness and sacred nature of each tune so that even the tradional are able to enjoy this. Andy bridge the tradition with modern times and does so in a magnificent fashion

A Musical Milestone.......2004-09-27

It is often said that Andy Statman is a "musician's musician." He also may be said to be a "critic's musician," having earned an unending string of accolades from the press throughout his career. This CD, for example, was featured on the cover of the year-end double-edition of Billboard just before the record hit the stands, and subsequently was dubbed one of the Ten Best CDs of the Year by NY Times music critic, Neal Strauss. If I may add my "two cents," I would say that "Between Heaven and Earth" is an American-Chassidic answer to "A Love Supreme." These sessions were truly inspired!

Superb jazz based on an unusual tradition.......2002-09-20

I think the reviews by Jason Verlinde and Rabbi Yonassan Gershom are accurate as to the feel and value of this music. I mostly want to add some technical stuff that may be of interest. The quartet is Statman on the clarinet (he has a beautiful yearning tone) and mandolin, Kenny Werner on the piano, Harvie Swartz on the acoustic bass and Bob Weiner on the drums. Bola Fleck (banjo), David Grisman (mandolin) and Scott Lee (bass) put in guest appearances.
When I first heard the first song on this record it reminded me a lot of the first song on Moodiology by George Garzone. Werner also plays on that excellent album and on both albums he is in fine McCoy Tyner form- playing piano of great spiritual power and beauty. Other than Statman, Werner is the main instrumental presence on this disc.
Statman on clarinet is wonderful. He doesn't so much tear up the changes as work with the melodies. When you have melodies of this beauty it is a wonderful approach.
One reviewer found this music to be too new ageish. Maybe but I think in that case he has heard a lot better new age music than I have. I find this album to hold its own against anything I put it up against on my CD changer. Right now I am playing it with masses by Palestrina. I have played it up against Leila Josefowicz, Anouar Braham and George Garzone (it is apparent that Statman is not the player that Garzone is but then how many are?). Each time I play this CD I find new things to hear, new beauty to enjoy. These guys play this music because they love it, they feel it to the bone, it cuts to the heart of how they see the world and, I suspect in Statman's case as well as Palestrina, it is part of an ongoing conversation with God. How often do you get to hear music played with that much heart? It may not speak to you but it is definitely worth a listen to find out.

A refreshing change of pace.......2000-08-31

Most albums of Hasidic music tend to focus on the rapidly-paced "table bangers" designed to get your adrenaline going. Not so with this album. Statman and crew have chosen some of the slower, more contemplative Hasidic tunes, and rendered them in a soul-filled cross between klezmer and modern jazz. The result is meditative Jewish music that is definitely not the usual "new age" pablum.

In their original cultural context, these tunes are sung orally, usually without instrumental accompaniment, because the use of instruments is forbidden on the Sabbath and festivals. Instead, the singers sit around the table, using their voices to improvise complex harmonies and variations on the basic tunes. Sometimes the tunes have words, but more often, they are made up of meaningless sounds such as "ai-ai-ai!" that, precisely because they are wordless, can contain all possible meanings of the heart. The result is a sort of verbal jazz that reaches deep levels of the soul.

Such music is known in Hebrew as a "devekus niggun" (D'VAY-kuss-NEE-gun), which means, loosely translated, "A sacred tune for connecting with God." What Statman has done here is to translate that oral devekus experience into instrumental music. And it really works! As I listened to this album, I was carried back to my own deepest experiences around the Shabbos table. There are only nine pieces on this CD, but each is long enough to really get into the music, the same as when we sing them around the table. This album truly conveys the inner spirit of Hasidism.

Great Soul!.......2000-03-06

This album is really a favourite of mine. No easy listening, no swinging. It's full of subtle and spectacular ensemble music. Statman's clarinet reaches out to unknown heights and the combination of styles is really moving. Improvising on well-known Hassidic themes, Statman and his musical friends create a new genre: mystical music with body and Soul! Unlike so-called 'New Age-music', that usually lacks any depth, this album combines the old with the new.

Average customer rating:

The best Indian Fusion CD in my collection
Techno meets Hindu Mysticism
Tiger of the Raj
Excellent! One of the best cd's I've ever heard!
Simply Orgasmic!

Tigers of the Raj
James Asher
Manufacturer: New Earth Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Feet in the Soil
Feet in the Soil, Vol. 2
Raising the Rhythms
Talking Stick
Shaman Drums

ASIN: B00000G252
Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

Temple Gates (Radio Edit)
Trans-India
Prayer Wheel (Ragu Patti)
Red Desert
Assam
Further East
Nataraj Express
Liquid Sky
Duskfire
The Astrologer's Seat
Temple Gates (Extended Mix)

Album Description

The color, splendor, and epic sense of adventure of Rajasthan inspired these Indian-fusion grooves. Using state-of-the-art production, Asher and several distinguished musicians mix ancient and modern instruments in this intoxicating dance-trance album.

Customer Reviews:

The best Indian Fusion CD in my collection.......2002-05-20

This displaces Talvin Singh's Anoka as the best Indian fusion CD in my collection. Each track has a different sound and each time I listen to this CD, there's something new that catches my attention. It's got a bit of the hindi filmi sound in some songs, a little dhol, great vocals in others... yet manages not to sound cliched with any song.

Techno meets Hindu Mysticism.......2001-11-09

The music on Tigers of the Raj is both energizing and trance-inducing. Great for high energy meditation or to spark creativity. A couple of tracks are good for more relaxed meditations as well. Overall a very excellent collection of tunes. Anyone who likes the flavor of Hindu inspired music should love it!

Tiger of the Raj.......2001-10-22

My husband hasn't stopped playing this CD since it arrived. Wonderful. Exactly what we hoped it would be.

Excellent! One of the best cd's I've ever heard!.......1999-10-08

This has got to be one of the best cd's i've ever listened to! The first time i heard i was mesmorized! The Indian beats and instruments are just mixed together soo well. Its just arwsome! Many of my family memebers have heard this cd, and within a matter of seconds they love it! and when they listen to more of it.. they fall deeper and deeper in love with it! This is a must buy cd!

Simply Orgasmic!.......1999-09-11

A supurb East meets West woven tapestry of energetic sound over silence. This is music that reminds me it is good to be alive.

Average customer rating:

Cd sounds good.
Unjustly Dismissed
Nat Is Gone. Get Over It.
Life Goes On Nicely Sans Merchant
Well Worth Hearing

The Earth Pressed Flat
10,000 Maniacs
Manufacturer: Bar/None Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Wishing Chair
Love Among the Ruins
Blind Man's Zoo
Hope Chest: The Fredonia Recordings 1982-1983
In My Tribe

ASIN: B00000IIRX
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

The Earth Pressed Flat
Ellen
Once A City
Glow
On & On (Mersey Song)
Somebody's Heaven
Cabaret
Beyond The Blue
Smallest Step
In The Quiet Morning
Time Turns
Hidden In My Heart
Who Knows Where The Time Goes?
Bonus Track 1

Amazon.com

10,000 Maniacs without Natalie Merchant just doesn't seem viable. Yet the band has been rebuilt with violist-violinist Mary Ramsey signing on as a replacement. Meanwhile, they've continued to mine the delicate folk-rock they brought back to the public eye in the 1980s. Covers of Mimi Farina's "In the Quiet Morning" and Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" are given the majestic treatment, while Ramsey's clear, clean diction gives even the poppier likes of "On and On" and "Beyond the Blue" an adult-contemporary feel. "Smallest Step" builds on a swell of Hammond organ and solid rhythms while incorporating Ramsey's strings and multilayered harmonies. Their audience may have changed following Merchant's departure, but 10,000 Maniacs are still be doing what they do best. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Cd sounds good. .......2007-04-11

CD sounds good. No skipping. Not bad for used CD. Only complaint is that the CD case came a little banged up.

Unjustly Dismissed.......2006-06-11

This album seems to be getting dismissed simply because Natalie Merchant is no longer with the band. So what? Contrary to popular belief there is more to a band than it's lead singer. Merchant was a great vocalist, but she was not the band has her uneven solo career has demonstrated.

On its first spin or two this disc might seem a bit underwelming, but its many many charms are revealed with subsequent listens and it is difficult to imagine a Maniacs fan not getting lots of enjoyment out of songs such as "Ellen," "Once a City," and "Smallest Step" to name a few and there is a very nice cover of Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes."

So if you have been a Maniacs fan why not give it a shot?

Nat Is Gone. Get Over It........2005-11-20

Natalie Merchant is an exceptionally good singer and her voice gave 10,000 Maniacs a good front. But she was NOT the band. The band continued on just nicely in her absence and, artistically speaking anyway, thrived with this first rate set of songs while she went on to a woefully uneven solo career.

The naysayers fear change and can't deal with the fact that someone other than Natalie is the lead singer with the band as if there is no difference between the Maniacs with Natalie and Natalie's solo career. Anyone who listens to both with an open mind should be able to say something along the lines of what the kid said in the Emperor's New Clothes. With the exception of Merchant's wonderful "The House Carpenter's Daughter" album, the Maniacs are making better music without Natalie than Natalie has been making without the Maniacs.

Life Goes On Nicely Sans Merchant.......2005-10-09

I've been a big fan over 10,000 Maniacs for over 20 years, yet one thing that has never ceased to amaze me are those people who seem to worship Natalie Merchant as if she and she alone *WAS* the band. Looking over some of the negative reviews for this solid album suggests that many of these people are here.

Merchant was undeniably a charismatic front woman for the band. Her wonderful vocals, her sharp song writing, and her energetic stage presence played a huge role in taking a band with such unseemingly likely commercial potential into a platinum selling act. During her tenure the band made three superb albums ("The Wishing Chair," "In My Tribe," and "Our Time in Eden") and she deserves much credit for them.

But just because she left t is no reason to dismiss the band as irrelevant. If anything Ms. Merchant's woefully uneven solo career has proved that the band too had a hand in its own success and had it not been for the fact that this album was on a small indie label the restrained promotional possibilities, this album would have been a much bigger hit than it was. It is certainly an improvement over the band's first post-Merchant album to pleasant, but safe "Love Among the Ruins."

Here we have songs that stand out -- "Glow," "Beyond the Blue," "Once a City," "Ellen" and a lovely cover of the old Fairport Convention/Sandy Denny (both a big influence on the bad since the early days) number "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" are just a few of them and all are sung by Mary Ramsey who vocally can easily go toe to toe with Merchant. Anyone who takes a little time and has a little bit of an opened mind will find that the band did not fall by the wayside with the departure of Merchant.

Well Worth Hearing.......2005-09-25

Looking over some of these reviews a lot of people seem to want to set things up as a 10KM vs. Natalie Merchant thing. What's the point? Both can and should be judged on their own merits.

With that in mind "The Earth Pressed Flat" is a lovely, lovely piece of work that can stand nicely alongside the rest of the 10KM catalog. If this were this another band most of the negative reviews here would be highly praising it.

Average customer rating:

Like no other - multi faceted - absorbs any attention level
Earth Town Square
Poetry never sounded better.
A Consummate Artist
Can't say enough good things about Peter Mayer!

Earth Town Square

Manufacturer: Blue Boat
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Million Year Mind
Midwinter
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Elements
Musicbox

ASIN: B00007IJ2W
Release Date: 2002-11-19

Tracks:

Ocean Mary
Awake
Elijah Jones
Blue Boat Home (Choir)
Blue Boat Home
The Play
Earth Town Square
Skyblaster Man
Crawl In
Brown County Fair
Winter Woods
Astronaut Dreams
Coming Home

Customer Reviews:

Like no other - multi faceted - absorbs any attention level.......2006-10-13

To think that Peter plays "behind" Jimmy Buffett. It just goes to show that their is no equal for just being in the right place at the right time. The though of them going head to head on a equal stage ------ not a fair contest!!

Earth Town Square.......2006-06-29

Peter Mayer's beautiful words and arrangement of the hymn HYFRYDOL by Rowland Prichard was what drew me to this well-crafted CD. The other tunes only add to this very musical CD. Clear voiced, beautiful acoustic work, and lyrics that stand out make this a CD I can sit back and listen to, or many times I just grab my harmonica and play along. Mayer is a terrific musician.

Poetry never sounded better........2004-09-07

When we praise the "poetry" of songwriters, the standard is usually not very high. We can be pretty pleased when a song rises a bit above the banal. This CD is, however, musical poetry of an entirely higher sort. Peter Mayer's songwriting is a treat. Felicitous images flow in an unbroken,delightful stream.

Start with the first cut on the CD. "Ocean Mary" is a woman who lives by a magic stream. She has a dream: "She imagined that, inside, stirred all the waters of the earth. Every puddle, every creek and every one of the Seven Seas. She could feel the fishes roam in her fingers and her toes. And in her chest, the Gulf Stream flow."

That would be enough to recommend this remarkable album, but Mayer's singing is just as pleasing. He has a clear, resonant voice that reminds me of James Keelaghan. I've been so swept away by the lyrics and singing that I have paid less attention to his guitar skills, but he's good.

There's more. Mayer is a wonderful tunesmith, at least to judge by this CD. One of my favorite tunes is "Blue Boat Home," a highly singable and fetching melody that perfectly matches the elegaic sentiments of the song.

Maybe other people are luckier than I am, but I don't find albums I enjoy this much very often. Discovering Earth Town Square is perhaps the nicest thing to happen to me lately. Peter Mayer has created an album that is like a great friend. It has a lot to say and a wonderful way of saying it. You just love spending time with it.

A Consummate Artist.......2004-04-10

Peter is equally gifted in all areas of his craft. His songwriting is deep and passionate, clever and accessible, emanating from a mind that is sublimely curious about life, love, science, and people, and a heart that skips a beat in wonder at the miracle of it all. On top of this he is a superb guitar player and has a compelling and lovely voice. At one concert I heard an audience member saying they'd come from three states away to hear him -- and I know why. It's not just the way he performs or writes; it's the way he thinks. I would recommend this album to anyone, of any age. He will lift you up from your life!

Can't say enough good things about Peter Mayer!.......2004-01-17

This man is brilliant. Listening to his work is one great discovery after another.

First you hear a lovely song - nice tune, maybe some catchy lyrics - and you smile and tap or hum along.

Then you really listen to the lyrics and you hear layers of meaning - funny wordplays and intellectual ideas that no ordinary songwriter could touch. (When is the last time you heard a song about physics that captured the essence of some complicated scientific concepts, had spiritual resonance, and was fun to listen to? Probably never - until you've heard 'World of Dreams' from Bountiful.)

Then you see him play live and you realize that nearly all of those wonderful sounds are coming from one man with one guitar. Percussion, melody, you name it and he's playing it all at the same time. But that's not to say that his sound is bare - quite the contrary! He knows when to bring in maracas, accordians, mandolins, or other instruments to augment his amazing guitar and compelling voice without overwhelming them.

The end result is funny, smart, and above all beautiful. Metaphysical lullabies and sailing songs, humorous warnings about magic water, spiritual carnies, the simple joys the county fair, and a perfect Thanksgiving holiday tune to top it off. This album is his best yet.

The Earth Rider - The Essential John Stewart 1964-1979
Average customer rating:
The Earth Rider - The Essential John Stewart 1964-1979
John Stewart
Manufacturer: Raven [Australia]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blood on the Slacks

ASIN: B0000AINIE
Release Date: 2003-05-23

Tracks:

Song for a Friend
Signals to Ludi
California Bloodlines
Razorback Woman
Some Lonesome Picker
Mother Country
Willard
Clack Clack
Earth Rider
Daydream Believer
Little Road and a Stone to Roll
Kansas Rain
All Time Woman
Anna on a Memory
Armstrong
Chilly Winds
Road Away
Wheatfield Lady
July, You're a Woman [Live]
You Can't Look Back [Live]
Let the Big Horse Run
18 Wheels
Gold
Midnight Wind

Product Description

1. Song For A Friend - (with The Kingston Trio)
2. Signals To Ludi - (with Buffy Ford)
3. California Bloodlines - (with Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham)
4. Razor Back Woman
5. Some Lonesome Picker
6. Mother Country
7. Willard
8. Clack Clack
9. Earth Rider
10. Daydream Believer
11. Little Road And A Stone To Roll
12. Kansas Rain
13. All Time Woman
14. Anna On A Memory
15. Armstrong
16. Chilly Winds
17. Road Away
18. Wheatfield Lady
19. July You're A Woman - (live)
20. You Can't Look Back - (live)
21. Let The Big Horse Run
22. 18 Wheels
23. Gold - (featuring Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham)
24. Midnight Wind - (featuring Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham)

Format: CD

The Green Man
Average customer rating:

His second best work

The Green Man
Richard Searles
Manufacturer: Earth Dance Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Celtic Cross

Emerald Castles

Earth Quest

Dance of the Renaissance

Jongleurs Dance

ASIN: B00005OP5B
Release Date: 2001-09-01

Tracks:

Dragonfly
The Green Man
The Price Of My Pig
Bryn Y Ellyllon
The Silkie
In Winter's Shadow
Hidden World
Orb Weaver
Isles of Liss
Rain
Scottish Air
Con Spirito
The Black Horse
Farewell, For I'm Leaving My Land
Fantasy on a Bagpipe

Album Description

Instrumental acoustic music. Mostly original compositions with some Celtic arrangements. Features Classical and Steel String Guitars, Harpsichord, String Quartet, Bagpipes, Recorder, Concertina, Acoustic Bass, Tabla and Percussion.

Customer Reviews:

His second best work.......2007-03-14

Richard Searles ... oh how I wish I could play the guitar like him. I absolutley LOVE this CD. If you like smooth, breathy folksy classical guitar with Celtic over and under tones, this is for you. Buy this CD and you won't be disapointed. But only buy this one is you already own Emerald Castles by Richard Searles. That's his best work. This one is great, but that one is better.

Average customer rating:

Great Trees
Once in a while one finds a gem
Spiritual Flight
Anyone who puts Wendell Berry's poetry to music has a heart.

Hymnody of Earth
Malcolm Dalglish
Manufacturer: Ooolitic Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pleasure
Thunderhead
Metamora

ASIN: B000008TTD
Release Date: 1997-10-01

Tracks:

Psalm of Solstice
The Dark Around Us
Over the River
The Wild Geese
Throw the Window Open
The Finches
Window Tree
For the Future
To the Holy Spirit
Thrush Song
Walking At Night
Come Life Shaker Life
Great Trees
Hunger and Thirst
Shake These Bones
How Long Watchman
Lay Me Low
Paradise
Hosanna

Album Description

A ceremony of songs for choir, hammer dulcimer, and percussion. Composed and arranged by Malcolm Dalglish. Featuring the poetry of Wendell Berry. Songs are in praise of the beauty and glory of nature.

Customer Reviews:

Great Trees.......2007-05-25

I sang two of Dalglish's pieces in my choir, and they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

Once in a while one finds a gem.......2003-12-10

I have had a copy of this CD for a couple of weeks purchased through this site. I have enjoyed the hammered dulcimer artistry of of Malcolm Dalglish for some time and took a chance in purchasing this offering. My first impression was that it was sort of unusual but had a certain delight in the rich harmonies which reminded me of a group called the Free Design I listened to years ago. But, it also has hints of "Shape Note" style singing which, to some who do not know it's history, can be a bit irritating as this type of hymn singing prefers vocal strength to purity and beauty. The CD comes with liner notes and words to songs and is best enjoyed by listening and reading to get a better interpretation of the themes and messages. This will make the whole album come alive. Once in a while one finds a gem and this is definately a gem.

Spiritual Flight.......2000-09-04

I have bought at least six copies of this cd to give to friends. The dulcimer accompaniment is lovely, but it is the vocal arrangements of the "hymns," both the poetry of Wendell Berry and some original lyrics by Dalglish, that make this music soar. Our college library owns an earlier version recorded with a boy's choir that I like even better, because the voices are even lighter, and I had visited this site hoping to find that it was being reissued, so that I could have BOTH versions to listen to. The pieces on this album have great beauty as well as depth and subtlety. One of my favorites is "Lay Me Low," a lament for the souls of the children (old and young) lost at Hiroshima. There isn't a sentimental note on the whole album. This is not your mother's new age muzak.

Anyone who puts Wendell Berry's poetry to music has a heart........1999-03-13

Anyone who puts Wendell Berry's poetry to music has a heart that is full! The boys choir voices bring Wendell's words to a whole different experiential plateau. Sounds from heaven!

Average customer rating:

An escape
a marketing gimmick
It isn't just for Christmas!
Christmas Time or Not, This is a Great Album!
Great CD

A Celtic Christmas: Peace on Earth
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JYAG
Release Date: 1999-09-14

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The Flight Into Egypt - Nightnoise
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The Green Fields Of Amerikay - Paddy Glackin And Michael O Domhnaill
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Ga Greine - John Fitzpatrick
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Down The Chimney - Jeff Johnson And Brian Dunning

Amazon.com

Number five in Windham Hill's Celtic Christmas series, this may be the best of the lot with evocative compositions and arrangements that don't slip into seasonal sentimentality, better known as schmaltz. Produced by Micheal O'Domhnaill, the guitarist and founder of Nightnoise, the disc centers on members of that band. Nightnoise gives a Celtic chamber music feel to the traditional Irish carol, "The Flight into Egypt," while also offering up the serene original, "No Room at the Inn." Nightnoise singer Triona Ni Dhomhnaill duets with her sister Maighread on the quavering harmonies of "Barbara Allen," while Micheal O'Domhnaill joins fiddler Paddy Glackin on "The Green Fields of Amerikay." William Coulter and Benjamin Verdery provide dual acoustic guitar filigree on "Flow Gently Sweet Afton" and Nightnoise flutist Brian Dunning joins Jeff Johnson on "Down the Chimney." There's something about that Celtic lilt, the sound of low whistles, cranky uilleann pipes, and Turlough O'Carolan tunes that instantly conjure up the warmth, quiet, and mysticism of Christmas. And it's all on A Celtic Christmas: Peace on Earth. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

An escape.......2006-11-11

This cd is a wonderful investment. Anytime i'm feeling lonely or stressed, or anything that makes me need calming, i turn this on. The compilations are hauntingly beautiful, especially Strath Glass(e)? The tunes are perfect for the holidays, to turn on in a dark room lit by christmas lights, or just anytime you need to escape into windswept moors and misty isles coated in a thin blanket of snow or fog. It is relaxing anytime of the year, and echo of the most holy holiday of the year when played at Christmas time. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who once in a while needs an escape.

a marketing gimmick.......2005-12-19

This is certainly a pleasant enough album. It definitely has a Celtic feel, unlike some albums that claim to be Celtic and are not. There is a hint of New Age, as well, so it is not traditionally Celtic, a minor drawback if you are looking for a totally Celtic album. My biggest complaint is that this is marketed as a Christmas album, but only 25% ( 3 of 12) tracks are actually Christmas songs. The rest are Celtic tunes, some traditional, others apparently of recent composition. The best Celtic track is #7, "Barbara Allen," performed by Trion and Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill. If you like Celtic mix albums, this is a pretty good one. It can be played just about any time of the year. No one listening would identify it as a Christmas album. That is exactly why I rated it a three star album. It isn't what it purports to be and I have a problem with album producers that misrepresent their product. It is a good album, but certainly NOT a good CHRISTMAS album. I am disappointed that Windham Hill would resort to subtrefuge in order to market a nice album. If you are looking only for Celtic music, I would recommend this album. If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, look for something else.

It isn't just for Christmas! .......2004-12-02

Put this on in the holiday season and don't be surprised that you will be looking for it in the middle of the year. This is definitely a peaceful CD and one which isn't so Christmassy you have to play it only in December. One of the best of the bunch!

Christmas Time or Not, This is a Great Album!.......2003-12-05

I first discovered this collection about two years ago, and what a find! The music is hauntingly beautiful, and a great diversion from the "normal" Christmas fare available today. From the first track by Nightnoise "The Flight Into Egypt" you are taken away to a new land, where the music is soothing and relaxing. What a cure for the stress of the holiday! If you are looking for brilliant music, with a wintery feel, pick up this album.

Great CD.......2000-08-12

I popped this one in my CD player at work last Christmas. All my co-workers wanted to know what it was. A very moving collection of Celtic tunes, and definitely not your typical Christmas CD, as some tunes are not "Christmassy". I think it's good for listnening year round.

Klezmer Music: A Marriage of Heaven & Earth

Average customer rating:

A begining.......
A Good Survey of Contemporary Klezmer
I mainly wish to make a correction.

Klezmer Music: A Marriage of Heaven & Earth
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ellipsis Arts
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

Jewish & Yiddish Music | Compilations | Folk | Styles | Music

Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

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1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Gasn Nign - Alicia Svigals
Mazltov - The Chicago Klezmer Ensemble
Podoloy: Hongu/Freylekhs - Di Naye Kapelye
A Glezele Vayn - La'om
Badekns Nign - Andy Statman
Behusher Khusid - Budowitz
Wedding Suite - Deborah Strauss And Jeff Warschauer
Nokh An Anderer Alter ulgar/The In-Laws - Ray Musiker And The Klazmatics
Dveykus Nign - Andy Statman
Patsh Tants - The Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band
The Black Wedding - Naftule's Dream
Rufn Di Kinder Aheym - Brave Old World

Amazon.com

Organized like a Jewish wedding, this smartly compiled, fascinatingly annotated, and handsomely packaged album of living klezmer music is equally spiritual and celebratory, expressing a richness of feeling that ranges from clarinetist Andy Statman's Coltrane-esque explorations of deep Hasidic liturgical music to Brave Old World's rendition of the high-spirited procession leading from the wedding couple's homes to the ceremony. The beauty of contemporary klezmer lies in the sly melding of old European roots to progressive traditionalism. Groups like the Klezmatics (who here join their clarinet mentor Ray Musiker) and Naftule's Dream not only reflect klezmer's old-school expressionism, but extend it well beyond good-old-fashioned free jazz. Full of beautiful surprises, Klezmer Music also includes examples of "chamber" klezmer, rough-edged Gypsy klezmer from Hungary, high-spirited dance music, and much more. --Richard Gehr

Customer Reviews:

A begining..............2004-02-03

This was my first purchase of Klezmer(though it would be an excellent wedding gift to any of your Jewish friends), and it ended up being a great guide to the field. It comes with a well produced book that explains the basic lingo of Klezmer(lots of pictures!) and introduces you to the diverse artists that recorded these tracks. After listening, I could spring-off and focus on the various artists of the collection that I liked the best... Mixing traditional sounds and new, including strong steps toward Jazz-Klez, I found many of these cuts to continue for years to be my favorites. #1 is a good begining that eases you into the flow of whats to come. #2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 I find to be good basic examples of the genre that you would expect to fill your interest scholarly or your heart inspirationally. #5 by Andy Statman shows why he is famous for his instrumentations. But its #8,10,11, and 12 that ROCKS! If 10 doesnt put you straight to the study of the Kabbalah with its mysterious percussions and angelic like horn, your heart will swell with joy to the borders of Shamayim by listening to #11. Feverishly building and building, with a few small breaks to catch ones breath, this collection takes you from tradition to "NOW-TRADITION" in a prosaic and well demonstrative pattern of Klezmers history(and diversitive roots).
Perhaps its fitting that the last cut is a "lost cut", for #13 is neither documented in the books credits, nor on the disc itself(apparently not Amazons info either). How appropriate that this ethereal and meditative piece has no credit, could some Seraphim have broken from Heavenly duties of chanting the Trisagion to sneak this soothing jam onto the disc without Michal Shapiros knowledge?

A Good Survey of Contemporary Klezmer.......2003-09-21

Michal Shapiro's anthology presents a very telling survey of American neo-klezmer music that includes some of the best traditional interpreters as well as the more eclectic groups. There is a lot of talent on this CD -- but overall the music lacks the natural folk qualities and expressive power of the likes of Naftule Brandwein and Dave Tarras. Still, the Budowitz esthetic appealed to me: Horowitz and company are trying to recreate an older, less extroverted sound than klezmer fans usually hear. And Andy Statman is incredible on both his clarinet doina and the mandolin piece. The CD is worth the money for these two tracks alone.

I mainly wish to make a correction........1999-02-13

The artists of the third piece on the compilation go by the name of Di Naye Kapelye, not Ki Naye Kapelye.

Average customer rating:

Modern Practitioner of American Primitive Guitar

Box Canyon

Manufacturer: American Sketch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAKKDA
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Customer Reviews:

Modern Practitioner of American Primitive Guitar.......2006-11-07

Nick Schillace is one of those artists in the John Fahey vein, in fact, it is coursing through his blood. This is a very good effort and I hope to hear more like it. Check him out at his MySpace site and try CDBabydotcom for buying as they usually carry it in stock. He also has some free d/l songs if you want to ruminate on it a bit. Only criticism is that it is only 36 minutes. These days I expect 40-50 minutes, minimum on a CD. As for the music, it's all original except for one (excellent) Fahey cover. A strong fingerpicker with a solid thumb and nice tone. The songs are a good mix of fast-paced as well as some mellow selections too. And like Fahey, Schillace knows how to use dissonance in just the right amounts. Good stuff!

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