Roger Nichols & Small Circle of Friends [Import] [Limited Edition]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Full title - Roger Nichols & The Small Circle Of Friends. Japanese 24 bit digitally remastered reissue of 1968 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve.

Roger Nichols & Small Circle of Friends,Roger Nichols,Small Circle of Friends,Japanese Import,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Tracks:

Alfie
Look of Love
Sound of Silence
This Guy's in Love With You
I'll Never Fall in Love Again
Scarborough Fair
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet
Love Theme from the Godfather
We've Only Just Begun
Love Story Theme
Stardust
Night and Day
Entertainer
Stars and Stripes Forever

Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends

Average customer rating:

Small Circle of Friends
A Gem
wonderfull

Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends
Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends
Manufacturer: Rev-Ola
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Midsummer's Day
Sandy
Mortimer
Rainbow Rockin' Chair: The Definitive Collection 1969-1971
Someday Man

ASIN: B0006U8DQM
Release Date: 2005-02-07

Tracks:

Don't Take Your Time - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
With a Little Help from My Friends - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
I Can See Only You - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Snow Queen - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Love So Fine - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Kinda Wasted Without You - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Just Beyond Your Smile - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
I'll Be Back - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Cocoanut Grove - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Didn't Want to Have to Do It - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Can I Go - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Our Day Will Come [*] - Roger Nichols
Love Song, Love Song [*] - Roger Nichols
Just Beyond Your Smile [*] - Roger Nichols
I'll Be Back [*] - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Let's Ride [*] - Roger Nichols
Drifter [*] - Roger Nichols
Trust [*] - Roger Nichols
St. Bernie the Sno-Dog [*] - Roger Nichols

Album Description

Essentially the very holy grail of L.A. soft pop, this 1968 album is a must own for fans of this highly collectible genre. 20 remastered tracks. Rev-Ola. 2005.

Album Details

Produced by the Legendary Tommy Lipuma, the Album was Largely Co-written by Roger with Paul Williams (His Future Co-writer on Scads of 1970's Megahits) and Tony Asher (Fresh from his Collaboration with Brian Wilson on "Pet Sounds") with a Couple of Selected Cover Versions, a Rare Take on Carole King's "Snow Queen", which She was to Record with her Short Lived Band the City Standing Out in Particular Sung by Roger with Murray and Melinda Macleod Backed by a Virtual Who's who of California Pop of the Time, the Likes of Lenny Waronker, Van Dyke Parks, Bruce Botnick and Randy Newman.

Customer Reviews:

Small Circle of Friends.......2007-03-26

Perhaps you will take my 5 star rating and review with a grain of salt but, as co-writer with Roger of "I Can See Only You" I was thrilled when I first heard the Small Circle of Friends version. As an old songwriter, it is one my favorite works, as is the whole CD. So, all I can say is, "Give it a listen and decide for yourself."
The entire CD is a kind of soft-jazz/pop Classic, from the selection of songs to the arrangements and vocalizations of Roger, Murray and Melinda.
Murray and I, ("Smokey Roberds"), with Jerry Riopelle, also wrote and recorded together, as The Parade, with Sunshine Girl, and others. What a blast from the past.

A Gem.......2006-09-16

I believe this originally came out in early 1968. Roger Nichols went on to collaborate successfully with Paul Williams but before that came this teaming with siblings Melinda & Murray MacLeod. Produced by Tommy LiPuma, arranged by Bob Thompson, Nick De Caro, Marty Paich and Mort Garson, this is music immaculately made. Their languid, oh so sexy version of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" does Bacharach & David proud. I'm sure Carole King also stood proud with "Snow Queen", one of her early compositions. The group Swing Out Sister used elements of "I Can See Only You" for their song "When the Laughter is Over". Their version of the Lovin Spoonful's "Didn't Want To Have To Do It"(which Jackie De Shannon also recorded, magnificently) is exquisite, sad & beautiful. The liner notes and history (by Steven Stanley) are informative. Tommy LiPuma produced many great, tuneful LP's in the late 60's. This is one of them, a true, lost gem.

wonderfull.......2005-10-05

wonderfull music and songs, including the good version of "with a little help from my friends". Incredible songs, incredible production. I was listening the cd and thinking of "pet sounds".

The Complete Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends

Average customer rating:

The "Quiet" Genius: Roger Nichols
note for note bliss!
Timeless Sunshine Pop
A newly discovered treasure
Great sound, in an album no one knows about.

The Complete Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends
Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends
Manufacturer: Universal/a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000ILSD
Release Date: 1999-03-18

Tracks:

Don't Take Your Time
With a Little Help from My Friends
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
I Can See Only You
Snow Queen
Love So Fine
Kinda Wasted Without You
Just Beyond Your Smile
I'll Be Back
Cocoanut Grove
Didn't Want to Have to Do It
Can I Go?
Our Day Will Come [*]
Love Song, Love Song [*]
Just Beyond Your Smile [Single Version][*]
I'll Be Back [Single Version][*]
Let's Ride [*]
Drifter [*] - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends
Trust [*] - Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends

Customer Reviews:

The "Quiet" Genius: Roger Nichols.......2006-10-29

Rarely do I agree with all the reviews posted for a CD...But I do here. I have been listening to the great music of Roger Nichols since the mid 1970's. You see my favorite songwriter is Paul Williams. I heard him in an interview in the 1970's talk about his writing partner, Roger Nichols. I then sought out to find all the songs they wrote together. In a word their songs are beautiful, and well written "story" songs. Also they are great to sing. In fact it was Paul and Roger who inspired me so much that I moved to L.A. because I knew it was their "homebase". I started writing songs because of them. Heck, I wanted to BE them, so strong their impact. Anyway, I first discovered this record in a used record store on Melrose Ave. back in 1983. I bought it the minute I saw the name Roger Nichols on it. In fact I bought it every time I came across it. Since the record store was just down the street from A&M Records (who released it) I was lucky enough to get several "white label" promo copies of the LP as well as regular brown label copies. I value them greatly because I know what a great LP it is. In fact IT WAS Roger group who inspired Paul Williams to write the great songs he has written over the years. Upon hearing one of Small Circle Of Friends songs Paul wondered if he would ever be able to write such as beautiful songs. He succeeded many times over. One more thing, if Melinda MacLeod reads this, please know I love you. I think your voice is brillant (listen to Melindas "soulful" voice in the songs especially "The Drifter") and I wish you would have continued singing after the group broke up because I think you would have been a big star. Roger Nichols and the small circle of friends will have it's circle of fans forever.

note for note bliss!.......2003-06-26

Roger Nichols, Small Circle of Friends is an easy listening oddyssey pleasure,unsurpassed. The Macleods' (brother and sister?/husband and wife?) duets are outstanding. I can't help but think that the B-52s had access to this album sometime in the late 70's. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson sound suspiciously similar to the Macleods' voices. As for the over-all sound? It's soft rock that you may have heard in many a dentist's office, but it isn't overtly loungey or muzaky. It has that Beach Boys Pet Sounds quality to it. Very California circa 66-67 before full blown Reaganism and Mansonism. Kind of innocent sounding and very fresh and optimistic! Give it a try despite the hefty import price tag!

Timeless Sunshine Pop.......1999-12-01

I first heard this album just a couple of years ago and was immediately blown away by its beauty. Roger Nichols` melodies are captivating and memorable whilst the harmonies are awe-inspiring and the arrangements have that sophisticated edge typical of the best in late 60s US soft rock. Roger Nichols` name is probably most well-known for his contributions to The Carpenters` reportoire, but the likes of Just Beyond Your Smile and Don`t Take Your Time fully deserve your attention. Anyone who already posseses the original 12-track LP should be aware that this new edition includes seven bonus tracks from Small Circle 45s all of which are similarly superb. This album has been neglected for long enough - let the sunshine in!

A newly discovered treasure.......1999-07-30

As an A&M Records fan for many years, I was very pleased to 'discover' this album recently. Upon acquiring a Japanese pressing of a Burt Bacharach compilation that included Roger Nichols & Friends version of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," I was favorably impressed with the sound of this group. Also, as one who's enjoyed Roger Nichols compositions over the years, I thought that I'd splurge and try this album. Wow! It's quickly become one of my favorites. If you like sixties pop -- if you've ever liked the Carpenters or Burt Bacharach recordings, I highly recommend this disc.

Great sound, in an album no one knows about........1999-07-20

I discovered this album circa 1970, and the songs have been in my mind ever since. The original LP is long gone, but now I have this CD and can enjoy the sounds -- the harmonies, the syncopation -- once again. I have been skiing to "Can I Go" for thirty years! Where are these artists now?

Wedding Day: Complete Guide to Wedding Music

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Wedding Day: Complete Guide to Wedding Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Time for Us: Music for Your Wedding

ASIN: B000000C8Z
Release Date: 1993-01-29

Tracks:

The Traditional Wedding: Riguadon - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Tpt Voluntary - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Bridal Chor From 'Lohengren' - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: I Love Thee - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Le Rondeau, Masterpiece Theatre Theme - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Erotik - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - St. Louis Brass
The Traditional Wedding: Lord's Prayer - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Tpt Tune - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Now Thank We All Our God - Lyn Larsen
The Traditional Wedding: Wedding March - Lyn Larsen
The Contemporary Wedding: Bridal Chor - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops
The Contemporary Wedding: We've Only Just Begun - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops
The Contemporary Wedding: The Wedding Song - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops
The Contemporary Wedding: One Hand, One Heart - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops
The Contemporary Wedding: Evergreen - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops
The Contemporary Wedding: Endless Love - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops
The Contemporary Wedding: Wind Beneath My Wings - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops
The Contemporary Wedding: Wedding March - Mark Azzolina/Florida Symphonic Pops

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Paul Williams - The Beginnings

We've Only Just Begun
Roger Nichols , and Paul Williams
Manufacturer: Japanese Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Someday Man
A Collection 1969-1979: Songs for the Family of Man

ASIN: B00005R0SS
Release Date: 2001-12-08

Tracks:

After All
So Many People
Somebody Waiting
Time
Drifter
We've Only Just Begun
Someday Man
Let Me Be the One
When Love Is Near
Do You Really Have a Heart
I Kept on Loving You
Out in the Country

Album Description

12 Songs composed by Roger Nichols & Paul Williams. Japanese exclusive 24 bit remastered compilation for the hit songwriting duo best-known for their 1970 hit with The Carpenters 'We've Only Just Begun'.

Album Details

32 bit digitally remastered.

Customer Reviews:

Paul Williams - The Beginnings.......2002-05-25

This is a facinating album. It was originally released in 1970 as a 'Demo' album to promote the songwriting tallents of the then new songwriting team of Paul Williams & Roger Nichols. All the songs are sung by Paul Williams himself.

The album contains some facinating versions of songs that were to appear on a number of Paul Williams subsequent solo albums (So Many People, Time, Someday Man & Do You Really Have a Heart from the 1970 album Someday Man; We've Only Just Begun & Let Me Be The One (both also recorded by The Carpenters) from the 1971 album Just an Old Fashioned Love Song; and Out In The Country (also recorded by Three Dog Night) from the 1972 album Life Goes On.) The remaining songs (After All, Somebody Waiting, The Drifter, When Love Is Near and I Keep On Loving You) are unique to this album.

Altogether a facinating album and a unique opportunity to hear the beginnings of one of the greatest singer / songwriters...doing what he does best...singing his own songs

Enjoy
David

Three Dog Night with the London Symphony Orchestra
Average customer rating:

Why the orchestra? Why not some originality?

Okay, but not live...

Very Impressive!

WOW!

Maybe one day

Three Dog Night with the London Symphony Orchestra
Rye Randa , and Gary / Gordon, Alan Bonner
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000648RD
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

Overture
Mama Told Me Not To Come
Black And White
Shambala
Prelude To Liar
Liar
Easy To Be Hard
Old Fashioned Love Song
Never Been To Spain
Prelude To One
One
Sault Ste. Marie
Out In The Country
Overground
Celebrate
Joy To The World

Description

One of the most popular groups in music history, Three Dog Night take the stage with the Tennessee Symphony Orchestra, performing thirteen of their chart-topping hits. Featuring the songs that helped define the Sixties and Seventies, Three Dog Night has never been better than in this concert recorded live at The Renaissance Center in Dickson, Tennessee. Songs: Overture, Mama Told Me Not to Come, Black and White, Shambala, Liar, Easy to Be Hard, Old Fashioned Love Song, Never Been to Spain, One, Sault Ste. Marie, Out in the Country, Overground, Celebrate, Joy to the World.

Customer Reviews:

Why the orchestra? Why not some originality?.......2005-07-13

Listening to this at a friends house just showed my why I wasn't buying this. I've heard the songs before , but better. Whoever thinks that the voices have improved with age must be suffering with something. It has nothing to do with the absence of Chuck Negron, it simply is a lacklustre attempt at re-hashing some old material, presumably to keep the band going, gig-wise, as 3DN were not prolific songwriters.
The production is good, the vocals are...well..there (as they should be from people who have been singing since the mid sixties). I winced when I heard the strained vocals on Joy To the World. 'Never Been to Spain' sounds like it was recorded in a Vegas nightclub-no passion, just the right notes in the right place.
My question is, what did this album achieve? Nothing. If they want to put a couple of originals on, then why didn't they go out and find some more?
The addition of the orchestra...well...c'mon, what's next? A '3DN sings Broadway Hits' or an album of standards, which seems to be the current trend, a la Phil Collins and Rod Stewart.
These guys can sing these songs in their sleep-trouble is-in my opinion, this collection sounds to me like they did.

Okay, but not live..........2004-03-12

Maybe it was just me, but I thought this was a LIVE album. Instead, it's basically a studio recording of 3DN with an orchestra for arrangements. Not that it's all bad, but it seems to be basically the same 'ol 3DN songs with a large orchestra for intros and background. A lot of the familiar favorites ( with a couple of exceptions missing...ie. Eli's Coming) but still a good listen of the old favorites.

Very Impressive!.......2002-09-08

Three Dog Night is back in their best form ever, Even without Chuck Negron they haven't lost a step. Perfect harmonies and a great performence from the LSO. If you are a TDN fan, then this is a must.

WOW!.......2002-07-27

I've always been a TDN fan, but this time they've really out-done themselves! I am 100% impressed. Most guys tend to lose their voices as they get older---not these guys. The vocals sound better than ever (no coincidence that the weaker singer is no longer involved in the group). I hate to say it, but the tracks actually sound better without Chuck. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic new recording of some classic hits with the added texture of the London Symphony. It really brings the music to a whole new level. The two new cuts on the record ("Overground" and "Sault St. Marie") are just further proof that Cory & Danny still have an incredible knack for choosing strong material. Congratulations guys on a beautiful album---I recommend it HIGHLY to anyone and everyone that enjoys real music.

Maybe one day.......2002-07-20

Maybe one day this band will be what it once was. Three Dog Night will never be the same without Chuck Negron.You can fluff it up all you want-- it just doesn't work.

Should you listen to Chuck's new live cd, you will definitely see he does not need the London Symphony.

Hey Danny and Cory, when are all of you going to put things behind you and reunite. You need to grab your spot in Rock & Roll and re-gain your place in history.

Customer Reviews:

Noble sound.......2004-10-03

Melvyn Tan and the London Classical Players directed by Roger Norrington completed their Beethoven cycle (the nine symphonies and the piano concertos) in January 1989 with this polished performance of the composer's grand 'Emperor' Concerto coupled with a fairly rare recording of the Fantasia in C major, Op. 80, a work which, according to the liner notes, has only survived because it is by Beethoven, but which Norrington and his team seem determined to bring to the forefront by means of an explosive performance that leaves, for my mind at any rate, nothing to be desired.

As with the other Beethoven recordings, the tempi are comparatively fast; Stefan Vladar and the Capella Istropolitana on Naxos need, for example, nearly two and a half minutes more for the Adagio un poco mosso (which on their recording admittedly sounds more like a Largo). Norrington's combination of period instruments in the orchestra sounds noble, and perhaps I had got used to this sound by now, but I found the fortepiano fitted rather well to the whole despite being so soft and gentle that it was occasionally in danger of being 'swallowed' by the orchestra. And Melvyn Tan's playing seems to rise to the occasion in both pieces, capturing both the martial spirit of the Piano Concerto as well as the 'artist's genius' of the Fantasia. The close of the Fantasia is also better managed than the close of the Ninth Symphony, the brief appearance of soloists and choir being here completely satisfactory.

All in all, this is probably one of the better Norrington Beethoven Cds, its only weakness being the above-mentioned balance problems between fortepiano and orchestra.

Neva Pilgrim Sings Music of Ernst Krenek (Zwei Zeitlieder; Three Verhaeren Songs) / Richard Wernick (Haiku of Basho - 1967) / George Rochberg: Songs in Praise of Krishna (1970) / R. Murray Schafer: Requiem for the Party Girl (1966)

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Neva Pilgrim Sings Music of Ernst Krenek (Zwei Zeitlieder; Three Verhaeren Songs) / Richard Wernick (Haiku of Basho - 1967) / George Rochberg: Songs in Praise of Krishna (1970) / R. Murray Schafer: Requiem for the Party Girl (1966)

Manufacturer: Composers Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JWLJ
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

Trois Chansons Op. 30a: La barque
Trois Chansons Op. 30a: Un soir
Trois Chansons Op. 30a: L'heure mauvaise
Haiku Of Basho
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 1. It Was In Bitter Maytime ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 2. After Long Sorrow ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 3. Her Slender Body ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 4. As The Mirror ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 5. O Madhava ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 6. Lord Of My Heart ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 7. I Brought Honey ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 8. My Mind Is Not On Housework ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 9. I Place Beauty Spots ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 10. Shining One ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: 11. My Moon-faced One ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: Beloved, What More Shall I Say ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: Let The Earth ...
Songs In Praise Of Krishna: O My Friend ...
Zwei Zeitlieder, Op. 215: 1. Kennst du den Augenblick
Zwei Zeitlieder, Op. 215: 2. Hab Hande
Requiem For The Party-Girl

Average customer rating:

Roger Nichols sound preceded The Carpenters on A&M

Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends
Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends
Manufacturer: Universal/Polygram
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Environmental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000072K0
Release Date: 1996-05-27

Tracks:

Don't Take Your Time
With a Little Help from My Friends
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
I Can See Only You
Snow Queen
Love So Fine
Kinda Wasted Without You
Just Beyond Your Smile
I'll Be Back
Cocoanut Grove
Didn't Want to Have to Do It
Can I Go?

Customer Reviews:

Roger Nichols sound preceded The Carpenters on A&M.......2003-05-09

Know how a good song sometimes sticks in your head? This entire album does.

Roger Nichols (not the Steely Dan engineer) created this wonderful album of "sunshine pop" music by two men and one Karen Carpenter-like voice. Fellow A&M artist Richard Carpenter was soon to begin The Carpenters by latching on to Nichols and Paul Williams' We've Only Just Begun and later recorded many more of their songs for hits. Don't categorize this as easy listening (or anything else) as critics did. Geniuses make things seem easy and often inspire the artists willing to pay the price of fame.

And for those of you who buy albums based on credits, the musicians on this album are still changing American music:
Randy Newman
Lenny Waronker
Nick DeCaro
Van Dyke Parks
Tommy LiPuma
Mort Garson

Only a class-act label like A&M could produce this kind of album -- the music came first during the late 1960's creative period that was rocking Hollywood.