Simplicity

Track Listings
 
1. Amazing Grace
2. Morning Has Broken
3. Simplicity
4. Sicilienne
5. All Through the Night
6. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
7. Clair de Lune
8. How Can I Keep from Singing?
9. Danny Boy
10. Ave Maria
11. American Colours
12. Twinkle, Twinkle
13. A Lullaby
14. Ode to Joy

Editorial Reviews
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire Review, January 2002
“...solid and enjoyably unpretentious...creative arrangements and overall feeling of sincerity and warmth. She's one helluva good flutist.”

Product Description
Simplicity features many well-known melodies performed on flute, alto flute, and piccolo with a New-Age instrumental accompaniment of piano, guitar, strings, horn, and more. It is traditional, yet contemporary; relaxing, yet uplifting; soothing, yet invigorating. This album helps us find the simple pleasures in life. Whether you want to unwind during a stressful drive or enjoy a peaceful dinner, put a little Simplicity in your life!

Simplicity

Simplicity,Dianne Williams,Action Music,New Age

Simplicity

Simplicity
Early Childhood Classics - Old Favorites With A New Twist
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Early Childhood Classics - Old Favorites With A New Twist
  • One of the best young children's CDs!
  • Great Kid Tunes
  • Great music, great twist
  • A favorite at library storytime
 Early Childhood Classics - Old Favorites With A New Twist
Hap Palmer
Manufacturer: Hap-Pal Music/Newsound
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
EducationalEducational | Children's Music | Styles | Music
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  1. So Big - Activity Songs For Little Ones
  2. Learning Basic Skills Through Music Vol. 1
  3. Getting to know Myself
  4. Rhythms on Parade
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ASIN: B00004RDLD
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

  1. Itsy Bitsy Spider
  2. Pat-A-Cake
  3. I'm a Little Teapot
  4. Old Mac Donald
  5. Touch Your Toes To Your Nose
  6. Circle Songs: The Mulberry Bush, Ring Around the Rosy, Hokey Pokey
  7. Open Shut Them
  8. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
  9. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
  10. Bingo
  11. The Elephant
  12. I'm Glad I'm Me
  13. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
  14. The Wheels on the Bus
  15. Good-bye Song

Amazon.com

Hap Palmer may be best known for his vocal contributions to the hugely popular Baby Songs video series, but parents of 2- to 5-year-olds, particularly those with a sturdier than average educational bent, will find a lot to love on Early Childhood Classics: Old Favorites with a New Twist. This release rids itself of tiresome attempts to turn performances of simple songs like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" into minor personal masterpieces and instead injects its de rigueur dose of creativity directly into familiar lyrics. For instance, while there's the usual cow and pig on Old MacDonald's farm, we're also introduced to Henrietta's House, where there's a cat, Zebediah's zoo with its tiger, and the puppy in Pamelina's pet shop. Similarly, instead of the usual "Pat-a-Cake" cliffhanger, where the cake's put in the oven and that's all she wrote, we get to hear the ding-ding-ding when it's done and layer on the frosting. The sequence of songs is repeated instrumentally after Palmer's interpretations to allow for sing-alongs and the dreaming up of more new lyrics--a useful device for caregivers who think like teachers (those who don't, though, can make use of clever movement and activity suggestions in the liner notes). Each song's wordplay and simple rhymes are catchy enough to fall into the can't-fail category when it comes to enhancing vocabulary, phonics, and vocabulary skills, and the surprise lyrics lend themselves nicely to attentive listening. Early Childhood Classics delivers old-fashioned fun in a satisfyingly unsplashy way. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Here is a joyful collection of all time favorite activity songs for young children. Hap Palmer's unique renditions preserve the charm and simplicity of traditional songs while adding new, original lyrics and melodies to extend and enrich the familiar classics.

The simplicity and repetition of these songs guarantee active participation by encouraging children to sing and move with the music. While having fun and participating actively, children develop motor and musical skills and learn about animals, counting, identification of body parts, and phonics. As children sing along, responding to the imagery and humor of the lyrics, reading readiness is also enhanced. Alliteration and rhyme develop a child's ear for the sounds of language - an important pre-reading skill.

These songs are developmentally appropriate for the very young child - infant to 5 years. However, the familiar melodies and contemporary arrangements also elicit surprisingly gusty participation from first and second grade students. A variety of musical styles adds new life to well known songs with swing, blue grass, country, classical, rock, pop, and blues arrangements.

Fifteen songs are presented with vocal interpretation. The sequence is then repeated instrumentally providing opportunities for singing along and creating new lyrics using children's ideas. The instrumental selections also familiarize children with the sounds of a variety of musical instruments including piano, bass, drums, guitar, violin, viola, cello, trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, saxophone, flute, English horn, accordion, and a variety of percussion instruments such as conga drums, bougaraboo drum, ouiro, shaker, wood block and tambourine.

The instrumental versions of each song can be used in the following ways:

1. After children have learned words with the vocal version, they can sing along hearing only the music.

2. Children can create their own lyrics and sing the song using their ideas.

3. The music can accompany sessions in movement exploration and creative movement.

Suggestions for activities and variations are not limited to those presented in this guide book. There are endless possibilities awaiting your creative impulse.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Early Childhood Classics - Old Favorites With A New Twist.......2007-05-26

We listen to this CD almost evry day while driving around in the car. My daughter loves singing the songs!!! They are all good. Well worth the money!!

5 out of 5 stars One of the best young children's CDs!.......2006-02-24

My almost 4 year old is a huge Hap Palmer fan, and it's catching on to me. Just listen to one of his CDs, and you'll understand. This one in particular is great. I love how he makes beloved children songs even better. I never thought I'd be just as happy to hear a children's CD as one of my own, but this is so catchy, and it is priceless hearing my young daughter singing along to the words! It's great for her memory skills, remembering and singing to all the songs, and it's great for her learning rhyme and rhythm. The lyrics he adds are sooo fun and cathy and sweet. I love this guy!

5 out of 5 stars Great Kid Tunes.......2006-02-18

I bought this for my daughter, who is two, and my older kids love it as much as she does. Easy to remember lyrics and catchy tunes make this a great cd to listen to.

5 out of 5 stars Great music, great twist.......2005-10-28

If standard kid's tunes play in your house or car all day long, you will love this refreshing cd and your kid's won't miss a beat. I don't understand the 2 star review. If you don't like something, that's fine. But the reviewer's logic is very skewed in that they said it didn't meet their expectations, even though 1) The cd was a gift, and 2) The title of the cd tells you that it's not an album of "to-the-letter" standards. So if you don't like the music or your child doesn't like it, fine. But don't rate it down because you had ridiculous expectations from something you didn't even want or buy. If you are open-minded and enjoy good, fun, music you will love this. There is varied musical accompaniment and Hap sings great and truly seems to feel the music (unlike most performers of children's standards). Of course, the ultimate critic is the child. My daughter LOVES this cd (she's 21 months old now and has been listening to it since 12 months). Again, if you want standard kid songs, you may be disappointed with this because the music and words are different (usually, each song starts in a traditional manner but then non-standard lyrics and music follow). But if you want a twist without leaving the traditional songs altogether, buy this. I don't think you will be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars A favorite at library storytime.......2005-10-19

I'm a children's librarian in Illinois and this cd has become one I use at almost every storytime. I especially love "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" because it contains a verse inserted by Hap Palmer which allows me to introduce Shakespeare to the tiniest child. He uses a line from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" -- "silver bow new bent in heaven" to describe the moon. I have entire families singing along, learning a famous quotation painlessly! And it's a beautiful, calming song to use at the end of a storytime. Parents and kids love it!
Satsang: A Meditation in Song and Silence
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A MUST HAVE
  • Relaxing
 Satsang: A Meditation in Song and Silence
Deva Premal
Manufacturer: White Swan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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MeditationMeditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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  1. Songs for the Inner Lover
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ASIN: B00006JIMF
Release Date: 2002-07-23

Tracks:

  1. Chidananda
  2. Empty Heart
  3. Yemaya Assessu
  4. The Strength of a Rose
  5. Humming
  6. Chorado
  7. Gayatri Mantra
  8. Sunrise
  9. Jai Radha Madha
  10. All Is Welcome Here (Bonus Track--Studio Version)

Album Description

Recorded live in Australia, America, Germany and Denmark, this beautiful recording conveys the power and intimacy of Deva Premal and Miten's live performances. As it is with actual Satsang meditation, Deva Premal and Miten share their music without applause, inviting the audience to participate by joining with the chant, and to luxuriate in the collective silence between songs.

SATSANG features "unplugged" versions of some of the most popular chants from Deva Premal's best-selling THE ESSENCE and LOVE IS SPACE (including "Gayatri Mantra", "Chidananda" and "Yemaya Assessu"), plus songs by Miten, Deva Premal's partner in music and life. A bonus studio recording of "All is Welcome Here" is also included.

SATSANG is a simple yet precious recording celebrating the sacred space of silence and song. Joining Deva Premal (keyboards) and Miten (guitar), are their special musical friends, Kit Walker, Maneesh de Moor, Praful, and others.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE.......2007-07-22

an absolutely must have for all great souls out their. The musical combination of Deval and Miten's vocals helps us to reach a higher level. i just love it.

4 out of 5 stars Relaxing.......2005-03-22

This is such a beautiful CD. Deva Premal has such a melodic voice that, at times, can almost put me to sleep. This album was recorded live during a Satsang (also the name of the album). If you're new to meditation or you're just looking to relax, pickup this CD and soon your cares will be floating away.
Complex Simplicity
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiful voice!!!
  • The Lioness
  • Teedra
  • She is Awesome !!!
  • Teedra is the best!
 Complex Simplicity
Teedra Moses
Manufacturer: Tvt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary R&BContemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music
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  1. Same Girl
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ASIN: B0002CHI4C
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

  1. Still Got Love
  2. Be Your Girl
  3. You'll Never Find (A Better Woman) feat Jada Kiss
  4. Caution
  5. Rescue Me
  6. No More Tears
  7. Caught Up
  8. Complex Simplicity
  9. For A Lifetime
  10. Winter '96
  11. Cabaret
  12. Last Day

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful voice!!!.......2007-07-26

I listen to internet radio at work and I one of Teedra's songs came up on the instant play ("Caution"). Once I heard the song I wanted to hear the rest of the album, so I purchased it. I was not disappointed. Her voice is amazing and the songs flow so nice. Great to listen to in the car.

5 out of 5 stars The Lioness.......2007-06-13

I should have written this review a long itme ago, like 3 years ago when I bought the CD. Anyways, you haven't bought this album by now, go ahead and get it. Teedra has a beatiful voice,like a songbird. She can hit the higher octaves pretty well. The title track to her CD, "Complex Simplicity"is very reminiscent of Cherrelle. Very nice!

5 out of 5 stars Teedra .......2007-06-03

Really loved this album. Girl can really sing, can't wait for her next album to drop!

5 out of 5 stars She is Awesome !!!.......2007-05-30

This album is one of the best album; I've heard in a long time. She is so underrated it's disappointing. Teedra Moses need new PR or new management team. This is a must purchase CD!

5 out of 5 stars Teedra is the best!.......2007-02-22

I love this artist. She is so under rated and she should be in the spot light. This album is without a doubt a R&B classic. I had the album before and I had to buy a copy for my friend. Buy and copy and spread the word Teedra Moses is the best and this album is one of the better albums I have purchased, you literally can put it in and just let it play.
Simplicity Two Thousand
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Chillout Defined!!
  • Where have you been all my life!
  • One of my favorite albums
  • Just doesn't do it....
  • Why isn't there more music like this???
 Simplicity Two Thousand
Afterlife
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

ComputerComputer | Electronic | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
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  1. Lounge
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ASIN: B00004XN2T
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Tracks:

  1. Dub in Ya Mind [Blue Water Mix]
  2. Never Before
  3. Show You Something
  4. Cry [Brown Bear Mix]
  5. 5th and Avenida
  6. Deeper (Into Places)
  7. Borneo Is Burning
  8. Glide
  9. Breather [Original Version]
  10. Nina
  11. Blue Bar
  12. Cry [Original Version]

Tracks:

  1. Dub in Ya Mind [Insatiable Mix]
  2. Makes Me Feel
  3. Falling
  4. Show You Something [Chris Coco Balearic Beats Mix]
  5. Lo Delta
  6. Breather 2000 [Arithunda Mix]
  7. Cry [Sunset Dream Remix]
  8. Deeper (Into Places) [Silk Spinner Remix]
  9. Cry [Spoon Wizard Mix]
  10. Show You Something [Ambient Mix]

Album Description

Reissue of their 1999 album with a ten track bonus disc. Instantly accessible and superbly crafted 'Simplicity' is a deliciously chilled work of art. From the delicate vocals and flamenco guitar of 'Cry' to the deliciously cool 'Dub In Ya Mind' (featured on Cafe Del Mar 6) this is one album that sits neatly between Groove Armada and Morcheeba. Bonus tracks, 'Show You Something' (Chris Coco Balearic Beats Mix & Ambient Mix), 'Breather 2000' (Arithunda Mix), 'Cry' (Sunset Dream Remix & Spoon Wizard Mix), 'Dub In Ya Mind' (The Insatiable Mix), 'Falling' (new track), 'Lo Delta' (new track), 'Makes Me Feel' and 'Deeper-Into Places' (Silk Spinner Remix). Hed Kandi 2000 release. Double digipak.

Album Details

From the delicate vocals and flamenco guitar of 'Cry' to the deliciously cool 'Dub In Ya Mind', this is one album that fits neatly between Groove Armada and Morcheeba.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Chillout Defined!!.......2006-10-23

The CD - Great album sleve, design and song arrangement. The Afterlife has perfected chillout to its max........strecthing the limits to chord changes, electronic downtempo beats and vocals. Believe me when I say that it took me forever to find and buy this CD. It's a gem!

The music - Great drum and electronic beats. Check out "Dub in ya Mind" and "Blue Bar" on CD01. Rest of the songs are just as good.......which features great female vocals and remixes. I just don't know how to put it - this music is like nothing I've ever heard before - very cool, relaxing and clean. It's almost angelic if you ask me. Please do the chillout/ ambient genre a favour by buying this CD asap!

To sum (CD01)- The use of female vocals are incredible!! Great well composed/arranged beats!! The ultimate in Chillout!!

CD02 pretty much features the same songs but remixed differently. Well, the downside of this whole album would be CD02. It has more uptempo chillout beats which one can find repetitive at times.

To sum (CD02) - Great remixes by Chris Co Co and Arithunda. Great uptempo chill with blissful beats. Not a good companion to CD01 but great sampler.

The Artist - Well, what can I say: The Afterlife rules! Their music is not only inspiring but well put together. Very cool and classy. If you are still unfamiliar with the group - just let me say that I've seen the artist appear in most chillout compilations (mostly in the Ministry of Sound chillout and Cafe Del Mar CD series). This should pretty much tell you how well recieved the Afterlife is. If you are unable to get this album (which is close to impossible), try getting the artist's other albums which are the "Afterlife Lounge", "Speck of Gold" and "Journey" - which are all masterpieces!!

CD good for - 1)Studying, 2)Chilling alone, 3)Chilling with your "lover", 4)Before bed, 5)Writing, 7)Wind and Cheese parties and, 6)Just about anything cool and relaxing!!

OK E-Nuff said - "The Afterlife is the dub master of chill!!"

5 out of 5 stars Where have you been all my life!.......2006-07-01

WOW! This is incredible! The absolute ultimate chill-out/down-tempo album.
This music will get in the mood fast.

5 out of 5 stars One of my favorite albums.......2005-12-06

This review is more just a backing up of someone before who said that they have friends who appreciate music from a wide range of genres asking for copies of the CD. I too play this when people are around and get the same reaction, whehter it's from someone who likes Mushroomhead and all types of hard metal to another who loves Damien Rice and other more acoustic acts. While the people that have asked for this album to be passed on to them are musically open-minded, they are still not usually the type of people you'd expect to listen to chilled music such as Afterlife. Almost every song on the album is great for relaxing to more sophisticated, mature, and smooth sounds. There is nothing abrubt to the album and it is a great addition to any musically intelligent collection.

2 out of 5 stars Just doesn't do it...........2004-09-22

I'm a big Stephane Pompougnac fan, and when I started looking around some of amazon's recommended artists, I came across a whole article on lounge/after hours music, with this CD at the top of its list, so it looked promising. I tried it and found the loops are waaaaay too repetitive, and there is no musical skill here at all; everything is rhythm. I will say disc 2 is better than disc 1. If you sample this album and don't like it much either, try Hotel Costes 4 and 5 for smooth, cool European tones.

5 out of 5 stars Why isn't there more music like this???.......2004-08-26

Yes, it was an adventure, in itself, just to find this!

My Partner suprised me with a copy, just yesterday, and even though I haven't fully given it the time I know I will, it has already intoxicated me, in a way, very few CD's, in their entirety, rarerly succeed!

All I have read, has NOT been hyped words, but the true feelings inspired by AfterLife. And "feeling" is the word that these songs send off, especially vocally, which this genre of music always seems to benefit from.
Searching for Simplicity
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Southern Blues Allman Style
  • Searching for Simplicity--Review
  • Gregg's most "brothers-like" solo album
  • Good, solid, white boy blues
  • Solo Bro
 Searching for Simplicity
Gregg Allman
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002B5C
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

  1. whippin' post
  2. house of blues
  3. come back and help me
  4. silence ain't golden anymore
  5. rendezvous with the blues
  6. wolf's a' howlin'
  7. love the poison
  8. don't deny me
  9. dark end of the street
  10. neighbor, neighbor
  11. i've got news for you
  12. memphis in the meantime
  13. startin' over

Amazon.com

A possible admission of the excess that marred Gregg Allman's past efforts outside the Allman Brothers Band is the title of his 19997 solo release, Searching for Simplicity. More often than not he finds it. And with the clutter of strings, choirs, and synths removed, Allman's soulful baritone shines. Except for one lapse into pop excess ("Silence Ain't Golden Anymore"), the album's tracks are straightahead blues and soul tunes recorded with the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, longtime collaborator Johnny Sandlin, and new Allman Brothers guitarist Jack Pearson. The album begins with an unplugged arrangement of "Whippin' Post," continues with several respectable originals and really catches fire on inspired remakes of songs associated with Ray Charles, James Carr, Jimmy Hughes, and John Hiatt. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Southern Blues Allman Style.......2007-03-12

If you like blues, then an old familiar voice will bring it alive again.
And if you are an Allman Bros. fan, this is an invitation to the Blues. My wife and I enjoy this album a lot, the vocals, music and lyrics. KLM

5 out of 5 stars Searching for Simplicity--Review.......2006-11-21

If you enjoy great vocals, slide guitar, harmonica and a Hammond B3, it really doesn't get a whole lot better. The Muscle Shoals Rhythm section also provides tasty backing and some great sax soloing.

You don't have to be a lead guitarist to appreciate this CD.

Regards,

Joe "Gooch" Guccione

4 out of 5 stars Gregg's most "brothers-like" solo album.......2004-11-28

Less pop and more blues on this 1997 effort by Gregg Allman, whose solo career has seen him trying for a more eclectic pop sound than what would have flown with the Allman Brothers Band.

But this is almost an Allman Brothers record without the rest of the Allman Brothers Band. Gregg grinds his way through a really solid mix of originals and covers, blues-rock with a touch of soul, and he is in fine form, laying down plenty of excellent vocal performances which are underlined by the fine, clear production.
Gregg is occationally augumented by a horn section which makes "Searching For Simplicity" sound a little less Allman Brothers-like than it would have otherwise done, and he is backed by a slew of really good musicians which include (at various times) guitarists Scott Boyer, Jack Pearson and current Allman Brothers slide slinger Derek Trucks.

There is less guitar candy here on the Allman Brothers' records, and that may disappoint some listeners, but the material is generally strong, most of it consisting of mid-tempo numbers with the occational slowie thrown in for good measure, and both Derek Trucks and Jack Pearson get off a number of sizzling solos.
Highlights include Gregg's wonderful, bouncy cover of John Hiatt's "Memphis In The Meantime", a great, soulful "Dark End Of The Street", the melodic R&B of "Rendezvous With The Blues", the tough, swaggering "Don't Deny Me", and the slide guitar-driven slow blues "Wolf's A-Howlin'", a gritty confessional piece which features harpist Topper Price.

All in all, "Searching For Simplicity" is a really solid, consistent record. Fans will definitely want a listen.

4 out of 5 stars Good, solid, white boy blues.......2001-12-05

I heard the new version of 'whippin' post' on the radio and tracked down this cd. A great find. The new version of 'whippin post' has a more funky, island, clean, acoustic groove. Great version. The surprise is that the rest of the songs are solid blues songs (many covers)that are as good as anything the ABB has done in the last decade or so. What a shame that solid albums like this are heard by so few in this pop infested music world that we inhabit.Search for simplicity....

4 out of 5 stars Solo Bro.......2000-10-21

This recent offering by Gregg is no doubt his strongest since "Laid Back". His solo outings have always featured his love of R&B and gospel. His offering of "Whipping Post" is a great stripped down version of the Brothers classic, and his version of John Hiatts "Memphis in the Meantime" has a nice groove to it. Overall a great complement to any ABB collection. Also try and find "Laid Back", and his double CD of ealy solo and demos "One More Try", which offers a look into the genius of Gregg Allman.
Live in Belfast
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Music and Outstanding Voices
  • Time for a new one
  • Wonderful music, wonderful voices
  • Professional on professionals
  • Tenners for Tenors
 Live in Belfast
Irish Traditional , James L. Molloy , Philip Martin , Lynette Johnson , Thomas Moore , Frank Lambert , Raymond Loughborough , Percy French , Richard Farrelly , William Wallace , Tempest Sanderson , and Francis McPeake
Manufacturer: Music Matters
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004RDSK
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

  1. Dublin Medley: Dublin in the Rare Old Times; Molly Malone
  2. Carrickfergus
  3. Bantry Bay
  4. Scorn Not His Simplicity
  5. The Fields of Athenry
  6. Star of the County Down
  7. The Last Rose of Summer
  8. Red is the Rose
  9. Lift the Wings
  10. She is Far from the Land
  11. Ireland, Mother Ireland
  12. Green Isle of Erin
  13. Percy French Medley: Phil the Fluther's Ball/Come Back Paddy Reilly/The Lay of the West Clare Railway (Are Ye Right There Michael?)
  14. Mary from Dungloe
  15. Isle of Inisfree
  16. There is a Flower that Bloometh
  17. As I Sit Here
  18. The Kerry Dance
  19. Will Ye Go Lassie Go?

Product Description

1. Dublin Medley
2. Carrickfergus
3. Bantry Bay
4. Scorn Not His Simplicity
5. Fields Of Athenry
6. Star Of The County Down
7. The Last Rose Of Summer
8. Red Is The Rose
9. Lift The Wings
10. Ireland Mother Ireland
11. She Is Far From The Land
12. Green Isle Of Erin
13. Percy French Medley:
-Phil The Fluther s Ball
-Come Back Paddy Reilly
-The Lay Of The West Clare Railway
14. Mary From Dungloe
15. Isle Of Inisfree
16. There Is A Flower
17. As I Sit Here
18. The Kerry Dance
19. Go Lassie Go


Format: CD

Amazon.com

Just a year after their smash breakthrough debut album--itself still riding high in the charts--the Irish Tenors have added another delightfully varied collection to their discography. Live in Belfast again showcases the group's obvious concert charisma from a performance given in February 2000. It's a generous smorgasbord of medleys, traditional numbers, and songs from popular sources (including "Scorn Not His Simplicity," which Sinead O'Connor has interpreted)--mixing nostalgic sentimentality with selections of bittersweet melancholy. Binding the whole together is the unmistakable stylish charm of the Irish Tenors, whether singing in solos or in ensembles. But the biggest surprise for fans already hooked on the Tenors is the introduction of Finbar Wright as replacement for original member John McDermott. Wright's bright, romantic voice easily wins over a potentially skeptical crowd--especially in the dreamy "Isle of Innisfree"--and blends nicely with his colleagues. (McDermott, who had to bow out of the performance due to the death of his mother, makes a surprise appearance to solo in a memorable and touching "The Last Rose of Summer"--given as a tribute to his parents--and to rejoin the Tenors for "Red Is the Rose.") The arrangements by Tenors producer Frank McNamara are played with zest by the Orchestra Warsaw Sinfonia. --Tom May

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Music and Outstanding Voices.......2007-03-28

My wife and I saw these tenors live and on stage and we were truly impressed. Their voices blend beautifully and they present a well rounded variety of songs. We so enjoyed the first CD that we bought this current one.

5 out of 5 stars Time for a new one.......2001-10-19

I bought this CD, (plus the video) in July 2000 and listened to it so much I think it must be just about worn out.!!!The video I have seen so often I bet I have seen every idiosyncrasy of each of them. The Tenors are almost my total pastime. About 12 hours a day, listening and viewing. I "met" them July 22/00 and have been to four concerts, and I'm still impressed by the joyous sounds of their voices.
It's been a lomg time since I wrote my last review of this CD, but I hope I have helped to encourage others to enjoy the thrill of the most magnificent voices of their lives.
The Tenor's #1 Fan,,,, Joan Way

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful music, wonderful voices.......2001-05-31

I do not claim to be a musical expert. It has always been my contention that music which makes the listener feel good, which raises the spirits and makes the heart glad, is worthy of being heard. Such is this CD. I don't listen to it to search for flaws, flubs, failings and screw-ups. I listen to it because it makes me happy. I am of Irish ancestry, and this wonderful music stirs a core deep within my soul. I got to hear some traditional Irish folk music I'd never heard before. I would hope that all those who listen to this CD would choose to enumerate its merits based on the fact that this music is meant to lighten the soul. It never was meant to be held up to intense scrutiny, because it is folk music. These are the songs the people sang. They weren't meant to be grand, classical opera, and should not be regarded or critiqued as such. They are beautiful and moving, just as they stand, and I am grateful that God gave these four men such voices to sing these old tunes and to preserve them for the generations to come. God knows we need positive, beautiful music now more than ever.

4 out of 5 stars Professional on professionals.......2001-05-05

I am taking from the best in the world. I have met Pavarotti's teachers (Joan Doanerman and Joan Sutherland) and also take from them. I am very well-known in musical analyzing and teaching. I have read all reviews, and personally, many of you need to learn much more about proper vocal technique to be a critic. The voice must flow, with support (breath), low larynx, etc. All four tenors possess the proper singing qualities. However, stage presence, song interpretation, and musicianship also take into affect. Finbar Wright needs to continue his musicianship. He possesses much more romanticism than he shows. Also, anyone can say words like "texturing, spellbinding and dominance," and sound like a knowledgeable critic. However, these words are thrown into sports review as well. Face it folks, know what you are saying. John McDermott has a beautiful voice, but it is a much different classical style than many people know. John is a Celtic Tenor, which means that his under- and overtones will sound much different than the other three. The symphony is NOT too dominant, David Schierholz. If you have worked with the Met recording studios, than you can talk with me, because I have sat in on them. These are live performances, not takes in a studio. Folks, I am a born and bred Irishman. These men are great, but there needs to be more of there individual literature available. I would love to find Anthony Kearns classical recordings. Then, when you have studied and understand the nature of the voice and theatre, then you can write your reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Tenners for Tenors.......2001-02-16

This cd and video was my introduction to the wonderful "Irish Tenors". Seperately each is spellbinding. Together they are nothing short of magical. Finbar Wright is a dashingly romantic figure while Ronan Tynan is most compelling. Anthony Kearns will be a major star someday in the opera world. His voice is clear and strong. Wright's voice soars in songs such as "Carrickfergus" and "Isle of Innisfree". He seems a bit nervous which is understandable given he had only 10 days to prepare for this concert. He was asked literally days before the performance to step in for John McDermott. Thank goodness he did! The one downer for me was the appearance of John McDermott as his voice is not my cup of tea.
Simplicity
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good, but no future. .
  • Great album
  • Smooth Latino-Trip-Hop
 Simplicity
Soma Sonic
Manufacturer: Subsonic Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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  1. Future
  2. Nuages du Monde
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ASIN: B000FJH1EE
Release Date: 2006-07-01

Tracks:

  1. Lovestory
  2. The Well (remix)
  3. Memories
  4. Simplicity (instrumental)
  5. Life's Seasons (remix)
  6. Could It Be Real (remix)
  7. Oxygen
  8. Love In 3D
  9. The Well (french mix)
  10. The Carousel
  11. Simplicity

Tracks:

  1. Could It Be Real
  2. Everything
  3. Rien
  4. Life's Seasons
  5. Stormy Evening (remix)
  6. Memories (remix)
  7. Corona
  8. The Well
  9. Domino
  10. Stalemate
  11. Simplicity (epic remix)

Product Description

A scintillating blend of jazzy rhythms, electronic grooves and live instrumentation with awe-inspiring vocals. Soma Sonic's 22 song sophomore release "SIM-PL-CI-TY" featuring the stunning vocal style of French chanteuse Christelle Pechin was recorded over 2 years in France, Switzerland, Canada and the U.S., these truly unique songs bring together the genres of nu- jazz, lounge, chill-out, house, triphop, pop and dub.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Good, but no future. . .......2007-06-23

Great beats, a bit more uptempo than Future.

A little too much vocals for my taste.

I bought this album with the thought that it would be like thier first album, and its nothing like it.

So, if your looking for a sound like "Future", do not buy this album.

5 out of 5 stars Great album.......2007-04-10

The best song definetly is "memories" original version. It has this latin flare to it and this very sensual rythms which turn any boring environment into a spicy warm tropical ambient... that's the only reason I bought this album. Then I found a few other songs are good as well. Good for sex or just to get inspired and lounge around.

5 out of 5 stars Smooth Latino-Trip-Hop.......2006-07-19

Lovers of smooth Trip Hop are gonna love the latests offering from Soma Sonic. Much brighter and warmer than « Future Shock » (which is an essential for anyone's electronica collection with its industrial shadows and mechanical rhythms), Simplicity is closer to France & Dom's disks - both light and melodious. If you like it smooth and sumptuous with a bit of latino, and you're looking for something new, and you like france&Dom or Thievery Corporation then Simplicity is for you.
The Beauty of Simplicity
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Radiant Worship
  • THE reason I stayed at Calvary chapel so long!!!
  • BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLE
  • A must buy
  • OH MY GOSH!!!!
 The Beauty of Simplicity
Telecast
Manufacturer: Bec Recordings / Emd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian AlternativeChristian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000C3I9U
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

  1. The Way
  2. Come To Me Quickly
  3. Define
  4. The Beauty Of Simplicity
  5. More Of You
  6. Remember
  7. Psalm
  8. Covered
  9. Radiate
  10. Thank You
  11. I Just Need You

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Radiant Worship.......2006-06-03

This a great rock worship CD! It has a Coldplay-like voice and sound with great guitars and Josh White has wonderful, heartfelt vocals. Some of the songs begin to sound similar but all make you want to sing along in a British accent just like Josh. Highlights include: The Way, The Beauty of Simplicity, Covered, Radiate, and Define. Telecast has a knack of emphasizing each word, each praise to God, and they do it unlike any other Christian artist today.

5 out of 5 stars THE reason I stayed at Calvary chapel so long!!!.......2005-03-22

I attend (used to attend)service at the church that Telecast (known to us as Sway)would lead in worship, and even though the church is prettty far out of our way, from the very fist time I heard them I WAS HOOKED, and consequently we went to Calvary chapel for over a year, primarily to be a part of this worship!!

The thing I love most about this group, is that they don't have the "typical" christian sound. There is some truly gifted songwriting/performing that lends to a more alternative sound. The tunes are down right catchy, and I defy even non-christians to not enjoy this album!!! They don't sneak around the message at all, they have a clear love for Jesus and this resounds in their music. I highly recommend this album to all!!!

5 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLE.......2004-10-27

I saw these guys at the camp i was baptized at this summer. they're some of the more godly people i have ever met. their music is inspired and their lyrics are straight from God- no other way to say it. this music is soothing and it just takes you into the arms of God. radiate has this amazing electric guitar part that literally makes me jump up and down when i hear it. BUY IT that's all i have to say. it's one of my best cd purchases EVER.

5 out of 5 stars A must buy.......2004-10-14

Telecast is such a great band. Not afraid to sing about Jesus, very talented group of guys (Josh White is an amazing song writer). They sound a little like coldplay, but better yet they love and are not afraid to sing about and worship Jesus. I can't find a song on this album that I don't thoroughly enjoy- I can't wait to hear what they come out with next. I also recommend a CD entitled "Empty Me- Volume 1" which has a song of theirs entitled "Empty Me Out" which is another great song of theirs. I strongly recommed this album to anyone out there, no matter what age.

5 out of 5 stars OH MY GOSH!!!!.......2004-07-28

I had to get on here just to let anyone that happens to read this know how amazingly wonderful this band is!!!! I saw them perform last night at a friend's ranch and let me assure all of you that this album is SO worth buying!!!! All of their music sounds awesome with an even more incredible message! They are all great guys and outstanding musicians and you won't be dissapointed with this CD! Every track is worth listening to over and over again!!!
Come Together
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fresh
  • Wow! I'll buy more!!!
  • DAYTON SAYS: BUY THIS CD
  • Close-up on Arriale
 Come Together
Lynne Arriale Trio
Manufacturer: Motema Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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  1. Arise
  2. Inspiration
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ASIN: B0002WZTHU
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

  1. Come Together (Lennon-McCartney)
  2. Home (Arriale)
  3. Braziliana (Arriale)
  4. Red is the Rose (Traditional)
  5. Sunburst (Arriale)
  6. Flamenco (Arriale)
  7. Iko, Iko (Traditional)
  8. Sea and Sand (Arriale)
  9. Twilight (Arriale)

Album Description

COME TOGETHER, marks The Lynne Arriale Trio's 10th Anniversary and their 9th recording together. Working exclusively as the leader of her long time trio, Arriale has amassed a body of work that has been favorably compared to the great piano trios: "… A brilliant improviser… (she) should take her rightful place alongside Brad Mehldau," (Jazz Times.) "A superb performer…her Trio is more than a match for Jarrett's," (The Times - London.) Come Together is her most personal expression to date, featuring six compelling original compositions (along with the Lennon and McCartney-penned title track, a prayer-like arrangement of the traditional Scottish folk song `Red is the Rose' and the New Orleans musical anthem `Iko Iko'). The title track of Arise, her own composition, was one of the most requested instrumental tracks on jazz radio in 2003. "It inspired me to write even more originals for this new CD," says Arriale. The Trio will be featured on the special "Profiles of a Performing Artist" airing on PBS member stations throughout '04 and `05, also on NPR's Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland and, for the second year in a row, NPR's Jazz Piano Christmas - Live at the Kennedy Center.& European tour dates.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fresh.......2007-07-16

I've purchased other CD's by Lynne Arriale, and I recently purchased "Come Together." I've found all of her CD's to be entertaining, but this one really touched me. I normally am circumspect when a performer writes their own stuff. (I realize that they can't keep playing the standards, but still . . . ) But when I heard "Home" I think I melted on the spot. I literally became entranced by it. The emotion that Lynne and Jay and Steve put into this song. Breathtaking. The song really captures for me what the word "home" means. Then, compare this song with "Braziliana." The calm and serenity of "Home" is replaced by some truly gifted, and frenetic, piano work in "Braziliana." This song is hot.
But the reason I purchased this CD in the first place was because of "Red is The Rose." I love this song, and I've heard thousands of versions of it. I think Lynne nailed the real feeling of this song. Simply beautiful.
I think the trio format is intersting. So much music today is overproduced, and the emotion gets left behind in all the hub-bub. With just a trio the music comes to the forefront, where it belongs.

5 out of 5 stars Wow! I'll buy more!!!.......2005-10-01

Very pleasing!!! I'll definitely add more of this trio to my collection.

5 out of 5 stars DAYTON SAYS: BUY THIS CD.......2004-12-01

Every so often the Lynne Arriale Trio goes to work and creates a jewel that we can carry in our hearts. I'm not sure if this CD is a ruby or a diamond, but I do know it is beautiful. If you have never purchased a CD by the Lynne Arriale Trio, and you truly love music, do something special for yourself and buy this CD...buy all of their CDs.

5 out of 5 stars Close-up on Arriale.......2004-09-22

Lynne did three sets at the 2004 Monterey Jazz Festival in, in my humble opinion, the perfect setting for her music, a small(circa 250 seats)darkened room, and the experience was mesmerising. She communicates feelings and emotions magnificently via beautifully crafted and performed compositions, most of which are original. I bought this record afterwards as she had played most of the tracks. Sit at home with the lights low and you will not experience a better jazz pianist.
Leonard Bernstein: The 1953 American Decca Recordings
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • It's wonderful to have Bernstein back, but the performances fall short
  • Come back Lennie, we need you
  • For Bernstein enthusiasts, it's like owning a gold mine
  • Bernstein's Early American Recordings
 Leonard Bernstein: The 1953 American Decca Recordings

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by Robert SchumannAll Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00067GKF6
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars It's wonderful to have Bernstein back, but the performances fall short.......2006-11-26

These 1953 mono recordings catch Bernstein a decade after his famous debut with the NY Phil. and five years before he became their youngest-ever condcutor. It's great to hear that warm, comforting voice again, although his analyses--especially the longest one devoted to the Brahms Fourth--aren't as polished as they would become. He gets pedagogical at times and runs us through a rote example-and-explanation formula. Even then, howeer, colorful Bernstein touches peek out, and we are reminded of the man who taught an entire generation to venerate classical music.

For me, the performances themselves fall short. They were often recorded in a rush, sometimes late at night after a summer concert. I know that the Stadium Sym. is actually the NY Phil., but they don't sound particularly fine, and Bernstein's interpreatations, though vigorous, often border on the slapdash. Plowing through Beethoven's 3rd, Dvorak's 9th, Schumann's 2nd, Brahms' 4th and Tchaikovsky's 6th, I found few sparks of originaity, much less genius. This is a tough admission from one of LB's geat admirers, but there you are. The original recorded sound is also a bit thin and harsh.

5 out of 5 stars Come back Lennie, we need you.......2006-02-22

This box is worth its price just for the five talks. Bernstein at this stage had a teaching style rather more stilted than the chatty sage of later years, but the combination of authority, insight and infectious enthusiasm is unique. Entertainingly offhand about the New World, he's at his best on the music he reveres most, i.e. Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms, the first movement of whose Fourth Symphony gets a particularly in-depth analysis that left me yearning for more. Practically anyone could enjoy and learn from these talks - they're fascinating fun without a whiff of down-dumbing. When the classical and the popular cross over nowadays, the results are usually compromised and crass, but with Bernstein there doesn't even seem to be a gap to be crossed over - just a passion to share these wonders with as many people as possible. We need his all-embracing talent and vision today more than ever.

Then there are the performances. I'm not the biggest fan of mono symphonic recordings, but these positively leap down your ears, unmannered, committed and electric. It's hard to believe what was achieved under the hasty recording conditions described in the booklet. The sound is a little fierce, but good enough to make this set a wonderful gift for any open-minded but symphonically ignorant acquaintance. I can easily imagine it turning someone on to classical music.

4 out of 5 stars For Bernstein enthusiasts, it's like owning a gold mine.......2005-06-19

This new album set is something that I had heard of, but never dared to hope would be released on CD. It consists of Leonard Bernstein's very first recordings of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 (the "Eroica"), Dvorak's "New World Symphony", Schumann's Symphony No. 2, Brahms' Fourth Symphony, and Tchaikovsky's "Pathetique" Symphony. They are all conducted by Bernstein and played beautifully by an orchestra which bills itself as the New York Stadium Symphony Orchestra, but which is really the great New York Philharmonic, using the name that they gave themselves during summer concerts.

The performances are a revelation, because they demonstrate conclusively that Bernstein did not always "exaggerate" or "overinterpret" great music, as critics frequently claim. His performances here are very, very direct and straightforward, more like Fritz Reiner or Toscanini than like Bernstein.

If this album contained only Bernstein's early performances of these symphonies, it would be interesting, but it might not really attract that much attention, since he re-recorded all of these pieces in stereo in later years, and with the same orchestra.

What makes this set so valuable is that it contains his long out-of-print lectures on these symphonies, and far from what the previous reviewer claims, they never become boring and monotonous. No musician in our time, or maybe even in the history of music, was a better or more articulate and sensitive lecturer on music than Leonard Bernstein. His legendary appearances on the "Young People's Concerts" did more for the appreciation of classical music than all the "Beethoven's Wig" albums combined. (If you don't know what "Beethoven's Wig" is, check it out and shudder at how far music appreciation has fallen since Bernstein's death.)

Bernstein had a unique ability to make classical music accessible to everybody, without ever condescending to the listener or cheapening the music. His lectures on this album, previously only available to 1950's Book of the Month Subscribers (except for part of the Beethoven lecture, which is the only one that Bernstein did re-record in stereo), are invaluable both to music students and to those who are willing to listen. All of the lectures included cover all four movements of the symphonies discussed, except for the Brahms; that one is just as extensive as the others, but it covers only the first movement of the symphony.

However--be warned, the lectures do have a flaw that the symphonies themselves do not, and that is why I have subtracted one star.

The symphony recordings are obviously remastered from magnetic tape, but the lectures have been transferred from LP's. Thus, you will be able to hear an occasional click or pop from time to time, and there is a clearly audible "skip" on the Brahms lecture. It is NOT the CD being defective, or the laser beam on your player skipping; it is clearly the lecture recordings themselves. Deutsche Grammophon, which released this CD set, is very honest about the source of the transfers to compact disc, and is to be commended for this. (They mention it in the last page of the accompanying booklet.) But this shouldn't deter anybody from buying this enormously important Bernstein set.

4 out of 5 stars Bernstein's Early American Recordings.......2005-04-02

The most recent batch of DG's "Original Masters" box sets boasts several titles that will leave classical collectors rejoicing, "Leonard Bernstein: The 1953 American Decca Recordings" foremost among them. This 5CD set features Lenny in his earliest recorded performances of some of his trademark works -- Beethoven's 3rd, Dvorak's 9th, Schumann's 2nd, Brahms' 4th and Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphonies. Bernstein would later re-record all of five these symphonies with the NYPO (btw, the Stadium Symphony Orchestra of New York IS the NYPO) to greater acclaim for Columbia, but these early accounts capture a brilliant young conductor at the threshold of greatness. Also after each performance, Bernstein offers a musical analysis, simplifying what the listener just heard as only he could, which is again something the conductor would become famous for in years to come. Well then, if this is such a great set, why the four-star rating? First, while the performances sound very good, these are 1953 mono recordings and the casual fan needs to be aware that analog and digital stereo recordings of these works by the conductor do exist, and are generally preferable. Second, the musical analysis is a nice touch, but certainly does not warrant repeated listenings, as does the music. In fact, nearly half of the contents of these five discs is LB talking, and it could have been filled with music instead, or simply sold as a less expensive 3CD set. However, these shortcomings aside, "Leonard Bernstein: The 1953 American Decca Recordings" is another outstanding release in a fine series.

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