An Open Mind

Track Listings

1. Emotional Collage

2. Teagan Alia

3. Space Between the Ears

4. Quiet Triumph

5. Chiron

6. Reverie I

7. Reverie II

8. Internal Conflict

9. Time Away (from vibes)

10. Lullaby

11. Bach on Vibes

12. Dark and Curious

13. Lessons Learned

14. Conclusions

Editorial Reviews
Charlie Harrelson, Founder of the Elite Veterans of Rock, 23 April 2004
This guy is really GOOD! Be on the look-out.

Product Description
Described by Jef Peace of PeaceWork Music Net as: ". . . more soothing than a fine sipping whiskey, this album is guaranteed to relax those tense muscles and stimulate brain activity without nasty side-effects."

An Open Mind is destined to be an epic recording in the new age genre, possibly even being the album that redefines the genre for coming generations.

Possessing both the soul of the warrior and the soul of the musician, Louis Lamp has breathed a fiery calm into these songs, almost in spite of himself.

Anything but restrained, there is still an obvious cadence to the melodies that can be felt as well as heard, leaving the listener wanting more but not sure they could handle even a note beyond what they've already heard. This album both soothes and energizes the listener with a passion that has seldom been heard in any genre, let alone new age.

It's in your hands now and now it's your turn to play a part in musical history by giving this album the attention it deserves, encouraging Louis Lamp to give more of his talent to the world in the form of more music, more albums.

An Open Mind

An Open Mind,Louis Lamp,Paradice Music,This little Elite Veteran of Rock went mushy and created an album to soothe the mind and spirit. In this, he has succeeded stupendously. -Anon

An Open Mind

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating:

A true masterpiece - remaster is great except:
Loudermilk! A Great American Institution!
A delicious and dark desent into Loudermilk's "Open Mind" and "Bizzare Songs"
A masterpiece: finally available on CD

The Open Mind of J.D. Loudermilk
John D. Loudermilk
Manufacturer: Omni
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000HOMIGS
Release Date: 2006-11-13

Tracks:

Goin' To Hell On A Sled
The Jones'
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Peace Of Heart
Sidewalks
To Ann
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Geraldine
Laura
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Ma Baker's Little Acre
No Playing In The Snow Today
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I'm Looking For A World
The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian
Interstate 40
Where Have They Gone
The Little Bird
Tobacco Road
Bubble, Please Break
It's My Time
That Ain't All

Album Description

27 Track Cd Anthology of Nashville Psyche-Pop from legendary songwriter! Best known as a stellar songwriter (Tobacco Road, Indian eservation, This Little Bird, Break My Mind etc etc, ad infinitum!!!) John D. Loudermilk was also an accomplished, inspiring singer-songwriter before the term even existed. The Open Mind of John D. Loudermilk is his 1969 psychedelic Nashville opus! Sitars blaze and otherworldly voices rail on the opening cut Goin' To Hell On A Sled, but this is no mere wigged-out cash-in record. With a palette ranging from the gentle organ tones of Laura, to the striking relevance of The Jones' and Peace of Heart, few records of such wit, compassion and intelligence have ever been committed to tape. Remastered and restored with love and care this album is presented here for the first time on CD. Present also are a slew of tracks from Loudermilk's astounding and appropriately titled 1965 album Sings a Bizarre Collection of the Most Unusual Songs. In the mood for a Christmas tune about radioactive snow? Then try No Playing in the Snow Today. A hunter's graveside epiphany perhaps? Certainly, that would be The Little Grave. Psychedelic, evocative, intelligent Nashville pop from one of the greatest songwriters of all time! First time on CD! Deluxe collectors 16 page full colour package featuring original LP artwork, exclusive liner notes and original artist's track notes. All tracks are remastered 2006 from the original master tapes! Compiled and curated by noted musician (Snog, Soma, Black Lung) and film composer David Thrussell.

Album Details

Remastered and Restored with Love and Care this Album is Presented Here for the First Time on CD. Present also Are a Slew of Tracks from Loudermilk's Astounding and Appropriately Titled 1965 Album 'sings a Bizarre Collection of the Most Unusual Songs'. In the Mood for a Christmas Tune About Radioactive Snow? Then Try 'no Playing in the Snow Today'. A Hunter's Graveside Epiphany Perhaps? Certainly, that Would Be 'the Little Grave'. Deluxe Collectors 16 Page Package featuring Original LP Artwork and Exclusive Liner Notes. All Tracks Are Remastered 2006 from the Original Master Tapes! Compiled and Curated by Noted Musician (Snog, Soma, Black Lung) and Film Composer (The Hard Word Etc.) David Thrussell.

Customer Reviews:

A true masterpiece - remaster is great except:.......2007-04-21

According to the liner notes "Remastered and restored with love and care"

Not bad, except that side 1 and side 2 of the original LP have been reversed (the original LP side one started with tracks 7 to 12 and side 2 was tracks 1 to 6). However, I will forgive this error as this is a great CD issue and the bonus tracks are great and plentiful.

A true original!

Loudermilk! A Great American Institution!.......2007-02-18

I have been listening to the great Loudermilk since 65' and I never get tired of his sweet sound. The man is a Genius! I just can't express the delight I have for his music. Vocalist/Song Writer and one wonderful muscian! I used to wait in great anticipation for every new album he would release. Mr. Loudermilk thank you so much for giving this Brooklyn N.Y. guy so many years of musical enjoyment. I thank the Lord he has blest you with such wonderful talent.

A delicious and dark desent into Loudermilk's "Open Mind" and "Bizzare Songs".......2007-01-05

My parents had the original "Open Mind of John D Loudrmilk" and "John D Loudermilk Sings a Collection of the Most Unusual Songs" LP's and I grew up listening to these wonderfully dark, haunting, mind-delving and somewhat funky songs. Ever heard the Raiders' smash hit "Indian Reservation"? Well, the original version is Loudermilk's "Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation Indian" and it's just a folky/boogie-woogiely acoustic JDL accompanied by brushes --- and will blow you away! Other classics such as "Little Bird" and 'Going to Hell on a Sled" are amoung the CD's bumper crop of 27 nuggets (only 11 are shown on this Amazon page). Have a stiff drink, hug your lover, leave a little room for dancing and buy this CD!

A masterpiece: finally available on CD.......2006-12-30

The Open Mind of John D. Loudermilk has been one of my favorite albums of all time since my Dad first brought it home in 1970. I have been carrying around a turntable for 20 years, mostly just to play my cherished vinyl copy of this album. I am ecstatic to see it finally released on CD and can't wait to hear the extra material and check out the book. Loudermilk was a singer songwriter, back before any of us really knew what that was.

Average customer rating:

Open Your Mind To The Open Mind

The Open Mind
Open Mind
Manufacturer: Sunbeam Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FTJE8U
Release Date: 2006-07-03

Tracks:

Dear Louise
Try Another Day
I Feel The Same Way Too
My Mind Cries
Can't You See?
Thor The Thunder God
Horses And Chariots
Before My Time
Free As The Breeze
Girl I'm So Alone
Soul And My Will
Falling Again
Magic Potion
Cast A Spell
Day And Night
Get Out Of My Way

Album Details

One of the Best-loved British Psychedelic Albums of all Time, the Open Mind is a Hard-rocking Collection that Sold in Minute Numbers on Its Original Release in 1969. Produced with the Band's Full Co-operation, this Package Comes Complete with a Full-colour Booklet Incorporating Rare Photographs and Detailed Liner Notes, as Well as featuring Both Sides of their Two Ultra-rare Non-album 45s, Making it the Most Comprehensive Collection of their Work Ever Assembled.

Customer Reviews:

Open Your Mind To The Open Mind.......2007-01-08

A lot of people get on these guys for sounding similar to early WHO with the vocals in some songs reminding one of Daltry (like in "I Feel The Same Way Too", "My Mind Cries" & "Thor The Thunder God"), but there are a lot of great ideas and melodies scattered throughout the album. "Scattered" being an appropriate word. There will be a truly great part and then they go into something that does not really fit leaving you wondering, why did they go there? I really enjoy this album though and have listened to it numerous times. The distinct vocals and two part harmonies are very good. Classic guitar tone with some awesome overdrive giving it a unique sound similar to fuzz, although the guitarist's leads leave much to be desired as the solos are simplistic. "Dear Louise" is a catchy number with a driving drum beat/bass part and nice rocking guitar riffs. "I Feel The Same Way Too" in my opinion is the best song on the original album and is an excellent example of British psychedelia with some great riffs. "Magic Potion" is a great tune that took me by surprise. It is quite heavy for the time, possibly and sonically being one of the first "heavy metal" songs, before the term was even conceived as a style of music, complete with double bass and distorted power chords that was more prominent in the 70's. The sound production and playing is tight and the sound quality on this reissue is excellent. Rare as hens teeth, original 69' UK pressings on Philips go for $800+ depending on condition. I saw a near mint copy fetch around $1500. All in all it's a good album. It's just a little inconsistent in the song writing dept., but it rocks! Through Time & Space Thor's Hammer Flies......

Average customer rating:

Synthesizer and sequencer oriented music; with George Benson and Chic Corea

Open Mind
Jean-Luc Ponty
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000FZDGQK
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Tracks:

Open Mind
Solitude
Watching Birds
Modern Times Blues
Orbital Encounters
Intuition

Album Description

Jean Luc Ponty has been the premier Jazz/Fusion violinist of the past three decades. He is one of the few Jazz musicians to have numerous albums make the Billboard Charts, 12 of them to be exact. Open Mind features Chick Corea & George Benson.

Customer Reviews:

Synthesizer and sequencer oriented music; with George Benson and Chic Corea.......2007-04-23

This was originally released in 1984 on both LP and CD. At the time, in the early life of CD technology, many CD's had poor sound. That created vinyl snobs who thought CD's could never be as good as LP's. It is also why so many early CD's have been re-issued as "Remastered" CD's. But, in the case of Open Mind, I thought the sound quality was pretty good, sharp and clear. I haven't heard this remastered version, but I can't imagine how much better the sound quality would be.

This CD is 38 minutes long and the tracks are in the 6 to 7 minute range.

This is mostly a solo effort, with Ponty playing almost all of the instruments. But, Chic Corea is featured on two tracks and George Benson has a great guitar solo on another track. There is also a guest drummer on one track.

Ponty concentrates on playing synthesizers and sequencers. So, the music has a nice, bouncy electronic feel to it. Ponty also has a few nice, inspired violin solos.

Some have complained that this CD is too electronic and repetitive. I can see their point. Jazz fusion really suffered in the early eighties and there was much boring, repetitive music put out then. I blame it on the cool, soft jazz and Sunday Brunch movements.

But, I don't think this CD falls into that category. I think the music is lively and interesting. It is certainly better than some of Ponty's later albums that would become mechanical, precise, sterile, lifeless and boring. This might be the start of Ponty's decline, but it is still a very enjoyable CD.

Average customer rating:

One last touch of Paris (but oversold by the critics)
wonderful perforance of excellent songs
Classic Rorem Songs!
Come To Pop, Baby!
Worthy indeed - a gem

Susan Graham - Songs of Ned Rorem
Susan Graham , Martin Martineau , and Ensemble Oriol
Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Poèmes de l'Amour

ASIN: B00004R9BK
Release Date: 2000-04-04

Tracks:

Sonnet [Bynner]
Clouds [Goodman]
Early In The Morning [Hillyer]
The Serpent [Roethke]
Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal [Tennyson]
Opus 101 [Bynner]
I Strolled Across An Open Field [Roethke]
To A Young Girl [Yeats]
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair [after Foster]
Ode [de Ronsard]
For Poulenc [O'Hara]
Littlle elegy [Wylie]
Alleluia
Look Down, Fair Moon [Whitman]
O You Whom I Often And Silently Come [Whitman]
I Will Always Love You [O'Hara]
The Tulip Tree [Goodman]
The Wintry Mind [Bynner]
I Am Rose [Stein]
The Lordly Hudson [Goodman]
O Do Not Love Too Long [Goodman]
Far - Far - Away [Tennyson]
For Susan [Goodman]
A Journey [Glaze]
Sometimes With One I Love [Goodman]
Love [Lodge]
Orchids [Roethke]
Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening [Frost]
Do I Love You More Than A Day [Larson]
Ferry Me Across The Water [Rossetti]
The Sowers [Bynner]
That Shadow, My Likeness [Whitman]

Amazon.com

Contemporary composer Ned Rorem is typically likened to an American Schubert (living in Paris) for the fecundity, emotional range, and quality of his songs (though this represents only one facet of a prolific career). And Rorem's masterful 1998 cycle Evidence of Things Not Seen would seem to justify that reputation, as does this marvelous anthology from the Rorem songbook of the past half-century. The composer is fond of dividing musicians into the "German" and the "French," clearly identifying himself with the latter for the elusive sparkle and subtle play of shadows that characterize his art. What other kind of sensibility could "through-compose" Gertrude Stein's "I Am Rose" in a deftly perfect 27 seconds? Fortunately, American lyric mezzo Susan Graham intuitively understands this expressive aspect, as does pianist-partner Malcolm Martineau. Graham is constantly attentive to the marriage of music and text in the 32 songs here and phrases their little worlds into being with grace and wit. She can shade to a sweet vanishing point or allow her voice to blossom, orchidlike, into a dazzling profusion of colors. Few of these songs, which draw on the poetry of Walt Whitman, Theodore Roethke, Frank O'Hara, and many others, last more than two minutes. But their resonance lingers, whether in the haunting "Opus 101"--with its lean but potent string trio scoring--or the enigmatic "That Shadow, My Likeness" from Whitman. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

One last touch of Paris (but oversold by the critics).......2005-10-11

Ned Rorem is the last survivor, since the death of Virgil Thompson, of the long reach that Paris exerted over a generation of American expatriate composers, many of whom drifted overseas between the wars to study with the legendary Nadia Boulanger. Rorem's songs sometimes have American folk roots, but mostly he writes chansons, and like their French counterparts, his are crystalline, spare, sophisticated, and precisely defined emotionally.

If he were more tlaneted he might have wirtten masterpieces, but mostly this sounds like Samuel Barber on skim milk. Rorem often sets minor, if not trivial poetry. His lyrical gift is modest. But there's no doubt that he has been neglected, largely because of his stubbornly tonal conservatism, and now that tonality is repsectable again, he is being accorded last-minute honors. I'm glad for him, and his best work, which consists of his multi-volume memoirs, has added much to American culture. But even when skillfully sung by an artist of the caliber of Susan Graham, a hour's worth of Rorem's tiny jewel-like chansons is about twice too much at one sitting.

wonderful perforance of excellent songs.......2005-01-20

I'm a neophyte to Ned Rorem's work. To be honest I purchased this CD because I really enjoy listening to Susan Graham. Although I really love hearing Ms. Graham's opera performances, I find it refreshing to hear her singing something in English. I also appreciate how she's taken time to perform something other than opera. Susan Graham's performance of Ned Rorem's songs has me seeking out other performances of his work.

Classic Rorem Songs!.......2004-05-18

Susan Graham has a remarkable mezzo voice and sings Rorem as though she really is a sounding board for the composer. Kudos to her and this CD comes highly recommended to newbies to Rorem songs and those many die-hard fans!

Come To Pop, Baby!.......2004-03-12

Recently, I heard Susan Graham on Garrison Keillor's "Prarie Home Companion" show. Wow! I didn't know who she was, but she had so much humour, verve and style while singing some show tunes, and that incredible voice. I rushed to amazon but all the English language songs I could find seemed to be on this album of Ned Rorem music. Well, whatever the weight lieder songs carry for the Germans, it seems that art songs in English mean songs you can't snap your fingers to, can't slap out a beat to and would never, ever, sing with your friends. I know, I know, I'm a Philistine, but please, Ms. Graham, give us an album of American popular classics, show tunes and the like. When I listened to you on Mr. Keillor's show, if I had been a bell, I'd have been ringing too! You are simply great. Don't let the classical music fans have all the fun. Throw a little our way too. Pretty please.

Worthy indeed - a gem.......2002-08-27

I cannot disagree with "A Music Fan"'s panning of this CD. Having first purchased the Hearing CD which he/she references, I reached the conclusion that Rorem's music was too knotty and "20th century" for repeated listenings and enjoyment. This CD with Susan Graham completely reversed my opinion. The songs are indeed chosen to be accessible, but they are much more than that. They are, simply stated, lovely. This is a disc I will play again and again, and has caused me to investigate many other Rorem CDs. I just came on line to buy it as a gift for a friend. Rorem deserves his due, and this disc gives it to him.

Average customer rating:

Synthesizer and sequential oriented music, with Chic Corea and George Benson
Wonderful And Inspiring!
Mixed Bag
Not his finest moment
JLP Excelent

Open Mind
Jean-Luc Ponty
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002IGY
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Open Mind
Solitude
Watching Birds
Modern Times Blues
Orbital Encounters
Intuition

Customer Reviews:

Synthesizer and sequential oriented music, with Chic Corea and George Benson.......2007-04-23

This CD was released in 1984 and is 38 minutes long. The sound quality if very good and sharp and clear. But, now there is a remastered version available. I haven't heard it, but wonder how much better the sound quality could be. But, I do know that in the early eighties, when music was still being released on LP's and CD's at the same time, many CD's had very poor sound quality (giving rise to vinyl snobs and the "remastered" CD's of today).

This is mostly a solo, or duet album. Ponty plays most of the intturments. There are two tracks with Chic Corea doing keyboard solos and one track with a George Benson guitar solo. Both of these guest artiests make great contributions to the album. There is also a guest drummer on one track.

On this album, Ponty focuses on playng synthesizers and doing repeated rhythms on a sequencer. He does play some very nice violin parts throughout the album.

I agree with a previous reviewer about the poor state of jazz fusion in the early eighties. I can also see is point and understand why he might not like this CD. But, I didn't think this CD was bad as most of the jazz that was being put out at the time. I find this CD to be more energetic and more interesting. Even though there is ample use of sequencers, I think this CD is less repetitive than most jazz CD's of the early eighties.

I also think this CD is much better than some of the albums that Ponty would put out later. He would get even more mechanical and more precise so there so no longer any life to the music. You might say this CD is the start of the decline, but it still hadn't got to the point where it was boring.

Wonderful And Inspiring!.......2005-07-02

Well this review may serve as a perfect example of how different people's musical tastes can be.The reviews I am reading here describes idea's such as 'repetition','needless noddling' and most important that 'it doesn't send a flow of good vibes to the neurone and soul' in relation to this album.And on that last statement most of all I must highly agree to disagree.From the opening sounds of the title cut that begins this 1984 release the positive vibrations,even from highly electronic synthesizers shine through much like the sun through an open window in the morning,on EACH AND EVERY song here!And it only grows more so as the songs progress too.
Unlike many longformed song-orientated fusion albums Jean-Luc Ponty places one memorable,even catchy musical ideas into every tune on his electric violin.And the overall is the warmest and most captivating use of electronics this side of Les McCann and Stevie Wonder!And on "Watching Birds" and the highly soulful "Modern Time Blues" Ponty brings out the best in Chick Corea and even the already nearly flawless George Benson!
So listen to this-I turned this music on feeling a little down beforehand.And the more each song developed imagry of exotic vally's and dreamlike landscapes came into my thoughts and I even found myself unconsiously HUMMING some of them,so there is even some melody here.And the electronics?I don't find anything about this recording tedious,indulgent or cold at all.In fact for the date of release and the general nature of this music genre I was surprised that 'Open Mind' is such an inspiring album to me and I am stronly considering adding it to my list of all time favorite albums ever!
And that is saying alot because I am a lover of music of this kind and have a huge collection of all sorts of musics.And favorites from MANY genres!So anybody inclined to judge this album based on the reviews that they see hear I suggest you seek it out (at a reasonable price of course) and see just how this album moves you.

Mixed Bag.......2003-04-19

I can agree with a lot of the negative reviews this album receives. The repetition DOES get a little heavy-handed. There IS a bit of needless noodling in places.

However, I recently ordered this CD after not hearing it for quite some time, and I'm really happy to have it back in my collection. There are some dearly loved tracks on here. This work is truly a sonic painting, and I like the picture that emerges from it.

The big hook for me is the title track. It's the one I kept hearing in my head all those years I didn't have it. Its built on repetition, but new layers keep being added and it eventually crystallizes into something magnificent. It remains a favorite.

I also love "Watching Birds", and George Benson's guitar solo later in the album is tasteful and excellent.

The 2nd track has a nice dreamy feel to it but the dream goes a bit too long for my tastes. And some of the late tracks are pretty nondescript.

The good stuff on this CD is good enough to carry the lesser pieces. Strongly recommended.

Not his finest moment.......2002-03-15

While there are a couple decent tracks on the album, most of it has an annoying repetitive quality. The 1980s were a low point in fusion music and "Open Mind" is no exception. Mind you, I'm a huge Ponty fan, but not to the point of blind loyalty. The best thing on the record is George Benson's guitar solo. Unfortunately, it's played over an endless three note bass pattern. With the exception of 'Solitude' and 'Watching Birds,' that's pretty much how all the songs go. Maybe it seemed like a nifty idea back in '83, but I don't think I would have felt any different then. Give me live musicians and interesting structures, please.

JLP Excelent.......2001-10-06

This is an album that can be one of the best in the catalogue of Jean-Luc. It's a classic in progressive instrumental jazz-rock. It just don't stop sending flows of good vibes to the neurone and to the soul. In 1984 it really opened many minds to the art and musicianship of JLP. It is in my personal list of top 20 albums in the genre.

Average customer rating:

Open Letters to a Closed Mind
Absence of Concern
Manufacturer: Kik It Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000OBW6O8

Product Description

Musically the band has a little more in common with All That Remains than it does with AFI and this difference allows them to hold a much needed fist in the air to a scene currently overwrought with Emo bands. On Absence Of Concerns debut effort Open Letters To A Closed Mind on Kik It Records there is a melodically sound group who gives the listener something a little heavier than many of the sobbing milquetoast groups that are thrust upon the record buying public. The group mixes some clever riffs amidst both melodic and growling vocals and this should appeal to a younger crowd who is seeking a little harder edged band for their collection. Songs like American Reject are solid and have moments where the guitar work and drums make this a good head banger. There is also single potential in songs like Every Time I Try that is sure to be a guaranteed hit for the young group and could find them larger than life as a result if it meets a positive response on the proper avenues where many can see or hear it.

Average customer rating:

Faust (Sung in English)
Gounod , Clarke , Miles , Plazas , Magee , and Parry
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Verdi: La Traviata

ASIN: B00006NSEC
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Average customer rating:

I Love this CD -- Where Have You Been All My Life?

Open Harp
Ariane Lydon
Manufacturer: Overt Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00023P4WE
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Tracks:

Rising
Spirit Lake
Autumn Leaves
Wedding Chimes
Piano Piano
Star of the County Down
Meditation for Ladybugs
To Be Two
Fireflies
After the Rain

Customer Reviews:

I Love this CD -- Where Have You Been All My Life?.......2006-10-20

I never heard of this artist until a month ago. I read in another review elsewhere on Amazon.com that a qigong instructor used "Open Harp" for his qigong class. Because I practice qigong and because I'm fond of certain types of harp music, I did a search and listened to some "Open Harp" sound clips elsewhere on the internet. Sounded interesting, so I bought it. Well, I received it last week and it's been in constant play on my CD player ever since. I love it! Do you know how George Winston's meditative piano sounds in "December"? Well, "Open Harp" has the same effect as that "December" had on me twenty years ago. A classic yet oddly unique sound (to my ears, anyway). I appreciate that "Open Harp" has an elegant simplicity in sound which is meditative, but not morose.It's a great example of why I love certain types of harp music over most other forms of solo instrumentals -- the harp conveys soothing calmness without collapsing into sad melancholy the way the flute, piano and violin sometimes can. Soothing, meditative music doesn't have to mean "depressing," and "Open Harp" is a fine example of that fact.

No vocals here, just healing harp music throughout. Aside from the sheer pleasure of listening to it, I think "Open Harp" would serve well as background music for study, spiritual gatherings, birthing, and hospice work. Oh! Not to forget: qigong, too. It would appeal to anyone.

Average customer rating:

Open Mind + 2
Open Mind
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000094Q0K

Tracks:

Dear Louise
Try Another Day
I Feel The Same Way Too
My Mind Cries
Cant You See
Thor The Thunder God
Magic Potion (Bonus Tracks)
Horses And Chariots
Before My Time
Free As The Breeze
Girl Im So Alone
Soul And My Will
Falling Again
Cast A Spell (Bonus Track)

Album Description

After having been unavailable for years, here it is again the ultra rare UK R&B/psych group. Includes 2 non LP tracks 'Magic Potion' & 'Cast A Spell'. Digipak.

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