In the Alley [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Dave Bartholemew Single Handedly Produced Virtually Every New Orleans R&n Artists as Well as Conducting Hsi Own Career for Over 20 Years. This CD features all his Complete King Recordings.

In the Alley,Dave Bartholomew,See for Miles,New Orleans R&B,Oldies,Pop,R&B,Rock & Roll,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues

Tracks:

Sweet And Lowdown
Novelette In Fourths
That Certain Feeling
So Am I
Rhapsody In Blue
Swanee
When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em...
Kickin' The Clouds Away
Idol Dreams
On My Mind The Whole Night Long
Scandal Walk
An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully American.......2007-05-14

I've had a copy of this CD for years and love it. The power and optimism of the music is really quite remarkable... regardless of who or what is actually playing here. The arrangement of Swanee is light but rich with major chord trains like you just want to go marching around the room. And American In Paris leads you on a swaying, dischordy journey the deeper you go, as the narrative begins to trade delicacy for passion. (and I love renditions where you can hear the MUSIC and the instruments don't get in the way, like four-voice midi versions of Bach which reveal the eloquence).

When I listen to this CD now, and which is most surpring to me, I hear a profound pride in America - back "before." I play it when I have people over and we put burgers on the grill. This CD is the song of sitting in my back yard with the clouds blowing by and for the moment things feel OK.

"Before" - OK, there is no old perfect Amercia; but I'm thinking of the time before we learned to distill petroleum into toxic pollution, before pride meant vanity and thuggery, before hate-filled invective became public amusement, and before presidents went to war because it was good for business.

A Gersh-winner.......2007-01-07

George Gershwin had a long association with the mechanical device known as the player piano. At the age of ten, Gershwin used a neighbor's pianola to teach himself how to play, by very slowly pumping the foot pedal that advanced the hole-punched rolls, and placing his fingers on the depressed keys. His parents were so impressed by his abilities they enrolled the boy in formal piano studies when he turned 13. Thus, an American genius was born.

The existing films of Gershwin (who died of a brain tumor at age 38 in 1937) show him to be a virtuoso at his instrument. His 1924 acoustic recording of Rhapsody In Blue (with the Paul Whiteman orchestra) is further evidence of this. But no film or recording has what is contained within the album GERSHWIN PLAYS GERSHWIN: THE PIANO ROLLS, and that is-- full fidelity range.

The CD comes in a standard jewel case packaged in a heavy paper slipcover. Biographical liner notes are included along with details on the rolls. The earliest performance in this set is from 1916, made when Gershwin was an 18-year-old song plugger. My favorites here are "Swanee," from 1920, and "An American In Paris," from 1933, which is undoubtedly one of the last significant piano rolls ever made.

Gershwin's dynamic performances are not in the least obscured by the few extra notes added to the piano rolls (such practice was standard in those days). Listening to these recordings is like sitting next to this brilliant man, observing his fingers fly over the keys as he plays some of his best work.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 60:36

Interesting... but I think I'd prefer a good Gershwin interpreter.......2006-05-14

Composers are not necessarily the best performers of their own work. A songwriter's songwriter like Jules Shear or Jimmy Webb comes to mind -- surely the best representations of their songs are on other artist's albums.

This album is charming in its own way -- a taste of the music and performance style of a bygone era. Someone complained that these rolls were edited. So what? I'm going to review the final product, now how it was made. Do you eat sausage? Ask not what's in it!

I like to listen to this CD in short bits -- a few songs at a time. For some reason I find it to be fatiguing if I listen for more than 20 minutes or so. I'm not absolutely sure why this is so. Possibly the meter is just a little too metronomic on many of the songs. This lends a "mechanical" quality to the performances.

Additionally, I felt that the dynamic range was restricted. The music does get louder and softer, because of the piano rolls themselves and because of the computer programming used to read the piano rolls -- the dynamics were deliberately adjusted by the record producers in some spots, if I read the liner notes correctly. And yet. And yet. Still these songs do not dynamically "breathe" fully in and out the way they ought to. I find this disappointing, but I think it has something to do with inherent limitations in piano roll recording technique. I'm guessing.

Taken for what it is, it is an interesting concept, and the sound quality is very pleasant. The performances are very good for piano rolls, but fall short of what a good interpreter could do. Take, for example, the Rhapsody in Blue from Woody Allen's Manhattan soundtrack. Listen specifically to the piano part -- the dynamics and variations in rhythm. This is not by any means the best performance of Rhapsody, but it is better than the Gershwin rolls.

Gershwin's playing overated.......2006-04-09

After I heard this cd I bought Gershwin plays Gershwin on the naxos label which arn't piano rolls. Any pianist can tell that many of these rolls are heavily edited and can't be played by a pianists with two hands. On the naxos album that has some of these same songs Gershwin's actual playing doesn't sound very good. Many of Gershwins contempories such as James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake, Luckey Roberts and even Zez Confrey were much better pianists than he was, however they didn't have his melodic gifts as a composer. I would recommend Artis Whodhouse's
transcriptions of Jelly Roll Morton's piano rolls (on the same label) instead because most of those are exactly how he played them and in my opinion Morton was a better musician in every way than Gershwin.

The jazzy Gershwin. What a CD!!!!!!!.......2006-02-23

I got this CD as a gift. I am all for the austrogerman post- romantic music and as imagined Gershwin is not my favourite composer. I know him from his best known works such as the 'Rhapsody", the 'American' and his great songs. This CD is a treasure as mentioned from other reviewers of this site. Gershwin full of passion, his music being jazzy to the very end and that great feeling you get after a great live performance is present all over the length of this 'treasure'. No question about the presence of the music. Not to be missed

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason

Average customer rating:

It's Dreamy
My Favorite Composer of all time
An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears
OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!
It's simply lovely

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Thomas Hampson , Jay Ungar , Molly Mason , Garrison Keillor , David Alpher , Mark Rust , Michael Parloff , Peter Ecklund , John Kirk , Arnold Kinsella , and Stephen Foster
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Song of Home
Song of America
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Civil War Classics
Stephen Foster Song Book

ASIN: B000002SK7
Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

Opening Solo Violin
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Hard Times Come Again No More
The Voice Of Bygone Days
Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
That's What's The Matter
Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
Gentle Annie (1856)
Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Average customer rating:

Let the Buyer Beware
Historical and Pristine
"Rhapsody In Blue"

Gershwin Plays Rhapsody in Blue

Manufacturer: Shout Factory
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris

ASIN: B000098ZSS
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue
An American In Paris
Swanee
Walkin' The Dog
Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
Somebody Loves Me
Our Love Is Here To Stay
S'Wonderful
Embraceable You
Oh, Lady Be Good

Customer Reviews:

Let the Buyer Beware.......2007-01-12

I do not disagree on any level with the other reviewers of this CD. However, the content is recorded from piano rolls rather than directly from the artist. This fact is not explicitly presented on the web page. Yes, if one clicks on the CD cover photo to get an enlarged image, one can read "First recording 1924 from rare piano rolls" at the bottom in small type. Not everyone will do this however. For this reason alone I only rate this product 3 stars.

Historical and Pristine.......2006-12-22

This compilation of Gershwin selections taken from the piano rolls of the composer offer a perfect introduction to the music of Gershwin, offering a balance between his serious symphonic pieces and his accessible popular songs. Beginning with two of his concert works, "The Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris," the CD just hints at what the composer accomplished in the concert hall and the world of serious music. To my understanding, the "Rhapsody in Blue" was originally performed at a concert titled 'An Experiment in Modern Music' in 1924 at Aeolian Hall in New York. The piece was performed by an orchestra with Paul Whiteman as director, and with the composer at the piano as part of a concert experiment in jazz. The version on this CD is a piano adaptation created by the composer based off of the original symphonic work.

"An American in Paris" is also a concert work that did not achieve the widespread adoration that the Rhapsody has garnered. It was intended by the composer to capture the emotions of a tourist visiting Paris, and was purportedly auto-biographical. It was performed in 1928 at New York's Carnegie Hall with Walter Damrosch conducting the New York Philharmonic. It received mixed reviews at the time but remains a favorite of Gershwin's classical works. Like the "Rhapsody," the version included here is a piano adaptation of the original orchestral work.

The remaining works on the CD are those of a popular composer, the flipside of Gershwin's career. No other American composer (or any for that matter) has strattled these two different fields of music with the success with which George Gershwin did. And the popular songs, among them, "Embraceable You," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and "Love is Here to Stay" have achieved enormous pop culture penetration and secure Gershwin's place in history as a master of popular song composition. Notably missing from this CD, however, are Ira Gershwin's contributions, i.e. the words, which add an element important to these songs' true place in history. Along with Ira's contributions come the countless Gershwin vocal interpreters who helped to realize these songs' true significance and their dispersion throughout the American popular music idiom.

On these versions, it is simply Gershwin playing his works (albeit the recordings are taken from his piano rolls, not an actual live recording). In these arrangements, the melodies are incorporated into lush and often convoluted harmonic accompaniment, in which the melody often becomes lost (i.e., the bridge or B section of "Oh, Lady Be Good!"). However, the opportunity to hear the composer express the harmonic possibilities of these disguisingly "simple" American tunes is truly a valuable one. The particular bouncing style with which Gershwin jumps from chord to chord to accompany his melodies is clearly apparent on many of these tunes, and that is an aspect borrowed from Ragtime that contributes to Gershwin being labeled as a uniquely "American" styled composer. The idiosyncracy of his composition and playing are tied together and come to life on this CD. The harmonic statements are sophisticated and evasive to the common ear, and the rhythmic precision and prolificity are legendary. Together with the melody, these elements of the musical composition on which Gershwin demonstrates mastery come together to produce a truly quintessential and essential Gershwin compilation.

"Rhapsody In Blue".......2006-07-12

"This piece (Rhapsody In Blue) seemed to sweep through my mind. It was the heart of America, the feverishness of life, the musical welter of races, of peoples, their joys and their passions, their dissipations and their exaltations." ~ George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 - July 11, 1937) ~

Today, July 11, 2006, marks the 69th death anniversary of one of America's most versatile songwriters, George Gershwin. The birth of one of my favorite jazz-infused-classical pieces, "Rhapsody In Blue" in 1924 made Mr. Gershwin an overnight and sensational star and had gained him a worldwide recognition. He had been my late parents' (and mine, too) favorite composer along with Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and Cole Porter. His harmonious collaboration with his brother, Ira Gershwin, had produced the most beautiful songs of all-time. They were the most prolific team of songwriters and their compositions have been recorded countless times by famous interpreters of Great American Songbook such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Michael Feinstein, Natalie Cole, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Steve Tyrell, Diana Krall, John Pizzarelli, Michael Bublé and Chris Botti, among many others.

This CD is a musical treasure and one that I would strongly recommend not only to any Gershwin enthusiast but also to any new fan for this includes the original recording of "Rhapsody In Blue" from rare Piano Rolls. The sound quality is just terrific. It highlights two of his major works - "Rhapsody In Blue" (1924) and "An American In Paris" (1928). It also features some of his well-known popular songs and favorites of mine, my parents' theme songs "Our Love Is Here To Stay" and "Embraceable You." It has been said that Mr. Gershwin functioned best and had written his very best compositions at 3 o'clock in the morning and when he finish eight bars that he likes, he can finish a chorus in a few minutes, like the songs "`S Wonderful" and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off." This recording also includes "Swanee," "Walkin' The Dog," "Somebody Loves Me," and "Oh, Lady Be Good."

It's so amazing that he composed frequently and never run out of inspirations for writing melodic tunes that are so pleasing to the ears. He can write three to five songs in a single afternoon. When he completed the melody of a song, he gives it to Ira to write words to it. He was such a genius and played the piano by ear after a fashion, tapping out the tunes with a finger.

Not known to many, Mr. Gershwin had tried his hand at painting. I've seen a portrait of himself that he painted a year before his death from brain cancer, and I would say, it's a beautiful work of art, almost like a work of a professional painter. He could have been a great painter.

George Gershwin will always be remembered as one of the greatest 20th Century composers and his music will always linger in the hearts of music lovers like me who truly appreciate and enjoy fine music.

Average customer rating:

A Fine Soundtrack of a Fine Movie
Review(How original huh?)
Music that transcends simple meaning...

A River Runs Through It

Manufacturer: Milan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007NFL54
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

A River Runs Through It
Casting Presbyterian Style
A Land Filled With Wonder
Down The Alley (With You)
A Summer Of Lumber And Fishing
Shooting The Schutes
Three Fishermen
A Trip To The Unknown
A Four Count Rhythm
The Shiek Of Araby
Bye Bye Blackbird - Prudence Johnson
Je Ne Sais Quois
Swing Me High, Swing Me Low
A Place Remembered
A Remark Was Passed
Rugged Cross
Muskrat Ramble
Rawhide
The Wild Ride
Early Departure
The Splendor In The Grass
Jessie And Norman
Lolo's
The High Road
Yes, Quite A Day
A Fine Fisherman And The Big Blackfoot River
The Moment That Could Not Last
Too Deep For Tears
Without Complete Understanding
In The Half-Light Of The Canyon
Haunted By Waters - A River Runs Through It (Reprise)
Exclusive Interview With Mark Isham

Album Description

A River Runs Through It features Mark Isham's Grammy-and Academy Award-nominated score, plus the songs "The Sheik of Araby" written by Harry B. Smith, Ted Snyder & Francis Wheeler, "Bye Bye Blackbird" written by Mort Dixon & Ray Henderson, and "Muskrat Ramble" written by Ray Gilbert and Edward 'Kid' Ory.

Customer Reviews:

A Fine Soundtrack of a Fine Movie.......2007-07-15

I basically love the movie, because it's poetic along with Montana wilderness and I am a fly-fisherman. I have just bought this CD as my background music while I am tying flies. And it works very very well. Each track reminds me of each moment of the movie, especially, tracks from Track 25 "Yes, Quite a Day" to Track 31 "Hauted by Waters" just make me poignant. An exclusive interview with the composer is also very unique and worth to hear about the background of the movie. "The Moment That Could Not Last" last only 1:24, how about in our real life? Is it gonna be like Paul's? I am hautend by this soundtrack.

Review(How original huh?).......2007-01-25

Personally, this is one of the absolute BEST soundtracks I have ever listened to. The music is calming, soothing, and truly wonderful. The music is so well put together and nicely coordinated and I feel like I am watching the movie again...it also makes great to read the Laura Ingalls Wilder books too. Try it...you might be suprised how well it fits. :)

Music that transcends simple meaning..........2006-07-16

Mark Isham's score for the motion picture A River Runs Through It is one of the most memorable and emotionally captivating film scores of all time. The arrangements of strings, piano, woodwinds create a meditative and reflective range of music throughout the film capturing all the emotions of this powerful drama about an American family in rural Montana. It is at once deeply haunting, moving, nostalgic and sentimental and captures the innocence and beauty of nature and childhood, as well as darker themes of rebellion and tragedy. There is a profound sense of emotion that is embedded within the music that sweeps over me every time I hear it. A combination of happiness, sadness, excitement, and reflection. There is something simply sweeping and majestic within his music. I couldn't think of anything else that would better compliment the film. Highly recommended.

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Cliff at his Best
One of the great personalities of the Jazz Age!
Cliff Edwards: A Great Talent!!!
one of the true originals
The Saddest Story

Singin' in the Rain
Cliff Ukelele Ike Edwards
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

Singin' In The Rain
Hard-Hearted Hannah
Somebody Loves Me
Fascinatin' Rhythm
Oh, Lady Be Good!
Who Takes Care Of The Caretaker's Daughter?
Dinah
Sunday
I'm Tellin' The Birds, I'm Tellin' The Bees
Mary Ann
Together
Anything You Say!
Just Like A Melody Out Of The Sky
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
That's My Weakness Now
Half-Way To Heaven
I'll See You In My Dreams
I'm Going To Give It To Mary With Love
It's Only A Paper Moon
My Dog Loves Your Dog
It's An Old Southern Custom
The Night Is You And You're So Beautiful
Give A Little Whistle
When You Wish Upon A Star
It Had To Be You/Paddlin' Madelin' Home

Amazon.com

Although Cliff Edwards, also known as Ukulele Ike, was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s he is almost forgotten today. He was the first performer to do the classic "Singing in the Rain," he debuted Gershwin's "Fascinatin' Rhythm" in 1924, and he acted in over 100 movies. Unfortunately, he received no screen credit for his most famous role--as the voice of Jiminy Cricket in Walt Disney's Pinocchio. His version of "When You Wish Upon a Star" is still the definitive version of that classic song. Cliff Edwards deserves to be remembered, and a good place to rediscover him is on Singing in the Rain, a collection of songs from the 1910s, '20s, and '30s recorded for radio in the early '40s. He accompanies his jazzy vocals with his virtuoso ukulele playing. His performances have a surprisingly modern feel with none of the stilted quality that performers from the '20s can have. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Cliff at his Best.......2007-03-09

Before he was "Jiminy Cricket", Cliff was a great jazz skat singer. These recordings capture his sense of rhythm, range and inventiveness. His range is amazing. He can go from baritone to counter tenor effortlessly.

I've often thought that the Disney drawings of Jiminy Cricket were intentionally made to look like Cliff.

One of the great personalities of the Jazz Age!.......2006-07-27

Wow! Ever since I've watched a few Cliff Edwards movies, I've gotten addicted to his voice. The song selection on this CD is good, and is really a great tribute to him. Still, I was dissapointed to not find the song Night Owl on it. I thought it was really a catchy tune and I would have loved it to be on this CD. It was a song from a musical called Take a Chance, with him(Cliff Edwards), James Dunn, Lillian Roth, June Knight, and Charles(Buddy)Rogers. It's a good movie other than Pinocchio of Edwards's.

Cliff Edwards: A Great Talent!!!.......2005-06-05

Cliff Edwards was a big star in the 20s and 30s. No, he wasn't a handsome crooner and he didn't enter into the Swing movement. His career as a successful singer was too brief. But just listen to this wonderful album from ASV/Living Era. I was captivated by the first song! I was totally entranced listening to his excellent voice and unique style of singing. He can be lighthearted on songs like "Who Takes Care of the Caretaker's Daughter?" but he can also put his heart into songs such as "I Can't Give You Anything But Love". Today people think Gene Kelly was the originator of "Singin" In the Rain" but just listen to Cliff sing it! It was his song and a momumental hit for him. He introduced the song in "Hollywood Revue of 1929", an MGM film that was a box office hit. Cliff Edwards had a knack for comedy, after all, he knew he was not the type women would swoon over, but he was a very superb musician and this CD is evidence of his diverse talent. I love this album and I am so glad I have it in my collection of music from the 20s and 30s. Why Cliff isn't given the credit due to him as a innovative musician is a mystery. If you like Jazz from this era, this CD is for you!!! I cannot recommend it highly enough. The notes that Cliff could reach are amazing. He transformed every song he recorded into his own. That shows true artistry. If anyone knows who he is, they know him for being the voice of Jiminy Cricket which he was excellent at but he left behind these superb recordings. From songs with a touch of humour to heart-felt songs all done so very, very well. This CD is seventy-three minutes of great music from a truly gifted musician. Buy it!!! You won't regret it. You will be captivated by his music. I hestitated but I remembered his great performance in "Hollywood Revue of 1929" of "Singing In the Rain". I have come to appreciate and treasure Cliff Edwards' talent so much more from this superb collection of his recordings. I believe that you will too. I would give it six stars if I could but it deserves five stars. Don't hesitate and treat yourself to a talented artist whom you will thoroughly enjoy.

one of the true originals.......2005-05-06

Cliff Edwards, what a talent! Nobody knows who he is anymore, but his music is a segement or original Americana, just listen to this CD and you'll be feeling great. It's a real pleasure to listen to music so stripped down yet lyrical nevertheless. And there are 32 great tracks on this CD (even though they run a couple of minutes each, each one is a gem)! I would love to see a movie made about Cliff's life someday, a true American tragedy. This recording was made from a radio transcription in 1943, long after Cliff had initially made his mark. He was singing "scat' back in the 20's before that style of singing even had a name. And don't forget that he is the voice of Jiminy Cricket ("When You Wish Upon A Star")!

The Saddest Story.......2005-03-04

Wait till you hear the passion and the wit with which Cliff sings the famous Billy Rose number, "The Night Is Young (And You're So Beautiful." I love the optimism and the subtlety of the lyrics, "When the lady is kissable, and the evening is cool, any dream is permissable--in the heart of a fool." Elsewhere the track uses the word "overamorous"--when was the last time you heard that in a song lyric?

Cliff was born in Hannibal, Missouri and had the class to brag that he hailed from the same burg as none other than Tom Sawyer. Like Tom Sawyer, he was a boy at heart. Even his trademark uke had a boyish charm to it, and he could wield it like nobody's business. It is said that at the top of his popularity, music stores were selling ukeleles at a rate of 250 a week, a feat unmatched ever since.

This LP, made in the 40s while Cliff's voice had attained a golden lustre, shows him at his best. It's simple, and unadorned, but you will surely get a tear in your eye when you hear him whisper:

"Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in to see you through/
When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true."

It didn't happen for Cliff Edwards, but it can still happen to you.

Average customer rating:

The Best Recordings of George Gershwin's Piano Improvisations

Gershwin Plays Gershwin

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Strauss: Four Last Songs; Wagner" Excerpts from Tristan und Isolde & Götterdämmerung
Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls
The Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 2
Reflection
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No1, Op107; Violin Concerto No1 (revised), Op99

ASIN: B000053HK5
Release Date: 2001-01-16

Tracks:

Swanee
Sweet And Low Down
That Certain Feeling
Looking For A Boy
When Do We Dance?
Do-Do-Do
Someone To Watch Over Me
Clap Yo' Hands
Maybe
My One And Only
'S Wonderful - Funny Face
Rhap In Blue
Prld No.1
Prld No.2
Prld No.3
Rhap In Blue: Andante
Second Rhap

Customer Reviews:

The Best Recordings of George Gershwin's Piano Improvisations.......2006-08-09

This low priced CD is the greatest presentation of George Gershwin's incredible improvisational skill, reworking his popular hits of the day into complex arrangements that can hold the interest of the 'most discriminating music lover.' These disc recordings are much more lifelike than the well known piano-roll CDs. On this Cd Gershwin's filled-in tenth cords in his left hand along with his consecutive four-note chord spreads to the octave with his right, cross rhythms, and virtuoso embellishments give the piano arrangements a full sound. The recording of 'Swanee' is a small 1919 group recording of the Van Eps Quartet with a young George Gershwin at the piano and Nathan Glantz on the saxaphone. The Van Eps Quartet plays in a yiddish sounding style which accents Swanee's rooting in yiddish music. The next recordings are of George Gershwin at the piano recorded in 1926 and 1928. This CD also includes the 1924 Paul Whiteman orchestra recording of 'Rhapsody in Blue' with the composer at the piano. The arrangement was shortened to about 9 minutes in order to fit onto the two sides of a 78rmp record, but I think this is the best recording of 'Rhapsody in Blue' ever recorded, because this was recorded when 'Rhapsody in Blue' was New, Exciting, and Full of Life. This recording lets the humor that was originally intended by Gershwin shine through. His own recording of his three preludes is the best rendition of the popular preludes. Gershwin stands as the best performer of his own works, and this CD is the best example of his own playing. The improvisations of his show tunes on this CD are much more fleshed out than his brief radio recordings available elsewhere, although I recommend trying to find all of his recordings. Gershwin's solo piano arrangement of the Andante section of Rhapsody in Blue is another opportunity to hear George play his own material. The last recording on the disc is a 1931 rehersal of 'Second Rhapsody' which George Gershwin had recorded onto disc by NBC for him to listen to. Once again, George Gershwin is the best interpreter of his own works, and this CD is the best document of Gershwin playing Gershwin.

George Gershwin · The 100th Birthday Celebration / A. McDonald · Stokes Mitchell · Ohlsson · SFS · Tilson Thomas

Average customer rating:

Brilliant
Excellent recording

George Gershwin · The 100th Birthday Celebration / A. McDonald · Stokes Mitchell · Ohlsson · SFS · Tilson Thomas
George Gershwin , Michael Tilson Thomas , Audra McDonald , Brian Stokes Mitchell , San Francisco Symphony , and Garrick Ohlsson
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brian Stokes Mitchell
South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall
How Glory Goes
Happy Songs
Build a Bridge

ASIN: B00000B9MN
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

Catfish Row - Summertime
Porgy Sings
Fugue
Bess, You is My Woman Now
Hurricane
My Man's Gone Now
There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon
Good Mornin' Sistuh !
Second Rhapsody for Orchestra with Piano

Tracks:

An American In Paris
Concerto In F For Piano And Orchestra - Allegro
Concerto In F For Piano And Orchestra - Adagio
Concerto In F For Piano And Orchestra - Allegro Agitato

Amazon.com essential recording

Michael Tilson Thomas's Gershwin credentials are second to none, and include several recording premieres, most notably the first modern version of the original jazz band orchestration of Rhapsody in Blue (for Sony/Columbia). This new double-CD set offers an impressive selection of Gershwin favorites and rarities: the Second Rhapsody, with Tilson Thomas himself at the piano; An American in Paris; the Concerto in F, this time with Garrick Ohlssohn as soloist; and finally, Gershwin's own Catfish Row suite from Porgy and Bess, here fleshed out with the best and most popular songs from the opera, ably sung by Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell. As a tribute to America's most popular composer, these swinging, idiomatic performances are irresistible. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2006-08-09

Clean, full sound and the best singers for Porgy and Bess around these days.

Excellent recording.......2000-08-19

This is simply one of the best renditions of Gershwin yet recorded. Exciting, and technically flawless, MTT has again proven his skill and mastery at conducting. Finally, the San Francisco Symphony has joined the ranks of the worlds other great orchestras. If you like Gershwin, get this recroding before any other!

Irving Berlin In Hollywood (Film Score Anthology)

Average customer rating:

Irving Berlin IS American Music
Worth it for Ethel Merman Alone!
A Great Compilation!!!
this cd is a great patchwork of artists

Irving Berlin In Hollywood (Film Score Anthology)
Irving Berlin
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Puttin' on the Ritz: Capitol Sings Irving Berlin
The Melody Lingers On: 25 Songs Of Irving Berlin
Songs of Irving Berlin

ASIN: B00000HZEP
Release Date: 1999-02-16

Tracks:

The Hostess With The Mostess - Ethel Merman
Steppin' Out With My Baby - Fred Astaire
I Got The Sun In The Morning - Betty Hutton
Mandy - Eddie Cantor/Ethel Merman/George Murphy/Ann Sothern
Blue Skies - Al Jolson
Puttin' On the Ritz - Clark Gable
Isn't This A Lovely Day (To Be Caught In The Rain) - Fred Astaire
Shaking The Blues Away - Ann Miller
Heat Wave - Ethel Merman
Vaudeville Medley From Easter Parade - Judy Garland/Fred Astaire
Let Me Sing And I'm Happy - Al Jolson
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody - Allan Jones
Top Hat, White Tie And Tails - Fred Astaire
Colonel Buffalo Bill (Outtake) - Howard Keel/Keenan Wynn/Geraldine Wall
You Can't Get A Man With A Gun - Betty Hutton
Marching Along With Time (Outtake) - Ethel Merman
They Say It's Wonderful (Outtake) - Judy Garland/Howard Keel
Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire
After You Get What You Want, You Don't Want It - Marilyn Monroe
Anything You Can Do (Outtake) - Judy Garland/Howard Keel
You're Just In Love - Ethel Merman/Donald O'Connor
Let's Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
Easter Parade - Fred Astaire/Judy Garland
There's No Business Like Show Business - Betty Hutton/Howard Keel/Keenan Wynn/Louis Calhern
Alexander's Ragtime Band - Alice Faye

Amazon.com

Irving Berlin's songs defined popular music in Tin Pan Alley, and once the talkies took over, the composer who helped shape ragtime found a second wind, churning out movie song after movie song that kept him in the entertainment spotlight. Irving Berlin in Hollywood focuses on these songs, made unforgettable by the likes of Fred Astaire, Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, and the full-throated Betty Hutton. It's infectious stuff, brimming with romance and timeless themes; even today it's hard not to be caught in the charms of songs like "Anything You Can Do" or "Cheek to Cheek." Because of licensing difficulties, there are some obvious omissions from some of Berlin's finest screen moments (no Holiday Inn or White Christmas tracks), but there are plenty of gems here (tracks from Easter Parade, Annie Get Your Gun, Top Hat, and Alexander's Ragtime Band). A few previously unreleased Merman tunes and great liner notes by Ian Whitcomb make this a must-have for musical lovers and one of the best collections of Berlin's music. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Irving Berlin IS American Music.......2000-12-12

This is a great compilation of film performances of songs by the king of American standards. Berlin wrote many songs which were introduced by Fred Astaire and Ethel Merman, an there is a nice sampling of these two artists here. Jolson's "Blue Skies" from 1927's THE JAZZ SINGER also appears, and many many others. "You're Just in Love" is one of the most brilliant pieces of melody/countermelody overlapping in the history of music and will be stuck in your head for days. You will also find both Judy Garland AND Betty Hutton's ANNIE GET YOUR GUN songs here, along with a bevy of other greats.

Worth it for Ethel Merman Alone!.......1999-06-05

The work of Irving Berlin is still as fresh as ever, and I have a new appreciation for the late Ethel Merman based on her swingy, energetic rendition of "Marching Along With Time," which was one of the best musical numbers to wind up on the cutting room floor -- thankfully, it was resurrected and we can enjoy it today. Today's youthful swing fans should hear it and realize what the truly hot stuff really sounds like!

A Great Compilation!!!.......1999-04-27

I just bought this CD a few days ago and already it's one of my favorite CD's ever! Each song is bright, original, and catchy. I'd never heard most of them before, but after having listened to them only a few times, they seem to fit my ears like an old glove. (That's an odd image...) If you see this CD, buy it!!!

this cd is a great patchwork of artists.......1999-02-19

i enjoy listening to this gay music all through the day and i even play it while i have dinner parties!

Anything Goes (1988 Studio Cast) - Cole Porter

Average customer rating:

The Original, but not the Better
Anything Goes - Cole Porter
An excellent additionto the Cole Porter fan's collection.
A PLEASANT SURPRISE . . .
As close to the original 1934 performance as we'll ever get!

Anything Goes (1988 Studio Cast) - Cole Porter
Cole Porter , Kim Criswell , Bruce Hubbard , Frederica von Stade , John McGlinn , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Anything Goes
Anything Goes
Oh, Kay! (1994 Studio Recording)

ASIN: B000002RRA
Release Date: 1990-05-08

Tracks:

Anything Goes: Overture
Anything Goes: Act One: I Get A Kick Out Of You (Reno)
Anything Goes: Act One: Bon Voyage (Boys, Girls)
Anything Goes: Act One: All Through The Night (Billy, Hope)
Anything Goes: Act One: There'll Always Be A Lady Fair
Anything Goes: Act One: Where Are The Men? (Chorus)
Anything Goes: Act One: You're The Top (Billy, Reno)
Anything Goes: Act One: Encore: You're The Top (Reno, Billy)
Anything Goes: Act One: Reprise: There'll Always Be A Lady Fair
Anything Goes: Act One: Anything Goes (Reno)
Anything Goes: Act One: Finale Act One (Billy, Hope, Moonface, Reno)
Anything Goes: Act One: Entr'acte
Anything Goes: Act Two: Public Enemy Number One (Chorus)
Anything Goes: Act Two: What A Joy To Be Young (Hope)
Anything Goes: Act Two: Blow, Gabriel, Blow (Reno, Company)
Anything Goes: Act Two: Be Like The Bluebird (Moonface)
Anything Goes: Act Two: Buddie, Beware (Reno)
Anything Goes: Act Two: The Gypsy In Me (Hope)
Anything Goes: Act Two: Finale Ultimo (All)
Anything Goes: Appendix: There's No Cure Like Travel (Boys, Girls)
Anything Goes: Appendix: Kate The Great (Reno, Angels)
Anything Goes: Appendix: Waltz Down The Aisle (Evelyn, Hope)

Amazon.com

Along with Kiss Me, Kate, 1934's Anything Goes is usually thought to be Cole Porter's finest show. Even without a young belter named Ethel Merman as the lead, the show's parade of hits ("I Get a Kick Out of You," "All Through the Night," "You're the Top," and "Blow, Gabriel, Blow") would have secured it a place in Broadway's pantheon. This recording is the first one to use the original 1934 arrangements, painstakingly reconstructed with the help of one of the original arrangers, Hans Spialek, and it also includes three songs cut from the original production. And the excellent cast does the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor John McGlinn proud: Kim Craswell is her usual powerhouse as Reno Sweeney (if only a little brittle around the edges sometimes), while mezzo Frederica von Stade smoothly adapts to musical theater as Hope Harcourt. All musical-theater lovers should have Anything Goes in their collection, and this recording is quite a worthy one. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

The Original, but not the Better.......2007-01-31

This CD is quite a classic, as it is Anything Goes, but in as close to its original form as possible. The other recordings of Anything Goes have been altered significantly with dropped and added songs. This CD also is very much in the classical musical theater style. This seems to be an ensemble piece, with big chorus numbers mixed in equally with love duets, and the occasional ballad. After listening to a few tracks, you will surely have a tune stuck in your head, but the nice thing is none of these are annoying tunes. The singers (save one) are great; the lyrics are decent, although sometimes predictable, and the orchestration is out in full grandeur. I would suggest this for collectors, older listeners, or listeners of the older musicals. This is not one for the newer listeners who are captivated with the likes of Wicked and Tarzan. For the newer listeners I would suggest getting the 1962 Off-Broadway Cast, it has a much fresher feel to it, and I prefer it to this one. Favorite Song: "Anything Goes"

Anything Goes - Cole Porter.......2006-03-18

I'm too young to have heard this music when it was originally released, but heard some of the songs on the radio as part of a Cole Porter feature and liked them. I looked up the details on the BBC website and tried to find the same recording on-line. The only way I could get it was ordering from Amazon America, which I did. No problems - delivery within 2 weeks and (including postage) same cost as a full price CD in UK.

If you know any of these songs and want to hear them recorded with original orchestration, without anything added or taken away, and sung by very good singers, then this will fit the bill.

Orchestration is very good, nothing too lush or fancy, it just fits the words perfectly. And beautifully recorded.

The singers are all very good except for Jack Gilford who I personally thought was awful - but he only features once. Kim Criswell is exceptional.

With the CD comes a very informative booklet, giving full text of the lyrics, background to how the musical came to be written, and an explanation of the context of the topics covered by the songs.

I'm very glad I went to the trouble of getting this CD. If you want to hear Cole Porter's musical as it sounded originally, then get this!

An excellent additionto the Cole Porter fan's collection........2005-09-22

If you like Cole Porter and/or musical comedies, don't miss this item. The performances are outstanding. The entire production is faithful to the original production. Also included is a very thorough booklet, which even has a glossary explaining Porter's allusions in his lyrics.

A PLEASANT SURPRISE . . . .......2005-08-07

My introduction to ANYTHING GOES was the 1962 revival on LP. (Remember LPs? Remember when vinyl meant music and not imitation leather?) With it I became an Eileen Rodgers fan and remain so to this day. (Would someone please re-issue the original Broadway cast recording of TENDERLOIN so Broadway fans may hear Ms. Rodgers belt "Little Old New York" as only she can? I was fortunate to purchase the Angel Broadway CD before Capitol dropped it, along with many other fine cast recording. Shame!!!) Anyway, I like this version and highly recommend it, especially for its restored original orchestrations and for the excellence of its three leads. Yes, the Ambrosian Singers are too well trained and "proper" to sing "Broadway" and the bits of dialogue reveal how the "book" played second fiddle to the music in those days. Thankfully, this would change with SHOW BOAT, and John McGlinn's EMI recording of the complete score with dialoge - although not my favorite - is an invaluable document and needs to be in any serious collection of Broadway show recordings.

I truly appreciate the authenticity of this (ANYTHING GOES) project. I only wish McGlinn and company had not approached the show with kid gloves, because it lacks the energy and immediacy of a good Broadway cast recording. There were times, when listening, I felt as I often do in a museum. The piece of art is a classic and much to be admired, but don't get too close. And you mustn't touch! Nevertheless, I highly recommend this recording. Kim Criswell deserves to be on your shelf along with Eileen Rodgers and Patti LuPone.

As close to the original 1934 performance as we'll ever get!.......2004-10-23

Of the many ANYTHING GOES recordings, this is the ONLY one to recreate the score as it was heard on opening night in 1934.

The later stage revivals (1962 and 1987) dropped some of the original songs and added other Cole Porter standards. While these versions play well on stage, there is something to be siad for hearing the original text and orchestrations. While no one can replace Ethel Merman's original star performance, it was not preserved because "original cast" albums were not being done in 1934. She did record some of the songs over the years but never with the original orchestrations. (Just think if EMI had made this set in the 1960s and brought Merman into the studio to record her interpretations! What a missed opportunity.) That said, Kim Criswell brings the requesite belt to Reno Sweeney's songs. Cris Groenendaal brings a pleasant light tenor to Billy Crocker's songs, and Frederica Von Stade (one of the few opera singers whose voice seems well suited to american musical theatre repretoire) is well suited to Hope's short musical scenes. As an ingenue, she doesn't get to sing all that much!

Not all is perfect. Jack Gilford was too old and frail having little voice left for Moonface Martin's number. And the Ambrosian singers sing correctly without having the proper "broadway" sound. Nevertheless, John McClinn conducts with precision, and the thick booklet is full of fascinating facts about the show, a detailed synopsis, all the lyrics and an amusing glossery explaing some of the obscure references in Porter's original lyrics.

Average customer rating:

Another strong Broadway by the Year

The Broadway Musicals of 1953

Manufacturer: Bayview
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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Broadway Musicals of 1960
Broadway Musicals of 1939
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ASIN: B0006OSDMW
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Big Black Giant [Me and Juliet]
Tin Pan Alley [John Murray Anderson's Almanac]
Little Bit in Love (Wonderful Town)
Quiet Girl (Wonderful Town)
How Far Can a Lady Go? [Carnival in Flanders]
Sudden Thrill [Carnival in Flanders]
Ohio (Wonderful Town)
Ev'ry Street's a Boulevard (In Old New York) [Hazel Flagg]
You Become Me/My Mind's on You [Maggie May]
C'est Magnifique [Can-Can]
Come Along with Me [Can-Can]
I Love Paris [Can-Can]
Stranger in Paradise [From Kismet]
You Can Take the Word of a Gentleman [Carnival in Flanders]
You're So Much a Part of Me [John Murray Anderson's Almanac]
One Hundred Easy Ways to Lose a Man (Wonderful Town)
Salomee [Hazel Flagg]
No Other Love [Me and Juliet]
Here's That Rainy Day [Carnival in Flanders]
And This Is My Beloved [From Kismet]
Baubles, Bangles and Beads [From Kismet]

Customer Reviews:

Another strong Broadway by the Year.......2006-08-20

Scott Seigel's concerts, Broadway by the Year gather a group of the current crop of Broadway performers and turn them loose on songs from Musicals that opened during 1 year on Broadway. It helps that 1953 was a strong year musically, with Bernstein's Wonderful Town, Porter's Can Can, Kismet and Me and Juliet from Rogers and Hammerstein. Jule Styne also chimed in with Hazel Flagg which contains one almost standard "Every Street's a Boulevard in Old New York. Some great stuff on this album, wonderfully sung as almost always. I love this series and hope to acquire each and every one at some point.

R&B Music:

R&B Music

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