Free Fall [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
Already one of the most appealing talents among contemporary flamenco guitarists, Jesse Cook skillfully expands his discography with a spirited, satisfying recording (his fourth) that reconfirms his position as one of the elite composer/performers in the genre. Specializing in "rumba flamenco," Cook (born in Paris to Canadian parents) here embellishes his vibrant playing with well-crafted arrangements and imaginative instrumental colors, from the gypsy violin of the title track to the involving Middle Eastern mystery of "Incantation" to the fascinating mix of Arabic strings and subtle hip-hop rhythms on the disc's most distinctive piece, "On Walks the Night." Cook's playing is intricate, challenging, and rewarding, bringing expressive flair even to his subdued ballads ("Virtue," "All That Remains"). He tacks on a vocal selection near the disc's conclusion, a modest reworking of Neil Finn's "Fall at Your Feet" (Danny Wilde of the Rembrandts, close to a Finn clone, is the singer), then closes the disc with an uncredited live track, the percussion-heavy "Mario Takes a Walk." That piece, along with "Rattle and Burn," is also presented in video form as part of an enhanced-CD package. Good listening. --Terry Wood

From Jazziz
With "On Walks the Night," the dramatic centerpiece tune on Jesse Cook's fourth Narada album Free Fall, the rumba-flamenco-styled guitarist practically creates a whole new genre: hip-hop gypsy. The tune begins with mystical vocal sounds and jungly soundscaping, then weaves a swelling Middle Eastern-flavored string section and Cook's plucky acoustic melody (and later a swaying harmony line created by George Gow's erhu, a Chinese violin) over crunchy, rolling urban grooves and thunderous percussion explosions. Toward the end, Cook takes the opportunity to do his trademark "bumble bee" improvising over what sounds like an Arabic film score.

None of the other 10 tracks on Free Fall are quite so inventive. There is densely, more intricately textured percussion, but the balance of speedy flamenco gems and thoughtful ballads reminds us the best of Cook's previous work. On "Switchback," the train-track percussion and zippy basslines push Cook to breakneck speeds on his harmony lines, which roll along quickly beneath a hooky melody. The groove on "Air" is more loping, but the melody is jumpy and enchanting. Normally, it's nice to mix a few ballads with the party tunes, but thoughtful pieces like "Virtue" - while perfect for romance and radio - detract from the real fun here. "Incantation" is the perfect compromise, beginning as a transcendental meditation before exploding into a percussive jam complete with Djivan Gasparyan's duduq, a wailing Arabic wind instrument, which blends beautifully with the erhu.

Tracks:

Feather Theme From Forest Gump
Main Theme From A River Runs Through It
Robert and Mary From Rob Roy
'We Meet Again' From Jerry McGuire
The Ludlows From Legends Of The Fall - Paul Patterson
'You Must Love Me' From Evita
Love Theme, 'Doe Eyes' From The Bridges Of Madison Couny
Colors Of The Wind From Pocahontas
'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' From The Mission
Suite: I. 'Whale Play'/II. 'Farewell And Freedom' From Free Willy
Love Theme From Forever Young
Love Theme From Cinema Paradiso
Main Theme From Rudy
Main Theme From Chaplin
End Credits From Grumpier Old Men
'Act Of Faith' From Bugsy
Main Theme From Schindler's List - Alexander Kerr
Reunion And Finale From Gettysburg

Customer Reviews:

Hooray for Hollywood.......2007-07-22

I bought this CD to go with an Academy Awards/Hollywood Walk-of-Fame theme party at work. It was the perfect accompaniment and mood setter.

It was February and a group of us decorated the lounge with black, gold, and silver tableclothes and balloon bouquets, and scattered around clap boards and faux film strip on the tables, along with movie trivia cards and black and gold wrapped mints. I made a walk-of-fame star for every employee and taped them on the walls around the room. We also laid down a red carpet from the entrance of the room to about the center with the decorated tables flanking both sides. We sat up the snack table with a sign that said, "Studio Commissary" and went with theme snacks like "James Bonbons with Halle Berry sauce," and "The Queen's scones." Each week we took a quarter of the walk-of-fame stars and posted them on the bulletin board for the staff to write peer compliments under. At the end of the week these stars were taken down and the next set of stars was posted.

This CD really set the mood for employees as they entered the lounge for the first time on that first day after it was decorated, and during the party at the end of the month. The month ended with an Academy Award party with an Oscar going to each employee for outstanding effort in whatever category (best dressed, best supporting staff member, most animated story teller, most pleasant entercom voice, most punctual, best sense of humor, most artistic, etc.), and they were given their stars with the peer compliments attached to the back. Everyone commented on how special they felt and how neat the theme was. Good morale booster.

This CD would also be perfect for the ambiance at your own Academy Awards party at home. Print out those ballots, cast your votes, pop some popcorn and pass around the Juji fruits, and let's watch the Oscars!

Kunzel does it yet again!.......2004-11-23

Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops do a great job everytime, and this is no exception. I'm telling you, if you ever thought that purely intrumental/orchestral was unattractive, this will change your mind. Never a disappointment!

Movie Music.......2002-12-12

If you love that music from all those movies you've seen, then this is the CD you want! It is fantastic!! I want more!! I hope Erich Kunzel will come out with some music from older movies and maybe some TV programs. Listening to his music is better than watching the movie.

More than Beautiful!!.......2002-12-11

This is the absolute best CD they ever put together! And that is saying a lot as we are very picky about what music we like. This is the kind of music that makes you 'feel' deeply. It encourages you to dream big and love living! Forget the grooves, drums and bangs and listen to something incredibly beatiful! You won't be sorry for the money invested in this one bit of sanity in such a hectic world.

This is the one you should own.......2002-10-27

If you are looking for just one solid collection of memorable movie themes, this is it. Other CDs mix marches and fanfares with quieter tracks, which makes for a jarring listening experience at times. This CD, however, has a consistent feel all the way through. Melodic, calming, and, best of all, interesting. These movie tracks weren't selected simply for their sound, but also because they are GOOD. You get the best of the best: James Horner, Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Randy Edelman.

Average customer rating:

Epic
nice fusion record!
A Clever Bag of Music
A band of musicians having fun!
A strong beginning for the Dixie Dregs, but not their best

Free Fall
The Dixie Dregs
Manufacturer: Capricorn / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

What If
Night of the Living Dregs
Unsung Heroes
Major Impacts, Vol. 2
Major Impacts

ASIN: B000009D68
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Free Fall
Holiday
Hand Jig
Moe Down
Refried Funky Chicken
Sleep
Cruise Control
Cosmopolitan Traveler
Dig The Ditch
Wages Of Weirdness
Northern Lights

Customer Reviews:

Epic.......2007-06-18

Not having listened to much Steve Morse/Dixie Dregs, this was my first purchase and what a great CD to buy! Thoroughly recommended to anyone.

nice fusion record!.......2006-11-15

This is my favorite Dixie Dregs album. The band sounds very tight, looking forward to show thier possibilities after years in endless music college and finally recording for a major label.

All the themes roll on in a free spirit mood, It doesn't have that peculiar feeling of great tension and emotional intensity you experience normally on fusion records of such bands from the same period as Return to Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Eleventh House or Weather Report. Not that i don't enjoy it, on the contrary, I dig 70's jazz fusion a lot. But fusion is not for ocasional distracted listening. Maybe the southern rock influence does the difference. However, I believe that this is not their true essence, because when they jam hard like real jazz musicians (and only jazz musicians) can do, that's when I stare at my cd player and say "Now, we're talking!".

The music here is very cool, all the musicians performance is great without extrapolations, specially guitar and bass parts.

So, I guess it's a band for musicians, yes, just like a fusion band has to be, but it's also highly recomended for people who are searching for fine melodies and well structured instrumental tunes. Morse and his fellows show that you can be a virtuose on your instrument, having a great sense of melody and composition and do not sound like a speedfreak machine repeating licks after licks trying to reach the speed of light.

my favorite tunes are free fall, holiday, refried funky chicken.

A Clever Bag of Music.......2006-09-03

My introduction to Steve Morse came secretly via his appearance on Triumph's final studio effort "Surveillance". I didn't pay much attention to the name of the guest player and it wasn't until almost 20 years later that I found out it was Morse. Now I am familiar with his work on the last four Deep Purple albums and I decided to check out his roots, going back to 1977 with this album. I had no idea what to expect. Rock/jazz fusion guitar and fiddling were on this album. What was I in for?

Musically, the album is really good. These guys know how to play what they play and they do it well. Every member contributes his skill right from jazzy drum rhythms, wicked bass grooves, searing fiddle playing, groovy keys, and of course, Morse's flying fingers on the fret board. There are no vocals. Every track is purely instrumental.

But what kind of music is this? It sounds to me as though the jazz band at my old college donated the tablatures for the music they played to various artists from the Windham Hill New Age/Folk collection (later Windham Hill was Morse's label!), the Rankin Family, the Alan Parsons Project, and some very talented young guitarist. Fortunately for me, I have albums by everyone mentioned above except the jazz band of my old college. Taking a moment to adjust, I was able to appreciate the music on this album. Particular favourites are "Refried Funky Chicken" and "Holiday", but other tracks are good too. This is, however, not the kind of music I am into at the moment and for that reason only will Dixie Dreggs not be making frequent visits to my CD player in the near future. The talent and music is extraordinary, though, and the album is fun. Four stars for sure; five for the talent and creativity.

A band of musicians having fun!.......2005-12-16

The Dixie Dregs played in the city park of my home town back around 1977 +/-. Their first album had been recently released and we were treated to all of these songs LIVE! All of the local musicians were awe struck with the musical complexities and the fact that the band was impeccably tight! Nevertheless, the band members just seemed to be having a fun day playing some tunes on a sunny afternoon!

There is hardly a music style that the Dregs don't touch on this album adding always their unexpected and unusual flare! It's a must buy for musicians!

A strong beginning for the Dixie Dregs, but not their best.......2003-05-18

This was the Dixie Dregs' first major-label album. Most of the Dregs albums were rock with a little fusion mixed in; this one is nearly pure fusion. Part of it is that they hadn't yet learned to capture their rock intensity on recordings (6 of the 11 songs have appeared on the Dregs' three live albums, and most sound better on those, especially "Holiday"); part is that drummer Rod Morgenstein hadn't finished making the transition from jazz to rock. The makings of the Dregs sound were there, Steve Morse was already an extraordinary guitarist, and it all sounds good, but it doesn't approach the amazingly high level of the "What If", "Dregs of the Earth", and "Unsung Heroes" albums. The highlights are "Cruise Control" (which sounds more like the live incarnation, with the guitar-drums middle section, than the "Unsung Heroes" version), "Refried Funky Chicken", and "Sleep" (a ballad with multiple layers of guitar synthesizer). This is a 3-1/2 star album.

Tracks:

Switchback
Air
Virtue
Free Fall
Paloma
Incantation
All That Remains
On Walks The Night
Querido Amigo
Viva
Fall At Your Feet

Amazon.com

Already one of the most appealing talents among contemporary flamenco guitarists, Jesse Cook skillfully expands his discography with a spirited, satisfying recording (his fourth) that reconfirms his position as one of the elite composer/performers in the genre. Specializing in "rumba flamenco," Cook (born in Paris to Canadian parents) here embellishes his vibrant playing with well-crafted arrangements and imaginative instrumental colors, from the gypsy violin of the title track to the involving Middle Eastern mystery of "Incantation" to the fascinating mix of Arabic strings and subtle hip-hop rhythms on the disc's most distinctive piece, "On Walks the Night." Cook's playing is intricate, challenging, and rewarding, bringing expressive flair even to his subdued ballads ("Virtue," "All That Remains"). He tacks on a vocal selection near the disc's conclusion, a modest reworking of Neil Finn's "Fall at Your Feet" (Danny Wilde of the Rembrandts, close to a Finn clone, is the singer), then closes the disc with an uncredited live track, the percussion-heavy "Mario Takes a Walk." That piece, along with "Rattle and Burn," is also presented in video form as part of an enhanced-CD package. Good listening. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Purely Stunning!.......2005-11-01

What Jesse is able to accomplish is jaw droppingly inhuman. His command of the fretboard surpasses maniacal practice and trancends into something only the gifted are capable of, and which leaves the rest of us scorned and ready to burn our instruments. And again he demonstrates nonchalently that Flamenco has so many ancestors that's it's perfectly fluent in virtually any style. Years from now when historians and educators look back on the procession of Flamenco scions and I think this generation will be his.

great cd!.......2005-09-09

I'm enjoying this cd and will probably order another one of Jesse Cook's cds soon.

A hybrid built on a hybrid.......2005-06-04

I had to chuckle at the irony of reviewers who criticized this recording for not being flamenco-ish enough. Flamenco itself is a fusion of Spanish, Gypsy, Moorish, and Jewish musical influences, not a pure-bred style. In addition, Cook is not from the old school of Sabicas, Serrano, or Heredia. Cook plays nouveau flamenco, which is itself an update of the traditional style and instrumentation. So, why is an futher experimentation by a modernizer of a hybrid music an artistic faux pas?

I love the stylistic explorations and fusions on this CD, just as I do on Ottmar Liebert's "Solo Para Ti." I like this recording better than Gravity, which had too much flashy technique masking the passion of flamenco for my taste. Here, Cook's technical skills are evident, but so is the soul of the music. The silences in the slow pieces frame emotional music. The slow, spare beginning of "Free Fall," for example, evokes the cool pre-dawn of the Arabian desert, while the busier passages reminded me of belly dances, with coins clinking against against each other on the dancers' costumes. By the middle of the piece, I was swaying, my energy rising and falling in sync with the progression of the song. "Incantation" is exactly that, a pensive, meditative mood-setter. The melancholy in "All That Remains" is palpable, and I wondered whether Cook was mourning a lost love or a grand city reduced to rubble. And I enjoyed "At Your Feet" for what it is: a fine, latin-tinged pop song.

I can understand that some reviewers don't like the middle-eastern flavors in some of the songs. Perhaps Cook's composition and playing is too derivative for the most discerning of listeners. But to criticize the artist for going beyond his stylistic roots is just plain close-minded. Not only has this CD passed the "one-week" test, it will get regular play in my stereo, computer, and car.

Best Jesse Album.......2003-12-28

In two words: truly awsome.

I have all of Jesse's albums, and this one has by far the highest quality of musical essence. I've read a number of negative reviews for this album, and that urged me to give my 2c's, as I felt they were grossly unfair to this genius piece of art. I've enjoyed this album for almost 2 years already, and it is still the one I listen to the most and cannot get tired of repeated listening.

Not flamenco, some say. Well, they apparently have not listened to the CD even though they say they have, because that claim is a gross exagaration. It is true that there are a couple of (5 to be exact) songs that stray from the well-established genre, but I commend Jesse for his brave exploration of unfamiliar territory. The non-flamenco tracks are great for certain mood-setting occasions and are still carry JC's signiture guitar virtuoso. These tracks are Free Fall, Incantation, All That Remains and On Walks The Night and the vocals song, Fall at your Feet.

But, before bashing this CD, think of its gems, the truly unique and best songs I have ever listened to: Air, Virtue, Paloma, Viva. Just these 4 songs alone justify paying 3x the price of the CD.

A departure for Jesse Cook, but not a good one........2003-11-11

I am a Jesse Cook fan - or at least I am a fan of his earlier work. I was quite excited to receive his Free Fall CD, but it is a big disappointment. Although he appears to be attempting to expand his sound and appeal, the departure from his guitar/flamenco base with the addittion of a taste of India, just doesn't work. Gone is the demonstration of his true guitar talents and of a sound that lifted and motivated.

Epics: The History of the World According to Hollywood

Average customer rating:

EPICS THAT DO NOT DISAPPOINT
Interesting selections . . .
"Epics featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra ~ 60 years of film scores"

Epics: The History of the World According to Hollywood

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection
Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music
The Incredible Film Music Box
The Magnificent Westerns
The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection

ASIN: B0009KIYCW
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

Pre- Historic: One Million Years B.C.
The Ancient World: The Ten Commandments
The Ancient World: Alexander
The Ancient World: Sodom And Gomorrah
The Ancient World: The 300 Spartans
The Ancient World: Troy
The Ancient World: Alexander (Eternal Alexander)
The Might Of Rome: Quo Vadis
The Might Of Rome: The Robe
The Might Of Rome: Demetrius And The Gladiators
The Might Of Rome: Cleopatra
The Might Of Rome: Antony And Cleopatra
The Might Of Rome: Gladiator (Suite)
The Might Of Rome: Gladiator (Now We Are Free)

Tracks:

The Fall Of Rome: Masada
The Fall Of Rome: Spartacus (Main Theme)
The Fall Of Rome: Spartacus (Love Theme)
The Fall Of Rome: The Fall Of The Roman Empire (Pax Romana)
The Fall Of Rome: The Fall Of The Roman Empire (Overture)
Biblical Epics: The Greatest Story Ever Told
Biblical Epics: Jesus Of Nazareth
Biblical Epics: Ben-Hur (Parade Of The Charioteers)
Biblical Epics: Ben-Hur (Love Theme)
Biblical Epics: The Silver Chalice
Biblical Epics: The Passion Of The Christ
Medieval Europe: The War Lord
Medieval Europe: El Cid (Love Theme)
Medieval Europe: El Cid (Overture)
Medieval Europe: The Vikings (Suite)

Tracks:

Medieval Europe: Flesh & Blood
Medieval Europe: The Last Valley
Medieval Europe: Prince Valiant
Medieval Europe: Taras Bulba
Pirates & Swashbucklers: The Sea Hawk
Pirates & Swashbucklers: The Crimson Pirate
Pirates & Swashbucklers: Pirates Of The Caribbean
Pirates & Swashbucklers: Captain Blood
Kings & Queens: The Lion In The Winter
Kings & Queens: Henry V (1989)
Kings & Queens: Henry V (1944)
Kings & Queens: Mary Queen Of Scots
Kings & Queens: The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex

Tracks:

Heroes: Excalibur - O Fortuna
Heroes: First Night
Heroes: The Adventures Of Robin Hood: March Of The Merry Men
Heroes: Braveheart
The New Worlds: Mutiny On The Bounty
The New Worlds: 1492 - Conquest Of Paradise
The New Worlds: Captain From Castle
The New Worlds: The Mission
The New Worlds: The Alamo
The British Empire/The Orient: The Charge Of The Light Brigade
The British Empire/The Orient: Lawrence Of Arabia
The British Empire/The Orient: Zulu
The British Empire/The Orient: The Last Samurai
The British Empire/The Orient: Exodus

Customer Reviews:

EPICS THAT DO NOT DISAPPOINT.......2007-05-14

WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA TO TAKE HOLLYWOOD'S COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL EPIC MOVIES, EXTRACT THE BEST PORTIONS OF THE SCORES AND COMBINE THEM FROM THE DAWN OF MAN TO THE RECENT PAST. I PARTICULARLY ENJOY THE SUITES FROM GLADIATOR, BRAVEHEART AND THE VIKING. THE REPRODUCTION OF THESE SCORES BY THE CITY OF PRAGUE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS IS BRILLIANT, AND THE RECORDING WAS EXCELLENT. I ONLY WISH THERE WERE EIGHT DISCS INSTEAD OF FOUR TO COVER THE VOLUMES OF SCORES THAT COULD NOT BE INCLUDED. LET'S HOPE FOR A VOLUME II.

Interesting selections . . ........2006-12-15

This compiiation album makes an excellent gift for that person wanting to discover great, epic scores. I'm surprised, however, that Vangelis' Alexander is included in this one. Not bad, just surprised.

The reason I give this album 4 out of 5 stars is because of the swashbuckler section. How is it that CutThroat Island - one of the greatest epics in history - was scrubbed out of the list? Pirates of the Caribbean is included on the selection but nothing from Debney's masterpiece?!

Yes, that is a huge compilant. If you haven't discovered CutThroat Island, I suggest you get it then you'll understand my frustration. Still, this album is a great buy and worth looking into!

"Epics featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra ~ 60 years of film scores".......2005-09-07

When I think of the "Golden Age of Hollywood", many composers come to mind...you gave the usher your ticket in the theater and sat down, knowingly you were going to get your moneys worth...when the curtain opened and you heard those first few notes...you sat back, watched and listened as the film score and orchestra worked their magic...now we have the ultimate from Silva Screen Classics "EPICS:THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOOD", featuring a four disc set of the essential film scores of the past 60 years...covering several decades right and up to the present 2005.

There are compilations and then there are "Compilations" beginning with a classics that even the youngsters today recognize...sweeping scores that capture the drama, mystery, adventure, action and romance...one great cue after another, it doesn't get any better than this...many nominated and winners by the Academy for Best Original Score...

Silva Screen Classics as usual, has put quality into this 4-CD-Set featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus conducted by Kenneth Alwyn, Paul Bateman, James Fitzpatrick, Mario Klemens and Nic Raine. Recorded in "Dolby Surround" with the new technology of "HDCD", this is a "film-score-buffs" dream, one to treasure now and years to come...this collection is aimed directly at the "Serious Film Score" music fans and collectors...Silva is as always, perfect in every way...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 4-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1170 ~ (9/6/2005)

Wendy Lands Sings the Music of the Pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman

Average customer rating:

A loving tribute to a father from his son
Hunt down the originals
Huge Disappointment
Who is this woman!?!
Truly Sublime!

Wendy Lands Sings the Music of the Pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman

Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Pianist: Original Recordings of Wladyslaw Szpilman
The Pianist: Music from the Motion Picture

ASIN: B00007E8QH
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Fall In Love Again
Turn Away
I Wish You'd Ask to Dance with Me
Dancing with Antonio
Someday We Will Love Again
Without You
I'm Set Free
True and Tender
Smoke and Mirrors
Prisoners of Evening
My Memories of You
Hold Me a Moment

Customer Reviews:

A loving tribute to a father from his son.......2005-03-25

It has always been Andrej Szpilman's dream to have his father's songs published in the western world. As the executive producer of this cd, he has fulfilled that dream. Some of his father's songs recorded for the cd were composed during his times in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1941. Wendy Lands lovingly sings these songs with a beautiful heart-wrenching voice.

Hunt down the originals.......2005-01-20

happened to be living in Poland at the time of the release of Polanski's film 'The Pianist', and Polish Radio issued a commemorative boxed-set of archive recordings of Szpilman as pianist and composer. Unfortunately, this set does not seem to have been released outside Poland (though some of the piano tracks have been issued separately by Sony). One of the discs is devoted to some 25 of Szpilman's 'Piosenki' (chansons, popular songs) in archive recordings from the 50s, 60, and 70s of (predominantly) the composer's own arrangements - typically for sumptious dance orchestra or big band, and featuring some of Poland's most popular singers (unknown of course in 'The West').

Only when one hears these songs with their original Polish texts (whether one understands them or not), harmonised, arranged and sung in a style that bears the authenticity of their own time, can one appreciate the (no doubt well-intentioned) folly and inadequacy of this Wendy Lands collection. These new English texts are not translations, so the words have been artificially grafted onto a melody that has been crafted to set and convey text with quite another meaning. Of course the quality of Szpilman's material ensures that the new songs based on his melodies are perfectly respectable as atmospheric bluesy-jazzy numbers, but I can't help wishing that some executive had had the courage to release an album of the songs in their original language and colours... They are incomparably more atmospheric, haunting, charming, melancholy and elegant than the 'versions' presented on this new disc. Any lover of Edith Piaf or Jaques Brel, for example, would fall for them immediately - the inpenetrability of the language only adds to their charm, and is far more meaningful than the second-rate doggerel shoe-horned to the melodies here. I hope these Polish recordings will become generally available soon - if not, you'll have to make friends with a Pole, get a cheap flight to Warsaw, or petition Polish Radio! It really is worth it - the old recordings are charming and heartbreaking.

Huge Disappointment.......2004-02-27

After enjoying the autobiography and the movie, my family's expectations for this recording of Szpilman's songs were extremely high. From all angles, these hopes were crushed. The songs were probably - after their composition - given their first performance in a nightclub and that later exposure over Polish radio would hve retained the European night club feeling. The arrangements were far off the mark , both in their choice of instrumentation and in their composition. As for Miss Land, her voice is better described as "dreary" and "monotonous" rather than 'dark" and "smoky" as some have described it. To put it blunt.ly, she has no "voice" only breathy sighs.

I suggest that Andrzej Szpilman, Wladyslav' son, have another go at this project. During my Foreign Service career I have spent many months in Warsaw 1960-1962 and many hours at the Congresova and other night clubs. It shouldn't be too hard to persuade some Polish musicians to cooperate in a project to re-create Wladyslav's songs imbued with their original charm and spirit.

Finally, I wonder if the English lyrics followed the original Polish or were completely different.

Who is this woman!?!.......2003-06-17

What a beautiful voice, what sensitive, expressive delivery. I bought this album on a whim and I am blown away by the whole ensenble of fine musicians - but especially by Wendy Lands. The recording quality is clean and crisp, the songs evocative, intelligent, and melodic.
The last album that similarly impressed me was Norah Jones.
Then to realize that these melodies were written by Wladislaw Szpilman (the subject of Roman Polaski's "The Pianist") just adds to the wonderment of this beautiful album.
Please, more Wendy Lands! Bravo!!!

Truly Sublime!.......2003-06-15

I was suprised to learn that Wladyslaw Szpilman wrote contemporary songs. I was aware that he wrote compositions, but it never entered my mind that he wrote such beautiful songs that are on this CD. After seeing "The Pianist" and reading Spzilman's book and then seeing the DVD with an added documentary on the making of "The Pianist", my curiosity was piqued. Andrej Spzilman, the son of Wladyslaw, long dreamt of introducing his father's songs to the west and he chose Wendy Lands to sing these hauntingly beautiful songs. Upon purchasing this CD, I was hesitant that I might find them too much in the vein of 'Easy Listening'. I am glad to say that was not the case. I played it three times and should Wendy Lands continue to sing the songs of Wladyslaw Spzilman, I would be grateful. This is a very beautiful album and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Wladyslaw Spzilman did not merely survive the most grim conditions of The Holocaust, he thrived through his love of music and this album is proof of what a genius he was. I look forward to a second CD of his songs sung by Ms. Lands. Her heartrending interpretations draw the listener in. This is a truly sublime album!

Average customer rating:

A waltz lovers delight:

Wiener Musik

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; In Nature; Serenade for Winds; Serenade for Strings, etc.
Music of Spain
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ASIN: B0009U55QK
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

A waltz lovers delight:.......2007-02-11

If you love to listen to Viennese waltz music, you'll find this 12 disc set a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.

Dr. Walton's Stress Relief and Deep Sleep

Average customer rating:

This CD Really Works!!!
Dr. Walton's Stress Relief and Deep Sleep
what were they thinking?
Excellent tool for Sleeping Disorders
Wish I'd bought it months ago.

Dr. Walton's Stress Relief and Deep Sleep
Dr. James E. Walton
Manufacturer: Dr. James E. Walton
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Self-Help | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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eHypnotapes: Tension Relief
Delta Sleep System
Journey into Deep Relaxation
Dr. Walton's HypnoCD: Anger Management
Hypnosis for Stress Reduction (Hypnotic Empowerment for Self-Awakening) (Hypnotic Empowerment for Self-Awakening)

ASIN: B0000D9UMX
Release Date: 2003-09-12

Tracks:

The Simple Steps of Taking Charge and Letting Go of Stress
Therapeutic Hypnosis Demystified and Made Simple
Hypnosis Session for Quickly Releasing Stress
Simple Steps for a Sound Night's Sleep
Hypnosis Session to Gently Guide You into a Deep & Restful Sleep
Further Information

Album Description

Fall into a deep and peaceful sleep with this highly praised hypnosis treatment program. Dr. James E. Walton has developed an effective hypnosis procedure for helping people fall asleep, stay asleep and feel fully rested when they awaken in the morning. His unique hypnosis process creates an alpha state of peace and comfort that gently guides you into the deepest, most restful sleep you've ever experienced so you can awaken fully restored and refreshed for the next day.

This extraordinary CD does more than help you sleep; it also provides you with exceptionally effective guidance and strategies for getting the most out of your day while reducing stress and tension.

It even includes a second hypnosis to help you champion through stressful situations with confidence by assisting your unconscious mind in replacing those distracting feelings of stress, preoccupation and obsession with feelings of calm empowerment, centeredness and focus. When you are calm and centered, you are more effective with others, you gain their respect, and you are able to make better decisions.

This program is excellent for those people who want to improve their focus and concentration during the day in addition to sleeping better at night.

If this CD is for you, then get ready for A Better Night's Sleep with an amazingly effective treatment that has helped thousands of others regain a restful night's sleep night after night.

This hypnosis treatment works with the unconscious mind to transform stressful, negative, self-defeating thoughts into powerful thoughts of relaxation, self-empowerment and centeredness.

"No more laying in bed desperately trying to fall asleep!" "Fall asleep quickly & deeply without drugs!" "Wake up feeling rested & rejuvenated!" "Gain control over the stress in your life!" "Achieve Higher productivity at home and work!" "Enjoy Increased energy and a better outlook on life!"

Customer Reviews:

This CD Really Works!!!.......2006-08-07

I have read through the reviews and I'm glad I did. Not only did I find the material on the CD relevant to helping me feel more relaxed during the day, I was able to fall asleep listening to the sleep track the very first time I listened to it.

I simply programmed my CD player to play the sleep track by itself. I'm finally falling asleep quickly and staying asleep. Getting a good night's sleep is a great feeling! The best part is knowing that I can pop the sleep track into my player anytime I have difficulty falling asleep and I'll be out like a light before it ends.

I recommend this CD to anybody who is having difficulty falling asleep at night.

Dr. Walton's Stress Relief and Deep Sleep.......2005-10-04

Usually I dont have a problem sleeping. However, I found this CD very helpful when I wake up in the middle of the night and cant go back to sleep. My wife also found it helpful. I am recommending it to my family and friends.

what were they thinking?.......2005-09-23

Well, this is the first review I ever wrote. I bought this cd to help with my insomnia problem, but a little stress relief doesn't hurt either. Well, there are some interesting tips and advise on this cd, and I kind of liked the stress relief hypnosis section. The image of floating on a raft in warm water baking in sunshine is very relaxing. But he uses the same image again with the sleep hypnosis. A little variety would be nice!

The worst part: After I finally started to doze off listening to the sleep hypnosis part I suddendly almost fell off my bed wide awake again because it was followed by a loud music and a cheerfull female voice advertising more products from Dr. Walton! What the heck were they thinking???

Excellent tool for Sleeping Disorders.......2005-09-02

I belive that Theraphy, and the use of medically prescribed drugs such as Ambien, Xanax, Lunesta, are great tools to help an individual to overcome seriuous sleeping disorders, but for myself, a more Holistic approach, with relaxation and Dr, Walton's CD, as a form of meditation, has helped me enormously with my ability to keep a routine and a more consistent sleeping regimen, which has improved my quality of life, and has made me much more productive.

Eddy Moya-Palm Springs

Wish I'd bought it months ago........2005-09-01

This is a self-help CD I can definitely recommend. I've enjoyed great success with it. The author's voice is calming and trustworthy, his instructions are clear and - most importantly of all - EFFECTIVE. My only regret is that I didn't buy this CD months ago when a friend suggested it.

Average customer rating:

A strange musical exploration worth investigation
Out on a Limb
If you gush over Streisand and Diana Ross, this is not for u
twelve tonality meets jazz
Free Fall: An Appropriate Title

Free Fall
Jimmy Giuffre
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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1961
Lenox Avenue Breakdown
The Jimmy Giuffre Clarinet
Machine Gun
Point of Departure

ASIN: B00000ADKN
Release Date: 1998-09-01

Tracks:

Propulsion
Threewe
Ornothoids
Dichotomy
Man Alone
Spasmodic
Yggdrasill
Divided Man
Primordial Call
The Five Ways
Present Notion
Motion Suspended
Future Plans
Past Mistakes
Time Will Tell
Let's See

Amazon.com

Clarinetist Jimmy Giuffre was solidly established as the leader of unorthodox but coolly restrained groups when he enlisted pianist Paul Bley and bassist Steve Swallow in 1961. With this trio, he would take listeners into challenging terrain and offer the avant-garde a different direction--witness the 2-CD reissue 1961. Often taking its style cues from European modernism, this group mixed pointillism and atonality while moving seamlessly between composition and free improvisation. Free Fall, from 1962, was the group's ultimate recording and Giuffre's most radical statement, balancing duos and trios with unaccompanied clarinet improvisations that explored novel sounds, spontaneous structure, and uncommon brevity. Quietly revolutionary and brilliant in itself, this music was the culmination of the "Third Stream" synthesis and also paved the way for a younger generation of radicals. Today it still sounds fresh. This CD restores edited portions and adds five unissued clarinet solos that range from spiky inventions to the original lyricism of "Future Plans." -- Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

A strange musical exploration worth investigation.......2003-02-24

This is one of those albums which, before you can be truly critical of it, you must understand what it is.

This album was made with the understanding that some, indeed maybe large chunks, may not "work", or that it may only appeal or connect with small numbers of people. When reviewed with this understanding in mind I must give it 4 stars; the album is a unique direction in free jazz; the jazz rhythm section was very much still a part of free jazz at this point and the idea of taking more of a "Euro" approach, with a chamber "ensemble" idea (and henceforth removing the pulsating drums), is an interesting one.

It has always been easy for me to detect whether free music is just self indulgent junk or intelligently crafted sound sculpture, and this one is firmly in the latter category. In the lp notes, Swallow discusses the long rehearsals and the intensity of them. You can hear the results of this hard work in the album.

However this album stops just short of total perfection for my taste; I think that the group should have been exploited far more; "The Five Ways" works so much better than the solo clarinet improvisations; the solo things are fine, but the balance between those and the ensemble numbers are not quite where they should be.

However, this sort of problem always exists with records that try to reinvent the musical wheel, so this is certainly forgiveable; had the group stayed on longer in the sixties they probably would have had records that would develop on what worked so well on Free Fall.

Still, this album is a classic; as a composer and guitarist there is much for me to learn from Giuffre's unique approach.

Out on a Limb.......2002-02-24

There once was a Lennie Tristano tune called "Out on a Limb", but while the pianist's contributions to the realm of free music has been known for decades, this Giuffre album has been a hidden treasure for more than 30 years ... and I can't help asking why?!
Perhaps because this music can't be defined as jazz in the purest sense, it's obviously white and bears no traces of black improvised music at all. By the time of the recording ('62) Jimmy Giuffre had found a musical language all his own and even abandoned his well-known clarinet chalumeau sound, which had rightfully made him one of the princes of the 50's West Coast Scene, in order to develop something new, though you'll still recognize him very easily. The music has much in common with European improvised music, Schoenberg unmistakably just around the corner. It doesn't swing , except for some bars where especially Steve Swallow shows that this is a jazz ensemble after all. But it's not merely an experiment but an accomplished
invention, almost a feat. The trio is undoubtedly well-rehearsed and that makes me wonder why JG relied so much on playing solo, where he encounters his creative limits sometimes before he has come to a logic end. It leaves something to desire, even more he would never again be given the opportunity to record with musicians of that calibre (Swallow/Bley) for a major company.
But they were really "out on a limb" and one only needs to take a glimpse at the current improvised music landscape in Europe to discover that this group was a tough forerunner.

If you gush over Streisand and Diana Ross, this is not for u.......2001-08-07

Too bad Mickey Trotter's one-star review had to pull this down. Check out his More About Me page....stick with Motown and La Streisand, Mick. Also, I don't believe you really like Ornette's Shape of Jazz to Come...Free Fall is a masterpiece of subtlety and invention. Free jazz, as great as much of it was, would have benefited from a solid dose of Giuffre's influence.

twelve tonality meets jazz.......2000-06-26

mr. giuffre took a hard left turn as the 1960s opened making him almost unrecognizable to his original fans (he was part of woody herman's thundering herd and has a single enshrined in the grammy hall of fame), exploring european classical structures and sound in general, much like cecil taylor, ornette coleman, and, later, john coltrane. on this record, we hear the experiment in its fullest expression: tension building silences, two and three note conversations in the trio format, angular rhythms and spiky tonalities. each piece unfolds with each note played, drawing the listener in, but it requires attention. this is not background music, this must be LISTENED to for it make its impact. mr. bley continues to reval his avant-cool expression of the '50s and '60s and the real treasure here is steve swallow-- an early example of his bass meisterwork. this is an enjoyable free jazz work with highlights being the clarinet solo pieces (ornothoids, divided man, man alone) and the long piece 'five ways'which really lets us hear the trio at work. a fascinating gem from the early free jazz period.

Free Fall: An Appropriate Title.......2000-06-06

Only for those who like their Avante-Garde Jazz DULL, or who think that if something is BORING it must be high-brow. An hour of listening to your hair grow would be more entertaining! For an infinitely better representation of A-G Jazz, and a vastly more exciting listening experience, try Ornette Coleman's "The Shape of Jazz to Come."

Average customer rating:

Free Fall
Alvin Lee
Manufacturer: Repertoire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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RX5
1994
In Flight
Positive Vibrations
On the Road to Freedom

ASIN: B00000I5U7
Release Date: 1999-01-18

Tracks:

I Don't Wanna Stop
Take The Money
One Lonely Hour
Heartache
Stealin'
Ridin' Truckin'
No More Lonely Nights
City Lights
Sooner Or Later
Dustbin City
Real Life Blues (Bonus)

Album Details

Features Former Beatle George Harrison on Slide Guitar, Organist Jon Lord of Deep Purple.

Average customer rating:

The new Nightwish style??
Can you idiots spell?
I'm the most hardore ever, and you can never understand me
not up to par
first one

Free Fall into Fear
Trail of Tears
Manufacturer: Napalm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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A New Dimension of Might
Existentia
Profoundemonium
Nine Destinies and a Downfall
The Forgotten Goddess

ASIN: B0007M8I28
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Joyless Trance Of Winter
Carrier Of The Scars Of Life
Frail Expectations
Cold Hand Of Retribution
Watch You Fall
The Architect Of My Downfall
Drink Away The Demons
Point Zero
Dry Well Of Life
The Face Of Jealousy

Album Description

Things change. Known as a Female fronted Gothic Metal band, Trail Of Tears found a male replacement in Kjetil Nordhus (Green Carnation). Bordering on the avant-garde, Free Fall Into Fear presents unique, high calibre Dark Metal, in part ala Samael and Arcturus, complimenting ethereal passages with raw riffs. Trail Of Tears return with an excellent and varied album above and beyond their genre's expectations.

Customer Reviews:

The new Nightwish style??.......2005-12-31

It's he first time that i hear something about Trail Of Tears, this cd is great, have furious riffs and an amazing voice, i dind't know that they have a female vocal before, so i needed to heard something old and i did and trust me, they did a big step to a new level of metal... Now, my reviw's title say something could be come true, after the departure (or dismissed) of Tarje Turunnen from Nightwish, they could decided invited some male vocal and not a female, anyway they have a great male vocal in there, Marco who has a excellent voice.

See you, and i hope this reviw gonna help u

Can you idiots spell?.......2005-08-07

Oh My God!
These reviews don't help anyone!
Thank God they have samples, because none of you have brains.
Rap blows, but dave "dave", your grammer blows even more!
Thanks for crap info everyone.

I'm the most hardore ever, and you can never understand me.......2005-07-28

I don't like rock or whatever you call this, but as people metal heads (or whatever you like to call yourselves) keep reviewing rap albums, and leaving your moronic opinons on their, i thought i'd do the same.

I'm hardcore, check it out.
I feel that this album touches the deep reccess of my soul and explains to me the pain and agony of my generation. No one can understand this like me, for i am the only one who can truely comprhend the incomprehinsble vocals, and the loud throbbing noise you call a beat.

not up to par.......2005-07-20

Not near as good as there two prior releases. About 3 decent sons. Ronnie does better with the beal growl not the high pitched squeal. Worth a spin but that is about it.

first one.......2005-05-12

this is great
i havcent heard it
but its great
im the first mofo to uh...to uh..yeah rate this cd
i must be underground as f00k

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