Live at Carnegie Hall [Live]

Track Listings

1. Use Me

2. Friend of Mine

3. Ain't No Sunshine

4. Grandma's Hands

5. World Keeps Going Around

6. Let Me in Your Life

7. Better off Dead

8. For My Friend

9. I Can't Write Left-Handed

10. Lean on Me

11. Lonely Town, Lonely Street

12. Hope She'll Be Happier

13. Let Us Love

14. Harlem/Cold Baloney

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Despite the import of the occasion--an October 1972 night at America's most prestigious hall--what really impresses about Bill Withers's Live at Carnegie Hall is the good feeling and sense of interplay passed between the star, his band, and the audience. From the surpassingly casual opening of "Use Me" and its build through eight-plus minutes and an extended ending to the complexity and occasional joy of Withers's socio-personal "Lean on Me," "I Can't Write Left-Handed," and a medley of "Harlem" and "Cold Bologna," Carnegie is an underappreciated document of what for a moment was progressive R&B. Always one of music's most humble performers, Withers quietly, intensely proves his mettle over the length of this one-time double LP. --Rickey Wright

Live at Carnegie Hall,Bill Withers,Sony,Pop,R&B,Smooth Soul,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban

Tracks:

Monk's Mood
Evidence
Crepescule With Nellie
Nutty
Epistrophy (Live)
Bye-Ya
Sweet And Lovely
Blue Monk
Epistrophy

Amazon.com

Every year sees a crop of newly found jazz gems, but rarely are listeners treated to anything as special as this 1957 concert recording of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, which was accidentally discovered in an unmarked box by a Library of Congress engineer early in 2005. Until now, fans could only dream of hearing these two immortals play together beyond the three studio tracks they left behind. But here they are, hitting their stride at an all-star benefit concert, basking in the chemistry they had developed in Monk's quartet during the preceding weeks at New York's Five Spot. Coltrane's playing is a revelation. He's both an inspired accompanist and a galvanizing soloist, taking the music to new heights with his bold, brilliantly challenging, and sometimes jaw-dropping phrases, note clusters, and blasts of power. Sharing with Coltrane a newfound sense of freedom following the personal and professional troubles that had plagued them both, Monk is clearly tickled to be in the tenorist's presence, injecting humorous commentaries and otherwise asserting his eccentric genius as a pianist. The material, which was very well recorded by the Voice of America, includes Monk classics like "Epistrophy," "Monk's Moods," and "Evidence," as well as a striking rendition of the standard "Sweet and Lovely." This is music that not only bears repeated listenings, but also demands them--the ultimate definition of a classic. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

essential to your jazz collection, period.......2007-05-30

I can't believe this sat in a box and the library of congress all this time! It makes me wonder what other gems they got in deep freeze. Thank Jeezy they found it. I love listening to this when I drive around town with the windows down on a summer night. Good, good, good. Hear it, love it, get it.

Thelonious Monk Quarted with John colgrane at Carnegie Hall.......2007-05-29

This recording, unearthed after nearly fifty years on old tapes found at the Library of Congress, is a national treasure that speaks to all of us, after two generations. Surely this marks the work as art in its most universal sense: something with permanence, that will (I hope) last through the ages. I understand from a little research that Billy Holiday participated in this same concert, and regret that that recording has been lost! But this one, in my opinion, gets five stars.

Very Nice.......2007-05-25

I've got a small but impressive jazz library, jazz has been a recent addition to my musical tastes. I'm not the biggest Coltrane fan, I prefer Cannonball Adderly and some others less inclined to go wailing away. I do not like Coltrane's A Love Supreme. Monk and Coltrane team up here with a very enjoyable performance. Excellent for background music or dedicated listening. The fidelity is superb, very high quality. Only negative is it's mono. Jazz fans will love this.

Pure.......2007-05-20

It's funny what people find when they clean out closets. The people at Carngie Hall found a jewel and something unique and pure. A great addition to any jazz aficionado's collection. In reality a must have if you like jazz at all.

Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall.......2007-05-17

I purchased the disc, being asked by my brother.
He is exceited and overjoyed to have gotten the disc.

Average customer rating:

Outrageous playing
Great Recording
Carnegie Hall Delivers
Barn-stormin'
Becoming one of my Favorite SRV Albums

Live at Carnegie Hall
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In the Beginning
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Live Alive
Soul to Soul
The Sky Is Crying

ASIN: B000002BYA
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Intro - Ken Dashow/John Hammond
Scuttle Buttin'
Testifyin'
Love Struck Baby
Honey Bee
Cold Shot
Letter To My Girlfriend
Dirty Pool
Pride And Joy
The Things That I Used To Do
C.O.D.
Iced Over
Lenny
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Amazon.com essential recording

The series of Stevie Ray Vaughan concert albums that began with Live Alive (1986) and continued after the guitarist's 1990 death is far from the catalog-bloating cash-in you'd expect from the record company of a platinum seller cut down at a career peak. Instead, each disc gives a distinctly different view of the Texas blues-rocker's stage strengths. Where Live Alive captured Vaughan and his band Double Trouble in full arena roar and In the Beginning recorded a looser early club gig, Live at Carnegie Hall finds the outfit broadening its range with guest shots from Dr. John and the Roomful of Blues horn section. Rather than overpowering Vaughan's signature tautness, the bigger band makes for an entertaining switch--in effect allowing a fresh look at his R&B roots. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Outrageous playing.......2007-03-14

Of all his CD's, this feautures some of Stevie's best playing, and it's LIVE! The acoustics of Carnegie Hall add tremendous depth to his soulful playing here, and he just rips and rips away without holding anything back. As an added bonus, this was right near the end of his career when he had his head on straight and his chops were peaking. You are really missing out if your collection doesn't include this one.

Great Recording.......2007-01-21

There is such history in this venue, and for Stevie to play there it was quite an extraordinary event. The recording is fabulous in your face guitar,
like they had the mic inside his cabinets, protected by a noise gate. Great, great live performance here.

Carnegie Hall Delivers.......2007-01-17

Live at Carnegie Hall is a must-have for the diehard SRV fan who wants to get a taste of the guitar master's live perfomance electricity. I purchased his Live Alive CD prior to this one and was somewhat disappointed (Live Alive was recorded at the depths of SRV's drug and alcohol addiction and lacked the luster and originality of his previous works).

This, however, was a real treat. His torrential solo on Dirty Pool and collaboration with his brother, Jimmie, on Things that I Used to Do were flawlessly executed and super-charged. I am always amazed at how he could bend and twist notes in ways unheard of, but these two songs were absolutely mind-boggling.

The second half of the CD, where SRV adds the Room Full of Blues horns and Dr. John on keyboards, was a pleasant surprise. Initially, I was skeptical, thinking it would be like "gilding the lilly, but it's a great R&B sound that every SRV fan should experience. In addition, Angela Strehli was outstanding on her fiery vocal on C.O.D.

The only issue that prevented me from giving this a five-star rating, is the muddy sound on the first two or three songs (Carnegie Hall was originally designed for acoustic performances). Don't let this stop you from adding this one to your collection, though.

Barn-stormin'.......2006-11-11

SRV and friends play up a storm. Herein are arguably the definitive recorded versions of "Cold Shot", "Pride and Joy" and "Things That I Used To Do". The horns really add warmth to the sound, but Stevie Ray is front and center. Eric Clapton has said he was in awe of Stevie Ray Vaughan for his flow; the way solos just poured out of him, and there are some blazing examples on this recording.
Yes, the man was a great guitar play, an absolute master of the form, but something that is rarely mentioned is that his singing was as emotive as his playing. He was in great voice on this night too.

Becoming one of my Favorite SRV Albums.......2006-10-26

This album has really grown on me with repeated listenings. One of the reasons why I have come to appreciate this album so much is that it really catches the band at their peak. The album is broken up into two format: the first half finds just the core three piece band, the second half includes an extended band with firends and Room Full of Blues horn section. For me, SRV didn't get any better then the original tight trio They are still the tight trio that put out 'Texas Flood' and it's teh only place in the catalog to find SRV in this format and man is it gooood. The second half is a great addition for any SRV fan and this half has really grown on me. The horns and guest stars (including his brother)has a really different sound\groove then any other SRV album. Dirty Pool is fanastic with the horns. My only wish is the both sides were longer. If you enjoy Stevie's early work you will enjoy this album.

If you enjoy Stevie live, you will enjoy this album. If you have been a long time SRV fan and don't have this album in your collection you need to buy it now. This is a great and surprisely different album from the greatest guitarist to have ever lived.

Average customer rating:

The Best Art Rock Band No One Ever Heard Of
One of the best recorded Rickenbacker bass sounds on record
For 30 years, I've considered this a "top 5" album
Been in love for years
Outstanding Adventure

Live at Carnegie Hall
Renaissance
Manufacturer: Repertoire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Scheherazade & Other Stories
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ASIN: B0000073BB
Release Date: 1994-09-30

Tracks:

Prologue
Ocean Gypsy
Can You Understand
Carpet of the Sun
Running Hard
Mother Russia

Tracks:

Scheherazade
Ashes Are Burning

Album Description

1994 reissue on Repertoire of the prog icon's 1976 double live album for BTM, complete with the original artwork. Contains all eight tracks on two CDs within a double slimline jewel case. Includes 'Mother Russia', 'Ocean Gypsy' and 'Ashes Are Burning'. The album was recorded with the NewYork Philharmonic backing Renaissance.

Album Details

Original Double Live Album from Annie Haslam and the Boys, with Prologue / Ocean Gypsy / Can You Understand / Carpet of the Sun / Running Hard / Mother Russia / Scheherazade / Ashes Are Burning.

Customer Reviews:

The Best Art Rock Band No One Ever Heard Of.......2007-03-17

This is the first Renaissance ALBUM I ever purchased, back in 1977 . It is still my favorite live recording of the band . The band and orchestra work very well together . Annie Haslam's voice is remarkable here . John Camp's bass on Ashes Are Burning and Scheherazade is interesting . Carpet Of The Sun ( the shortest song ) is a song for the ages . It is that good . Skip the other live Renaissance CD's and get this one .

One of the best recorded Rickenbacker bass sounds on record.......2007-01-22

The music is also very good, for prog rock fans. The bassist is a Chris Squire Alumni -YES- and plays beautifully with a marvelous sound.

For 30 years, I've considered this a "top 5" album.......2007-01-19

Even though there were many other great (usually shorter) songs from their first few albums that didn't even make it to this album, "Live at Carnegie Hall" is still pretty much a "best of" for Renaissance up to their 1976 output. They grandly showcase their unique brand of classical rock (complete with orchestra!), which was often heavily influenced by Russian romantic and impressionist composers. Annie Haslam's voice is as beautiful as ever here, and hits a high note at the end of "Scheherazade" that still astounds me. I love the dialogue between her, John Camp and the very appreciative audience. Camp's bass solo on "Ashes are Burning" - sublime! In fact, the whole band sounds tight. This is an absolute treasure for progressive rock lovers.

I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 9.3/10; Performance = 9.5/10; Production = 9/10; CD length = 10/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 9.4 ("5 stars")

Been in love for years.......2006-11-04

I've loved this album since I first heard it many years ago. It was lovely to hear it again after so long. Yes, there are some sound glitches on it - but it is a live recording. Microphone squeal adds to the "you are here" experience! Carpet of the Sun will make any day brighter.

Outstanding Adventure.......2006-10-09

This is one Terrific album. Renaissance has a distinctive blend of rock and baroque with strong ties to Rimsky-Korsakov, not only is it great music, but its good story telling "Mother Russia & Ocean Gypsy & Running Hard". "Song of Scheherazade" is one of the most beautiful songs they performed, they do so with the N.Y.Philharmonic and a chorus of 40 professional voices and every time I hear it I'm moved to tears. Annie Haslem's 5 octave vocal range would have most divas seething with envy with what she can do naturally. One problem; something happend during the recording of the 2nd half of "Scheherazade" and tracks are missing or something was unplugged so, I recommend "Scheherazade & Other Stories" For those who never heard this group before. All in all this is still a great album and it is one of a kind. I'm only sorry I wasn't there!

Average customer rating:

still love Ray but not worthy buying this CD
Can you say "F---ing Hilarious"?
Great CD with dreadful sound quality
Good comedy, lousy recording
Super Funny, but one problem

Live at Carnegie Hall
Ray Romano
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Everybody Loves Raymond: Our Family Album

ASIN: B00005Q463
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Tracks:

Carnegie Hall
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Adult Movie
The Baby
Diapers
2 year-olds
Twins
They Say Funny Things
The Tub Story
Sex

Customer Reviews:

still love Ray but not worthy buying this CD.......2007-07-24

as other viewers commented, the sound quality is extremely bad in the way that you have to turn the sound volumn very very loud in order to hear Ray but in the mean time, your ears could be hurt by the crowd's clabbing. Bad recording unfortunately, but no discout on Ray's sense of humour.

Can you say "F---ing Hilarious"?.......2007-07-08

This is one of the funniest comedy shows I've every heard. I love that Ray Romano doesn't need to have a potty mouth to be funny! His timing is as always impeccable. My personal favorites are the bits on turning 40 (aka the prostate exam!) and Olestra (I have since introduced "anal leakage" into my social vocabulary). We want more!

Great CD with dreadful sound quality.......2007-07-04

Ray Romano is a talented guy, but the sound guy for this CD needs to go back to college, the sound quality is very poor and to actually put something like this on sale is a disgrace. I give it five stars for Mr. Romano afterall Everybody Loves Raymond, but buy this disc at your own risk, I wish I had spent my money on a Season of the show not this disc. Not that you need to Ray, please make another CD.

Good comedy, lousy recording.......2007-01-30

The previous reviewer hit it on the head -- the lone problem with this CD is in how it was recorded. Ray's voice bounces between being loud, as if he's right at the mike, to softer, as if he's set back a few steps demonstrating something. The crowd noise also changes periodically, with the laughter sometimes being as loud as Ray. This makes it difficult to listen to the CD in the car without playing with the volume.

That being said, I really enjoyed this CD and listen to it periodically. Some of the routines remind you of Ray's character on his show, but some of it is not for kids' ears. It's not because of language -- although the first track contains the only curse on the CD, the F*** word -- but it's more because of some of the topics around his kids and their diapers, or his twins ability to...well.. just listen on your own first.

Super Funny, but one problem.......2006-11-10

Ok so I say its super funny then only give it 4 stars. Thats because the jokes are great. I have listened to it so many times in the car and I still laugh. My husband and I even tell the jokes to each other and laugh. But it loses a star because of the quality of the cd. Be ready to play with the volume. If you pop the cd in as normal all you will hear is laughing. Maybe Ray`s mic wasn`t connected right to the recording booth or however they record it but you have to turn the volume way up to hear Ray, then turn it down since the laughter gets really loud. Other then that it was great. It was such a great comedy cd that I would buy another cd of Ray`s even with the same problem just to hear the jokes. Also I liked that other then one word in the very beginning that is beeped out, the cd is clean to listen to for the whole family. Other comedy cds, like Chris Rock have way too much swearing. It just isn`t needed in my family car.

Average customer rating:

Music as God intended...really-it's that good.
One of my FAVORITE albums!
The best live album I've ever heard...
Best Live CD Ever?
the best music ever

Live at Carnegie Hall
Bill Withers
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lean on Me-Best of Bill Withers
Live
Menagerie
Still Bill
These Songs for You, Live!

ASIN: B000002ALR
Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

Use Me
Friend Of Mine
Ain't No Sunshine
Grandma's Hands
World Keeps Going Around
Let Me In Your Life
Better Off Dead
For My Friend
I Can't Write Left-Handed
Lean On Me
Lonely Town, Lonely Street
Hope She'll Be Happier
Let Us Love
Harlem/Cold Baloney

Amazon.com

Despite the import of the occasion--an October 1972 night at America's most prestigious hall--what really impresses about Bill Withers's Live at Carnegie Hall is the good feeling and sense of interplay passed between the star, his band, and the audience. From the surpassingly casual opening of "Use Me" and its build through eight-plus minutes and an extended ending to the complexity and occasional joy of Withers's socio-personal "Lean on Me," "I Can't Write Left-Handed," and a medley of "Harlem" and "Cold Bologna," Carnegie is an underappreciated document of what for a moment was progressive R&B. Always one of music's most humble performers, Withers quietly, intensely proves his mettle over the length of this one-time double LP. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Music as God intended...really-it's that good........2007-01-03

What? you don't have this album already??? well, what are you doing, stop reading this and go NOW!! or press purchase, whatever you need to do to enrich your life with this essential recording. Worth it just for harlem/cold balcony but the rest is just as good. Thanks Bill Withers.

"This strange man over here in Vietnam I don't ever now, ain't never done nothing to, God bless his heart, He done shot me in my shoulder!!.....and I can't write left-handed."
Good God, I love this album.

One of my FAVORITE albums!.......2006-03-30

I love this CD....soulful, personal, and the storytelling is intriguing. Bill Withers has always been one of the most underrated artists ever.

The best live album I've ever heard..........2005-11-24

I'm surprised that this isn't mentioned in the same breath as B.B. King's "Live At The Regal" and James Brown's "Live At The Appolo" as one of the best live albums ever. The energy of this performance is amazing and the crowd is so into the music that the whole disc is just ELECTRIC. The live version of "Use Me" is SO good, with the whole crowd clapping on the off beat. Best of all, after the band jams on the song for seven minutes, you can hear the shouts of "One more time!!" from what sounds like the back row of Carnegie Hall. Bill Withers asks the crowd, "One more time?" and the place goes nuts, at which point the band launches back into the song without missing a beat. This is just one of the moments captured here that can only be described as magical. The appreciative round of applause that Withers gets from the crowd after delivering an amazing vocal on "Hope She'll Be Happier" is also noteworthy. Bill Withers really possessed a natural talent for songwriting; his lyrics are simple and direct but say so much. The middle verse of "World Keeps Going Around" where he describes the dating chain of the narrator with a few different women is amazing. Songs like "Grandma's Hands" and "I Can't Write Left Handed" are incredible lyrically also. This was a great performance where everything just clicked: great songs, great band, and an enthusiastic crowd. This should be essential listening for everyone. The finale of Harlem/Cold Baloney is so awesome. Bill Withers gets the whole place to chant "shake em on down" as he leaves the stage. What an ending! This is really an unsung masterpiece.

Best Live CD Ever?.......2005-03-16

It's very possible. The band is tight. The crowd is really into the performance. The artist gets very personal with background info on the songs. You haven't heard Bill Withers till you listen to this CD. Another reviewer wondered why there was no DVD of this. I second that emotion.

PS-I give this CD 5 Stars. I hit the wrong button!

the best music ever.......2004-09-26

it's as simple as that: if you like good music, the one that comes from soul and guts, you have to get this album.
forget about style, this ain't typical soul music, or anything that could really be labelled. this music comes from the heart, and can speak to anyone, whatever your taste in music is.
if you already own some bill withers material, you're missing the essential piece: his studio work is great, but bill's voice, his sincerity, his sense of humor, his "fire", all those things are really amplified by his live performance, and his funky, funky band, brings the best possible music to fit his lyrics.
so, to every music listener in the world: whether it's a lovely or a sad day for you ,you'll find in this record something to listen, something that will fit your mood. don't you hesitate, this is forever good music, that will never get old.

Average customer rating:

Worst Wanderer Fantasy EVER?
Pianistic Glory at its best!!!!
An outstanding performance and story of a child prodigy
Most Impressive!
Trust the peanut gallery? Or trust experts. Your choice ...

Lang Lang Live at Carnegie Hall

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Amazon.com

This is a dazzling recital, taped live at Carnegie Hall in November 2003--complete with applause. Lang Lang's virtuosity is almost frightening: the Liszt "Reminiscenses du Don Juan" is a showpiece when played "normally." Here, Lang plays it to its extremes, with soft passages amazingly soft and subtly delineated and the bigger moments heaven-thundering. And it is played so fast, and so accurately (a cascade of notes in mid-"La ci darem la mano" sounds like a waterfall), that it leaves the listener breathless--surely just what Liszt wanted. In a Haydn sonata, Lang's classical line is impeccable, but he's not afraid to shine through the music and embellish occasionally. The Schumann "Traumerei" is suitably dreamy and hushed; Schubert's "Wanderer" Fantasy, a real crowd-pleaser, is just that--beautifully played, familiar yet fresh sounding. And an encore, with Lang's father playing a two-string fiddle called the erhu, is a fascinating look into Eastern music. There's more (this is a 2-CD set), and it's stunning--and highly recommended for all admirers of great piano playing. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Worst Wanderer Fantasy EVER?.......2007-02-14

I can't believe the positive reviews this recording has gotten. Don't believe the hype folks; Lang Lang may have technique to burn, but most 1st-year conservatory students possess at least the same interpretive depth, if not more. When he isn't indulging himself in interpretive excess, then Lang Lang is playing as if he really doesn't care much at all.

His Schubert is garbage. Let him stick to playing Chinese compositions unknown to Western audiences, because virtually none of us will have any way of drawing comparisons between his interpretation and that of others. I can only assume that his interpretation of Dun Tan is the definitive version --- but I doubt it.

Pianistic Glory at its best!!!!.......2006-11-07

Wow!!
I have read several of the 'negative' reviews here and can only conclude (after viewing the DVD four times and counting) that what may be going on with these folks is something they themselves simply don't understand (about themselves!). They cannot or will not accept that here with Lang Lang, as with Evgeny Kissin (ever notice?) the world is being introduced to the next and even greater generation of pianistic virtuosos, young prodigies who can do everything that Horowitz and even Lizst ever did and more... I have no doubt those two would agree were they alive today. Karajan wept (for joy)when he heard the young Kissin perform Chopin's Fantasy in F# minor, Mehta was so taken with Kissin's performance under his baton that he could not refrain from hugging the young boy after a stellar performance... Andre Watts, not often praising his contemporaries, mused about finding the nearest bridge to jump off after hearing Kissin play realizing he was not in the same league and one other recent winner of an International Competition had to pull his car over to the side of the road, he was so taken with Kissin.... yes, I know it seems like I forgot we are talking about Lang Lang.... Lang Lang can do everything Kissin can and maybe more...Are we to believe that these aforementioned individuals are musical idiots prone to such actions?!!

Folks! accept it, embrace it and thank God for it!... just as he did when simultaneously brought Chopin and Liszt to our world in the early 1800's (they were the same age except for a year) He has now given us another Double Blast of Pianistic Glory in Kissin and Lang Lang! Pity those who can't get beyond their envy, jealously, general jadedness with life... or whatever ails them... they need help, lots of help!

As for me and many like me (BTW, it doesnt count for much but I am a pianist myself)... we are so grateful and blessed to have these 2 young men and the miracle of DVD technology to bring their concerts right into our living room!

An outstanding performance and story of a child prodigy.......2006-06-14

Lang Lang has the charm of an ebullient child as he plays the piano. I have never seen a pianists enjoy himself with such gay abandon, a delight that lured me into a space of complete attention. I sat with a smile on my face thoughout most of the performance. However, his wonderful performance air was only second to his pianism. You will gasp in awe during Reminiscenses de Don Juan. Lang Lang conveys powerful energy though the piano without losing the delicate touches and grace. The skill is a contradiction that few virtuosos have. Bravo!

Most Impressive!.......2006-05-18

When I first heard Lang Lang on the Internet, I thought he only played fast. When I heard him again (this time live), I thought, wow! He really is amazing! Lang Lang was born in 1982 in Shenyang, China. He started piano at the age of three, and played in his first public recital at age 5. He studied piano with many teachers. I love piano, too. Although I am not going to be like him, I must say that he is one of a kind. When he plays, he doesn't just play. He feels it, too, and uses his body to show his different emotions. And he's only 23!

Trust the peanut gallery? Or trust experts. Your choice ..........2006-01-05

o Lang Lang. German Echo Klassic 2004 Award Winner. Best Pianist.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echo_Klassik

o About this Carnegie Hall recording? The one given some pretty bad reviews from the peanut gallery? Well, the recording won a 2005 Amadeus Austrian Music Award. And a DVD of this recital with documentary footage won the 2005 "Music DVD of the Year" Echo Klassik Award.

Music has always been interpretive and a vital mark of virtuosity is having your own voice - Lang has his own voice and he masterfully distinguishes himself with it. Lang is a refreshing draft of fresh air in a typically stagnant arena. Technically, the kid can flat out play. Period. Interpretively, he is bold, unafraid, and lets it all hang out.

Nuff said ...

Cheers!

Average customer rating:

As good as it gets
Some technical details and comments
The complete concert, greatest live album ever made
I'm Just Wild About Harry (Belafonte)!
True talent, live

Live in Concert at the Carnegie Hall
Harry Belafonte
Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Belafonte Returns to Carnegie Hall
Belafonte at Carnegie Hall
Calypso
Ultimate Collection
Island in the Sun: 20 Golden Songs

ASIN: B000006SUU
Release Date: 1993-08-30

Tracks:

Introduction/Darlin' Cora
Sylvie
Cotton Fields
John Henry
Take My Mother Home
Marching Saints
Banana Boat Song (Day-O)
Jamaica Farewell
Man Piaba
All My Trials

Tracks:

Mama Look a Boo Boo
Come Back Liza
Man Smart (Woman Smarter)
Hava Nagila
Danny Boy
Merci Bon Dieu
Cucurrucucu Paloma
Shenandoah
Matilda

Album Description

bin 15110. Remastered reissue, part of RCA's Living Stereo series, for the esteemed vocalist's 1959 live concert recording. 19 tracks: 'Introduction/ Darlin' Cora', 'Sylvie''Cotton Fields', 'John Henry', 'Take My Mother Home', 'The Marching Saints', 'Day O', 'Jamaica Farewell', 'Man Piaba', 'All My Trials', 'Mama Look A Boo Boo', 'Come Back Lisa', 'Man Smart (Woman Smarter)', 'Have Nageela', 'Danny Boy', 'Merci Bon Dieu', 'Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma', 'Shenandoah' and 'Matilda'.

Album Details

Double CD Set. Recorded Live in New York. Part of RCA 'Living Stereo' Series.

Customer Reviews:

As good as it gets.......2007-03-08

A superb taking of a superb artist in a superb mood. Need a say moore?

If you only plans to own five CDs this must be one of them. Mr Bellafonte at his absolute best. I enjoy every second of this CD. Not only is it musically outstanding but it is also a true high fidelity record.

A CD not only for easy listening but also for true listening sessions!

Some technical details and comments.......2006-07-25

Tracks flow into each other with no "silence" between; its just like the "Living Stereo" black vinyl Long-Play records. All of the content on the LPs is indeed here. Awesome.

Sound quality is quite good. CDs were issued in Germany in 1993 (performance dates were 19 & 20 April 1959). There are no markings on the CDs indicating remixing, remastering or other processing. Despite this, the sound is a little more "natural" than my LP transfer which had that circa-1959 bass richness. This may be just coloration in my turntable set-up and the CD gets it right. There is minor tape hiss in the background noise. The dynamic range may have been increased. The CD allows me to hear more in the music than I ever heard before (musican banter, HB's breathing etc).

The CDs are a great replacement to the LPs transfers I had on my iPod. (I'm not sure yet if I'll miss the ticks and pops from the needle. It was kinda cool on an iPod.)

Regarding musicality; the other reviews have said it all. I agree that this is one of those rare recordings where everything is perfect. It is unthinkable that this concert could even have one second edited from it. I love this concert. It is genius.

The complete concert, greatest live album ever made.......2006-02-07

Harry Belafonte, is on of the greatest, most influential man ever born in the United States, as well as a hero to the world as well as to all Americans. Mr. Belafonte, World WarII veteren, who volunteered and was on the battlefield, and still serves his nation and the World, with his international travel on behalf of Unicef.
As far as his totally unique talent, this magnificant talent, shows all of his power, his heart, soul and love for all humanity with the best live album ever created.
I have a sentimental feeling about the famous Carnegie Hall concert since I grew up in blue collar family in Brooklyn attended this show. Growing up, I used th hear my parents play this many times on weekends, while doing their chores and nothingw ould light up their faces, create laughter, got them to sing, more than when they listened to the album of this Carnegie Hall concert.
I was about eleven or so when I started hearing it, and I have the album about memorized and grew up loving the album, Mr. Belafonte, his talent, his incredibly diverse careers, and non-stop dedication to all of humanity.
There is comments by an individual who does live the CD about how Harry did "novelty songs" in the second act. THOSE ARE NOT NOVELTY SONGS, THEY ARE FOLK SONGS FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD. But I guess to an American, International folk music is a "novelty song". Grrr. I know the gentlemen who made that comment meant no harm, but I hope it is understood. Mr Belafonte is currently and has previously spent his life unfolding the cultures of nations from all over the world by singing and giving publicity to the great folk music that tells the story of the people of the world.

It is great that this import has the entire concert, but I have to admit that I am ashamed as an American, that it has to be AN IMPORT, that no American music company has taken the original tapes, re-mastered it with love as they would any major piece of history and re-released it. He was born in Harlem and is one of the great, great stories of someone who has lived the American dream. Please remember the racism he experienced as well as being blacklisted suring the McCarthy hearings. But nothing stops his optomism and love of humanity.

He talent is unequaled and no one delivers a folk song with more power, heart and soul.
Besides, he probably was the best guest the Muppets ever had.

A couple of quick pieces of info on Mr. Belafonte. Bob Dylan was recorded for the first time on a Harry Belafonte album, where Harry hired him as a harmonica player.
Mr. Belafonte is a graduate of the Actors Studio in N.Y. the produced a generation of great actors.
Calypso was the first album to sell 1 million copies, but how many people know that he followed that album up with a album where he read and discussed the works of the great American writer, Mark Twain.

Thank you Harry for this great album and the great memories you leave me listening to it and the great pleasure you gave to my late parents.

Jon

I'm Just Wild About Harry (Belafonte)!.......2006-02-04

Nowadays the "powers that be" (read: "murderous thugs within the Bush Administration")are on a campaign to depict Harry Belafonte as being mentally unstable. Why? Because he had the courage to point out the all-too-obvious fact that George W. Bush and the dirty old dingbats around him are the biggest sources of world instability since Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.

It's nice to know that he's still Harry after all these years; Still holding up a mirror to a sick and hypocritical society that obviously doesn't like what's reflected.

Belafonte At Carnegie Hall, recorded on two nights in April of 1959 is, no doubt about it, the finest "Live" album ever recorded. All these years later it still has a freshness that is irresistable. The fact that it was recorded with state-of-the-art equipment, you can close your eyes and it's almost as if your sitting, front row. It's moving and riotously funny all at the same time. Trust me on this one kiddies, you won't be disappointed!

Pray for peace

Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
tomdegan@froniternet.net

True talent, live.......2005-10-28

I grew up with this album that my parents had, unfortunately I recalled it as Belafonte RETURNS to Carnegie Hall. Thankfully I ordered this first, then later got Harry Returns (basically for Odetta and Miriam Makeba).

The man is brilliant in concert and it is unbelieveable they were daring enough to try to record these performances live. I shudder to think anyone currently who could pull this off (with the exception of Midler who thrives on a live audience).

Does Belafonte have an incredible voice and fantastic range? Not really. He has a great voice but the man has PASSION and intelligence in his hip pocket and he presents a priceless show.

It's amazing to me, now, to realize what a global attitude this man has, did I mention passion and intelligence? So I did, but it's well worth repeating.

I played this album for a 7th grade class and they ape over it -- they knew two songs from the movie Beetle Juice and insisted I download the lyrics. When it came time for Cucurrucucu Paloma they went wild (and the staff freaked when they heard it was a live performance) so I knew Mama Look a Boo Boo would be appreciated.

I know Mr. Belafonte is known and loved for many of his standards (basicaly Day-O) but I my faorite piece will always be Merci Bon Dieu. It's so beautiful, it's heartbreaking in a wonderful way.

I hate live albums because most artists cannot do live what they create in the studio. Not so with this -- he sounds even better live. A truly talented man with intelligence and passion -- darn, that's rare and very much appreciated, especially in the year 2005.

Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall

Average customer rating:

She is wonderful!!
wonderful
3 stars for the voice and vim
"Making Love Alone" - GONE
Wonderful!

Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall
Bernadette Peters
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Legends of Broadway

ASIN: B00000GC22
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

Broadway Baby
No One Is Alone
Sooner Or Later
Time Heals Everything
Raining In My Heart
Some People
Johanna
Happiness
Hello Little Girl
Any Moment
There Won't Be Trumpets
You Could Drive A Person Crazy
Not A Day Goes By
Being Alive
Move On

Amazon.com

This live concert from 1997, a benefit for the Gay Men's Health Crisis, was Bernadette Peters's Carnegie Hall debut, and it's a joy. Peters has always had a special affinity for the music of Stephen Sondheim, and she spotlights some of his best songs, only a few of them from the shows she's best known for, Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. The program is part career retrospective--including non-Sondheim selections from Mack and Mabel and Dames at Sea--and part wish list, which provides a forum for Peters's pouty humor ("In this movie [Dick Tracy], this song was sung by a blonde bombshell... not me. Although we both have religious names."). She's backed by a full orchestra conducted by Marvin Laird, who also directed Peters's similar program a year later at London's Royal Festival Hall (captured on VHS and DVD). The very appreciative and knowing audience (there's applause at the first words of Dames' "Raining in My Heart") includes Stephen Sondheim himself. No doubt he was very proud. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

She is wonderful!!.......2007-01-06

This concert was an unforgettable performance. I happened to be in the audience that memorable night. This CD captures the excitment of that night beautifully. Her voice is amazing and I don't think anyone has ever sung Sondheim better. Her interpetation of Being Alive and Not A Day Goes By, are unparelled. She sings with such passion and understanding of the music and the lyrics that she just breaks your heart. I thought it was an interesting choice for her to sing Johanna and boy did she pull it off.
An amazing amazing performance and CD.

wonderful.......2006-04-25

Bernadette Peters is essentially my idol. That being said, this cd was one of the reasons I fell in love with her years ago. With such wonderful source material to work with (Sondheim never fails) and her marvelous voice, it would be difficult to have a bad album. She puts so much of herself into every song that she sings, something that I can only aspire to do. If you're a fan of Bernadette Peters, of Stephen Sondheim, of broadway, or just of amazing voices coupled with amazing songs, you will enjoy this album.

3 stars for the voice and vim.......2005-05-29

Who wouldn't/couldn't/doesn't love Bernadette Peters? Her voice, interpretation and all-around style signify star quality. I loved her in person in Annie Get Your Gun. I didn't "get" her as GYPSY"S Mom, or on this CD,either. It was on my wish list, but I could only stand listening to the angst-driven offering once, before I tossed it in a bin... The lyrics are that overwrought and maudlin. The background laughter and applause from the audience includes pauses & patter that are intrusive and annoying. The most tender song is Time Heals Everything, from Mack and Mabel. Please let someone revive this underrated musical; Bernadette could still pull it off...........

"Making Love Alone" - GONE.......2003-12-20

I bought this for one song that was track 4. It has been removed. Needless to say, it is a disappointment.

Wonderful!.......2003-10-19

I don't usually care much for out of context "personal interpretations" of songs from musicals. I don't hate those, it's just that they don't interrest me much. This is an exception.

Most of the SJS songs Bernadette Peters sings on this album are either definitive versions, or when they are too different from how they were written, they are at least handled with such skill that it doesn't matter to a SJS purist like me.

Tracks:

Goldfinger
Where Am I Going?
I Capricorn
Let Me Sing and I'm Happy
Johnny One Note
For All We Know
I'd Like to Hate Myself in the Morning
I (Who Have Nothing)
Day by Day
Narration
And I Love You So
Diamonds Are Forever
Narration
Big Spender
Introduction of Orchestra
Never, Never, Never (Grande, Grande, Grande)
You and I
Something
Lovely Way to Spend an Evening [Instrumental]
This Is My Life (La Vita)
Lovely Way to Spend an Evening [Instrumental]
Party's Over

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of the Recordings of Dame Shirley's 1973 Concerts Recorded Over Two Nights at New York's Famed Carnegie Hall. Bgo Has Lovingly Reproduced the Lavishly Packaged Original Album Sleeve. Includes a 20 Page Commemorative Booklet. These Recordings Feature a 36-year-old Bassey at the Height of her Vocal Powers, Accompanied by the Woody Herman Orchestra!

Customer Reviews:

Better remastering job on this UK Version than on the DRG American Release.......2006-03-11

This is one of those Desert Island Discs people always talk about. Most people know Shirley Bassey for her great James Bond themes. But this recording done over two days in May way back in 1973 demonstrates the incredible talent, humor and versatility of this Welsh superstar who was never quite as popular in the U.S. as in Europe.

I had the double United Artists album of this concert as a kid. I hadn't heard it in some years until the recent releases done with this UK version from BGO Beat Goes On and the different American remastering by DRG Records. The edge goes to this recording. Somehow the songs, the musicians and even crowd noise is clearer and sharper on this release. The DRG version disappointed me a little as there is a slight flatness to it that I did not remember from the old vinyl version. So, I'd recommend shelling out a few dollars more and going with this one. It also comes with a multi-page booklet with interesting liner notes and a host of pictures of Dame Shirley taken throughout her career.

If you are not a fan you will be after listening to this explosion of talent.

DAME SHIRLEY AT HER BRILLIANT, BOMBASTIC BEST.......2006-02-13

Those who know me know that I worship at the Shrine of Bassey. Those who wonder why need to listen, even once, even briefly, to this 1973 sold-out celebration. Here is the bombastic belter at her best: cooing and wooing and working the crowd into a frenzy not seen since Judy worked the hall a decade earlier. Choosing a highlight is (almost) impossible --- "Day By Day" and "Big Spender" have to be cited, but the takes on "Never, Never, Never," "You and I" and "This is My Life" are Bassey at her most brilliant. I am not the only one who understands the power of love: In 1999, the Queen of England choose Shirley to receive her highest honor, proving that, indeed, there's nothing like this Dame.

At Her Peak.......2006-02-04

Dame Shirley Bassey gives it her all at this concert from Carnegie Hall, 1972. Personally there are three recordings from Carnegie Hall that are must have for me; Judy Garland's, Liza Minnelli's and Shirley's Carnegie Hall albums. This live recording is a bravura performance, her vocal power is amazing and the material she performs is amazing. She opens the show with her biggest hit single ever, Goldfinger, which is pretty bold! Who have the nerves to open a show with their biggest hit? She continues with to songs from the album "I Capricorn" the latter, and "Where Am I Going" which are adorable. Shirley seems so happy to perform there and it shows "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy" is bawdy but so fantastic and her rendition of "Johnny One Note" is out of this world. She sings many of her biggest hits from "For All We Know" to "And I Love You So". This is simply one of the greatest live performances I've ever heard, her voice is so powerful, unlike anything I've ever heard. Her onstage chatter with the audience just proves how humble she is - and not at all this diva everybody likes to classify her as. Many of these songs are covers of old classic, but Shirley makes them her own with her amazing interpretation skills as a performer, "Big Spender" is originally by Peggy Lee, but over the years the song has become mostly associated with Bassey. Her voice is very unusual, a deep bellowing with a strong mannered vibrator. "Something in the way he moves" she sings in such a convincing manner, with strong conviction and capability. The entire show is out of this world, Bassey is at the top of her game and only a few people could follow her. At the end of the show she performs her statement song "This Is My Life" which is simply amazing, again a perfect display of her amazing skills. When it all comes down to it, Shirley Bassey: Live At Carnegie Hall is one of the greatest live albums of the 70's and a great legacy to all performers to come.

Shirley Bassey Live At Carnegie Hall.......2005-08-13

Ms. Bassey is at her best in the live CD. A voice that cannot be matched! Perfect array of ballads and old favorites. Strongly recommeneded!

THE BEST SHIRLEY ALBUM--EVER!.......2005-07-12

Hold on to your hats, folks, Shirley B is at Carnegie Hall and
the walls shake! This was the first Bassey album I ever bought
(back then it was a 2-lp set with a different cover, at least
in the USA) and it is still my favorite. So entertaining, so
much fun, such a great selection of material, such wonderful
singing! This is one of the best live albums I own, by anyone
in any music genre. You truly feel the excitement. This was
recorded in 1973 when Shirley was at her absolute peak (not that
she isn't still fabulous) and sums up her career nicely. All
the high points are here--"Goldfinger", "Diamonds Are Forever",
"This Is My Life", "Big Spender", "I Who Have Nothing", etc. The
most touching and beautiful version of "And I Love You So" EVER,
better than her studio recording, in my opinion. A driving,
relentless "Johnny One Note"; a beautiful and sensuous "I
Capricorn" (one of her most overlooked classics), and many
many more. The improvement in sound over the LP is staggering,
and makes the original sound almost like a bootleg. There is
now an immediacy and intimacy to the vocals that was missing
from the original release. All the nuances of Shirley as well
as the musicians can now be enjoyed like never before. I have
two minor gripes that fans of the original will notice--first off, the CD fades up into the intro to "Goldfinger" instead of
the BOM-BOMMM notes opening the show. Why they did this is
beyond me. Secondly, the tape fades out signaling the end
of the original "LP sides". Why didn't they edit this for
the CD? But these are small quibbles when put against the
fact that we finally have this classic of vocal artistry
sounding like it should sound for the digital age. Cheers,
Shirley! Well done!

Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim (Live at Carnegie Hall 2001)

Average customer rating:

Wow!
Everyone Should Whistle
An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master
Beautiful, moving concert
... and I love Barbara Cook

Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim (Live at Carnegie Hall 2001)

Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000059LFF
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

Everybody Says Don't
I Wonder What Became of Me?
The Eagle and Me
I Had Myself a True Love
Into the Woods / Giants in the Sky (Malcolm Gets)
Another Hundred People / So Many People (Malcolm Gets)
Let's Face the Music and Dance / The Song Is You (duet with Malcolm Gets)
Happiness
Loving You
You Could Drive a Person Crazy
Not A Day Goes By / Losing My Mind

Tracks:

Buds Won't Bud
I Got Lost in His Arms
West Side Story Segment: Something's Coming / Tonight (Malcolm Gets)
Move On (duet with Malcolm Gets)
Medley: Hard Hearted Hannah / Waiting for the Robert E. Lee / San Francisco
Ice Cream
Send in the Clowns
The Trolley Song
Not While I'm Around (duet with Malcolm Gets)
Anyone Can Whistle

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Barbara Cook is one of today's most accomplished song stylists, and if you don't believe us, just listen to this live album. It's a master class in the art of singing. It documents an evening at Carnegie Hall during which Cook proved that she can dissect and extract the substance out of the simplest of lyrics. One of the best surprises is "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" (from Company), which is taken at an amiable trot and allows the singer to display its humor. Cook is not a swinging singer and uptempo is not her pace; give her a ballad, though, and she'll wring the last drop of emotion out of it. Her version of "Losing My Mind" (here paired with "Not a Day Goes By") is simply astonishing. The singer also performs songs that Sondheim has said he wished he had written, an awful lot of them by Harold Arlen. No complaints here. Guest Malcolm Gets solos on a few songs and duets with Cook on others, including "Let's Face the Music and Dance." This is classic material done masterfully by a classic singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2004-02-20

Having read the other reviews there is little more for me to add. I have been a Barbara Cook fan for a longtime and for me, this is one of her best concerts ever. I do, however, prefer the DVD. As with some other reviewers, I do not want to hear Malcolm Gets (as much as I like him) when I want to listen to Barbara. Her flawless interpretation of music is a hard act to follow for any singer! I managed to see this concert 4 times over a year and a half. Each time I saw her the voice was stronger and more assured (I would not have thought that possible). I can't help but think we will have the pleasure of hearing Ms Cook for many years to come. For those people who enjoyed his CD I strongly recommend purchasing the DVD. Barabara's rendition of So Many People is breathtaking (literally, I don't think I breathed once during the entire song). If you ever have opportunity to see her live - go! She has an ability to make you feel as if every song she sings and every word she speaks is directed to you alone. She can take a large venue and make it feel as intimate as your own living room. Having had the pleasure of meeting her I can say she is as youthful and pleasurable in person as she is in her performance.

Everyone Should Whistle.......2003-10-11

After being privileged to attend this concert, I had to own the CD. Once a lyric coloratura and the original Cunegonde in Bernstein's Candide, Ms. Cook has become (in her 70s) a true diva, blessed with a velvety, warm sound. Every note has meaning. Her high B-flat on "Ice Cream" is still the envy of any soprano today. Everyone should whistle after hearing the superb performances on this CD. Even better, though, is the experience of having been in the concert hall for the live performance. Brava, Ms. Cook!

An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master.......2003-06-16

When I first bought tickets for the 'Mostly Sondheim' show on tour (in San Francisco) I figured it couldn't be too bad. Besides, I had only been exposed to a few of his songs (Anyone Can Whistle, Losing My Mind...) and had only seen "A Little Night Music". On the way out of the theater I immediately picked up this recording of the program. It is truly amazing. I immediately began listening to it and have barely put it down in the last few months. Furthermore, my Sondheim CD collection increased in size from an unflattering zero to five (and it's still growing)! This is an amazing introduction to the works of Stephen Sondheim, who is now my favorite modern musical composer). Buy this now if you don't already have it!

Beautiful, moving concert.......2003-04-13

This is a wonderful CD set with a great selection of songs. I do want to express a slight reservation, however. Barbara Cook has been one of my favorite singers for a number of years and the way her voice defies time is extraordinary -- for her to be singing with such bright, beautiful tone in her mid-70s with no wobble or beat in the voice is an amazing achievment.

I do have to say that by 2001, when this concert was recorded, Cook seemed to have a lost a little bit of power and intensity in her singing. This is only natural for someone of her age. Her voice is still lovely, but you can sense her keeping it in reserve a bit. She's as expressive as ever, but compare the rendition of "I got lost in his arms" on this album to the one on her previous album recorded in 1999, "The Champion Season", and there's less urgency and vocal depth in her singing here. That said, the high B at the end of "Ice Cream" is sensational.

So, despite that caveat, this is, again, a wonderful album, a must for Cook fans, especially for the gorgeous renditions of songs I'd never thought I'd get to hear her perform: "Not a Day Goes By", "Happiness/Loving You", "San Francisco", etc. Buy it!

... and I love Barbara Cook.......2003-02-11

This recording is a disappointment for me. It is not her best work, and Malcolm Gets is uninspired. My biggest complaint however is the engineering of the recording. Throughout the speaking was to soft, the singing volumes uneven, and the applause deafening. I will be passing this CD on to friends, and will later donate it to my local library.

Soul Music:

Soul Music

soul music

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