Classics (Fat Beats & Brastraps: Women of Hip-Hop)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Anchored by three tracks from the pioneering Real Roxanne and two apiece by the ultraconfident Queen Latifah and the inimitably nasty Roxanne Shanté, this disc of trailblazing women in hip-hop has a few significant gaps as a survey but kicks like crazy as a string of surefire jams. Mostly plucked from the late 1980s, it's also a unique sideways look at the way some subgenres of hip-hop evolved: pop-dance with rapping (Oaktown's 3-5-7 and the Real Roxanne's embrace of go-go beats), reggae-fied bounce (Latifah), and even the X-rated Southern style (of which 2 Much's "Wild Thang," which launched LeShaun's career, is an obvious big mama). Everything here will get a floor moving, and a few tracks--especially Shanté's scathing "Have a Nice Day"--may burn some ears, too. --Douglas Wolk

Classics (Fat Beats & Brastraps: Women of Hip-Hop),Queen Latifah,Shante,Sweet Tee,Fat Beats & Bra Straps,Rhino / Wea,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues

Tracks:

Heaven Have A Mercy
Milord
Rien De Rien
La Foule
Cri Du Coeur
La Vie En Rose (English version)
Padam Padam
Mon Dieu
L'Hymne A L'Amour
Mon Manege A Moi
Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien
L'Eveil
Mon Legionnaire (piano solo)
Lisieux
La Mort De Leplee ("Mon Legionnaire")
Apparition
L'ABC
L'Arrestation ("Mon Legionnaire")
L'Idylle
Derniere Nuit
Mon Homme (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
Les Momes De La Cloche (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
Les Hiboux (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
Fascination (interpreted by Maya Barsoni)
Il M'a Vue Nue (interpreted by Mistinguett)
La Poupee
Vie En Rose (accordeon)

Amazon.com

As befits the soundtrack of a music biopic, most of the heavy lifting here is done by the movie's subject: iconic French singer Edith Piaf. She was the Gallic Judy Garland, a natural performer who overcame one personal tragedy after another and was never more alive than on stage, forging an uncommon bond with both material and audience. Since actress Marion Cotillard lip-synchs in the film, the first 11 tracks on the CD are by Piaf herself, and give a good overview of her biggest hits (though we get the English version of the title track) and her feverish, ultra-dramatic style. But Piaf wasn't only a tragedienne of song: Her lighter side is represented by "Rien de Rien" and "Mon Manège à Moi," which she infuses with wonderful flair. Tracks 12-20 are made up of Christopher Gunning's richly symphonic original score (check out "La Mort de Leplée"). The last third of the album offers Piaf without Piaf, with contemporary singers Jil Aigrot and Maya Barsoni performing her songs (apparently because the originals' poor sound quality meant they would have stuck out in the movie). Watch out, however, for Mistinguett's hilarious "Il m'a vu nue," a slice of French music-hall history preserved in amber. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Official motion picture soundtrack to the film La Vie En Rose, the dramatic real-life story of French chanteuse Edith Piaf, starring Marion Cotillard and Gerard Depardieu. This release contains 27 tracks featuring 11 of Piaf's most popular songs remastered including "La Vie En Rose", "Hymne A L'amour" "Milord" and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien", plus the original score by Christopher Gunning.

Customer Reviews:

Piaf soars!.......2007-08-05

Those who have seen Marion Cotillard's Oscar caliber performance in "La Vie En Rose" will love this disk for the eleven songs she lip-synched so brilliantly in the film--10 of them by Piaf. The old recordings were enhanced with modern technology to sound great. The soundtrack's underscoring tracks and other filler could easily have been deleted. Only the Piaf tracks found their way to my iPod.

Wonderful Period Music.......2007-07-20

Having seen the movie La Vien Rose, I knew I had to get the CD. Both are terrific. If you haven't listened to or seen the movie I suggest you do both. Excellent music/performances. Bill

La Vie en Rose.......2007-07-06

The soundtrack to the movie by the same title is excellent. The restoration was superb. The voice of Edith Piaf is masterful.

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Boublil & Schonberg's Newest Creation
NOT THE BEST, BUT STILL BRILLIANT
Broadway not Chicago
CLASSIC MUSICAL
Unsinkable Pirate Queen

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
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110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
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Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000QTCY72
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

Prologue
Pirate Queen
Woman
My Grace
Here on This Night
Waking of the Queen
Rah-Rah, Tip-Top
Choice Is Mine
Boys'll Be Boys
Wedding
I'll Be There
Day Beyond Belclare
Sail to the Stars
Entr'acte
Enemy at Port Side
I Dismiss You
If I Said I Loved You
Role of the Queen
Christening
Let a Father Stand by His Son
Surrender
She Who Has All
Sea of Life
Woman to Woman
Finale

Amazon.com

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Boublil & Schonberg's Newest Creation.......2007-08-03

How do you follow such internationally sucessful shows like Les Miserables and Miss Saigon? Well, with Martin Guerre of course. Sadly that particular show, despite being re-written and relaunched a couple of times failed to be the success it was hoped. Now, I really liked that show, especially before it was revamped BUT it just wasn't to be. So we now have Boublil & Schonberg's latest offering with The Pirate Queen. I think that if you liked the previous three scores you can't fail to enjoy this new show. It certainly has some great "show stoppers", some wonderful "duets" and exciting dance interludes. Whereas in Martin Guerre we had the more authentic and rustic villagers dancing we now have a more Riverdance and Celtic feel in line with the Irish story and links. In fairness there is feeling of having heard it before and some themes do seem reminiscent of the previous shows BUT isn't that true of other successful composers?

Overall, a worthwhile addition to your collection if not up to the Les Miz and Saigon standards. Having played it several times now it certainly improves each time you hear it. I am very happy to recommend this recording especially now that the show has finished and we may not have the chance of seeing it again....... who knows? Watch this space though!

NOT THE BEST, BUT STILL BRILLIANT.......2007-08-02

I read the reviews before purchasing this CD, and seeing as they were so mixed, I decided to just get it and see for myself after listening to samples of the tracks.

I was really glad I did. I have a keen musical ear and a discriminatory musical palate, and I'm usually pretty good at judging things by their covers (even though I know I shouldn't). I was utterly pleased with this musical after listening to it twice. It gets four stars for not blowing me away like some musicals can on the first listening (Les Miserables is a great example). But the point is that it gets all of those four stars.

Irish/Celtic music usually begins to irritate me after I listen to it for a while. It's nice, it's pleasant, but it's not my cup of Earl Grey tea. But the blend of Schonberg's and Boubil's distinct style of musical (made popular by their other work) with the more natural/historical sound of Great Britain blends well. I feel that if this musical had not appeared on Broadway with all the hype surrounding Pirates of the Caribbean releasing it's third installment, that this musical would have garnered more respect, instead of the mass populace thinking, as I believe, "oh, another pirate thing." I am sad that I get the chance to go to see a show in late September in NYC, and this one's already gone - the only one I really want to see.

The money's worth it for a few of the tracks by themselves. Namely, "Woman", "I Dismiss You", "Surrender", and surprisingly, the "Entr'acte". Others have stated in their reviews that they don't like "Boys'll Be Boys" as it's so utterly expected in the tradition of a "Master of the House" song. You know what? Who cares. I think "Boys'll be Boys" as well as "Rah-Rah, Tip-Top" are entertaining for the ears, and every musical has its form of comic relief - though I must say, both songs are dark comedy focusing around characters who are chauvinists. I haven't yet got that spin on Thenardier, as despicable and delightful as he was in Les Miserables. Though initially it's hard to understand some of the Queen's pieces, the feeling of the absolute monarch comes cleanly through, and the harpsichord background is not cliche. It's perfect in those pieces.

I urge other people who are considering buying this to check out these reviews, but judge it for yourselves, and don't start listening to it with expectations. Rather, just sit back and enjoy the show.

Broadway not Chicago.......2007-07-31

This album is good. If you saw the Original production, Pre-Broadway in Chicago, you will notice the differences that the show acquired for its Broadway production. It is a good representation of a show that appears to have lost its luster when moving from the Windy City to the Big Apple. My kids I I listen to the album over and over and cannot get enough of it.

CLASSIC MUSICAL.......2007-07-30

An excellent recording of the Broadway production. This show has a strong storyline and the music is superb! Having seen the show in New York the week before it closed, I really can't understand why this wasn't another long-runner for Boublil and Schonberg. It was a disgrace that it didn't receive any Tony award nominations. At least, we have this recording to savour of a classic musical, which hopefully will have a future in the UK.

Unsinkable Pirate Queen.......2007-07-30

Loved the show and the extremely talented cast! Now I can "Sail to the Stars" whenever I want.

Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Outstanding performances
Grey Gardens altered cast album
Wonderful score
UNBELIEVABLE!!!
All About EBERSOLE!

Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
[title of show] (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000G75A9I
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

The Girl Who Has Everything
The Five-Fifteen
Mother Darling
Goin' Places
Marry Well
Hominy Grits
Peas in a Pod
Drift Away
The Five-Fifteen (reprise)
Daddy's Girl
The Telegram
Will You?
The Revolutionary Costume for Today
The Cake I Had
Entering Grey Gardens
The House We Live In
Jerry Likes My Corn
Around the World
Choose to Be Happy
Around the World (reprise)
Another Winter in a Summer Town
The Girl Who Has Everything (reprise)

Product Description

GREY GARDENS proclaimed the #1 Show of the Year by Time Magazine is preserved here in its Original Broadway Cast Recording. The show had been previously recorded following its off-Broadway premiere in the spring of 2006 (and its cast album released by PS Classics in August of 2006), but this new recording features the new songs and new cast members that were added for its Broadway transfer last fall. The new GREY GARDENS opened on Broadway on November 2, 2006, to rave reviews, led by Ben Brantley in The New York Times, who called it an experience no passionate theatergoer should miss! Starring Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole and Tony Award nominee Mary Louise Wilson, it subsequently appeared on over 25 Best of 2006 lists, including #1 Show of the Year (Time), Best Musical of the Year (USA Today, Entertainment Weekly) and Performance of the Year (The New York Times, New York) for Ms. Ebersole. In addition to the new songs and new performances, this Original Broadway Cast Recording also features an all-new 32-page full-color booklet complete with lyrics and Broadway production photos.

Amazon.com

Based on the Maysles brothers' cult 1975 documentary of the same name, this musical is an endearing—-and sometimes genuinely heartwrenching—-oddity propelled by Christine Ebersole's exceptional, for-the-history-books performance. The movie followed the kooky duo of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Little Edie Beale, as they lived with their 52 cats in a derelict East Hampton mansion. The show's first act, set in 1941, is a prologue of sorts, while the second act, set in 1973, follows the movie closely. Ebersole plays Edith in Act I (which she concludes in dazzling manner with "Will You?") and Little Edie in Act II (when Mary Louise Wilson comes in to play the mother). And while Wilson is superb, this is Ebersole's show. Technically, she is flawless—-just listen to the way she changes her voice between the acts—-but she also makes Little Edie a poignant eccentric, a lost soul stuck in a world of deluded, decaying grandeur. It all peaks in the poignant "Around the World," the show's best song and an Ebersole tour de force. Note that this recording documents the Off-Broadway production; the show transferred to Broadway in the fall of 2006 with a slightly altered first act. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding performances.......2007-08-03

Even if you didn't see Grey Gardens, the CD captures some of the excitement of two of the best performances I've ever seen on a New York Stage. The music tells the story and much of the music is memorable.

Grey Gardens altered cast album.......2007-08-01

loved the off broadway cast album.....this new one is also very good but has been changed . Still one of the best scores recently. If you are smitten with the story and musical...you need both in your collection

Wonderful score.......2007-07-29

I was pleasantly surprised. I think the score is terriffic. I am not sure why the critics did not give it more praise.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!.......2007-07-27

One of the best musicals I have ever, and probably WILL ever, see. Christine Ebersole delivers a masterful performance and Mary Louise Wilson is a gem! These phenomenal ladies, as well as the entire talented cast, showcase Scott Frankel's music beautifully. I strongly urge you to buy this recording!

All About EBERSOLE!.......2007-07-27

Simply put : AMAZING! Christine Ebersole is a masterclass performer and totally morphed into this role. After watching the show I rented and watched the Documentary on Grey Gardens. I couldnt tell if Christine Ebersole was Imitating Lil' Edie or if Lil' Edie was imitating Christine!

Average customer rating:

stinky for Einstein
Lame
Sounds like a cheap plastic toy
would make you sleepy..
Kid's Music

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Baby Mozart
Baby Beethoven
Baby Neptune
Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box
Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies

ASIN: B0001IXTU4
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
Spring Song
Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
Canon
The Moldau
Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
Symphony No.9, New World
Fur Elise, WoO 59
The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
Kinderscene, Op.15
Waltz No.15, Lullaby

Product Description

The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with ?Ç£Twinkle, Twinkle?Ç¥ variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' ?Ç£Lullaby?Ç¥ tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

Customer Reviews:

stinky for Einstein.......2007-08-03

Generally Einstein is always a winner but this was not in our book (Baby and Me) Try someone else before buying . The libary is a great resource to check it out ahead.

Lame.......2007-07-22

I was really disappointed in this CD. I was expecting a toned-down version of real classical music, but it sounds really fake and tinkley and weird. Not soothing at all.

Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Average customer rating:

Edith Piaf CD
Great Singer! Great CD!
Wonderful Compilation of Edith Piaf
Eternelle
Mesmerizing and enchanting...

Eternelle: The Best Of
Edith Piaf
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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The Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf
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La Vie en Rose: La Mome

ASIN: B000050ZM2
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

La Vie En Rose
Hymne A L'amour
Padam... Padam
Johnny Tu N'es Pas Un Ange
La Goualante Du Pauvre Jean
Sous Le Ciel De Paris
L'homme A La Moto
Mon Manege A Moi (Tu Me Fais Tourner La Tete)
Non Je Ne Regrette Rien
Milord
Les Flonflons Du Bal
Les Mots D'amour
Fallait-il?
La Foule
Tiens V'la Un Marin
Le Droit D'aimer
A Quoi Ca Sert L'amour?
L'accordeoniste

Customer Reviews:

Edith Piaf CD.......2007-07-25

Excellent CD of original works and pleasure to hear after seeing recent movie, La Vie En Rose. Better selection of songs than movie CD in my opinion.

Great Singer! Great CD!.......2007-07-19

Definitely a must-have for those who grew up in the 40's and the 50's. Good listening music and what a solid voice! I will never get tired of listening to Edith Piaf.

Wonderful Compilation of Edith Piaf.......2007-03-09

Such a pleasure to hear so many songs that Ms. Piaf made famous especially, "Milord", "La Vie En Rose", and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien". A great compilation! I only wish a word booklet had been included, but you can't have everything. Ms. Piaf's voice is more than enough!

Eternelle.......2007-02-17

The songs are wonderful, Edith Piaf has a beautiful voice. The songs are sung in French, a masterpiece.

Mesmerizing and enchanting..........2002-03-26

I love this collection. It has all of my favorite songs of Edith Piaf. This one is truly a classic. You won't be dissatisfied.

110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)

Average customer rating:

Audra is More than Worth the Price of the CD
Audra is yet again, outstanding
110 in the Shade
Pure pleasure
audra is definitive

110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)

Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)

ASIN: B000PMG9GW
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

Another Hot Day
Lizzie's Comin' Home
Love, Don't Turn Away
Poker Polka
The Hungry Men
The Rain Song
You're Not Fooling Me
Cinderella
Raunchy
A Man and a Woman
"She Walked Out On Me..."
Old Maid
Evenin' Star
Everything Beautiful
"Stay and Talk..."
Melisande
Simple Little Things
Little Red Hat
Is It Really Me?
Wonderful Music
The Rain Song (reprise)

Amazon.com

More than four decades after its Broadway debut, the Roundabout Theatre's 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade is a glorious showcase for soprano Audra McDonald, and an eloquent statement for an underrated and neglected work. Based on N. Richard Nash's play The Rainmaker, 110 in the Shade tells the story of a Texas town stuck in a blistering heat wave. Lizzie (McDonald), the daughter of a local widower (Broadway veteran and TV star John Cullum), has resisted all suitors, including the sheriff (Christopher Innvar), until a potential huckster named Starbuck (Steve Kazee) arrives in town promising to bring rain ("The Rain Song"). Just like Marian the librarian, Lizzie thinks she sees right through the scam ("You're Not Fooling Me"). McDonald shines in her solos ("Love, Don't Turn Away," "Old Maid"), but Cullum, Innvar, and Kazee also get their moments either in duets with McDonald ("A Man and a Woman," "Simple Little Things," "Is It Really Me?") or by themselves. 110 in the Shade is obscure compared to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's most famous work, The Fantasticks--none of its songs ever entered the popular culture like "Try to Remember"--but it's a beautiful, evocative score that is tailor-made for McDonald's rich voice. It's also much more sumptuous than The Fantasticks, even in Jonathan Tunick's pared-down, Tony-nominated orchestrations. (Also nominated were McDonald, Cullum, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind, and the show itself for Best Revival of a Musical.) P.S. Classics puts out its usual first-rate package, with color photos, introduction by Peter Filichia, synopsis, and libretto. --David Horiuchi

Description

Four-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald triumphantly returns to Broadway in the role she was born to play: Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade, Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's heartrending musical adaptation of N. Richard Nash's classic play The Rainmaker. Amidst a heat wave in 1930's Texas, Lizzie - despite her wit, intelligence and homemaking skills - is on the verge of becoming an old maid, until a charismatic rainmaker named Starbuck enters town and her world is shaken. 110 in the Shade originally premiered in 1963 - Jones and Schmidt's first Broadway musical following their unprecedented off-Broadway triumph with The Fantasticks. Joining McDonald for the new Roundabout Theatre Company revival are two-time Tony Award-winner John Cullum and, fresh from Spamalot, Steve Kazee as Starbuck. PS Classics and the Roundabout previously collaborated on Grammy-nominated and top-selling recordings of Nine: The Musical and Assassins; this latest CD is sure to result in another definitive Broadway cast album, this time headed by one of Broadway's brightest crown jewels.

Customer Reviews:

Audra is More than Worth the Price of the CD.......2007-08-06

Audra McDonald could not be better. She's in perfect voice; her interpretation of Lizzie is amazing, and this CD is an absolute treasure. I saw the production many years ago with Inga Swenson as Lizzie. It was good...this is great.

Audra is yet again, outstanding.......2007-07-26

I love this CD and all of the music is amazing. Audra does stand out but what else is new. Can't wait to see the show. Buy this CD and add it to your collection.

110 in the Shade.......2007-07-20

This recording is superb. I recently saw the show in NYC and found that this recording does the show justice. It is a great show and recording.

Pure pleasure.......2007-07-19

Couple of days ago, I saw "110 in the Shade" on Broadway in the Roundabout Theatre revival. At intermission, in a trance of emotion, I went straight to the souvenir stand to buy the cast album (available at a non-ripoff price of $20, I'm glad to say). This is something I hardly ever do, but I had just seen and heard Audra McDonald and Christopher Innvar sing the duet "A Man and A Woman," and I had to have that music. Been playing the score ever since. It's a delight and I like the orchestrations very much. McDonald is an utter joy, but Innvar was an unexpected discovery and on the strength of his performance, should have had bigger billing.

audra is definitive.......2007-07-18

Though the score of 110 IN THE SHADE is modest in musical scope, Audra McDonald sings it with all the passion, conviction and care that one could hope for. The other performances on the recording are good, especially Steve Kazee, whose Starbuck feels lighter and more expressive than Douglas Horton on the original cast recording. Bobby Steggert makes the most of every one of Jimmy's lines. Christopher Innvar sounds far better on this recording than he did in the theater. There is a great deal of dialogue on the CD, which may be more enjoyable to those who have seen the production than to the casual listener. The reduced orchestrations are in many cases more imaginative and expressive than the originals, which tended toward bombast in telling this intimate story. They often are reminiscent of Copland's "Appalachian Spring", and I would imagine that's not accidental. If you are an Audra lover, buy this immediately, you'll never hear a finer version of Lizzie's numbers than are offered here.

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Just Before Sunrise
Nathan Gunn
Manufacturer: SONY CLASSICS
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PC8AG4
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Tracks:

Just Before Sunrise
The Briar And The Rose
Polka Dots And Moonbeams
In The Dark Pine-Wood
It Feels Like Home
Say Anything
Time
The Dance Of Love
And So It Goes
Innocent When You Dream
The Secret Marriage
When You Are Old And Gray
Jam Tart
This Heart That Flutters
I Have Loved Hours At Sea

Amazon.com

American baritone Nathan Gunn has been earning kudos in the world of opera for his handsome voice and appealing looks in operas by Britten and Mozart and as Clyde Griffiths in the world premiere of Tobias Picker's An American Tragedy. For his solo debut album, however, he has turned his attention to a program of introspective contemporary songs by the likes of Sting, Tom Waits, Gene Scheer (better known as a librettist), Billy Joel, and others. He's assisted by Kristin Chenoweth in a song by John Bucchino and backed by prodigy jazz pianist Eldar on some cuts. The intimate arrangements throughout are by David Cullen. The songs are lovely: romantic, nostalgic, and gentle (Jimmy van Heusen's "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," a veritable Norman Rockwell painting in song, is included). Fans of easy listening will appreciate Gunn's nonchalant, pitch-perfect, thoroughly non-operatic renditions of them all. There is nothing classical about this release, however, and Gunn's true gifts are better heard in opera. --Robert Levine

Product Description

From Sting, Billy Joel, and Tom Waits to W.H. Auden, James Joyce and Jimmy van Heusen, Just Before Sunrise is a collection of romantic and intimate songs of today. Musically capturing the in-between time before sunrise, Nathan Gunn sings music for life s special moments and offers a musical reflection on the soul and spirit of one of today's finest singers.

Chronicle Vol. 2: Twenty Great CCR Classics

Average customer rating:

Fine Supplementary Summary
Fogerty
Complete your CCR collection
Way better than Volume 1
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL JUST KEEPS ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN'.

Chronicle Vol. 2: Twenty Great CCR Classics
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Manufacturer: Fantasy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000XBC
Release Date: 1989-06-29

Tracks:

Walking on the Water
Suzie-Q, Pt. 2
Born on the Bayou
Good Golly Miss Molly
Tombstone Shadow
Wrote a Song for Everyone
Night Time Is the Right Time
Cotton Fields[4~
It Came Out of the Sky
Don't Look Now
The Midnight Special
Before You Accuse Me
My Baby Left Me
Pagan Baby
(Wish I Could) Hideaway
It's Just a Thought
Molina
Born to Move
Lookin' for a Reason
Hello Mary Lou

Customer Reviews:

Fine Supplementary Summary.......2007-08-01

The only thing better than obtaining Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Chronicles' is getting all their original albums first hand. One minor problem with 'Chronicles 2' is that the song sequence is sometimes out of place. This second collection is basically the leftovers of 'Chronicles' 1. But, boy, what leftovers.

As a testament to the greatness of the group, the best songs, including "Born on the Bayou," "Walking on the Water," and "Molina," are formidable indeed. Also essential are hidden gems like "It Came Out of the Sky" and "Pagan Baby". Despite their fame for original songs, the collection provides some fine covers of "Good Golly, Miss Molly," "Hello Mary Lou," and "The Midnight Special". "Cotton Fields" really puts some life in an old traditional song. "Don't Look Now" is a decent variation of "Lookin' Out My Back Door". Although some of the rest isn't always as great. "Wish I Could Hideaway" and "It's Just a Thought" are good, but pale in comparison to the rest, and "Suzie Q, Pt. 2" is a decent, but non-essential, elaboration on the original.

Especially for those without a limitless budget, 'Chronicles 2' is a fine supplementary sampler, continuing the greatness for most of us who can't get enough of CCR or 'Chronicles'.

Fogerty.......2007-06-10

Great value. If you are into the 60s' and 70s' you will love this one.

Complete your CCR collection.......2007-04-22

Complete your Creedence Clearwater Revival collection with this set, which includes their remaining hits which weren't able to fit on the first volume, "Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits".

Way better than Volume 1 .......2007-02-26

Included here are many highlights from their career, even if they weren't all bit hits, who cares? I like these songs better because they are not overplayed on the radio!

Walking on the Water - this and Suzie Q part. 2 are from the spacy first album

Born on the Bayou - amazingly was missing from vol. 1!

Good Golly Miss Molly- cool little richard cover

These are 7 album tracks that we're better than the hits:
Tombstone Shadow
Wrote a Song for Everyone
Night Time Is the Right Time
It Came Out of the Sky
Don't Look Now
Before You Accuse Me
My Baby Left Me

These are the main 5 tracks from the great album Pendulum:
Pagan Baby
Wish I Could) Hideaway
It's Just a Thought
Molina
Born to Move

...and from the underrated Mardi Gras: Lookin' for a Reason & Hello Mary Lou

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL JUST KEEPS ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN'........2007-02-13

I will be writing a review on the legendary compilation album entitled "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS" by one of Rock's most sacred legendary bands of all-time, I give you one of America's pride and joy's, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL. This legendary album would be originally released in 1986 on Vinyl/LP, Cassette and Compact Disc on the Fantasy Records label. Like "CHRONICLE, VOLUME ONE, 20 GREATEST HITS," "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, 20 GREAT CCR CLASSICS is released on a special Two-24-Karat Gold Compact Disc set edition. The 24-Karat Gold coating produces a highly reflective surface for the laser signal. In fact, the Gold CD is the ultimate experience in recorded music. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

The whole world was blessed with the original "CHRONICLE, VOLUME ONE, 20 GREATEST HITS" when it was released in 1976. Now the whole world would be blessed again ten years later with the release of "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS" in 1986. Its only appropriate that Fantasy Records would release another compilation collection on this legendary band, there was just not enough room to put all of their hit songs on the first volume. When you listen to "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS," you realize that this band really recorded some fantastic hits throughout their whole career. It also makes you wonder what took Fantasy Records so long (Ten years) to release the second volume. In my opinion, "CHRONICLE, VOLUME TWO, TWENTY GREAT CCR CLASSICS" is another true testament of the sheer greatness, graceful genius and a fine tribute to a legendary band that has already been proven to be ahead of their time.

Now we get to the most important part of the whole review, the music. If you want to hear the true Rocker's on this compilation album, listen to the songs such as "Walk On The Water," "Susie Q (Part two)," the breathtaking "Born On The Bayou," the Little Richard classic "Good Golly Miss Molly," the rugged "Tombstone Shadow," "It Came Out Of The Sky," the Elvis like Rocker "My Baby Left Me," the wicked "Pagan Baby," the soulful heartfelt "It's Just A Thought," the tough rockin' "Molina," the spirited "Born To Move" and the Ricky Nelson classic "Hello Mary Lou."

The slow Rock Ballads on this compilation album are the classics such as "Wrote A Song For Everyone" and "(Wish I Could) Hideaway." CCR could really show their sensitive side by playing a little more mellower.

The only slow Blues Rocker on this compilation album is the classic song "Night Time Is The Right Time." This Blues number is a true heartfelt song recorded the CCR way. CCR could really play the Blues.

The Country Rockers on this compilation album are the classic songs such as "Cotton Fields," "Don't Look Now (It Ain't You Or Me)," the ever popular "The Midnight Special," "Before You Accuse Me" and "Lookin' For A Reason." These are pure Country Rockers, my favorite is "The Midnight Special."

Overall, this is one hell of compilation album that compliments the other original volume perfectly.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this second volume compilation album to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This legendary compilation album has already been proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER.

In closing, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL will forever be remembered as the people's band that represented the youth culture and the bikers of the turbulent sixties and beyond. Their music expressed the feeling of how the times were unfolding during the turbulent sixties and into the seventies. When CCR broke up, one of Rock's greatest all-time bands would be silenced and laid to rest. The world was waiting for a reunion but all hopes would be shattered with the untimely death of TOM FOGERTY on 6 September 1990. FOGERTY would die as a result of AIDS given to him through a blood transfusion. Prior to his death, the FOGERTY brothers did not get along and would be fighting constantly throughout their whole career together. TOM FOGERTY was establishing himself in his own right as a songwriter and singer but remained in the shadow of his brother JOHN FOGERTY throughout their whole career. TOM FOGERTY would be the first CCR member to quit the band and go solo. CCR would later break up in 1972. However, the remaining surviving members would have a brief reunion while receiving Rock's highest ultimate honor of being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in January 1993. As of this date, JOHN FOGERTY resolved his conflict issues and legal disputes with his old record label Fantasy Records and is now back with his old label better than ever keeping the CCR legend alive. So here's to you John, the late great Tom, Stu and Clifford. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL LIVES. JOHN FOGERTY RULES. R.I.P. TOM FOGERTY, Born 9 November 1941, Died 6 September 1990. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

Average customer rating:

A Little Sorry, but Grateful Nonetheless
Raul...WOW
Company
Do yourself a favor
Revival Musical Hits the Mark

Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000LV6R4G
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

Opening
Company
The Little Things You Do Together
Sorry-Grateful
You Could Drive a Person Crazy
Have I Got a Girl for You
Someone Is Waiting
Another Hundred People
Getting Married Today
"What did I just do?"
Marry Me a Little
Side by Side by Side
What Would We Do Without You?
Poor Baby
Barcelona
The Ladies Who Lunch
"You have a good third husband, Joanne"
Being Alive

Amazon.com

There may be no original Broadway cast recording more iconic than 1970's Company, with its funky organ sound and Elaine Stritch's not-quite-there high notes, but the December 2006 Broadway revival makes its own mark. For Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's piece about a single man observing the benefits and follies of marriage, director John Doyle borrows the same controversial concept he used for his 2005 Sweeney Todd: the actors playing instruments on stage (now referred to in many circles as "Doyle-izing," and not always with affection and delight). But when you're listening to a cast recording, as Bobby would say: What do you get? For one thing, you'll have to adjust to some different sounds created by Doyle and his music supervisor, Mary-Mitchell Campbell. It's a benefit in "Side by Side by Side," which begins with a jazzy double-bass line. It's a drawback in "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," in which the trio's doo-doots are replaced by their saxophone lines. You also get "Marry Me a Little," cut from the original show but by now very familiar and welcome, as well as a lot of the contextual dialogue before, between, and even within numbers. Finally, the strong cast led by Raul Esparza makes this the best-sung Company we've ever gotten (and they play very well too), and Stephen Sondheim's score is still a landmark in musical theater. There will never be a replacement for the original Broadway cast recording, but this revival recording can stand on its own and in some respects may be more flat-out enjoyable to listen to. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

Maverick British director John Doyle, a 2006 Tony Award winner, enjoyed a surprise Broadway hit last year with his radical reworking of Sweeney Todd. He dispensed with the pit orchestra and handed all the instruments over to his on-stage performers, who doubled as musicians in between their turns acting and singing. Doyle has taken a similarly unorthodox approach to his revival of another Stephen Sondheim classic, the revered yet notoriously difficult to stage Company. As with Sweeney Todd, the results of this theatre-as-concert have entranced both critics and audiences. Linda Winer of Newsday called it "the very best revival that Broadway has ever seen of Stephen Sondheim's landmark 1970 musical."Variety described it as "striking, revelatory and thoroughly compelling." For Sondheim fans, the recorded score to Company has long been as much an object of adoration as the six-time Tony-winning play itself. Company on disc functions as a deeply moving song cycle, even apart from George Furth's libretto, about the vicissitudes of marriage and the joys and trials of the single life, seen through the eyes of the coolly dispassionate Manhattan bachelor Bobby on the occasion of his 35th birthday. This is truly the stuff of sex and the city - wry, sophisticated, painfully honest and deeply melancholy, even in a comic seducing-the-stewardess duet like "Barcelona." As with Sweeney Todd, which featured a bravura performance from lead actor Michael Cerveris, Doyle has found in rising star RaÃºl Esparza (Cabaret, Taboo, The Normal Heart) an extraordinary singer and actor who, in the words of the New York Times' Ben Brantley, gives Company "the most compelling center it has probably ever had." "Mr. Doyle and his invaluable music supervisor and orchestrator, Mary-Mitchell Campbell, have shaped Company into a sort of oratorio for the church of the lonely," says Brantley. He also praises the work of the entire ensemble - playing five married couples, three single women and one deeply ambivalent, unmarried man: "It's their work as a team that sounds new depths in Company in ways that get under your skin without your knowing it." Variety's David Rooney concurs: "Angel Desai's `Another Hundred People' nails that quintessential New York song; Heather Laws lands every laugh in the mile-a-minute `Getting Married Today' with amazing speed and clarity; and Barbara Walsh is bone-dry as brittle, world-weary Joanne. She reveals the emotional hunger beneath the character's hard shell and adds fresh nuances to `The Ladies Who Lunch,' a song indelibly associated with Elaine Stritch." As Time Out New York put it, "Sondheim's expert musical etchings, his acid craftsmanship, remain unmatched." Sondheim fans will note that this new version of Company, to be released by Nonesuch and PS Classics, restores the original act one closer, "Marry Me A Little," which was dropped from the show before its 1970 Broadway debut; the song has since taken on a life of its own as an orphaned Sondheim gem. The Company cast album is produced by PS Classics co-founder Tommy Krasker (Sondheim's The Frogs, Saturday Night, Assassins, and Sweeney Todd, among others). Along with Company, Nonesuch has also released the original cast album to Doyle's 2006 production of Sweeney Todd and the Tony-nominated A Light in the Piazza, which features a score by Nonesuch artist Adam Guettel.

Customer Reviews:

A Little Sorry, but Grateful Nonetheless.......2007-08-06

While I do enjoy this cast version better than the OBC, I was disappointed with a number of songs. Most of it had to do with the added dialogue. Although the dialoge is in the middle of the songs in the show, this is a CD, and I wanted to HEAR the songs not imagine the dialogue as it is being said in the middle of a great song. It kills the momentum of the songs on the CD! An example being Another Hundred People where the listener gets a sneek peek (audibly) into the lives of the women in Bobby's life. I wanted to HEAR the song, but instead the song was interrupted by the dialogue. Another is Being Alive. There should have been a bonus track with Raul Esparza singing this through without interruption.

I dont get why there just couldnt be the music and songs without dialogue when the show is being recorded for PBS anyway!

My second gripe is Barbara Walsh's version of The Ladies Who Lunch! She just howls it out, screaming, whailing - it's just awful. The best version of this song is on the Camp Soundtrack with Alana Allen and Anna Kendrick.

Great CD. A must for your collection. And Raul is A - MA - ZING!

Raul...WOW.......2007-07-25

I LOVE the original cast recording of COMPANY. However I am too young to have enjoyed it on Broadway. When I heard John Doyle was adding his "double duty" magic and bring one of favorite current Broadway voices, Raul Esparza I couldn't wait! The wait was worth it. Raul is FANTASTIC. Being Alive is probably my favorite American musical theatre song in our lexicon, and Raul KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK! It's worth it just for this number. The supporting cast is great too. It would have gotten five stars if the finale number was included in this recording. this one ends with Being Alive. Whatever, it's great!

Company .......2007-07-25

Of the 3 recordings of Comapny that I have, the latest Broadway revival is far and away the best. The extra dialogue brings back the focus much more than either the OBC or The Donmar recording of the mid 90's. It has hardly been off my cd player since getting back from Broadway, and has pride of place on the iPod. A must for any Sondheim fan.

Do yourself a favor.......2007-07-14

Don't think, just because you have all the other versions of 'Company', you can do without this version. It has additional dialogue and superior sound. Highly recommended!

Revival Musical Hits the Mark.......2007-07-13

Raul Esparza's performance in this revival makes the album a must have. What a talent! What a show! Well worth the cost.

Average customer rating:

Pure Listening Pleasure
Appassionato
Deep, Serious and diverse
Yo-Yo Ma's Appassionato
A soulful compilation

Appassionato

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000KWZ7DS
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Tracks:

Going To School featuring John Williams
IV. Allegretto poco mosso from Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano
II. Andante con moto e poco rubato from Three Preludes
II. Largo from "Winter", Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 from the Four Seasons
Doce de coco
II. Largo from Concerto No. 1 in G minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 49
Cinema Paradiso: Nostalgia from Giuseppe Tornatore Suite
The Swan from Carnival of the Animals (Chamber Version)
Yanzi (Swallow Song)
II. Andante from Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra in A minor,
Soledad
No. 4 Mikin Pekko from Five Finnish Folk Songs
First Impressions featuring Edgar Meyer; Mark O'Connor
Song Without Words, Op. 109
Gabriel's Oboe from The Mission featuring Ennio Morricone

Amazon.com

Any new compilation CD starring Yo-Yo Ma is certain to please. This master of the cello takes the listener through so many types of music that the ear and mind never tire. The present selection is billed as a sort of "musical autobiography," and, indeed, it gives us a tour of Ma's musical life. The Silk Road Project is represented by Zhao's "Swallow Song," with its eerie, fascinating soundscape (specially re-recorded for this CD). We also accompany Ma on his excursions into the world of the baroque cello with Vivaldi or of the Finnish folk song (by Mamiya, a first recording). There are Gershwin's languid Second Prelude, with its intimations of the song "Summertime," and an all-new recording of a nine-minute heart-breaker by Astor Piazzolla ("Soledad"). Ma also gives us more familiar Brahms, Franck, and Saint-Saens. The compilation's mellow 65 minutes offer relaxing, beautiful music, all exquisitely played. Ma is joined by the best: Emanuel Ax, Kathryn Stott, John Williams (who plays piano on his own "Going to School" from Memoirs of a Geisha), Isaac Stern, and Claudio Abbado. This is a veritable Who's Who of superb musicians. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Pure Listening Pleasure.......2007-05-18

There is no pretension in this collection - just the pure, simple pleasure in Ma's performance and in our enjoyment.

Appassionato.......2007-05-18

With a little help of some of his friends Yo Yo Ma offered us another of his masterpieces. No other title could define better the tracks selection, pleasant and inspired.

Deep, Serious and diverse.......2007-04-26

Yo Yo Ma is simply fantastic, and has arrived as such a height of recognition that any production he is invovled in will be top of the line, as this is.

This is a darker collection than I expected. And like a serious, reserved friend, it can take a little longer to appreciate than the bubbly outgoing ones. I now find I like it very much, but it is serious "conversation."

There is great variety here as well, and I gave it to a friend's teenager who is considering whether she wants to learn the cello. Her response was much the same as mine. Initially not so sure, but over time, has really come to like it, too. This collection has great depth.

Yo-Yo Ma's Appassionato.......2007-04-13

For those who share Yo-Yo Ma's passion for music, and especially his passion for diversity in music, and for connecting with the spirit of global humanity, this recording has a prominant place in your library.

A soulful compilation.......2007-04-13

I love this album for the diversity of music and the great programming. I especially love the collaboration with Isaac Stern, no longer with us in body, but always in music. Thanks YoYo.

Soul Music:

Soul Music

soul music

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