Soul Jazz

Product Description
Groove, swing and funk. Themes and improvisations : opposites meet with Swiss bassist Christophe CHAMBET 's OYATE. The CD has also the rare quality of bringing great Quebec and Swiss musicians together. Moncef Genoud (piano and keyboards), Andr LEROUX (sax tenor and soprano), Ron DI LAURO (trumpet and flugelhorn), distil the jazz sound in the heart of the band. Christophe Chambet, guest bassists Alain CARON and Sylvain Gagnon, Rodolphe VERNAZ-COLAS's guitar and Stephan MONTIMARO's drums pay tribute to the soul and funk inspirations.

Soul Jazz,Oyate,Lost Chart,Contemporary Jazz,Jazz,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: Before and After stax of hits Two and a half magic hours Great mucic with great package Stax & back to my youth.

Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration Various Artists Manufacturer: Stax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back to Mono (1958-1969) Back to Black Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) West ASIN: B000KP62UM Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. GEE WHIZ (LOOK AT HIS EYES) - Carla Thomas
2. LAST NIGHT - The Mar-Keys
3. YOU DON'T MISS YOUR WATER - William Bell
4. GREEN ONIONS - Booker T. & The MGs
5. WALKING THE DOG - Rufus Thomas
6. I'VE BEEN LOVING YOU TOO LONG (TO STOP NOW) - Otis Redding
7. CANDY - The Astors
8. RESPECT - Otis Redding
9. YOU DON'T KNOW LIKE I KNOW - Sam & Dave
10. I WANT SOMEONE - The Mad Lads
11. HOLD ON I'M COMIN' - Sam & Dave
12. LET ME BE GOOD TO YOU - Carla Thomas
13. YOUR GOOD THING (IS ABOUT TO END) - Mable John
14. KNOCK ON WOOD - Eddie Floyd
15. B-A-B-Y - Carla Thomas
16. TRAMP - Otis & Carla
17. SOUL FINGER - The Bar-Keys
18. BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN - Albert King
19. SOUL MAN - Sam & Dave
20. (SITTIN' ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY - Otis Redding
21. I GOT A SURE THING - Ollie & The Nightingales
22. SOUL LIMBO - Booker T. & The MGs
23. I'VE NEVER FOUND A GIRL (TO LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO) - Eddie Floyd
24. WHAT A MAN - Linda Lyndell
25. PRIVATE NUMBER - William Bell & Judy Clay
26. WHO'S MAKING LOVE - Johnnie Taylor
27. I FORGOT TO BE YOUR LOVER - William Bell
28. I LIKE WHAT YOU'RE DOING (TO ME) - Carla Thomas

Tracks:

1. TIME IS TIGHT - Booker T. & The MGs
2. SO I CAN LOVE YOU - The Emotions
3. WALK ON BY - Isaac Hayes
4. DO THE FUNKY CHICKEN - Rufus Thomas
5. JODY'S GOT YOUR GIRL AND GONE - Johnnie Taylor
6. MR. BIG STUFF - Jean Knight
7. NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Isaac Hayes
8. WHATCHA SEE IS WHATCHA GET - The Dramatics
9. RESPECT YOURSELF - The Staple Singers
10. THEME FROM SHAFT - Isaac Hayes
11. SON OF SHAFT - The Bar-Kays
12. THAT'S WHAT LOVE WILL MAKE YOU DO - Little Milton
13. I'VE BEEN LONELY FOR SO LONG - Frederick Knight
14. HEARSAY - Soul Children
15. IN THE RAIN - The Dramatics
16. I'LL TAKE YOU THERE - The Staple Singers
17. STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN - Mel & Tim
18. DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE - The Temprees
19. IF YOU'RE READY (COME GO WITH ME) - The Staple Singers
20. CHEAPER TO KEEP HER - Johnnie Taylor
21. I'LL BE THE OTHER WOMAN - Soul Children
22. WOMAN TO WOMAN - Shirley Brown

Amazon.com

When Concord Music purchased Fantasy Records in 2006, the bulging Stax catalog came along for the ride. Not a bad deal, especially since Stax remains one of the richest and most vital sources of '60s and '70s soul, blues, and R&B. The newly reactivated label's debut release is a lavishly boxed double-disc set of 50 highlights--as opposed to hits--from the Memphis label's voluminous vaults to celebrate its 50th anniversary. All the usual suspects appear, including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, Johnnie Taylor, Eddie Floyd, Albert King, and the Staple Singers. But the compilers deliver a well-rounded, even eclectic collection by including tracks from such relatively obscure acts as the Astors, Ollie & the Nightingales, the Mad Lads, Linda Lyndell, and Mable John, whose "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" is one of the great lost soul treasures. Propelled in large part by house band Booker T. & the MGs, the majority of these songs have become integral threads in the fabric of American soul. Even at two and a half hours, there's not a dull moment here. That is a testament not just to the Stax musicians, but to a label whose artists defined a classic sound that remains as timeless, relevant, influential, and electrifying as when it was recorded. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

FIRST TIME EVER! 50 GREATEST STAX HITS IN A SPECIAL 2CD BOXED SET. Set includes chart toppers by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Booker T & the MGs, Isaac Hayes, The Staples Singers, Johnnie Taylor, and more

*Packaged in a UNIQUE HARD COVER BOX with LENTICULAR COVER ART *EVERY MAJOR STAX AND STAX-ATLANTIC HIT from the label's 1960s and 70s heyday. *THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE STAX HITS COLLECTION EVER! *Release coincides with the 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STAX *DIGITALLY REMASTERED *Features a MULTI-PAGE BOOKLET with notes from "Soulsville USA: The Story of Stax" by noted soul music historian Rob Bowman

Customer Reviews:

Before and After.......2007-07-21

In 1968 there was a changing of the guard at Stax and the results were dramatic. The whole approach to making music so changed (along with so much else in the world at the time) that you hear two almost seperate catalogues. For me, the earlier period just defined "soul" and that music and those musicians hold a very special place in my world. Stax most likely sold a lot more records in the latter period.

It is still a very worthwhile collection as it makes the transition really clear musically and the booklet in the box does a decent job of lending insight into the inner workings of Stax and the folks involved.

I also found it interesting that the best known songs and artists still stood out from the more obscure ones. The public got it right in this reviewer's opinion. The downside to that is that I didn't find many hidden gems.

stax of hits.......2007-07-07

STAX have a reputation for pure soul as opposed to a certain label who
'motored' off in to a commercial watering-down of black music.Here we have
a generous fifty tracks on two cds of real soul music,not all hits,but all
representative of what STAX could do.A great compilation!

Two and a half magic hours.......2007-06-19

When "The Summer of Love" enters the conversation, most of us mean San Francisco, 1967. Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead. Be-Ins. Flower Power. Sgt. Pepper.

If by "love" we mean white kids from all over the country convening in urban crash pads --- well, that sets the bar pretty low, doesn't it? Given the opportunity, we could have done that. A lot of us would, even now. Just tell us where to show up.

A year before Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed there, it was a lot harder to show the love in Memphis. And yet, in an ancient movie theater in South Memphis, black and white musicians made some of the most inspired music we'll ever hear.

Let Motown own the slicker-than-snail-snot "commercial" franchise of urban black music.

And nine bows to Atlantic, with 18 singles on the Billboard Hot One Hundred Charts in the late Spring of 1967 --- ranging from Aretha Franklin doing the unofficial black national anthem ("Respect") to the white Long Island band, the Young Rascals. The only other competition Stax had in this rarified interracial zone in the late `60s: Sly & the Family Stone.

At Stax, something wonderful flourished, and it's in the grooves for all to hear --- starting with an interracial house band backing up such megawatt soul signers as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Rufus Thomas and Eddie Floyd. Their influences were various: rock, pop, country, blues. Mixed together, they produced music that was at once familiar and not --- music that jarred the ear just enough that you had to listen to it.

But "produced" isn't quite the right word. At Stax, they mostly recorded "live." Even when they didn't, the theater's acoustics made music sound "live." As a result, you heard an excitement --- a vibrancy --- in these records that was available nowhere else in American popular music. Just listen to one of the 50 songs on the Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration when the horns --- horns! --- kick in and you'll remember how exciting music could be.

There was so much talent on the label it was able to survive the December '67 plane crash that killed Otis Redding and two-thirds of his backup band. The reason: Stax had the Staples Singers coming on strong. And Stax had Issac Hayes.

You remember "Shaft" --- "can you dig it?" But Hayes also self-produced "Hot Buttered Soul", a record that featured an unlikely 18-minute version of "By the Time I Got to Phoenix." This was as radically different from `60s pop music as Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."

This two-CD boxed set has hits galore: "Green Onions", "I've Been Loving You Too Long", "Knock on Wood", "Born Under a Bad Sign" and "Respect Yourself." It also has songs you don't know, oddities that sure sound like hits.

The through-line: men and women singing one love song after another. The music can be raw --- loss makes for even better songs than happiness --- but I don't think I'm making it up when I say the primary ingredient of that music is love. First, of course, love of music, pure and simple. But more, love of the historical moment, love of the knowledge that when we're creating together, there's no reason we can't get along.

This Stax set is testimony to a grand idea, now honored too often only with empty words. It's also great fun, music that holds its own with the best pop this country has ever produced --- music so enjoyable you can forget the moral it contains.

Great mucic with great package.......2007-05-21

This is terrific music. These 50 songs will be among the best you will own in your life. No fillers.

Stax & back to my youth........2007-05-20

I am one of the original English fans from the 60's era & the music really took me back to my teenage years. Very good double cd & very speedy delivery service.

Average customer rating: Beasties Instrumental Beasties are Back the beastie boys have done it again Skip it Poor

The Mix-Up Beastie Boys Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Zeitgeist We Are the Night Libertad Era Vulgaris ASIN: B000PY32CE Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. B For My Name
2. 14th St. Break
3. Suco De Tangerina
4. The Gala Event
5. Electric Worm
6. Freaky Hijiki
7. Off The Grid
8. The Rat Cage
9. The Melee
10. Dramastically Different
11. The Cousin Of Death
12. The Kangaroo Rat

Amazon.com

Having long since shed their image as hip-hop's clown princes, the Beastie Boys now bring what feels like their emeritus recording, a celebratory instrumental memoir of all of the influences (except punk) that brought them to their secure place among hip-hop's fickle elite. The party opens with the aptly titled "B for My Name," its plodding bounce staking claim to the mid-tempo path the album treads almost throughout. "14th St. Break" picks up the pace, especially in the auxiliary percussion breakdown, complete with rally whistle. Then, beginning with "Suco de Tangerina," the album drops into a deep groove cut from dub- and dancehall-tinged ostinati that carry through a full third of its tracks. Among these, "The Gala Event" suffers from a lack of developmental motion that characterizes many of these tracks, but highlights still abound. "Off the Grid," for example, departs from the otherwise unbreakable chill and rips the proceedings wide open, blooming again and again in a series of pulsing riffs that celebrate the very institution of the instrumental groove. More than 20 years since Licensed to Ill took a long, irreverent piss into the mainstream, it seems you can still fight for your right to party. --Jason Kirk

Amazon.com

The Mix-Up is Beastie Boys' first-ever full album of all-new instrumental material. The follow-up to 2004's To The 5 Boroughs, The Mix-Up features Diamond, Horovitz and Yauch back on drums, guitar and bass, with able assistance from Keyboard Money Mark and percussionist Alfredo Ortiz, on 12 brand new wordless, sample-less, scratchless originals. Sure to please fans of the instrumental cuts from Check Your Head and Ill Communication and the cult hit compilation album made up largely of those tracks, The In Sound From Way Out!, The Mix-Up finds NYC's favorite sons drawing on one of their arsenal's primary strengths and pushing it into bold new directions.

Beastie Boys Photos

More from Beastie Boys

Paul's Boutique	Check Your Head	Ill Communication
Licensed to Ill	Awesome, I Shot That	DVD Video Anthology - Criterion Collection

Customer Reviews:

Beasties Instrumental.......2007-08-07

I predicted years ago The Beastie Boys should just do an all instumental recording. I got what I wanted and I am satisfied.

Beasties are Back.......2007-08-04

Off the charts outstanding! The Boys have mastered their instrumental stylings, and have created an amazing cornicopia of sound. Far more advanced than earlier instrumentals that were wooven through out various albums, or collected on 'In sounds from way out'. If you dig this side of the Beasties, you need not dig any further!

the beastie boys have done it again.......2007-07-30

a lot of people are basing this album on from their prevous popular albums like check your head, hello nasty (my favorite), 5 boroughs, ect. but there are a lot of ignorant people out there and dont realize that they have already made an album with just instruments called the in sound from the way out. and it was excellent and so was this album. put it on and just sit back and chill to it. the beastie boys do a great job mixing it up, which is one of the reasons why i love the beastie boys and one of the reasons why they are my all time favorite! its all about the music, a good band can make music with lyrics but a great group can produce music without lyrics. this album has been everything i have asked for, if you loved anything from the beastie boys, im sure you will love this. i know i did!

Skip it.......2007-07-30

I would say if you are new to the band you might find this appealing. For me it was not the same as past musical experiences I had in listening to albums of the past, including several that came after the famous "Licensed to Ill" which I have heard is one of Capitol Records all-time best selling albums. This CD left me frustrated as I did not feel there was very much creativity at all. As they say; "to each his own" but I personally felt this CD was a letdown.

Poor.......2007-07-28

Picked this up, was so excited, first song...all insturmental...i was like ya cool, i dig, then next song...no lyrics, all the way through the 12 tracks. very dissapointed, sure the mysic is good, but thats not what makes the beastie boys the beastie boys. if you are eager to listen then give the sample on amazon a quick listen, chances are that is all you will need

Average customer rating: Best of "The Best of..." So good only Van could have picked the songs great new album Great Value Great selection

The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 Van Morrison Manufacturer: Manhattan/EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) Live at Montreux 1980 and 1974 Live In Dublin Stand in the Fire ASIN: B000IY0FDA Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Cry For Home
2. Too Long In Exile
3. Gloria
4. Help Me
5. Medley: Lonely Avenue/4 O'Clock In the Morning
6. Days Like This
7. Ancient Highway
8. Raincheck
9. Moondance
10. Centerpiece
11. That's Life
12. Benediction
13. The Healing Game
14. I Don't Want To Go On Without You

Tracks:

1. Shenandoah
2. Precious Time
3. Back On Top
4. When the Leaves Come Falling Down
5. Lost John
6. Tupelo Honey
7. Meet Me In the Indian Summer
8. Georgia On My Mind
9. Hey Mr. DJ
10. Steal My Heart Away
11. Crazy Love
12. Once In a Blue Moon
13. Little Village
14. Blue And Green
15. Sitting On Top Of the Wolrd
16. Early In the Morning
17. Stranded

Amazon.com

Navigating Van Morrison's extensive catalog since 1993 is a formidable task even diehard fans might not want to attempt. The Irish icon has flirted with blues, jazz, country, pop, Celtic, and his own style of indescribable into-the-mystic spiritually-oriented poetic folk on his numerous releases, making for quite a thorny culling assignment. So the EMI brass were probably ecstatic when the singer took the job himself. He weeds through a dozen or so albums released since Volume 2's mile-marker, and adds a clutch of previously unavailable mixes, rarities, and live tracks. The result: a nearly two-and-a-half-hour, 31-track double-disc set as sprawling, eclectic, and tenacious as Morrison's vision and discography. From occasionally rambling but spirited duets with veterans Bobby "Blue" Bland, Junior Wells, Georgie Fame, Lonnie Donegan, B.B. King, the Chieftains, Ray Charles, and even Tom Jones to concert versions of hits such as "Moondance" and an impressive take on Sinatra's classic "That's Life," along with hidden gems like "Steal My Heart Away," this is a beautifully assembled and sequenced collection. It presents most of this multitalented auteur's facets and softens his often crusty exterior by showing his appreciation for the journeymen that helped develop the trail that Morrison then blazed in his own distinctive style. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

The new 2-CD collection, compiled by Morrison himself, offers a comprehensive overview of his later material. The set's 31 tracks include previously unreleased collaborations with Tom Jones and Bobby Bland, as well as duets with John Lee Hooker, B.B. King and Ray Charles.

Customer Reviews:

Best of "The Best of...".......2007-08-06

I have been a VM fan for years and listen to all of his music. This is the best of his three best of volumes because of the previously unreleased material and somewhat unknown duets with Tom Jones, James Hunter, Bobby Bland, Ray Charles, Carl Perkins, and BB King. It has something for the diehard VM fan as well as the occasional listener.

So good only Van could have picked the songs.......2007-07-31

You either love or hate Van the Man. Over 40 years he has given the world some of the most heartfelt beautiful music ever recorded. This best of provides a stunning glimpse into the breath and depth of what he is capable of delivering. Showing respect to those who came before him, this collection is absolutely outstanding from start to finish. In the hands of the recording company this offering could have been a diaster. Thanks Van for giving us your gems for this collection.

great new album.......2007-07-24

I was excited to hear that Van had out a new album. I've been a huge fan since the 70's.(that's dating myself, isn't it). This album is a nice mix of music and includes some duets with other artists. I'd like to see some brand new music from Van, but this one is great.

Great Value.......2007-07-23

This is a 2 disc CD with lots of great songs. I really like the mix of songs and definitely recommend this to Van Morrison fans.

Great selection.......2007-07-12

I won't call this definitive, but the collection's got some previously unreleased and seldom heard numbers that merit the price and hype. This is a very listenable CD that's something you can just stick in the changer and let it play. Definitely worth the money.

Average customer rating: eternal listening pleasure The Best slice of heaven... Moondance polished gems.....

Moondance Van Morrison Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Rock | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Astral Weeks The Best of Van Morrison Tupelo Honey His Band and the Street Choir Into the Music ASIN: B000002KHF Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. And It Stoned Me
2. Moondance
3. Crazy Love
4. Caravan
5. Into The Mystic
6. Come Running
7. These Dreams Of You
8. Brand New Day
9. Everyone
10. Glad Tidings

Amazon.com essential recording

Van Morrison went a long way towards defining his wild Irish heart with his first two classic albums: the brooding, introspective Astral Weeks (1968), and the expansive, swinging Moondance. If the first was the work of a poet, its sequel was the statement of a musician and bandleader. Moondance is that rare rock album where the band has buffed the arrangements to perfection, and where the sax solos instead of the guitar. The band puts out a jazzy shuffle on "Moondance" and plays it soulful on "These Dreams of You." The album includes both Morrison's most romantic ballad ("Crazy Love") and his most haunting ("Into the Mystic"). "And It Stoned Me" rolled off Morrison's tongue like a favorite fable, while "Caravan" told a tale full of emotional intrigue. Moondance stood out in the rock world of 1970 like a grownup in a kiddie matinee. --John Milward

Customer Reviews:

eternal listening pleasure.......2007-08-04

Van Morrison...Moondance...TERRIFIC...large jazz ensemble based music...simple, fun, and descriptive lyrics...what a joy to have this album once again...future generations will enjoy this one!

The Best.......2007-08-04

I am excited just thinking about this album. This is one of the top 100 albums of all time, period! Okay some people might disagree with me on that, but what most agree with is that Moondance itself is a work of art. Blends of Jazz, Folk and Easy listening with enough tinges of Americana to rival anything by Springsteen or Mellencamp. Oh, did I forget to mention there are some blues to this as well? Again, a work of art and I think Moondance and Into the mystic are a couple of my favorites, but it is hard to choose when again, the entire album is simply amazing. Despite being released over three decades ago, it still chimes with a radiance that words cannot describe.

The Moondance album is somewhat prolific to me when looking at all of Van Morrison's studio releases, perhaps because I do not think he put out an album after this one that could even come close to matching it. A one of a kind find that I will always treasure.

slice of heaven..........2007-06-22

She looked at me with those dark, mysterious eyes of hers and asked me to put on my favorite music. It didn't take but a moment for me to slip in MOONDANCE and so the night only got better from there. Smooth, mellow, rocking, with more soul then a Southern Baptist Church on a Sunday afternoon. No fillers here. Every song with a legacy of it's own. If music is the food of the gods then this one is a gift from the gods. Give it a listen and feel the rapture.

Moondance.......2007-05-03

This album came after "Astral week" I find "Moondance" every bit as good, in fact more enjoyable to listen to. It has a timeless quality about it, and it really dos not sound like it's 37 years old. Overall it has a good fel to it. The first song,"And it Stoned Me",reminds me a lot of the band, and the brass, which is used throughout. The album has a very soulful vibe. On a couple of the songs there's even a gospel flaver ("come running" and 'crazy love"). When he sings"iI want to rock your gypsy soul" in "into the mystic", he makes it sound like tere is nothing mor important in the world. The best moment on the whole album is"Turn it up? Turn it up? Turn it up? a little bit higher" in caravan.
If people listen to the album a few times, the songs will stay with them forever.

polished gems............2007-02-25

Every cut on this album is a polished gem; there are no fillers. "Stoned Me" starts the journey; "Moondance" still retains its sparkle (especially for Libras in October); "Into the Mystic" still haunts.

My personal favourite, "Brand New Day" still inspires me like a reverant hymn. Join Mr. Morrison for a quiet journey that soothes the senses.

Average customer rating: Awesome creative project On Point Always Love this Lady another GREAT Jill Scott offering Jill Scott is a Winner, Wonderful Voice

Collaborations Jill Scott Manufacturer: Hidden Beach ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Luvanmusiq In My Songs The Evolution of Robin Thicke Evolution of Robin Thicke Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000LV63RC Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. Love Rain (Head Nod Remix) - featuring Mos Def
2. Daydreamin' - featuring Lupe Fiasco
3. Good Morning Heartache - featuring Chris Botti
4. Said Enough - featuring The Isley Brothers
5. One Time - featuring Eric Roberson
6. Let Me - featuring Sergio Mendes & Will.I.Am
7. 8 Minutes To Sunrise - featuring Common
8. Funky For You - featuring Common & Bilal
9. Sometime I Wonder - featuring Darius Rucker
10. Slide - featuring Jeff Bradshaw
11. The Rain - featuring Will Smith
12. God Bless The Child - featuing Al Jarreau & George Benson
13. Kingdom Come - featuring Kirk Franklin
14. Love Rain (Coffee Shop Mix) - featuring Mos Def

Amazon.com

At the time of its release, internet rumor had it that Collaborations was a "taster" project--that is, a sampler to whet listeners' appetites for Scott's long-awaited third solo album, due in summer of 2007. But Collaborations doesn't play like something you'd listen to once before throwing your napkin (or, more accurately, your earbuds) down. Not only does it genre-jump with the kind of precision you don't normally find in an artist pinned to a certain musical movement (in Scott's case, neo-soul), it throws the weight of its bold names around without straining or slacking under the pressure. The hit here is "Daydreamin'," a fuzz-encrusted slice of alternative hip-hop off Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, but there's so many other full-bodied contenders for mass adoration it could easily be eclipsed as the favorite. They include the soul-soaked "Said Enough," with the unmistakable Isley Brothers; the noirish thumper "8 Minutes to Sunrise," with Common (who also gets "Funky for You" together with Bilal); and "Slide," maybe the sexiest jazz-and-R&B hybrid ever to heat up a mainstream diva's disc. On that track, credit goes to Jeff Bradshaw for brilliance with his brass. But consider it: how many other singers could pull off sultriness alongside a trombone? Scott is a shape-shifting vocal wonder; Collaborations is the latest evidence. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Talent, Innovation, Style, Charisma, Passion and Versatility are just a few of the words that come to mind when people talk about the true artistry that has become Jill Scott's trademark.

Jill's chameleon-like ability to passionately perform in an eclectic array of genres, from hip hop, to jazz, to urban alternative, to spoken word, to latin jazz and gospel, has led many of her fans and peers to call her "The Real Thing."

Jill Scott Collaborations is arguably the most unique set of collaborations by one artist ever assembled. The Jill Scott Collaborations CD has something for music fans of all types as it features many of Jill's collaborative efforts over the past six years including her incredible work with WILL SMITH, SERGIO MENDES AND WILL.I.AM of the Black Eyed Peas, MOS DEF, CHRIS BOTTI, AL JARREAU AND GEORGE BENSON, KIRK FRANKLIN, MOS DEF, LUPE FIASCO, and others.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome creative project.......2007-07-17

What can I say, she is such an incredible artist. Just when you think you've heard everything she's capable of Jill Scott emerges with more variety and new sounds. Every selection is like a unique work of art. Jill shows that she can lead or be the accompaniment and is comfortable doing hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. I love this woman!!

On Point Always.......2007-07-13

I have one word to describe this CD: Excellent. As always Jill delivered & did not disappoint me.

Love this Lady.......2007-07-05

I have a few of these songs on other albums already but love the production design of this double disc. The bonus tracks are super keen too, and Jill Scott's voice is like buttery, syrupy pancakes on a Sunday morning. Love it.

another GREAT Jill Scott offering.......2007-07-05

As a fan of Jill's, I have been waiting so patiently since the release of her last album Beautifully Human in 2004.

This music is fantastic! Disc one is very strong with great collaborations. Especially like: "good morning heartache", "let me", "eight minutes to sunrise" and "the rain feat Will Smith" - oh and "daydreamin" - too hard to choose! Disc two has samples of other artists, so I enjoyed listening to snippets of their styles as well.

Keep it going, Jill! You are a voice for these times! Do you forsee a tour on the West Coast? you have alot of fans here!!!

Jill Scott is a Winner, Wonderful Voice.......2007-06-25

Jill is sounding great, love her Philly sounding voice. Enjoyed the colloraborations with other singers.
Thanks for the bonus CD.

Average customer rating: Destination Moon, Does It Make It? Deborah Does Dinah By Way Of Dianne Sensually, The Next Unforgetable Fantastic CD Love her voice

Destination Moon Deborah Cox Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song Feel the Fire So Much Better Ms. Kelly Call Me Irresponsible ASIN: B000ND91U4 Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Destination Moon
2. What A Difference A Day Made
3. Misery
4. Baby, You've Got What It Takes
5. This Bitter Earth
6. Squeeze Me
7. New Blowtop Blues
8. Blue Skies
9. I Don't Hurt Anymore
10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
11. September In the Rain
12. Look To the Rainbow

Amazon.com

Those who don't know any better are apt to dismiss Deborah Cox as another R&B/dance diva determined to cling to the spotlight by whatever means necessary, including a giant genre-leap. Those who've been listening carefully, though, will check their doubts at Destination Moon's door. On this, her fourth disc, Cox sidles up to jazz--the jazz of her role model Dinah Washington--with subtlety and surefooted grace; along the way, she makes something of a masterpiece. From classics such as the title track to lesser-known but deeply felt compositions such as "I Don't Hurt Anymore," she avoids the temptation to rub a modern sheen over these songs and settles contentedly into the mood Washington carved for them instead. "This Bitter Earth" gets the "mm-hmm" treatment Dinah delivered so well, and "Misery" and "New Blowtop Blues" don't dream of belying their blueswoman roots. Best of all are the more delicate tracks: "Look to the Rainbow" captivates with a contemplative sadness, and "Blue Skies" is a natural wonder as beautiful as a dose of pure azure on a cloudless day. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Platinum-selling recording artist Deborah Cox reinterprets the classic songs of Dinah Washington on her Decca debut, Destination Moon. Destination Moon thrusts the R&B/dance diva into whole new territory, showcasing her range and scope as an artist capable of tackling jazz, blues and "big-band" with ease and confidence. Deborah Cox's first exposure to Washington came very early, when she was a little girl. "I first became aware of Dinah when I was growing up, when I was about 8 or 9 years old" she says. "A lot of jazz was played about the house. I heard my mother playing a 45 of "This Bitter Earth" -- this first song I had ever heard from Dinah. It was the richness and the tonality of her voice that I gravitated to." For the arrangements and the production, Deborah turned to the highly-versatile New York-based music man Rob Mounsey, whose credits with such diverse performers include Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett to name a few. The record was made live in the studio, with 40 musicians in the same room with her, playing and singing in real time under Mounsey's direction. "I'm doing this to broaden people's awareness of what I can do and also for the sheer love of her music." As a result, Deborah's homage to Dinah Washington does not lean overwhelmingly toward one particular style. It was designed from the beginning to be a compendium of several of Dinah's idioms - the big-band swing of "All Of Me" and "Destination Moon," swaggering R&B ("I Don't Hurt Anymore)," the blues that earned her the misleading nickname "Queen of the Blues" ("Misery," "New Blowtop Blues"), the lush ballads that put her on the jukeboxes of Middle America ("What A Diff'rence A Day Made," "This Bitter Earth").

Customer Reviews:

Destination Moon, Does It Make It?.......2007-08-07

Interesting product from Deborah Cox. I am an avid fan of Ms. Cox and her vocal abilility, however, I'm not sure if her voice is suited for the material of the great Dinah Washington. Although easy to listen to, Ms. Cox never fully kicks the songs into high gear but rather pleasantly coasts along. Her voice is huskier in timbre than on previous work but her delivery is still noteworthy and worthy of a listen. It's good to see her expand her repetoire with attempting to conquer the music of a legend.

Deborah Does Dinah By Way Of Dianne.......2007-08-04

I was completely unfamiliar with Deborah Cox before purchasing this c.d. Considering that she hadn't released a c.d.in 3 years, this oversight was somewhat understandable.

It's an oversight that will be no more.

After about 16 bars, the comparison of Deborah Cox with Dianne Reeves was undeniable. Meaning, first of all, if you love Dianne Reeves (and if you don't, what in the hell is wrong with you?!), most assuredly you will love Deborah Cox. (This c.d. also compares very favorably with the more famous Gladys Knight's c.d., "Before Me", of 2006)

This is a tribute album to Dinah Washington, and Ms. Cox is every bit the singer that the late, great Ms. Washington was. Whether singing jazz (a great version of Harry Warren's "September in the Rain"), soul ("Misery") blues ("New Blowtop Blues", my favorite on this c.d.) or cabaret (a show-stopping rendition of the great torch song, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"), Ms. Cox has impressive chops to display, and display them she does.

And a huge thumbs up to Rob Mounsey, the producer, arranger, pianist, and assistant recording engineer. This c.d. just sounds fabulous. Although the arrangements at time threaten to be a bit slick, overblown and familiar, they never cross the line. Mr. Mounsey deserves mention in the same breath with John Clayton, Jr.

More importantly, Ms. Cox (like Ms. Reeves) has a huge voice, and thus she works best with a lot of sound behind her. Ms. Cox sounds like a class act, and based on the photos in the liner notes, looks like one, too.

If [...] had a 4 and 1/2 star rating, that's where I'd end up. This is, after all, old wine in new bottles. There's nothing here I haven't heard before. But what an impressive new bottle this is! 5 stars, just for that. RC

Sensually, The Next Unforgetable.......2007-08-03

This past year, there just haven't been so much but only hype with female recording artists. It is sad and unfortunate, because it seems like the sound of the music doesn't deliver well. With acts like Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce' who've made records, they just missed a little something to deliver to everyone, especially in R&B and standards too. For Deborah Cox, the past several years have been a bit difficult for her. After her departure from BMG and Arista, she did bounce back by performing in the final production of Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida in 2004-2005. Now, she also returned in a whole new way by bringings that standards back in real soul and R&B. however, does this album click, or fall down, it shines very bright.

Deborah Cox's 2007 Destination Moon, is her debut on the acclaimed Decca Records. The album pays a sensual tribute to Jazz songstress Dinah Washington, and delivers. The mood from Deborah's voice, delivers the more seductive and sensual performance she has made ever, and makes the mark well. The album includes great standards, and even some surprises that also made the record work. The orchestral feel mixes in tune nicely, and in such a way that it hasn't been heard this elequently since Natalie Cole's Unforgetable With Love. The album includes the title track Destination Moon, as well as the Jazz rendered Squeeze Me, Blue Skies, and a stirring rendition of a song that was more well known from the 50's group The Platters which Washington also recorded during her era, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. Every track feels like it is a special treat, and something Deborah Cox shines in very brightly. My only gripe about the record is that is is just a bit too short, leaving listeners really going wild for more from Deborah's beautiful voice. But it is much better than most other albums released this past year, and 10x better than standards albums from Barry Manilow and Rod Stewart that surfaced a few years ago.

All in all, I really hope Deborah Cox keeps making great records like Destination Moon. I really love this record so much, it delivers from an angel. It is a great buy for die hard Deborah Cox fans, and fans of the classic Jazz-like Soul style from years ago that hasn't been heard on the radio for years. This is definitely so far the best album of 2007, and something that looks to the rainbow nicely.

Album Cover: B+

Songs: A 1/2-

Price: B+

Mastering: A

Overall: A-

This review is dedicated in loving memory of my cat Pierre. May he rest in peace, I will always love him.

Fantastic CD.......2007-07-21

I was so totally impressed with her voice and her style. Jazz is definitely Deborah Cox' forte'!! I bought two and gave one to a friend who feels exactly the same way. Hope to hear more from her along the "Jazz" lines....
S. Washington
Greenbelt, MD

Love her voice.......2007-07-18

I guess I'm a big sucker for souful, strong, powerful voice. Me loving this album proves it again. It's all jazz standards, nothing new. In the past year, getting new albums from Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, it's like one disappointment after another. So when I heard this new album, I was more than happily surprised how good it is. If you're a fan of jazz standards, I bet you'll like this one.

Average customer rating: Vintage Norman More Cool Licks Rivals his best work Missed opportunity sounds like RAP

Stay with Me Norman Brown Manufacturer: Peak Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: White Sand He Had a Hat Ladies' Choice Born 2 Groove You Are My Lady ASIN: B000NJL4WG Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Let's Take A RideYou
2. You Keep Lifting Me Higher
3. Pop's Cool Groove
4. It ain't Over BWB
5. So In Love
6. Stay With Me
7. Soul Dance
8. Every Little Thing
9. A Quiet Place
10. I Need You

Customer Reviews:

Vintage Norman.......2007-07-08

This is Norman Brown in all phases. I have to admit the songs are original. However, I thought that his previous album,"West Coast Cooling" was one of his better album's. It had an upper-tempo, and a relaxing laid-back feeling of smooth jazz. Some cuts on this album has a little bit of Wes Montgomery and Lee Ritenour. I can say this because, I have all of Norman Brown's CD's.

More Cool Licks .......2007-06-27

and catchy musical phrases. I continue to love his guitarwork, if your a Norman Brown fan you'll like this CD. The only caveat is I'm not a big fan of the singing (2 or 3 songs). It's not bad, just not what I buy a Norman Brown CD for...

Rivals his best work.......2007-06-16

I guess it all depends on how you measure an album. Here's I how see this effort:

2 Lame Tracks (6,10)- kind of lame, the vocals ruined any chance of these being good songs.

4 Good Tracks (4,5,7,8) - the kind that fill out a really good smooth jazz outing

3 Excellent Track (2,3,9) - tracks you'll love to hear for the next month and will have trouble choosing whether or not to include on your own "Best of Norman Brown" mix CD.

1 Best NB Track Ever (1) - "Let's Take a Ride" is my favorite NB track ever, at least for now. It has that feel-good groove and great melodic guitar strokes. You know you shouldn't, but there is a lot of tempatation to listen to it over and over.

While this has more "lame" tracks than "After the Storm" or "Celebration" (my two fave NB discs) its "best 4" are all as good as any tracks on those discs, so I give this one 5 stars!

Missed opportunity.......2007-06-11

I've been reading all these comments and it's hard to believe that so many people (Including a smooth jazz webradio owner) praise this new Norman Brown's album like his best album to date. Arguably Norman Brown is one of the most gifted smooth jazz artist you can find. His MoJazz recordings will remain for many years to come as an absolute reference point for the genre. Said that and after carefully listened "Stay with me" quite a few times I can't find a genuine explanation why so many people agree on this new album as his best work. Surrounded by an amazing crew (including his partners with B.W.B., trumpeter Rick Braun and saxman Kirk Whalum)Norman Brown is unable to ignite the fire that I personally expect from a musician of his caliber. Bland vocals (Norman definetely should stick to his guitar and ocassional scats) mixed with a set of instrumentals that won't surpass anything Norman Brown has done to the present. "Soul Dance" and "Pop's Cool Groove" (you can tell Paul Brown is behind this composition) are the only songs that vaguely reminded me "After the Storm", til this day in my humble opinion the best Norman Brown's album and without any stellar names in the personnel. I feel a great opportunity has been missed this time around considering the outstanding group of musicians available for this work. (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Paul Brown, Sam Riney, Brian McKnight, Paulinho Da Costa and the list goes on). Even so,I still remain loyal to Norman Brown as one of my favorite smooth jazz artist and given time, he once again will amaze me with his unique talent and versatility.

sounds like RAP.......2007-06-02

I really like Norman Brown. He reminds me of the late great Wes Montgomery, and Mr Brown was inspired by his music. However, this CD has only one good cut, mixed with what sounds like Rap music. I think his title begs the question, "Stay with Me". I don't think so, smooth jazz, please on your next CD.

Average customer rating: Van's Best Album I wish more stars were available... Ridiculous Good IT STILL MAKES ME CRY The Second Best Album of All Time

Astral Weeks Van Morrison Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Rock | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Heroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Moondance His Band and the Street Choir Into the Music Tupelo Honey What's Going on ASIN: B000002KAT Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Astral Weeks
2. Beside You
3. Sweet Thing
4. Cyprus Avenue
5. The Way Young Lovers Do
6. Madame George
7. Ballerina
8. Slim Slow Slider

Amazon.com essential recording

Never mind that Van Morrison is one of the most indelible songwriters of the 20th century--take each album on its own terms. On 1968's seminal Astral Weeks, a twentysomething Van Morrison can be found belting his gospelly, bluesy vocals in just as fine a form as he would be 20 years hence. In the sociopolitical context of the times, the album cried out about such ubiquitous '60s themes as cultural oppression and social upheaval. But it is Morrison's vocal dexterity and passion that maintains such timeless appeal. Take tracks like "Madame George" or "Cyprus Avenue" and you'll find such beautiful mourning, it'll be clear why modern songwriter Sinéad O'Connor once publicly exclaimed: "Van Morrison should be friggin' canonized." --Nick Heil

Customer Reviews:

Van's Best Album.......2007-08-01

This album is so beautiful i literally wept the first time i ever heard it and it never fails to touch me every single time i listen to it. It is in my opinion, the greatest album made by anyone at any time, ever. It makes you long to be newly in love, to feel those first butterflies in your stomach.
Album favorites are Astral Weeks, Sweet Thing and Madam George but every song is beautiful and the album flows effortlessly. I can't say enough about this one. Seriously, if you are a fan of Van or of music in general, you won't be disappointed.

I wish more stars were available..........2007-07-21

Moondance has always been one of my favorite CDs. Why it took me so long to buy Astral Weeks I'll never know. I can't stop listening to this album (and I've had it for almost a year now). I think it's one of the most honest albums I've ever heard. Van puts his all into every single line. Later on in his career it's almost like he stopped caring and just "talks" through the lines live. Here there is actual emotion and it's so precisely captured that every song takes you to a place that you feel like you've been before. The liner notes mention that there are no noticeable "singles" here, but I think every song works great in the context of the work as a whole and also stands on it's own admirably. This is in my top ten.

Ridiculous Good.......2007-07-03

Half the songs on here give me goosebumps. Astral Weeks is probably my favorite Van Morrison album, granted Tupelo Honey and Moondance are a lot more fun, Astral weeks is transcendental. In this album Van seems very in love, nostalgic, or sentimental. Key tracks (really all of them) include:
Astral Weeks- Strong and solid,
Sweet Thing- The strings in this are awesome
Cyprus Avenue- More like familiar Van Morrison
Madame George- It's long, and good. Again and as usual, an awesome arrangement. (for David Gray fans, this is where part of "Say Hello, Wave goodbye comes from)

The other tracks on here are all good, no real dancing numbers, but all the songs are beautiful, the kind you put on a mix CD for a new (or not so new) love. Anyone who considers themselves a Van fan had better own this.

IT STILL MAKES ME CRY.......2007-06-21

I think it came out in '68 when I was a sophomore in high school...shy, insecure, just moved to a new school. These songs became part of my very being, and they will always be a part of who I am. There was just something about Van: the words, the stylings, the chord progressions. His music made my soul scream, and it felt so good.

The Second Best Album of All Time.......2007-06-13

FREE FORM VOCAL STYLINGS

This album rates very highly on many critics list of the all time best. It routinely comes up in the top ten. About 10 years ago, Rolling Stone magazine voted it the second best album of all time, behind the Beatle's Sargeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Released in 1968, this is Van Morrison's second solo album. It is 46 minutes long and the sound quality is good, although the music is mixed a little thin.

The Way The Young Lovers Do is the only thing on this album that is anything close to pop song along the lines of Brown Eyed Girl. I am not a big pop music fan, but I like this song. The rest of the album is something completely different.

The rest of the album is some nice music with some interesting playing, mixed really low. It is a mixture of jazz and folk with a little blues thrwon in. There are some interesting bits on flute, vibes and keyboards. But, the music remains just a back drop and is mixed in at a very low volume. The CD comes with a fold out cover that tries to give a historical perspective of the album. Intrestingly, it is pretty subdued and does not rave about the album like the critics do.

Morrison's wild and unstructured vocals are mixed loudly on top of the music. He seems to be always riffing and jamming. He'll be singing along and then he'll jump into a repeated riff, such as "you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out".

I know people are going to get mad at me, insult me and call me names, but I have to admit that I just don't get it. I don't think this is a personal, emotional album, and I don't think it has interesting stories. It comes off to me as an experimental album that didn't quite work.

Music is a very personal thing. People can get really mad when you don't agree with them on music that they really love. They take a low review on thier favorite album as a personal attack. They say nasty things about the reviewer.

To get even, people will mark a review as "hot helpful", like that evens things up. But, a review like this is helpful to buying public that might not know much about this ablum and are thinkging about buying it because of all the rave reviews (that is why I bought it).

Just because certain people love it doesn't mean everyone will. In fact, many people did not like this album. It is the only Van Morrison album not to chart. And you might wonder why Morrison did not do anything like this again. He certainly still had the artistic freedom to do what he wanted, because he had a pretty lose contract from Warner Brothers. What he came up with next, is Moondance, which was completely different. In later albums, Morrison did incorporate some of the Astral Weeks vocal stylings on some songs, but it was much more controlled.

Van Morrison started out in a group called Them. Them had a minor hit with Baby Please Don't Go, and bigger hit with Gloria, written by Morrison. Them was going through changes, so Morrison retired from music for a few years, before coming up with Brown Eyed Girl, and his first ablum, Blowin' Your Mind. He did not approve of the album and withdrew. His manager died, freeing him from his contract, so he was able to sign with Warner Brothers, have much more artistic freedom and came up with this.

Average customer rating: Take this Genius with you In the December of His Life Genius Album It's Genius! Genius loves company a hit with us

Genius Loves Company Ray Charles Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ray!: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Feels Like Home Ray Charles: Ultimate Hits Collection The Girl In The Other Room Come Away with Me ASIN: B0002F7I9Y Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

1. Here We Go Again - Features Norah Jones
2. Sweet Potato Pie - Features James Taylor
3. You Don't Know Me - Features Diana Krall
4. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - Features Elton John
5. Fever - Features Natalie Cole
6. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - Features Bonnie Raitt
7. It Was A Very Good Year - Features Willie Nelson
8. Hey Girl - Features Michael McDonald
9. Sinner's Prayer - Features B.B. King
10. Heaven Help Us All - Features Gladys Knight
11. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Features Johnny Mathis
12. Crazy Love - Features Van Morrison

Amazon.com

The fact that Genius Loves Company will be Ray Charles's final new album inspires an unavoidable blue feeling. But it's also a happy reminder that the man spent the last months of his life at work doing what he loved. The overall effect of these dozen duets is autumnal and smooth. Brother Ray is on point and cruising here. Fine moments abound--you can hear his delight even in the rather stiff company of Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. His voice sounds a bit frayed by ill health at times, but it also allows for great performances like the slyness behind the ache in his version of the old soul hit "Hey Girl" with Michael McDonald and a grand "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison. Potently, he and Gladys Knight remind us of the continued timeliness of Stevie Wonder's "Heaven Help Us All." Its best moments make Company one more essential purchase for Ray Charles fans. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Take this Genius with you.......2007-07-16

Good music, great talent. Norah Jones, James Taylor, B.B. King! with past and current stars this CD is totally enjoyable. Willie Nelson's set is my favorite and I can't forget to mention Diana Krall.

In the December of His Life.......2007-06-05

When I was a kid, I was privileged to grow up with great music always playing in the house. From my grandfather I inherited a love for classical, and for country when it was still "country and western." From my dad, though, I inherited my appreciation for Ray Charles.

At the time, I was listening to a lot of soul, like Smokey Robinson and Otis Redding, and rock, like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. After hearing a record of "What'd I Say" and "Hit the Road Jack," I asked my father what kind of music that was. "That's Ray Charles," he told me. I told him I wanted to know what kind of music he was playing. He gave me the same answer.

It took me a while to understand what he was getting at. Charles's music was beyond category; it was his own invention, completely and utterly sui generis.

Take, for instance, his now-classic arrangement of "America the Beautiful." My grade school music teacher actually thought I was unpatriotic because I couldn't stand the standard version of the song. But it wasn't the words I had a problem with--only the juvenile, sing-song meter: I thought the song wasn't fit to be representing my country. Years later, after I left the Army, I saw Charles on television performing "America the Beautiful" before a baseball game. Using a gospel rhythm on his piano and singing off the backbeat, he transformed it into something so magnificently inspired that he made it all his own--and one of my all-time favorites. I guess that's why he's called, not "a genius," but "The Genius."

Charles died in 2004 at the age of seventy-three. His last work, Genius Loves Company, an album of duets, was a labor of love by an incomparable artist who knew his days were numbered. It was in the tradition of other famous duet releases, beginning in 1991 with Natalie Cole's Unforgettable: With Love--the remarkable album featuring studio-engineered duets with her deceased father, Nat King Cole--and followed by star-studded duet albums from Frank Sinatra (1993) and Tony Bennett (Playin' with My Friends, 2001).

Genius Loves Company opens strong, with Charles's country/blues hit from the 1960s, "Here We Go Again"--this time a collaboration with Grammy-winning newcomer Norah Jones. There's a cover with Diana Krall of Eddy Arnold's country classic "You Don't Know Me," which Charles also recorded in 1962. On this take, the lyrics are parsed at just the right points, letting Krall's satiny vocals work off Charles's gravelly blues. For a duet with Willie Nelson on the Sinatra classic "It Was a Very Good Year," the two old-timers barely sing, but rather narrate the lyrics, much like Jimmy Durante, or Walter Huston in his performance of "September Song." On "Sinner's Prayer" B.B. King is along for the ride with his beloved Lucille. With King's scorching guitar work a perfect counterpoint to the staccato rhythms of Ray's chords, and Billy Preston backing up on the Hammond organ, this is the album's strongest cut. A finger-snapping rendition of "Fever" with Natalie Cole and an a cappella gospel take on "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison round out this solid effort.

Although Charles passed away before Genius Loves Company was released, he must have known that he was going out on top. While recording the album, he worked with director Taylor Hackford and actor Jamie Foxx on the biopic of his life story, Ray. At the 2005 Grammy awards Genius Loves Company walked off with all the important trophies, and Foxx took home the best actor Academy Award for his uncanny portrayal of the legendary musician.

Okay, it's a cliché, but it's still true: Ray Charles may be gone, but his music will be with us forever.

Genius Album.......2007-05-25

Ray Charles by himself is genius, but to pair up with some of musics most distinguished artists and provide listeners with a variety of soulful and beautiful music is simply fantastic. The opening track is a great start with Norah Jones. Though I am not much of a country fan the Willie Nelson Duet gives me shivers from its great color and depth. I love all of the tracks and often will grab my partner and dance to the tracks because it is so great!

This is actually my second time purchasing this CD because I had to give it to someone who I new would love the music.

It's Genius!.......2007-03-24

This CD is fantastic and I love the duets of old favorites being given a
new "flavor" by Ray Charles and friends. It's soothing music, and yet it
energizes.

Genius loves company a hit with us.......2007-01-29

Both of us love this Ray Charles CD. We enjoy all the tracks! Each track is a duet with a different performer, and they're all great!

Average customer rating: Genius? good box set, great bargain. A great collection missing many cuts that Rhino should have put out. Greatest bargain Cruisin' Music Extraordinaire

Back to Mono (1958-1969) Phil Spector Manufacturer: Abkco ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Girl Groups | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration And I Feel Fine...: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987 One Kiss Can Lead to Another: Girl Group Sounds Lost and Found A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) ASIN: B000003BDM Release Date: 1991-11-12

Tracks:

1. To Know His Is To Love Him - The Teddy Bears
2. Corrine, Corrina - Ray Peterson
3. Spanish Harlem - Ben E. King
4. Pretty Little Angel Eyes - Curtis Lee
5. Every Breath I Take - Gene Pitney
6. I Love How You Love Me - The Paris Sisters
7. Under The Moon Of Love - Curtis Lee
8. There's No Other Like My Baby - The Crystals
9. Uptown - The Crystals
10. He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss) - The Crystals
11. He's A Rebel - The Crystals
12. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah - Bob B. Soxx And The Blue Jeans
13. Puddin' N' Tain - The Alley Cats
14. He's Sure The Boy I Love - The Crystals
15. Why Do Lovers Break Each Other's Hearts - Bob B. Soxx And The Blue Jeans
16. (Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry - Darlene Love
17. Da Doo Ron Ron - The Crystals
18. Heartbreaker - The Crystals
19. Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love - Veronica
20. Chapel Of Love - Darlene Love
21. Not Too Young To Get Married - Bob B. Soxx And The Blue Jeans
22. Wait Til My Bobby Gets Home - Darlene Love
23. All Grown Up - The Crystals

Tracks:

1. Be My Baby - The Ronettes
2. Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals
3. A Fine, Fine Boy - Darlene Love
4. Baby, I Love You - The Ronettes
5. I Wonder - The Ronettes
6. Girls Can Tell - The Crystals
7. Little Boy - The Crystals
8. Hold Me Tight - The Treasures
9. (The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up - The Ronettes
10. Soldier Baby Of Mine - The Ronettes
11. Strange Love - Darlene Love
12. Stumble And Fall - Darlene Love
13. When I Saw You - The Ronettes
14. So Young - Veronica
15. Do I Love You? - The Ronettes
16. Keep On Dancing - The Ronettes
17. You, Baby - The Ronettes
18. Woman In Love (With You) - The Ronettes
19. Walking In The Rain - The Ronettes

Tracks:

1. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - The Righteous Brothers
2. Born To Be Together - The Ronettes
3. Just Once In My Life - The Righteous Brothers
4. Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
5. Is This What I Get For Loving You? - The Ronettes
6. Long Way To Be Happy - Darlene Love
7. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons - The Righteous Brothers
8. Ebb Tide - The Righteous Brothers
9. This Could Be The Night - The Modern Folk Quartet
10. Paradise - The Ronettes
11. River Deep-Mountain High - Ike & Tina Turner
12. I'll Never Need More Than This - Ike & Tina Turner
13. A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knockin' Everyday) - Ike & Tina Turner
14. Save The Last Dance For Me - Ike & Tina Turner
15. I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine - The Ronettes
16. You Came, You Saw, You Conquered - The Ronettes
17. Black Pearl - Sonny Charles And The Checkmates
18. Love Is All I have To Give - The Checkmates

Tracks:

1. White Christmas - Darlene Love
2. Frosty The Snowman - The Ronettes
3. The Bells of St. Mary - Bob B. Soxx and The Blue Jeans
4. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The Crystals
5. Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes
6. Marshmallow World - Darlene Love
7. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Ronettes
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Crystals
9. Winter Wonderland - Darlene Love
10. Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
11. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Darlene Love
12. Here Comes Santa Claus - Bob B. Soxx and The Blue Jeans
13. Silent Night - Phil Spector and Artists

Amazon.com

Among producers, his name remains the simile of choice. If some hotshot studio whiz emerges in, say, hip-hop, he's inevitably labeled "the Phil Spector of rap." That's quite a statement given that decades have passed since this boy from the Bronx remodeled rock & roll to suit his own visions of grandeur. The story of the girl-group auteur is a fascinating one. Spector composed a No. 1 hit at 17 (the Teddy Bears' "To Know Him Is to Love Him," its title inspired by the inscription on his father's tombstone). By 19 he was head of A&R for Atlantic Records. By the time he was 22, he'd founded his own label (Philles) and was churning out Wall of Sound hits at an unprecedented clip, beginning with the Crystals' "He's a Rebel." The four-disc Back to Mono befits its singular subject in both presentation (the richly annotated booklet includes a piece by Tom Wolfe) and content (60 songs cut between 1958 and 1969, plus the entire classic Yuletide LP A Christmas Gift for You). --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Genius?.......2007-08-08

Spector made a few great records, but his "genius" is probably a little overstated.

All his best work is here including the girl group classics by the Ronettes and the Crystals (which you probably won't find on other compilations as Spector is averse to licensing his work to third parties).

One track every person must hear before they die is Ike and Tina Turner's "River Deep Mountain High".
This song is so mind-blowingly overwhelming, it's astonishing the effect it has.
People would never have heard anything like this at the time, hence the lack of sales/airplay, but now it's an obvious classic.
Turn the volume to maximum!

Overall, though it's not worth the list price of $74.
Get it on special or secondhand. There aren't enough essential tracks to be worth the full price and the sound quality is less than superb.

good box set, great bargain........2007-08-03

This box set has been around for while and is a great bargain at $18.98, marked down from $75. Four discs of Spector-produced tracks, when he was at his peak, including the famous Christmas album. The Ronettes, The Crystals, Righteous Bros.and others in the Wall Of Sound which changed pop music forever. It comes in an LP-sized box with a large, nicely-done book of the lyrics. A must-have for any student of rock history or the nostalgia-seeker. The Christmas album alone is worth the price. This box set takes us back to a more innocent time when he was a teen millionaire and many would say, a musical genius.

A great collection missing many cuts that Rhino should have put out. .......2007-07-21

All the hits are here played back on a vintage Ampex 351 tube tape recorder by Larry Levine and Phil himself in NYC.
If you put the treble all the way up on your set, this set can sound OK.
Why the Christmas Album was put in here I'll never know.
I wish Rhino would have put this box together instead of ABKCO.
Mine cost 69.00 US
Some things go up.
Remember Lana Clarkson. She cant defend herself.

Greatest bargain.......2007-05-16

A few months ago I ordered this set for only about $20 & it is the best CD bargain I've ever had. This set originally sold for about $75 back in the 90's (glad I waited to buy it!)& I keep wondering why it's so cheap now. (Is Spector not allowed to make money on his music anymore?) It is a BIG set in an LP size box (I store it with my old LPs on my shelf),comes with a great big book printed on high quality paper, comes with the Christmas album & even a button. Only thing not big about this set is the sound quality, it's typical 80s & early 90s thin-sounding CD quality, not exactly what I'd call a wall of sound. Also the book has the lyrics to all the songs except the ones on the Christmas album. So if you can get past the fact that Spector may have killed someone 40 years after these recordings (if he did,how could he? He produced John Lennon's "Imagine" for goodness sake!)this is still some of the 60s greatest music.

Cruisin' Music Extraordinaire.......2007-05-15

When I saw the "Back to Mono" box for 20 bucks, I first thought of the barrage of criticism that greeted this set when first released more than 15 years ago and, in particular, the near universal condemnation of the absolutely horrendous digital remastering that marred what should have been an unbeatable compilation. Then I thought, "So what? I LOVED this music 45 years - AUGH! - ago! This is the background music of my life! And a great collection! And I don't have much of it, vinyl or otherwise." So I bought it.

And yes, the remastering is indeed horrible, particularly when listened to through earphones. But if you can pump this music through a tinny 5-inch speaker, perhaps boosted from a '57 Chevy, it all sounds pretty damn fine. So: don't play it on your audiophile equipment: my vintage boom box does the music all the honor it requires.

And what music. A lot of this stuff didn't chart in the New York metropolitan area, so I'd never heard several tracks, but it's all vintage, no filler, hits and non-hits, lots of Ronnie Spector and the Ronnettes, the Crystals, and fewer, but important, sides from Curtis Lee), Ben E. King, Bob B. Soxx, the Righteous Brothers, the majestic Tina Turner and that sidekick of hers, and, of course, the patented Spector Wall of Sound, complete with timpani, maracas, glockenspiels, strings, horns, full brass section, yackety sax, everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink. On the tree of rock, Phil Spector is a taproot (and Bruce Springsteen the most celebrated emulator/branch).

But let's be serious: these are very basic sentiments, harking back to a very different, much simpler time, before Vietnam, Watergate, and universal irony really invaded our consciousness (the first 29 tracks before the Kennedy assassination). The Spector chronology tracks along through LBJ's "Great Society" and civil rights legislation, Nixon, and the onset of cynicism, skepticism, and the beginning of a much more complicated social and political fabric. Through all this, we underestimate the role this and other top-forty music played in shaping our imaginations: it played, constantly, to GROUPS of people in packed cars, at parties and dances, not to one solitary listener through iPod earphones, shaped romantic vocabularies, taught kids how to say "I love you" and how to rebel against parents who screamed "that guy's no good!" My wife's parents.

In short, this music and its peer recordings helped fill in pieces of our emotional identities. In this set we hear lots of 16 year olds pouring out their hearts into diaries via girl-group doo-wop. From the Righteous Brothers, a more mature, wistful kind of heartbreak with full choirs of strings. And from Ike and Tina, my god - River Deep, Mountain High has enough emotional energy to blow a bank of Marshalls, a clear high-point on a collection of high points.

The 96-page booklet is almost worth the price of the box. I didn't need the lyrics - many of them, goofy, saccharine, maudlin, trite as can be, are grafted into my brain, courtesy of that Chevy speaker - but the photos of those wonderful, innocent, vibrant faces, the essays (one by Tom Wolfe), and the discography are all splendid.

So: if you've ever loved this music - that's a significant qualifier: my kids (all in 20s and 30s) think it's virtually unadulterated corn (with the exception of River Deep, Loving Feeling, and a few other tracks) - forget about the atrocious remastering. (I'll bet Rhino will take care of that, sooner or later, and we'll hear these in gorgeous, layered monaural.) Just buy this now while you can get all four discs, the big booklet, and the huge box for 20 dollars or less. Then boogaloo or slow-dance your baby to these legendary tunes.

World Music:

1. Soundings
2. Tango 12 [Import]
3. Tango Argentina [Import]
4. Tropical Radar
5. Udan Mas Tembang Sunda [Live]
6. Volume Zero [Import]
7. Vorrei [CD-single] [Import]
8. World Trends: An Exotic Ethno-Grooves Collection [Import]
9. 24 Images Seconde [Enhanced] [Import]
10. 98 FM: 25 Anos de Sucesso [Import]

World Music

world music

World Music

Owner of a Lonely Heart [Import]

Hayden/Mendelssohn/Gershwin/Etc

Great Movie Classics: Gershwin/Morricone/Rota [Soundtrack]

Ten

Happy Birthday Elvis: A Tribute to the King [Import]

Greatest Hits & Remixes [Import]

Greatest Arabic Songs [Import]

Heliocentric [Import]

Flesh & Wood [Import]

Handel - Theodora / Gritton, Bickley, Blaze, Agnew, A. Smith, N. Davies, Gabrieli Consort and Players, McCreesh [Box set]

Gp & Episodes [Gold CD]

From Birth to the Earth/Afro-Percussion Music for Dance and Movement

Fieston Tropical, Vol. 1

Blues Goes on

Pop Music pop-music-17