Gala Piosenki Biesiadnej [Import]

1. Maly Bialy Domek

2. Kowboje

3. Jarzebina Czerwona

4. Bando,Bando

5. W Piwnicznej Izbie

6. Marianna

7. Mala Blekitna Chusteczka

8. Czarne Oczy

9. Wiazanka Konsumpcyjna 1 -Pije Kuba...-

10. Przy Kominku

11. Na Dancingu

12. My, Cyganie

13. Wiazanka Konsumpcyjna 2 -Wszystkie Rybki Maja .....-

14. Obozowe Tango

15. Pozegnania

16. Uplywa Szybko Zycie

17. Wiazanka Biesiadna

Gala Piosenki Biesiadnej,Various Artists,EMI,World Music

Average customer rating: Why tell this story? It's a good story, with better music! BROADWAY Very Authenic and Beautiful Work Stunning and flawless Musical Fairy Tale superb musical

Once On This Island (1990 Original Broadway Cast) Lynn Ahrens Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Once on This Island: Vocal Selections My Love, My Love, Or, the Peasant Girl The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast) The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000003F2N Release Date: 1990-09-25

Tracks:

1. We Dance
2. One Small Girl
3. Waiting For Life
4. And The Gods Heard Her Prayer/Rain
5. Pray
6. Forever Yours
7. The Sad Tale Of The Beauxhommes
8. Ti Moune
9. Mama Will Provide
10. Some Say
11. The Human Heart
12. Pray (Reprise)
13. Some Girls
14. The Ball
15. Ti Moune's Dance
16. When We Are Wed
17. Forever Yours (Reprise)
18. A Part Of Us
19. Why We Tell The Story

Customer Reviews:

Why tell this story? It's a good story, with better music!.......2007-03-11

There is nothing worse than a weak story linked together with weaker tunes. However, Once on this Island is operatic in its beauty, organic in its execution (not a note out of place!) and is bound together with a strong story, stronger performances, and some of the most upbeat and uplifting music I have ever heard. The music brings you to the Antilles and establishes the place of this island, with its symbitioc relationship with nature and its gods. And you will root for Ti Moune and her faith in her place in the world, and even though she doesn't get the guy, it could be argued that she gets something even better.

Give it a listen....

BROADWAY.......2006-05-14

My schools 8th grade play was Once On This Island and I loved it so i'm gonna buy this cd! you should too!

Very Authenic and Beautiful Work.......2006-04-25

The team of Flaherty and Ahrens truly blew me away with "Ragtime", and I didn't anything could come close to that power. While "Once On This Island" is nothing like "Ragtime" in terms of gandeur, it still is a wonderful work filled with some wonderful music. The ensemble on this recording sounds exactly as they should in my opinion, and they perfectly depict people on a magical island. The story is also one that I enjoyed in that it was very simple, yet had a great message. While the vocal work provided by the ensemble is great, it is LaChanze who truly makes this recording soar. Her voice is like that of a goddess, and she makes all of the emotions of Ti Moune come alive, especially in "Waiting For Life", which is this recording's star number.

It may not be big, bold, or grand, but "Once On This Island" is a magical recording of a magical little musical that proves to be quite effective. It's authenticty and clever musicality are what make it great.

Stunning and flawless Musical Fairy Tale .......2006-04-08

This musical represents all that is RIGHT with new musicals. Flaherty creates musical themes that recur throughout the piece and Ahrens' lyrics are brilliant. Through this musical, which I saw in NY 7 times, I was introduced to the talent of La Chanze and now as the lead in Color Purple, the world is getting another glimpse at what a great singer she is. Listening to her interpret a song is beautiful. For those who never had the privilege of seeing the show, we can all thank our stars that the production lives on forever in recording. Many other notable performers from Milton Craig Nealy (Rain) to Kecia Lewis Evans (Mama Will Provide) to Jerry Dixon (Some Girls)to Eric Riley (in every stand out number), this cast recording is worth every penny. I am on my 2nd copy and rapidly working toward my 3rd.

superb musical.......2006-01-29

I saw the broadway play and I had to purchase the musical scores.
Very nice!

Average customer rating:

Joint Happening Mushroom , and Eddie Gale Manufacturer: Hyena ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000QEILRO Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Peace
2. I Don't Need To Fight, To Prove I'm Right, I Don't Need To Be Forgiven
3. I Was Torn Down At the Dance Place, Shaved Heat At the Organ
4. Border Crossins
5. Selling Oakland By the Pound
6. Our Love - Eddie Gale
7. The Spirit - Eddie Gale

Average customer rating: Can't live without this album, smile These ARE the original recordings - the Collectable label does not deal in anything but original recordings Fine singer, fine collection She sang in the sunshine....then she went on her way Sing Along Time

We'll Sing in the Sunshine Gale Garnett Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of the Seekers Angel of the Morning Sausalito Heliport Follow Me An Audience with the King of Wands ASIN: B000000942 Release Date: 1998-01-05

Tracks:

1. I Know You Rider (Traditional)
2. Take This Hammer (Ledbetter)
3. Oh Brandy Leave Me Alone (Marais)
4. Malaika (Makeba)
5. Little Man, Nine Years Old (Garnett)
6. I Came To The City (Ebb-Kander)
7. Pretty Boy (Blake)
8. Wanderin' (Traditional)
9. Prism Song (Garnett)
10. We'll Sing In The Sunshine (Garnett)
11. Sleep You Now (Garnett)
12. Fly Bird (Garnett)
13. Lovin' Place (Garnett)
14. St. James Infirmary (Primrose)
15. God Bless The Child (Herzog, Jr.-Holiday)
16. Excuse Me Mister (Garnett)
17. We'll Sing In The Sunshine (Hit Version) (Garnett)

Customer Reviews:

Can't live without this album, smile.......2007-01-11

Lost my original - had to replace it. Originally bought the DVD because I loved the title song. As I played it, I began to have a true appreciation for the other songs she does - a unique style and well, I just really derive great pleasure from listening to them. Somehow they evoke similar feelings to some I have - what more could anyone ask from music? - and I very much enjoy her voice and style, to me it is unique. The Prism Song and others, are marvelous once you listen to them for a time, as least that's the way it worked for me. I listen to this one over and over and never tire of it.

These ARE the original recordings - the Collectable label does not deal in anything but original recordings .......2006-09-02

A reviewer felt these were not the originals but they sound to me like they were recorded in a genuine early-mid 1960's studio atmosphere, which is one of the reasons I like them. Besides the great standard "Sunshine", I also like many of the other songs, like "I Know My Rider". So don't let any suspicion of these not being the originals dissuade you from buying this CD.

Fine singer, fine collection.......2006-01-05

I share sentiments with most of the folks who have posted here. "We'll Sing In The Sunshine" was an important tune from my early teens (I still remember holding that tinny little transistor up to listen carefully). It's still a great song, and the whole album is great. I noticed a couple things on careful listening to the two versions of "Sunshine". The arrangements are quite similar, although the sound quality on the remake (which was on the original album) is better, the other one sounds like AM. More interesting is that the lyrics are a bit different. In the original, reference is to "I'll stay with you one year" and "I'll kiss you every night". On the album, it was "I'll live with you one year" and "I'll love you every night". Some things you just couldn't say on radio back then, I guess. Even for an album, this was more than a bit risque for the early 60s.

Another note -- the cheesy liner notes from the orignal "My Kind of Folk Songs" are here -- about how the family immigrated to the U.S. from new Zealand, and her father was a kind of itinerant carny. I know the U.S. part is wrong (they immigrated to Canada), and I suspect the father part might be made up, too.

I read columns by Gale (under the name Gale Zoe Garnett") in the Toronto papers from time to time, and am sorry I missed her recent, well-received, one-woman theatre performances.

Highly recommended!

She sang in the sunshine....then she went on her way.......2004-08-01

Gale Garnett is one of the most underappreciated artists of all time. Although this album is just wonderful and Gale's moody lyrics and vocals can tear your heart out - its a shame that most of Gale's songs remain unavailable unless you are able to hunt them down at old record stores. This CD basically contains the songs from Gale's first album (including her only major hit "We'll Sing In The Sunshine") with a few bonus tracks thrown in. Buy this album, and believe me when I tell you that if you like it, then you will absolutely love her other 7 albums that were released from the mid to late 60's. There was another CD compilation released on a very small label called "The Many Faces Of Gale Garnett" and although this is the title of one of her albums, the CD was a more genuine greatest hits collection than this, containing a few tracks from each of her first 6 albums. Many of Gale's lyrics are written by her and come from her life experiences - she sings in many different musical styles which is probably why she never stayed a radio-friendly artist. I actually discovered Gale from the Rankin/Bass puppet-animated movie "Mad Monster Party" in which she provided the voice for the most memorable character, the red-haired vixen Francesca. She sang two excellent songs for that movie which are available on the CD soundtrack. Gale uses her unmistakable husky voice to make you feel whatever she is singing about - I have never heard another vocalist who sings with such emotion and honesty.

Sing Along Time.......2004-07-17

I owned Gale's LP, "My Kind of Folk Songs" back many years ago. I probably played that album more that almost any I had. I had every song committed to memory. Since that time, I spent many hours searching the download sites looking for her music, but could never find anything other than We'll Sing in the Sunshine and The Prism Song. I was very excited when I found this re-make album. I was also totally amazed that after 40 years, I was still able to sing along with almost every song on the album.

Average customer rating: Absolutely complete. Get it now.

Wagner: Rienzi Manufacturer: Ponto [Mitridate] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Meyerbeer: Semiramide Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer Paer: Sofonisba [Highlights] Start-Up at the New Met: The Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts, 1966-1976 Matilde Di Shabran - Juan Diego Florez ASIN: B000EGEKS8 Release Date: 2006-02-28

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely complete. Get it now........2006-03-02

Richard Wagner's third opera, Rienzi, der Letzte Tribun, was never given complete in the composer's lifetime. Even the overture has three sections that never made it into print. This performance includes the first of those cuts, and absolutely everything else from the rise of the curtain on. That's why it is 4 cds at a more than reasonable price.
Past recordings have either been composites of two or more performances or the EMI recording. There aren't others to choose from. EMI had Rene Kollo as Rienzi. He's in good form, as are all of the other singers (except Siv Wennberg, who tries but ultimately ends up painfully sliding through some high tessitura). The performance "sounds" good, but it is just too studio bound. Everyone was giving a good recital of what they had learned, but they don't have much of a clue as to what is going on dramatically. Hollreiser is the conductor of that, and it's on his shoulders that the problem lies. Everyone needed a stronger hand because the opera is, frankly, never given. The recording follows the Eulenberg score. That score may be long, but it has many cuts, and the recording made a couple of more besides.
That recording was already passe when it came out because this performance had already taken place. It includes so much more music! And it is delivered with so much more understanding and panache! John Mitchinson is incredible as Rienzi - and the role makes Siegfried look desirable. He is noble, angry, loving and, ultimately fatalistic. He is surrounded by singers who, if less well known than those on the EMI, have done their homework. They shape phrases to great effect and the whole builds to a great fifth act. Act one runs over an hour, act two just at 90 minutes, act three and four at 50 minutes each, and act five tags in at around 15 minutes. This is Wagner trying to outdo Meyerbeer. Heard cut, the opera does this in the most banal way. Heard uncut, as here, the opera unfolds with some indication of the powerful music Wagner would write soon - Flying Dutchman was next. All Wagner lovers should be standing in line for this one.
(This review is based on an earlier, pirated tape copy. A few minor sound problems encountered on that tape are presumably rectified here.)

Average customer rating: MOMENTS SO BEAUTIFUL THAT WILL BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES, BUT . . . . . OH MY! A glorious recording, but do we really need another KISMET? Romantic Escape Excellent recording

Kismet (1991 Studio Cast) George Forrest Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ramey, Samuel | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Kismet (1953 Original Broadway Cast) Man of La Mancha MGM's Kismet: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B00000279M Release Date: 1991-11-15

Tracks:

1. Act I: Ov - LSO
2. Act I: Sands Of Time - Rodne Brown/James Bassi/Daniel Egan/Michael Hume
3. Act I: 'Salaam, Noble Gentlemen!'/Rhymes Have I - Samuel Ramey/Ruth Ann Swenson
4. Act I: My Magic Lamp - Ruth Ann Swenson
5. Act I: 'I Sat Down, Feeling Desolated'/Fate - Samuel Ramey
6. Act I: Bazaar Of The Caravans - James Bassi/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Corale Of New York
7. Act I: Entrance Of Lalume - LSO
8. Act I: Not Since Nineveh - Julia Migenes/Dom DeLuise/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Corale Of New York
9. Act I: Baubles, Bangles And Beads - James Bassi/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York/Ruth Ann Swenson
10. Act I: Paradise Garden/'This Garden-It's So Pretty' - Ruth Ann Swenson/Jerry Hadley
11. Act I: Stranger In Paradise - Ruth Ann Swenson/Jerry Hadley
12. Act I: He's In Love - Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
13. Act I: The Wazir's Palace/The Wazir's Council - LSO
14. Act I: 'Let The Sentence Stand'/Gesticulate - Dom DeLuise/Julia Migenes/Samuel Ramey/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
15. Act I: Bored - Julia Migenes/Samuel Ramey
16. Act I: Fate-Final Act I - Samuel Ramey/Julia Migenes/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
17. Act II: Night Of My Nights - Jerry Hadley/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
18. Act II: Stranger In Paradise (Reprise) - Ruth Ann Swenson
19. Act II: 'Imagine! The Wazir Of Police...'/Was I Wazir? - Dom DeLuise/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
20. Act II: 'Dear Hajj, Our New Emir'/Rahadlakum - Julia Migenes/Samuel Ramey/Gale Limansky/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
21. Act II: 'Now Tell Me About Him. Who Is He?'/And This Is My Beloved - Samuel Ramey/Ruth Ann Swenson/Dom DeLuise/Jerry Hadley
22. Act II: The Olive Tree - Samuel Ramey
23. Act II: Zubbediya - Mandy Patinkin/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
24. Act II: Samaris' Dance - LSO/Ambrosian Singers/The Concert Chorale Of New York
25. Act II: Finale-Act II: 'And Finally, Oh Prince Of True Believers'/Night Of My Nights (Reprise)... - Samuel Ramey/Jerry Hadley/Ruth Ann Swenson/

Amazon.com

Listening to this high-powered 1991 studio recording may forever spoil your enjoyment of the mostly tepid voices in the 1955 movie version of Kismet. Producer Thomas Shepard and music director Paul Gemignani enlisted some of opera's best voices to record this quite operatic musical, called "a musical Arabian night" and based on the themes of 19th-century Russian composer Alexander Borodin. Samuel Ramey is a bit turgid as the Poet. Luckily, Julia Migenes as Lalume is sensational and Jerry Hadley as the Caliph and Ruth Ann Swenson as Marsinah are simply glorious. Less successful are a hysterical Mandy Patinkin (in only one number) and a braying Dom Deluise (in a vocally undemanding role as the Wazir). Thankfully, the singers are at their best in the most challenging numbers, which include some all-time favorites: "Stranger in Paradise," "Not Since Nineveh," "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads," "And This Is My Beloved," and "Night of My Nights." This CD clocks in at a generous 68 minutes, but you'll probably find yourself listening to the "hits" over and over. The same cast also recorded Man of La Mancha with Placido Domingo. Full lyrics are included. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

MOMENTS SO BEAUTIFUL THAT WILL BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES, BUT . . . . . .......2006-07-30

This KISMET has its moments. Some of them will take your breath away, and others will make you cringe. Overall, it's a recording that you might want to include in your library, primarily because of the marvelous singing by Jerry Hadley.

"Stranger in Paradise," sung by Hadley & Ruth Ann Swenson, is so ravishingly beautiful that it will bring tears to your eyes. That moment alone is worth the price of this album. Additionally, Hadley's "Night of My Nights" will absolutely give you goose bumps. In fact, I doubt if there has ever been a better sung "Caliph" anywhere. Listen to the way he pops off high A-flats & B-flats. Wow!

Ruth Ann Swenson is a lovely "Marsinah," although she doesn't seem as comfortable in the role as either Doretta Morrow on the 1953 Original Cast recording or Lee Venora in the 1965 Lincoln Center Revival. Julia Migenes (Have you seen her CARMEN?) is in great voice as "Lalume," playing her more subtly than either Joan Diener or Anne Jeffreys. I prefer broad. Dom DeLuise is a wretched "Wazir" and sticks out like a sore thumb among the trained voices. But most wretched of all is Mandy Patinkin singing "Zubbediya," usually sung by the "Widow Yussef." What was producer Thomas Z. Shepard smoking?

Of course, the overall success of any KISMET depends on the actor/singer who play "Hajj, the Poet," and let's face it, Alfred Drake owns the part. Samuel Ramey has the voice and the looks but, unfortunately, limited acting ability. He sings all the right notes, but appears more concerned with producing a gorgeous tone than with interpreting the song. His best moment is "The Olive Tree."

Paul Gemignani leads the London Symphony Orchestra and the combined forces of the Ambrosian Singers and the Concert Chorale of New York, and how welcome they are in lieu of today's synthesized pit bands and scaled-back corps of singer/dancers. However, at times the shear mass of musicians tends to bog down the show.

In spite of its flaws, this is still a valuable recording and deserves a place in your library along with the 1953 Broadway Cast and the Lincoln Center recording - if Sony/BMG ever gets around to remastering it.

OH MY!.......2005-03-08

This is magic. Don't miss Jerry Hadley here. This remarkable artist is simply phenomenal, as is just about everyone else. Yes, Mr. Patinkin is actually a bit of a Potemkin here! But isn't he always? I think his popularity is a New York thing. But he comes and goes quickly, allowing us to revel in the voluptuousness of the rest of the cast and the dazzling music they have to sing.

OH MY!!

A glorious recording, but do we really need another KISMET?.......2004-02-28

Given the number of KISMET recordings out there, it seemed strange to me in 1991 when SONY offered up this new recording with Samuel Ramey. But it is a wonderful recording of the score, well sung and acted, and beautifully played by the London Symphony orchestra. It is also more complete than the two cast albums (1953 and 1965)and restores a song cut pror to opening: "My Magic Lamp." Even Samuel Ramey, a bass, is once again cast in a baritone role but makes it sound quite natural. Ruth Ann Swenson and Jerry Hadley make a perfect pair of lovers, and Julia Migenes is properly lusty as Lalume. As the evil Wazir Dom DeLuise is properly comic even if he does not bring full voice to the Wazir's few musical moments as did Henry Calvin in the original. As for Mandy Patinkin's take on the marriage broker... well it is just a small throwaway bit that leads into a wild dance. Mandy does not give the number the full musical value it needs and the voice quickly becomes irritating before the 90-second track ends. Skip the track. It would be a shame to bypass this wonderful Cd because of one overdone moment.

The recording has been produced by Thomas Z. Shepard with the same care he always takes with his Broadway cast albums.

Did we really need another recording of KISMET? After all there are 2 Broadway cast albums (original and revival), a movie soundtrack, a finely sung studio cast album Robert Merrill, Regina Resnik, Kenneth McKellar and the Mantovai strings; a lavish 2 CD set from TER/JAY that has every single note of the score plus an appenix of songs for the revised version called TUMBUKTU... and now this "digital" recording. Enough is enough. Lets have no more recordings of KISMET and instead focus on some of the scores that have not recieved their due!

Romantic Escape.......2003-02-11

"No man may avoid his fate. That is Kismet."

If you are looking for that romantic "in love" feeling inspired by classical productions, this will leave you feeling just that little bit dizzy and wanting to escape into a fantasy land. This is after all a Musical Arabian Night.

The setting is ancient Baghdad and the plot is of romance and intrigue. The original Kismet (meaning fate or destiny) was a 1911 drama by Edward Knoblock. It was an Arabian-Nights fantasy set in old Baghdad which told of Hajj the beggar, his loyal daughter Marsinah, the dastardly Wazir and the Caliph who falls in love with the beggar's daughter.

In this musical Hajj the Beggar has gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca. A penniless poet arrives and wants to sell his rhymes. He is then taken away by men who think he is Hajj. The poet is then brought before Jawan, an aging robber who says he will soon die if he doesn't remove a curse placed on him by Hajj. Jawan gives him 100 gold pieces. Back in the city, Wazir and his wife Lalume are working on arranging a marriage between the most-high Caliph and the three Princesses of Ababu who have accompanied them home. The Caliph sees Marsinah laughing and singing and is completely entranced by her beauty. Caliph pretends to be a gardener and asks Marsinah to meet him in the garden at moonrise.

"Stranger in Paradise" is probably one of the most romantic songs every written.

"Don't send me in dark despair
From all that I hunger for,
But open your angel's arms
To the stranger in Paradise" -Caliph

"I saw your face
And I ascended
Out of the commonplace
Into the rare!" -Marsinah

An interesting note about the original Broadway musical complete with voluptuous costumes and lavish settings. New York was in the middle of newspaper strike and the lack of reviews did not hurt Kismet. The audiences made the musical a success by word of mouth.

Listening to Kismet is captivating even if you can't see the dancing or costumes.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Excellent recording.......2001-08-12

This is a very strong recording of "Kismet" with some great performances by Samuel Ramey, Ruth Ann Swenson, Julia Mignes and especially Jerry Hadley. The latter's "Stranger in Paradise" (along with Swenson) and "Night of My Nights" are the best versions I've heard of these songs - absolutely beautiful. The weak parts? Dom Deluise as the Wazir -- ok, he SOUNDS the part, but he can't really sing and Mandy Patinkin on "Zubbedya (I'm sure I'm misspelling it). I'm a big Mandy Patinkin fan but he's WAY over the top on this insignificant track. I know for a complete recording of the show they needed to include this song, but frankly, this is a ridiculous track I'll be skipping over on future listens. Still, these two negatives aren't enough to argue against buying this high quality recording with MOSTLY high quality performances.

Average customer rating: Second-rate to Gallardo-Domas and Pappano A Sutherland treat A beautiful and dreamlike recording Tones like a crystal bell

Puccini: Suor Angelica / Bonynge, Sutherland Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sutherland, Dame Joan | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ludwig, Christa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Puccini: Gianni Schicchi Puccini - Il Trittico: Opera Vocal Score Series Puccini - Il Trittico (Il Tabarro / Suor Angelica / Gianni Schicchi) / Gavazzeni, La Scala Puccini: Gianni Scicchi Puccini: Suor Angelica ASIN: B000006P4W Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

1. Suor Angelica: Ave Maria, piena di grazia
2. Suor Angelica: Sorelle in umilta
3. Suor Angelica: O sorelle in pio lavoro
4. Suor Angelica: Ho un desiderio anch'io!
5. Suor Angelica: Laudata Maria! - E sempre sia!
6. Suor Angelica: Suor Angelica! - Madre, Madre, parlate!
7. Suor Angelica: Il Principe Gualtiero vostro padre
8. Suor Angelica: Nel silenzio di quei raccoglimenti
9. Suor Angelica: Tutto ho offerto alla Vergine
10. Suor Angelica: Senza mamma, o bimbo, tu sei morto
11. Suor Angelica: Sorella, o buona sorella
12. Suor Angelica: La grazia e discesa dal cielo
13. Suor Angelica: Ah, son dannata!
14. Tosca: Libretto di Giacosa, Illica: Vissi d'arte

Amazon.com

Though Puccini's trilogy of one-act operas, Il Trittico, is hard to love in its totality, Suor Angelica shows the composer retreating from melodramatic verismo into a more lyrical expression, as befits this story of a nun driven to suicide when told her child is dead. Though this cast isn't ideal, it more than does the job, with Joan Sutherland in unusually articulate, dramatically alert form. As her evil, unyielding aunt, Christa Ludwig avoids obvious melodramatics and is plenty chilling as a result. Lots of good singers turn up in minor roles, such as Marie McLaughlin and Della Jones. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Second-rate to Gallardo-Domas and Pappano.......2005-08-26

This review compares three of the recordings of Suor Angelica, with the finding that the recording of this miniature gem in the boxed set of Puccini's Il Trittico conducted by Antonio Pappano far exceeds the others in various qualities.

The best first. The vocal performances of both the title role (Cristina Gallardo-Domas) and la Zia Principessa (Bernadette Manca di Nissa) offer a great breadth of interpretation and an honest and true attention to pure vocal production. I have the very slightest of quibbles with one specific response from Gallardo-Domas' Angelica to her aunt, "La Vergine ci ascolta e Lei vi giudica!" is offered much too anglrily, where the score is marked "coldly." The wonderful choral work that supports the action and provides so much of the exposition is a well-modulated performance of Puccini's best writing for women's voices in non-starring roles. Indeed, the balance between the soloists, chorus, and orchestra is keenly maintained througout, ever allowing the orchestra and chorus to be equals to the soloists. Lastly, Pappano's pacing seems the most accomplished of all the recordings.

The worst second. The performance of the Rome Opera Orchestra & Chorus with Fedora Barbieri and Victoria de Los Angeles is frightful. The balance is muddy, and the soloists are miked so closely that they become strident. Worse yet is that the editing was inattentive, and several badly pitched tones made their way to the final recording. --And the pitch problems continue throughout, sometimes sharp, sometimes flat. The chorus members' diction is almost slurred, and a sloppy ensemble results in many nice melodies being unintelligible.

The most surprising recording is conducted by Richard Bonynge and stars Joan Sutherland and Christ Ludwig. As another reviewer noted, Dame Sutherland is past her prime, recording the role at age 52. If only we had a recording of Angelica from her at 30! As it is, I believe Richard Bonynge is the one driving a stake through the heart of this work. His readings alternate between a rush through lyric passages and tearing through the recitativo segments at a full tilt. But it seems so strange because the balance favors the women's voices, making the orchestra extraordinarily subservient. Finally, the performances in general seem less than committed. For example, Sutherland lacks both the fire and the meek submissiveness that should complicate the character.

A Sutherland treat.......2003-06-11

What a treat! Hearing Sutherland doing non-Bel Canto is always kinda exciting. She's thrilled to be doing something outside of her safety-net. Though this was recorded past Joan's prime (she was 52) she still gives her best efforts and ultimately, an honest and compelling portrayl. As Joan got older, the voice lost gleam and power -- which made her more committed to the dramatic aspect of her performances. Sutherland makes you want to cry as she performs this delicate role. Joan does a great job at portraying the frail Suor Angelica, sent to live in a Convent because of her child born in wedlock. Angelica is weak with sadness, and Joan does a great job at getting that through. Christa Ludwig, La zia Principessa, does an expert job at not portraying the cold hurtful heartless powerful woman, but a character with real depth and back story. Ludwig's strong hand is at her truthful acting,how she creates and encompasses real and honest characters and brings life to her roles. At 52, this mezzo still has a lot of voice left in her.

An exciting moment is when La zia Principessa/Ludwig snears, "...you have stained our white crest" and Angelica unexpectedly spits in her face, "Sorella di mia madre, voi siete inesorable (My mother's siter, you are unrelenting!" Now THAT'S was exciting! You don't expect that, and Sutherland does it amazingly well! And that classic Puccini moment of climax is when La zia Principessa tells Angelica that Angelica's child died. Angelica says "É morto? (He's dead?)" and Angelica lets out this Tosca howling scream! Pretty chilling and cool.

"Senza mamma, o bimbo, tu sei morto" is touching. Renata Scotto's is my favorite, and I hear Mirella Freni, Ilona Tokody, and Leontyne Price also do excellent renditions).

Now from the point where Angelica utters, "Ah, son dannata! (Oh, I am damned!)" The rest of the opera is heart-breaking! Angelica/Sutherland flies off into vocal feights as she pleads to the Madonna to not let her die in damnation after she commits the mortal sin of concocting a poison potion that she drinks to kill herself. She asks the Madonna to give her a sign of grace and save her, "Madonna! Madonna! Salvami! Salvami!" Bonynge does a wonderful job of evoking from this point the full power and heights of what Puccini wanted! You are totally imagining the room fillng with light and the Madonna comes toward her with her child and the child takes his first steps. There is bliss and forgiveness and WONDERFULNESS!!

A bonus on this CD is "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca. Frankly, I wasn't expecting the best. However, contrary to what I was anticipating, she sings with surprisingly convincing honesty. You really feel the torment Tosca is going through. Who knew Joan could pull it off?? Also, this was recorded 6 years before Suor Angelica (she was 46), so the voice is in fairer condition.

If you're someone who doesn't like Sutherland, again, this does not represent her in her prime -- her high notes aren't wonderful (including the ending Bb in "Senza mamma..." which is ever so slightly under pitch) and the voice in general has lost some sparkle. And if you're a fan of the opera then you're going to compare her voice to other singers who recorded this in their prime and you're going find fault. I recommend this recording only for fans of good drama. And if you've grown to appreciate Sutherland, than you'll enjoy this. I know I did!

A beautiful and dreamlike recording.......2001-09-07

With so many great recordings of 'Suor Angelica', the Puccini fan can hardly choose just one version. Each notable recording and its star (including Tebaldi, Scotto, Ricciarelli, and Popp) has made an individual stamp on the role, and consequently, on the opera. This recording is no exception, and gives the listener a regal Angelica, and at times a rather dreamlike atmosphere. The character of Angelica was of royal birth, a princess forced into life as a nun because of her illegitimate child - and Joan Sutherland's bearing and large voice gives us the most royal heroine of any recording. Recorded in the early 1970s, Sutherland is in remarkable voice, and she has dramatic involvement in the character greater than many of other recorded performances. Also, in this interpretation of score, Sutherland's trademark vague diction is somehow less annoying than it usually is. Christa Ludwig sings with her typical lush tone, and she makes for a cold, ominous, and almost oracular Princepesa. Richard Bonynge is not a conductor one associates with Puccini, and he leads a rather gentle and occasionally eerie interpretation, but also ably brings out the everyday conversational tone of the first half of the opera. The conflicts and climaxes, though alive with tension, are not what one thinks of as verismo style. Yet this approach suits his principle singers, as well as the predominantly British supporting cast. It all adds up to a highly individualized but successful version of the opera. There is no definitive Angelica out there, at least not for me. I have collected many, and Sutherland makes a great addition. I listen to the other recordings frequently; the Puccini lover should not miss the neurotic fragility of Lucia Popp (BMG; available at Amazon UK) or the tragic impact of Renata Scotto (Sony). But as often as I listen to these others I will return to this recording for its distinct individual merits. I purchased this with skepticism, but was pleasantly surprised by what I heard.

Tones like a crystal bell.......2000-07-12

In Suor Angelica Puccini ranges from childlike playfulness to deepest despair in a short opera easily enjoyed in one sitting. And the voices on this CD are all clear and harmonious. However I feel Bonynge's interpretation focuses on voice rather than mood. Rather than spritely as in other versions, here the tempo feels held back, dampening some of the excitement, so the listener feels as if nostalgically looking back at a distant event rather than being alive in the moment's laughter, excitement, and agony. However Dame Sutherland, of course, is incomparable, with a voice like clear light.

Average customer rating: jaw Great find Early Smooth Jazz Guitar At It's Best great guitar stylist One bad dude

Ginseng Woman/Multiplication Eric Gale Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Right Stuff Island Breeze/Blue Horizon The Gadd Gang Feels So Good Four ASIN: B000008AYO Release Date: 1990-12-29

Tracks:

1. Ginseng Woman
2. Red Ground
3. Sara Smile
4. De Rabbit
5. She Is My Lady
6. East End, West End
7. Morning Glory
8. Gypsy Jello
9. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
10. Oh! Mary Don't You Weep
11. Thumper
12. Multiplication

Customer Reviews:

jaw.......2006-07-14

Classic Eric Gale! this cd is full of the talent and unique sound that Eric is fameous for.

Great find.......2006-02-28

I have been looking for this recording in CD since 1986 or so, I had it only on LP so finding it on CD was great. This is an excellent CD.

Early Smooth Jazz Guitar At It's Best.......2006-02-25

I've had this disc for a number of years as well as all of Eric Gale's albums.He remains one of my all time favorite guitar players. I had the pleasure of meeting Eric twice in the early 80's
as a former co-worker was a close personal friend.Eric brought a uniqueness to the guitar that nobody has ever duplicated. Hearing him live was a great treat. I last saw Eric in the 90's when he was
in Tom Scott's band. This is a great disc. I was deeply saddened when Eric passed away in May, 1994. I was so glad I was able to see
him live a few years earlier.

great guitar stylist.......2005-06-07

It is good for old Eric Gale fans to be able to purchase this
cd. It will bring back many memories. It will also remind you
of how great a guitar player he was. I am grateful that I've
had a chance to own many recordings that he has played on. Pay
close attention to She is my lady and morning glory. This is a
must have cd. jaye price
Beltsville, md.

One bad dude.......2004-11-08

This CD combo contains some of the finest works of one the late great jazz guitarist Eric Gale, he performs true expression in his own unique state of harmonial bliss.

Teamed up with the likes of Grover Washington Jr, Gary King, Richard Tee, Ralph McDonald and others, and with producer Bob James behind the wheel, they play flawlessly together, the string and horn arrangements are excellent and can be lead solos in their own right.

Each cut has its own flavor, fast or slow tempos, no two are alike, taking you form one thought to another. My personal favorite is She is my Lady, it sounds like you can hear Eric saying the title of the cut with his guitar. When he breaks loose on his solos, you find yourself in a state of nothing else matters with your head bopping. All the cuts keep you wanting more.

This is definitely a bargain getting two of his best albums for the price of one. A must have for your contempory jazz collection.

Average customer rating: A great forgotten musical (that might be back)! Over Here, a overlooked Broadway gem. over here you betcha Over Here! is great! A great musical!

Over Here! Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Irene (1973 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Hallelujah, Baby! (1967 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B00000252U Release Date: 1992-05-19

Tracks:

1. Beat Begins (Overture) - Big Band
2. Since You're Not Around - Company, Jimmy Weston
3. Over Here! - Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews, Company
4. Buy a Victory Bond - Company
5. My Dream for Tomorrow - John Driver, April Shawhan
6. Charlie's Place - Maxene Andrews, Big Band, Company
7. Hey Yvette/The Grass Grows Green - MacIntyre Dixon, William Griffs, Douglas Watson
8. Good-Time Girl - Patty Andrews, Company
9. Wait for Me, Marlena - Company, Janie Sell
10. We Got It! - Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews, Company, Janie Sell
11. Wartime Wedding - Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews, Company
12. Don't Shoot the Hooey to Me, Louie - Samuel E. Wright
13. Where Did the Good Times Go? - Patty Andrews, Company
14. Dream Drummin'/Soft Music - Big Band, Company, Phyllis Somerville, John Travolta
15. Big Beat - Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews, Janie Sell
16. No Goodybyes - Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews, Company

Customer Reviews:

A great forgotten musical (that might be back)!.......2007-04-07

"Over Here!" is a delight. The songs are all great and in the style, beat and joy of the Big Band/World War II period. You can trace back (if you are serious minded) the songs that the Sherman Brothers are copying - for example, the "Wait for Me, Marlena" number is a take-off of Marlena Dietrich's big World War II number "Lili Marlene." However, just enjoy the music for the wonderful score it is. The good news is (as of Spring 2007), Donna McKechnie (of "A Chorus Line" and the original cast of "Over Here!") is going to be in a revival of "Over Here!" to open in Toronto and move to London. "My Dream for Tomorrow" would be to see "Over Here!" come back to Broadway! In the meantime, grab a copy of "Over Here!" and dance around the room as you celebrate the joyous music of the time period. Maybe the producers could get Bette Midler to be the other "Andrews" sister?

Over Here, a overlooked Broadway gem........2006-10-18

OK, in my review of the Divas I mentioned that I do not collect Broadway Soundtracks, I do own a few however, Over Here being one.

This great show was at the Shubert Theatre prior to the record breaking run of A Chorus Line, and it was a slice of nostaglia for our parents generation. The show was set during World War 2, and featured new music written for the show, with stylings from the war years. The shows stars were the 2 remaining Andrews Sisters, Patty and Maxine, and they played the DePaul sisters, as the "2 DePaul's". One part of the plot was the search by the DePaul's for a 3rd girl to join their group. Needless to say in their heyday the Andrews Ssiters were a trio, their eldest sister, LaVerne, died in the late 60's. The production also featured Janie Sell, and a pre-Grease John Travolta.

The musical featured upbeat numbers for the most part, but the show also portraied the anguish of the war years as well. Since Your Not Around, My Dream For Tomorrow, and Where Did The Good Times Go all delt with the pain of the war years and the uncertainty of what lie ahead. Good-Time Girl is a great campy take on the US Governments War program to avoid an VD outbreak amoung the troops (these times were far from innocent in many ways). John Travolta shines with the number Dream Drumming, where he yearns to be the next Gene Krupa, sadly many troops never made it home to persue their dreams.

Janie Sell becomes the new DePaul, and joins Patty and Maxine with the Big Beat.
For many the highlight of the show never made it to the soundtrack. Each day at curtain call, Patty and Maxine would sing a medley of their hits, and it became THE reason for many to attend the show.

This show was to tour after it's Broadway run, and after much delay it did make it to the road with just one Andrews Sister, Maxine. Patty declined to go on the road.

Discover this oft-overlooked Broadway gem!

over here you betcha.......2006-04-11

April Shawhan is the most fantastic and unbelievable performer I could ever imagine. I worship and idolize her tremendously. I only wish that everyone in the world could have a chance to work with her.

Over Here! is great!.......2003-08-28

I absolutely fell in love with this musical the moment I heard my high school was doing it for their spring musical! I wasn't in the cast, but i was on the crew, which could actually be more interesting. you can listen to the music more, and dance to it backstage, not worrying about how you look! This musical was absolutely great.No wonder I can't find the cd anywhere! I can borrow my friends though! i highly recommend this cd and musical to any school trying to find out what mucial to do this year!!

A great musical!.......2000-02-12

Over Here! is definitely a wonderful musical. It's fun to sit back and listen to but even more fun to sing along with. I've fallen in love with the big band sound of this wonderful musical, and I'd recommend it to everyone.

Average customer rating:

Penelope/Bachelor in Paradise Manufacturer: Film Score Monthly ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Casino Royale (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition) ASIN: B0009GX1M4 Release Date: 2005-05-17

Tracks:

1. Penelope/Building Pan
2. To Bergdorf's/Shoe Fly - Natalie Wood, Natalie Wood
3. Anthropology
4. Wedding Reception/Don't Be Jealous/Stolen Earrings
5. Sadaba and Ducky/Forgotten Shoes
6. Penny's Arcade
7. Lenses and Contacts
8. Shopping Around/The Thrift Shop/Vintage Pastrami/Sadaba's Salon
9. Muzak
10. At the Art Museum
11. Penny's Hobbies/Poolside/La Bostella/Penny's Loot
12. Mannix Follows Penny/Mannix Complicity
13. Anonymous Friends
14. Mildred's Mission
15. Penny's Party - Natalie Wood, Natalie Wood
16. Penny Runs Away/Penny's Substitute
17. James's Vision/Patient Cured
18. End Title
19. Penelope - Natalie Wood, Natalie Wood
20. Poolside
21. Penny's Arcade
22. Bostella
23. Girl in the Yellow Dress
24. Penelope [Instrumental]
25. Penelope (Love Theme)
26. Girl Chase
27. Sun Is Gray
28. Sadaba
29. At the Art Museum
30. Mad Professor

Tracks:

1. Main Title
2. Home Again/Entering Paradise
3. Welcome
4. Drum Effects/Bachelor in Paradise
5. Wake Up/Throughout the Day/Wet Thumb
6. Top Shelf
7. Try It Tonight
8. Quite Civilized/Nosey
9. Oh Jacques
10. Navel Sisters/Rosemary's Hula/Why Red
11. Pickles and Peanut Butter
12. Splendid Piece
13. Real Heel/A Sad Piece
14. Welcome Home/On the Couch
15. Wolf in Paradise
16. Sexy Ideas
17. Ancient Ritual
18. Bachelor in Paradise [*][Demo Version]
19. Riviera [*]
20. How About You [*]
21. Easy to Love [*]
22. Alone [*]
23. Invitation [*]
24. Green Dolphin Street [*]
25. Star Eyes [*]
26. Belly Buttons and Booze [*]
27. Doorbell Effect [*]
28. Penelope [Original Ending][*]
29. Onward Christian Soldiers/Happy Days [*]
30. James Breaks Even [*]
31. Village Party [*]
32. Sun Is Gray [Film Version][*]
33. Sun Is Gray [Alternate Take][*]

Average customer rating: Some missed opportunities Jazz at it's best Purely a nostalgia trip The Late Great Eric Gale.

Island Breeze/Blue Horizon Eric Gale Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ginseng Woman/Multiplication Part of You Forecast The Right Stuff Morph the Cat ASIN: B0009E324S Release Date: 2005-05-31

Tracks:

1. Boardwalk
2. We'll Make It (Sooner or Later)
3. My Momma Told Me So
4. Island Breeze
5. Dark Romance
6. I Know That's Right
7. Blue Horizon
8. Wait Until the City Sleeps
9. When Tokyo?
10. Mako d'Amour
11. Clock-A-Pa
12. Call Me at the Same Number
13. 97th & Columbus

Customer Reviews:

Some missed opportunities.......2007-01-05

These two albums originally surfaced in England on the Elektra Musician Label in 1982. I had hoped at some stage that there would have been a coherent attempt to re-release the material from the label in a sequential way as there are lots of the albums with music that, judging from my original vinyl copies, have stood the test of time well. These two were such albums, and despite the misgivings of some reviewers about the content, since there wasn't a category called 'smooth jazz' in England at the time, these were at the forefront of a genre that has subsequently burgeoned into a recognisable format. On both albums Gale fronts bands that were full of excellent musicians. My pick from "Blue Horizon" would be "Wait until the City sleeps", "Call me at the same number" and "97th and Columbus". On "Island Breeze" I'd pick "Boardwalk" and the title track ( which I used as the title for a radio show I presented on Sunday afternoons in 1982!). My gripe about this, and the reason for the reduced star rating, is that in re-releasing it opportunities have been missed in presentation. Firstly it doesn't sound as though it's been remastered in any way, secondly the albums are presented out of chronlogical order and finally the packaging is erring on the side of shoddy, with a reprint of the inner sleeve from "Island Breeze" but no details at all of the recording place or date, whilst of "Blue Horizon" there's no details at all. So I'm really pleased to have this available on CD, but with a plethora of excellent reissues that give 'value added' I feel slightly short changed. The music is 5*, but I expect a better overall product from a premium priced CD.

Jazz at it's best.......2006-07-14

This dual cd is like time travel, as you sit and listen it takes you "back to the day". If you love Jazz or if you are an Eric Gale fan; this cd will not disappoint.

Purely a nostalgia trip.......2005-06-14

I had high expectations for this reissue from the 80s. Sadly, they were not met. What we've got here is slightly better than average jazz lite. It's a shame Eric Gale, a truly gifted guitarist, chose to place himself in such unchallenging settings.

I do have somewhat of a soft spot for these two discs, not unlike what I feel about the two Bob James/Earl Klugh discs, One on One and Two of a Kind, from around the same period. These, and Nocturnal Playground by Russ Freeman, were some of the first instrument records approaching real jazz that I'd ever heard. I soon found that, for me, jazz lite was a musical dead end, and I transitioned into authentic improvised music.

This two-in-one package gets an extra star because of Gale's mastery, the inclusion of drum legend Freddie Waits (Nasheet's dad), and the fact that you get two sessions for the price of one. But be forewarned: fans of real jazz will likely find these sessions too saccharine for their tastes. More like *** to ***1/2.

The Late Great Eric Gale........2005-06-05

Eric Gale was easily the most sought after studio guitarist of his generation. During the 60's, 70's and 80's his guitar licks were heard everywhere. Just read the liner notes of your old LP'S, and you will see he was in the studio with such names as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Van McCoy, George Benson, Grover Washington, Dave Gruisin, Joe Cocker, Peter Tosh, and the list goes on and on. Eric Gale was a diverse guitarist who could play Jazz, Disco, Rock/Fusion and R&B when called upon. He also played with his own Jazz/Rock Fusion band called STUFF during the 70's and 80's, with such players as Richard Tee, Steve Gadd, Cornell Dupree, Gordon Edwarrds and Chris Parker. Eric Gale released several solo recordings over the years, and for the first time "Island Breeze", has been released in CD format. It is packaged with "Blue Horizon", his other Elektra Records release from the 80's. The listener will find that these two smooth Jazz like releases, from the grand champion of studio guitarist's, a real delight. One listen to the high octane Stuff like instrumental '97th and Columbus", from the "Blue Horizon" CD will be enough to win the first time Eric Gale listener over. It was always a pleasure to go to Mikells Jazz club in New York City on 97th and Columbus ave during the 70's and 80's and listen to Eric Gale play either by himself or with his group Stuff. Although in college at the time, I realized I was listening to a real behind the scenes musical legend, and I hope all of you will discover the joy of Eric's magical guitar, by seeking out anything that remains in print from his catolog. Eric Gale passed away in 1994, but remains in my eyes one of the true unsung giants of the music industry, who deserves to be recognized by the Rock n Roll HOF by inducting him into their studio musicians wing. He was as good as you get.

International Music:

1. Hey Ji Re [Import]
2. Humberto Gessinger Trio [Import]
3. I Nihta Gemise Me Fos [Import]
4. Il a Fallu [Import]
5. Katia B [Import]
6. Kenan 2000 [Import]
7. Les Plus Belles Chansons [Import]
8. Les Plus Belles Chansons [Import]
9. Les Plus Belles Chansons [Import]
10. Les Plus Belles Chansons [Import]

International Music

International Music