The Spot

About the Artist
We are proud to present the newest work from Aram Danesh entitled The Spot, a combined effort by Danesh, Adam Berkowitz. The Spot was created with the goal of uniting the best new sounds with the deepest musical roots.

"Bright, spunky guitar licks and jagged piano solos blaze by excellent rhythm section work, whether working over funky rock beats or hard swinging bop."

That’s what Listen.com has to say about the bold, provocative music coming from Marin guitarist Aram Danesh.

Raised in the war-torn country of Iran, Danesh discovered music at a young age. His early musical influences were John Coltrane, Peter Gabriel, and Courtney Pine. As a teenager Danesh discovered rock and roll, listening mostly to his favorite guitar player Carlos Santana.

At the age of 9 Danesh left Iran and has since lived and traveled all over the world. Spending four years in Germany, one in France and one in Switzerland sealed the European mark now found on his music. During his time in Europe, Danesh performed with several major acts in clubs and stadiums all over Europe. Sharing the stage with both Carlos Santana and Ravi Coltrane at the Juan Les Pins (1993) in Antibes, France was the realization of a childhood dream.

His multicultural background is now the basis of Danesh’s music. Boldly blending different cultural elements, styles, genres, and even languages, Danesh aims to create a danceable and "in the pocket" groove found more often in Europe than in the U.S.

Danesh has performed at many local San Francisco traditions such as the Black and White Ball, the Exotic Erotic Ball, and the North Beach Jazz Festival as well as the Zelt Music Fest in Germany.

Product Description
The Spot embraces hip hop, Cuban, Brazilian, and funk influences. With a solid base of rhythm and blues and jazz, layers of hip-hop, soul vocals in various languages, and even Caribbean and Middle Eastern sounds are added to generate a fluid, energized sound.

The Spot,Aram Danesh,Mammoth Entertainment,Latin hip-hop Reggae Dance

Average customer rating: Growing as an Artist Tiffany Comes Back and Really Lays Out A Musical Collection! Hold An Old Friends Hand A terrific pop/rock CD! Tiffany keeps getting better and better! TIFFANY TIFFANY THE QUEEN

Just Me Tiffany Manufacturer: 10 Spot Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dust Off and Dance I Think Were Alone Now: 80s Hits And More Wild Hope My December Color of Silence ASIN: B000Q364GA Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Feels Like Love
2. Just Me
3. Be Alright
4. Hiding Behind the Face
5. Calling Out Your Name
6. Mind Candy
7. Anyone But Me
8. Streets Of Gold
9. This Love
10. Winter's Over
11. I Will Not Breakdown (Bonus Track)

Customer Reviews:

Growing as an Artist.......2007-07-10

I was very pleased with most of the songs on this CD. I really enjoyed Colour of Silence and as well as this one. I don't know why artists like Tiffany or Debbie (Deborah) Gibson get ragged on by people when you have artists like Brittany, Ashlee Simpson (so many others to name) that don't have a quality voice like Tiffany or D Gibson. Tiffany's music today is so much better than the calculated music she made in the 1980s. More Personnal. If you have been a long time fan I recommend it. If you like Alanis "Jagged Little Pill" CD I recommend "Just Me" and "Colour of Silence" by Tiffany.

Tiffany Comes Back and Really Lays Out A Musical Collection!.......2007-06-28

All of the songs on this CD are very well written
These are my favorite songs:
Winter's Over
Just Me
Feels Like Love
Streets Of Gold

Hiding Behind The Face is a pretty good song, as well as Calling Out Your Name. Mind Candy is a fun song to hear Tiffany sing. And, of course, I Will Not Breakdown from her CD Color Of Silence (2000) is good to hear once again.

My least favorites are:
Be Alright
This Love
Anyone But Me

Overall, this CD is amazing! I have always loved Tiffany's music. This is yet another impressive and well-written CD and I hope that Tiffany continues writing songs and selling records in the future.

Hold An Old Friends Hand.......2007-06-25

Tiffany strays away from the all dance sound that she did so well in 2005 with `Dust Off And Dance' and gets back to the singer-songwriter sound of her best yet CD (in my opinion) of 2000's `The Color Of Silence' without missing a beat. Tiffs voice is in superb form and the music/lyrics is as catchy as when she first came out 20+ years ago minus the cheesiness.

Her leadoff single is "Feels Like Love" which is a pretty simplistic melody but with Tiffany's voice she breathes such life into the song. You will be humming and singing it in no time.
Every song just falls into place on this set offering a different glimpse into Tiffany's life right now. Each song offers something different and the lyrics are raw and the hooks are very melodic and radio friendly at the same time. For such an underrated artist Tiffany just keeps coming out with CD after CD and pleases her fans everywhere. `Just Me' is no exception to that rule - it's a very personal CD with a lot of emotion in every song.

Check these out:
"Just Me"
"Hiding Behind the Face"
"Mind Candy" - more of a rock edge to it. A really great song.
"Winter's Over" - genius

A great CD from start to finish. I highly recommend it!!

A terrific pop/rock CD! Tiffany keeps getting better and better!.......2007-06-11

Tiffany's 2001 album "Color of Silence" is a masterpiece; that album proved that Tiffany was more than a teeny-boppin' has-been. This lady has potential as a prominent rock singer. Next came her spirited, terrific dance album "Dust Off and Dance". Another first-rate effort. And now Tiffany arrived with her third big-time winner in a row! "Just Me" is filled with sophisticated, lively, awesomely produced pop-rock music. Seven of the songs were co-written by Tiffany, and man on man! She and her writing partners sure can write a great hook and amazing lyrics!

The album's single "Feels Like Love" is a rather misleading track. It's kind of light and fluffy, more along the lines of what people who are familiar with Tiffany's '80s albums would expect. But the album gets more complex from there. Sure, there are love songs. But there are also songs filled with self-examination -- and there's even a highly moving song about homelessness.

The song "Just Me" is nothing short of an anthem. I hum along to it, and I feel better about myself. It's just very uplifting. Most of these songs are. I am also a huge fan of the songs "Hiding Behind The Face" and "Calling Out Your name" -- great rock and roll. But all the songs here are gems. Not a stinker in the bunch. And to the reviewer who did not like "Anyone But Me", are you serious? That is a kickass track!! And it has a powerful message!

All in all, this is a thoroughly satisfying musical experience. I expected it to be good, but I was not prepared for how delicious a collection this is. I recommend this, even to people who are not familiar with Tiffany's other recent work. Oh, and buy "Color of Silence" if you don't have it. That is Tiffany's best album. But this one is a close second!

TIFFANY TIFFANY THE QUEEN.......2007-06-10

YOUR VOCALS ARE PROBABLY THE BEST OF MANY FEMALE SINGERS. DEFINITELY BETTER THAN BRITNEY AND CHRISTINA.

TIFF IS UNDERRATED BECAUSE SHE IS THE TEEN MALL QUEEN, BUT HER VOICE HAS EVOLVED IN EACH ALBUM SHE HAS RELEASED. I LOVE THIS BETTER THAN HER DEBUT
ALBUM...HER VOICE IS PHENOMENAL...

Average customer rating: Sarah's Best Easy Listening CD Best Brightman CD Sarah Brightman is a Classic Not The Best - Not the Worst - From Sarah Brightman Nice Cover

Sarah Brightman Classics Sarah Brightman , Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni , Francisco Tarrega , George Frideric Handel , Fryderyk Chopin , Sergey Rachmaninov , Giacomo Puccini , Antonin Dvorak , Andrew Lloyd Webber , Ludwig van Beethoven , Joseph Marie Canteloube , Francesco Sartori , and Paul Bateman Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Canteloube, Joseph | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Time to Say Goodbye The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Eden (US Release - 16 tracks) Diva: The Singles Collection La Luna ASIN: B00005RD78 Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria (new recording)
2. La Wally (from Time To Say Goodbye)
3. Winter Light (new recording)
4. Anytime, Anywhere (from Eden)
5. Alhambra (new recording)
6. Lascia Ch'io Pianga (from Eden)
7. Dans La Nuit (new recording)
8. Serenade/How Fair This Place (from La Luna)
9. O Mio Babbino Caro (new recording)
10. La Luna (from La Luna)
11. Pie Jesu (new recording)
12. Figlio Perduto (from La Luna)
13. Nessun Dorma (new recording)
14. Bailero (from Eden)
15. Time To Say Goodbye (New solo version--previously unavailable)

Amazon.com

Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Classics, so they'll have no more excuses to remain clueless. Sporting a Botticelli-inspired image of the platinum-selling soprano on the cover, Classics is a classy anthology including highlights from three of Brightman's chart-topping releases along with seven new tracks. Songs personally selected by the diva as her favorite classical interpretations are culled from her previous blockbusters: Time To Say Goodbye, Eden, and La Luna. And whether you're a fan already in the fold or one in the making, the new material here shows the diva at the top of her form, in new renderings of "O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Nessun Dorma" (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic)--fascinating displays of the operatic confidence she's developed over her career. Other new offerings include a touching version of Schubert's "Ave Maria,' "Winter Light," a fresh take on her signature song "Pie Jesu" (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem). "Alhambra" and "Dans La Nuit"--a real treat, bathing the listener in Brightman's silky, sensuous vocalism--add two original titles to her famous adaptations of classical melodies to new lyrics (using Chopin's haunting E major Etude in the latter case). All told, a lovely affirmation of the directions Brightman has boldly taken in her career to date. -Sarah Chin

Amazon.com

Sarah Brightman Photos

More from Sarah Brightman

Time to Say Goodbye	Diva: The Singles Collection	Eden
Diva: The Video Collection	Live from Las Vegas	La Luna (Live in Concert)

Customer Reviews:

Sarah's Best Easy Listening CD.......2007-03-15

Sarah Brightman's talent is limitless. Her soprano and/or alto voice is among the best and she lets it show in 'CLASSICS'. CLASSICS is a beautiful, easy listening, and peaceful CD. CLASSICS is one to listen to in tranquil or relaxing moments. "CLASICS" is a collection of great pieces of music written by great composers (Shuburt, Handel, Chopin, Puccini, and the like). I have listened to CLASSICS about 15 times now and it always puts me in a quiet and peaceful mood (I am ~50 years old).

Best Brightman CD.......2007-02-07

A classical composition which showcases the beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman. A timeless CD which will continue to be a favourite over the years.

Sarah Brightman is a Classic.......2007-01-02

Sarah Brightman is at her best in "Classics." From Dvorak's "Rusalka" (Opera B.203) to Beethoven's haunting Op 52, slow movement (Symphony #7), Brightman's voice and lyrical style are a joy. I particularly enjoy her performances of Schubert's Ave Maria and Andrew Lloyd Weber's Pie Jesu. This is a great add to my collection of serious music.

Not The Best - Not the Worst - From Sarah Brightman.......2006-12-30

After purchasing this CD for my iPod for iTunes, I must say that I'm a little bit dissapointed. 7 new recordings and 8 old ones, ones that I already happen to have. I do like the fact that they're all on one CD! Some of her new recordings, including, "Ave Maria", "Winter Light", "Alhambra", "Dans La Nuit", and the new recording of "Pie Jesu" are just too breathy for my taste. It seems as with every changing CD, Sarah's voice changes. I'm not saying that the result is bad; it actually gives the songs more of a dream like quality, but I'm used to the younger, more Andrew Lloyd-Webber integrated Sarah. Scooping continually occurs in new recordings of "O Mio Babbino Caro", and "Nessun Dorma". In some tracks from La Luna, like "Figlio Perduto", Sarah's voice is TOTALLY dominated by harmonizing recordings that sound almost mechanical.

OVERALLY - The new songs sound O.K. and the old recordings are just as good as they were back then. This album is still a great buy!

Nice Cover.......2006-12-27

I'm a heterosexual guy who's not an opera aficionado - I only mention these facts because I seem to be right in the bull's-eye of the target market for this product. Sarah B. has a nice voice and she's pretty. Both of these are featured prominently on this CD. The cover and several pages in the insert are devoted to what must have been a very long and expensive photo shoot (and Photoshop) of a semi-clad Sarah looking marvelous. (The CD also comes with a flyer so you can buy various Brightman "Classics" apparel - perhaps not for the heterosexual male).

As far as the music goes: not bad, not great. I don't claim to have the most discerning ears for this sort of music, but everything was OK by me. However, the pieces on the CD with which I'm somewhat familiar, such as "O Mio Babbino Caro," didn't sound quite as good as other versions I've heard (and that includes by Charlotte Church, not just opera stars). Also, the solo version of "Time to Say Goodbye" didn't sound nearly as good to me as the duet with Bocelli.

In sum, there were 3-4 songs I liked enough to rip to MP3s - which is enough so that I didn't feel ripped myself...

Average customer rating: Marvellous! The best violinist ever!

Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kreisler | Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wieniawski | Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Wieniawski, Henri | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Kreisler, Fritz | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits Itzhak Perlman - Greatest Hits ~ "Carmen" Fantasy · Havanaise · Poème · and more Cinema Serenade Cinema Serenade II: The Golden Age Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster ASIN: B00004XST2 Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. Chanson Sans Paroles
2. Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
3. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
4. Chanson Russe
5. Liebesleid
6. Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
7. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
8. Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
9. Melodie
10. Serenade Espagnole
11. Serenade (Frasquita)
12. La Capricieuse, Op.17
13. Sicilienne
14. Molly On The Shore
15. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
16. Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
17. Melodie, Op.42 No.3
18. Estrellita
19. Spanish Dance No.5
20. Berceuse Sfaradite
21. Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.

Average customer rating: Does it matter? The Captain's One Successful Sellout un lobo rabioso aullando cruda e incomprensible poesia A must have great wild bluesy experimental verbal goodness

The Spotlight Kid/Clear Spot Captain Beefheart Manufacturer: Reprise / Ada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Proto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Proto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Safe as Milk The Mirror Man Sessions Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller) Strictly Personal Doc at the Radar Station ASIN: B000005JB4 Release Date: 1990-10-19

Tracks:

1. I'm Gonna Booglarize You Baby
2. White Jam
3. Blabber 'n Smoke
4. When It Blows Its Stacks
5. Alice In Blunderland
6. The Spotlight Kid
7. Click Clack
8. Grow Fins
9. There Ain't No Santa Claus on the Evenin' Stage
10. Glider
11. Low Yo Yo Stuff
12. Nowadays a Woman's Gotta Hit a Man
13. Too Much Time
14. Circumstances
15. My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains
16. Sun Zoom Spark
17. Clear Spot
18. Crazy Little Thing
19. Long Neck Bottles
20. Her Eyes Are a Blue Million Miles
21. Big Eyed Beans from Venus
22. Golden Birdies

Amazon.com essential recording

In 1972 it probably seemed like the year belonged to a blues-tinged wall-of-sound rock band--maybe Deep Purple, who recorded Made in Japan that year--but from an aesthetic vantage, the blues-rock mantle has to go Captain Beefheart. In 1972 producer Ted Templeman took the controls for a pair of stunning Beefheart diamonds (in the rough of course), The Spotlight Kid and Clear Spot, both collected here in full on one CD. Beefheart's voice sounds rightly inimitable, growly and gruff and lyrically cryptic. For its part, the Magic Band is in top form as well, integrating marimba and an assortment of percussion into the slide guitar forestry. There's a distinct and good reason that the celebrated Beefheart box set of rarities is called Grow Fins: the tune, as it appears on this collection, is a classic terrain-defying testament of love as only Don Van Vliet (Beefheart) could provide, a surreal and funny little tune caught in a skein of rough-hewn music that's stood the test of time splendidly. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Does it matter?.......2007-01-11

Some albums/songs create a moment's transcendence in a life harried by the day to day. Some artists create a moment's identification between me and the music. And then there are the artists who have changed the way I think about the world. Don Van Vliet is of the second type in my ears. He opened my eyes to the golf ball around me and for that I am in his debt. And to the point, Clear Spot is the album that I think of when I think of the captain (not that I don't respect The Spotlight Kid). I haven't owned a copy since I was 17 and I can still hear the songs echoing through the canyons of my mind. I repurchased this combo a few months back and after all these years my memory only matches the music. How often can we say that?
In the 21st Century I listen to RadioHead or Mark Sandman (see ya on the flip side) or Tom Waits and I can hear Van Vliet in all of them. He is the musician's musician because, to me, he dared to walk out into the void and embrace what he found there. I am happy to blabber and smoke in his company.
If you like Captain Beefheart's peculiar distillation of life you will love this album.

The Captain's One Successful Sellout.......2007-01-08

Five stars reflects the bodacious Clear Spot, even if it is cobbled together with a rather mediocre Spotlight Kid.

Spotlight features the Captain's greatest Magic Band, just finishing touring what was arguably his finest achievement: Lick My Decals Off Baby (still out of circulation!). However, the Captain in desperate pursuit of commercial success now pushed the band hard ever increasing the cult-like discipline. The result was a fairly monolithic trad-blues product. Actually any one of the cuts off the Spotlight album are pretty good, but taken altogether, it's rather a drag.

The Magic Band was pretty well fed up by this point. Drumbo and Rocket Morton took off, moving Art Tripp to drums and recruiting Oregon (former Mother, later Little Feet) to bass, as well as Elliot Ingber. Zoot Horn Rollo and producer Ted Templeton basically through Don out of the control booth.

Suddenly the possibility of merging the Captain's dada sensibility with a fairly rocking production emerged. There was room for the intensely beautiful Her Eyes are a Blue Million Miles with the outrageous fun of Big Eyed Beans from Venus and Golden Birdies. (Webcor, Webcor!)

That his subsequent sell-outs were so pitiful has more to do with the loss of the rest of his band (after discovering he had dissed them out of their tour money) than any loss of his prodigious talent. His three last classic albums proved that.

But for those sonic adventurers rightly attracted to the great Captain's underground adventures, don't forget to check out his one legitimate shot at FM play (even if the industry proved too ignorant to actually play this stuff). It's a qualified hoot.

un lobo rabioso aullando cruda e incomprensible poesia.......2006-10-04

debe ser uno de los discos mas accesibles y geniales del capitan.....y aun asi no deja de ser personal y cautivante. lo escuchas y no podes dejar de imaginarte a howlin' wolf en sandalias, rodeado de caricaturas, pentagramas con 10 lineas y una banda de locos improvisando...cuanto blues y delirio rezuman estos 2 discos siamenses.....hazne un favor..escuchalo..no creo que el capitan te de otra oportunidad..no suele ser muy terrenal..............

A must have .......2006-09-26

This is unbelievably great. You get two of Captain Beefheart's masterpieces here; The Spotlight Kid and Clear Spot. Making this a double album which easily holds it's own with integrity next to any that have been released. It is just that strong. I have always been a fan of double albums and these two go together perfectly. Because they were actually conceived separately they are both strong and hold their own so putting them together is a Beefheart fan's dream come true. It is not Trout Mask Replica, which I adore, but some of the greatest blues you're likely to hear bar none. Everything about it is superb. If you are not completely insane you'll not hesitate to get this and you'll be glad you did. It is what blues aspires to be and a treasure that far too few will be fortunate enough to understand and appreciate.

great wild bluesy experimental verbal goodness.......2006-05-13

The Magic Band was at a high point (Though Zoot Horn Rollo says that they didnt' play that well on Spotlight Kid, he recommends Clear Spot) the guitars are groovin' the tracks are exciting and Beefheart's Howlin' Wolf-esque vocals are brilliant on this pair of records.

There are standout tracks all over this collection.
And for fun you can watch a couple of videos on Youtube.com of songs from this collection - Black Eyed Peas from Venus is one of them - great psychedelica - and I'm gonna Booglarize you - with the band bouncing and jamming like something put together by spike jonez.

anyway - you can't go wrong if you like rock, blues, or good guitar noise.

Average customer rating: Another Winner Missing You.....Gerald This CD finds MINE! TIME TO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER... 3 1/2 stars

The G Spot Gerald Levert Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Love & Consequences A Stroke of Genius Private Line Groove On Gerald's World ASIN: B00006I08G Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

1. Too Much Room
2. Since You Ain't Around
3. Wilding Me Out
4. Funny
5. The Top Of My Head
6. The G Spot
7. Oh What A Night
8. Closure
9. Raindrops
10. Your Smile
11. Backbone
12. Catchin' Feelings
13. All That Matters

Amazon.com

Most of us have had real-life kisses that felt less sexy than Gerald Levert's best soul songs. On the unabashedly sensual The G Spot, Levert creates music so intimate that you almost want to turn you head away from the stereo to give the man some privacy. That's absolutely true of the title track, which graphically illustrates how Levert pleases his lady, while reenacting his own release. You don't hear that every day, but it's easy to forgive the chart-topping singer, songwriter, and producer such titillating excess, because the rest of the disc is so damn good. The slow-grooving "Funny" paints smirking come-hither lyrics across a lazy swell of strings and a wheezing organ. Album highlight "Raindrops" is a fleet-footed classic, its chiming chorus forming a pop hook sharp enough to carve alabaster. Only the first song, "Too Much Room," featuring rapper Mystikal, and the finger-snapping doo-wop charmer "Your Smile" depart from the cozy R&B template that is Levert's calling card, but even on those, Levert's deep, almost textured voice is spellbinding. These are swoon tunes second to none. --Kim Hughes

Album Description

On this album he takes a very personal look at passion, love and life and as always his powerful voice is the main attraction. Featuring Mystikal & Roy Ayers. Elektra. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Another Winner.......2007-03-08

This modern R&B stalwart has always offered the perfect blend of dreamy old-school soul textures; jangly, guitar-driven atmospheres; and slick, modern funk grooves. And oh, that voice -- mellow and sexy, seductive to the core. The best "come to beddy bye" tone since Barry White, and so steeped in that era. The vibe on "Too Much Room" artfully merges all of those things and sounds like a modern twist on the O'Jays (where his dad, Eddie Levert, still holds court), but he gets a little ambitious with the sometimes-annoying scowl/screech of guest artist Mystical. "Since You Ain't Around" is all bedroom-eyes fun, his vocals almost a plea. "Wilding Me Out" has a sparse production (mostly just Fender Rhodes and a rhythm track) which allows for one of the clearest vocal tracks on the recording. Levert will hopefully educate some of his fans to the art of jazz with the inclusion of Roy Ayers' vibes on "Oh What a Night." Levert's scatting duet with Ayers is a highlight

Missing You.....Gerald.......2006-11-11

I've had this cd for sometime now and it's smooth from beginning to end. Upon hearing the news of his death, at the age of 40 I felt the need to reflect. R.I.P. Gerald

This CD finds MINE! .......2006-03-17

This is one of my all time Favs! I never get sick of it! It seems to get better all the time...great make-out tunes,feel good grooves, (whether you are with company or with a BOB...LOL) it is THE BOMB! MAKE IT STOP!!!!

TIME TO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER..........2003-11-14

...or a cd by its woeful attempt to pour soulful music into your ears.

It was actually difficult for me to listen to the title track "the G Spot", and not laugh out loud. All of the songs except for one are written by Levert, but G Spot sounds like he is literally making it up as the track plays in the backgoround. The lyrics are uninspired....as if he picked them up from some cheap porno movie.

There are plenty of other vocalists in this genre that sing, write and sound 100 times better. I'm glad I picked this up from the local library and didn't have to pay for it.

If I were on a cruise and Levert was announced as the musical guest, I'd jump overboard.

3 1/2 stars.......2002-12-28

Gerald Levert is the Jay-Z of R&B in that he releases an album every year (side note: 2000's G was supposed to drop in 1999). But unlike Jay-Z, none of his albums stink. Add The G Spot to your list of overall great Gerald releases.

The album starts off with "Too Much Room" with Mystikal (which was supposed to be Gerald's first single, but due to Mystikal's legal matters, they changed it to "Funny"). This song is meant to be a club-rocker and things go fine until Mystikal starts spitting his usual cliches like, "Get on the floor!!!" If you're more used to classic Gerald, then "Wildin' Me Out" and "Closure" may be more up your alley. The former has dope percussion and a good storyline, while the latter is a tear-jearker. All of these qualities are typical of Gerald.

Other good songs are "Your Smile" featuring newcomer Zero (check out the Marvin Gaye/Tammy Terell's "Precious Love" sample), "All That Matters" (check the O'Jays "Family Reunion" sample--Gerald uses all of these samples subtlely and well), and "Oh What a Night" with Roy Ayers. Here, Roy gives a great performance that'll have fans reminiscing on when he played with Eric Benet on 1999's "When You Think of Me". I also liked "Funny" when he laughs at the end; I think that's, well, funny.

I was surprised when I saw a reviewer say that he needs to stop songwriting. Actually, Gerald does that the best: see "Catchin' Feelings" and "Backbone". With only a few songs that could have been left behind ("Raindrops"; the title track, which will only appeal to women; and "Top of My Head", where he revisits falsetto-land with okay results), this album isn't a classic but it's good enough. While Love & Consequences and Gerald's World remain as Gerald's best albums, The G Spot is still the place to get to.

Average customer rating: I Mean You! Too bad it wasn't engineered Uninhibited Monk/Coltrane brilliance A fun little journey, and it doesn't sound too bad Sound Quality

Live at the Five Spot Thelonious Monk Quartet , and John Coltrane Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bebop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Blowin' the Blues Away Sun Ship Out to Lunch Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall The Best of Miles Davis & Gil Evans ASIN: B000002V2C Release Date: 1993-03-23

Tracks:

1. Trinkle Tinkle
2. In Walked Bud
3. I Mean You
4. Epistrophy
5. Crepuscule

Amazon.com

Discovery! At the Five Spot documents emerging tenor giant John Coltrane's brief, but eventful six month residency with pianist-composer Thelonious Monk at New York's Five Spot. Monk was reestablishing his stature and drawing power as a jazz innovator while Coltrane grew by leaps and bounds studying Monk's repertoire and learning to navigate his compositions not just rhythmically and harmonically but thematically as well. Monk's melodies were too strong simply to run the changes, and on his extended jaunt Monk's tricky, intricate obstacle course "Trinkle, Tinkle," Coltrane attacks the harmonies with such compulsive power and blissful abandon, that you can hear whole new vistas of sound revealed to the tenor saxophonist. Recorded on a dinky tape machine by Coltrane's wife Naima, the sound is vague, hissy, and distorted--yet vivid and inspiring because on none of the few studio recordings documenting this period do Trane and Monk play with such unrestrained intensity. The mere existence of these tapes far transcends the shaky nature of their "production values." --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews:

I Mean You!.......2006-06-22

Get this disc for only one thing - Coltrane's insane, hyper-extended solo on "I Mean You!!" And that version of "In Walked Bud" is pretty damn good too!

Too bad it wasn't engineered.......2006-03-20

Great gig for Monk and Trane but quality of recording is very poor since it was mastered with a home tape recorded

Uninhibited Monk/Coltrane brilliance.......2002-10-22

Forget the poor quality recording, just listen to the music. This live concert shows Monk and Coltrane totall uninhibited, free to impose their visions onto the canvas of the music. Coltrane's solos are amazing, especially on 'I mean you'. There's also, among other things, a short and snappy version of 'Epistrophy.'

A fun little journey, and it doesn't sound too bad.......2002-04-11

I see that a lot of folks have been criticizing the sound quality here. When I found this at my public library I hesitated. We've all heard BAD recordings that were put out only to line someone's pockets. In this case, even if the sound quality were terrible, I would still argue for its release. For Coltrane fans especially, this is a rare chance to hear him in one of his least recorded periods. The music is fun and the sound quality is much BETTER than I was expecting. For me, it falls somewhere in between the static of very early 1920's recordings (Louis Armstrong comes to mind) and the house chatter of the classic Bill Evans disc "Sunday at the Village Vanguard." There is crowd noise, but not TOO much, the music is fairly well balanced as far as one microphone recordings go. Monk's piano occasionally comes close to drowning out Coltrane. Considering the circumstances under which it was recorded, I was pleasantly surprised by how listenable this disc is. Keep in mind, if you have not had a lot of experience listening to low-quality recordings or bootlegs, then you may wish to hear this before purchasing it.

Sound Quality.......2000-09-21

This is a sound album, quality quartet arrangements.

Excellent small band versions of "Epistrophy," "Trinkle, Tinkle," and "In Walked Bud." "Epistrophy" is radically different from other versions I have heard.

So what if the sound quality is that of a dirty bar room hurrah. That's what this is!! Not all great jazz can be Columbia quality reissues. I think the mumblings and minor defects in the master tape add to the ambience of the scene. Sort of time and spacey. Wine glasses, clanging...

Fine jazz from two of the greatest.

Average customer rating: the ' HOT SPOT ' flopped an ultimate blues CD Still great blues. But what about the price??? A lost opportunity... Most talented group

The Hot Spot: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Various Artists Manufacturer: Verve ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Siesta (1987 Film) The Hot Spot Live At The Cafe Au Go-Go (And Soledad Prison) The Best Of Friends Melting Pot ASIN: B0000047BA Release Date: 1990-08-31

Tracks:

1. Coming To Town - John Lee Hooker, Earl Palmer, Tim Drummond, Miles Davis, Roy Rogers
2. Empty Bank - Taj Mahal, Miles Davis, Earl Palmer, Tim Drummond, Roy Rogers
3. Harry's Philosophy - John Lee Hooker
4. Dolly's Arrival - Earl Palmer, Tim Drummond, Roy Rogers, Taj Mahal
5. Harry And Dolly - John Lee Hooker, Tim Drummond, Miles Davis, Roy Rogers, Taj Mahal
6. Sawmill - John Lee Hooker, Tim Drummond, Miles Davis, Roy Rogers
7. Bank Robbery - Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Earl Palmer, Tim Drummond, Roy Rogers, Taj Mahal
8. Moanin' - John Lee Hooker
9. Gloria's Story - Miles Davis, Bradford Ellis
10. Harry Sets Up Sutton - John Lee Hooker, Tim Drummond, Miles Davis, Roy Rogers, Taj Mahal
11. Murder - John Lee Hooker, Miles Davis, Tim Drummond, Roy Rogers, Bradford Ellis
12. Blackmail - Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Earl Palmer, Tim Drummond, Roy Rogers, Taj Mahal
13. End Credits - John Lee Hooker, Earl Palmer, Tim Drummond, Miles Davis, Roy Rogers, Taj Mahal

Customer Reviews:

the ' HOT SPOT ' flopped.......2006-03-02

'some times ago, I bought the 'HOT SPOT' CD after watching the frugal Hopper film with the same title, featuring Don Johnson.
The music itself makes me always missing the singings.
The Instrumentalists will be as good as ever, but the whimpering from the selfnamed 'Father of the Electric Blues' will not !!! do.' AH

my favourite title on the 'HOT SPOT CD' is the last one: 13 'End Credits'. TAH

an ultimate blues CD.......2005-03-12

This is one of the ultimate blues albums of all time. It is deep blues; for those who love it. The movie should be ignored.

Still great blues. But what about the price???.......2002-06-10

I wrote a review of this CD on here 3 years ago. I loved it then, and I love it now. Looking for something else, I came across it today at Amazon.co.uk,... If you blues-loving Americans have anything else to buy across the pond, add this CD to the list. Even with import duty it'll save you a dollar or two on buying it in the States, if you don't pay a fortune on freight. Quite why an American CD is so much cheaper in the UK than in its country of origin is a question Amazon might like to address sometime. I'd love to know the answer!

A lost opportunity..........2001-10-09

Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker and Taj Mahal together on the same album: Wow!... well not quite. The problem is that this eclectic combination was put together specifically to play a Jack Nitzchse composed movie score. As soundtracks go it's good - lot's of drifting, atmospheric playing that's ideally suited to building cinematic moods - but, out of context, a great deal of it sounds like what, of course, it is: the music without the movie.

On track after track John Lee Hooker puts in a tour-de-force of deep blues "groans" (so good that they're regularly sampled), Miles Davis inserts trumpet stabs to die for and Taj Mahal (supported by Tim Drummond, Earl Palmer & Roy Rogers) provides superbly earthy backings. But... after 13 often quite similar, low-key offerings it gets (dare I say it) a bit boring. So, why buy it? Well... it's an intriguing one-off mix of brilliant artists, it's great background music and, it contains three real gems: "Gloria's Story" (featuring some beautiful solos from Miles Davis) and the virtually identical "Bank Robbery" & "End Credits" where the group let rip with some wonderfully burning jazz-blues to provide an insight into what treats could have been on offer in a less constrained situation. A lost opportunity but worth the money all the same.

Most talented group.......2000-08-22

When the movie came out, a modern film noir, the stand out features to me were the script and the music. Here I'll talk about the music. What superb contempary music that fits well in the with long summer days as the human drama the unfolds before the eyes. The vocals, by John Lee Hooker, gives a painful objurgation at human nature. The cool/blue horn of Miles Davis gives a solitary notion of a individual human struggling with his passion and greed. Add Roy Rogers and Taj Mahal guitars' accretions too this poignancy, you have a melancholy that is aggraviting existence. Even Track #11 "Murder" seems a delight blow to the conscience.

Average customer rating: The Best Buy This Now!!!!

Rachmaninoff for Relaxation Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental 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 Similar Items: Debussy for Relaxation Chopin For Relaxation Vivaldi for Relaxation Mozart for Relaxation Beethoven for Relaxation ASIN: B00005KCGZ Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. Rhap On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43: Var 18 - Dmitri Alexeev
2. Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: III. Adagio - The Philadelphia Orch/Eugene Ormandy
3. Prld in G, Op.32 No.5 - Alexis Weissenberg
4. Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Anna Moffo
5. Prld in F - Mikhail Kazakevich
6. Prld in D, Op.23 No.4 - Barry Douglas
7. Prld in E-flat, Op.23 No.6 - Barry Douglas
8. Vc Con in g, Op.19: III. Andante - Janos Starker/Shigeo Neriki
9. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7 - Vladimir Spivakov/Sergei Bezrodny
10. Pno On No.1 in f#, Op.1: II. Andante - Byron Janis
11. Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: II. Adagio Sostenuto - Barry Douglas

Customer Reviews:

The Best.......2002-08-31

I thought this was so good, especially tracks 8 thru 11 that I bought copies for my six siblings.

Buy This Now!!!!.......2001-09-07

This is a beautiful work by the master composer Rachmaninoff. I have been a fan of his work, but when I heard this recording it nearly blew me away. Listen to Vocalise - the beauty of this track is what sold me on the rest of the album.

Average customer rating: Lots of soloing Hot hot hot ! Absolutely five stars! Note to the musically critical thinker: awesome stuff

Eric Dolphy at the Five Spot, Vol. 1 Eric Dolphy Quintet with Booker Little Manufacturer: Ojc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Eric Dolphy at the Five Spot, Vol. 2 Memorial Album: Recorded Live At The Five Spot Last Date Out to Lunch Far Cry ASIN: B000000Y7P Release Date: 1994-03-15

Tracks:

1. Fire Waltz
2. Bee Vamp
3. The Prophet
4. Bee Vamp (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com

If you want to get a taste of Eric Dolphy live then this is the set to get. Certainly the Coltrane Village Vanguard sessions featuring Dolphy are masterpieces; however, he has more room to blow in this setting. Dolphy, for all his unique and decidedly individual style, was a remarkably emphatic player. His associations with Coltrane and Charles Mingus, and here with Mal Waldron, are truly special instances of jazz players complimenting and enriching each other's playing. Dolphy and Waldron are joined here by Booker Little, Richard Davis, and Ed Blackwell. This is a band of masters on a hot night. It's joyous listening. --Michael Monhart

Customer Reviews:

Lots of soloing.......2007-06-28

Eric Dolphy and Booker Little are the main attractions of this live CD. Mal Waldron, Richard Davis, and Ed Blackwell form a very good rhythm section, though their careers don't have the same mystique. With just three songs (and an alternate version) over 47 minutes (not counting the alternate), each song is very long. The pattern is simply head, solos, then head. This would be deadly if the soloists didn't play at a very high level, and the long solos by Dolphy and Little are the reasons to get this CD. "Fire Waltz", by Mal Waldron, has the best melody. "Bee Vamp" has a less sturdy melody, but has great sections of group improvisation. "The Prophet" has the most unusual head of the three, you won't need the liner notes to recognize Eric Dolphy's stamp on it. This is a good look at Booker Little, who made too few albums, and worthy almost only because of that.

Hot hot hot !.......2005-05-31

One of the finest albums of bebop Jazz. Encapsulates the excitement of a live performance. A good representation of the genius of Dolphy.
A winner.

Absolutely five stars!.......2004-12-07

From the first minute of the album I was hooked. Eric Dolphy is probably my favorite altoist at the moment, and always one of my top 5 saxophonists, and he is in brilliant form here. His tone is crisp, his lines as fiery and sharp as ever, and he has a wonderful rapport with his supporting cast. Dolphy makes the album worth it by himself.

Fortunately, with this supporting cast, he doesn't need to do it all by himself. Credit must be given to Eddie Blackwell on drums, bassist Richard Davis, and pianist Mal Waldron. Blackwell came of age with Ornette Coleman, and jazz has rarely seen a more underappreciated drummer. While not as flamboyant or extroverted as the other leading drummers of the 60's (Tony Williams and Elvin Jones comes to mind) Blackwell has a kind of light subtlety that other drummers lack...he is free and inventive with his time, and defines the word "crisp." Richard Davis of course was one of the foremost bassists of the era, and Mal Waldron shines not only as a logical, thoughtful soloist on piano but a solid composer, contributing the magnificent "Fire Waltz."

And Booker Little? Jazz is full of stories of men dying before their time: Clifford Brown, Albert Ayler, Fats Navarro, Lee Morgan, Eric Dolphy himself, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane. Put Booker on that list, near the top. The amount of recordings this brilliant trumpeter left for us is small, but worth every minute of it. If he had lived longer, he would have become the leading trumpet of the times, the biggest since Clifford Brown (in my opinion.) Some readers my differ on that, but the mere fact that I am asserting such a claim shows what a tremendous talent Little was. Nothing more needs to be said about him.

This album might be thought by some curious Amazon customers as avant-garde, but it is hardly that. I agree with a previous reviewer that this is a straight-ahead album led by 5 non-straight-ahead jazz players...especially Dolphy. Thus it is not WHAT the band plays that makes At the Five Spot so compelling, but rather HOW they play it. The format and style hews closely to the bop tradition, but it is if anything more explosive, time is much more free, and the soloists aren't just running changes, they are using the FULL capacity of their instrument, using any note available, any sound, any kind of rhythm...giving bebop the makeover that it needed.

Anyone interested in Dolphy needs to check this out...anyone interested in 60's jazz needs to as well. I disagree with the afore-mentioned reviewer in that this IS essential Dolphy. The creativty on this album, both as soloists and a collective ensemble is first class. Hear it to understand what I'm talking about. Hell, give this one 6 stars.

Note to the musically critical thinker:.......2003-01-09

The Five Spot itself has a long tradition of hosting incredible names in music. The ambiance as i am sure we all could imagine was quite amazing to inspire the musicians it did as it did. But the fact of the matter remains that the recording acoustics of the venue were not as good as the actual place itself. Consequently some of the recordings didn't turn out as good that are from there. Anyone truly interested in music will just glance at this fact briefly and move along to buying the album. That is exatly what I did! Thanks to the insight however on Mal Waldron's accompanyment. That was very useful information.

also: I own and have heard several Five Spot albums, and some of them are of lesser quality, but the music sreams for attention! One of these is John Coltrane Live at the Five Spot, a tricky one to find and the recording quality is awful but is worth it in every way.

awesome stuff.......2002-07-04

This CD is a must have for anyone interested in free jazz. Booker Little plays with such ingenuity!

Average customer rating: A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers Masterful Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!! Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet What in the world...????

Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov) Gabriel Fauré , and Claude Debussy Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Renée Fleming - The Schubert Album Renée Fleming - I Want Magic! ~ American Opera Arias Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Renée Fleming - Visions of Love ~ Mozart Arias / Mackerras Renée Fleming: Bel Canto ASIN: B00005AWIA Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

1. Clair De Lune, Op. 42 No. 2
2. Mandoline, Op. 46 No. 2
3. Apres Un Reve , Op.58 No.1
4. Soir, Op. 83 No. 2
5. Nell, Op. 18 No. 1
6. Beau Soir
7. Mandoline
8. Apparition
9. Chansons De Bilitis: I - La Flute De Pan
10. Chansons De Bilitis: II - La Chevelure
11. Chansons De Bilitis: III - Le Tombeau Des Naiades
12. Nocturne
13. Nachtgebet
14. Selige Nacht
15. Pierrot Dandy
16. Ruhe, Meine Seele!, Op. 27 No. 1
17. Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 No. 5
18. Leises Lied, Op. 39 No. 1
19. Leise Lieder, Op. 41a No. 5
20. Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
21. Zdes Khorosho, Op. 21 No. 7
22. V Molchani Nochi Taynoy, Op. 4 No. 3
23. Rechnaya Liliya, Op. 8 No. 1
24. Son, Op. 38 No. 5
25. Eti Letniye Nochi, Op. 14 No. 5
26. Ne Poy, Krasavitsa, Op. 4 No. 4

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Soprano Renée Fleming's mastery of a wide repertory extends to the more rarefied world of song on this disc. A French group opens the disc--11 songs by Fauré and Debussy that are often elusive, wedded to a style of intimacy not always comfortable for non-French opera singers. Fleming's not completely at home in them, often overinterpreting songs whose style is too fragile and understated for such an approach. Still, she offers many moments of rapturous singing, such as the way she floats the last word, "mystérieuse," of Fauré's "Après un rëve," tingeing it with eroticism.

"Mandolin" appears in two versions, Fauré's gently swinging one balanced by Debussy's bouncier take. The Rachmaninoff set also fascinates, her sensuous voice bringing its own rewards. Best of all are the German lieder by Joseph Marx and Richard Strauss. This is closer to home for Fleming, and one senses an ease in her singing that digs behind the words to the meaning of the poems. The Marx set is the highlight, perhaps because his songs are the least familiar here. They're also things of great beauty, and Fleming makes the most of the dreamily sensuous "Selige Nacht" and the twisted, nightmarish waltz of "Pierrot Dandy." The Strauss songs are as good: to cite one highlight, Fleming's rapt inwardness makes "Ruhe meine Seele" compelling. Her voice is never less than drop-dead gorgeous, and she's neatly accompanied by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. A feast for Fleming fans. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A lovely compilation of songs from wonderful composers.......2007-06-08

It was thrilling to hear songs from Rachmaninov on this album. And the Strauss and Marx pieces give almost a contemporary feel (considering they ARE almost contemporary composers).

Thibaudet plays with a sensitive, emotional touch and was a wonderful choice as a pianist on this album.

My reason for a less than perfect scoring was due to the almost harsh edges of Renee Fleming's singing due to her unyielding control. For a voice so full of warmth and depth to be so forcefully held back, the result is a tension that the ear pushes to resolve, but never does. I wonder how she would sound if she would allow more freedom in her voice.

Masterful.......2007-03-22

Apart from an occasional very slight diction problem this is a masterful recital disc that belongs in the very highest echelon.

Fleming combines an highly imaginative approach with an equally appropriate chameleon like adaptation of the coloration of her voice to each of the individual composers. Thibaudet, who performs all of the featured composers in his piano repertoire is an ideal accompanist.
The recording is colorful and provides a flawless balance between voice and piano.

In all, a masterful must.

Night Songs, Day Songs, whatever...this album is a must have!!.......2005-10-30

This is a CD that every household should have. Masterful piano playing and even more masterful singing make this CD exquisite. Yes, I'm quite partial to Diva Fleming, but let's face it, America hasn't had a soprano with such skill in an awfully long time. Listen to her breath control on track 8 - OY! The closing number "Ne Poy, Krasavitsa" gets me every time. Here she starts to wail pretty heavily, ending the climactic powerful phrase with a wallop of a high A and then proceeds to float, pretty effortlessly, a string of beautiful pianissimo notes. If you can sit and listen to that one piece (itself, worth the price of the album) and not be moved, then you, my friend, have no soul.

Musical Collaboration: Night Songs/Fleming/Thibaudet.......2004-07-12

A perfect disc for a midsummer's evening - or for any season of the year for that matter - NIGHT SONGS is one of those too rare recitals that is based on a theme, executed by musicians who not only are able to stand on their own but who are also able to commit to each other in a true collaboration. This is an intelligent, eloquent selection of songs by varied composers all of whom wrote languorously about the night and its mystery. From Faure's 'Apres un reve' to Debussy's 'Beau soir' through some newly discovered treasures by Joseph Marx like 'Nocturne' and 'Selige Nacht' to the better known repertoire of Strauss and Rachmaninov which gives us newly rethought versions of 'Ruhe, meine Seele!' and 'Cacille' as well as the indescribably beautiful Rachmaninov songs. Fleming and Thibaudet are in fine form and the communication in the various languages is strong. Only one quibble of significance here: the miking is so close to the singer that it often covers what usually is a perfect blend of piano and voice. Bit perhaps that is the fault of my system....

What in the world...????.......2002-08-08

For two reasons.

First, may I ask, why was this CD given anything other then 5 stars? What does a person have to do to become liked these days? Bye their hair purple and sing through their noses? (Like Brittney Spears?)

This is an amazing CD!

Reneé's french singing is beautiful, and amazing. She really has the correct tone for french songs!

The german was also lovely. However, it is nothing Reneé did wrong, I just like french songs better then the german.

Buy this CD and be amazed.

International Music:

1. Traffic D'Abstractions [Import]
2. Um Barzinho Um Violao - Ao Vivo [Import]
3. Vietnam 1964 [Import]
4. Who Am I?
5. Xonado D+ [Import]
6. 1er Album (Premier Album) [Original recording remastered] [Import]
7. 30 Anos De Jovem Guarda [Import]
8. Afinidades [Import]
9. Anatomia del systemA
10. Ao Vivo [Live] [Import]

International Music

International Music