Pure Jazz

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
With the exclamatory message "18 of the Greatest Jazz Recordings Ever!" inset in its tray card, Pure Jazz isn't a bashful anthology. It opens with Nina Simone's early hit, the shuffle-rhythm "My Baby Just Cares for Me," then features another dozen vocal tracks that hit high marks all around. The most familiar are probably Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child," here from the achingly poignant Lady Sings the Blues collection, and Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong teaming up on "Summertime." But there's also Sarah Vaughan on "Misty" and Nat "King" Cole on "Unforgettable."

Among the instrumental cuts are Michel Legrand's 1958 arrangement of Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight" for Miles Davis, the original (and forever beguiling) "Take Five," Paul Desmond's most famous composition and his and Dave Brubeck's most famous performance by far. For "Peel Me a Grape," some of the song's veteran interpreters get one-upped by Diana Krall, and rather than reach deep into the discography for, say, "West End Blues," the collection closes with Armstrong's famous take on "What a Wonderful World," a choice that will irritate some. True to its title, though, this set includes 18 great jazz performances, and it will likely pique the appetite for more. One minor quibble is the lack of musician credits--which may be clutter to some, but they are central to many listeners. --Andrew Bartlett

Tracks:

Mack The Knife
Blue Skies
A Tisket, A Tasket
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Misty
You'll Have To Swing It (Mr. Paganini)
Tea For Two
Love Is Here To Stay
Night And Day
My Funny Valentine
The Boy Fom Ipanema
Too Marvelous For Words
Take The 'A' Train
Summertime
How High The Moon
All The Things You Are
Over The Rainbow
Oh, Lady, Be Good

Customer Reviews:

the best of ella.......2007-01-17

great cd. i bought it as a gift for my mom and she loves it. i actually really like it too even though i had never heard much by ella before. a great variety of all of her best work and displays her voice so well.

Good, but not enough.......2007-01-10

I really like Ella Fitzgerald. She was probably the greatest Jazz singer ever. This makes almost every song she sings nice, but I think this is not enough for a disc that aims to be the "very best" of Ella. Not all the songs in my opinion were the very best, there were many that were missing and some that are nice but not the best. Also the order sounds a little bit messy to me. In conclusion, I prefer other discs, but this one anyway is cheap and it's a cute introduction to the singer.

"PERFECTION".......2006-11-12

Every track on this CD brought out Ella's
superiority of a vocal artist. I have been
blessed to have seen Ella live in concert
two times. Once as as solo performer at
Indiana University and the other performace
was in Chicago and the billing was titled
"Sinatra, Fitzgerald, & The Duke" I have been able
to relive these wonderful performances with this CD
"Pure Ella" By the way, there is now a performer in
Chicago who has her range and talent. Her name is Lisa
McClowry and she can be be seen live with Tom Linsk most
monday & thursdays at "The Red Head" in Chicago. Be there!
You will not regret it!!!

The most talented singer of our time!.......2006-11-08

Just recently started getting into vocal jazz. I already own a few classic jazz compilations with a few of Ella's songs on them. The first time I heard her voice I was hooked! I escpecially loved her cover of Mack the Knife! im not going to spend time and try to write some pseudo-intellectual dribble. As I already stated, im fairly new to the classic/vocal jazz world so I wont waste anyones time pretending to know a lot about this genre. What I do know is Ella Fitzgewrald a musical goddess.

The Best Singer in the world!!!!.......2005-06-22

This woman is the Best singer I've ever heard.I'm only 20 years old and I just looooove her music so much.

Average customer rating:

No where near as good as the first
Another Editorial Review
Stunning and extraordinary compilation, a must have!
AWESOME!
Wonderful

Pure Moods, Vol. II
Various Artists , Adiemus lll , Clannad , Craig Armstrong , Dave Koz , Delerium , Dream Academy , Loreena McKennitt , Massive Attack , and Various Others
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pure Moods, Vol. I
Pure Moods, Vol. III
Pure Moods, Vol. IV
Pure Moods: Celestial Celebration
Celtic Moods: A Celtic Companion to Pure Moods

ASIN: B00000DMH7
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

The Mummers' Dance - Loreena McKennitt
Montezuma
The Cradlesong
Nightingale - Yanni
Life In A Northern Town - Dream Academy
Zarabanda (Saraband) - Adiemus lll
Euphoria (Firefly) - Delerium
Weatherstorm - Craig Armstrong
Teardrop (Edit) - Massive Attack
Theme From Harry's Game - Clannad
Chariots Of Fire
Breezin'
Emily - Dave Koz
2 The Night - Ottmar Liebert
Beyond The Invisible
The Mystic's Dream - Loreena McKennitt

Amazon.com

For listeners with a sincere interest in the broad variety of music loosely aligned under the New Age banner, Pure Moods II will strike your ears as something less than a high-concept showcase for the genre and more as a mulligan stew of easy-listening favorites. This is not necessarily a bad thing; yet a recording marketed to the general public as a comprehensive, current, state-of-the-art overview of atmospheric music shouldn't include such ill-fitting oddities as George Benson's "Breezin'," a lite-funk relic from 1976, or "Emily" from jazz saxophonist Dave Koz. Happily, the 77-minute, 16-track sampler offers far more items of interest than irritation. It reaches back to 1983 to remind us of an ahead-of-its-time display of Celtic mysticism from Clannad ("Theme from Harry's Game"), and it both opens and closes with superb selections from one of the genre's most admired artists, Loreena McKennitt--very appropriate since, one could argue, discussions on the future of New Age should both begin and end with McKennitt's name. Despite its few warts, Pure Moods II is a good listen overall. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

No where near as good as the first.......2007-06-14

I loved the first CD, so got the 2nd one. Quite dissapointed. I thought a handful of the songs on 2 were good, such as Firefly, but overall it just seems like they threw together a bunch of songs to sell a copy of a popular CD.

Another Editorial Review.......2006-11-06

"Pure Moods was such an unexpected success that it launched a number of spinoffs and, eventually (and perhaps somewhat inevitably), Pure Moods II. Although it isn't quite as consistent as its predecessor -- George Benson's 'Breezin`' feels out of place among among these atmospheric cuts, but not nearly as much as Massive Attack's menacing 'Teardrop' -- but fans of the first will still find it to quite enjoyable, especially since it features Vangelis' 'Chariots of Fire,' Loreena McKennitt's 'Mummer's Dance' and Dream Academy's 'Life in a Northern Town,' three major oversights from the first Pure Moods. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide"

Stunning and extraordinary compilation, a must have!.......2006-09-11

What a marvelous collection of mesmerizing music this is. I have been listening to this album all week, as I can't get it out of my head. Pure Moods are one my favorite collections as they bring awareness of similar music that goes together so well. The beauty of this album is the mix of music that evokes a certain mood, while not sounding all too similar.

Starting off with Loreena McKennitt's "The Mummers Dance" a hypnotic song from the first note that sounds like time travel from ancient Byzantium to the mystic Celtic seas followed by Montezuma, one of my favorite Cusco pieces. Cusco is a duet of two German keyboard players Michael Holm and Kristian Schultze who make their enigmatic music sound very original and South American. The music is not traditional; it's a mix of outer space, new age and pan flutes. Very interesting and incredibly likable.

"Nightingale" by Yanni is just incredible, every time I have it on I almost forget I am listening to music, I simply feel it and I am always amazed at how gorgeous it sounds and whenever I hear this song it feel like the first time I am hearing it as it stuns me.

Another favorite of mine, Adiemus makes an appearance, the interesting figment is that
the language is made up by Karl Jenkins, the sounds are not meant to distract the listener from the music. It is a mix of classical and world music with great freedom of movement and is the kind of music they use in breathtaking movie soundtracks.

Delerium's "Euphoria" almost sounds like a Madonna song, is lovely and spirited with a breath of enigma. There is also "The Weather Storm" by Craig Armstrong, another strong musical piece that does sound like an actual storm of music.

"Teardrop" by Massive Attack sounds like song everything knows they heard somewhere but they don't know what it is. My favorite part is the base beat, it sounds like the human heart.

The rest of the performers from Lovely and church like Clannad which make me feel like I am in an ancient monastery listening to the monks, to "Chariots of Fire" a classic from Vangelis to wonderful and earthy "Breezing" that sounds like the first day of spring to Enigma, to me the empress of New Age. This collection is stellar and each song is a 5 star to me.

This cd makes me happy; it's relaxing, lovely, and addictive and provides great inspiration when I need it to concentrate while I work on my art. Each song has been carefully hand picked to hit the listener with a magnitude of emotion and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who needs to sit back and be transported. The songs feel like caresses of ancient wind on the face and make me feel like I have been meditating for hours. Pure Moods is an excellent cd to pick up by someone who needs an introduction to new Age and relaxing music. So far this has been my favorite disc, but they are all lovely.

- Kasia S.

AWESOME!.......2006-09-06

If you are looking for meditation or tranquility from daily stress I recommend not only this CD, but the entire collection. I have all the Pure Moods collection and keep buying more New Age music. I feel I've invested my money in good music. I listen to pretty much anything from soft music, Rock, Salsa, Calypso to Dance-Techno music, but when I don't feel like listening to loud music, I listen to these CD collection, specially on a Sunday to reconnect with relaxation to start another heavy woking week. Also, if you like gospel, I'm sure you'll love these even though is not quite gospel music. You just reconnect yourself spiritually in this material world.

Wonderful.......2006-05-31

I bought this based on the cover, I was at a flea market and loved the purple and intersting artwork. Now I have lost the cover but know where the cd is at all times, only 4 songs are songs I could live without (11-14) the rest are wonderful, amazing and truly a joy to listen to. I will be checking out the samples of the other pure moods, to see which one I will make my own, next. A great way to relax after a stress filled day, or start the day listening on the drive to work.

Average customer rating:

Average
Sophie Milman (GREAT)
Knock Out Debut
The Differences Between Sophie and Diana
Great debut

Sophie Milman
Sophie Milman
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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What Love Is
Yours
Introducing Robin McKelle
Easy To Love
No More Blues

ASIN: B000637XN8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

Agua De Beber
I Cant Give You Anything But Love
Guilty
My Baby Just Cares For Me
Back Home To Me
The Man I Love
Lonely In New York
I Feel Pretty
La Vie En Rose
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
Ochi Cherney (Dark Eyes)
This Time Of The Year

Album Description

Sophie Milman's debut self-titled CD is a collection of Jazz standards and contemporary new compositions that together showcase the maturity and originality of this young Jazz singer, skillfully produced by Canadian Jazz patriarch Bill King, and Danny Greenspoon, and features some of the best Canadian jazz players in the business.

Album Details

Sophie Milman's Debut Self-titled CD is a Collection of Jazz Standards and Contemporary New Compositions that Together Showcase the Maturity and Originality of the Young Jazz Singer, Skillfully Produced by Canadian Jazz Patriarch Bill King, and Danny Greenspoon, and features Some of the Best Canadian Jazz Players in the Business.

Customer Reviews:

Average.......2007-02-21

Average Singer with below average arrangements on often sung standards.
I was expecting at least some re-harmonization on these tunes but very much
straight from the fakebook kind changes. The horn lines were not too exciting.
Well....overall, very clean and straight.

Sophie Milman (GREAT).......2006-07-29

I just received the new "linus" Sophie Milman CD and have been playing it over and over again.

The visualization of a fantastic playful jazz angel on the other side of such a beautiful voice is not hurt by the reality that she is one. Her harmonic rythmic voice makes the heart happy just to listen to it and entertains the mind with frequent smooth variations that make other overcomplicated musicians just seem dull and nervous. She also has a great bunch of excellent jazz musicians that accompany her and they echo the mood perfectly. Great job Sophie Milman and "LINUS"!

Knock Out Debut.......2006-07-23

An ultra hip, swinging song stylist; and this time I'm not talking about Mark Murphy. Sophie Milman is a revelation, by way of Russia, Israel, and Canada. She sings the hell out of a song here. Want proof? Check out "My Baby Just Cares For Me." "I Feel Pretty," and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." For a great change of pace, there's "La Vie en Rose" in French and "Dark Eyes" in Russian. Want more? The band includes some exceptional talent, and is a perfect fit for Milman. This is a great cd by a beautiful, brilliant young singer.

The Differences Between Sophie and Diana.......2006-07-16

When this c.d. hit American release, it came with a lot of hype. "The Next Diana Krall" was the proclamation. Perhaps because of the hype, this is one of the top jazz c.d.'s on I-Tunes, and has been so for awhile.

It didn't take me long to get past the hype. Sophie Milman, like Diana Krall, is an attractive blonde singer who sings standards in a jazzy style. And like Ms. Krall, she calls Canada home (although Ms. Milman was born in the U.S.S.R., and emigrated to Canada by way of Israel as a teenager).

There the similarities end. Actually, Ms. Milman has a rounder, fuller singing voice than Ms. Krall, although Sophie does have a tendency to scoop and croon a lot. But she also has a tight, tremelo vibrato which comes out when she's singing a loud note in her chest voice, and I like it.

But here's the thing: when Mme. Krall hit the scene 10 years ago, there weren't that many attractive standard-singing young jazz chanteusses. She came along at the right time. Now, the scene is saturated with them.

And as a result, if that's how you're making your mark, you have to do something to distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack. For example, you could mix some killer songs of your own with the standards. (e.g., Rene Marie, Jackie Allen or Erin Bode) Or, you could mix a fair number of well-done European art songs with the standards. (e.g., Ilona Knopfler, Jackie Ryan or fellow countryman, Madeleine Peyroux). Or, you could mix in some nods to more current fare, so as to gain the interest of baby-boomers and gen-x'ers. (e.g., Karrin Allyson, Lizz Wright, Janis Siegel or Lea DeLaria). Or, you could become proficient on an instrument in addition to voice (e.g., Ms. Krall, Dena DeRose, Patricia Barber, or Luciana Souza).

Or, you could do the standards in truly unique ways never attempted before. (e.g., Tierney Sutton, Cheryl Bentyne or Cassandra Wilson--back when Ms. Wilson did standards, that is.) These standards are pretty standard. In fact, outside of the jazzy read of "I Feel Pretty" and the "Goldfingerish" variations on "My Heart Belongs to Daddy," there's nothing here that especially piques my interest.

It seems that most jazz singers start with an album of standards. The really talented ones figure out where to grow from there. All of the above-mentioned singers have grown since their beginnings. Hopefully, that will be true of Sophie Milman as well. RC

Great debut.......2006-03-30

Heard this CD online and immediately ran out to get it. Sophie Milman has a sophistication and depth to her voice that belies her age. While she evokes the spirit of the great jazz singers of the '40s and '50s, she has a fresh approach to the old songs and a contemporary sound for the more modern cuts. Her voice has a rich, satisfying quality that will only get better with age. She has done her homework on the great smoky-jazz singers of the '50s, capturing the quality of those singers while bringing her own style to her singing.

She even makes the three least interesting songs--"I Feel Pretty," "Ochi Cherney," and "This Time of the Year"--listenable with her easy-swinging style. The band is great and provides smooth accompaniment.

I look forward to her future releases.

Average customer rating:

Ella sold her songs without even trying--and that's no small feat !!!
Ms. Ella's Love Affair With The Great American Songbook
Cream of the Decca Years
Great for jazz... just good for ella
Like an Intimate Evening with First Lady of Song

Pure Ella
Ella Fitzgerald
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pure Ella: The Very Best of Ella Fitzgerald
The Intimate Ella
The Best of the Song Books
The Best of the Song Books: The Ballads
Oh, Lady, Be Good! Best of the Gershwin Songbook

ASIN: B000003N3Y
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Someone To Watch Over Me
My One And Only
But Not For Me
Looking For A Boy
I've Got A Crush On You
How Long Has This Been Going On?
Maybe
Soon
I'm Glad There Is You
What Is There To Say?
People Will Say We're In Love
Please Be Kind
Until The Real Thing Comes Along
Makin' Whoopee
Imagination
Star Dust
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
You Leave Me Breathless
Baby, What Else Can I Do?
Nice Work If You Can Get It

Amazon.com essential recording

The flawless lyricism of Ellis Larkins's piano provides an ideal frame for Ella Fitzgerald's maturing art on the two sessions that make up this CD. The first, from 1950, is an all-Gershwin program, while the second, from 1954, includes songs from other masters of the popular ballad, like Sammy Kahn, Cole Porter, and Hoagy Carmichael. Fitzgerald's voice was an ineffable combination of breadth of sound and lightness of delivery. Larkins's spare and sympathetic settings let her caress each song, and her subtle melodic variations and superb diction make each rendering a musical gem. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Ella sold her songs without even trying--and that's no small feat !!!.......2007-07-14

Ella Fitzgerald really DID sell her songs without even trying; she was a consummate entertainer whose career spanned several decades. Ella could lead her adoring audiences wherever she wanted them to go; and Ella Fitzgerald will forever remain one of the greatest American entertainers ever.

The CD track set features twenty songs Ella recorded while she was under contract at Decca Records; and it's all heavenly. Ella's vocals remain squarely in the spotlight throughout the CD. The first eight tracks come from the Ella Sings Gershwin 10" record album and the remaining 12 tracks were recorded for different releases. "Someone To Watch Over Me" starts the track set; Ella sings the rarely heard opening verse to enhance this classic ballad. Ella's voice, light and clear as a bell, massages "Someone To Watch Over Me" to perfection. Ellis Larkins plays the piano just right to accompany Ella. Wonderful! "But Not For Me" continues in the same vein of love ballad; Ella sings beautifully of how she is alone while she wants her one true love. Ella's interpretation is so flawless that once you hear her perform "But Not For Me" you will be convinced that Ella's rendition is THE definitive interpretation of this ballad. Ellis Larkins performs a sublime piano solo in the middle of this ballad, too.

"How Long Has This Been Going On?" features Ella starting the ballad at the top of her vocal range which we didn't always experience in Ella's later years. Ella sings soulfully about the perfect love affair when all the stars in all the heavens are in perfect alignment. "People Will say We're In Love" gets a jazzier arrangement with Ella picking up the tempo to infuse this ballad with a style all her own. "People Will Say We're In Love" playfully deals with the idea of a new love; and the jazzy rendition reflects this attitude very well. Great! In addition, "Makin' Whoopee" gets the royal treatment from Ella as she sings this to perfection. Ella scats just a very little bit to enhance this number; and Ellis Larkins on piano also bolsters this number very well.

"Imagination" features Ella at her best once again; and Ellis Larkins plays piano to perfection. Ella's vocals are, once again, are placed squarely in the spotlight and this works very well. "My Heart Belongs To Daddy," of course, has that double entendre; Ella sings of how she loves her father--and her one true love as well. Ella's excellent diction makes this a great rendition of "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" that swings very gently with a slower than usual tempo that gives the number extra punch! Ella scats a little to showcase her timeless ability to perform vocal gymnastics as easily as breathing.

The track set ends beautifully with "Nice Work If You Can Get It." Ella does this Gershwin tune better than any of them ever could; her voice handles these lyrics so gently and this creates an elegant effect. What a strong ending for this album!

The liner notes include an essay by James Gavin; and the song credits are provided, too. The picture of Ella on the front cover reflects good artistic judgment.

Ella Fitzgerald gives a stunning performance on this CD comprised of tracks from more than one record album. Ella never sounded better as a ballad singer; and the very little bit of scatting she performs reminds us of what was to come in her very jazzy later years. I highly recommend this for any fan of Ella's; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will not be disappointed.

Ms. Ella's Love Affair With The Great American Songbook.......2006-12-01

"I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella sing them." ~ Ira Gershwin ~

"It's a song recital that is one of the most rewarding experiences in the history of jazz recording. The secret of Ella's alchemy is that the more you hear her, the more surprised you are with each surprise. It's like a Christmas stocking that's never empty, that's always full of new wonders." ~ Nat Hentoff ~

If you want to listen to Ms. Ella singing about her love affair with the Great American Songbook, then this CD is just perfect for you. This collection offers the most remarkable songs by the Gershwin Brothers and the rest from Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Cahn & Chaplin, Van Heusen & Burke, Parish & Carmichael, among others. It's an intimate setting with only a piano accompaniment by Ellis Larkins just what the First Lady of Jazz ordered. She wanted to get "that personal feeling." Indeed, she sings these cherished jewels with elegance and emotional flexibility that shows her personal feelings and sincerity to every song.

My highlights include some of Gershwin's musical treasures that Ms. Ella deliver so beautifully and Ellis Larkins' piano accompaniments are so pleasing to the ears: "Someone To Watch Over Me," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "Soon," "I've Got A Crush On You" and "How Long Has This Been Going On?"

Even without the embellishments of a full orchestra to back her up, Ms. Ella still glows in all her renditions accompanied only by the elegance of Ellis Larkins' piano playing. The rest of non-Gershwin highlights are "I'm Glad There Is You," "Until The Real Thing Comes Along" and "Stardust."

Ella Fitzgerald maybe gone and missed but her music will always live. She will always be remembered as the First Lady of Jazz. Her music was once enjoyed by my late parents and now I'm enjoying it, too. Her music will be enjoyed by every generation as long as there are music lovers who appreciate the standards at its best.

Timeless music by a timeless jazz diva.

Cream of the Decca Years .......2005-12-26

I recently came across this CD in my local store and debated taking it home. With 94 Ella Fitzgerald CD's in my collection already, I need another Ella like I need a hole in my head. But when I noticed that it contained the tracks she made with Ellis Larkins on piano, I said "What the heck" and took it home anyway.

I might not have bothered; had I checked first I would have realized that the exact same tracks, in the exact same sequence, occupy disc three of the four-disc boxed set "Ella: The Legendary Decca Recordings". That's the problem with re-issue anthologies for someone as prolific a recording artist as Ella - there is always the danger that you already have the all or most of the material they contain.

But I never regret purchasing more of Ella Fitzgerald. These tracks are particularly interesting, as they were made right before her most fruitful and celebrated period, the "Song Book" sessions she did for Norman Granz on his Clef (later known as Verve) label. The idea of having Ella backed with just a piano was sheer genius, and one of the few correct things that Decca did for her during her years there. Ellis Larkins provides her with sympathetic accompaniment on these sessions, and she responds in kind. The Decca producers have long claimed that Ella was not "wasted" during her Decca period, as many critics and fans have complained. I am of the opinion that her Decca years were almost a complete waste, with these wonderful tracks a glorious exception. Her other Decca recordings seemed to concentrate on novelty numbers, and when she was given material she really deserved, the arrangements tended to be either overly commercial, or obscure her delightful voice. Decca has been very, very bad about releasing vintage material - I wish I had a dollar for every musical artist I have on a Decca vinyl whose material has not yet made it to CD, and Ella is no exception. Decca has yet to release quite a few of her original Decca recordings; all we get is anthology after anthology that tend to present the same material over and over. This is not the way they should be treating the female vocalist who made more records than any other female vocalist. Many people are not aware that Ella Fitzgerald is the third most recorded vocalist of all time. I was not surprised to learn that Frank Sinatra made more records than she did to occupy the #2 spot, but I am still floored to know that Bing Crosby officially remains the #1 recorded vocalist of all time.

Anyway, the music here is quite marvelous, as there is hardly an obscure song on the whole CD, and certainly not a single bad performance, either. It's hard as always with Ella to pick out a standout, but for my money, I'm Glad There Is You, My Heart Belongs to Daddy, How Long Has This Been Going On and Someone To Watch Over Me are the clear winners.

Just a few years after these sessions her career was to be guided by Norman Granz, who became her personal manager as well as her producer (for both records and concerts) and that is when her career, which had been languishing at Decca for years, really took off. But these tracks are the very best of her Decca years.

Great for jazz... just good for ella.......2004-08-04

Although this has all of her classic songs, it doesn't have the tracks that really showed her range, instead concentrating on the lighter, shorter stuff. Very little scat/improv/live material, which is a shame. I would recommend this as a classic ella cd, but not for people who want something original and different.

Like an Intimate Evening with First Lady of Song.......2004-02-01

The year is 1950 or 1954. Imagine that you're inviting an emerging star to sing for you at a dinner party. The singer is the inimitable Ella Fitzgerald. The result might have been this -- "Pure Ella", just her and pianist Ellis Larkins with his trademark feather touch. In a few years from then, Ella re-did most of these tunes for her "Songbook" series, when her voice was -- and that's remarkable -- clearer, sounding like a young girl's, when she was already in her early 40's. Anyway, what we have HERE is Ms. Fitzgerald in a relaxed, soothing mode with no frills. Her pure and ripe voice will stroke and caress you and you'll be glad you can listen to this CD... The highlights include "But Not For Me", "I've Got a Crush On You", "I'm Glad There Is You" and "Until the Real Thing Comes Along", as for Larkins' artistry, suffices one listen to "How Long Has This Been Going On?"

Average customer rating:

Pure is puuurrre genious
A fine, fine album!
Urban Jazz comes of age...
The Best Boney I Have Heard
Good Melodies but lacks the Depth

Pure
Boney James , and Boney James
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002HJF34
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Tracks:

Pure
Better With Time - featuring Bilal
2:01 AM
Stone Groove - featuring Joe Sample
Appreciate - featuring Debi Nova
Here She Comes
Break Of Dawn - featuring Dwele
It's On
Thinkin' 'Bout Me
You Dont Have To Go Home

Amazon.com

The man who made R&B safe for smooth-jazz saxophonists has another possible Soul Train award winner featuring slick vocal excursions by Debi Nova and Dwele. There's also a real groove-a-thon with Bilal titled "Better with Time" that, like the lyrics state, is like an old soul record. Keyboards also stand out among these 10 tracks. Joe Sample delivers one of his patented short piano solos on the aptly titled "Stone Groove," and while Billy Preston's organ and Bobby Lyle's piano are not out front on "You Don't Have to Go Home," the aural picture they frame for the artist is masterful. James, who produced this album, has developed into a very solid contemporary jazz composer, adding spicy horn arrangements throughout that really showcase his growth in that area--particularly on "Here She Comes," which has an Incognito horn-section vibe to it. It all adds up to James's most rewarding album since 1998's Sweet Thing. --Mark Ruffin

Album Description

Smooth Jazz sax superstar Boney James challenges conventions with his ninth album, Pure. The premiere urban instrumentalist's first album since 2001's near-gold and Grammy nominated Ride, and the first he has wholly produced, Pure is the most soulful and freewheeling of an extraordinary career. With three straight #1 Contemporary Jazz/Top 40 R&B albums, and three career gold albums, Boney James is pure gold with Pure.

Customer Reviews:

Pure is puuurrre genious.......2007-01-12

I had to have this cd when i heard Better with time and after wearing a hole in that track i broke out and immersed myself in the whole cd. Love it!! Great music for a romantic rainy cozy day with your mate or without.

A fine, fine album!.......2006-09-25

I give out 5 stars very sparingly, and only for the truly best of the best. But this album deserves it. Where to begin to describe its merits? Boney's classy sax, the sexy grooves that effortlessly go back and forth between smooth jazz and R&B, the exquisite musical arrangements, the outstanding vocals.... this album is a must in any music lover's collection.

Urban Jazz comes of age..........2006-07-12

Pure is pure good stuff!

His first totally self-produced album with co-writing credits on all tracks. Boney grows with every new album.

And Debi Nova is simply amazing on her track.

Definitely earns it's 5-star rating from me.

The Best Boney I Have Heard.......2006-03-09

I have four other albums by Boney James. This one is my favorite. The more real drumming he uses, the more I like it.

Good Melodies but lacks the Depth.......2005-08-18

Boney is the BEST wind instrumentalist I have ever heard play and a lot of people will agree with me. Any Symphony Orchestra won't hesitate to have him in its esemble. The problem here is that his fans had been accustomed with his style from earlier recordings which I believe should not have changed. People should take note of the UK group SADE in this regard. Change your style and its back to square one.
Pity !!, but I will stay loyal. Brilliant musician nonetheless

Average customer rating:

rhythm music
red hot and best!
New Takes on Brazilian Pop
Listening Pleasure-RED HOT+RIO
Great for Jobim Fans

Red Hot + Rio: Pure Listening Pleasure
PM Dawn with Flora Purim & Airto , and Crystal Waters
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nova Bossa: Red Hot on Verve
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Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter
Red Hot + Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti
Bossa Nova Brasil

ASIN: B000004750
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

Use Your Head - Money Mark
Corcovado - Everything But The Girl
Desafinado - Astrud Gilberto & George Michael
Non-Fiction Burning - PM Dawn
The Boy From Ipanema - Crystal Waters
Interlude - Red Hot + Rio
Seguranca - Maxwell
E Preciso Perdoar - Cesaria Evora,Caetano Veloso,Ryuichi S.
Interlude - Red Hot + Rio
Water To Drink - Incognito
Dancing... - Milton Nascimento
How Insensitive - Antonio Carlos Jobim and Sting
Waters Of March - David Bryne and Marisa Monte
Interlude - Red Hot + Rio
One Note Samba/Surfboard - Stereolab and Herbie Mann
Interlude - Red Hot + Rio
Black Orpheus Dub - Mad Professor
Maracatu Atomico - Chico Science X DJ Soul Slinger
Sambadrome - Funk 'N Lata
Refazenda - Gilberto Gil
Preciso Dizer Que Te Amo - Cazuza and Bebel Gilberto

Amazon.com

This immaculately conceived and packaged fundraiser for the AIDS awareness foundation is a sharp tribute to Brazilian pop. David Byrne, Milton Nascimento, PM Dawn, Stereolab, Gilberto Gil, and Crystal Waters (vamping through "The Boy from Ipanema") are among those weighing in with sophisticated tunes that will cross from cocktail hipsters to the leading edge of the mass audience. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

rhythm music.......2007-06-08

I bought this for a friend after I bought it for myself. Great variety of songs. Wonderful for parties. Would recommend.

red hot and best!.......2007-05-14

of the many red hots i've listened to, this one is the best!

the music, those great catchy samba and bossa nova tunes that became wildly popular during the 1960s, are suited to each of the artists making a guest appearance on the cd.

among the highlights are the trip-hop infused 'corcovado' by everything but the girl, the dance-club happy 'boy from ipanema' by crystal waters--which also contains one of her best vocal performances--, sting's loving, pensive 'how insensitive', maxwell's calming 'security' and caetano veloso's highly erotic 'e preciso perdoar'.

the collection, generally speaking, is a great party cd and each song is treated with a great deal of ingenuity and integrity.

New Takes on Brazilian Pop.......2005-06-30

Now, mind you, I can't tell the samba from the bossa nova from...some other type of music that might be played in Brazil. But I still have an interest in hearing the quasi-tropical cocktail lounge-style pop tunes of this mighty South American giant. They speak Portugese there, you know. And are known to launch at a moment's notice into the lamabada, which is a forbidden dance.

Most of the songs contained herein were written way back in the day by Antonio Carlos Jobim and at least a few should be vaguely familiar: "The Girl From Ipanema", of course, but also "One Note Samba", "Waters Of March", and "Water To Drink". But these aren't the original versions--they're updates in a variety of styles. Some work pretty well, some will make you want to hurl (mainly Sting's take on "How Insensitive", which is droning and pointless).

Notable are: a punched-up synth-heavy "Ipanema" by one-hit-wonder Crystal Waters, jazz group Incognito on "Water To Drink", world-music-loving David Byrne and sultry Marisa Monte on "Waters Of March", the well-known Caetano Veloso and Ryuichi Sakamoto with the lesser-known Cesaria Evora on "E Preciso Perdoar", Stereolab's quirky and strange "One Note Samba", and Bebel Gilberto on "Preciso Dizer Que Te Amo".

The Red Hot series, which started with the Cole Porter tribute "Red Hot + Blue", has always done excellent work and this compilation is no exception. If you'd like to sample Brazilian pop music of a certain era but you're terrified of breaking out your dad's dusty old Jobim LPs, this is a great way to see what's what.

Also the liner notes are extensive and informative, so you really get your money's worth. I'm still not clear on the divide between samba and bossa nova, but I reckon that's my fault.

Listening Pleasure-RED HOT+RIO.......2004-03-03

I enjoyed 1.Used Your Head by Money Mark, 2.Corcovado done by Everything but the Girl, the funkie beats were great, 3.Desafinado done by Astrud Gilberto & George Michael was soothing and relaxing, 4.Non-Fiction Burning was enjoyable 5.Crystal Waters' version of The Boy from Ipenema, LOVED IT!! the music makes your body want to move, it will be favorite, 7.Seguranca (Security) done by MAXWELL with that sultry soft voice of his & the music, this is a favorite, 8.E Preciso Perdoar done by Cesaria Evora & Caetano Veloso w/Ryuichi Sakamoto on the keyboard, Damn I love Cesaria's voice, she got off, this is definetly a favorite, 10.Water to Drink by Incognito w/Omar & Anna Caram was nice, 11.Dancing by Milton Nascimento was enjoyable, 12.How Insensitive done by Antonio Carlos Jobim & Sting, I didn't care for Sting singing this song, I do enjoy Sting's music but not this, he wasn't the man for it. 13.Water of March done by David Byrne & Marisa Monte was okay, but I enjoy Al Jarreau & Oleta Adams rendition on "A Twist of Jobim" better, 15.One Note Samba/Surfboard by Stereolab & Herbie Mann, I didn't care for that techno or computer sounding stuff, it sounded like the music on The Wiz when they were trying to get away from the trash cans, it will get a skip, 17.Black Orpheus Dub by Mad Professor, it had sort of a Rasta, funk, techno flair which was okay, 18.Chico Science & X DJ Soul Slinger, I couldn't get into that either, that will get a skip too, 19.Funk'N Lata's Sambadrome, was short & funky, 20.Giberto Gil's Refazenda, his voice went well with the song, 21.Preciso Dizer Que Te Amo done by Cazuza & Bebel Gilberto was nice, but the sound was off, it sounded like they were singing in a tube. I manly purchased this CD because it had my 2 favorite singers Maxwell and Cesaria Evora & I enjoyed both of their songs immensely. I am totally satisfied with this purchase and it will be one of my favorite CDs which I listen to often.

Great for Jobim Fans.......2002-07-16

If you like Bossa Nova, particularly Antonio Carlos Jobim, you will love this CD. It has covers by many current artists of his songs, as well as some other Brazilian music. I like how the liner has the lyrics in English, but almost all the songs are in Portuguese. The David Byrne Waters of March in an exception, where he sings in English, and a woman is singing in Portuguese, but it works out very well.

Tracks:

My Baby Just Cares For Me - Nina Simone
April In Paris - Count Basie
Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong
In The Mood - Glenn Miller And His Orchestra
Misty - Sarah Vaughan
Everything Happens To Me - Chet Baker
'Round Midnight - Miles Davis
The Girl From Ipanema - Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto
God Bless The Child - Billie Holiday
What A Diff'rence A Day Made - Dinah Washington
Sing Sing Sing - Benny Goodman
Mack The Knife - Ella Fitzgerald
Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Take Five - Dave Brubeck
Peel Me A Grape - Diana Krall
Night Train - Oscar Peterson
At Last - Etta James
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Amazon.com

With the exclamatory message "18 of the Greatest Jazz Recordings Ever!" inset in its tray card, Pure Jazz isn't a bashful anthology. It opens with Nina Simone's early hit, the shuffle-rhythm "My Baby Just Cares for Me," then features another dozen vocal tracks that hit high marks all around. The most familiar are probably Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child," here from the achingly poignant Lady Sings the Blues collection, and Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong teaming up on "Summertime." But there's also Sarah Vaughan on "Misty" and Nat "King" Cole on "Unforgettable."

Customer Reviews:

What does it say?.......2007-03-02

The only criticism one can offer of the compilation PURE JAZZ relates to liner note graphics. It's NEVER a good idea to superimpose white lettering on a goldenrod background! (squints)

Most of the tracks on this album could be considered superhits of the jazz genre. The advanced collector will already have many of these, while the neophyte is in for a genuine treat-- it's great stuff. While the lion's share here comes from the VERVE archives, other labels like CAPITOL, MERCURY and VICTOR are represented as well. Sound quality of these seminal performances is quite good. Forget the liner notes though, unless you've some aspirin handy . . .

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 70:10

Jazz Primer.......2007-01-24

With eighteen classic tracks and not a dud in the whole bunch, 'Pure Jazz' lives up to its title. With such essential numbers as Count Basie's "April in Paris," Glenn Miller's "In the Mood," Sarah Vaughn's version of "Misty," "The Girl from Ipanema," Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable," and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," how can even the most casual jazz fan lose? Also included are nuggets by Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck, and Etta James.

Now comes a confession: This is my first jazz album ever. I looked for the best one on Amazon I could find, and, after listening to the samples, I was floored. Now I'm hooked. George Will said that those who weren't (taken? enthralled?) by jazz's first recordings rendered on the PBS special were "deadwood". And Tony Bennett said recently that jazz is the only major musical contribution America has made to the world. Although both are steeped in exaggeration, I at least understand why.

Delightfully broad scope.......2006-12-07

Probably the best jazz cd I've ever heard. Has many great renditions that are hard to find elsewhere like the duet of "The Girl From Ipanema" by Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto and "Take Five" by the Dave Brubeck band. I was surprised to hear Fitzgerald's take on "Mack the Knife", as it is rarely performed by a woman. It is easy to listen to this CD over and over.

Great Jazz Introduction!!!.......2006-06-22

First let me tell you, when I got this cd the only other Jazz I had listened to was Miles Davis and that "West Coast/Cool" style. This Cd opened me up to so much more. I was searching for a cd just of this type that really showcased all the different elements and styles of jazz. While most of this is the vocal type of Jazz(Bille Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald...) there are the instrumental types of jazz, which up in till this cd I thought was the only type of jazz.

This really opened me up to the Vocal side of jazz, like I may have mentioned before when I purchased this I was a Jazz novice, I had heard Billie Holiday and the like on the radio and Tv/Movies(most of the songs on the cd you will reconize) but never really listened to them. Now I find myself listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong more then any other music(and I listen to a lot of music). I also found a new favorite song of mine, Summertime by Ella and Louis.

I think most of these songs can be found on other cd's so if you already own these artist cd's then you may want to check and see if you don't already own these songs. But if you are new to Jazz like I was, then get this great compilation to start with.
Peace Kevin

sensational.......2006-02-25

i luv the "oldies" as some refer to it. This jazz mix the trumpets ,saxaphone,the voices,the drums everthing its a work of art.

Average customer rating:

Pure Desmond
Paul Desmond
Manufacturer: Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Like Someone in Love
The Paul Desmond Quartet Live
Take Ten
Desmond Blue
Easy Living

ASIN: B0000AK0D4
Release Date: 2003-09-22

Tracks:

Squeeze Me
I'm Old Fashioned
Nuages
Why Shouldn't I?
Everything I Love
Warm Valley
Till the Clouds Roll By
Mean to Me
Theme from M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless) [*]
Wave [*]
Nuages [Alternate Take][#][*]
Squeeze Me [Alternate Take][#][*]
Till the Clouds Roll By [Alternate Take][#][*]

Album Description

CTI Master Series remastered reissue of 1975 album for the cool jazz alto sax player famous for his association with The Dave Brubeck Quartet features 13 tracks including 5 bonus tracks, 'Theme From M*A*S*H', 'Wave', 'Nuages' (alt. take previously unreleased), 'Squeeze Me' (alt. take previously unreleased) & 'Till The Clouds Roll By' (alt. take previously unreleased). 2003.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Mark Isham compilation
3.5 stars: Mostly new age here... no "Crash".

Pure Mark Isham
Mark Isham
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blue Sun
Pure Will Ackerman
Pure Shadowfax
Pure Liz Story
Pure Tuck & Patti

ASIN: B000F8O4BI
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

SEEKING ISAIAH
Raffles In Rio
Lazy Afternoon
Thumbelina
On The Threshold Of Liberty
Pittsburgh 1901 (Theme from Mrs Soffel)
And Miles To Go...Before He Sleeps
Azael
A Spangled Heart-Belonging To All Time And Earth- featuring Jeremy Irons
Men Before The Mirror
A Tale Of Two Cities
Tibet Part II
In The Blue Distance
All Blues

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Mark Isham compilation.......2006-06-17

A compilation of a number of Mark Isham tunes - this CD is an excellent CD to put you in a mellow mood. I did not find it to new agey -- as I do not like New Age stuff generally. Very sweeping soundscapes with a jazz influence - that really shows off a good stereo system if you own one.

3.5 stars: Mostly new age here... no "Crash"........2006-05-24

I was a bit dissapointed by some of the songs in here. I admit I was expecting something more like Isham's work with the soundtrack of "Crash", and found most of the album to be pretty much (basic) new age. There were a handful of great songs where he pulls it off (mostly the ones where his trumpet work stands out, reminding me of Miles Davis at times). The rest was just OK. Can't give it more than 3.5 stars.

Average customer rating:

Great CD - but if possible find the original albums
+ 1/2 stars...Wonderful Blend of Jazz, New Age and World Music
Good collection of songs, Very good sound!

Pure Shadowfax
Shadowfax
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pure Nightnoise
A Windham Hill Retrospective/What Goes Around
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Shadowdance

ASIN: B000F8O4C2
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

Another Country
Road To Hanna
Angel's Flight
Oasis
Snowline
The Orangutan Gang (Strikes Back)
The Dreams Of Children
Shadowdance
Shaman Song
Kindred Spirits
Tsunami
New Electric India
Changing Of The Guard
Move the Clouds

Customer Reviews:

Great CD - but if possible find the original albums.......2007-04-03

This is, on one level, a great sampler CD of a group that dis-banded in the mid 90's due to the untimely death of the band leader.

Considering that BMG has done nothing new with the new Windham Hill label, except to continue to re-issue much earlier albums and various compilation CDs, I can't recommend this CD exactly as BMG doesn't support any new New Age artists.

However, I would recommend searching and buying the original LPs and CDs of this group, Shadowfax, if possible.

Barring that, I can understand, and would suggest that people unable to find the original albums, buy this one before it goes out of print as well.

+ 1/2 stars...Wonderful Blend of Jazz, New Age and World Music.......2007-01-15

Shadowfax recorded four albums for Windham Hill during the first half of the Eighties and they are all sampled here (along with two tracks--"Oasis" and "Changing of the Guard"--from their 1990 album THE ODD GET EVEN recorded for Private Music).

Shadowfax (named for Gandalf's horse from "The Lord of the Rings") incorporate jazz and world music into their ensemble playing with the key sound of the group provided primarily by Chuck Greenberg and G.E. Stinson. Listen to Greenberg's lyrical playing on "Angel's Flight" and "The Dreams of Children" where he employs lyricon and sax. Likewise, Stinson plays fluid guitar on tracks like "Kindred Spirits" and understated piano on "Move the Clouds."

By the release of 1983's SHADOWDANCE, they expanded to a quintet with the addition of a keyboardist and a violinist. Jamil Szmadzinski's violin and Stinson's electric guitar add to the raga-influenced "New Electric India."

[Note: Shadowfax released their debut, WATERCOURSE WAY, on ABC/Passport and was later reissued by Windham Hill, but it is not sampled here. Neither are the three other albums Shadowfax recorded after leaving Windham Hill. The group disbanded following founding member Chuck Greenberg's untimely death of a heart attack at age 45 in 1995.]

PURE SHADOWFAX duplicates eight tracks from 1991's equally excellent WHAT GOES AROUND: THE BEST OF SHADOWFAX. But for the uninitiated, this is an excellent place to start [Running Time - 62:15] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Good collection of songs, Very good sound!.......2006-09-28

This CD has a good sampling of Shadowfax songs and better yet the sound is excellent! Unlike most recently released CD's the sound on this CD actually has good dynamic range and is pleasant to listen to.

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