Joe Williams & Friends

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
A truly magical collection of jazz and blues from Joe Williams, Carmen McRae, Cat Anderson and the Thad Jones Band. A testament to the legacy that Joe Williams carved in his brilliant career. He worked closely with Who's Who In Jazz, Spotlite's sister record label, and the release is dedicated to his loving memory.

Joe Williams & Friends, Music, Joe Williams & Friends, Jazz, Jazz Vocals, Pop, Standards, Swing, Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz

Average customer rating:

A must hear for everyone

A Great Great Soundtrack Album

Best Jazz Vocal Ever and a Good Album

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Soundtrack

Good and Evil is Mostly Good!

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture
k.d. Lang , Joe Williams , and Paula Cole
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

The Complete Johnny Mercer Songbook

The Bridges Of Madison County: Music From The Motion Picture

Capitol Collectors Series

ASIN: B000002NJF
Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

Skylark - K. D. Lang
Too Marvelous For Words - Joe Williams
Autumn Leaves - Paula Cole
Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) - Rosemary Clooney
Dream - Brad Mehldau
Days Of Wine And Roses - Cassandra Wilson
That Old Black Magic - Kevin Spacey
Come Rain Or Come Shine - Alison Eastwood
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive - Clint Eastwood
This Time The Dream's On Me - Alison Krauss
Laura - Kevin Mahogany
Midnight Sun - Diana Krall
I'm An Old Cowhand (From The Rio Grande) - Joshua Redman
I Wanna Be Around - Tony Bennett

Amazon.com

This Clint Eastwood vanity-project was one of the biggest box office disappointments of 1997, despite a masterful performance by Kevin Spacey, Eastwood's typically subtle direction and, to these ears anyway, one of the most satisfying collections of songs gathered in service of a film in many a year. It didn't hurt that they were all penned by the late, great Johnny Mercer (a native of Savannah, GA, the film's locale and most crucial, underrated element) and with the exception of Tony Bennett's "I Wanna Be Around" and Sinatra's classic "Summer Wind," were rendered by an all-star team of jazz players (Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Kevin Eubanks, Christian McBride among them) and an impressive line-up of vocalists including k.d. lang, Paula Cole, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Cassandra Wilson, Alison Krauss, Diana Krall, and Kevin Mahogany. Eastwood has long been a jazz devotee and, in recent years, eager proselytizer; this album plays like a love letter to one of his most beloved musicians and composers. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

A must hear for everyone.......2007-05-20

I have several of these CDs in my collection. I keep one in the car, one in the home system and one for traveling.

It is, by far, the best soundtrack I have ever encountered...

A Great Great Soundtrack Album.......2007-02-24

If you could buy only one CD this year, I have NO IDEA what it should be. Maybe you should get a second job, you deadbeat. But if you buy two CDs (without having to work in a salt mine, or sell Uncle Bob, piece by piece, for experiments), it should be two soundtracks: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and L.A. Confidential.

Dark, ethereal, and moody, these albums have an incredible presence, and hold together on their own as great albums, able to stand apart and peer out from beneath the long, great shadows cast by their respective, impressive film counterparts.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a Johnny Mercer 'songbook' as done by mostly modern artists, including Clint Eastwood, Midnight's director. This, of course, proves that Mr. Eastwood is a great ... director.

Actor Kevin Spacey fairs better, pulling off "That Old Black Magic" without a hitch. Tony Bennett's "I Wanna Be Around" and Rosemary Clooney's "Fools Rush In" = Fabulous. But the stand-outs are Alison Krauss and k.d. lang. Krauss' "This Time the Dream's On Me" is absolutely, ... well, ... dreamy. "Skylark" as sung by Bobby Darin, is one of the great Croon Tunes, but when done here by k.d. lang, Darin gets the spanking he so richly deserves. lang's full, resonant voice fills the song with a warm, rich majesty.

Majesty, my friends.
It's good to be the king. And this album is king.
Worth the price of admission itself.

My suggestion: get both CDs, dim the lights, pour yourself a beverage or four, and listen to these two albums back to back.

Repeat as necessary.

Best Jazz Vocal Ever and a Good Album.......2007-01-28

Alison Krauss's version of "This Time the Dreams on Me" unexpectly sets a new standard for female Jazz vocals. Simplely amazing that Ms. Krauss could blow away this old standard, none of the twang of her usual recordings, just amazing.

Otherwise a nice selction of jazz vocals.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Soundtrack.......2007-01-17

A very beautiful album of Johnny Mercer music

Good and Evil is Mostly Good!.......2007-01-05

Very pleased with the music on this DVD. Only reservation is that I expected it to be a little closer to the actual score from the movie.

High Society: Jazz Masterpieces from the Dixieland Era

Average customer rating:

High Society: Jazz Masterpieces from the Dixieland Era

Manufacturer: Opening Day Ent
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Einstein: His Life and Universe

ASIN: B000Q364L0
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Average customer rating:

Amazing....

Ultimate Collection

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vanessa-Mae The Violin Player
Subject to Change
Best of Vanessa-Mae
Storm
Choreography

ASIN: B0000DFZ86
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Classical Gas (Single Version)
I Feel Love (Single Version)
Picante
Red Hot (Symphonic Mix)
Yantra
Bach Street Prelude
Leyanda
Cotton Eyed Joe
I Can Can (You?)
Widescreen
Nightflight
Toccata & Fugue
Four Seasons Spring Allegro Part 1
Scherzo In C Minor For Violin & Piano

Album Description

2003 UK compilation for the world-renowned classical crossover star features 14 tracks. Copy Controlled. EMI Gold. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing...........2005-05-28

she is an Excelent and great violin player, her music is unique, if you love instrumental music, you can't miss it.

Folks, He Sure Do Pull Some Bow! Vintage Fiddle Music 1927-1935: Blues, Jazz, Stomps, Shuffles & Rags

Average customer rating:

A delight for the ears and eyes
old time magic.
People Music for Real People
Phenomenal!
If you want to hear "fiddle" music don't buy this!

Folks, He Sure Do Pull Some Bow! Vintage Fiddle Music 1927-1935: Blues, Jazz, Stomps, Shuffles & Rags
Big Bill Broonzy , Charlie Pierce , Andrew Baxter , Clifford Hayes , Bubbling-Over Five , Memphis Jug Band , Mississippi Sheiks , Peg Leg Howell , Frank Stokes , Big Joe Williams , and Agusto Abreu
Manufacturer: Old Hat Records / Enterprises
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Violin, Sing The Blues For Me: African-American Fiddlers 1926-1949
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The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
Old-Time Fiddle Tunes And Songs From North Georgia

ASIN: B000058TAS
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Rukus Juice And Chittlin' - Memphis Jug Band
The Jazz Fiddler - Walter Jacobs And Lonnie Carter
Moanin' And Groanin' Blues - "Peg Leg" Howell And His Gang
Dance Hall Shuffle - Clifford Hayes' Louisville Stompers
My Four Reasons - Banjo Ikey Robinson And His Bull Fiddle Band
Wild Cow Blues - Joe Williams' Washboard Blues Singers
Knox County Stomp - Tennessee Chocolate Drops
Rustlin' Man - State Street Boys
Sister Maud Mule - Alec Johnson
G Rag - Georgia Yellow Hammers
Throw Me In The Alley - Peetie Wheatstraw And His Blue Blowers
If You Can't Make It Easy, Sweet Mama - Dixieland Jug Blowers
Bunker Hill Blues - Frank Stokes
I Got A Gal - James Cole's String Band
Sweet To Mama - State Street Boys
Doctor Medicine - South Memphis Jug Band
Cabo Verdranos Peca Nove - Abrew's Portuguese Instrumental Trio
Worried Man Blues - Joe Williams' Washboard Blues Singers
Georgia Crawl - Henry Williams And Eddie Anthony
Good Old Turnip Greens - Bo Chatman
Memphis Stomp - The Blue Boys
Get Up Off That Jazzophone - The Bubbling-Over Five
Rukus Juice Shuffle - Alabama Rascals
Lazy Lazy River - Mississippi Sheiks

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

A fantastic collection of old-time music, "Folks, He Sure Do Pull Some Bow!" captures vintage fiddle music at that rare crossroads where the blues, jazz, and something that would one day be called folk were all in their infancy. For fiddle virtuosos performing between 1927 and 1935, quite simply, anything goes. Banjo Ikey Robinson's red hot "My Four Reasons" swings with humor and pizzazz, the State Street Boys' "Rustlin' Man" features the down-and-out blues vocals and fiddling of Big Bill Broonzy , and the Mississippi Sheiks' jazzy, but blues-inspired "Lazy Lazy River" musically straddles both sides of the Mason Dixon Line. For many listeners, the more esoteric tracks will stick out: Bo Chatman (a.k.a. double-entendre blues king Bo Carter) is heard fiddling behind Alec Johnson's goofy vocals on "Sister Maud Mule" (and in the spotlight on his own "Good Old Turnip Greens"); the Georgia Yellow Hammers' "G Rag" is the product of a then-rare integrated recording session; and Abrew's Portuguese Instrumental Trio performs "Cabo Verdranos Peca Nove" with incredible fiddling on what must be one of the first attempts at a crossover world-music disc. It's all here--great remastering, in-depth liner notes, and wonderful playing. Each release from Old Hat--Violin, Sing the Blues for Me and Music from the Lost Provinces--feels definitive, and this gem is certainly no different. --Jason Verlinde

Album Description

"Beautifully assembled, meticulously annotated, Folks is yet another striking contribution by Old Hat to the reassessment, if not the rewriting, of blues history. This is wonderfully unexpected music which refuses to conform to any of the accepted conventions of 12-bar blues. It should serve as a reminder of why the world continues to be drawn to this music, described by early observers as something unaccountably wild and strange. Folks restores some of that wildness, strangeness, and incalculable beauty." Peter Guralnick - author Careless Love, Searching For Robert Johnson, Last Train To Memphis

"I love this CD. So much so that I am jealous and wish that I had done it!" Lawrence Cohn - producer American Odeon's Blind Willie McTell box set, Columbia/Legacy's Roots N' Blues Series

Customer Reviews:

A delight for the ears and eyes.......2007-01-04

Old Hat Records always goes the extra mile to present incredibly rare sides from vintage 78s. The sound quality is top-notch, and the generous booklet is packed with equally rare photography, highly-informative notes and thorough documentation.

There are lots of reissues of early recordings, but all the offerings from Old Hat are head and shoulders above the rest.

Sure, the pirates of the world can probably find this material in MP3 format, but despicable thievery aside, they're missing out on the complete package. The music combined with the ample booklet is the true prize. The true value is owning this release, holding it in your hand: listening, reading, viewing the rare photos.

Whether you're a hard-core collector or occasional enthusiast of early recordings of Jazz and Blues, you'll enjoy this truly superlative production.

old time magic........2006-12-26

a wonderful disc of old time fiddle/violin recordings. pianos, guitars, banjos, and vocals also are present on a 24 set of songs that all old time music lovers should possess.

People Music for Real People.......2006-07-27

Inspired by my recent review of Sam Ku West's cd of Hawaiian steel guitar from 1927 and '28, and his version of Memphis Blues contained therein, I decided I need to review Violin, Sing the Blues for Me which contains a killer Memphis Blues by the Mobile Strugglers. Then of course I had to review this, its equally compelling companion disc.

This stuff is history-come-alive. There's a fun tidbit for those folks who still think the blues began with Robert Johnson. Check Wild Cow Blues by Joe Williams' Washboard Singers, recorded in 1935... before RJ's earliest sides. RJ obviously listened to, liked, and studied this side. RJ's iconic vocal phrasings come straight from here, but RJ had the better voice, thus pulling them off more powerfully.

Rukus Juice features some serious fiddling over a hopping groove. Moanin' and Groanin' Blues has the best humming this side of one of the better Grateful Dead Candymans.

You also get Lonnie Johnson. You may largely think of him as one of the best lyricists and guitarists (both 6 and 12-string) the blues have ever known, or as one of the primal jazz guitarists, but had Lonnie gotten tired of the guitar he could have taken Stephane Grappelli's place in the QHCF with little problem. His Memphis Stomp glides and swirls through time in rather astounding fashion. Pre-war Lonnie Johnson was THE MAN. I still don't understand why there isn't a complete boxset of him from 1925-1932. But I digress...

From slow blues drawl, to a track like Peetie Wheatstraw's Throw Me in the Alley, which would have made King Oliver proud. There's a lot of ground covered here, much of it great. Just try to hold still during Doctor Medicine by the South Memphis Jug Band!

The heart and soul of both this and "Violin, Sing..." are the people you probably never heard of. People who may have only recorded a few sides total, and have rarely if ever before been presented on cd. The few tracks by the famous greats can be heard elsewhere, so it's those largely forgotten by time who make this such a gift.

Phenomenal!.......2005-12-05

Well, I completely disagree with the negative review below, and I have a feeling that the gentleman who wrote it, who claims to be a mediocre picker of several instruments, will remain mediocre for his entire life. Fiddle and violin are not the same thing. As the old joke goes, the difference between the two is that you shouldn't spill beer on a violin.

To expect rural and traditional black fiddlers from the Depression to play fiddle like classically trained modern fiddlers like Mark O'Connor or Allison Krauss is like expecting your country Grandma to make Hazelnut-crusted filet of Chilean Seabass with a Pomegranate and Wasabi reduction for Sunday dinner, instead of pot roast and mashed potatoes. It's an absurd expectation. This is the music of real people. Many of these musicians undoubtedly farmed or did other backbreaking labor all week, taking their only joy from the music they'd play on the weekend. Their faithful listeners were in the same boat.

Remember that for many of these recordings, the concept of "jazz" hadn't been invented yet. Bluegrass, for that matter, wouldn't be invented for a couple more decades.

Anyone with a genuine appreciation for American traditional and folk music will love this album. Yes, some of the recording quality is a little bit rough (many of the songs sound like they're playing on an old turntable instead of on a CD), but it's completely listenable, not nearly as difficult to listen to as many other re-released gems from this era. Listen to it with an open mind, and after you've heard the first few tunes, your brain will automatically tune out the static (which is minimal to begin with).

This album is one of the more brilliant re-releases and collections from this era. Get an idea of what real people were listening to and playing in this time period. You'll thank yourself for giving it a try.

If you want to hear "fiddle" music don't buy this!.......2003-04-13

This is a review for normal people. If you are a fan of standard fiddle do not buy this CD. It is a bunch of badly recorded, half hearted, boring and sloppy songs thrown together on an overpriced CD. Save yourself $... or if you like this type of music just go buy some old Little Rascals episodes on DVD. Then you will get the same music you hear on this plus the bonus of the Little Rascals. Now I know why we think of Blues guitar players not fiddle players when this music is discussed. The other reviewers seem to think some of the names on this CD will be familiar to you. Don't believe them, unless names like "Abrew's Portuguese Instrumental Trio" or "Dixieland Jug Blowers" are familiar to you. I am just hoping to prevent normal music lovers from stepping into this pile and losing $... like I did. I play banjo, fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer and guitar all badly, but I could get a gig with these bands and probably improve their sound. If you are the artsy type that digs this kind of stuff and you can't wait to grow a goatee, turn the lights down low, fill the room with smoke (oops, bad for your health), put your sunglasses on and crank this baby up; I hope you don't mind being stuck by yourself all the time because no one else is going to put up with this lousy music. Go find something with Chubby Wise in it if you want to hear some real fiddle playing. Help support some little known, up and coming fiddle players that need to buy food and pay rent with royalty checks by buying their music instead of making these labels, that get this junky music for free or almost free, super rich.

The Greatest! Count Basie Plays, Joe Williams Sings Standards

Average customer rating:

Just what I expected
THE BEST COMBINATION
It doesn't get any better
Disco obrigatório pra quem curte jazz
S,Womderfull

The Greatest! Count Basie Plays, Joe Williams Sings Standards
Count Basie with Joe Williams
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings
The Best of Joe Williams: The Roulette, Solid State & Blue Note Years
Definitive Joe Williams
Count Basie/Sarah Vaughan
Basie Swings, Bennett Sings

ASIN: B00000476B
Release Date: 1990-06-01

Tracks:

Thou Swell
There Will Never Be Another You
Our Love Is Here To Stay
'S Wonderful
My Baby Just Cares
Nevertheless
Singin' In The Rain
I'm Beginning To See The Light
A Fine Romance
Come Rain Or Come Shine
I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
This Can't Be Love

Customer Reviews:

Just what I expected.......2005-10-03

I have been a Basie and Joe Williams fan since I first heard them live in 1958. A couple of these tracks were on an LP that I bought later that year, for roughly half of my week's army pay, but it was worth it.

It would be difficult to imagine a track by either of them that
I would't like, and it doesn't happen here. Anyone who wants to learn how to phrase a song, whether as a singer or instumentalist buy this and listen.

THE BEST COMBINATION.......2005-06-03

I first bought the reel-to-reel version of this album in 1963. It is now 43 years since, and finally, found a copy of it on cd. Without a doubt, the quintessential combination of Joe Williams' voice and Count Basie's band are beyond comparison. "Standards" sung and played the way they should have been. No "gimmicks," etc. Just plain, honest and musically incomparable renditions of these songs. It was a sad day for me, when it was announced that, Williams and Basie would no longer appear and record together again. Even sadder is the loss of both of these "GIANTS" within the Jazz and music world. I miss both of them beyond comprehension. This is a MUST recording to include in your musical library.

It doesn't get any better.......2002-09-01

This is classic Basie and Williams. If you love either performer you have to have it. These standards swing like they rarely have before or since. Buy it!

Disco obrigatório pra quem curte jazz.......2001-03-09

Pra quem gosta de standards de jazz ( canções americanas) esse disco é uma preciosidade. Além da orquestra de Basie, para surpresa de ninguém, swingar como nunca, Joe Williams, que eu erradamente pensava só cantar blues, é um intérprete muito especial. O repertório foi muito bem escolhido e só tem pérolas mas eu destacaria três faixas especialmente empolgantes: Thou Swell e My Baby Just Cares for Me e I'm Beggining to See The Light. Foi o melhor disco que eu comprei nos últimos meses. Nota 1000.

S,Womderfull.......2000-02-09

I bought this album the first time around after seeing Joe in London it knocked me out then thirty years later it is still fresh as a Daisy. In the mid seventies on a visit to New York once again I heard him sing this time in the Half Note Club to a small audience no words can describe that evening it will stay with me for ever the World is a poorer place without him

Average customer rating:

Hank gets played
Birdland comes to Hee Haw

Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams
Roy Clark & Joe Pass
Manufacturer: St. Clair Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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Joe's Blues
Complete Jazz Guitar
Quadromania
Virtuoso No. 3
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ASIN: B000KP62D4
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

Hey, Good Lookin
Your Cheatin Heart
Blues For Hank
Cold, Cold Heart
Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
Long Gone Lonesome Blues
Why Don t You Love Me
Honky Tonk Blues
I ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
Kaw-Liga (5:06)

Customer Reviews:

Hank gets played.......2007-03-08

Any one who follows American music should be immediately intrigued by this musical triangle. Joe Pass, one of the finest jazz guitarists and great thinker of melodic line, Roy Clark, one of Country Western's great studio musicians and former comic side kick to Buck Owens, and, finally, Hank Williams, whose genius for that perfect melodic line and balladic refrain is unparallel and an unfortunate history of chasing those demons of physical weakness (not unlike Mr. Pass's known detours into drug addiction), all converge in this 1996 off the cuff recording. You will want to return to these interpretations of Williams's songs again and again since at each listen something new will appear on the sonic horizon. Pass is sheer understatement while Clark picks it up without falling into patterned Chicken Pickin'. If you are a guitarist, please take a listen; if a CW fan, listen to the overlap of American song here; and if you are from Johnstown PA, be proud of Mr. Pass's legacy in Jazz.

Birdland comes to Hee Haw.......2007-01-12

I did a double take when I came across this title. Was it really the Hee Haw star or someone coincidentally named Roy Clark? And if it indeed was "the" country icon Roy Clark, what sort of session would this amount to--sort of a "Kenny G and Ornette Coleman Play the Music of John Tesh"?

Guitarists probably know these things, but Clark has formidable chops and pretty much holds his own in the company of arguably the most gifted guitarist of them all, 1965-1980 (listening to just Joe Pass and Oscar Peterson playing together during a Paris concert recorded in 1975 was enough evidence for me). The session simmers, often cooks, from the first through the last track. Joe has a solo number, the two play as a duo, then as a trio with John Pisano providing rhythm guitar, and finally as a quintet with the addition of Joe's regular bass player and drummer.

The notes on this reissue of what was Joe Pass's very last recording are minimal to none, but some research on the internet will disclose that the two had met for the first time just minutes prior to cutting the session. It was Joe's idea to stick with Hank Williams' tunes. There's also a free video of the session traceable through Google.

Pass is, as usual, flawless. Clark, despite some shaky nerves, is almost as impressive. The distinction between their respective sounds--Pass muted, smooth and silky; Clark favoring the higher register along with some reverb, vibrato and certified C&W licks--makes identifying the soloists a no-brainer, even when they're improvising collectively (as on the hot and flavorful musical stew, "Jumbalaya").

The only slight problem I found with the recording was a sense of imbalance, with Clark's somewhat twangy guitar--coming out of the right channel--occasionally drowning out Pass's superb support. A quick and easy solution: turn your balance control to the left by a quarter to a half.

One last point, for what it's worth (quite a bit, I know, to some listeners): there are no vocals.

Witness: What a Mighty God - Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus

Average customer rating:

Historically important choral music, wonderfully performed!

Witness: What a Mighty God - Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus
James Bohn , Michael Jorgenson , Steve Burger , Gordon Johnson , Jay Young , Michael Abels , Dale Adelmann , Harry T. (Henry) Burleigh , Brazeal W. Dennard , Adolphus Hailstork , Jester Hairston , Jack Halloran , Robert A. Harris , Moses Hogan , Sanford Moore , Robert Scholz , Richard Smallwood , William Henry Smith , Andre Thomas , Philip Brunelle , Sigrid Johnson , Joe Pulice , Robert Commodore , Charles Kemper , Yolanda Williams , Brian Link , Vocal Essence , and VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
Manufacturer: Clarion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan
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ASIN: B0001FVEPE
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Witness: Jack Halloran
Hush! Somebodys CallinMy Name: Arranged by Brazeal W. Dennard
Death Is Gonna Lay His Cold Icy Hands on Me: Arranged by Andrhomas
Walk Together, Children: Arranged by William Henry Smith
Were You There?: Arranged by Robert Scholz
Elijah Rock: Arranged by Moses Hogan
This Train: Arranged by Sanford Moore
Jesus, Lover of My Soul: Music by J.S. Bach; text by Charles Wesley, Arranged by Richard Smallwood
My Lord,What a Mornin : Arranged by Harry T. Burleigh
Go Down, Moses : Arranged by Robert A. Harris
In Dat Great GittinUp Mornin: Arranged by Jester Hairston
Crucifixion: Adolphus Hailstork
Go Where I Send Thee:Arranged by Andrhomas
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: Arranged by Dale Adelmann
Go,Tell It on the Mountain: Arranged by Sanford Moore
What a Mighty God : Arranged by Michael Abels

Album Description

Stirring spirituals and rousing gospel melodies sung by the superb voices of VocalEssence conducted by the renowned conductor Philip Brunelle, joined by vocal jazz ensemble Moore by Four.

Customer Reviews:

Historically important choral music, wonderfully performed!.......2004-05-25

For over 10 years, The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus (conducted by Philip Brunelle) has presented an enduring series of concerts showcasing the talents of trailblazing African American composers. Now this wealth of music is available outside the concert hall through a series of recordings called WITNESS.

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD presents 20th Century choral arrangements of music from the African American spiritual tradition rooted in spirituals and gospels, including Harry T. Burleigh's "My Lord, What a Mornin'" (1929), "Walk Together Children" (William Henry Smith, 1937) and more contemporary composers like Sanford Moore's "Go Tell It On The Mountain" (1993.)

There are excellent notes about the genre, however, in light of the historical significance of this music I'm surprised and disappointed to find no biographical information about the composers, not even birth and/or death dates, with this CD. I feel this is a crucial component in an "outreach" project like this, especially since most of these composers are not well known. Still I highly recommend it for the music alone.

The other three CDs are available as single titles, or in the boxed set THE WITNESS COLLECTION which includes:

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD: Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus
DANCE LIKE THE WIND: Music of Today's Black Composers
GOT THE SAINT LOUIS BLUES: Classical Music in the Jazz Age
SKYWARD MY PEOPLE ROSE: Music of William Grant Still

Definitive Joe Williams
Average customer rating:

To Mr. Shehan Below...

One of My Greatest Inspirations!!!

Sinatra is a wimp

A Singer's Singer

Definitive Joe Williams
Joe Williams
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music
General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Joe Williams' Finest Hour

The Greatest! Count Basie Plays, Joe Williams Sings Standards

The Best of Joe Williams: The Roulette, Solid State & Blue Note Years

Havin' a Good Time

Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings

ASIN: B00006IQOS
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

Every Day I Have The Blues
All Right, Okay, You Win
Please Send Me Someone To Love
Teach Me Tonight
Our Love Is Here To Stay
Singin' In The Rain
Party Blues
Roll 'Em Pete
A Man Ain't Suppose To Cry
Goin' To Chicago
If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight
I Was Telling Her About You
Alone Together
Until I Met You
Come Sunday
Who She Do
Ev'reyday (I'll Fall In Love)
Sometimes I'm Happy
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Customer Reviews:

To Mr. Shehan Below..........2007-06-13

I worhship you--the title of your review said it all.

One of My Greatest Inspirations!!!.......2007-06-11

I had the distinct privilege of meeting "Papa" Joe Williams after his last concert in Dallas,TX in Jan. 1999 @ the fabulous Majestic Theater and I still carry the ticket stub in my wallet and will always cherish the program he signed for me after asking me "What's going on Hoss?" It was on that evening that I realized after long pondering that I had to dedicate my life to preserve this great American artform we affectionately refer to as Jazz!! He has been an inspiration to every Male Jazz Vocalist.

Sinatra is a wimp.......2005-11-11

Joe Williams is the best in his genre. Very unique, very powerful. This CD is heavy with swing, a few ballads. I bought this CD by accident, I thought I was buying Joe Turner or something, anyway it's made me very happy.

A Singer's Singer.......2003-04-16

I saw Joe Williams live several times. This big handsome urbane man was witty, charmingly funny in a kinda sensual rap manner, and man, could he sing. Starting out in Chicago singing for free between movies as an usher in the Chicago Theatre, Joe came up in big band swing, working with clarinet great Jimmy Noone, Andy Kirk and his Clouds of Joy , Lionel Hampton, Red Saunders and then in 1955 he hit big with the most exciting sound in the world-Count Basie's Orchestra. Big, tall, hands at his side he sang the blues in a jazzy way, sang jazz in a bluesy way, and had a way with ballads the was just magnificent. Mostly cuts from Joe's Basie days this is a swell album. Joe was a master performer and he performed literally until the day he died. The great voice was only stilled when Joe-80! left his hospital bed [NOT CHECKED OUT! just left], walked two miles home and died on his front steps. What a man and what a great soulful,bluesy,jazzy artist.
,

Average customer rating:

strong Band leader&Vocals
Dying for a re-issue!
Good music, but the quality is awful
Oh lord!
Wonderful songs, one small drawback to CD

Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings
Count Basie , and Joe Williams
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Greatest! Count Basie Plays, Joe Williams Sings Standards
Definitive Joe Williams
Arthur Prysock and Count Basie
The Best of Joe Williams: The Roulette, Solid State & Blue Note Years
Basie Swings, Bennett Sings

ASIN: B0000046RR
Release Date: 1993-10-19

Tracks:

Every Day I Have The Blues
The Comeback
All Right, OK, You Win
In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down)
Roll 'Em Pete
Teach Me Tonight
My Baby Upsets Me
Please Send Me Someone To Love
Ev'ry Day (I Fall In Love)
As I Love You
Stop! Don't!
Too Close For Comfort (Take 1)

Amazon.com

The 1955 album that revived the careers of both Basie and Williams is reissued here with three bonus tracks. Williams's elegant style on blues and ballads is a perfect complement to the band's brashness; one highlight, of course, is "Every Day I Have the Blues," the Memphis Slim song that became a Williams signature. But the team also clicks on material as diverse as "Teach Me Tonight" and Percy Mayfield's proto-protest "Please Send Me Someone to Love." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

strong Band leader&Vocals.......2006-07-31

Count Basie had a Distinctive Style on the Piano&also as a Band leader. you always knew his arrangements&the overall Groove of his Band. Joe WIlliams had a Strong Blues tone&Vibe in his voice that was also Soulful. together on this Album they combined&make this Effort together a Must have. i've always dug the Basie Swing. Joe Williams is one of those Vocalist that you would know anywhere. very distinctive tone.

Dying for a re-issue!.......2004-02-06

One of the all time greatest albums. Nearly every track fills you with excitement and joy. But...this is one album that is begging for a high-resolution re-mastering and re-issue. The recording is scratchy, lacks depth, and the bass is nearly non-existent.

Verve Records - Please Please PLEASE! Re-issue this classic album as a Master Edition! This should be one of the 10 most essential jazz CDs in every person's library, but it won't happen without a CD that meets the modern auditory expectation for jazz classics of this era.

Good music, but the quality is awful.......2003-11-28

I love Joe Williams' voice. Every Day I Have the Blues is great. But the quality of the recording [stinks]. It sounds like it was recorded in the 1920s. I regret buying this cd.

Oh lord!.......2003-10-08

This is the DEFINITIVE Count Basie + Williams album! IT DOES NOT get any better than this!

Of special credit:

"Everyday" <--Easily the best arragement--EVER!

"Please Send me Someone to Love" <--Ditto.

etc etc

BUY IT
LISTEN TO IT
LOVE IT!

Wonderful songs, one small drawback to CD.......2003-09-30

I was looking for something to complement my music collection comprised mostly of rock. This CD does an excellent job.

The only drawback is that some of the tracks have a bit more noise, or background hiss, than I would like; undoubtedly due to the recording equipment of the day. But I like the songs so much that that cannot deter me from giving this CD 5 stars.

Big Joe Williams and the Stars of Mississippi Blues
Average customer rating:
Big Joe Williams and the Stars of Mississippi Blues
Big Joe Williams
Manufacturer: Jsp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
General | Blues | Styles | Music
Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Legends of Country Blues

Masters of Memphis Blues

Texas Blues: Early Blues Masters from the Lone Star State

Atlanta Blues

Detroit Blues: Blues from the Motor City 1938-1954

ASIN: B00019017C
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Little Leg Woman - Sonny Boy Williamson
Somebody's Been Borrowing That Stuff - Sonny Boy Williamson
Providence Help The Poor People - Sonny Boy Williamson
49 Highway Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
My Grey Pony - Sonny Boy Williamson
Stepfather Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Baby Please Don't Go - Sonny Boy Williamson
Stack O' Dollars - Sonny Boy Williamson
Wild Cow Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Worried Man Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
I Know You Gonna Miss Me - Sonny Boy Williamson
Rootin' Ground Hog - Sonny Boy Williamson
Brother James - Sonny Boy Williamson
I Won't Be In Hard Luck No More - Sonny Boy Williamson
Crawlin' King Snake - Sonny Boy Williamson
I'm Getting Wild About Her - Sonny Boy Williamson
Peach Orchard Mama - Sonny Boy Williamson
Meet Me Around The Corner - Sonny Boy Williamson
Throw A Boogie Woogie - Sonny Boy Williamson
North Wind Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Please Don't Go - Sonny Boy Williamson
Highway 49 - Sonny Boy Williamson
Someday Baby - Sonny Boy Williamson
Break 'Em On Down - Sonny Boy Williamson

Tracks:

Drop Down Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Somebody's Been Worryin' - Sonny Boy Williamson
Wanita - Sonny Boy Williamson
Vitamin A - Sonny Boy Williamson
His Spirit Lives On - Sonny Boy Williamson
Baby Please Don't Go - Sonny Boy Williamson
Baby Please Don't Go (Alt. Take) - Sonny Boy Williamson
Stack Of Dollars - Sonny Boy Williamson
Mellow Apples - Sonny Boy Williamson
Wild Cow Moan - Sonny Boy Williamson
P Vine Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Bad And Weakhearted Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
King Biscuit Stomp - Sonny Boy Williamson
I'm A Highway Man - Sonny Boy Williamson
Banta Rooster Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Mean Step Father Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
House Lady Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Don't You Leave Me Here - Sonny Boy Williamson
Jivin' Woman - Sonny Boy Williamson
She's A Married Woman - Sonny Boy Williamson
Mama Don't Allow Me - Sonny Boy Williamson
Delta Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Overhauling Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson
Whistling Pines - Sonny Boy Williamson
She Left Me A Mule - Sonny Boy Williamson
Bad Heart Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson

Tracks:

You Can't Mistreat Me Here - Tommy McClennan
New 'Shake 'Em On Down' - Tommy McClennan
Bottle It Up And Go - Tommy McClennan
Whiskey Head Woman - Tommy McClennan
Brown Skin Girl - Tommy McClennan
Cotton Patch Blues - Tommy McClennan
Baby Don't You Want To Go - Tommy McClennan
Baby, Please Don't Tell On Me - Tommy McClennan
I'm Going Don't You Know - Tommy McClennan
New Highway 51 - Tommy McClennan
She's Just Good Huggin' Size - Tommy McClennan
My Little Girl - Tommy McClennan
My Baby's Gone - Tommy McClennan
It's Hard To Be Lonesome - Tommy McClennan
My Baby's Doggin' Me - Tommy McClennan
She's A Good Looking Mama - Tommy McClennan
Whiskey Head Man - Tommy McClennan
New Sugar Mama - Tommy McClennan
Down To Skin And Bones Blues - Tommy McClennan
Katy Mae Blues - Tommy McClennan
Love With A Feeling - Tommy McClennan
Drop Down Mama - Tommy McClennan
Black Minnie - Tommy McClennan
Elsie Blues - Tommy McClennan
Des'e Me Blues - Tommy McClennan

Tracks:

Cross Cut Saw Blues (Take 1) - Tommy McClennan
Cross Cut Saw Blues (Take 2) - Tommy McClennan
Classy Mae Blues - Tommy McClennan
You Can't Read My Mind - Tommy McClennan
Travelin' Highway Man - Tommy McClennan
Deep Blue Sea Blues - Tommy McClennan
I'm A Guitar King - Tommy McClennan
It's A Crying Pity - Tommy McClennan
Mozelle Blues - Tommy McClennan
Blues Trip Me This Morning - Tommy McClennan
Mr. So And So Blues - Tommy McClennan
Roll Me, Baby - Tommy McClennan
I Love My Baby - Tommy McClennan
Shake It Up And Go - Tommy McClennan
Blues As I Can Be - Tommy McClennan
Bluebird Blues - Tommy McClennan
Bluebird Blues (Take 2) - Tommy McClennan
Boogie Woogie Woman - Tommy McClennan
Catfish Blues - Robert Petway
Ride 'Em On Down - Robert Petway
Rockin' Chair Blues - Robert Petway
My Little Girl - Robert Petway
Let Me Be Your Boss - Robert Petway
Left My Baby Crying - Robert Petway
Sleepy Woman Blues - Robert Petway

Tracks:

Don't Go Down Baby - Robert Petway
Bertha Lee Blues - Robert Petway
Hollow Log Blues - Robert Petway
In The Evening - Robert Petway
My Baby Left Me - Robert Petway
Cotton Pickin' Blues - Robert Petway
Roamin' And Ramblin' Blues - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
You Got To Roll (Levee Camp Song) - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
You Got To Roll - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Water Coast Blues - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Stagolee - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Just A Spoonful - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Spread My Raincoat Down - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Hellatakin' Blues - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Wind Howlin' Blues - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Worried Life Blues - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
Tear It Down Rag - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
The Army Blues - David 'Honeyboy' Edwards
It's Killin' Me - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton
Poor Boy Blues - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton
Jake Leg Blues - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton
My Mean Baby Blues - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton
Dirty Mistreater - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton
Rainy Day Blues - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton
Beer Garden Blues - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton
Dark Road Blues - Willie 'Poor Boy' Lofton

Music:

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