Dedicated

Topanga Dreams
Since 1988, I've lived in Topanga, California. This small mountain town has taught me the true meaning of community. By being there for each other, we can make dreams come true. May all your dreams come true...

Katyia's Dance
This song has evolved from being a solo dance performance piece in our Mystic Journey shows into a passionate tango...for two. So grab someone you love and enjoy the dance!

China Lily
This flute was a gift from my Dize (rhymes with pizza) teacher and is one of my favorites. Whenever I play it, I am transported to a place of inner peace and stillness.

Lhasa Love
I found this melody in a book of traditional Chinese folk songs, It was called Tibetan Dance before we transformed it into a lively multicultural boogie!

Aduman
Although there are many dialects spoken in the West African region of Guinea and Mali, the universal word for "sweet" amongst all the tribes is aduman.

Darjeeling Sunrise
Inspired by an Indian sunrise raga, this song reflects the experience that I had when I was on top of Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, India, witnessing a magical sunrise illuminating the awesome Himalayan mountains.

Customer Reviews:

A Poetic Journey..........2004-05-05

I fell in love with the music of The Angels of Venice years ago, and thus when I learned that Suzanne Teng (a former "Angel") had produced a solo work, I was very excited. But the music on this CD easily surpasses anything Teng had done with the Angels of Venice. Lyrical melodies, accompanied by enthnic rhythms on traditional percussion instruments, overlaid with Teng's own haunting performances on Asian flute, transport the listener to another time and another place -- both in this world, and in the "otherworld" created by Teng's mystical music edge. Tibetan singing bowls, Middle-Eastern bells, Celtic strings and a vast assortment of drums and wind instruments create a musical whirlwind that will leave the listener breathlessly awaiting Teng's next musical offering.

Nice!.......2004-01-01

Suzanne Teng, the original flutist with the group "Angels of Venice", breaks out on her own in this playful and exotic 1999 release. Teng shows herself a master of flutistry, not only the playing the standard western "C" flute, but also piccolo, alto and bass flutes, dize (Chinese bamboo flute), ney (Turkish flute) and panpipes. Her tone is rich and liquid, and her improvisations range from jazzy to sinuous to ephemeral depending on the style of the piece. Many of the selections have a strong Near- or Far Eastern flavor, but the mood remains gentle and cheerful throughout the album, without any of the dark intensity that characterizes some of the "Angels'" work. Teng is not alone in "Mystic Journey" either; many guest artists lend their well-established talents to the mix to create ever-varied layers of texture. Gilbert Levy provides intricate world percussion accompaniments, while cellist Martin Tillman, Prince Diabate, Hans Christiansen of Rasa and Greg Ellis of Vas (among others) also pop in to lend a hand, making for a richly orchestrated album that is full of apt and interesting surprises. Occasionally the flute melodies seem a little trite and meandering, qualities that are at odds with the earthy, percussive background, but overall this album is appealing. Teng's simultaneously light and down-to-earth compositions find ways to be relaxing without being boring--a common pitfall for many New Age artists. The music of "Mystic Journey" would be great for warm-ups and slow-dancing for belly dancers, as well as just pleasant listening after a mundane and stressful day at work. Other recordings featuring Suzanne Teng's flute-playing include "Awake Inside a Dream" and "Music for Flute, Harp and Cello" by the Angels of Venice. For more bamboo and metal flute improvisations, in this case without accompaniment, check out also Richard Warner's "Quiet Heart / Spirit Wind".

Fabulous!.......2002-07-05

I ordered this CD after only hearing two songs which I "accidentally" heard while flipping the channels of the television. There was a performance done on Public Access and I was surprised to see that a CD was available. I ordered one for myself and a friend who is a yoga instructor. I love this CD! It is perfect for yoga or meditation or even just in the background while working. The music is heartfelt and joyous and everyone who hears it immediately loves it. I would definitly recommend it, especially if you are looking to expand your collection of instrumental music. Personally, I love flute pieces, so this was a perfect choice for me.

Fabulous.......2001-06-28

I caught Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey on vacation at this year's Topanga Days festival, but didn't buy the CD. I thought about their music the whole rest of the trip and ordered the CD as soon as I got home. It's truly magnificent and beautiful music, and I could listen to the CD over and over. Perfect background for anything - reading, meditating, special dinners, yoga, whatever. I find myself getting up just to move to the music. They're all very talented and the CD is a real stress-melter.

Makes you want to listen and dance at the same time.......2000-08-31

This is really an excellent independently-produced CD. Some of the tunes are fairly straight-forward, rhythmic wonders with Ms. Teng's incredible flute playing polishing them off. Others are more "world" sounding incorporating thraot singing and chanting. There is not a bad cut on the CD. Listen to Katiya's Waltz, and try to concentrate on the beautiful music while your feet waltz across the floor.

Average customer rating:

Sean Thompson
Songwriter times a thousand

Arguments for Drinking
Long River Train
Manufacturer: Dedicated
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Feel The Difference
Culture Proof
The First
House Burned Down
Misgivings
Temp-Agency Blues
Envious
Let me Keep Looking
Last Lives
No One Should Have No One

Amazon.com

There's really only two good reasons for low fidelity (lo-fi) recording: financial constraints or the combination of intimacy and immediacy that four (or eight) tracks can give an artist. Long River Train's Sean Thompson, who recorded Arguments for Drinking in producer Bob Smith's NYC apartment, offers another reason: "Marshall stacks are, historically, lease-breakers." Thompson's sublime Arguments sounds like an unplugged Varnaline with a Nebraska-era Springsteen tinge (fitting, as all three members of Varnaline guest here, though never all on the same song). Thompson's lyrics remain pointed throughout; "Envious" is notable for "I remember drinking New Year's morning/yeah, I really lost control/well that won't happen this year/they moved me up to Tegratol." The rest of the album chronicles relationships with a sensitivity that transcends recording technique. "The First" is a tale of understanding from a guy who's just found a picture of his girl's last boyfriend, while "Misgivings" explores the temptation of trying to turn a platonic relationship into something more. --Randy Silver

Customer Reviews:

Sean Thompson.......2007-07-12

Even though this CD was produced 10 years ago, I find the current music by Sean Thompson as excellent as ever. His current CD's "Burma" and "Surrogates" are fabulous and deserve to be heard. Visit his web page at MySpace.com/seanthompsonmusic and you will agree with me.

Songwriter times a thousand.......2000-03-20

Does anybody like poetry, or actually being able to understand what someone is talking about-perhaps you may even enjoy being able to hear the words to a song..if so, this baby is for you.

Average customer rating:

Sean Thompson

Infernal Heart
Long River Train
Manufacturer: Dedicated
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000003RSE
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

Good For Nothing
Little Pieces Of The Sun
Waiting To Crumble
Are You Blind
The Hurting Kind
Paint With Colors
Melt The Ice
All Tied Up
Wood
Prophet Omega
It Starts With You

Customer Reviews:

Sean Thompson.......2007-07-12

I have had the pleasure of meeting Sean Thompson in person and am an impassioned listener to his music. Although this CD was produced 10 years ago, I find myself a fan and have also purchased his new independently produced CD's "Burma" (2006) and "Surrogates" (2007). Mr. Thompson is a unique talent and deserves being heard.

Average customer rating:

Awful!
Great CD!
FANTASTIC CD!
Another wonderful album for bonding with young ones!

Mommy and Me: More Playgroup Favorites
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Sing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Children's Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mommy and Me: Playgroup Favorites
Mommy & Me - Playgroup Favorites
Mommy & Me - More Playgroup Favorites
Fun with Mommy and Me: More Than 300 Together-Time Activities for You and Your Child, Birth to Age Five
Preschool Songs

ASIN: B00012QMUE
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

Mommy & Me
Shake My Hand (Hello Song)
If You're Happy And You Know It
Old MacDonald Had A Farm
Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
The Farmer In The Dell
The Mexican Hat Dance
Ta Ra Ra Boom De Ay
Ring Around The Rosie
London Bridge
Where Is Thumbkin
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Take My Hand (Goodbye Song)
Mommy & Me (Jazz version)
Take My Hand (Goodbye Song - Instrumental version featuring Tom Scott)
Take My Hand (Goodbye Song - Jazz Version)
- 31. Instrumental Versions Only

Amazon.com

More Playgroup Favorites piles on a second batch of predictable songs--nothing you won't find on any preschool compilation--the main difference being that they're sandwiched between a solid five tracks of Mommy & Me-specific songs. "Shake My Hand (Hello Song)" and "Take My Hand (Goodbye Song)," call to mind snuggly together time for moms and tots across the country, and this CD capitalizes on their lovey-dovey devotion to the weekly groups that make interacting (goofing around on the floor and clapping out simple rhythms together) mandatory. Nothing wrong with that--some parents will even salute themselves for extending the enriching environment to their living room rugs. But this kind of fun, can grow formulaic fast, despite the performers' best stabs at loopiness. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Awful!.......2007-03-19

The writers have taken classic songs and added really poor quality lyrics:
Ride ride ride your bike
Down the busy street
Isn't it surprising
All the kangaroos you meet

Awful!

The song segments are terribly edited: the moms' mouths don't sync with the soundtrack at all. The cartoon segments are cheesy and poorly animated. The belching kangaroo only adds to the nausea I get when my wife plays this video.

To be fair, my daughter really enjoys it. But she also enjoys Sesame Street and Disney stuff. Don't waste your time.

Great CD!.......2006-03-24

My son has this one and the Playgroup Favorites, and he loves both (and has since he was an infant). The songs are catchy and not too annoying for the grown-ups. Really keeps him entertained! Highly recommend buying.

FANTASTIC CD!.......2004-02-21

My daughter, Emily and I are having the BEST time in the car since we've been listening to "Mommy and Me, More Playgroup Favorites." Now when we get in the car, Emily immediately yells out: "MOMMY ME!" which means, crank up the tunes mom! Once the CD starts playing, Emily recites all the words to the songs, which I was very surprised to hear. The original songs like "Mommy & Me," "Shake My Hand," and "Take My Hand," written by Marty Panzer, are quickly becoming cherished favorites in our family. Panzer has also written fresh new lyrics to classics like, "If You're Happy And You Know It," " Head Shoulders Knees and Toes," and "Row Row Row Your Boat," among others. It's shocking that this wonderful CD has replaced the Wiggles as my daughter's new favorite obsession! Even my husband hums the tunes to himself when we get in the car for a family outing. Thank you for bringing such wonderful music into our lives!

Stephanie Berk, mom of Emily, 21 months

Another wonderful album for bonding with young ones!.......2004-02-20

More Playgroup Favorites is another great album to play while spending bonding time with your baby and young ones! Check out the first album- Playgroup Favorites, too! Both feature sophisticated and modern arrangements of classic childhood tunes, produced by an award-winning team, including jazz versions of well-known favorites. Both CDs are PERFECT for playgroups, playdates, parties, and at-home fun. Not only is the music sensational, but parents cherish the time they spend with their young children, and they welcome tools like these CDs to help them make the most of the experience.

Average customer rating:

Got to have it
Churning out the hits!
Just hanging out & jamming
Beautiful Beth
GREAT!

Best Bit EP
Beth Orton
Manufacturer: Dedicated
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Trailer Park
Daybreaker
Central Reservation
The Other Side of Daybreak
Comfort of Strangers (with Bonus Disc)

ASIN: B00000677U
Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

Best Bit
Skimming Stones
Dolphins
Lean On Me
Touch Me With Your Love

Amazon.com

Best Bit isn't the revelation its predecessor, Trailer Park, was. With that eye-opening debut, Beth Orton was marked as an uncommonly promising newcomer. Best Bit represents a rest stop between records. That said, the five-song EP is of value, if for no other reason than it unites the Londoner with American folk-soul stylist Terry Callier, who duets with Orton on his own "Lean on Me," as well as a cover of Fred Neil's "Dolphins." The title track provides another highlight; just as with the strongest tracks on Trailer Park, Orton here reinforces the notion that she's the long-sought offspring of such rich-voiced '60s thrushes as Bobbie Gentry, Jackie DeShannon, and Dusty Springfield. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Got to have it.......2002-11-12

I've never written a review on Amazon before, although I am a frequent shopper, but this cd is incredible. If you never heard of beth orton or terry callier, who cares? Give it a try. The music is so moving, you won't be able to stop listening to it. Trust me on this one.

Churning out the hits!.......2002-11-02

I have been a Beth Head for about four months now and have bought up almost everything I can find by Ms. Orton. The song Best Bit is an obvious reference to her mother, whose passing apparantly has affected her music in every way. The second song, Skimming Stones is probably the only cut on this EP which could be considered as filler. It, however, is quite infectuous in its own right. The two collaborations with American folk singer Terry Callier are outright fantastic! Callier's voice on Dolphins is strong and controlled and Beth just follows along nicely with him. Lean on me is a powerful tune that some day will become a folksinging legend. All this leads us to the final cut on this short but great album; Touch Me With Your Love is a re-recording of a song from Beth's first album, Trailer Park. The song is no nonsense music. Beth Orton at her best with just vocals and guitar. If I had to play one song by Beth to someone who had never heard of her, that would be the one. I would recommend this EP to anyone who is fond of folk music with a lot of soul. Beth's music just keeps getting better and better.

Just hanging out & jamming.......2002-03-08

This collaborative work with the great Terry Callier was an interlude following "Trailer Park", while "Central Reservation" was still gestating. Callier is an icon in folk circles, and Orton celebrates his influence in the "Trailer Park" liner notes. Small wonder, then, that she seems to be having so much fun jamming with him on this release.

Though Orton includes some original tunes on this EP, the middle cuts are the centerpiece. Here, Orton shares vocals and guitar duties with Callier. The result is a burlap collaboration of sweet guitars and plain-jane harmonies. They sound for all the world like they're hanging out in the living room, having a blast. We are lucky enough to watch and listen. The "best bit" is their rendition of Fred Neill's "Dolphins", which I've only ever heard another cover of, that by Linda Ronstadt on the Stone Poneys' "Hand Sown, Home Grown" album. Orton and Callier let the lyrics carry them and they follow along with wonderfully open results.

A common criticism of Orton is that her vocals tend to reediness or wander off-key. Whilst I don't hear the off-key bit much at all, I think the reedy quality to some of her vocals adds to her essential appeal as a "folk" singer. We have become so exposed to slick, highly produced music we seem to forget that most music is organic, hand-made and tends to be messy. The squeak of fingers changing chords, the trail of a note on a last gasp of breath, the sharp inhalation between phrases or notes -- this is the stuff of music. The "rough edges" on these tunes are their beauty. Enjoy!

Beautiful Beth.......2002-03-01

This brief bit of Beth Orton's magic really cannot be missed. Each of the five offerings is, in my opinion, "amazing" (in the words of another reviewer). But possibly the best track is "Lean On Me," written by Beth, of course, and sung with her jazz buddy Terry Callier.

This short but infinitely sweet EP is a must for any Orton fan, and a good introduction to her voice and talents. I never tire of it. Ever. Which is about the highest compliment I can give. Order it yourself and find out!

GREAT!.......2000-05-12

This is a must for all Beth Orton fans. All the songs are absolutely great (excluding the slow dragging 'Dolphins') and Terry Callier's duet with Beth on 'Lean on Me' is amazing. Buy this or be sad.

Music:

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