Rendezvous

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Throughout Cassandra Wilson's career, jazz critics have been presuming to tell her what to do. Instead, she maintains her own impressive balance among jazz standards, other popular songs, and originals, and among a "jazz" approach, a guitar-based country blues spareness, and art-pop inspired by one of her greatest influences, Joni Mitchell. Here she reminds us that she can bring tremendous freshness to standards. Star pianist Jacky Terrasson makes it almost easy for her. His standout contribution, though, is a tinkling, decidedly late-autumnal solo "Autumn Leaves." Bassist Lonnie Plaxico and percussionist Mino Cinelu contribute impressively on a trap-setless disc, on such numbers as a sad-soul "Tea for Two," and a slowed, bluesy rendition of "Tennessee Waltz." --Peter Monaghan

Tracks:

Main Title - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
I Whistle A Happy Tune - Marni Nixon/Rex Thompson
My Lord And Master - Rita Moreno
The March Of The Siamese Children - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Anna And The Royal Wives - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Hello, Young Lovers - Marni Nixon
A Puzzlement - Yul Brynner
Getting To Know You - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
Garden Rendezvous - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
We Kiss In A Shadow - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
I Have Dreamed - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
Something Wonderful - Terry Saunders
Prayer To Buddha - Yul Brynner
Waltz Of Anna And Sir Edward - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
The Small House Of Uncle Thomas - Rita Moreno
Song Of The King - Yul Brynner/Marni Nixon
Shall We Dance? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon/Yul Brynner
The Letter - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Something Wonderful (Finale) - Chorus/Alfred Newman
Overture (LP Version) - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman

Amazon.com essential recording

Compared with the Broadway cast recording, the 1956 soundtrack to the film version of The King and I wins hands down. Yul Brynner is the king (literally and figuratively) in both formats (how could anyone else own such a role?), but the movie's score has better sonics, Brynner's voice is stronger, and the tunes are more memorable (thanks to Alfred Newman's conducting and Ken Darby's scoring) than on any of the various cast recordings. Marni Nixon sings the role of Anna (played onscreen by Deborah Kerr), Brynner delivers his hallmark performance, and the best-loved tunes--"Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You," and "I Whistle a Happy Tune" are the versions we'll always remember. A classic. --James Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

FINALLY, KEER AND NIXON BOTH SING.......2007-05-26

WHAT A COMPLETE JOY TO HEAR MARNI NIXON AND
DEBORAH KERR BOTH SING. TRULY A COLLECTORS
ITEM WITH ALL THE NOSTALGIA, OUTSHINES ALL
OTHER ATTEMPTS TO RE-MASTER THIS MAGNIFICANT
MUSIC.

The King and I--a distinguished, beautiful score laced with tenderness and sorrow.......2007-04-08

The King And I soundtrack is presented magnificently on this excellent 76 minute CD. This CD offers us much music and vocals that were cut from the film as well as material that never made it to the record album release of the soundtrack back in 1956. We get stunning performances by giants including Yul Brynner, Terry Saunders and Marni Nixon. This CD is so complete and generous with it's treatment of the soundtrack that it must be considered as the definitive soundtrack edition of the music from The King And I.

The CD starts off with the music for the "main title" of the film; and this also serves as an appetizer to whet out appetites for what's to come. "I Whistle A Happy Tune" gives us Marni Nixon singing the vocals for Deborah Kerr; the melody is infectiously catchy; this song is one of the highlights of the CD. "My Lord And Master," performed by Leona Gordon who sang the vocals for Rita Moreno, is another masterpiece with a softness to it that belies the pain Rita's character Tuptim feels because she is separated from her one true love. "The March Of The Siamese Children" is performed by the 20th Century Fox Orchestra to perfection without a single superfluous note; the melody infuses this number with an Asian flavor as well.

Other gems on this CD--and that would, quite honestly, include every single track--include "Hello, Young Lovers" sung by Marni Nixon as Deborah Kerr's character Anna Leonowens laments a love gone awry back in England; the touching and heartrending "We Kiss In A Shadow;" Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang performing "Something Wonderful" with exceptional sensitivity and "Shall We Dance?" which is performed by Deborah Kerr, Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. As you listen to numbers like "Shall We Dance?" that calls for Anna, played by Deborah Kerr, to speak and then sing, you will have a hard time discerning where Deborah Kerr leaves off speaking and Marni Nixon starts singing. It's THAT good.

As long as I include the words "Something Wonderful" when writing this review I must add that the extras you get are stupendous. As I stated above, the CD boasts much that the record album soundtrack never included. Indeed, we get music that didn't even make it to the final cut of the movie! I loved the beautiful and sensitive rendition of "The Small House Of Uncle Thomas" which was previously unreleased and "Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You" is a marvelous song--cut from the final edited edition of the film--that highlights Anna's contempt for the King's backward ways.

The CD package offers more still. Along with the CD comes a generous 32 page booklet with an extensive essay by Charles L. Granata that tells the history of both the stage play and the making of the stage play into a major motion picture at Fox. In addition, you get the song credits and there are rarely seen photographs as well.

The quality of the sound shines like solid gold. These performances reflect great sensitivity to the emotions each character felt. It is a special treat to listen to Yul Brynner's songs; he infuses each song and even every word with just the right emotions so that the listener experiences exactly what his character feels at every turn.

This CD is one of the very few that truly remind me of the old MGM logo which boasted of having "more stars than there are in the heavens." Indeed, five stars are nowhere near enough for this treasure. I highly recommend this CD for people who truly loved and appreciated The King And I both in its several onstage productions as well as on the big screen; and fans of show tunes will delight in this CD soundtrack with its' diamonds scattered broadly in all directions.

A fine King and I soundtrack reissue.......2007-02-10

Of the three recent EMI-Angel R&H film soundtrack reissues, I find that this reissue of the King & I soundtrack is the best-executed. The King and I shows a new maturing of the R&H element and this superb 1956 film adaptation more than certainly does it justice. The superb soundtrack presented here includes the complete score, along with some of Alfred Newman's underscoring, and boasts splendid performances by Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. And of course the orchestra is sumptuous and properly lush, enveloping us in sweltering renditions of some of Rodgers' most heartfelt melodies.

I won't reiterate the critic-proof performances here. Other reviewers have covered them elsewhere. Nixon as a voice-dubber is in her element as Anna, and portrays her characterfully. Brynner is in his element as the King, as firm, commanding and authoritative as we've always known him to be. This performance shows him at his best, ripe, fresh and mature. Leona Gordon and Reuben Fuentes shine as the star-crossed lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha, bringing a melancholic quality to their brief numbers. It's really a treat to hear their renditions of the omitted songs My Lord and Master and I Have Dreamed. Rita Moreno as the real Tuptim acquits herself well when narrating the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet sequence, presented for the first time on an official soundtrack recording. It's good to also hear Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang, in a heartfelt, humane and imploring rendition of Something Wonderful, and she is the icing on the cake of this superb soundtrack recording.

This EMI-Angel R&H soundtrack offers an extra benefit in addition to the extra musical sequences. Unlike the companion CDs of Oklahoma and Carousel, it presents the extra material from the original unmixed studio vault masters, except for the Prayer to Buddha and the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet. This means that this reissue is blessedly free of the extraneous sound effects that plague the Oklahoma and Carousel CDs. I know that the sound effects and little snippets of dialogue drown out the music, but at least these reissues are a start in presenting comprehensive R&H soundtracks worthy of their films. What a pity that none of these R&H soundtrack reissues aren't 2-CD sets, otherwise we would have been able to hear the underscore.

In short, this is a superb presentation of a fine R&H film soundtrack.

great album.......2006-07-15

Great songs for kids to learn to sing along, instead of bubble gum fluff.

a classic.......2006-06-05

A true musical theater classic. Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Other classics not to forget about are:
Mary Poppins
My Fair Lady
The Wizard of Oz
Chitty Chitty Bang Band
The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Sound of Music
Oliver
West Side Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Singing in the Rain
The Wiz
Little Mermaid
Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Grease
The King and I
Oklahoma
The Music Man
South Pacific

My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals!

Forever, for Always, for Luther II (Dig)

Average customer rating:

This is a wonderful cd by far.
ALL THAT AND SOME!!
Forever, for Always, for Luther II
...for Luther II
Forever, For Always, For Luther II

Forever, for Always, for Luther II (Dig)
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000JBXN4K
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

"Give Me The Reason" featuring Kirk Whalum
"So Amazing" featuring Patti Austin
"For You To Love" featuring Jeff Lorber
"If This World Were Mine" featuring Gerald Albright
"Glow Of Love" featuring Wayman Tisdale
"There's Nothing Better Than Love" featuring Maysa & Kevin Whalum
"Til My Baby Comes Home" featuring Norman Brown & Everette Harp
"The Night I Fell In Love" featuring Najee
"Don't Want To Be A Fool" featuring Jonathan Butler
"Superstar" featuring Will Downing

Customer Reviews:

This is a wonderful cd by far........2007-06-08

I am glad that you had it . I enjoyed listening to it.
signed David Haskins

ALL THAT AND SOME!!.......2007-05-21

I absolutely LOVE THIS.......It is ALL THAT I hoped for! What a FABULOUS TRIBUTE to LUTHER!!!!!!!!

Forever, for Always, for Luther II.......2007-05-12

I wanted to purchase this cd when it first came out but I procastinated and I was sorry because it is an excellent cd. I especially love all of the jazz rendentions of Luther's compositions. I listen to this cd almost every day. I loved Luther singing the songs and now I love listening to the music.

...for Luther II.......2007-03-11

I loved it. Anything by Luther Vandross, and particularly by these musicians, is wonderful and soothing to the soul. Thank God he left us so much of his music.

Forever, For Always, For Luther II.......2007-03-09

I was alright. Not as good as the first.

Average customer rating:

Sorely Disappointed!
Could have been better.
Austin may have just found her niche!
Gershwin done right!
She is a swinger!

Avant Gershwin
Patti Austin
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Forever, for Always, for Luther II (Dig)
We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song
Surrender

ASIN: B000IOM0UQ
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

Medley: Overture/Gershwin Medley
I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise
Who Cares
Funny Face
Medley: Love Walked In/Love Is Sweeping The Country
Swanee
Porgy & Bess Medley
Lady Be Good

Amazon.com

In this decade of twin musical obsessions--for fond revisits to classic American composers and for all things '80s--it's a wonder Patti Austin hasn't stolen the show with a Great American Songbook set sooner. Her '80s duets--"How Do You Keep the Music Playing" and "Baby Come to Me" among them--remain indelible, and she's already proved she's a worthy interpreter with 2002's justly praised For Ella. Plus, her voice on Avant Gershwin, rich and to the rafters, suggests she's been ready to give this material a spin for decades. From the first moments of "I Got Rhythm," part of the opening "Overture/Gershwin Medley," Austin swings through these songs with the ease and exuberance of a born showman; you can practically see her onstage in a slinky evening gown, arms outstretched, head back, eyes squeezed shut, surges of electric sound all around her. Her "Porgy & Bess Medley" benefits from a manufactured breeziness that suits "A Woman Is a Sometime Thing" and "Summertime" especially well, and her "Swanee" saunters closer to modern sensibilities by replacing the "mammy" of the original with a simple "momma." In addition to Austin's energy, the spirit of jazz gives these numbers juice. The WDR Big Band, which Austin has worked with previously, comes at a tune with a blend of boisterousness and sophistication, and Austin has a way of melting right in. She convincingly makes a case that she may have been born a bit late, but she was made to sing these songs. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Sorely Disappointed!.......2007-06-27

I think Patti Austin is one of the great talents of our time. However, this offering is terribly disappointing. For me, Gershwin is an icon, and I have heard Ms. Austin render Gershwin before (with Gregory Hines at the Hollywood Bowl). At that venue, she soared, and gave fresh meaning to the words and music of the Gershwins. At that time, I longed to have her do a complete album of Gershwin standards. Sometimes, what one wishes for can be a disaster. Such is the case with this album. The music is compromised by the overly "creative" jazz interpretations, and as a result, the lyrics are equally compromised. The Gershwins were genius. Why do some musicians believe they can "improve" upon that brilliance, simply because George and Ira are not here to challenge such sordid interpretations of their creations? Ms. Austin is lost in the shuffle, and her talent is rendered, for this listener, useless. Wouldn't it be nice if Austin has stayed with the script and done the Gershwins justice? This offering?...and injustice to Austin, George and Ira Gershwin, and to aficionados of the standards. Better luck next time, if there is one.

Could have been better........2007-06-16

Given that it's Patti Austin it's not unfair to expect a lot. Unfortunately, she misses the mark here. As expected there is nothing technically wrong with the album, it's just that the arrangements are lackluster, and the song pairings don't really work.

Incredible voice though.

Austin may have just found her niche!.......2007-06-10

A performer for over thirty years, Patti Austin has done it all: pop, R & B, a little gospel, standards, and even a highly sought after jingle singer. It wasn't until 2002's Grammy-worthy "For Ella" that it appeared that the singer was now getting recognition for her singular vocal style as she paid tribute on that album to one of jazz's greats, Ella Fitzgerald.

Now, five years later, Austin takes on the music of the Ira and George Gershwin, who along with Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, were possibly the greatest songwriters of all time, not just the twentieth century. Backed by a full band and recorded live last year in Germany, Austin lets it all out as she interprets songs that will stand the test of time long after the current chart-toppers have turned to dust.

Austin's vocal instrument is so flexible that she is able to be poignant yet sassy, seductive yet saintly, trashy yet classy, and provocative yet conservative.

She can do it all and really pours it on thick with the opening twelve-minute long "Gershwin Medley" and the equally impressive "Porgy and Bess Medley." Even the remaining songs are lustrous and provide a venue for one of the great songstresses of the last and this century.

Austin is just hitting her prime and, besides her singing, she has a new look, having shed some pounds and getting a makeover.

When one looks at the singer, glamorously decked out and coiffed on the back cover, one can only exclaim, "D**N! She looks just as good as she sounds."

Gershwin done right!.......2007-06-09

I've been a fan of Patti Austin's magnificent voice since the time she was doing great songs in the pop/R&B vein like "Baby Come to Me." Since she released the fantastic "For Ella" - and now this one - I am in love all over again.

Using the Gershwin songbook as a springboard, Patti and the amazing WDR Big Band/Orchestra (under Michael Abene's brilliant direction) compliment each other all the way. I loved the unique approach taken by both vocalist and arranger, and the live audience recording was right on the mark!

Patti, the music was amazing - and so were the photos!

She is a swinger!.......2007-06-03

I'm a great fan of Patti... I don't like very much swing and live but I had to buy her new album! I prefer the old albums, but I admit I've never heard Patti singing so good.

Average customer rating:

What Michael Franks Would Sound Like in a Coma
Michael Franks comes through again
Musical poetry in motion.
Vintage Michael
Michael Franks: The Erudite, Ageless Flower Child

Rendezvous in Rio
Michael Franks
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FFL36K
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

Under the Sun
Rendezvous in Rio
The Cool School
Samba do Soho
The Critics Are Never Kind
Scatsville
The Chemistry of Love
Hearing Take Five
The Question Is Why
Songbirds

Amazon.com

As one of the prime movers in that select sub-group of white folk-pop singers who have found a home in Brazilian style (Kenny Rankin is a "similar urban AOR rival," to quote a customer review), contemporary jazz artist Michael Franks has aged pretty well--if not all that gracefully. As a guy who resorts to couplets like "The clothes on my back/Are too Pasternak," he probably shouldn't be waxing philosophical about how "feeble" and "pedantic" critics are ("The Critics Are Never Kind," a musical-derived number on which Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Degas commiserate). Franks also makes music his subject too often for his own good, celebrating "The Cool School" in self-congratulatory fashion and the first time he heard "Take Five"--he says Dave Brubeck's beloved version, though his use of bleating smooth jazz saxist Eric Marienthal to evoke the great Paul Desmond makes you wonder. But his vocals are breezy and intimate, and the instrumental settings provided by a cast including guitarist Chuck Loeb and keyboardist David Sancious are attractive without being too slick. Fans whose "inner harmony always turns blue in the end" won't be able to resist the wistful pull of the songs. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

What Michael Franks Would Sound Like in a Coma.......2007-06-01

Let me start off by saying that I am a *big* fan of MF's older work. I found the music in this portion of his career to be characterize by pretty good music, upbeat and not derivative, framed by lyrics that were thoughtful, insightful, and eloquent. So, I thought I would listen to what he's done recently. I was very disappointed with this album. The good lyrics were gone (with the exception of a few good phrases like the Rodan analogy in "Chemistry of Love"). The music also had changed (the closest to his "old style" is perhaps "The Question is Why") Franks has always had a type of phrasing where there are distinctive gaps in time, but in this album you *notice* it. The arrangements make the song seemed disjointed and it's as if Franks is having to pull each individual phrase out of his mouth. The net effect is that the song has a wooden, rather than a natural flow. (and this by the way is the motivation for the "coma" reference in the tile of my review.) Overall, I got the impression that the quirky ways of Michael Franks are either gone or dried up. On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't be surprised. The thing that I loved about Michael Frank's work was his love songs. Maybe with age, the viewpoint of an artist changes, and his songs don't focus quite so much in the same way on love.

Michael Franks comes through again .......2007-04-06

In typical Michael Franks style, this CD is a brilliant mix of both his
whimsical and smooth tracks. As a huge Michael Franks fan, often, I am skeptical of a new CD, that it may not live up to CDs past, but this one definitely does.
His opening tune "Under the Sun" is one of my favorites, giving the feeling of being on a tropical island, light, with great rhythm.
Track number seven, "The Chemistry of Love" is another great alluring love song done in the way only Michael Franks can deliver. And, track number five, "The Critics are never kind" is a clever tune with an additional male singer.
I think this is a must have to add to your Michael Franks collection.

Musical poetry in motion........2007-03-14

My love of Michael Franks and Brazilian rhythms has never been in jeopardy. The thought of Michael merging his sublime style with this beautiful bossa sound was something that I was seriously looking forward to hearing. This is indeed a marriage made in heaven, and a pairing that I hope will be showcased more often than not in the future. His admiration for the late, great Antonio Carlos Jobim, and his touching 1995 album, "Abandoned Garden" flirted with all things Latin, and it is here where he has definitively rendezvoused in Rio.
Michael may be a little greyer in the hair department but his sheer presence diminishes not one jot. Vocally and lyrically Michael has not skipped a beat; he is as sound today as a performer as he was back in the mid-1970s and is equally as important as far as being fully ensconced in the current music scene. To me, Michael is a poet of our time if not also a genius. As has been stated elsewhere, Michael cannot simply say, "I Love You". His philosophy is more ethereal than this as his vocal journey in getting there. It is a lyrical fountain using the most beautiful, whimsical, inspirational and novel of words, phrases and visions. I love this CD : it is a seriously fine album of gentle melodies, lyrical warmth and delivered with the passion and expertise of a master who knows his craft. Any doubters out there will do no better than listen to the opening song, "Under The Sun". Simply glorious and so spot-on if you ever have been sick of cold winters, rain and all the snow. One for those who suffer with SAD syndrome! LOL! The gentle sashaying bossa, the plucking acoustic guitar, and percussive undercurrent serve well as a backdrop to Michael's wistful, thoughtful and gentle vocal. A livelier approach is taken on the excellent titled song, complete with Latin percussion and whistles; this is so typical of a Franks' groove and as such is essential.Echoes of his "Abandoned Garden" album can be heard on the beautiful "The Cool School" which is extremely laid back and jazzy and almost fits into a more lively dinner mode. Chuck Loeb is unmistakable in his performance and excels, as we would only expect. "Samba Do Soho" is a seriously irresistible mover and is helped to sparkle with the support of vocalist Pamela Driggs and flautist Chris Hunter. Perfect accompaniment for the lovely climes this ragged old Isle is experiencing at the moment! If you really want an intelligent tune to get your teeth into, then look no further than the pointed "The Critics Are Never Kind". Do they know, he muses, what it's like to get high on sweet inspiration? I bet the answer to that is a resounding `no' for the majority. I hope Michael finds this particular reviewer kind and understanding at least.
Today music is a throwaway commodity aimed at the young. True art, longevity and beauty is missed on a lot of people, but like the old Tabu label creed has it, "the world has music for those who listen". Take a listen to this artist, this album and see where it takes you. It should transport you to warmer climes, poetic places and warmer feelings. From a thinly veiled swipe at those who deem themselves in a position to judge we move onto more traditional territory with the pure whimsy of "Scatsville". Jeff Lorber is evident here on production, and Gary Meek and Michael White eagerly deliver their musical talents to good effect.
I could continue my praise for this set ad infinitum but suffice to say that along with all the talented musicians and executive producer John Rozenberg, Michael has delivered one of the best albums for some time. I really and truly hope to hear more like this, and whatever Michael deigns to give us I will be happy to embrace it with open ears and open arms.
A must-have CD

Vintage Michael.......2007-03-03

This is his best work since Sleeping Gypsy. Because of Michael I've been to Brazil and many other places of which he has written and sang about. He is my favorite artist of all time and this is very close to edging out Sleeping Gypsy as my favorite CD of all time. This CD will make "casual" Frank's people go buy everything he's ever made and they will not be dissappointed. He's the man and this CD is nothing short of greatness. My young daughters of 8 and 11 ask me to play the CD immediately when we get into the car.

Michael Franks: The Erudite, Ageless Flower Child.......2007-02-14

It is amazing that Michael Franks literally belies age. On this wonderful CD his soothing and hypnotic vocals and elaborate musical compositions are as good as ever. He mixes songs of love, loss, yearning and remembrance. "Under The Sun", "The Cool School" and "The Critics Are Never Kind" are superlative songs. The closing song "Songbirds" is a poignant, evocative and contemplative marvel. Many of the last songs on Franks' CDS are the zenith of the recordings. For that matter if he released a CD comprised of the final song on all his CDs it would be incredibly dynamic. Franks is a multitalented and eclectic artist. At heart Michael Franks is a cerebral Flower Child aptly based in Woodstock. He supports humane organizations including PETA, Hearts United For Animals and Farm Sanctuary. It's great to know that an immensely talented and brilliant recording artist also has a heart of gold.

Average customer rating:

Husband Loved CD
GreatSport
DID NOT RECEIVE CD
Tisdale rocks
It's Wayman

Way Up!
Wayman Tisdale
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FNNHT8
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

Let's Do It Again
Get Down On It
Shape Of Your Heart
Conversation Piece
If You Want Me To Stay
Sweet Dreams
It's A Good Day
Tell It Like It Tis
My Son (A Song For Bubba)
Way Up
Sunday's Best

Customer Reviews:

Husband Loved CD.......2007-05-22

My husband loved the CD and I will be returning again for his music interest.

GreatSport.......2007-03-14

Absolutely marvelous! Who would've thought that he could come from the sports world and go on to conquer the music world? This is a must-listen piece of work!

DID NOT RECEIVE CD.......2007-02-21

105-7887739-9595640 DID NOT RECEIVE CD\
PLEASE SEND CD OR REFUND MONEY.

Tisdale rocks.......2007-02-19

What can I say -- Wyman knows how to bring on the sounds. This is a wonderful soundtrack. If you ever get the chance you MUST see him live!!!! What a performer!

It's Wayman.......2006-11-23

Wayman Tisdale is an excellent bass player and his latest release is worth having it. The guest appearances are also good. The only "negative" aspect is that track 9 "song for buba" is a copy of "gabrielle" from his first album Power Forward.

Average customer rating:

Like father, like son !!
Smoothjazz.com Review
Strong Jazz Mix
Pleasant enough pop-jazz . . .
Now...Here This!

Now
Kyle Eastwood
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000HEZF3G
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Now
I Can't Remember
Leave It
September Nights
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Let's Play
Nasty Girl
Eastern Promise
Ballad-Song For Ruth
How Y'all Doin'

Customer Reviews:

Like father, like son !!.......2007-03-10

Second album for Candid from the electric bassist making a splash in a contemporary fusion vein.
While this 38-year-old bassist's famous father is a true legend of the silver screen, it's less widely known that Clint is a very big jazz fan. Hence jazz has been an important part of Kyle Eastwood's life from an early age.

On "Now", his second for Candid, Kyle Eastwood takes his cues from jazz funk and a contemporary ambient-clubland version of jazz that's propelled by drummer Ralph Salmins' biting grooves.
Yet improvisation plays a vital part too: note BBC Jazz Award 'Rising Star' pianist Andrew McCormack's funky Herbie-type licks, and a tiptop horn section of UK saxophonist Dave O'Higgins and trumpeter Graeme Flowers.
Ben Cullum (elder brother of Jamie) sings three songs co-written with Eastwood, while Michael Stevens lends some breezy soul vocals to a haunting rendition of Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic".
Eastwood's mellow yet funky electric bass underlines it all.
So cool and unruffled.
Like father like son.
My favourites tracks are : " I Can't Remember", "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" and "Song For Ruth".

Smoothjazz.com Review.......2007-02-16

France's #1 Jazz artist releases NOW... a HOT new project from bassist Kyle Eastwood. NOW offers a cool twist of genre jumping selections that swirl a post-modern jazz sensibility with a hip Euro electronica lounge vibe. This sophisticated album also features a rich smattering of tasty vocals on cleverly written songs sung and penned in part by Ben Cullum (brother of singer Jamie Cullum). The merge between the sonic environments is done with grace and ease and makes for a captivating experience. Eastwood has been flirting with acid jazz, beats & bass and progressive jazz for years, however until NOW he hasn't quite landed smack dab in the middle of the money. The influences of this project have combined to create a collection of songs that are appealing to listeners on so many levels and from diverse backgrounds. Jazz enthusiasts will find the depth, Smooth Jazz fans will find the funk, after-party loungers will find the chill, and pop fans will find the vocals... those incredibly infectious vocals. And people say that the music industry isn't exciting anymore. Really... Eastwood proves hands down that passion will prevail when you get outside the box. Having grown up in a jazz culture here on the Monterey Peninsula, the prolific musician has managed to harness his jazz upbringing while allowing his Euro surroundings to infuse his music. (Kyle and his family reside in Paris.) Like father like son, the Eastwoods have been collaborating with their art forms over the years, in fact, Kyle composed the film score for Clint's Oscar-nominated LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA. Don't wait, NOW is the one to download next. Go!~SANDY SHORE

Strong Jazz Mix.......2007-02-04

Kyle Eastwood's "Now" is an interesting hybrid of style. The title track is the most successful with its addictive chugging rhythms of Manu Katche on drums and co-writer Michael Stevens pounding out the pearly whites on piano. This track blazes out of the speakers and repeats in my stereo incessantly. "I Can't Remember" with Ben Cullum's wispy vocals makes you want to tap your toe and exclaim, "Shooby doo." Eastwood's bass shines on "Leave It," throbbing sensually under Cullum's air-thin vocals. "September Nights" assumes a bit of a techno fusion feel with Michael Stevens' keyboards shimmering. "Nasty Girl" laces funk rhythm with melodic trills in a mostly satisfying blend. While I tend to skip over "Eastern Promise," the set ends on a high note with "How Y'all Doin'" & features Graeme Flowers' trumpet. While nothing quite satisfies like "Now," the CD is a strong jazz mix. Enjoy!

Pleasant enough pop-jazz . . ........2006-11-21

. . . even if he's trying too hard.

This strikes me as a classic case of the whole being less than the sum of its parts. For example, there are many fine musicians associated with this disc, but several of them, primarily Dave O'higgins (sax) and Manu Katche (drums), seem rather hopelessly under utilized.

A second problem is what kind of disc does Kyle Eastwood want to make in his sophmore release--jazz or pop? Thus, there's a not very attractive schizophrenia operating here: popish vocals cheek-by-jowl with genuine jazz moves. The result? Too often a hodge-podge, a jumble, a jackalope--and everyone's the loser.

Memo to Kyle Eastwood: Quit the genre-bending and stick to jazz or pop. I think you'll be be better off artistically in the end.

3 1/2 ***

Now...Here This!.......2006-10-24

I purchased this album the day after it was released and went to see Kyle Eastwood in Santa Cruz, CA shortly after. I've been a jazz fan for 30 + years and was pleasantly surprised by this effort. Eastwood teamed up with some talented guys, mostly from Europe, and composed some killer tunes that are both contemporary and retrospective; the former refers to a minimalist hip-hop essence of percussion style and the latter to the funk/jazz fusion genre of horns represented by trumpet and sax.

Eastwood deftly handles the bass and offers a glimpse into the transcendent and ethereal universe of jazz. Michael Stevens shows off his veteran chops on guitar and vocals for "I Can't Remember" and some interesting melodic turns on the cover tune "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic". In concert, Graeme Flowers literally blows the audience away with his staccato trumpet riffs.

All in all, this album is great for commutes and quiet evenings with a glass or two of fine wine.

Rendezvous Lounge, Vol. 2 compiled by DJ Mark Gorbulew

Average customer rating:

Rendezvous Lounge Vol 2
Excellent
High Expectations Unrealized...
sophisticated overall jazz feel
Love this Rendezvous Lounge CD

Rendezvous Lounge, Vol. 2 compiled by DJ Mark Gorbulew
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Chillounge
Mesmerising
Lost Sunset Lounge
Vintage Chill, Vol. 1: Spring
Fjord Fusioneer

ASIN: B000CR76T4
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Tracks:

Lazybatusu - Endless Road
Afterlife - Shine
Tassel & Naturel (ft. DJ Cam) - Drivin'
Scott Yahney - Flotation
Riccardo Eberspacher - Sand
Adani & Wolf (ft. Praful) -Where Would I Be/Sem Seu Amor
David Stellmach - Spring Lake
Camiel - El Alba
Marc Antoine - Can You Feel It
Mark Gorbulew - Manhattan Groove
Praful - Wishful Walk
Patrick L. - Florida Vibes
Montefiori Cocktail - Gipsy Woman

Customer Reviews:

Rendezvous Lounge Vol 2.......2007-05-15

I simply enjoyed the European styled fusion-jazz format. It was a worthy purchase and look forward to more of Mark Gorbulew's work in the future.

Excellent.......2007-03-12

I love this CD the music is melodic with an slightly up tempo beat. Its relaxing but doesn't put you to sleep.

High Expectations Unrealized..........2006-11-12

This is a fair cd. The problem is it is not as good as the first Rendevous Lounge. Round one was a classic with great cut after great cut. Round 2 has good cuts but in my mind none stands out or has a must have quality. As is often the case with movie sequels this cd doesn't compare. However it is not bad as passive background music.

sophisticated overall jazz feel.......2006-04-03

This is a great CD. Each performance has quality song writing, musical voicings and performances. The selections are varied, but related in style and 'energy' so there is great flow.

It is not like some albums which just sample other records and artists, the songs sound Fresh and original. It is also not like 'trance' which repeats one sound/bar/phrase ad nauseum. The selections are varied, but related in style and 'energy' so there is great flow.

Overall, the selections have a sophisticated smooth, brazillian or NY jazz feel. Lots of talent on this CD!

I enjoy this music while walking, working on the computer, doing light chores with my headphones on, or just listening. Great Brunch music on a Sunday morning too!

Love this Rendezvous Lounge CD.......2006-03-23

We previously bought Rendezvous Lounge I and really enjoyed it. It's a little more techno and eclectic. "Lounge II," is more mellow and polished and we love it.

Average customer rating:

Craftsmanship at its Finest!
Fantastic blend
A musical masterpiece!
Superb!
Destined to become a classic

Body and Soul Sessions
Philippe Saisse Trio
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Playin' Favorites
My Favorite Songs
Ultrablue
Soul Express
X

ASIN: B000EQHX9Q
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

Do It Again
September
Lady Madonna
Harley Davidson
Lovely Day
Fire And Rain
Constant Rain (Chove Chuva)
Dolphin
Comment Te Dire Adieu
Body And Soul
We're All Alone
If I Ever Lose This Heaven

Customer Reviews:

Craftsmanship at its Finest!.......2007-03-19

I have hundreds of CDs, and dozens of cool jazz, but ONE favorite--"Body and Soul Sessions"! The craftsmanship these three players exhibit on this album is of the highest caliber, and if you listen to just three tracks, "Do It Again", "September", and "Lovely Day", you will find all of the inspiration you need for a day! Philippe's inspired playing of both acoustic AND Fender Rhodes pianos illustrates the reason he is a much sought after session player; David Finck's acoustic bass performances comprise a study in precision and artisanship, and almost excruciatingly perfect playing; Scoota Warner's flexibility, and his ability to adapt to wherever the others take the song, makes him a more than worthy complement to their musicality (my favorite phrase of the entire album is the final few measures of "September", where Philippe breaks into a Latin flavor, and Scoota switches from the rim of the snare drum to full snare; that sound adds so much to what the other two are playing that it is almost a percussionist's "triumph".

Please try this album; if you love cool jazz, you will find something you like!

Fantastic blend.......2007-01-05

This CD is a fantastic blend of Classic and Smooth Jazz. If you like Ramsey Lewis you'll love this CD.

A musical masterpiece!.......2006-08-25

A truly top class album topped-off by the first track "do it again" - for me one of the best smooth jazz tracks I have ever heard.

An absolute must for any contemporary jazz fans across the world

Superb!.......2006-05-31

This is a magnificent jazz CD, both artistically and technically. I have been a Philippe fan for about 5 years, with this being the third of his albums that I've purchased. I have always admired his eclectic blend of songs on each CD. This one is a bit more consistent, yet is remarkably fresh, with incredible phase shifts within some of the songs--a Philippe trademark in my opinion.

Don't let the "Trio" moniker fool you--the efforts on this CD skillfully punch out contemporary grooves, without betraying the trio instrumentation!! I was playing it in the car (by the way, sounds veerry nice on my Mark Levinson system), and I even caught my adolescent son bobbing his head and tapping his feet while listening to it.

I could rave on all day, but this CD is better experienced than discussed. You won't be disappointed!

Destined to become a classic.......2006-04-25

I first heard Do It Again as I was driving in Orange Co., California. It was played by on-air personality Dave Koz. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. IMHO this track is destined to be a jazz classic. This was the best jazz track I have heard in a LONG time. The PS Trio plays with a joyful exuberance that we haven't heard since the late great Vince Guaraldi. These guys sound as if they are having a blast playing - which of course they are. Every track is a treat. Sharp, clean, and precise on each of the 12 songs. If you appeciate great jazz played by extremely talented musicians then this CD is for you.

The Rocketeer: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

A Music Score Benchmark
Good sound, but themes are redundant
Heroic images
Excellent Score! One of Horner's best.
The Rocketeer: Another great James Horner score

The Rocketeer: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Hollywood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Rocketeer
Willow (Soundtrack)
Hook: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Dragonheart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Jurassic Park: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B000000OAW
Release Date: 1996-03-12

Tracks:

Main Title/Takeoff
The Flying Circus
Jenny
Begin The Beguine
Neville Sinclair's House
Jenny's Rescue
Rendezvous At Griffith Park Observatory
When Your Lover Has Gone
The Zeppelin
Rocketeer To The Rescue/End Title

Customer Reviews:

A Music Score Benchmark.......2006-07-15

This soundtrack is one of my continuing favorites. I tell you that for film scores, this one sets the bar pretty high. Since this soundtrack was released, I have personally used this one as the benchmark test for any new stereo equipment I have purchased. The spectrum of sound included, in the second track in particular, will test the speakers of a new sound system better than many test disks that I've seen. The sound is able to pull you into your mental review of the film more effectively than most other soundtracks out there, with certain exceptions of course. This soundtrack is overall that which many scores fail to be, a musical painting of the film, not just filler music. This is a memorable disk for a memorable film.

Good sound, but themes are redundant.......2005-08-06

I enjoy this CD very much. The music has a sweeping charm and romantisicm to it. My only problem is that this score pretty much consists of two themes, the Rocketeer Theme and Jenny's theme, played over and over again. There's nothing wrong with the two themes, on the contrary they are both very enjoyable, but the CD simply needs more variety.

On a different note, the Cole Porter songs are wonderful for anyone who enjoys his music, and the singer has a sultry voice that's perfect for the selection.

Heroic images.......2004-10-16

Superman and Batman two heroes who get all the movies, toys, cartoons, etc... however with the Rocketeer we can start a new trend. Th Music by Horner fits right in with Superman by Mr. Williams and surpasses Mr. Elfman's work in Batman. on my Mix for heroes I included the Rocketeer as a tune for the golden Age Green lantern The Current GL has the Last Starfighter The Rocketeer is a thrilling adventure of the likes we just dont see any more The Music by Mr. Horner frames it and matches the spirit of it all so perfectly. you could have the worst day of your life and yet feel like a million bucks after listening to this sweeping score!

Excellent Score! One of Horner's best........2004-10-09

Since he wrote the score for Braveheart and won an Oscar for Titanic, James Horner has been among the most disappointing of film composers. His works have been highly derivative and this often makes the listener deride the composer for his lack of so-called talent. The Rocketeer proves te depth of Mr. Horner's talent. It's sweeping melodic main theme is a perfect counterpoint to the theme of flight running throughout the movie. His love theme is a classic old fashioned melody that perfectly fits with the movie and his use of the piano to subtly bring out the movie is totally fantastic. The Rocketeer is among the best of James Horner's works and is one of his most enjoyable scores. His work is truly a masterpiece. While the movie's special effects may seem dated, Horner's score is immortal and shows just how beautiful his music is when he writes original music.

The Rocketeer: Another great James Horner score.......2003-08-02

After "Krull" this is my favourite James Horner score. The main theme is brilliant and there is a good balance between action music and slow music. Some tracks contain the "suspense/bass motif" from "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan". Horner uses this motif often in his work, I like that.
My favourite track is "The Flying Circus", a fantastic action cue. (The bass-trombone is great!!)
The track "Jenny" is very beautiful, and one of Horner's best love-themes ever.
There are also two jazzy songs on the album. I think they are very good.
If you are a fan of James Horner, or you like Star Trek II, you might enjoy this cd very much.

Average customer rating:

perfect score for a perfect movie
Pleasant "ethnic" melodies
Third Man & Other Original Records
The first man of the zither
This is the one you're looking for.

Third Man & Other Original Recordings
Anton Karas
Manufacturer: Jasmine Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Very Best of Anton Karas
The Third Man
The Third Man (50th Anniversary Edition) - Criterion Collection
Austrian Zither
Vienna, City of Dreams

ASIN: B00006J9M2
Release Date: 2004-04-05

Tracks:

Third Man Theme (The Harry Lime Theme) (Original Version)
Anton Karas Second Theme
Cafe Mozart Waltz (Original Version)
Carol Theme
That Dear Old Song (Original Version)
Rendezvous Waltz (Previously Unissued)
Farewell To Vienna (Previously Unissued)
Alt Wiener Tanz In C-Dur
Visions Of Vienna
Danube Dreams
Anton Karas Medley Pt. 1
Anton Karas Medley Pt. 2
Im In The Middle Of A Riddle (V. Kay Arment)
Where Do I Go From You? (V. Kay Armen)
Zither Rhythm Of Anton Karas
Vienna, Women And Song (Later Version)
Cherry Stones
Wo Grunes Kranzel Hangt
Silent Night, Holy Night
Vienna, City Of My Dreams
Vienna, Women And Song (Original Version)
Third Man Theme (Later Version)
Cafe Mozart Waltz (Later Version)
That Dear Old Song (Later Version)
Wenn Der Herrgott Net Will / The Third Man Theme (Brief Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

perfect score for a perfect movie.......2007-02-19

Carol Reed's veteran cinematographer Robert Krasker's quirky angles under Reed's direction perfectly framed the ready-made-for-an-art designer bombed out shadows and stark, isolated street lights of post-war Vienna and its underworld. Unique to cinema history the whole score (but for some canned incidental cafe music) was just the brilliant zither playing of Anton Karas, adding his nuances to every dramatic transition. Krasker won an Oscar, and Karas was nominated.

The "Third Man Theme" (also known as the "Harry Lime Theme") is alternately brittle, jaunty, bittersweet, romantic, wry, and even sardonic piece of music--which fits the mood of the story and the film perfectly -- that, once heard, can't be forgotten.

The "Third Man Theme" turned Anton Karas into a wealthy man after 28 years of toiling in obscurity an relative poverty in Vienna.

One night, Carol Reed was passing by a wine tavern where growers offer their own wines for sale directly, and heard Anton Karas's playing in the background. Reed had never heard a zither before and found the sound to be attractive. He approached Karas and persuaded him to play for him at his hotel, and made a recording, which Reed brought back to the studio to test. He liked the effect when the zither's sound was placed against the recorded dialogue and, ignoring the protests of many around him, hired Karas and brought him to London for 12 weeks.

Anton Karas screened the movie hundreds of times, devising music for each scene. The Third Man ended up with a vast amount of music, scored in virtually every scene of its 104 minutes. Ironically, the piece that became known as the "Third Man Theme" was something that Anton Karas had written two decades earlier and hadn't played in over 15 years. As he later explained to Reed, playing the zither for a whole night for tips was hard work, and one tended to play the easiest pieces the most often, to save the fingers.

Other zither players never got it to sound just right. The truth was that as recorded for the movie, "The Third Man Theme" was one of the first practical examples of overdubbing on a hit record, rivaling Les Paul's work--Anton Karas had gotten just the right effect working underneath Reed's kitchen table, and had gotten the piece just right by recording and mixing more than one zither part.

The Third Man was finished and prepared for release, and Reed and the production company, London Films, tried to raise interest in it through the music. None of the record companies, however, was interested in recording Karas or releasing the "Third Man Theme." The music was too strange and different, and although British movies had produced some soundtrack successes in the past, those were usually more conventional light classical pieces, not a jangly piece of music played on a central European folk instrument.

Pleasant "ethnic" melodies.......2007-01-22

The tunes on this disc have a nice, comforting sound. Some of the selections are haunting, some have a peasant-liveliness. Nothing great or revolutionary, but plain good zither music, very enjoyable.

Third Man & Other Original Records.......2006-11-10

We bought it for a friend. They loved it.

The first man of the zither.......2006-03-10

The CD didn't sound as good as the movie sound track. Ity sounded a bit rushed as if the sampling during the transfer was not sufficient

This is the one you're looking for........2004-04-26

You've been looking for the original version of the music in "The Third Man", right? Every other CD on the market wouldn't work for you. But lucky for you, this is the one! Don't go wrong.

Music:

Music

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