American Heroes

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Jonathan Sprout's cool name isn't the only thing school-age kids appreciate about this guitar-toting, frequently touring troubadour. For one thing, he has a great singing voice, and he pairs it with contemporary-sounding, unkiddified music. His 1996 award-winning American Heroes strings together folksy guitar lines, a smidgen of smooth R&B, a few handfuls of pop and rock, and a rhyme style teetering on the edge of hip-hop in a happy, nonjarring hodgepodge. But what's most impressive about Sprout on this release is his mission: after catching wind of a survey showing that most kids list athletes and cartoon characters as their heroes, he set out to spread the word on some other legendary folks. In inspiring and sometimes funny song-sketches, he relates the adventures of Thomas Edison, Sacajawea, George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Franklin, Clara Barton, and Abraham Lincoln. In addition to planting the seed for more substantial heroes, of course, Sprout's also lending levity to some important history lessons here. American Heroes, then, should be shared with anyone who's feeling a little directionless, and it'll also come in handy for those whose social-studies grades are on the slide. --Tammy La Gorce

From the Artist
In early 1994 I learned of a survey in which children throughout the United States were asked to name their heroes. The top-10 list was full of present day professional athletes and cartoon characters. This is my response -- a collection of songs about real heroes whose lives exemplified character traits of honesty, compassion, courage, perseverance, responsibility and charity. I hope the songs will inspire you to learn more about these remarkable people.

Album Description
A collection of original pop/folk/rock songs for children ages 5 - 12, and their families, this NAPPA GOLD and PARENTS' CHOICE award-winning CD has received favorable reviews from The Los Angeles Times, Family Fun Magazine, Sesame Street Parents Magazine and numerous additional publications.

The music is consistently aired nation-wide on children's radio shows.

American Heroes

American Heroes, Music, Jonathan Sprout, Children's, Children's Pop
American Journey - Winter Olympics 2002
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Perfectly Williams
  • Inspiring soundtrack that is vintage John Williams
  • Very impressive stuff
  • Essential for the John Williams lover
  • Really makes you feel proud
 American Journey - Winter Olympics 2002
John Williams
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Summon the Heroes
  2. By Request: The Best Of John Williams And The Boston Pops Orchestra
  3. Unity: The Official Athens 2004 Olympic Games Album
  4. John Williams - Greatest Hits 1969 - 1999
  5. Harmony: The Official Athens 2004 Olympic Games Classical Album

ASIN: B00005UN9G
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

  1. Call Of The Champions (The Official Theme Of The 2002 Olympic Winter Games)
  2. American Journey: Immigration and Building
  3. American Journey: The Country at War
  4. American Journey: Popular Entertainment
  5. American Journey: Sports and Celebrities
  6. American Journey: Civil Rights and The Woman's Movement
  7. American Journey: Technology and Flight
  8. Song for World Peace
  9. Jubilee 350
  10. The Mission Theme (Theme for NBC News)
  11. For New York (Variations on Themes of Leonard Bernstein)
  12. Sound The Bells!
  13. Hymn To New England
  14. Celebrate Discovery
  15. Summon The Heroes

Amazon.com

Anchored by his Mormon Tabernacle-charged "Call of Champions" (theme of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games) and the sweeping, emotionally rich six-part title suite (originally written for Washington, D.C.'s millennium celebrations and appearing here for the first time as a complete concert piece), this rousing, unabashedly patriotic collection from John Williams seems doubly timely, given America's hunger for comforting affirmation. Those who criticize the scale of Williams's music for its lack of irony will find little here to dissuade them, save perhaps "For New York," his deft, surprisingly low-key arrangement of appropriate Leonard Bernstein themes, and the comparatively subdued harmonic/melodic sophistication of "Song for World Peace." But this is largely music of ceremony and celebration--its scale and frequently martial rhythms are a direct function of purpose and intent. The collection's notes foster the notion of Williams as America's contemporary Sousa, but that's a comparison that sells the composer woefully short. Even "Sound the Bells," a piece written for the Japanese royal wedding, eschews any efforts at ethnic "authenticity," paying its tribute in distinctly American terms. "The Mission Theme" (from NBC News) and the Coplandesque bonus track "Summon the Heroes" (from the 1996 Olympics) further underscore the iconic intent of Williams's work. Chiding this collection for lack of subtlety is like complaining that fireworks are too spectacular. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Perfectly Williams.......2006-02-25

If you want a combination of John Williams at his best and the original olympic spirit, this is a must! The album starts off with the olympic theme from the Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games and continues with the opening ceremony music. It's wonderful how Williams composes the music to describe the American evolution and history.

If you like the more fanfare-like Williams type of music and want to listen to a great album with great compositions I recommend this album to you! It really deserves 5 out of 5 stars!

5 out of 5 stars Inspiring soundtrack that is vintage John Williams.......2006-01-15

I really enjoyed American Journey, as well as the other pieces John Williams composed for the 2002 Winter Olympics. When listened to all the way through, American Journey is a powerful tribute to the pioneers and explorers of America. Of the other pieces, my favorite was the Mission Theme, which features the well-known theme from NBC news with some excellent variations. The two main fanfares (Call of the Champions - 2002 Olympics, Summon the Heroes - 2000 Olympics) are the highlights of the CD, and unlike most people I actually thought Call of the Champions was better. I especially liked Williams' use of the choir and timpani in this piece.
I would recommend this CD to anyone whether they are a fan of John Williams or not.

5 out of 5 stars Very impressive stuff.......2005-04-28

This really was one of William's best compositions and the performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was inspired as well. I think when people recall these Olympics, the sounds of "Call of the Champions" provides a very memorable musical image of the games. The Boston Pops Orchestra does an impressive job as well in this very attractive CD. Wonderful music from a memorable Olympic experience.

5 out of 5 stars Essential for the John Williams lover.......2003-05-11

This is not my favorite John Williams CD, because I love his film scores, and the way they are arranged and built. However, this is John Williams performing his classical and ceremonial music, and with that in mind, this is an excellent CD. The "American Journey" suite is the strongest new material on the album - I say "new material" because the last track, Summon the Heroes (1996 Olympics) is one of John Williams's greatest, most energetic pieces. "American Journey" is filled with American patriotism, feeling, and excitement (my personal favorite is the Arts & Entertainment movement). With this CD and John Williams's other Olympic music, I believe he has redefined what American classical music is.

5 out of 5 stars Really makes you feel proud.......2003-02-02

John Williams scores again, proving he can do more than compose music for Superman and Star Wars. This disk is filled with simply wonderful patriotic music, upbeat, small-scale at times, always suited to the title.

It's a wonderful listen for anyone...just as fun to listen to as any other John Williams tunes like Superman and Star Wars; and this time it isn't specifically related to a movie!
Glass: Heroes Symphony; The Light
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Good, but not the most innovative to come from Glass
  • Don't waste your money
  • Glass energy is ordered and breathing
 Glass: Heroes Symphony; The Light

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. John Adams: Complete Piano Music
  2. Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig
  3. Philip Glass: The Concerto Project, Vol. 2
  4. Philip Glass: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3
  5. Notes on a Scandal: Original Soundtrack

ASIN: B000L42JAY
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

  1. The Light - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
  2. Heroes
  3. Abdulmajid
  4. Sense Of Doubt
  5. Sons Of The Silent Age
  6. Neukoln
  7. V2 Schneider

Amazon.com

Heroes was composed in 1996 as a set of ballet pieces for Twyla Tharp; each of the six movements was based on tunes by David Bowie and Brian Eno. Even outside of their obvious dance purposes, listeners will have plenty to keep them interested, since Glass's scoring for these pieces is colorful and ear-catching. Horns play a big part in the opening section; "Abdulmajid," has an Arabic tinge, featuring castanets and celesta; the heavy brass that opens "Sense of Doubt" gives way to some fine woodwind play, and so forth. Much of the work is in the familiar Glass style of repeated arpeggiated phrases, but the textures change constantly. The Light, from 1987, is supposedly a depiction of a scientific experiment confirming the speed of light, but the listener need not be concerned. It starts with a lovely if downhearted theme but picks up steam in a manner that may remind you of the composer's The Photographer, eventually reaching an almost tipsy level of frenzy. The performances by Marin Alsop and The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are ideal. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Good, but not the most innovative to come from Glass.......2007-05-13

I am not ashamed to say that I am a Philip Glass (b. 1936) fan and am usually quick to pick up new recordings of his works. When Glass is at his most inventive, his music has an irresistible momentum and is highly inventive, defying expectations given the limited amount of harmonic and melodic material employed. With that said, I think the two pieces contained on the present release, while good, are not among Glass' most interesting works.

The Light is a 24-minute orchestral work dating from 1987, supposedly influenced by a scientific experiment supporting that the speed of light is uniform. Overall, the piece is far more interesting than the physics theories on which it is based, but the limited musical material does not support its extended length. Glass' fingerprints are readily apparent here, with endless arpeggiations, three versus two contrasts, and (of course) the "Da daah da Da daah da" rhythmic motif with which the followers of Glass are surely familiar. So, in this regard, the previous reviewer is correct - if you own other Glass discs, you, more or less, have heard a better constructed version of this composition before.

I find Glass' Symphony No. 4, dating from 1996, to be a bit more intriguing. The symphony is known as the "Heroes Symphony" as the underlying musical material was taken from David Bowie's "Heroes" album - but I suspect most "classical" listeners will be unable to differentiate this work from Glass' non-rock inspired compositions. The six movements of this work (each one named after a song on the "Heroes" album) can be viewed independently or as part of a "self-sufficient musical work" - as the program notes phrase it. For me, I think the symphony works better when each movement is viewed independently. In my opinion, there are two fantastic movements within the symphony: (1) the "Heroes" movement, which gradually builds in intensity through the fascinating incorporation of dissonances, while maintaining the joyful mood established at the outset of the movement; and (2) the "Sense of Doubt" movement (those familiar with the original album will surely recognize the ominous descending figure here) which contains several tasty melancholy harmonic twists. The other four movements hold the listeners attention through their colorful orchestration (ex: pitched percussion, castanets, etc.) and rhythmic momentum, but, in my opinion, pale in comparison to the two movements I specifically mentioned above.

If you like Glass' style you will like this release; especially the symphony. Overall, I think this release is somewhere between four and five stars. I am rounding down in this case to differentiate this disc from other recent Glass releases which I absolutely loved; namely the recording of Glass' concertos by the Orange Mountain label (Philip Glass: The Concerto Project, Vol. 1, Philip Glass: The Concerto Project, Vol. 2). Although, I admit, this is a little unfair to Glass, as I am comparing his more recent, and evolved, compositions, to his previous ones, but I think others may agree.

So, in conclusion, if you are looking for something you have not heard from Glass before, you may be somewhat disappointed with this release. But, if you have already acquired Glass' concertos and are looking to fill a gap in your Glass symphony cycle, you should acquire this disc.

Recommended.

TT: 70:09

2 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money.......2007-05-07

I have many Phillip Glass CDs and this one was just a rehash of others.

5 out of 5 stars Glass energy is ordered and breathing.......2007-04-02

Heroes Symphony and The Light are written and performed with all that I have appreciated of Glass' music since I first heard the Philip Glass Ensemble in 1971. As with Handel, for example, parts of the symphonies are "taken from" previous works. These compositional liberties are not self-quoting, although they might be part of what a composer does to achieve an enormous life opus. They are welcome moments, such as when I am transported to a live performance of The Photographer in the midst of these much newer works.

I love this music and thank Glass and his collegues for it.
Heroes and Villains
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Why didnt this album make it big?
  • Paloalto is now Golden State!
  • They are ridiculously underrated
  • Love This Band
  • beautiful music
 Heroes and Villains
Paloalto
Manufacturer: American Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Paloalto
  2. Breathe
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ASIN: B00008KCP8
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

  1. The World Outside
  2. Fade Out/In
  3. Last Way Out Of Here
  4. Breathe In
  5. Going Going Gone
  6. Throwing Stones
  7. What You Are
  8. Bones
  9. Sleeping Citizens
  10. Hangman
  11. Always Running Home
  12. Seed

Amazon.com

Floating in on the last wings of Britpop, this Southern California band named after a Northern California college town (or singer James Grundler's nursery school, depending on who you ask) is out of time and out of step. Yet, they create some of the dreamiest pop to emerge on the U.S. side of the pond in recent years. Winsome, anguished, and brainy, paloalto conjures up the spirit of both Pink Floyd and Radiohead in their introspective epics of triumph and self-determination. Gorgeous, buzzing guitars, sleight-of-hand drumming, and extravagant instrumentation create a lush, swelling wall of sound from which Grundler's fragile voice emerges like a ghostly specter, chiseling out affirmations and grave pronouncements with a haunted gentility. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Why didnt this album make it big?.......2006-11-09

Im kinda behind on writing this, but Ive enjoyed this record so much. The guys voice is so pleasing to the ears, although kinf of grinding on some songs. Sleeping citizens is one of the best songs Ive heard in awhile. Simple but you can feel it so well. This is just a good rock album.

5 out of 5 stars Paloalto is now Golden State!.......2006-01-24

From the ashes of Paloalto rises a new band by the name of Golden State!
James Grundler, along with Andy Blunda, Tommy Black, Kirke Jan, and Todd Ogren are back in full force with their new unsigned "Splinter's Out E.P."

Visit their official site to get the lastest show dates and information:

Golden State
http://www.goldenstatetheband.com

5 out of 5 stars They are ridiculously underrated.......2006-01-13

They are now a new band, known as "golden state". Don't get confused, there is already a band out there known as golden state that is horrendous. These guys are the best below radar band I've come across in so long. I strongly recommend you go see them live, they are unabelievably talented...and talk about an unreal singing voice. I wish I could give these guys 6 stars. BUY THIS CD.

5 out of 5 stars Love This Band.......2005-11-12

I love Palo Alto and their songs. They are way better then Coldplay. They maybe lesser known then Coldplay but they are definitely better. I first heard Palo Alto on the Daredevil Soundtrack with the song Fade Out/In. It made me by this CD and as I listened to their songs I fell in love with their songs and their ability to create great music. Not boring music that makes you want to fall asleep like Coldplay in which all their songs sound the same, Palo Alto is able to make the difference between songs that makes them great musicians unlike Coldplay who plays the same things over and over.

5 out of 5 stars beautiful music.......2005-10-21

Sounds like coldplay and travis. I love this album.Standouts for me sleeping citizens.breath in. If you like coldplay & early 80's brit new wave Buy this album.
Bowie And Eno Meet Glass Heroes/Low Symphonies
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great reimagining of Bowie/Eno's music
 Bowie And Eno Meet Glass Heroes/Low Symphonies

Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Glassworks

ASIN: B0000AGWOC
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

  1. Heroes
  2. Abdulmajid
  3. Sense Of Doubt
  4. Sons Of The Silent Age
  5. Neukoln
  6. V2 Schneider

Tracks:

  1. Subterraneans
  2. Some Are
  3. Warszawa

Album Description

This two CD collection is a coupling of two of Philip Glass' most famous orchestral compositions, both based on the music of David Bowie & Brian Eno. Six tracks on the Heroes disc & 3 on the Low disc. Decca. 2003.

Album Details

This Two CD Collection is a Coupling of Two of Philip Glass' Most Famous Orchestral Compositions, "The Low Symphony" and "Heroes Symphony", Both Based on the Music of David Bowie and Brian Eno.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great reimagining of Bowie/Eno's music.......2006-04-01

This is not one of those "The String Quartet Tribute to..." albums. Bowie's music from some of his best albums (two of his Berlin trilogy) is re-processed by Philip Glass and given his trademarked minimalist/repetitive treatment.

For the most part, casual listeners will find almost impossible to recognize the source material, even after reading the titles. This is Philip Glass at his most accessible, but it's still Philip Glass: Bowie fans should try before they buy.
American Heroes
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Highly Recommend
  • I love his music
  • Jonathon Sprout's music makes me say WOW!
  • Educational and Touching.
  • This is the greatest CD!!!
 American Heroes

Manufacturer: Jonathan Sprout
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. More American Heroes
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ASIN: B00000A70D
Release Date: 1996-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Prologue
  2. The Light Went On
  3. Sacajawea
  4. Washington's Hat
  5. Martin
  6. Amelia
  7. Take A Ride
  8. Ben Franklin
  9. Angel of Mercy
  10. All Across The Land
  11. Heroes

Amazon.com

Jonathan Sprout's cool name isn't the only thing school-age kids appreciate about this guitar-toting, frequently touring troubadour. For one thing, he has a great singing voice, and he pairs it with contemporary-sounding, unkiddified music. His 1996 award-winning American Heroes strings together folksy guitar lines, a smidgen of smooth R&B, a few handfuls of pop and rock, and a rhyme style teetering on the edge of hip-hop in a happy, nonjarring hodgepodge. But what's most impressive about Sprout on this release is his mission: after catching wind of a survey showing that most kids list athletes and cartoon characters as their heroes, he set out to spread the word on some other legendary folks. In inspiring and sometimes funny song-sketches, he relates the adventures of Thomas Edison, Sacajawea, George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Franklin, Clara Barton, and Abraham Lincoln. In addition to planting the seed for more substantial heroes, of course, Sprout's also lending levity to some important history lessons here. American Heroes, then, should be shared with anyone who's feeling a little directionless, and it'll also come in handy for those whose social-studies grades are on the slide. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

A collection of original pop/folk/rock songs for children ages 5 - 12, and their families, this NAPPA GOLD and PARENTS' CHOICE award-winning CD has received favorable reviews from The Los Angeles Times, Family Fun Magazine, Sesame Street Parents Magazine and numerous additional publications.

The music is consistently aired nation-wide on children's radio shows.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend.......2007-07-04

Jonathan Sprout came to my children's school. They loved his music and learned so much. All the songs are based on US historical figures. It's a fun way to learn history.

5 out of 5 stars I love his music.......2005-02-11

Jonathon Sprout's music is not only something you learn from with the heros. You can love the music also. Jonathon Sprout's music is so inspiring. I love it!!!

5 out of 5 stars Jonathon Sprout's music makes me say WOW!.......2003-08-21

I cannot "sing enough praises" for both of Jonathon Sprout's albums about American Heroes. The songs TEACH you about these great Americans with wonderful lyrics and delightful tunes.
I used these CD's in my college classroom to help teach future elemetary teachers - and they fell in love with the music.
The songs make REAL HEROES come to life.
I know that any parent or teacher who introduces these songs to kids will have those young people hooked on heroes. Listen to the tunes and then please, make REAL HEROES part of your home and school.
Dr. Dennis Denenberg
co-author, 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet!

5 out of 5 stars Educational and Touching........2002-09-12

I bought this for my preschool son and my class of 1st graders. I love it and even listen to it without kids. The songs are well written. The instrumentation is high quality and very appealing. "Martin's Dream" is my favorite. The lyrics and music are powerful. "Heroes" is an appropriate and thoughtful song for honoring and recognizing heroes of the past and present. My least favorite is "Washington's Hat." It takes some creative liberties with the lyrics. The children love the catchiness of the tune, however. This would be great for all ages of children. The older children would get more from the lyrics and lessons. The younger children are at least exposed to some important people and events in our history. I highly recommend this CD. I can't wait to purchase the second one. Happy listening.

5 out of 5 stars This is the greatest CD!!!.......2001-06-22

I became a friend of Jonathon Sprout after he sang at my school. I have a lot of his CDs and tapes, and I think this one and More American Heros are his best. These CDs tell about heros who have done great things. I like learning the facts about the characters he sings about. If there were 10 stars, I'd give it that many. I listen to it over and over, and always love it.
LAGQ - Guitar Heroes (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • LAGQ Guitar Heroes by the LAGQ
  • A Guitar Grimoire for 6 string enthusiasts
 LAGQ - Guitar Heroes (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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  5. Slowhand

ASIN: B000294RMG
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

  1. Icarus
  2. B & B
  3. We Know You Know: Reverie For Mahavishnu
  4. Pluck, Strum And Hammer
  5. Letter From Home
  6. Uarekena
  7. Aire Para Un Dia (Mood For A Day)
  8. Gyspy Flower
  9. Pop
  10. El Baile De Luis Alonso
  11. Lament And Wake
  12. Let's Be Frank
  13. Blue Echo/Country Gentleman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars LAGQ Guitar Heroes by the LAGQ.......2005-03-24

This was the Grammy award winner in classical crossover for 2005. It is great if you appreciate the innovators in 20th century guitar music. Listen to The "Assad Duo" and a rock remedition of a Michael Hedges tribute" Lament and Wake which stand out. Both these songs got great reviews as arrangements by the newspaper critics. Get the multi channel version if you have a a top notch audio system with the speakers to show off the enginneering. If you just want "pretty" background music this is not an album for you.

4 out of 5 stars A Guitar Grimoire for 6 string enthusiasts.......2004-08-14

This is an exciting display of 6 string prowess that really isn't classical, yet will inevitably become a classic. It is an amazing tour de force worthy of the California Guitar Trio. The efforst here focus on composers and players who are heroes to this quartet, and it is a compendium of the best: McLaughlin, Hendrix, Metheny, Towner, Howe, Rheinhart. Each and every selection is brilliant whether they are essaying Norman Blake or Frank Zappa. York, Tennant, Kanengiser and Dearman command their instruments with power and discipline, and the finessse and passion leaps off the strings. The fretwork is a tribute to each of the heroes honored, and indeed this is truly an honouring of great fretmen. The digital encoding of the disc is such that you get a very precise definition of who is playing spacially from right to left. Very impressive, as you would expect from Telarc.
Their take on Towner's "Icarus" is both timely and quite a creative adjustment of the tempo. Steve Howe's "Mood For A Day" undergoes a makeover as a flamenco tour de force, and it actually comes off even more amazing than Howe's various re-workings of this abstemious wonder. At times, the compositions are those of the heroes, at others it is the LAGQ's composition evoking essential qualities of the personalities honoured. It works beautifully on all accounts. If you are a fan of acoustic guitars, or even of any of the guitarists honoured here, you owe it to yourself to pick this up.
LAGQ's Guitar Heroes
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • An Outstanding Hommage to the Greats of All-Styles of Guitar
  • LAGQ: "Decent"
  • Fails to translate into much pleasure for average listeners
  • I Should Have Known Better
  • Totally satisfying
 LAGQ's Guitar Heroes

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. L.A. Guitar Quartet: Evening In Granada

ASIN: B00020PVUC
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

  1. Icarus
  2. B & B
  3. We Know You Know: Reverie For Mahavishnu
  4. Pluck, Strum, And Hammer
  5. Letter From Home
  6. Uarekena
  7. Aire Para Un Dia (Mood For A Day)
  8. Gypsy Flower
  9. Pop
  10. El Baile De Luis Alonso
  11. Lament And Wake
  12. Let's Be Frank
  13. Blue Echo/Country Gentleman

Amazon.com

These guys are amazing. This CD is for everyone, regardless of "favorite" musical tastes. Classical, pop, new-age, country, whatever: the LAGQ's virtuosity is stunning, and the sounds they make are engaging, clear and clean (and aided by recording engineers who should win the Nobel Prize for recording, were there such a thing). Nominally, this CD is inspired by the heroes of the four members of LAGQ, but that's only a piece of information: What they do with music by, or indebted to, or inspired by their "heroes" is the issue, and it's never less than original, by turns lovely (the Pat Metheny piece), reckless and innovatively busy (Jimi Hendrix's "Pluck, Strum and Hammer"---with gorgeous harmonics), flamenco (Steve Howe's "Aire para un dia," totally re-conceived), and kitchen-sink (Frank Zappa's "Let's be Frank"). Even the infuriating John McLaughlin is well represented. The recording is vivid and the artists are identified from left to right, speaker-wise. And the Chet Atkins piece that closes the CD is nothing short of delicious. What is this uncategorizable CD? A joy---that's what. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Hommage to the Greats of All-Styles of Guitar.......2006-06-25

It goes without saying the the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is in fact the BEST performing guitar ensemble in the world right now. The quartet always impresses me with their variety, technique, musicianship, ensemble playing and innovation. The playing and material on this album reflects just that. The variety reflects many different styles: contemporary classical, rock, jazz, avant garde, new age, bluegrass, country and flamenco. The technique is spotless, the musicianship is incredibly fine tuned the group plays together perfectly and the selections are fresh, new and very interesting. It's a true treat to hear nylon stringed classical guitars playing tribute to their greats and the greats of their electric counterparts.

To talk about highlight tracks on this album just wouldn't be fair. There are too many. The cover of Ralph Towner's "Icarus" is exciting in its use of special guitar techniques, its Brazillian flavor and Andrew Yorks amazing improvised solo. The bouncy tribute to Norman Blake and David Bromberg is fun and incredibly enerjetic. The hommages to McLaughlin and Hendrix are provocative, strange and haunting. Following those two abrasive, dissonant cuts is a beautiful transcription of Pat Metheny's Letter from Home and Sergio Assad's very cool composition "Uarekena." The disc also features a flamenco reworking of Yes's "Mood for a Day," a tribute to gypsy great Django Reinhard, a Romeros quartet piece bubbling with Spanish flair, the extended technique ridden Michael Hedges tribute, an avant garde nod to Frank Zappa and a bouncy country influenced salute to Chet Atkins. Every cut is strong and is oozing with LAGQ perfection and nuance.

The other cool thing about this album is that it is mixed in stereo. The players are mixed across the speakers so that the arrangements can be aurally analyzed much easier. This album is a must have for any fan of the guitar... not just classical players.

4 out of 5 stars LAGQ: "Decent".......2006-02-21

Bought this album because I thought the last tune on it was very catchy. The rest of the album didn't seem so great, possibly because my girlfriend wouldn't shut up and listen to it. I am going to listen to it some more without her. It is all instrumental, all guitar, and just not bad.

2 out of 5 stars Fails to translate into much pleasure for average listeners .......2006-01-31

LAGQ's CD "Guitar Heroes" begins with their take on Ralph Towner's classic Icarus. This choice proves an apt one, for like this mythical Greek hero, LAGQ strives to accomplish something great and wonderful, but instead crashes to earth.

In fact, the CD begins with much promise, leading with the soaring cover of Icarus and the well-done homage to Blake and Bromberg "B&B." Then the McLaughlin and Hendrix tributes founder badly before the band achieves stability with a pair of unexciting but listenable tunes in honor of Pat Metheney and the Assad Duo (I always thought it was the other way around, Duo Assad).

A rather horrid homage to Steve Howe and a lackluster one for Django Reinhardt are countered by the brief but clever Duane York, a nice yoking together of slide and classical styles. The tip of the cap to Los Romeros is OK, but then the overlong, often irritating tributes to Michael Hedges and Frank Zappa do not add any luster to either of these late guitarists' legacies and set the CD on a terminal downward spiral.

The nice tribute to Chet Atkins that concludes this set is not enough to restore altitude and the whole effort essential crashes to earth.

No doubt the performers had a great time recording this CD for their grasp of technique and nuance proves solid. The problem is that the concept of "Guitar Heroes" fails to translate into much pleasure for average listeners like me.



2 out of 5 stars I Should Have Known Better.......2005-04-05

I'm a fan of Classical Guitar. I heard about this quartet and sought them out, buying "Guitar Heroes". I should have read the Amazon review more closely. If I had I would have earned these pieces are in a dissonant rock-style with little or no melodic form. A far cry from what I envisioned. I write this to warn other innocents who might be looking for melodic music in a classical style. I didn't read the review closely enough, but you should.

5 out of 5 stars Totally satisfying.......2004-12-12

I can't think of any recent collection of music that I enjoyed more than this album by the LAGQ. "Guitar Heroes" is amazing right from the beginning and never ceases right through the last track. The performances are solid, always musical and often mesmerizing. The songs and arrangements are impeccable and thoughtful, never pandering or taking the easy route to illuminating a particular guitar hero. After listening to this album, you want to hear more of the LAGQ, and also more from their "heroes". For that alone, this offering is a tremendous success.
Three Guys Naked From The Waist Down (1985 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Best Off Broadway Show
 Three Guys Naked From The Waist Down (1985 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Jerry Colker
Manufacturer: Jay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000005BGQ
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

  1. Overture-Promise Of Greatness
  2. Angey Guy/Lovely Day
  3. Don't Wanna Be No Superstar
  4. Operator
  5. Screaming Clocks (The Dummies Song)
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  11. What A Ride
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  13. A Father Now
  14. 'Three Guys Naked From The Waist Down' Theme
  15. Dreams Of Heaven (Reprise)
  16. I Don't Believe In Heroes Anymore
  17. Promise Of Greatness (Finale)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Best Off Broadway Show.......2001-03-14

This show is a blast! It's a very funny story about some comics trying to make it in the big leagues. The music is so entertaining and the guys are hilarious. If you like comedy, you'll love Three Guys.
Go Contrary, Go Sing ~ Heroes and Zeroes of the North American Underground
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Go Contrary, Go Sing ~ Heroes and Zeroes of the North American Underground

    Manufacturer: brooklyn records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD
    ASIN: B000FZVVQW

    Product Description

    Stripped Down, Acoustic, Simple, Ex Members (some current) of DOA, Dead Kennedys, The Pist, Iron Cross, Stiff Little Fingers, Dead Boys, Hudson Falcons, Roachenders and more
    American Pie
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Doesn't get much better then the Anti-Heroes!
    • All Amercian non racist Oi! at it's best!
    • My favorite Anti Heros album....
    • NON Racist American Oi! at its finest!
    • SKIN is in!
    		 American Pie
    Anti-Heroes
    Manufacturer: Taang Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000000EV8
    Release Date: 1997-03-28

    Tracks:

    1. The Tradition
    2. Carte Blanche For Chaos
    3. Heroes & Zeroes
    4. Fuck Hollywood
    5. Jennifer
    6. Rock And Roll Fantasy
    7. Return To Manzanar
    8. On The Streets Again
    9. Hurricane Bubba
    10. Jerry Was A Piece Of Shit (JWAPOS)
    11. Murder One
    12. I'm A Rock And Roll Nigger

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Doesn't get much better then the Anti-Heroes!.......2004-12-19

    Anti-Heroes have been my last baston for solid punk music for a few years now. The rest are eather dead or broke up years ago. Since they're a local Atlanta band catching one of their shows on the weekend was a common ritual.
    My best decription has always been, imagine Sam Kinison fronting a Oi! band. Mark has a voice that could tear through sheet metal. Thats a good thing btw. And i'll side with some of the less ignorant reviews here, they are NOT nazis and they are NOT racists. I've met black fans at their shows and they didn't catch any grief from anyone.
    That said, American Pie is a must have for anyone that is frustrated with the overabundence of pop-punk that is in the mainstream nowdays. And even those of you that can't live without your pop-punk, step up and check out a solid band that has a message without a pushy agenda.

    5 out of 5 stars All Amercian non racist Oi! at it's best!.......2004-10-18

    The Anti-Heroes are one of the greatest Oi! bands of all time and "Amercian Pie" is the best Anti-Heroes yet. The politically charged lyrics in songs like "Heros and Zeroes" and "Murder one" make this music rise above most of the crap put out by the mainstream today. I think its sad when people like Ox say that the the Anti-heroes are racist when they do not bother to understand the meaning of the song in the first place, Please do us all favor and stick to the libral, politically correct bands like "NOFX" and "Sum 41" and leave the Oi! to us.
    If you dig "Anti-Heroes" I recomend "Drop Kick Murphys" and "The Brusers"

    5 out of 5 stars My favorite Anti Heros album...........2003-10-16

    This isn't Maria Cabel by the way - it's her husband Cabel. Anyway, I've got all the AH stuff and they're one of my favorite bands. American Pie is my personal favorite AH album. More politically oriented than their previous efforts this one has several songs that qualify as anthems in my opinion. The Anti Heros are what the Dropkick Murphys can only dream of being - a real American punk band. FYI - they are in no way whatsoever racist. Forget the Dropkick Murphys - this is the real deal. Also pick up "Underneath The Undergound". Cabel

    5 out of 5 stars NON Racist American Oi! at its finest!.......2000-12-22

    Ox doesn't know what he's talking about. The Anti-Heros are among the finest Oi!/Streetpunk bands of the 90s, with an aggresive hardcore sound, and this is one of their best albums.

    Ox's "proof" that the Anti-Heros are racist by their lyrics are baseless. The song "Return to Manzannar" never mentions any race, let alone the Japanese Internment camps. The song is about a young man who grows up in a shallow and corrupted world of greed and hatred. The lyrics Ox posted to the song "Murder One" (people like you don't deserve to live free i think you'd look good hanging from a tree, no remorse, you dealt the spades. i hope you get raped in jail and die of AIDS) is what Mark Noah, the bands lead singer, wants the fate of three punks who brutally murderd a homeless Vietnam War Veteran to be. The song has nothing to do with racism of any kind. It has a lot do to with Justice though. Finally, "Rock N Roll Nigger" is a Patti Smith cover. When Patti did it, the song wasn't racist. Why is it suddenly Racist just because Anti-Heros cover it? At the end of the song, Mark Noah refers to each one of the band members as a "nigger." Yeah, sounds real racist to me. Same goes for "White Riot" which was a Clash song. The Clash were fans of Reggae music and played at numerous Rock Against Racism shows in London. That song is not Racist in the least, and the Anti-Heros cover is just the same. (On that note, if someone is going to condemn a band for naming their song "Rock N Roll Nigger" then the same condemnation should be given to John Lennon and Yoko Ono for their song "Woman is the Nigger of the World." Just try and call them a racist pair...)

    The fact is the Anti-Heros are a less then left wing band who are pro-American, anti-Communist, and very proud of their working-class southern roots. The band is among the oldest Oi!/Skinhead bands in the US and have never had anything to do with racism in their lyrics. They're just the greatest Hardcore Streetpunk bands in the American scene. Period.

    5 out of 5 stars SKIN is in!.......2000-11-02

    Anti-Heroes have been around for a long time. And they have always played the best "In your face" Streetpunk. They are opinionated and rude (But show me a skin or punk who is'nt), and they are NOT racist. They believe in American Pride and working class. A.H. play fast and agressive punk, Mark screams with vindication and the songs are inteligent. For some of their older stuff check out "Dont Tread on me"

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