Integrity Music's Scripture Memo

Track Listings

1. Praise Be to the God and Father

2. In Spirit and in Truth

3. I Will Praise You, O Lord

4. Sacrifice of Praise

5. Sweeter Than Honey

6. Save Us, O Lord

7. Praise the Lord All You Nations

8. For by Him

9. Great Is Your Love

10. In God We Make Our Boast

Tracks:

Overture/Prologue
Honey, Honey
Money, Money, Money
Thank You For The Music
Mamma Mia
Chiquitita
Dancing Queen
Lay All Your Love On Me
Super Trouper
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
The Name Of The Game
Voulez-Vous
Entr'acte
Under Attack
One Of Us
S.O.S.
Does Your Mother Know
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Our Last Summer
Slipping Through My Fingers
The Winner Takes It All
Take A Chance On Me
I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
I Have A Dream

Amazon.com

Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! manages to cram over 20 of the Swedish supergroup's songs into a threadbare plot. It goes a little like this: Young Sophie is getting married and she's trying to identify which of three men is her father. That's about it. Wisely, the musical doesn't mess around with the songs, save for the insertion of some dialogue or for having some of them performed by a man (it works amazingly well). Abba fans will jump on this import of the London production, but traditional fans of musical theater should consider it as well. After all, Andersson and Ulvaeus's songs have always felt as if they were more than isolated pop gems and actually belonged to a longer narrative. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Mamma Mia.......2007-03-22

I have not stopped playing this cd. It is just great! It makes any trip in my car most enjoyable Happy I bought it!

Mamma Mia Musical CD.......2007-03-21

This is a grand list of songs from the original musical when it was first introduced in England. The songs from ABBA are very recognizable even if you haven't seen the show. But, making a trip to NY to see the Broadway production is a plus. ENJOY!

JUST GREAT MUSIC.......2007-03-08

I RECENTLY SAW THE SHOW MAMMA MIA IN LAS VEGAS. ALWAYS LIKES THE MUSIC OF ABBA, AND THOUGH THE PLOT WAS THIN, THE MUSIC WAS WELL PERFORMED. IN THIS PARTICULAR ALBUM, THE ENGLISH ACCENTS WERE A BIT MUCH, BUT THE SONGS WERE GREAT. ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, ABBA.

Mamma Mia.......2007-01-29

Every time I hear the music and songs it brings back memories of seeing the Broadway Show

Not good at all.......2007-01-09

This is not what we wanted. The British accents throw it was off. We just saw it in NY and this is not what we were looking for.

Average customer rating:

ITALIAN LISTENER
Terrific!
So-So CD
This CD will put you to sleep
Mi piace davvero!

Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Italian Love Songs

ASIN: B000002WXS
Release Date: 1996-07-02

Tracks:

Mattinata - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Mala Femmena - Frankie Fanelli
Canto D'Amore - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Guaglione - Carlo Savina And His Orchestra
Lary Mary(Luna Mezza Mare) - Lou Monte
Anema E Core - Perry Como
Funiculi Funicula - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Soldi, Soldi, Soldi(From 'Boccaccio '70') - Sophia Loren
Santa Lucia - Gino Del Vescovo And His Mandolins
Hey Gumbaree(Bibadee Bobadee Bu) - Lou Monte
Come Back To Sorrento - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Volare(nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu) - Domenico Modugno
A Man Without Love(Quando M'Innamore) - Sergio Franchi
O Sole Mio - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Forget Domani(From 'The Yellow Rolls Royce') - Perry Como
Mama - Lou Monte
O Mio Bambino Caro - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Non Dimenticar(Don't Forget) - Lou Monte
Al Di La(From 'Rome Adventure') - Frankie Fanelli
Arrivederci Roma(Goodbye To Rome) - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

ITALIAN LISTENER.......2007-07-16

This was a great cd. it came on time and was as promised in good condition. I would recomend the seller again.

Terrific!.......2007-05-30

I bought this CD because I missed listening to the music my grandfather played. This CD brought back a flood of memories for me. Wonderful compilation of my favorite italian classics.

So-So CD.......2007-04-06

This is more cafe style but still worth listening to.
Great dinner background music.

This CD will put you to sleep.......2007-02-26

We bought this CD for our daughter's wedding. After reviewing it, we could have saved our money. The version of Funiculi sounded like the Salvation Army band and it was totally lifeless. Lou Monte's Hey Gumbaree (it is actually Eh Cumpare in Italian--that should have given it away) was awful, and he consistently butchers the Italian language in all his other songs (annoying, I mean, couldn't he have learned the right pronunciation?).

While Perry Como and others have melodic voices (and very wisely sing in English because they don't know Italian), these are '50s versions of the songs, for the most part. While you have to appreciate them, they are really old and reflect the '50s type of instrumention and style. Would have loved to have heard all these songs done in a fresh and original way. Soldi Soldi was our favorite by far, and that is why we gave the CD two stars.

Could have gone to the library for this one.

Thanks for letting me voice our opinion. We are a big Italian family and just spent hundreds of dollars buying every CD out there for our daughter's wedding and figured we would share our opinion with others.

Mi piace davvero!.......2007-02-20

This is a beautiful CD filled with the authentic sounds of Italy! Each track brings be back a little farther to the streets of Italy...Rome...Trevi Fountain...bellissimo!!!!

Average customer rating:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!
It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite
Love it- great for weddings
Stellar album
**Superb**

Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Appalachian Journey
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The Telluride Sessions

ASIN: B000002C0Y
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

The Green Groves of Erin - The Flowers Of Red Hill
Appalachia Waltz
Chief Sitting In The Rain
Mama
Butterfly's Day Out
Druid Fluid
First Impressions
Etienne Et Petunia
F.C.'s Jig
College Hornpipe
Pickles
Old Country Fairytale
Schizoozy
Star of the Country Down
Speed The Plow Medley
Fair Dancer Reel

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!.......2007-02-19

It's wonderful to hear three such talented musicians put together a collection of non-classical music on revered instruments. This is not "The Yo-yo Ma Show" with two other guys! The music is varied but the performances are great and -- in some cases, e.g. Appalachia Waltz -- fantastic. I was driving the first time I heard the title piece and immediately started sobbing and had to pull over; it was that beautiful! This would be a good CD choice for children to listen to, as it gives a fine exposure to the amazing sounds that the three instruments can make when in the right hands.

It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite.......2007-02-12

Yo-yo Ma has never been content to stick with the standard cello classics. Of course he has recorded the classics - the magnificent Bach Cello Suites (incredible and the visual DVD only enhances the effect), Vivaldi, Beethoven, Faure, Dvorak, etc. His evolution as an artist is an on-going process, thus there's Yo-Yo playing Tango (Astor Piazzolla), Yo-Yo playing Jazz (Claude Boling), Yo-yo playing Brazilian music or John Williams. And now we have the Apalachia Waltz, a beautiful, virtuoso and haunting piece.
I, too, found many of the sounds unique. For a real experience, listen in a darkened room with a pair of superior earphones - the things you pick up will shock. I literally turned my head several times, convinced that the artist was in the room.

As one reviewer noted, this is not supposed to be the rustic sound one might imagine or (the reverse) simply an intellectual exercise. The artist (with able assistance) seems to draw on some kind of inner reserve and literally pour his soul into his newest project. I, for one, applaud this widening of the boundaries between genres and hope that it continues.
Let's not forget the other artists, particularly Meyer. Many times the celebrity saps all the attention leaving a wake of sore feeling in their wake. Ma has always been one to give credit where credit is due and in this case it is due to those who ably assisted him. My grade - A

Love it- great for weddings.......2007-01-24

I used this and Appalachian Journey for my wedding music. I used Track 2 (Appalachian Waltz) as my entry music. The rest I just had playing on a cd player as background music while my guests were waiting on me. It was perfect for our outdoor Fall wedding. Hearing track 2 always brings the memory of our beautiful day flooding back.

Stellar album.......2006-11-10

This disc is top-notch in all respects. The playing is great by Ma and O'Conner for sure, but the bass work is awesome. Meyer is as good a player as there is in the world at the present time in my opinion. I am a cellist and bassist and find it difficult to believe that some of the things he does are possible. If you like top quality string playing, order this album today.

**Superb**.......2006-07-19

I absolutely love this album -- the music resonates with one's soul. Even if you don't have a cello fetish as I, you can't go wrong with this album. It offers a wonderful range from adagio to allegro.....A true musical feast. I especially enjoy Butterfly's Day Out and First Impressions. Dolce...

Average customer rating:

Classic Janis
Kozmic Blues Away
It grows on you...
Great!
Damn Good Music

I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again, Mama
Janis Joplin
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cheap Thrills
Pearl
Big Brother And The Holding Company
Live at Winterland '68
In Concert

ASIN: B00000K2VW
Release Date: 1999-08-31

Tracks:

Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)
Maybe
One Good Man
As Good As You've Been To This World
To Love Somebody
Kozmic Blues
Little Girl Blue
Work Me Lord
Dear Landlord (Session Outtake)
Summertime (Live At Woodstock)
Piece Of My Heart (Live At Woodstock)

Amazon.com

This underrated 1969 recording was Janis Joplin's first solo studio album after she left Big Brother & the Holding Company. One objection at the time of its release centered on the horn section, which Big Brother loyalists were determined to hate to death. Moreover, the aggregate of musicians backing Joplin--she named the band Kozmic Blues--never solidified as a group, even after earning a warm response on a European tour that spring. There was considerable turnover among the players pulled in for the sessions and considerable discontent as well. Producer Gabriel Mekler would have gladly dumped the band entirely. The best tracks on the album resulted from a single session in June 1969: a supremely delivered rendition of "One Good Man" (with the great Mike Bloomfield on guitar), and, above all, "Little Girl Blue." The Rodgers and Hart estates, however, absolutely loathed Joplin's version of the song, as did a gaggle of older musicians. Joplin changed the words somewhat and made a magnificent tearjerker out of a song that was first performed by Doris Day. This reissue fleshes out the original eight-song collection with a studio outtake of Bob Dylan's "Dear Landlord" and live versions of "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" from Joplin's Woodstock appearance. --Myra Friedman

Customer Reviews:

Classic Janis.......2007-05-19

This is one of the best, full Janis recordings. Blues, rock, soul, and her demented energy make this a great edition to anyone's collection.

Kozmic Blues Away.......2006-06-06

This is probably my all-time favorite album. To me this sounds like Janis Joplin, even if for various reasons she seemed to be most happy with her last album, Pearl. She wanted the horns for the album and she got them. The horns add a beautiful powerful melancholic feel to the album. There are artists, like Melissa Etheridge and Janis Joplin, who seem to be at their peak dealing with heart break and sorrows. I feel this album gets to the core of feelings better than any other album Janis worked on. My personal all-time favorite song can be found on this album. It's called Work Me Lord and it's written by the brilliant Nick Gravenites.

It grows on you..........2006-02-22

I had been warned before I purchased I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama! that it was a poor, unfocused album. But, as Janis recorded so little for us to remember her by, I couldn't justify not checking it out for myself - I figured if there were just one or two songs that were as good as those on Pearl, it was worth buying. I got home, popped Kozmic Blues into my CD player and listened to the whole thing, bonus tracks and all. And you know what? It isn't bad at all.

Okay, the horns do take a little getting used to, but "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)" is the perfect tune to lead the listener into the album. Other great tracks are present as well, especially "One Good Man," "Kozmic Blues," "Little Girl Blue," and "Work Me, Lord." That leaves three songs that drag a little - "Maybe" and "As Good as You've Been to This World" are okay, but the latter's intro sucks the momentum from the album, and "To Love Somebody" does not redeem it. The other songs from the original eight song album are good Janis - the final sequence, in particular, from "Kozmic Blues" to "Work Me, Lord" is excellent.

As for the bonus tracks...well, they're pretty rocky. "Dear Landlord" is a complete horn-laden revamp of the Dylan tune, but the brass just seem very out of place. The two Woodstock tracks are nice to have, but both "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" (especially the latter) don't match the Big Brother and the Holding Company versions Janis and the band unleashed with Cheap Thrills. The reed and horn opening to "Summertime" is the worst part on the entire album, though the rest of the song is okay. "Piece of My Heart" is unfortunately also drenched in horns, and the Kozmic Blues Band just isn't right for the song. However, Janis' little speech before "Piece of My Heart" is definitely worth hearing.

Had Janis Joplin recorded more music, it might be easier to dismiss I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, but only Pearl gives us a glimpse of what could've been. Admittedly, Pearl is the better album, and definitely the place to start listening to her. But after listening to that masterpiece and Big Brother and the Holding Company's Cheap Thrills, this album is definitely worth a listen.

Great!.......2005-12-21

This is one of my favorite albums of all-time, and I would like to say my favorite Janis Joplin album, but I can't choose between the others.
There are so many good songs on this album. Janis Joplin had a certain way of getting a song out. She was unlike anybody before her, and no matter how hard people try-they can't be her! She was one of a kind, and this album-like her others-is fantastic!

Damn Good Music.......2005-03-01

Wow. This is the type of music that takes you to another place, an amazing place. Janis's voice is incredible, the band is amazing. This is true blues, this is the definition of music. Talk about soul, she belts it out to a ridiculously amazing level.. I'm not a corporate executive music reviewer. I'm just a person, who likes what they heard. If you want to feel something, something real and undeniable, then listen to this album. Janis sings from her gut, from a place few artists today dare to go. Challenge yourself to go to a place that is unfamiliar, a place that will enhance you as a person. Thanks Janis...

Average customer rating:

Great item
GREAT SKILLETS
Buy this CD if you like swing!
The greatest recording of swing vocals from the cd era!!!
Exellent jazz vocals with a top notch swing combo

One Hour Mama
Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
Manufacturer: Fat Note
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005F55
Release Date: 1996-11-07

Tracks:

Oo Poppa Do
Blue Skies
New Blowtop Blues
What's The Matter With You
Squeeze Me
And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine
Going to Chicago Blues
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
Downhearted Blues
Walk Right In, Walk Right Out ('The Walking Blues')
One Hour Mama

Customer Reviews:

Great item.......2007-01-09

Great item, great band and a great singer. A must for music lovers.

GREAT SKILLETS.......2005-10-07

I have to say I have one other of Miss Lavays CD - and its just as good as this one...

I was happy with the service- fast quick and efficient and the price was reasonable to!

Buy this CD if you like swing!.......2005-03-24

This is an excellent CD from the sweet sax on Blue Skies to Chris Siebert's boogie woogie piano and arrangements. I highly recommend this CD for parties, exercise, and of course listening. I bought this CD almost a year ago after a friend recommended it, and I still listen to it often.

I would like to hear them live. When are they coming to Wisconsin?

The greatest recording of swing vocals from the cd era!!!.......2005-02-19

There were many talented singers from the lp & 78rpm eras, such as Helen Humes, Billie Holiday(early Lady Day), and Ruth Brown. And there are a sleuth of new "jazz" singers of the cd era, however many of them sound "kitchy" and dated, however Lavay Smith is the Helen Humes of the new millenium!!! Smith is not a imitator, she is fresh and unique, but has a 1940's torchy, sassy quality, she sounds 110% WOMAN!!! Great singer, awesome band that can sound like Louis Jordan's band or Dizzy Gillespie's!!! Tjey play combo swing and jump blues, and Smith covers everyone from 1920's Ida Cox(One Hour Mama) to Little Ester! A great singer and the greatest vintage sounding singer of the cd era!!!(only Kim Nalley comes close to sounding in the smae class as Smith). Essential swing and vocal album.

Exellent jazz vocals with a top notch swing combo.......2004-01-03

Top jaz zplayers and hot arrangements, are what make Lavay's band standout. Chris Seiberts' boogie woogie piano playing is great and the horn section in tight and has room to solo. Lavay's vocals are original, and at the same time sound right out of the Dinah Washington, and Anita O'Day eras. The greatest cd to coem out of the neo swing era. Even touhh jazz critic Scott Yanow thinks this is one of the best swing cd's to come from the "swing revival" of the late 90's!!!

Average customer rating:

SHE LEFT US TOO SOON..DAMN!
Gotta Love It!
MAMA'S BIG ONES: Merle Haggard Says, "Buy `Em."
LOST brought her back into the spotlight
Too bad Mama could not have lived on

Mama's Big Ones: The Best of Mama Cass
Mama Cass
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dream A Little Dream: The Cass Elliot Collection
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Dream a Little Dream of Me: The Music of Mama Cass Elliot

ASIN: B000002PCH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

It's Getting Better
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Make Your Own Kind Of Music
Words Of Love
New World Coming
Move In A Little Closer, Baby
One Way Ticket
The Good Times Are Coming (From The Motion Picture 'Monte Walsh')
Easy Come, Easy Go
Don't Let The Good Life Pass You By
Ain't Nobody Else Like You
A Song That Never Comes

Amazon.com

She wasn't the cute one, but, damn, she certainly could sing her ample rear off. Featuring only one track with the Mamas & the Papas--the hit "Words of Love"--this unfortunately titled collection spotlights Elliot's solo career, from the ancient Tin Pan Alley gem "Dream a Little Dream of Me" through Top 40 treats like "New World Comin'" and "Make Your Own Kind of Music" (recently covered by Paul Westerberg). Actually, only 5 of the 12 tracks can be considered big ones--but that voice was simply perfect pop and pure ear candy. Pity she left when she did. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

SHE LEFT US TOO SOON..DAMN!.......2007-05-07

Cass Elliot, alongside Karen Carpenter, Janis Joplin and Florence Ballard, are some of my favorite female singers who left us too damn soon.
Her voice is amazing, she had it all, but for god's sake, why did she had to die so young? Maybe God needed another angel? Simply beautiful!

Gotta Love It!.......2007-02-18

Mama Cass has always been a favorite of mine and I believe that I had this LP in the 80's. It is just as good as I remember and my (relatively) untrained ear thinks the recording is just fine. Enjoy!

MAMA'S BIG ONES: Merle Haggard Says, "Buy `Em.".......2006-10-06

Despite this collection's title, MAMA'S BIG ONES, which is obviously a double entendre and an invitation for every low class reviewer to crack a bunch of cheap MAmMAry gland jokes, I refuse to stoop that low. I will not succumb to the temptation because the music found here deserves better; it should not be subjected to rude remarks from some plebeian guttersnipe. I'm going to address it with civility and good taste because I'm a high-minded individual who never sacrifices a million dollar opportunity for a ten cent laugh. It's not like I'm a dog which is governed by instinct; I'm a man and I have self-control and the power to make choices. And I choose to keep this review principled. It's as simple as that!

"MAMA" CASS ELLIOT was, of course, a member of that fine Pop choral group of the late `60s and early `70s, The Mamas And The Papas. She was a part of team Mama, if memory serves me well. Mama Cass had limited vocal range but a "sweet" voice and she really knew how to put a song over, how to caress a melody. Ah yes, remember when music had melody? Several of the twelve songs on this compilation are culled from The Mamas And The Papas archives. How good were The Mamas And The Papas?...

From 1972 to 1986, I had a real good friend named Andy - as loyal a friend as I ever knew - but Andy was something of a character. He listened to NOTHING but Country-Western (unusual in L.A.) and I don't mean stuff like Dwight Yoakam and Garth Brooks - not THAT kind of Country! Heck, Andy couldn't stand those "longhaired hippies" Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson! No, I'm talkin' REAL hard-core Country-Western like The Sons Of The Pioneers and Hank Williams (the dead one!) Andy was certain that Merle "Okie From Muskogee" Haggard was god. His most famous saying was: "You know what Merle Haggard says...%#&! `em!"

Through the years I'd try to turn Andy onto some more contemporary music - try to get him into the 20th Century a little bit - but he was having none of it: "Check it out, Andy, these guys are good. They're called Thin Lizzy."

"You know what Merle Haggard says...%#&! `em!"

One night while we were cruisin' Mulholland Drive in his 1954 Chevy truck (Andy rebuilt the engine himself), I quietly slipped a Mamas And Papas Greatest Hits cassette into his player, afraid that Smith And Wesson's greatest hits would be playing next (Andy was usually armed and dangerous), but.....nothing. No gun, no "Merle Haggard says"...nothing. I left the tape in the truck when he dropped me off that night and faster than you can say, "I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee", Andy was a dyed-in-the-wool Mamas And Papas fan. Merle was still god, of course, but the Mamas and Papas were angels.

It was The Mamas And The Papas that finally brought Andy up-to-date: From there he discovered the very, very early, pre-disco Bee Gees, and then Loggins And Messina. One day in 1983, while quaffing Lone Star beer (you know what Merle Haggard says about the makers of Budweiser) and watching MTV, Andy showed no small amount of enthusiasm for a Journey song. That's when I knew that things had gone too far and I threatened to play him Samuel Colt's greatest hits next. But hey, if MAMA (and her band mates) could reform a lost cause like Andy, just think what she'll do for you!

There's not a song on MAMA'S BIG ONES that I don't like. And despte the comments from a couple of other reviewers, the sound quality on my copy is perfectly fine. (Maybe they got discs from a bad batch?) Aside from Mama's lovely voice and memorable melodies, there's some real sweet lyrics found here, too; words to live by. And none sweeter than those from DON'T LET THE GOOD LIFE PASS YOU BY:

Did you ever lie and listen to the rain fall?
Did you ever own a homemade apple pie?
Did you ever watch a child while he was praying?
Just don't let the good life pass you by
Did you ever hold a hand to stop its trembling?
Did you ever watch the sun desert the sky?
Did you ever hold a woman while she's sleeping?
Friend don't let the good life pass you by
Man was made for loving not for buying
Gold can't give the things we really need
Just look my friend there's happiness in living
Somewhere between broke and being free
Did you ever see the funny side of losin'?
Did you ever sit right down and have a cry?
Did you ever take the time to help your neighbor?
Just don't let the good life pass you by

In closing, let me just say that I have been enjoying this Mama Cass compilation for fourteen years and I'm sure that you too will find MAMA'S BIG ONES to be hugely entertaining. How huge?
Thirty-eight, Double D. Dang it! I almost made it. I got SO close!

LOST brought her back into the spotlight.......2006-09-14

After her song "Make Your Own Kind of Music" was featured on the second season of LOST I couldn't get it out of my head. VERY talented woman. I'm only 25 but I already knew her from her dominant presence in Mamas and Papas but she continues to amaze me...

Too bad Mama could not have lived on.......2005-11-27

This is great and time to feel upbeat CD by the one and only Mama Cass. These songs give you the kind of feeling that you just can't find in much of today's music. Like so many songs of the era, there is a kind of hope and happiness for the future even though things were not necessarily that great during that time with the Vietnam War and the social unrest. I have never felt that Mama Cass has received the recognition that she deserved, but obviously she does live in history or we would not have this compilation of her best. Of course, there is an obvious lack of the rest of the Mamas and Papas, but ole Mama did very well on her own. The obvious stand out of the CD is "Dream A Little Dream of Me" which definitely should be always listed as a classic song. This song shows the ability that she had and could have developed if only she would have had more time. Other notables are "Make You Own Kind Of Music", "The Good Times Are Coming", and "Ain't Nobody Else like You." So, you are probably asking why I am only giving this CD three stars. Well, it is good, but I am a hard reviewer and I cannot put this into the five star categories. That category only exists for what I consider the very best. This is a good CD, but obviously not the best. However, I am very glad I have it in my collection and you will too if you enjoy the upbeat and positive music of this golden era and the magic voice of Cass.

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions

Average customer rating:

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
Lord Have Mercy
A wonderful, varied soul record
What a re-issue should be!
Blistering, bluesy R&B

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
Etta James
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classic Female Vocal Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005B7GT
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

Tell Mama
I'd Rather Go Blind
Watch Dog
The Love Of My Man
I'm Gonna Take What He's Got
The Same Rope
Security
Steal Away
My Mother In Law
Don't Lose Your Good Thing
It Hurts Me So Much
Just A Little Bit
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
You Took It
I Worship The Ground You Walk On
I Got You Babe
You Got It
I've Gone Too Far (Previously Unreleased)
Misty (Previously Unreleased)
Almost Persuaded
Fire
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (Alternate)

Customer Reviews:

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions.......2006-11-10

Not my favorite piece, but Etta always pleases.

Lord Have Mercy.......2006-03-16

Tell me mamma... I love this CD. I think it should come with a warning label. "Caution: You will wake up the neighbors". Buy it. I can't play it quiet... I can't not sing along with it... I can't stop dancing when it is on.

A wonderful, varied soul record.......2005-06-11

More soul than blues, Etta James' "Tell Mama" originally came out in 1968 as a twelve-track LP. And here it is in its remastered 2001 incarnation, bolstered by no fewer than ten bonus tracks which earns the reissue the subtitle "The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions".
The sound is terrific, clear and realistic, as is the production by Rick Hall. And those who feel that Etta James' Chess recordings featured too many violins and not enough power need to pick up "Tell Mama" right away!

The original album was top-notch in its own right, featuring the all-time classic soul ballad "I'd Rather Go Blind", excellent covers of Ed Townsend's "I'm Gonna Take What He's Got", Otis Redding's "Security" and Jimmy Hughes' "Don't Lose Your Good Thing", and a couple of driving up-tempo numbers, most notably Don Covay's "Watch Dog" and the magnificent title track.
Etta James never sounded better than during these four 1967-1968 sessions, and the various musicians never set a foot (or a finger) wrong.

There really isn't a single weak track among the twelve songs originally issued. Even practically unknown songs like the swaggering soul stomper "My Mother In Law" and the slow "It Hurts Me So Much", which have never been covered by anyone and don't appear on any of Etta James' compilation albums, are highly enjoyable, and Etta's rendition of "Just A Little Bit" (AKA "I Just Want A Little Bit") is a supremely funky slice of soul-blues.

And the bonus tracks aren't rejects by any means. They include "Almost Persuaded", "Misty", the rocking "You Took It", a very good interpretation of Sonny Bono's "I Got You Babe", and two soulful takes on "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", a song which has been interpreted by everybody from Aretha Franklin to the Flying Burrito Brothers.
I'm no big Etta James fan, actually, but this album is something special. I completely fell for it the first time I put it on, and to me "Tell Mama" is the best record Etta James has ever made, one of the finest, most cohesive soul and R&B records of the late 60s.
You really ought to give it a listen.

What a re-issue should be!.......2005-02-23

In addition to the 12 re-mastered original tracks, there are 10 more (including 2 versions of "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man"). There are some good songs here that are not included on either "Her Best" or "The Chess Box", including "Watch Dog", "My Mother In Law", "It Hurts Me So Much", "I've Gone Too Far", and her funked-out Soulful rendition of "I Got You Babe". This is a must-have for Etta fans.

Blistering, bluesy R&B.......2003-01-15

The ever-vivacious Etta James is one of R&B's true greats, an artist whose work will always stand the test of time and this album, originally released in 1968, is one of her best-known and most powerful. More dynamic than expressive, James was a gal who clearly knew how to rock, capable of the same sort of expansiveness as Jimmy Rushing or even jump blues shouters such as Wynonie Harris, but also with a touch of the sleekness seen in Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. The "Tell Mama" album is a flawless, timeless crowd pleaser, packed with upbeat, compact material, a tailormade showcase for James' mousy snarl. Backed by the best of the Muscle Shoals crew, this is music that can't easily be faulted; with ten bonus tracks added on for good measure, this CD edition is pretty hard to resist.

Average customer rating:

Thunder in them thar' hands.
Saw Him Live
Yes, the Real Deal is right
A Must Have - Simply Excellent Music
Shameful to show a lie on this site

Big Mama's Door
Alvin Youngblood Hart
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002BJA
Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

Big Mama's Door
Joe Friday
Them Fair Weather Friends
France Blues
Gallows Pole
Pony Blues
Amazed 'N' Amused
Things 'Bout Comin' My Way
When I Was A Cowboy (Western Plains)
Rest Your Saddle
If Blues Was Money
Hillbilly Willie's Blues
Livin' In A Strain
That Kate Adams Jive

Customer Reviews:

Thunder in them thar' hands........2007-01-09

No small wonder that Taj Mahal was recruited to pen a few introductory remarks to acolyte, Alvin's,'Big Mamma'. And more than this, he sits in on three tunes to further endorse the man who, for all intents and purposes on this gem, would appear to be his heir apparent. The mix of re-arranged Delta Blues and self-penned material, the multi-instrumental accomplishmnet and that inimitable afro-American vocalising, is everything that Taj has reverently worked over down the decades. Hart's songs sit seamlessly with the archival stuff. as,'Rest You Saddle' and,'If the Blues was Money' demonstarte.'Gallows pole' and McTell's,'Hillbilly Willie's Blues' are exemplary. An especial thrill for me is my favourite Ledbelly,'When I was a Cowboy Out on the Western Plain', as complete a snapshot of cinematic breadth as you'll hear condensed into a few minutes. This is a thrilling album. Blessed with such 'grasp of the idioms, tone, humour, irony, joy, and breadth' of tradition, to quote Taj, it will serve as a powerful foundation for a wide-eyed approach to re-invigorating music.

Saw Him Live.......2006-12-09

I gotta say, we saw him live in New York City recently along with Doc Watson, and he stole the show! This cat had us glued into our seats. Wow!

Yes, the Real Deal is right.......2006-11-25

First of all, this is one of the most beautiful and outstanding collections of blues ever assembled. What AYH has is something that years of music lessons and years of practice cannot produce. His delivery and style has an almost supernatural quality, translating some mysterious and primal element of life that we blues fans seem to be fascinated with. His authenticity is in this regard is unmistakable. As far as the childish comments regarding white people playing blues music - give us all a break. I am personally good friends with a fella who played on this album, as well as on a couple of others. He also toured with AYH for four years, and, surprise, he's as white as Margaret Thatcher. Grow up kids.

A Must Have - Simply Excellent Music.......2006-10-03

I love Alvin Hart's music. This album is an introduction to his blues music, but he is really much more than a blues musician; he is a musician's musician. His 'Territory' album is a great example of his dynamic scope. It has Texas Swing, Calypso, Ska, Hard Rock, Blues and more. Yes, he caters to all these styles of music and he does it with great skill and conviction. Big Mama's Door shows a wide scope of Blues: delta blues, droning dobro, rag and more. I like his twelve string guitar work along with his cowboy inspired lyrics - reminescent of Lead Belly. Taj Mahal lends a hand with couple of the most inspiring songs from the album,'France Blues' and 'Things About Comin' My Way'. I can listen to this album over and over. A great collection of originals and a couple classic covers, 'Gallows Pole' and 'John Hardy'. Alvin is clearly the new bearer of the torch - from old timey delta blues to advant-garde progressive rock, he is player to keep an eye on,

Shameful to show a lie on this site.......2006-07-15

Mr. Johnson below wrote a lie about Alvin Youngblood Hart packing this lie in racism. Aren't there laws against character slandering? The fact is that first of all Alvin gives a flying F. who plays the Blues as long as he himself isn't filed in it and second Alvin admires so many musicians from all over the world and he is admired by them as well and skin shading isn't involved in this world; only music. His world is round.

Average customer rating:

Apples & Oranges
just a great voice and great songs!
Big Mama's Rockin' Bluesy Rhythm & Blues
Best Ever
Elvis is still the "King!"

Hound Dog: The Peacock Recordings
Big Mama Thornton
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002OM2
Release Date: 1992-12-22

Tracks:

Hound Dog
My Man Called Me
I Smell A Rat
They Call Me Big Mama
You Don't Move Me No More
Let Your Tears Fall Baby
Rock-A-Bye Baby
Yes, Baby
How Come
Nightmare
Stop A-Hoppin' On Me
Just Like A Dog, Barking Up The Wrong Tree
Walking Blues
The Big Change
Hard Times
Laugh, Laugh, Laugh
The Fish
I've Searched The Whole World Over (With False Start)

Amazon.com

The classic "Hound Dog" is usually associated with Elvis Presley, but blues fans know: Presley's recording wasn't the first. That honor belongs to singer Big Mama Thornton, whose own recording of "Hound Dog" was eclipsed by Presley's. Her version is on this collection in all its glory, opening a CD of 17 killer tracks. Thornton's voice, by turns growling and richly melodic, was indeed unusual, and the spare accompaniment on Hound Dog makes it stand out all the more on songs such as "They Call Me Big Mama," "How Come," "The Big Change," "Hard Times," and "The Fish." Thornton had talent and attitude to spare, and both come through loud and clear on this essential collection. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Apples & Oranges.......2007-05-26

Why all the knockin' Elvis's version?? It sold millions and put the song on the rock & roll map. He was..is.. one of the great singers of all time.
Comparing Mama's version to Elvis's is like apples & oranges.
Mama is.. well.. great! You like her or you don't. She's got that early old time rock sound that we grew up on. Listen to her music and make up your own mind... she is one 'rockin' Mama.

just a great voice and great songs!.......2007-05-21

from the first second you put this record on it's amazing! what a woman this was!

Big Mama's Rockin' Bluesy Rhythm & Blues.......2007-01-11

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was much more than the originator of "Hound Dog" - she was one of the greatest Blues singers. She could be fun and sassy, and could also be plaintive and emotional. After Bessie Smith and before Koko Taylor, there was Big Mama Thornton.

HOUND DOG: THE PEACOCK RECORDINGS consists of 18 songs recorded 1952-1957 on the Peacock label (note: track 8 on Duke), some previously unreleased on US album, one (track 15) previously unreleased in the US; songs are not in chronological order. Disc packaged in black jewel case; total running time: 47:15. Booklet includes a pedestrian essay by Mary Katherine Aldin, several black & white photographs (plus an image of a poster promoting a Big Mama performance), and detailed track information (songwriters, musician personnel, recording dates). Sound quality is excellent.

These are her early recordings, made after she started touring as a singer at age 14 (performing with - or against - "Little Esther" Phillips). She went on to record for Baytone, Kent, Mercury, Vanguard, and Arhoolie labels, where she would record "Wade in the Water" and "Ball N' Chain", the latter notably covered by Janis Joplin.

Most of these 50s recordings are made with the Johnny Otis Orchestra. "Yes, Baby" (track 8) is a duet with Johnny Ace. The music is not as much Blues as Rhythm & Blues and early Rock N' Roll. Most of the songs are up-tempo numbers.

I like this disc, but it is rather brief. I prefer "Ball `N' Chain", a collection of much Blues-ier 1960s recordings released on Arhoolie.

music: 2 stars
packaging: 3 stars

Best Ever.......2007-01-03

Big Mama is probably the best female blues vocalist ever. She can belt them out and swing at the same time. There is not a bad song in the bunch and the sound quality is as good as it is going to get for the era. If you don't own and Big Mama you have to get this.

Elvis is still the "King!".......2005-02-01

I will agree that "Big Mama's" version is good...But Elvis is still the "King." When I hear Elvis, I want to get up and move. His version may be an imitation, but it still kicks ass....Big Mama deserved more credit than she got...I mean the woman has soul and funk....Both versions should be appreciated for what they are- kick ass good music...But Elvis still rules in my book...

Average customer rating:

More of Bob Florence's Creative Spirit

Eternal Licks and Grooves
Bob Florence
Manufacturer: Mama Jazz Foundation
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000N60H68
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

Eternal Licks & Grooves
Claire De Lune
Mirror Images
Guiding Star
Invitation
I'm Old Fashioned
Appearing In Cleveland

Album Description

"Few have the touch of Bob Florence." -- JazzTimes

"Bob Florence is a pianist of unequalled harmonic virtuosity, as well as a composer and arranger of both sensitivity and power. Florence brings a mystical romanticism on the one hand and a driving potency on the other ... he assembles the finest musicians in the world and they respond brilliantly as a unit and individually." -- Jazz Review

"No other big band arranger and composer does it quite like Bob Florence does. Pyramid entrances by section and by individual, suite-like compositions that pierce the air with vivid memories, dramatic context that puts the listener on the edge of his seat, humorous asides and funny titles: these are the elements that intrigue both the performing artist and the satisfied audience." -- John Gilbert

"Swinging and original-sounding music and arrangements from a multitalented musician who has been a composer, arranger, bandleader, keyboardist, accompanist, and jazz educator ... the musicians in this band are obviously here because they love it and the results do sound like it." -- Audiophile Audition

The first new recording on MAMA in years! Bob Florence is a Grammy Award winner and has received an incredible fifteen Grammy nominations in addition to two Emmy Awards. "Eternal Licks & Grooves," commissioned by ASCAP and IAJE to honor Count Basie, premiered in January 2005 at the IAJE convention in Long Beach. "Appearing in Cleveland," commissioned by the Los Angeles Jazz Institute to honor Stan Kenton, premiered in March 2004 at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews:

More of Bob Florence's Creative Spirit.......2007-04-09

The announced release date of a new Bob Florence Limited Edition CD always brings a heightened degree of anticipation within the big band jazz community. This is because Bob Florence is arguably the pre-eminent composer/arranger in big band jazz today (and certainly among the top three). Furthermore, the Limited Edition band ranks just as highly within the echelon of large jazz ensembles. But "Eternal Licks and Grooves" (recorded in 2006 or perhaps 2005 - the Cd booklet is not clear), raised even more anticipation among big band afficionados than usual. This was probably due to the fact that the CD would contain two of Bob's most recent major compositions which had been heard in concert over the past few years. Well, now that the CD is here, it is a joy to report that it meets and even exceeds all expectations.

What must be commented on first are these major compositions, both 14 minutes in length. The title track which opens the CD is Bob's tribute to Count Basie, while "Appearing in Cleveland" which closes the CD, is Bob's tribute to Stan Kenton. These compositions are most interesting in that each draws on major themes from these bandleaders' respective repertoires, yet in the end come across as pure Bob Florence, hard-driving, cutting edge (but within limits), creative jazz which both surprises and satisfies the listener.

But in truth Bob's creative spirit shines throughout the CD, on two more Florence originals, "Mirror Image" and Guiding Star", as well as three standards, "Clair De Lune", "Invitation" and "I'm Old Fashioned". Bob's ability to start a chart slowly and build it to a dramatic climax while keeping the listener fully engaged on the road is unparalleled. "Invitation" is a prime example, opening with Bob's reflective piano solo, building through a series of theme statements and swinging solos to a roaring shout chorus. Something similar takes place on "Clair De Lune", and on the more gentle "Mirror Image."

Florence's Limited Edition is gifted with the best musicians possible, and they dig into the music with great spirit and drive, and also much deep feeling when needed. For the latter, check out Bob Carr on baritone sax and Bob McChesney on trombone on "Guiding Star", and Alex Isles on trombone on "Old Fashioned" which is one the most beautiful theme statements this listener has ever heard. The band's ensemble playing is impeccable with top drawer soloists such as trumpeters Larry Lunnetta, Ron Stout, Carl Saunders and Steve Huffsteter, trombonist Scott Whitfield, saxophonists Kim Richmond, Don Shelton, Jeff Driskoll, Tom Peterson and Bob Efford adding personal and powerful statements. Perhaps the star of the CD apart from the leader is guitarist Larry Koonse whose comping and solos add a slightly different but most effective color to the music. Be not afraid, Koonse is no rock `n roll guitar distorter! The rhythm section of Peter Erskine on drums and Trey Henry on bass drive these often complex charts with flair and driving swing.

"Eternal Licks" and Grooves" is a masterpiece 70 minute CD, perhaps slightly more accessible on initial listening than a couple of Bob's recent Limited Edition recordings. The recording quality is very clear and well balanced, though a little distant, so that one will have to turn up the volume to get the full dynamic impact of the music (especially the shout choruses). "Eternal Licks and Grooves" is highly recommended to listeners of modern big band jazz and will certainly be among the top three or four big band releases of 2007. For many listeners it will be at the top of the list.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Praise Be to the God and Father
2. In Spirit and in Truth
3. I Will Praise You, O Lord
4. Sacrifice of Praise
5. Sweeter Than Honey
6. Save Us, O Lord
7. Praise the Lord All You Nations
8. For by Him
9. Great Is Your Love
10. In God We Make Our Boast