Self Portrait

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Self Portrait stands as a truly perverse collection. Released in 1970 at a time when those on the radical left were hungering for their then-unimpeachable hero to reclaim his role as the conscience of his generation, Bob Dylan instead delivered a pop-inflected collection largely made up of rather indifferently performed covers. Youth culture was at a boiling point and the one figure the vanguard of The Movement hoped would galvanize all those street-fighting men and women was . . . crooning "Blue Moon"? In hindsight, Self Portrait is, at best, pleasant. The uncharacteristically lush likes of "All The Tired Horses," "Wigwam," and "Copper Kettle" are mighty nice, in fact. But then the tepid covers of "The Boxer," "Early Mornin' Rain," and "Gotta Travel On," as well as perplexingly lifeless live versions of "Like a Rolling Stone" and "She Belongs to Me" drag the whole set down and leave one wondering what Dylan was thinking when he selected such a provocative title for such an unrevealing album. --Steven Stolder

Tracks:

Benediction and Dream
The Floating Bed
El Conejo
Paloma Negra
Self-Portrait with Hair Down
Alcoba Azul
Carabina 30/30
Solo Tu
El Gusto
The Journey
El Antifaz
The Suicide of Dorothy Hale
La Cavalera
La Bruja
Portrait of Lude
La Llorona
Estrella Oscura
Still Life
Viva La Vida
The Departure
Coyoacan and Variations
La Llorona
Burning Bed
Burn It Blue

Amazon.com

She was famous as both artist and model, infamous as political revolutionary and social libertine, and Frida Kahlo's controversial life couldn't help but seem the stuff of great musical theater. Her story is brought to the screen by director Julie Taymor, whose musical compatriot here is also her husband; Elliot Goldenthal, student of both Copland and Corigliani, shrewdly sublimates his modernism in service of the rich, evocative music and songs of Mexico and Central America. Utilizing performers that range from the contemporary (Lila Downs) to the folk-classic (Costa Rican legend Chavela Vargas; Brazilian star Caetano Veloso) and traditional (Los Cojolites, El Poder Del Norte, Trio Huasteca, Caimanes de Tanquin, and others), Goldenthal generously displays the true breadth of Mexican folk music, while seamlessly infusing it with the minimalist corners of his own underscore and some winning songwriting of his own. The result is one of 2002's most compelling soundtracks. The enhanced CD features include musical film excerpts, as well as a video conversation between Goldenthal and star Salma Hayek and text interviews with the composer and director Taymor. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Revolutionary times.......2007-05-14

I absolutely love this soundtrack! Everytime I listen to it, I feel as though I am in Mexico during the revolution and Frida's life. Everyone should choose their own life soundtrack and this one allows us to see into Frida's life more clearly.

Black Dove.......2007-05-13

Fell into the movie trying to avoid study and hang out with a jilted housemate. If I'm honest, Salma Hayek was the main draw. Wafer thin.
However, I was enraptured by the story of Frida and the amazing performance (no wonder she was oscar nominated).
I bought the soundtrack the next morning. It really got to me.This is a great soundtrack and, yes, it does help if you have seen the movie but not necessary. I loved the latin passion (highs and lows). Chervala Vargas as Elliot Goldenthal describes in the slieve was once Frida's lover. I loved her Paloma Negra. So powerful.
There is something for everyone in this long soundtrack.
Do as i have: watch the movie and buy the soundtrack. Worth the time and money.

makes me want to dance .......2007-05-07

I really enjoyed the CD, the musical selection is great and it seems very authentic.

Enjoy!.......2006-12-30

I purchased this CD after seeing the movie. The music is enjoyable to listen to and passionate as I would think Frida was. I purchased this CD a second time to give to a female Hispanic artist who identifies with the trials and tribulations of Frida. This artist now paints while listening to this CD. Her artwork not only has improved but has become popular. I defiantly recommend its purchase.

FRIDA would be proud.......2006-10-20

Simply perfection. Each song will move you. I dont really even understand Spanish ( only simple conversational Spanish) and it strums my every emotion. I just LOVE it!

Average customer rating:

What was Bob thinking?
Half dross, half interesting
Ouch...
This is Dylan's Moby Dick
Dylan's Darkhorse

Self Portrait
Bob Dylan
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

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Days Of 49
Early Mornin' Rain
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Let It Be Me
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Woogie Boogie
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Copper Kettle
Gotta Travel On
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Wigwam
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Amazon.com

Self Portrait stands as a truly perverse collection. Released in 1970 at a time when those on the radical left were hungering for their then-unimpeachable hero to reclaim his role as the conscience of his generation, Bob Dylan instead delivered a pop-inflected collection largely made up of rather indifferently performed covers. Youth culture was at a boiling point and the one figure the vanguard of The Movement hoped would galvanize all those street-fighting men and women was . . . crooning "Blue Moon"? In hindsight, Self Portrait is, at best, pleasant. The uncharacteristically lush likes of "All The Tired Horses," "Wigwam," and "Copper Kettle" are mighty nice, in fact. But then the tepid covers of "The Boxer," "Early Mornin' Rain," and "Gotta Travel On," as well as perplexingly lifeless live versions of "Like a Rolling Stone" and "She Belongs to Me" drag the whole set down and leave one wondering what Dylan was thinking when he selected such a provocative title for such an unrevealing album. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

What was Bob thinking?.......2007-03-16

To say that this album is uneven is actually giving it more credit than it deserves; it's uneven like the Titanic plunging stern first into the Atlantic. Yes, there are a few noteworthy tracks, but for the most part it's a forgettable collection. Dylan must have really been at loose ends to put this one together.

Half dross, half interesting.......2007-02-27

I can't work out why Nashville Skyline is praised while this one is criticised. I guess it it because of the absolute dross that Dylan put on this album - Woogie Boogie, Blue Moon, The Boxer, Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go), Wigwam and Alberta #2.

The next group up are 'interesting' live versions of Dylan classics and some poor to ok songs.

But the real treat with this album are the ones that would not be considered Dylan classics but are very good and otherwise virtually unheard because of the reputation of this album - Days of 49, Early Morning Rain, In Search Of Little Sadie, Let It Be Me, Living The Blues, Copper Kettle, Gotta Travel On, Take A Message To Mary and It Hurts Me Too.

This album is only for Dylan fans.

Ouch..........2006-12-14

Don't get me wrong, Bob is, quite simply, The Man. But nobody's perfect.
In my mind, Dylan was kinda drifting from after the bike accident until Blood on the Tracks. He had sorta lost it, I guess. When you consider the best Dylan could offer during this period was mediocrity, especially after putting out SIX awesome discs in a row (Freewheelin'; Times They Are a-Changin'; Another Side of; Bringing It All Back Home; Highway Sixty-One Revisited; Blonde on Blonde) is disenheartening. To make things even worse, there are two good songs on this album, out of 24, no less. Quinn the Eskimo is the obvious highlight, plus It Hurts Me Too is a good blues cover. Then there are some of Bob's WORST SONGS EVER. Little Sadie; Take a Message to Mary; All the Tired Horses; I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know, The Boxer, Copper Kettle... you name it. Bob's put out mostly good music, with emphasis on "mostly". This is NOT an example.

This is Dylan's Moby Dick.......2006-10-02

Too many people for too long have been too busy trying to sound like professional music critics, spouting out phrases from old reviews without ever really listening closely to this album. Try listening without pre-judging it. Finally a lot of people are starting to say that Self Portrait is one of Dylan's most important masterpieces. So it is. This is Dylan's Moby Dick. An awesome work that crashes now and then, but what beautiful crashes. Like Moby Dick, so late in being understood. But the tide is changing. This is monumental art, even at its most subtle and subdued. But it's raucous and silly and sad and weird, too. This is Dylan's most revealing album. Don't listen to the sourpusses. I think maybe they've been listening to their leaf blowers for too long. There is so much here, if you can hear it.

Dylan's Darkhorse.......2006-09-12

Move over Blonde On Blonde and Bringing It All Back Home. Self-Portrait is a gem of self-indulgence, an icon-smashing downhome perversely honest take of Dylan and not-Dylan tunes that are individually more endurable than some of the so-called "immortal" Dylan classics ("Rainy Day Women" and "Times Are A Changing"--ugh!). "Gotta Travel On" is pure Dylan-roots and he pulls off a smooth, masterful rendention of tjhis old American faithful. And not even Gordon Lightfoot does a better version of "Early Morning Rain." The recording quality of of this CD is superb and does what Dylan does best--stun his expectant fans and shatter their own self-indulgent Dylanesque-illusions! Disregard the negative reviews--run out and buy this CD.

Average customer rating:

Enduring Americana...
Self Portrait - A must have for the Artie Shaw fan.
Dazzling.... A rich legacy from a giant of American music
Artie Shaw is a legend!
A Legend has passed

Self Portrait
Artie Shaw
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005PJBJ
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Nightmare
Cream Puff
Streamline
The Blues-A
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Shoot The Likker To Me, John Boy
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Any Old Time
Yesterdays
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Traffic Jam
Prosschai
Carioca
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Everything Is Jumpin'

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At Sundown
Sweet Sue (Just You)
Man From Mars
Diga Diga Doo
Frenesi
Gloomy Sunday
Temptation
Star Dust
Blues (From The Lenox Avenue Suite) - Part 1
Blues - Part 2
Prelude In C Major
Summit Ridge Drive
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
Concerto For Clarinet
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
Dancing In The Dark
I Cover The Waterfront
Nocturne
Blues In The Night

Tracks:

Is It Taboo?
There'll Be Some Changes Made
Take Your Shoes Off, Baby
Just Kiddin' Around
To A Broadway Rose
Evensong
Suite #8
Two In One Blues
Lady Day
'S Wonderful
Bedford Drive
The Grabtown Grapple
The Sad Sack
Summertime
Tabu
Lucky Number
The Man I Love
The Hornet
The Maid With The Flaccid Air
The Glider

Tracks:

Begin The Beguine
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
What Is This Thing Called Love?
Get Out Of Town
Love For Sale
Anniversary Song
Smooth 'N' Easy
Star Dust
Aesop's Foibles
I Get A Kick Out Of You
'S Wonderful
So Easy
Krazy Kat
Orinoco
Fred's Delight
Similau
Afro-Cubana
These Foolish Things
I've Got A Crush On You
Someone To Watch Over Me
Autumn Leaves

Tracks:

Don't Take You Love From Me - Artie Shaw
The Chaser - Artie Shaw
Star Dust - Artie Shaw
Summit Ridge Drive - Artie Shaw
I Can't Get Started - Artie Shaw
Too Marvelous For Words - Artie Shaw
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Scuttlebutt - Artie Shaw

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

As a clarinetist, he was one of the best, but as a bandleader and jazz innovator, Artie Shaw was peerless. In the various ensembles he led from 1936 to 1954, Shaw pushed swing jazz into new territory. He incorporated classical instrumentation into his arrangements and pretty much invented the genre of "third stream jazz"; he ignored the color barrier by recording with Hot Lips Page in the late '20s and by touring with Billie Holiday; he created volumes of timeless, beautiful, and swinging jazz. But mostly, Shaw kept everyone on their toes, wondering what new, gorgeous sounds he'd create next. The five-CD Self Portrait is the most complete collection assembled of his vast output, and Shaw himself, 91 years young, selected the tracks. It's a fascinating snapshot: the maverick clarinetist's career-long restlessness led to musical innovation and an odd assortment of inventive lineups. Listen to "Streamline" and hear the reckless sounds of Raymond Scott combined with a classical string quartet; hear his pure and pretty clarinet tones on "Begin the Beguine" and instantly understand how it became a hit in the late '30s. The highlights abound and every band--especially the mid-'50s Gramercy Five featuring Tal Farlow on guitar and Hank Jones on piano--is consistently great. Highly recommended. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Enduring Americana..........2007-05-08

So says Artie Shaw in the booklet, when summing up his gestalt.
Nuggets like "Benny Goodman was the better clarinet player, and I the better musician", gives you an idea of the offbeat mercurial character and restless spirit that had the opportunity to compose a self portrait of himself and his greatest sides spanning 1936-1954, choosing when he was in his early 90's.
Looking back, a handsome man portrayed handsomely within, the packaging is elegant in a classy box with an informative not too colorful nor sentimentalizing portrayal letting the music speak the rest.
And it does.
Eschewing for the most part "big Band" vocalists in lieu of the musician/instrumentalist he was, this chronological overview does justice to his highly emotive playing, brilliant flourishes of texture and strings,as Shaw sees himself(noting that a couple of the famous numbers were put in)as one great bandleader iconoclastic-ally destroying concepts and categories defining music in an undefinable mode as was Shaw.
A highly listenable affair throughout, those needing the vocalists should check out the stellar collection on Bluebird "Begin The Beguine" as well as his collected sides with "chirper" Helen Forrest on Jasmine records, his swinging harpsichord sides with trumpet player Roy Eldridge(found here as well) on his Gramercy recordings, and a really fine 3 cd box set of more Live Radio broadcasts on Hindsight records.
This self portrait is a great snapshot of this man and his music that lives on with great sound and quality.

Self Portrait - A must have for the Artie Shaw fan........2005-02-27

I bought this set recently and was very pleased with it. The compilation is great, featuring many of his greatest works without getting too bogged down with any specific period in his career. The reproduction is great but these tracks were copied from the original 78s (so don't be surprised by the occasional scratch and the lack of stereo recording) Though not an all-inclusive look at his career it hits many of the high-points making it an excellent value.

Dazzling.... A rich legacy from a giant of American music.......2005-01-31

There was no one like Artie Shaw and, throughout the Swing Era and beyond, there were no sounds like those that emanated from the succession of orchestras and small groups he led. As a clarinetist, Shaw was in a class by himself - his approach to music was far different from that of his contemporaries, Benny Goodman and Woody Herman. And Shaw's bands, which he led from 1936 until 1954, were equally distinctive.

Shaw's battles with celebrity and the music business are well documented. After a meteoric rise to fame, repeated success with material that bored him and a string of temporary retirements from the performing life, Shaw walked away for good at 44 - at the pinnacle of his musical and creative powers.

He lived for exactly half a century after that, dedicating himself to other passions (with varying degrees of success) and occasionally reflecting on his career and accomplishments as a musician. Although he never played the clarinet again, Shaw made peace with the idea that he'd added a unique and lasting contribution to American music and popular culture. This 5-CD collection represents Shaw's attempt, a few years before the end of his long life, to showcase that contribution in a way that would reconcile with his legendary perfectionism.

Conceived and issued in 2001 with Shaw's full involvement and collaboration, "Self-Portrait" brings together performances by every one of his recorded bands, and provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of his musical career. The 95 selections were personally chosen by Shaw and assembled as "a summing-up, a retrospective of what I consider my best work regardless of label, an overview of my entire career an clarinetist-bandleader." In every way, they amount to a collection that is as unusual, eccentric and irreplaceable as Shaw himself.

Of course the set includes Shaw's timeless signature recordings: "Beguine the Beguine," "Frenesi," "Stardust," "Summit Ridge Drive" and others, which are by all standards models not only of the band he was leading at the moment, but of the musical genre of their type. Conspicuously and deliberately missing, though, are the dozens of Roman-candle pop tunes, mostly vocals, that Shaw was forced by his record company to wax for commercial reasons. (His popular collaboration with singer Helen Forrest is completely absent.) The few vocals that are included here stand as milestone recordings, with singers like Billie Holiday, Hot Lips Page and Mel Torme.

Shaw makes his strong presence in this project felt by including exciting, little-known band performances from live radio broadcasts, which he thought often came closer to capturing his musical intent at the time. You'll hear an entirely different level of energy, drive and excitement in these selections. And you'll hear his band members (and Shaw himself) taking musical risks they would not have taken in the studio, where pressure loomed to cut a record by completing a perfect take.

As you work your way through these discs, you'll witness the Swing Era at the height of its jitterbug mania; Shaw's progression to lush, shimmering orchestrations with strings; his small combos later probing the more complex harmonics of early be-bop; an acclaimed, modern-sounding 1949 orchestra that Shaw loved but the public hated; and, finally, some of the most intricate, emotional small-group jazz that Shaw produced with his last band, the final aggregate of his Gramercy Five that delivers you to the doorstep of the contemporary jazz era.

Those career-closing recordings, which went unreleased at the time, captured the musically mature Shaw with progressive young musicians (including Hank Jones and Tal Farlow) in a particularly creative and fertile period. Even now their performances sound astonishingly complex, sophisticated and fresh.

All the selections in this set are threaded, of course, by Shaw's clarinet, which is breathtaking. His ideas are framed with equal measures of imagination and discipline. His tone and style, especially as his career progressed, have a luscious liquid quality that sounds luxurious, dreamy and romantic. Shaw once stated that his approach to the clarinet was less about swing and more about musicianship. These performances bear him out. You'll hear how his solos became increasingly melodic and expressive (check out the different versions of "Stardust," recorded over a 16-year span). By the time of Shaw's final recordings, his playing is exquisitely intimate.

After he quit, Shaw mused that he'd accomplished everything possible with a clarinet. "Anything more would have been less," he said. His pronouncement may seem jarringly arrogant at first, but after listening to these discs and absorbing his many achievements, you get a sense that he was probably right.

If you're at all interested in jazz, the Swing Era, the history of American music or the career arc of a brilliant, restless creative talent, you'll want to own this set. You'll return to it again and again for the abundance of pleasures it holds.

Artie Shaw is a legend!.......2005-01-10

When I heard on December 30th, 2004 that Artie Shaw (AS) died at the age of 94 and that he was the last of the four top leaders of the big band era, that included Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey, and as a long time fan of big bands, I immediately agreed and decided to go online and learn more about AS.

His first big hit, Begin the Beguine, came out in 1938 a few month before I was born. But I never really knew about him until my clarinet-playing junior high neighbor chum played some of his dad's AS 78s for me. His favorite, Traffic Jam, became one of mine. In more recent times I picked up some cassette tapes that were re-issues of AS hit recordings. In addition to those, I have a lot of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton, nearly all of Glenn Miller, and lots more.

I'm a French horn player in community concert bands and orchestras and a brass quintet. In high school I had a mediocre four-piece dance combo in which I played my French horn. In college I had an 8-piece Dixieland combo at the frat house that I organized and led.

So much for my background. I'm listening to Disc 3 of the 5-CD set right now. It's my second time through the set. I'm hearing things I didn't hear the first time. This set includes about 95 recordings that were chosen for inclusion by AS when he had just turned 91 but still had his full mental capability. It's called "self-portrait" because he chose only those selections that would put his best foot forward. And he chose the best of the available versions, giving preference to the live broadcasts over the studio recordings, for reasons you can learn by reading the great booklet.

The latter lists all the credits and includes a detailed discography and a narrative by AS, with comments intermixed from a long-time close friend and admirer of AS's who is a trumpeter and music historian. It's great reading for any fan of the big band era. I read most of the AS obituaries on the Internet. (That's how I learned about the 5-CD set.) Each had a different slant. Reading the booklet gave me yet another slant on AS and a better feel for the big band era and his playing. AS was an innovator besides being a great leader and performer. While these recordings cover the period from 1937 to 1954, the quality is quite good compared to a lot of the other big band recordings available for the big bands of that period.

I plan to share my views on AS and this set with my clarinet-playing friends, which is why I decided to write this review. I think it is significant that AS participated in the compiling and the production of this set. That is what sets it apart from similar compilations, such as "The Complete ___" and "The Best of ____" sets. While Benny Goodman lived a pretty full life, I don't think he ever participated in any project like this. And with Glenn Miller disappearing in his forties and Tommy Dorsey's dying in his fifties, they had no opportunity to do a "self portrait" either.

The last thing I'll comment on is what I consider to be the biggest reward of owning and listening the this set. It's hearing AS play the clarinet over a period of about 17 years and reading, in the booklet, about the feedback he received on his playing from Benny Goodman and some leading classical players who have contacted him. He was really good! He gave it up at the young age of 44 in 1954, saying things like he went as far as he could with it, and that he couldn't play it like he would like to. My wife heard on the radio that he may have had a problem with his teeth. Maybe so. In the booklet he mentions a dental problem in 1949 that caused him to dub a recording.

If you like big band or play the clarinet, and even if you already own some AS recordings, get this set. You wont be sorry. If you know a big band fan or a clarinet player you might consider getting this to give as a gift.

Last but not least, disc 5 is all Gramercy 5 tracks, 12 of them, that are about double the length of most of the rest of the tracks. For the most part all of the selections are in chronological order. Enjoy!

A Legend has passed.......2005-01-01

I have always loved "big band" music. I believe it has a lot to do with the actual sound. By that I mean its archival, low-fi quality. Sadly one of the all-time greats is now gone. It would have been an incredible experience to watch masters like Shaw, Miller, and Goodman do their thing. Of all the releases put out with Shaw's name on it, this has to rank among the best, if it isn't the best already. It is loaded with dozens of classics and it comes in a cool little box. It's also available in a pared-down single highlight disc, but you don't want that. You want this one.

Average customer rating:

Hawaiian music set to spirited, syncopated beat.,
Teresa's Enchanting voice makes me homesick
Hawaiian Music at its Best!
Sophisticated, naturally Hawaiian, relaxing in one great CD.
Clear, lovely voice. Unforgettable melodies.

Self Portrait
Teresa Bright
Manufacturer: Tropical Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000I3UR
Release Date: 1999-02-16

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Product Description

1. Hula Heaven2. Ka U i Kaulana A o Ni ihau3. Hawaiian Vamp4. He Aloha No O Honolulu5. E Mau6. Kanaka Nui Hotel7. Keu8. Sadie9. Ho o Launa Aloha10. Hui Mawaho O Ka Wa a11. Poliahu t

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Hawaiian music set to spirited, syncopated beat., .......2005-01-15

Though Teresa Bright sings this entire album in Hawaiian, her style is closer to Hawaiian jazz and pop than to traditional Hawaiian music. Syncopation on many songs, combined with percussion--often conga, wood block, and drums--keep the style upbeat and the tempo moving, as Bright has fun with several finger-snapping, vampy songs, notably "Sadie" ("that little South Sea lady"), "Hawaiian Vamp," and "Kanaka Nui Hotel," which is reminiscent of "Sweet Georgia Brown."

Accompanied by a Who's Who of Hawaiian music, Bright has Mike Muldoon (part of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's band) on percussion, five-time Hoku Award-winner Del Beazley on acoustic guitar (and singing a wonderful duet with her on "Poliahu"), Gaylord Holomalia (with Makaha Sons, and also Iz) on synthesizer, and famed guitarist Cyril Pahinui on slack key guitar and 12-string guitar. Solos featuring Eddie Palama, Randy Bahr, and Kata Maduli abound throughout the album, including virtually every kind of guitar used in the islands. A surprising feature of this album is Mike Baker's flugelhorn solo on "E Mau" and Mike Lewis's "growly" valve trombone solo on "Sadie."

Bright's voice is mellow but remarkably clear, and her simple but highly polished accompaniments show it off to its best advantage. Easy to listen to and spirited enough that no listener will be in danger of nodding off, this CD is Hawaiian music at its most rhythmic best, old songs given new, exciting treatments for new audiences. Mary Whipple

Teresa's Enchanting voice makes me homesick.......2004-10-06

Many polynesians are blessed with beautiful singing voices, as is my wife and mother in law, but few have enchanting voices like Teresa. Her voice can breathe new life into old songs and make them alive again. She has a unique ability to command one's attention, reminiscent of Kui Lee's great "The Days of My Youth".

I first heard Teresa's voice as back up to a song by the late Israel and thought to myself "I have to hear more". If you are busy and stressed and need a vacation, but can't afford the time, take a moment to ho'omanuwanui with this album. It will sooth you.

Hawaiian Music at its Best!.......2003-08-17

You will not find a more relaxing, female, contemporary, Hawaiian music singer around. If you like Hawaiian music then you should have this CD in your collection! I can put this CD on, close my eyes and be transported back to Maui in my "mind's eye". You won't be sorry you purchased this CD, if you do.

Sophisticated, naturally Hawaiian, relaxing in one great CD........1999-04-29

When we visited Hawaii from New Zealand in 1991 we saw the HanoHano awards at which Poliahu - a track on this CD - won the top award so we decided to buy the CD. We have never got sick of listening to it and it still encapsulates all the great things we remember about Hawaii - the sound is sophisticated but natural and very relaxing. Every time we listen to it we are keen to go back for another holiday

Clear, lovely voice. Unforgettable melodies........1999-04-05

While on vacation in Hawaii, we stumbled upon this CD, and it became the soundtrack for our trip. Great music! A treat to listen to!

Average customer rating:

Paul's versatility is amazing

Self Portrait in Blues
Paul Geremia
Manufacturer: Red House
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Quote

Customer Reviews:

Paul's versatility is amazing.......2001-06-06

I bought this CD a while ago, but got a chance to really listen to it recently on a long car trip. Other people sing the blues; Paul conveys the EXPERIENCE of the blues in his singing. The meaning, and the feeling, of the songs come through. I thought his own composition "Where Did I Lose Your Love" was particularly good.

His guitar playing is masterful, from virtuoso Leadbelly "boom-chucka" 12-string to knifeblade to "folky" fingerpicking to "country blues" fingerpicking.

Paul is so good one wonders why he isn't better known, but I suppose that's the fate of all artists who place fidelity to the music above commercialism.

Tracks:

Temenos
Hypnotic
Untitled
Moguli
IBO
Opus 1

Customer Reviews:

terry bozzio's chamber music.......2007-03-17

I think we can all agree (with the other reviewers) that this is not a rock album. If you have ever heard Frank Zappa's album Orchestral Favorites with Terry Bozzio on drums, this is kind of like Bozzio's follow-up to that. Bozzio's orchestral drumming is superb on both albums. Reccomended for fans of GOOD drumming and/or people who enjoyed Orchestral Favorites.

Bozzio Plays Chamber Music.......2005-10-05

Terry Bozzio isn't just a great drummer but a superb percussionist. If you want to hear a rock drummer don't buy this cd. I have listened to Terry through many of the groups he played with and have seen him with Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck and at a drum clinic. This cd reminds me of many of the Frank Zappa arrangements. If you want to hear Terry play drums & percussion similar to the Zappa years I think you will enjoy this cd. I think this cd will appeal to those who are more adventurous in their listening. Terry does a great job and this cd is different than his previous solo projects.

It's not for everyone..........2005-09-28

I actually have the older version of this you can get off Terry's website, but its the same thing. This is an interesting CD, but I have to agree with the other reviewer here who said it is long, drug out, and certainly not rock. The fact that it's not rock doesn't bother me in the least. This album is a bit boring and, as with Terry's other solo drum music albums, it tends to be far to frantic to listen to comfortably for any length of time. I can't imagine someone popping this in to entertain or relax with.
I would suggest, that if you want a Bozzio album you can listen to and hear some amazing drumwork, get Situation Dangerous or Black Light Syndrome by Bozzio, Levine, and Stevens. That way you also get to listen to Steve Steven's amazing guitar and Tony Levine's bass work.

A little out there.......2005-09-12

Renowned rock drummer meets established orchestra; the combination works on an eccentric level, but on a casual level, not so much. I'm sure that drum aficionados will appreciate Bozzio's unique approach to his drum work here, but the songs are so long and drawn out (and far from rock), that they tend to lose their appeal.

Average customer rating:

Alfred Deller - Portrait of a Legend

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0001L1B7Y
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Average customer rating:

The Best Jazz Singer You Never Heard Of
A beautiful accomplishment.
A most beautiful recording
A Diva of Grand Style!!!!!!
THE ULTIMATE JAZZ SINGER TODAY!!!!

Self Portrait
Carmen Lundy
Manufacturer: Jvc / Xrcd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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

Something to Believe In
Old Devil Moon
Jazz and the New Songbook: Live at the Madrid
Restless
The Long Road Home

ASIN: B000003MN7
Release Date: 1995-04-24

Tracks:

Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most
Better Days
My Favorite Things
Firefly
Forgive Me
These Things You Are to Me
Triste
I Don't Want to Love Without You
Old Friend
My Ship
'Round Midnight

Customer Reviews:

The Best Jazz Singer You Never Heard Of.......2007-04-07

I adore this recording. Carmen Lundy is a true renaissance woman. She is a marvelous singer, song interpreter, songwriter, painter and educator. If you don't have a lot of room for jazz recordings pitch out something to make room for for this one.

A beautiful accomplishment........2006-03-26

Can you believe it, I found this CD in used records bin at a local record store for 4.99. It was in great shape. Lucky for me, this is great album. I guess the original purchaser was not a jazz fan fan. Carmen Lundy is great singer and also a wonderful songwriter. The album features some lush orchestral arrangements on such standards as 'Round Midnight, Spring Can Really Hang You Up, and My Favorite Things. Ms. Lundy does great on those. However, the finest moments of the album come on Carmen's own compositions. Firefly, Forgive Me and These Things You Are To Me are so deeply felt and emotional. They come from the inner most expressions of human feeling. They are beautiful and wonderfully performed. Overall a wonderful performance.

A most beautiful recording.......2006-03-06

This is perhaps one of the best jazz recording in recent years. Ms. Lunday is a superb talent and its a downright shame that he has not received the recognition she so richly deserves. The album is interesting and fresh from top to bottom. Ms. Lundy's reading of "Spring Really Hangs You Up The Most" is the best I've heard. "Old Friends" is haunting in a most beautiful way and My "Favorite Things" is a delight to the ears. All of the tunes on the album are delivered with a richness that is unequaled by Ms. Lunday's contemporaries. No serious jazz lover should be without this CD. It is truly one of a kind.

A Diva of Grand Style!!!!!!.......2005-09-15

The stylish, gorgeous photograph of Carmen on the cover of this cd is the introduction of what's to come on the inside: a treat for the ears and a gift from her soul!

Carmen's vocal in "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most" takes on a new soulful journey. The gorgeous orchestrations that accompany her voice add a rich dimension to this song.

Carmen's jazz ballad "Better Days" is very fine and tender. She reaches places deep inside her soul that are so satisfying!

Listening to Carmen's interpretation of "My Favorite Things" is a new departure in songs from "The Sound of Music". These may be the same lyrics but it's not the Julie Andrews song! Whether you like the other version or not, it may surprise you that this one will become your favorite!

"Firefly" is a song that is a totally brilliant gift to the ears. Carmen sings a gorgeous duel duet in this remarkable studio recording. Always a favorite in her live performances, this song is featured in her new concert dvd at the Madrid Theatre as well. Check her website for the details.

Written by Carmen, "Forgive Me" is her soothing yet cooly passionate vocal of aching and longing. The arrangement is sophisticated and maturely satisfying.

One of the most gorgeous vocals of this cd is "These Things You Are To Me", an ultimate tribute to love. Written by Carmen as well, it is a sensuous song both vocally and instumentally.

Then there is her composition that is a tribute entitled "Old Friend". This soft and gentle song contains lyrics of a deep and lasting yet irreplacable relationship.

Personally, I have never heard any one sing "Round Midnight" the way Carmen does. One of my favorite songs, this one is the definitive version of them all!!! Carmen's vocal is mellow in this ballad and the instrumental arrangement has sweet beauty.

Indulge only if you enjoy a singer with fine artistry, vocal talent, and presence! Not just "a jazz singer", Carmen Lundy is a complete artistic experience!

THE ULTIMATE JAZZ SINGER TODAY!!!!.......2003-09-19

IN BETTER MUSICAL TIMES THIS EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION WOULD HAVE MADE CARMEN LUNDY A HOUSEHOLD NAME!!!!! FOR SHAME TO THE SO CALLED JAZZ RADIO STATIONS FOR OVERLOOKING THE BEST JAZZ SINGER ALIVE IN THE CLASSIC TRADITION OF SARAH, ELLA, BILLIE, ETC. NOT ONLY DOES SHE POSSESS A VOICE TO END THEM ALL, BUT SHE WRITES CLASSICS SUCH AS THE HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL "OLD FRIEND & FORGIVE ME", AND THE STIRRING "BETTER DAYS". "FIREFLY" IS A BRILLIANT ORIGINAL THAT IS A COMPLEX MIX OF CARMEN'S VOICE PERFECTLY COMPLIMENTED BY NO LESS THAN ERNIE WATTS ON SAX!! JOBIM'S "TRISTE" IS GIVEN MASTERFUL TREATMENT WITH A WONDERFUL BREEZY TROPICAL ARRANGEMENT AND YOU WILL NEVER HEAR "MY FAVORITE THINGS" SUNG THIS GREAT ANYWHERE!!! "THESE THINGS YOU ARE TO ME" IS SO SMOOTH AND DEEP THAT IF YOU REALLY LISTEN IT WILL BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES IT'S THAT BEAUTIFUL. IF SOME SMART JAZZ PROGRAMMER PUT "I DON'T WANT TO LOVE WITHOUT YOU" ON THE AIR THIS WOULD BE A SMOOTH-JAZZ MEGA-HIT!!!! STANDARDS HERE ALL GET DEFINITIVE READINGS!!! CARMEN'S "SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST" IS THE MOST GLORIOUS VERSION EVER AND "MY SHIP" HAS NEVER BEEN SO STIRRING AND BEAUTIFULLY SUNG. OVER THE YEARS I HAVE HEARD MANY FINE VESIONS OF THELONIOUS MONK'S CLASSIC "ROUND MIDNIGHT" BUT NEVER HAVE I HEARD IT DONE IN SUCH A HAUNTINGLY GORGEOUS WAY!!! THIS IS THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION IN EVERY WAY AND ANYONE WHO ENJOYS REALLY GREAT SINGING SHOULD GRAB THIS ONE FAST!!! IT IS REALLY ONE OF THE ALL TIME CLASSICS AND 5 STARS ISN'T ENOUGH FOR THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Self Portrait
Clay Walker
Manufacturer: Nu Millennia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

If I Could Make a Living
Clay Walker
Hypnotize the Moon
Live, Laugh, Love
Rumor Has It

ASIN: B0000005ES
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

Boogie Till the Cows Come Home
If I Could Make a Living
Live Until I Die
Down by the Riverside
Who Needs You Baby

Average customer rating:

Self Portrait

Manufacturer: COM
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B00030DFZY

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review