Love Jones: The Music (1997 Film)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 March, 1997)
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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (49)

Great Soundtrack
This is bringing back loads of memories for me.I remember when the movie came out and I remember the first time I heard the soundtrack some 8 years ago and being blown away by it.Ah, college dayz!The movie had a sexy vibe to it and there was definitely good chemistry with Nia Long and Larenz Tate.And hey, these were the times when Bill Bellamy was popular!

The CD starts out with a Tate's poem from the movie, lyrically 'impressing' Nia Long's character.But then it's followed up with one of my favorite songs that to me captures how you feel when despite how hard you try, you fall in love - "Hopeless".The music, the words, the arrangement is great in it's simplicity. That cut's followed up with Lauryn Hill's "Sweetest Thing", which is nostalgic to me because it was before her wildly popular solo debut album would come out in 1998.Remember Xscape?Well they feature here with "In the Rain", a decent enough track but not the strongest of highlights for the album.Other than "Hopeless", that title is reserved for "Inside My Love" and "You Move Me"."Inside My Love" is redone off of the old Minnie Ripperton version from the mid seventies, and IMO Trina Broussard did a very good job with it.But still Minnie's version sends chills up and down my spine.Meanwhile Cassandra Wilson's "You Move Me" features her rich, deep voice with a soulful smooth and slow snap.The CD winds out with a poem recited by Nia Long from the movie, but that is preceeded by one of Coltrane's best "In a Sentimental Mood", which fits the full atmosphere of the film.

I definitely recommend this CD.8 years later it's stood the test of time.It shows how beautiful music can come together if the general sense of a soundtrack and compilation fit.The vibe of the album is a bit darker, but also very sensual and romantic and it's music that you can feel.Being that a theme of the movie was expression and deepness in words, no doubt that was transferred into this very deep cd.I wouldn't put this in if you're looking to snap out of a bad mood or being down.But... it's perfect for those times when you are on the cusp of either euphoria or heart-ache.

My favorite Soundtrack
This hands down is my favorite soundtrack. I am on my 2nd copy and I absolutely love it. Songs like 'Sweetest Thing,' 'In a Sentimental Mood,' 'Sumthin' Sumthin': Mellosmoothe,' and 'Girl' make this the best CD to chill with a glass of wine or clean the house to I love it

Excuse Me I'll Have Another Glass Of Wine Please
Hello I cannot see why anyone would give this album anything but *****. This was hands down one of the best soundtracks of the 90's to groove to. Its perfect for a cocktail party, making love or just enjoying yourself. Even thought this album is more than 7 years old it still sounds refreshing . I cannot find another soundtrack to come close. I highly recommend this album to many great songs to miss out on . ... Read more

Asin: B000002BT5
Sales Rank: 2978
Subjects:  1. Contemporary R&B    2. Pop    3. R&B    4. Soundtracks    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores    6. Urban   

Steve Turre
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 May, 1997)
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Reviews (2)

Technically superior, but not melodic
Yes, Steve Turre is a technical wizard on the trombone.I play trombone, and I am amazed at the sounds he can get out of that tapered tube.I bought this CD just on Jamey Aebersold's recommendation, but I must admit I was somewhat disappointed at the CD contents.I guess it would be nice background music at a party, but I really don't listen to it very often at all.I like melodic music - music you sing to yourself, something you can follow and perhaps imitate.But most of the songs on this CD are ad lib solos and technical gymnastics, most with a latin feel.It was just not what I was looking for in trombone music.If you like the same type of music that I do, try J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding or Wycliffe Gordon first.

Another Stellar Performance
Once again Steve Turre has shown his style and ability by making an album that is entertaining to all.Turre not only shows his technical ability, but he shows his usual graceful and easing style.He also has great guest performances.The list includes Randy Brecker, J. J. Johnson, John Faddis, and many others.While Turre's seeming obsession with the conchshell provides the listener with a very soothing and natural sound at times, occasionally he can leave the listener wishing he would pick up his trombone.I guess at his level of ability you are constantly looking for new ways to musically express (and entertain) yourself.Nevertheless this album is a must have for anyone who values the beauty of the trombone, or the intricacies of good jazz. ... Read more

Asin: B0000047EE
Sales Rank: 29597
Subjects:  1. Bop    2. Hard Bop    3. Jazz    4. Latin Jazz    5. Pop    6. Trombone   

Alto saxist and composer Steve Coleman made his debut in 1985 on theGerman-recorded Motherland Pulse. In this rereleased box package, withits 24-bit remastering, his promise and talent shine through, indicating avision that may still be ahead of its time. Merging a crisp, tart alto-sax tone(shades of Gary Bartz) and harmonic sophistication with street-smart rhythms andcompositional complexity, Coleman was revitalizing jazz for a new generation.Unlike his more celebrated peers who merely dredged up be-bop, Coleman wasasserting a newer, more contemporaneous voice. Assisted by pianist Geri Allen,drummer "Smitty" Smith, and bassist Lonnie Plaxico, Coleman and fellow soloists'Graham Haynes and vocalist Cassandra Wilson play with a cool confidence andsuave flair. Though future Coleman albums moved more in the hip-hop/funkdirection, Motherland Pulse reveals the emergence of a decidedlyjazz voice, joining old and new ideas with a hip, loose-limbed swing thatsounds as fresh today as it did then. --Wally Shoup ... Read more

Asin: B00005NFIQ
Subjects:  1. Free Funk    2. Jazz    3. M-Base    4. Pop    5. Post-Bop   

On the Edge of Tomorrow
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 October, 2001)
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Reviews (1)

A masterpiece
Una obra maestra del jazz. ¿Cómo es que todavía no la habeis descubierto? ... Read more

Asin: B00005NFIU
Sales Rank: 154737
Subjects:  1. Free Funk    2. Jazz    3. M-Base    4. Pop    5. Post-Bop   

Jazz to the World
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 October, 1995)
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Reviews (9)

The gals make it enjoyable.
With the exception of Herbie Hancock and Eliane Elias on "I'll Be Home For Christmas", I found the instrumentals here rather disappointing and unexciting, even for smooth jazz.Especially disappointing to me was Dave Koz' "Winter Wonderland".He has a very short version of the song on his album: "Dave Koz & Friends: A Smooth Jazz Christmas".On that album, the brief taste of the song as part of "Overture" has a life of its own.That's missing here.Of course, the personell except for Bill Sharpe on bass is different, and that makes the difference.Dave just doesn't play as well with the group of this CD as he does with the group on his own.

However, the Herbie Hancock cut comes out strong, and then there are the marvelous ladies here.I'll go with the crowd in lauding Dianne Reeves & Lou Rawls "Baby, It's Cold Outside".This is a tremendous rendition.But Diana Krall's soulful "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" comes across as a strong number also.Cassandra Wilson has fun with "Little Drummer Boy" and Cyro Baptista's percussion shouldn't be slighted.And Anita Baker carries "The Christmas Song" quite well.

If you enjoy the female vocalists as I do, you'll like this, but for a really good smooth jazz Christmas set, give Dave Koz & Friends a try.

mediocre jazz, mediocre xmas - buy it used
As other reviewers have pointed out, the Dianne Reeves/Lou Rawls duet is stupendous, but not worth the price of the whole CD.The rest of the music is dull, easy-listening, "mellow" and hardly festive.I think I can salvage about 4 cuts off this disc (not Michael Franks, thank you), which would make it worth buying used, copying some cuts, and then donating the CD to the local library.And then give the money you save directly to the Special Olympics.

Why hasn't Michael Franks done a Christmas album?
His rendition of "Let It Snow" found here has a killer piano intro that counterbalances his (I suppose necessarily) conventional rendition of the song itself. Unfortunately, his ironic "I Bought You a Plastic Star For Your Aluminum Tree" isn't here--that's on Capitol's "Jazz Christmas Party". And I'll be damned if I can find "Island Christmas" or his pensive treatment of Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" anywhere but the peer share sites. That's 4--count 'em--songs and this dude still ain't done no Exmass album. Elsewhere on this disc, Lou Rawls and Dianne Reeves does "Baby It's Cold Outside" better than the Virtual Cole & Daughter pairing could have in a million time-warped years. All in all, this disc is a really decent Holiday collection when you consider the fact that jazz's improvisational nature can often be at odds with the fact that a Christmas song (even an instrumental) should be played as straight-ahead as possible. ... Read more

Asin: B000005GZQ
Sales Rank: 35047
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop    3. V/a Compilations   

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 November, 1997)
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Editorial Review

This Clint Eastwood vanity-project was one of the biggest box office disappointments of 1997, despite a masterful performance by Kevin Spacey, Eastwood's typically subtle direction and, to these ears anyway, one of the most satisfying collections of songs gathered in service of a film in many a year. It didn't hurt that they were all penned by the late, great Johnny Mercer (a native of Savannah, GA, the film's locale and most crucial, underrated element) and with the exception of Tony Bennett's "I Wanna Be Around" and Sinatra's classic "Summer Wind," were rendered by an all-star team of jazz players (Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Kevin Eubanks, Christian McBride among them) and an impressive line-up of vocalists including k.d. lang, Paula Cole, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Cassandra Wilson, Alison Krauss, Diana Krall, and Kevin Mahogany. Eastwood has long been a jazz devotee and, in recent years, eager proselytizer; this album plays like a love letter to one of his most beloved musicians and composers. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (46)

Probably my all-time favorite movie soundtrack.
I watched the movie and enjoyed it, would give it three stars, maybe four.Listened to the soundtrack and absolutely LOVED it.This is one of the classiest collections of songs I have ever had the privilege to feast my ears upon.

Generally speaking, this is a compilation mostly of songs written by the venerable Johnny Mercer, performed by some accomplished jazz stylists and the likes of Rosemary Clooney, k.d. lang, and Alison Krauss.It also includes "I Wanna Be Around" by the great one himself, Tony Bennett (his own performance).Although several of the songs are on the light side, I would characterize the overall flavor of this CD as quiet, mellow, maybe even a little somber at times, but all great jazz hits -- and I'm usually not a big fan of jazz.

This is also one of the most relaxing collections I know.Serve it up with a rich cabernet and it's guaranteed to bring your stress level down a few notches.The only hiccup on the way is a rather uninspired performance by Clint Eastwood -- with that voice he really should stick to tough-guy acting.But don't let that turn you away from an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable soundtrack.My ears have devoured it more times than I can count, and I don't plan to stop any time soon.

highly recommended
This cd is full of great songs.I was really impressed with K Spacey's version of "that old black magic"...what a pro.I have the movie on both dvd and tape (somewhere) as well as the book, but what I revisit more than all of those is this soundtrack.This is a throwback to when songs had depth and soul, as opposed to the slick singles that you hear on the radio these days.Basically, to sum it all up, if you want to own a timeless collection of songs, then buy this cd.

The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is b/c of Eastwood's song.

How can you go wrong with Johnny Mercer?
Loved the book and instinctively knew that a movie couldn't capture the essence of it. As for the CD, I think the soundtrack for "L.A. Confidential" was much more evocative of time and place. How can one go wrong using great songs with Johnny Mercer's lyrics? Hear them sung by amateurs, who at best, sound like lounge singers, and you'll know. Kevin Spacey does a passable job on "That Old Black Magic", but the artful arrangement doesn't require him to sustain a note for long. Clint Eastwood may be an icon, but he can't sing, and it's disappointing to pay good money to hear less than top performances. The absolute best version of "Accentuate the Positive" is by Johnny Mercer himself (on the "L.A. Confidential" soundtrack). Since this CD is something of a tribute to Mercer, it would have been great to include one of his vocals. The best performance by an amateur on this CD is Alison Eastwood's sweet and lanquid rendition of "Come Rain or Come Shine." The great tunes on this CD are performed by the people who really are musicians: K.D. Lang's lovely version of "Skylark" is much better than Linda Rondstadt's, but no one can surpass Ella's. The superb selection on this CD is Alison Krauss singing "This Time the Dream's on Me" - sheer perfection. ... Read more

Asin: B000002NJF
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks    3. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

I Know
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 August, 1998)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Friendship, love, nostalgia, and truth are the fertile lyrical ingredients that color the melodic canvas of Vandross's 13th album. A master of R&B vocal phrasing, jazzy composition, and pop string arrangements, Vandross remains on point with standout tunes such as "Keeping My Faith in You," "Are You Using Me?" and "Religion." However, the veteran singer also explores fresh creative paths on which to deliver his rich, trademark vocals. He raises the stakes by going uncharacteristically up-tempo with the inventive "Nights in Harlem," where he recalls festive sentimental memories. The equally spirited "Get It Right" pushes the artist's established aesthetic even further by tapping into subtle but contemporary hip-hop beats and rhymes by budding female rapper Precise. --J.R. Reynolds ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A Masterpeice!!
It's hard to believe that 7 years from the release of this CD that me and my wife still play this CD more than any other CD. It sounds just as new and refreshing since the very first time that we played it. This is the one CD that we take where ever we go when we travel.


This is Luther's most complete album since "The Night I Fell In Love" or "Give Me The Reason." This album's only downfall is that it was recorded on Virgin Records, which obvioiusly had no idea how to market this disc. This CD does not contain that one killer single to get alot of radio air-play, but that's also the beauty of this disc, becasue that killer song would be the one song that you would skip over becasue you're tired of hearing it!!


The CD kicks off with the socially conscious always controversal subject of religion with "Keeping My Faith In You."
It is simply eloquent. Luther is in top form when he sings this song and it took me a few spins to figure out why he would kick-off a CD with this song? I know now that it is a powerful track that Luther feels quite comfortable singing about and it shows on this song.

Track 2- "Isn't There Someone" is a song penned by Luther and Richard Marx (Dance With My Father). This song is for everybody!!! It's a song that everyone can relate to. You can hear the emptiness in his heart when he sings this song. This is one of several highlights on this disc.

3- "Religion": Refer to my comments on track 1 except this track deals with being accepted by your peers and leaving the judging to which ever higher being you believe in. Great !!!!

4- "Get It Right": Simply "down right funky"!! Precise provides the rap on this track while producers Terrence "Tramp Baby" Abney and Luther provide one of Luther's most listenable uptempo cuts since "Stop To Love." Was urban adult radio ever issued a non-rap version of this cut?

5- "I Know"- Luther and Stevie Wonder on harmonica. It's the only track that I recall Luther promoting on the disc. Beautiful song!!

6- "I'm Only Human" - AWWWWESOMEEE!! Featuring Bob James and Cassandra Wilson. The music arrangements are unique and quite refreshing while the vocalist compliment each other nicely.

7- "Nights In Harlem" - This jam is just full of that old school funk that anyone who grew up in the '70's or '80's can relate to. It's just a real "good time groove"!!

8- "Dream Lover" - This is my favorite song on the disc. This is what Luther does best. He has a way of taking subjects that everyone can relate to but not everyone talks about. The words and music are on point!! Gotta give an extra shout-out to the background vocalist becasue they actually complete the song and make it whole.

9- "When I Need You" - Unlike others, I find this remake very refreshing. I loved the orignal version (Leo Sayer) back in the '70's and I can't understand why some would call this song "corny." Granted, it's not as mesmerizing as his other ballads, but to me it stands just as tall as "Other Side Of The World." And if I didn't know any better, I would have thought that Luther's version is the original.

10- "Are You Using Me" - This is my least favorite track on the disc but I love it!! It's a great dance song and sounds good when I'm BBQ'ing!!!!

11- "Are You Mad At Me" - Again. Luther's vocals simply shine on the melodic track. It's an easy song to like.

12- "Now That I Have You" - It starts of kinda corny, but after a few listens, you will fall in love with this song. It's a beautiful love song that would compliment "any who has a heart" and enjoys being in love.

13- "Nights in Harlam (Remix)" - Ohh This is just HOTT!!!

This CD is for anyone who enjoys some really great music!!!

Luther's most uneven recording
I would actually give this album two-and-a-half stars.Luther's debut outing for Virgin Records may pale in comparison to the majority of his Epic/Sony catalogue, but it has enough quality material to make it a decent buy for his many fans.Luther was obviously trying hard to broaden his image by tackling some different sounds than that of which he is usually associated with.He may have tried a little too hard, judging that disc comes off feeling quite uneven.

The stern "Religion" attempts to have a serious gospel feel, but it instead winds up sounding dreary and plodding.The light hip hop of "Nights In Harlem" (presented in two versions, one with Precise and a remix with Guru) is too contrived to really hit the mark, and "Are You Using Me?" is even less successful.Also, the extended take on Leo Sayer's whiny "When I Need You," may be Luther's weakest cover selection ever.Luther also covers "Get It Right," one of his least-successful compositions that he wrote and produced for Aretha Franklin back in 1983, and it doesn't work any better now than it did then.It is worth mentioning that all of the above mentioned tracks are expertly produced, so they sound fine while they're playing.The only problem is that they are surprisingly anonymous for material written and performed by Luther, and feature little of his usual inventiveness or personality.

However, when I KNOW does work, it can stand with some of his best.The gospel-tinged opener "Keeping My Faith," the jazzy title track, and quiet storm ballad "Isn't There Someone" are all terrific tracks where the Luther we know and love gets a chance to shine.Also of note is subtle "I'm Only Human" (featuring Cassandra Wilson and Hillary James), which is one of Luther's most strikingly arranged recordings.This is the album that broke Luther's incredible success streak, becoming his first studio album not to reach Platinum sales andpeaking at a disappointing #26 on the Hot 200.Although a average album when taken as a whole, the considerable amount of sub-par material easily makes I KNOW Luther's weakest studio effort to date.

Quiet Storm
Luther put himself back in the mix with 1994s hit `Songs' (an album of covers), and followed it up with two Quiet Storm-styled albums, 1996s `Your Secret Love' and this one, 1998s `I Know'. And for my money, this has to be the most pleasurable album Luther cut since his 1981 debut `Never Too Much'.

The production here is soft and elegant, the grooves are smooth and Luther's vocals are strong & he puts together a great set that covers all sides of love & relationships. The ballads are sweet, the dance floor numbers are straight fire, and even Rodney Darkchild Jerkins drops in to lace Luther with a typically catchy hip hop beat to remix `Nights In Harlem', and brings Gang Starrs emcee Guru too. Stevie Wonder plays his harmonica on the title track, and Luther himself is able to reach back & inject some soul into `When I Need You'. `I'm Only Human' rides some wicked guitar picking, and `Religion' is just downright funky... Really, I could go over every song, this is such a great set. My personal pic has to be the sweet & dreamy 'Dream Lover', what a groove!

I give credit to Luther for his rebirth in music with fresh albums like 'Songs', 'Your Secret Love' and 'I Know', a little classic trilogy. 'I Know' is probably my favorite Luther album ever, I don't say this often but this is one album that is actually an essential part of my day to day life, & it can be for you too if you're struggling through relationships or trying to get with someone. Recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B000009OGR
Subjects:  1. Dance-Pop    2. Pop    3. Quiet Storm    4. R&B    5. Soul    6. Urban   

A Fine Romance: Jerome Kern Songbook
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 November, 1994)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $14.98
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Reviews (2)

A nice compilation
Charming songs, sung by a variety of talented performers. The audio quality is excellent, just as it is for every Verve CD that I own. This is a nice compilation, suitable both as an introduction to Kern and the various singers and as a compilation to play at a party.

Not what the composer intended
In his lifetime,Kern despised jazz versions of his songs. Many of the versions on this disc and on the two companion discs in this series are just that. Verve has reached for, it would seem, the lowest commondenominator for its selections. In fact, some of the tracks have no vocalsat all, which is strange considering this is a "songbook"! It isbetter than no Kern at all, but you will find more authenticity in KIRISINGS KERN on EMI that anywhere on this or the other two discs. Sorry, butpass this one up if you are a purist. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046WH
Sales Rank: 104324
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Big Band    3. Bop    4. Classic Female Blues    5. Cool    6. Hard Bop    7. Jazz    8. M-Base    9. Pop    10. Post-Bop    11. Standards    12. Swing    13. Traditional Pop    14. Vocal Jazz   

Lounge-A-Palooza
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 October, 1997)
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Reviews (12)

Whatever
This is a pretty fun CD featuring contemporary performers paying tribute to lounge music.Although some of the tracks feature older performers like Steve and Eydie.In fact, Steve and Eydie's lounge-ish version of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" is the best track here (it's a hoot!).I also enjoyed most of the other tracks, which mostly feature modern artists doing songs associated with the lounge era.Not all of them work, but a high percentage of them do.Fans of the lounge music revival should enjoy this CD.

Still on the line. . .
Most of the tracks on the CD are cutesy, self-conscious kitsch.The first time you listen to them, they amuse you.The second time, they annoy you -- tremendously.There may not be a third time.
There is one startling exception, the updated version of "Wichita Lineman" performed by Glen Campbell, Freddy Fender, Texas Tornados, and (!) Michelle Shocked.Even when the original came out in the early '70's (or whenever) people sort of laughed at the cornball lyrics, yet it was a big hit, and once you heard it, it was hard to get out of your head.In the hands of the two veterans Campbell and Fender, the new version becomes a masterfully realized evocation of obsession and loss.Shocked's backing vocals add haunting overtones of desperation and psychosis.It is an unforgettable melding of disparate talents.Like the original, once you've heard it, it tends to linger strangely. . .

Lousy album saved by three great tracks...
What were they thinking when they put this together? Great lounge / MOR artists doing alternative covers? Alternative acts covering easy listening classics? Seems to be some confusion in concept here...
I had to give this disc five stars on the basis of one track which is absolutely brilliant: Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme's version of 'Black Hole Sun' is sublime orchestral pop on a par with Scott Walker's classic 60s solo albums. I've never been a fan of this duo's recordings, but Steve's voice has deepened with the years to gain a gravity, with the warmth and expressive nuance of Sinatra at his best. Eydie holds her own in this duet, and the arrangement (tinkling lounge piano, muted trumpet and full orchestra) is flawless. Hearing the skewed metaphor of the song's lyric in this context is disorienting as it is disarming, and this version never fails to give me goosebumps.
There are two other noteworthy tracks here. Polly Jean Harvey with Eric Drew Feldman (formerly of Captain Beefheart's Magic Band) do a fine rendition of 'Zaz Turned Blue', an overlooked classic by Mel Torme (which actually comes from an out-of-print LP by Was Not Was). Despite the cheesy synth & sampled rhythm track, Polly handles the ballad with measured passion, though once you hear this you will want to seek out the Torme original (available on at least one CD collection by the late Velvet Fog). The lyrics to this song are a strange blend of Kerouac and David Lynch with a dark, homoerotic subtext, both twisted and hearttugging. The other fine selection is an update of 'Wichita Lineman' by original vocalist Glen Campbell with Michelle Shocked. Glen's voice has not fared well over the years (his dentures obviously impairing his enunciation), but that makes his delivery all the more wistful, touching even.
As for the rest of the disc, I cannot bear to listen to it. I admit I am no fan of 'alternative rock', but these songs & artists do not make me want to explore the misbegotten genre any further. Even Jimmy Scott (a first-rate vocalist) falls flat with a cloying cover of a Captain & Tenille hit. 'Black Hole Sun' makes the whole disc worthwhile, though... ... Read more

Asin: B000000OK8
Sales Rank: 57497
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Avant-Garde Jazz    4. Cocktail    5. Contemporary Jazz    6. Free Funk    7. Indie Rock    8. M-Base    9. Pop    10. Pop Underground    11. Post-Bop    12. Post-Punk    13. Rock    14. Singer/Songwriter    15. Standards    16. Tex-Mex    17. Traditional Pop    18. Vocal Jazz    19. World Fusion   

Divine Divas: A World of Women's Voices
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 February, 1997)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $29.98
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Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

ANOTHER STELLAR VOYAGE
Unfortunately the information provided in the description of this THREE CD set is not complete, including the track listing, so it would be difficult to get an idea of whether or not you wanted to purchase this collection. Personally, I would advise you to do so if you are interested in women vocalists and world music. This collection (and its predecessor Global Divas) is a gorgeous, perfect marriage of women's voices from all over the world. Unlike many other collections which serve as a "volume two" to some other collection, this does not suffer as a sophomore effort. In fact, the world is so vast and full of creative artists such as those featured here that we could probably be treated to many more similar collections without tapping the same material or artist more than once.

This collection seems to collect efforts from lesser known women artists worldwide, providing a huge array of diversity. The result is three CDs of depth and a showcase for emerging talents. With both this collection and the Global Divas collection I was introduced to some extremely outstanding talents (with whom I might otherwise have been unacquainted), and this inspired me to seek out their individual albums. In some cases, that proved difficult, but from this collection I was able to purchase quite a few gems which have enhanced my entire music collection.

Among the gems here (although it is misleading to single anyone out because every single contribution to this collection is superb) are: French pop chanteuse Francoise Hardy with her unforgettable "Comment Te Dire Adieu?", Tex-Mex folk style singer Tish Hinojosa with the moving "Déjame Llorar", Italy's Alessandra Belloni with "Canto di Hecate", the very typically Balkan "Your Scarf Will Not Hold Your Hair" from Zana Leskaj and Luljeta Ilia (which is wonderful but will take some getting used to for those not familiar with Balkan music), the mystical and mysterious sounds of "Jheel Mai Chand" from Najma, the enchanting voice of American Alison Krauss (who is in fact well known in the U.S. but heretofore unknown by me, not being a country fan. But Alison transcends this label with this heartbreaking rendition of "Baby, Now That I've Found You"), and some other beautiful songs on the third CD from Judy Frankel, Saozinha from Cape Verde, Éva Molnár from Hungary, and Emma junaro from Bolivia. The real standout among all the CDs in this collection-- entirely unique-- is a singer called Marina with a song called "Illoqarfik". Marina is apparently the most popular singer in GREENLAND, and she lives and works in her native northern Greenland.

This is another crowning achievement, and I highly recommend this collection! ... Read more

Asin: B0000003AG
Sales Rank: 212413
Subjects:  1. Alternative Folk    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Anti-Folk    4. Bluegrass    5. Brazilian Jazz    6. Brazilian Pop    7. Contemporary Bluegrass    8. Contemporary Country    9. Contemporary Folk    10. Indie Rock    11. Int'l & World Music    12. MPB    13. Morna    14. Neo-Traditionalist Country    15. Pan-Global    16. Pop    17. Progressive Bluegrass    18. Salsa    19. Singer/Songwriter    20. Traditional Bluegrass    21. Urban Folk    22. World Fusion    23. Worldbeat   

Do You Want More?!!!??!
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 January, 1995)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Typically, we're better off ignoring the boasts of a rapper who claims to describe his own music, but when the Roots' lead voice Black Thought opens up his group's debut album by saying, "You are all about to witness some organic hip-hop jazz," it's a good idea to listen up. Organic is a fitting adjective for a hip-hop crew whose m.o. is as different from the typical studio-locked DJ/MC combo as grass is to Astroturf.

Nothing wrong with a little artificial grazeland, of course, but the Roots are making tasty roughage that blooms into real songs, where raps wind around bass, drums, keys, and horns, and where instruments coil up to voice cadences--where music and lyrics meet and grow together naturally, not coincidentally. You can hear the Roots' heart pump hardest when they pull off the things loops and samples cannot: just check the vocal/instrument interchanges of "Essaywhuman?!!!??!" or the left-turn instrumental digression midway through "Mellow My Man" to witness the living sounds of rap.

The Roots' Philadelphia-based groove collective build slick acid jazz playing around the smooth East Coast rhyming of A Tribe Called Quest and wild West Coast freestyling to create sounds as formless and fluid as jazz, but never unrecognizable as hip-hop. The music picks up where the mad scatting and melodic trills of L.A.'s defunct Freestyle Fellowship left off, and wakes up the tired hype of jazz/rap cross-polination to new possibilities. The roots of this kind of fusion have long been around, though perhaps these Roots are hope for a new dawning. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (63)

On My Opinion, Their Best One
OK,first i'll start off by saying that I am...9, maybe you have seen me on other reviews before but anyway this album is their best one!After this one get "Illadelph Halflife" and Then get "Things Fall Apart".

Signed,
J.G. ...ENJOY!

A must - have
For musical snobs such as myself an album is considered a success if even three out of ten tracks stand out. In my opinion DYWM is not only The Roots' best album (with the exception of Organix, which I have not yet had the honour of obtaining), but is also one of the greatest works to have come out of the Jazz-Hop era.

As many of you would have heard, DYWM was recorded with 100% live instrumentation, and this works to perfection. In fact, this is the only hip-hop album with which I have found myself singing along to the instrumental lines, taking no heed of the lyrics. The instrumental lines are sharp, but never intrusive upon Black Thought's and Malik B's flow; jazzy enough to give the songs a unique texture, but not over-intricate to distract the listener from the vocals.

Black Thought and Malik B are perhaps one of the most made-for-each-other duos in hip-hop, bouncing off one another effortlessly on each track. Their lyrical presentation is crisp and fresh and provides a delicious counterpoint to the smooth, flowing instrumental lines. Both rappers have mastered the art of tonal variation (something not seen these days in commercial rap) and use it with wonderful effect on tracks such as Mellow My Man and Essaywhuman.

One of the great strengths of Do You Want More is that it has a near-perfect balance of quality music and accessibility, making it a great gateway album for those interested in The Roots or hip-hop in general. I would recommend this album to anyone - even those that are not yet into hip-hop. DYWM provides a great sample of The Roots' musical ability and will certainly leave you wanting more.

This is art!!
The Roots was one of the first bands to introduce me to hip hop and have continued to be some of my most listened to CD's."Do You Want More" is probably one of the best first albums to pick up.As with most bands The Roots have explored their sound over the years and this album is one of their most experimental and artistic albums, the Bass and Drum lines are definately rooted in Jazz on this C.D.Why I like this Album so much, and most of the Roots albums, is because they feel so alive.This is Hip Hop at some of its finest! ... Read more

Asin: B000003TB6
Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Hip-Hop    3. Jazz-Rap    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop   

(-)X(-)=(+)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 September, 2001)
list price: $16.98
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Features

• Import

Reviews (2)

Excellent album!
There's a lot of good grooves on this album, and it isn't formulaic at all. Standout tracks for me are "I'm not a sound" and "Hot". The former kinda reminds me of Gary Numan if he had a quaint German accent.

I wish "Washingtons" was a little longer. It seems like it is over before it has a chance to start.

Too bad their singles aren't available on amazon.com, I've heard a remix of "I'm not a sound" that totally rips.

Brilliant -- this is where electroclash should be heading
Absolutely brilliant album.Techno/breakbeat/drum'n'bass inspired electro from Germany.Beautiful haunting melodies.Doleful robot voices and choirs.Every track is an evolution of new sounds and the highest quality production.

This is where the electro(clash) scene should gravitate to.This futuristic hi-quality robo-electro style as well as the punky techno style of Adult.and Mount Sims (both 5 star releases as well) has kept me, a drum 'n' bass DJ, very interested in this musical genre.

I am disappointed in Ganymede, Empire State Human and their ilk.Especially since I love "Neon Rain."They are trying to sound like Depeche Mode -- which is cool -- but they need to update the production of their sounds to today's techno standards.

For instance, Mount Sims has a very 80s feel their album, but they push that raw electronic sound straight thru the early 80s and right into early 90s rave culture.This fusion of styles is what makes it so interesting. Ganymede's "Neon Rain" with it's robo voices and climaxing melodies blew me away.But a lot of their other stuff just doesn't hold my attention.

I love Depeche Mode -- but add some breakbeats, electro, drum 'n' bass, techno to what you're doing.It's more of a challenge for the listener.And the rewards are greater when one arrives at an entirely unexpected sound by adding one's uniqueness to a fusion of other normally conflicting sounds (such as new wave and hardcore rave) ... Read more

Asin: B00005N59B
Sales Rank: 307117
Subjects:  1. Dance Music    2. Pop   

Belly of the Sun
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 March, 2002)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

By now, it's a moot point whether Cassandra Wilson is singing jazz or not. By unifying what were once considered disparate styles and song forms with her languorously rich vocals and offbeat instrumental textures, she has become the queen of her own genre. Largely recorded at a one-time train station in her native Mississippi, Belly of the Sun ranges from country-blues great Fred McDowell's gritty "You Gotta Move" (popularized by the Rolling Stones and here featuring acoustic-guitar wiz Richard Johnston) to Brazilian immortal Antonio Carlos Jobim's winsome "Waters of March" (featuring a children's choir) to a hauntingly feminized version of Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman." Revealing her command of narrative material, Wilson draws seductive meaning from Bob Dylan's "Shelter from the Storm" and the Band's "The Weight." Featuring Kevin Breit and Marvin Sewell on all manner of guitars and related string instruments, Belly of the Sun also boasts three strong Wilson originals, including "Just Another Parade," a jazzy-soulful duet with India Arie, and "Show Me a Love." As her own producer, Wilson comes up with less compelling backgrounds than Craig Street, who produced her darker-tinged breakthrough albums. Still, this is her most seamless, smoothest-flowing, and most effortlessly expansive recording. "I need to feel some rich black soil that's moist between my toes," she sings. You can feel her Southern roots in the grooves as well. --Lloyd Sachs ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Grown-Up Fairy Tale
"Belly of the Sun" is an excellent set from this powerful vocalist.Cassandra's smoky alto has a rich luster that brings great expressiveness to the material she writes & selects.Of the tracks by other songwriters, three stand out for me.The opener "The Weight" that was the signature song for The Band & memorably covered by Joan Baez is remade into a delightful rolling classic with the percussion of Cyro Baptista & Jeffrey Haynes giving little tabla sounds that makes the whole track sparkle.Bob Dylan's "Shelter from the Storm" that first came out in 1975 on his classic "Blood on the Tracks" album is a delightful song with memorable melody and unique lyrics.Wilson nails the nuances and explores new possibilities with her powerful vocals."Waters of March" by Antonio Carlos Jobim is also a stunning delight with Cassandra swaying with the lovely Brazilian samba melody with the lovely carefree lyric reflected perfectly in the melody with Cyro Baptista's lighthearted percussive touches.Of Wilson's original songs, I particularly enjoy "Show Me A Love" with its pulsing rhythm & Cassandra's voice caressing the melody, "Far away from all the glitter & the gloom, who are we inside the four walls of this tiny room, is it love we have or just a grown-up fairy tale?""Drunk As Cooter Brown" is also a lot of fun."Belly of the Sun" is an excellent set by this sultry singer.Enjoy!

wonderful music and recording
Wonderful music and a beautiful, transparent, open recording.As good or better than Blue Light Till Dawn.

Even the cowboy liked it
I bought this album along with Norah Jones, and definately prefer Cassandra. I was unfamiliar with her work, but heard her on a Sunday morning TV program and was interested in hearing more. I played it one day while working and my husband came in and was so taken by her beautiful renditions of familiar songs that he asked if he could take it to his carpentry workshop. I was amazed. He is pretty much in to a very different type of music. So, now we share it. Worth buying and worth listening to. ... Read more

Asin: B000062U6N
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Ballads    4. Contemporary Jazz    5. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    6. Jazz    7. Pop    8. Progressive Folk    9. Singer/Songwriter    10. Vocal Jazz   

Modern Day Jazz Stories
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 January, 1996)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Reviews (6)

Did Wayne Shorter take a Kenny G. Pill? (Yikes!)
Let me give the disclaimer that I'm not the worlds biggest jazz fan - a lot of it just doesn't grab me. But I do have 200 jazz CD's. My favorite artists are Miles, Coltrane, Keith Jarret (especially with Jan Garbarek), Jan Garbarek, Dizzy Gillespie, Don Cherry, and Anthony Braxton.I love a lot of Hip Hop including A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, the Roots and House of Pain. I've listened to most of the important artists from Louis Armstrong to the Marsalis brothers.

Well on to Mr. Pine. First off all the styles present do jell to form an organic whole.Unquestionably a talented musician - he's got the chops - he's got great tone - you can hear plenty of Coltrane influence in his style.My problem listening to him is I just don't feel the fire in his playing. It just comes across too saccharine to me.Yeah he can play well up-tempo or slow - with crackle or placidly.Listen to any of the horn players I mentioned above playing slow paced music:there's a fire burning in the music no matter how slow they play - when listening to Courney Pine I get the Kenny G. "feel goods":admittedly on a much reduced scale.Anyway thank God this isn't a forum where I'm going to get flamed.This guy has a huge (almost messianic at times) reputation in jazz circles.So all I'm saying is make sure you listen to him before you buy an album; if you want it for personal enjoyment, and not just historical importance. BTW I refer to Wayne Shorter because he's about the closest in STYLE of the sax players that I'm familiar with.

Hey Courtney, Can I Borrow Your Crackpipe?!....
A WORLD-CLASS SEE-DEE by a WORLD-CLASS sack-SAWF-unnist...

simply amazing
simply amazing work!esp. track#2 is one of the rare times that one can hear drums, scratching and a sax and the whole jam working! ... Read more

Asin: B000004703
Sales Rank: 73755
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop    3. Post-Bop   

Future Jazz
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 July, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

For his latest book, Future Jazz, critic Howard Mandel compiled essays from years of writing for mags such as Downbeat, Jazziz, and The Village Voice. A poetic, eclectic scribe, Mandel sees the big picture behind such commercial labels as classic, free, and smooth jazz, and he knows they're all a crock. His book contrasts uptown (Lincoln Center and Wynton Marsalis) with downtown (Tonic, Dave Douglas), and Duke Ellington with John Zorn. The CD Future Jazz attempts the same thing. "Breakthrough tracks from Blue Note and Knitting Factory Records," proclaims the cover art, next to a hipster blasting on a trumpet. As breakthrough as some of these tracks are, they are also very listenable, a veritable overview of potent, left-of-center jazz from the '80s and '90s that you may not have heard. Eric Dolphy's "Hat and Beard" from 1964's Out to Lunch is one of the first offerings, a rip-roaring snort of a track that sets the stage for what follows. Mandel's choices dart from free and frothy to cultured and melodically romantic, but each track has the same vibrant spirit of adventure that marks the best jazz, regardless of style. Pianist Don Pullen offers a zesty ensemble doing the samba, while flutist James Newton adapts a more traditional ensemble to his arrangement of Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy." Guitarists get their due, too: John Scofield gets appropriately funky on "Kool"; Pat Metheny and Derek Bailey offer a tortured noise feast on "The Rule of Three"; and Messrs. Vernon Reid, Elliot Sharp, and David Torn concoct a squirming, atmospheric beat haze on "Xenomorph." Future Jazz is full of cracks, which Mandel fills with untidy free jazz by saxophonists Charles Gayle and Joe Lovano, pianist Marilyn Crispell, and flutist Thomas Chapin. More fragrant though is an absolutely lovely performance by Cassandra Wilson ("Find Him") and a downright wacky version of "If I Were a Bell" by the Jazz Passengers. Is Future Jazz about the jazz future or jazz past? Throw this in a time capsule and check back in the year 2525. Jazz this potent is always good to go, no matter what the era. --Ken Micallef ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A good sampler
What this CD essentially aspires to is not a listening device, but instead a companion to Mr. Mandel's "Future Jazz" theories and foresights. Spot-on they are, and this compilation is fine quality andtune, but noticably inconsistant. It will not make you a fan, but it willsurely make you curious and athirst for more of the same. A fine andrecommended purchase.

Future Jazz
A great collection of contemporary jazz! And the book that goes with it is just as good!

future Jazz is the Best Jazz
Wow. This compilation is an incredible panoramic view of contemporary jazz.mandel interprets the far reaching influence of ethnic, pop and rock music on jazz and presents it with many pertinent selections from the bestjazz labels around, knitting factory and blue note.The music is a perfectsoundtrack to the book which was released under the same name.If thismusic is a prelude for future jazz to come the state of music is in bettershape than most people recognise. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JJKP
Subjects:  1. 90's Jazz    2. Avant-Garde    3. Avant-Garde Jazz    4. Contemporary Jazz    5. Experimental    6. Experimental Rock    7. Free Funk    8. Free Jazz    9. Fusion    10. Hard Bop    11. Jazz    12. M-Base    13. Modern Creative    14. Modern Free    15. Pop    16. Post-Bop    17. World Fusion   

A Night Out With Verve
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 October, 2000)
list price: $29.98 -- our price: $29.98
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Editorial Review

This bargain-priced four-CD set presents itself as easy, event-based listening, with the CDs individually titled "Wining," "Dining," "Dancing," and "Romancing." A glimpse at the track list and personnel, however, immediately reveals that, much more than "easy listening," it's an extraordinary collection of jazz performances culled from the Verve archives and including material from the label's classic and recent periods, as well as from subsidiary labels.

The selection has been made with remarkable thoughtfulness, pulling out tracks that may surprise even veteran listeners. John Coltrane plays "You're a Weaver of Dreams" with the Miles Davis rhythm section in a 1959 session. There's also Miles's 1958 rendition of "Round Midnight" with arranger Michel LeGrand. And there's a live Paris recording of "Whisper Not" by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Lee Morgan. When Al Hibbler sings "This Love of Mine," he's backed by the perfectly Ellingtonian horns of Johnny Hodges and Ben Webster.

"Dancing" picks up the tempo and swings with vigor, but the other volumes are almost textbooks on the art of ballad playing, with many of the greatest saxophonists, trumpeters, and vocalists represented, and a healthy sampling of pianists and guitarists as well. Sure, it functions as mood music, but there's none of the usual artificiality or manipulative effects. It's jazz, often of the highest order and filled with a spirit of timeless romance. --Stuart Broomer ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (5)

A great set at a great price
I bought this box (paid a little more!) and it's totally worth it.Each disc sets a different mood with a mixture of standards and obscure tracks.Verve is one of the legendary jazz labels with many varied artists.The sound quality throughout is perfect.You can't lose.

A Night Out with Verve Box Set
Excellent box set.Would highly recommend to anyone.If you want to hear some great jazz classics performed by some of the best, definitely give it a whirl.Two thumbs up and five stars in my book.

A night out indeed!
I bought this 8 months ago after hearing a single track.I don't usually buy boxed sets, but the price was great and I took a chance.

I have been rewarded beyond all measure.This is a great buy at twice the price.This is one collection that I can play and play and play. It is not only stuffed with great music, but the selections and the way that they are arranged is nothing short of breathtakingly brilliant. A wonderful companion whether you're just listening, or wining, dining, dancing... or romancing! ... Read more

Asin: B00004ZEJJ
Subjects:  1. Avant-Garde Jazz    2. Big Band    3. Bop    4. Bossa Nova    5. Box Sets (Audio Only)    6. Brazilian Jazz    7. Contemporary Jazz    8. Cool    9. Crossover Jazz    10. Film Music    11. Fusion    12. Hard Bop    13. Jazz    14. Jazz Blues    15. M-Base    16. Mainstream Jazz    17. Pop    18. Post-Bop    19. Soul-Jazz    20. Standards    21. Swing    22. Traditional Pop    23. Vocal Jazz    24. West Coast Jazz    25. World Fusion   

Searching For Jimi Hendrix
Director: Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (20 April, 1999)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $14.23
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

No Jimi In Here
This is a documentary showing other musicians recording a tribute to Jimi Hendrix album at the end of the nineties. You get the feeling most of the musicians aren't really even that familiar with Hendix' music. I did likethe Five Blind Boys From Alabama; they were working out a gospel soundingacappela version of Driftin' which sounded like it was going to be great.But none of the tracks are played as a finished product, and there isdefinitely no Jimi Hendrix appearing in this film. I guess they couldn'tfind him. ... Read more

Asin: B00000ICFA
Sales Rank: 99127
Subjects:  1. Documentary