Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, 25th Anniversary Edition
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Hardcover (October, 1988)
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Editorial Review

When Richard Foster began writing Celebration of Discipline more than 20 years ago, an older writer gave him a bit of advice: "Be sure that every chapter forces the reader into the next chapter." Foster took the advice to heart; as a result, his book presents one of the most compelling and readable visions of Christian spirituality published in the past few decades. After beginning with a simple observation--"Superficiality is the curse of our age.... The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people"--Foster's book moves to explain the disciplines people must cultivate in order to achieve spiritual depth. In succinct, urgent, and sometimes humorous chapters, Foster defines a broad range of classic spiritual disciplines in terms that are lucid without being too limiting and offers advice that's practical without being overly prescriptive. For instance, after describing meditation as a combination of "intense intimacy and awful reverence," he settles into such down-to-earth topics as how to choose a place and a posture in which to meditate.

Perhaps most interesting and useful is Foster's chapter on the controversial Christian discipline of submission. According to Foster, submission does not demand self-hatred or loss of identity. Instead, it simply means growing secure in the conviction that "our happiness is not dependent on getting what we want" but on the fulfillment that naturally flows from love of one's neighbors. Such wise and encouraging suggestions have helped many readers to discard the idea that discipline is an onerous duty and to move toward a liberating and simpler idea of discipline--whose defining character, as Foster never forgets, is joy. --Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Worth Celebrating
When you think about the title, "Celebration of Discipline," and when it was first written, 1978, then Richard Foster's wisdom and boldness grow more apparent. The late 70s and early 80s were not times associated with discipline. Celebration, yes. Discipline, no.

In linking celebration and spiritual discipline, Foster demonstrates that he is a man before his times, bringing us back to times before ours. He was one of the first to call Protestants to return to the spiritual disciplines of their spiritual ancestors. Nearly three decades later, many have jumped on Foster's bandwagon, but none have blazed a better trail.

"Celebration of Discipline" remains the classic treatment on the path to spiritual growth. It is used by those in the traditional, the contemporary and the emergent church movements. It cuts across ideological barriers because of its scalpel-like precision in cutting to the heart of spiritual formation.

Foster demonstrates that the classic spiritual disciplines practiced throughout Church history provide the door to liberation--liberation from defeat, despair, and division. His balanced focus on the inward, outward, and corporate disciplines encourages personal spiritual maturity in the context of Christian community that impacts the larger communities in which we live.

Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction." He is also a seminary professor and department chair.

Essential For all Followers of Christ
If you are in search for true spiritual meaning, read this book.It takes you through a world uncharted by many Christians, but should be experienced by us all.This is not a "how to" book, it is much more than that.

True classic! Essential for any christian's spiritual growth
The pastors serving my church always quote this book in their sermons. So, blame it on my pride and stupidity, I had neglected it for long. I had been very wrong. Though it's just about 200 pages, it is the most concentrated (think of Uranium 235) spiritual dose I had ever taken. With no nonsense, the 3 parts (Inward/Outward/Corporate Disciplines) of 12 topics including Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration, simply (in my opinion as a baptised Christian for over 2 decades and somebody who read tens of Christian books) give every Christian the essential armor or weaponry to fight their spiritual wars on earth. It's the best combination of simple words, great teachings and excellent writing skill. In short, a must read. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060628391
Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Inspirational - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Prayer & Spirituality    6. Spiritual life    7. Spirituality - General    8. Religion / Spirituality   

Walking on Water : Reflections on Faith and Art (Wheaton Literary Series)
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Hardcover (17 April, 2001)
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Editorial Review

Walking on Water collects 12 brief meditations by Madeleine L'Engle on the nature of art and its relation to faith. L'Engle, the beloved author of A Wrinkle In Time among others, has written and spoken widely and wisely about the connection between religion and art. The gist of her understanding is as follows:

To try to talk about art and about Christianity is for me one and the same thing, and it means attempting to share the meaning of my life, what gives it, for me, its tragedy and its glory. It is what makes me respond to the death of an apple tree, the birth of a puppy, northern lights shaking the sky, by writing stories.

She believes that "[b]asically there can be no categories such as 'religious' art and 'secular' art because all true art is incarnational, and therefore 'religious.'" And "incarnation," in L'Engle's view, means "God's revelation of himself through particularity." In this book there is some slippage between L'Engle's autobiographical and critical voices. As a result, she often claims Christian significance for works whose meaning is not intentionally Christian. She admits this freely:

[B]ecause I am a struggling Christian, it's inevitable that I superimpose my awareness of all that happened in the life of Jesus upon what I'm reading, upon Buber, upon Plato, upon the Book of Daniel. But I'm not sure that's a bad thing. To be truly Christian means to see Christ everywhere, to know him as all in all.

-- Michael Joseph Gross ... Read more

Reviews (15)

In Her Own Words
Madeleine L'Engle's books have inspired several generation of readers to read imaginative books of faith and creativity.Now in this work of non-fiction and reflection, you get to go behind the books to learn what the author of such fiction A Wrinkle in Time and the Austin Family Series think about combining art and faith.Her reflections are again inspiring and raise the art of religious fiction to social acceptance.While others may think the elements of her novels - time travel and use of magic may be considered mysticism, many praise L'Engle's books as promoting faith andspirituality through a clever, imaginative story full of symbolism.Look underneath the children's books, and you will find an essay of hope and inspiration.For more readings combining faith and art for children, read the Gifted Girls Series, The Chronicles of Narnia, and all of Madelein L'Engle's teenage books.

Inspiring Book
I'm not Christian; I'm not an artist.Therefore, you would think this book would hold no appeal for me.Nonetheless, as a huge Madeleine L'Engle fan, when I stumbled upon this book, I had to read it.It is one of the most though-provoking, inspirational books I have ever read, and definitely one of my favorites.It touches on many of the same topics covered in the Crosswicks books, but reflects on similar thoughts and experiences in a different way.This is definitely her best nonfiction that I have read thus far, and also provides a fresh perspective on the creative background of her fiction.

About Faithful Creativity
Madeleine L'Engle is the preeminent interpreter of the Christian journey as it pertains to these words of the Apostle Paul, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8).Ms. L'Engle invites the reader to focus on that which is great, greater and greatest, in a world that all too often settles for what is dishonorable, unjust, impure, ugly, discourteous, shoddy and worthy of condemnation.In both her fiction and non-fiction writings, she helps the thinking Christian look at the world through the eyes of faith.

Ms. L'Engle takes as the theme of the book, Jesus' invitation to Peter to come to Christ walking on the water.For a brief moment, Peter did just that.Ms. L'Engle states that is how we were created to be, and even when we sink, and cry for help, that Jesus will pull us up.She says, "The impossible still happens to us, often during the work, sometimes when we are so tired that inadvertently we let down all the barriers we have built up.(Page 238).

Ms. L'Engle views the creative process as a successive letting down of barriers.Of opening to God.When one responds to the urge to create, one is one more than holy ground-one walks on water-since God is the Creator and God's creative energies are limitless and surprising.God's very unpredictability and joy become the same creative force in musicians and artists of all kinds.Ms. L'Engle speaks of the freedom to laugh at ourselves as one of the prerequisites for bringing about that which is worthwhile.

Lest we mistakenly think that Ms. L'Engle's approach is sweetly sentimental, listen to what she says about the rigors of faithful creativity, "Complicated creatures we are, aware of only the smallest fragment of ourselves; seeking good and yet far too often unable to tell the difference between right and wrong; misunderstanding each other and so blundering into the tragedies of warring nations, horrendous discrepancies between rich and poor, and the idiocy of a divided Christendom."(Page 153).

This would be an outstanding book to give or receive for a special occasion such as graduation or confirmation.For Christians of any stage in life, "Walking on Water" is a call to live expectantly and trustingly. ... Read more

Isbn: 087788918X
Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Christianity and the arts    3. Faith    4. General    5. Inspirational    6. Inspirational - General    7. L'Engle, Madeleine    8. Religion    9. Literary Criticism & Collections / General   

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6 / Egmont Overture
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Audio CD (19 August, 1991)
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Reviews (1)

Landmark Pastoral Performance
I bought the Sony Essential Classics disc of this Beethoven title, and the one coupling Beethoven Symphonies No. 2 and No. 5, in order to get CD performances of the first two Beethoven symphonies.I just never could find a decent disc that coupled the first two symphonies, and owning so many other Beethoven symphonies already, I didn't want to buy a boxed set of the cycle just for his two earliest efforts.The way I looked at it, for the cost of one full-price CD coupling the first two Beethoven symphonies, I could buy these two budget line discs and get two famous readings of Beethoven's seminal symphonies, the 5th and 6th, tossed in as a bonus.

Of course, most of you will be purchasing this title for the 6th, or Pastoral Symphony as it is also known, and not the 1st, so I guess it would be prudent to speak of the merits of this landmark performance by George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra.While I am not the most qualified person to compare and contrast the subtleties of recordings by different artists or orchestras, I do feel comfortable doing it with such a familiar piece as Beethoven's 6th.For the record, I own four performances of what is one the greatest symphonies ever written, the Pastoral -- Bohm's delightful account on DG Originals, Bernstein's coupling with the 8th as part of the "Bernstein Century" series, an old copy of Toscanini's Beethoven Cycle on vinyl (which I grew up on), and now this Szell title.All of these recordings have their subtle differences, the most notable being the way Bernstein draws out the first two movements in his performance with the New York Philharmonic.But with the exception of the Toscanini, which is an older set recorded in mono, any of the three titles (Bohm, Bernstein or Szell) will make for a wonderful addition to any classical collection, beginner or advanced.If anything distinguishes the Szell from the other two (aside from the fact that this disc is budget line and the other two are mid-price) is his consistent, straightforward, lean and mean readings of the great works, from Haydn to Schumann and Beethoven to Brahms.Sorry for the pun, but Szell is always a great buy. ... Read more

Asin: B0000027AD
Sales Rank: 217645
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Orchestral    3. Symphonic   

The Gist of the Gemini
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (10)

A New FixFor '76.....or2004.
Jun 16, 2004

A superb work with highly improved dinamics, flashy drum breaks, percussive ambients, accurate guitar leads and many complex line vocals are the estructure for an intense, sexual, moody and soft dimed musical atmosphere. An extrordinary work that shows efficently the higher levels of Love and responsability: Love of my Life, Omens of Love, To the War, Carnal Question...

"If I came back
Just a cripple from the war
Would you hold me close
Just like you did before?
And what in the world would you do
If I could not make love to you..."

As well as soft songs with existencial regrets and highly questioned thouths inside our minds:

" If God is good
then God be cruel,
Take back the world
You've granted the fools...
Where are the summers of my life?..."

Through this intense atmospheres, Gino Vannelli is supported again by his fellow brother Joe Vanelli on Keyboards, Graham Lear on Drums (Former member of Santana), Richard Baker on various Keyboards, John Mandel on percussion and Dido on Congas...

Here in Mexico on early 90's Gino Vannelli and his brother came to play live and on a t.v. show, and I remember that neather the host Veronica Castro nor anybody, never ask anything (in that disapointed interview) about the Gist Of Gemini album and Gino didn't say anything as well. So it was obvious that nobody (and I mean nobody!) really knew who was Gino Vannelly the man, and the musician... ain't that a shame!

The Gist of the Gemini (1976) is Vannelli's best work to date and an effort seldomly reached, a "One in a million" recording and a must for the vannelli's real fans. Another excellent past musical efforts were Powerfull People album (1974), more jazzy ballad oriented; and Storm at Sunup (1975) that appears like a transitional album between Powerfull and The Gist...And I bet that nobody imagined the musical direction for the vannelli brothers in 1976 but they created a new progressive mixture of rock, Jazz, Classic, Bossa, cruzeiro, ballad; that reached unimaginated levels, an intense feeling and a new statement for the rock music,....A new fix for 2004. Good Luck!

Waste of money:Very disappointing.
This album did not live up to "Powerful People", "Storm at Sunup", or "A Pauper in Paradise".Now I remember why I bought all the others in vinyl and abstained from buying this album.I thought it was terrible."Love of My Life" is the only good song in this sad collection.Thank God his later releases made up for this meager effort.If your trying to decide whether or not to buy this album, save your money or try buying any of the above or "Brother to Brother" or even "Nightwalker" .Sorry Gino, but don't feel too bad; I have been buying your recordings since the mid 70's and have only been disappointed once.

Unconventional brilliance
I have loved this work since it first came out."Omens of Love" and "Fly into this Night" are two of my favorite songs, yet aren't - but should be - on any of his 'Favorites' CD's.The 6th through the 11th track are a continuous work.They lead us through thoughts about our responsibility - and the price we pay - for defending our liberty.This almost 30 year old set of songs is more relevant now than when it was first recorded.I not only have this work on CD, but also on its original LP form and still listen to it on my Linn Sondek LP12 with Dalquist DQ10 studio reference speakers.My my how it takes me back. ... Read more

Asin: B000002G9M
Sales Rank: 40760
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Soft Rock   

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
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Paperback (01 September, 1999)
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Editorial Review

Hobbits and wizards and Sauron--oh, my! Mild-mannered Oxfordscholar John Ronald Reuel Tolkien had little inkling when he publishedThe Hobbit; Or, There and Back Again in 1937 that, once hobbitswere unleashed upon the world, there would be no turning back. Hobbitsare, of course, small, furry creatures who love nothing better than aleisurely life quite free from adventure. But in that first novel andthe Lord of the Rings trilogy, the hobbits Bilbo and Frodo and theirelvish friends get swept up into a mighty conflict with the dragonSmaug, the dark lord Sauron (who owes much to proud Satan in Paradise Lost), themonstrous Gollum, the Cracks of Doom, and the awful power of themagical Ring. The four books' characters--good and evil--arerecognizably human, and the realism is deepened by the magnificentdetail of the vast parallel world Tolkien devised, inspired partly byhis influential Anglo-Saxon scholarship and his Christian beliefs. (Hedisapproved of the relative sparseness of detail in the comparableallegorical fantasy his friend C.S. Lewis dreamed up in The Chronicles ofNarnia, though he knew Lewis had spun a page-turning yarn.) Ithas been estimated that one-tenth of all paperbacks sold can tracetheir ancestry to J.R.R. Tolkien. But even if we had never gottenRobert Jordan's The Pathof Daggers and the whole fantasy genre Tolkien inadvertentlycreated by bringing the hobbits so richly to life, Tolkien's epic aboutthe Ring would have left our world enhanced by enchantment. --TimAppelo ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (1185)

Overrated!
I read through these 4 volumes 33 years ago when I came to England because many of my fellow students raved about them.

The Hobbit is mildly amusing story suitable for children.

The LOTR is rather dreary boring tale which requires a lot of perseverence to complete. I have not re-read it since unlike other novels that I have re-read multiple times purely because a good work of literature improves on re-reading.

If you want to read a true epic with complicated human characters try reading a retelling of the Mahabharata.

Check this out !!
The Lord of the Rings series is about 2 hobbits named Frodo and Sam who take the challenge of taking an evil ring to destroy it inn Mount Doom, the MOuntian of Fire.

While Frodo and Sam are being led to Mount Doom by Golem, the Fellowship tries to keep the Eye of Sauran off of them. The Fellowship tries to keep the Eye of Sauran off of them by fending off Orc armies.

I like the Lord of the Rings series because of all of the action and adventure...!

Submitted by: Onikage<---not real name

Hobbits, Dwarves, and Elves.
J.R.R Tolkien is an awesome fantasy writer. The whole series is really long , but it's worth it.The way Tolkien discribes his scenery is awesome. When you read the book it's like you're you are right smack dab in the middle.
The imagery was awesome throughout the whole book. You could see everything. An example of this is the battle of Minas Tirith, and th battle at the black gates. Tolkien uses major to describe the weapons, the smells, the scenery and everything else. You could see the battles.
A perfect example of dialogue is how the elves talk, which is way different from the way the dwarves talk. The elves are more refined then most other kinds of people. They are more polite. For the time and the kind of characters the dialogue was correct. J.R.R Tolkien is the best fantasy writer ever.
... Read more

Isbn: 0618002251
Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fantasy - Epic    3. Fantasy - General    4. Fiction    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism   

Cold Mountain : A Novel
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (12 August, 1998)
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Editorial Review

This unabridged audio version of Cold Mountain, read by author Charles Frazier, deserves at least as much acclaim as the bestselling print edition, which won the National Book Award. The tale chronicles a Confederate army deserter's search for home and love in the last days of the Civil War.

Much has been made of the story's homage to The Odyssey, the origins of which are found in an oral tradition. One can't help but hear echoes of Homer when listening to Frazier's soft, deliberate voice give life to his lyrical writing and to his understated, yet convincing rendering of the overwhelming events of war. Both Frazier's prose and reading are leisurely, recalling a slow foot pace. His delivery is uniquely suited to Innman's arduous, adventure-filled walk toward home and to the possibility of a reunion with Ada, the woman he loves. The author's reading does equal justice to Ada, who is being transformed by her struggle for survival on her father's farm. There is precious little dialogue, and Frazier makes no effort at acting out the characters.

One small irritation in the production is a beeping noise at the end of each side. Another minor complaint is that the tapes don't have individual boxes, which was perhaps an attempt to make the overall package appear more booklike. The recording does, however, make deft use of two brief musical interludes. In a subtle twist, the fiddle music that opens the first cassette, when repeated as an accompaniment to the epilogue, carries a bittersweet and unexpected resonance. By all means, forgive Random House Audio the tiny glitches, pass over that slender abridged version, and take home the real thing. This audiocassette is a journey that will leave few listeners unchanged by the experience. (Running time: 14.5 hours, 12 cassettes) --Naomi J. Cohn ... Read more

Reviews (1443)

Good Book, Average Movie
If you haven't read Frazier's justly acclaimed novel 8 years on from publication, in all likelihood you've traced Inman's oddessy to his beloved, Ada, via Minghella's film. Frazier's collaboration with the filmaker not withstanding, the book dwarfs the film in the way Cold Mountain's natural force pales even the spectre of the Civil War. This is attributable to the level of artistry brought to the book and the film and, quite bluntly, Frazier's vision and touch is more richly felt than Minghellas' who seems bereft of metaphoric resource. Frazier's language throngs with Thoreauvian detail and would require a director attuned to macroscopic subtleties which might wring some parallel weightiness from the camera. Frazier's conjures the cadence of the rural patois of mid century mountain people. Both the narrator andcharacters show reserve through their archaic pronouncements and the euphemistic flourishes about their world. They are at once cautious, and pragmatic. Together with naive, citified Ada, our eyes are toured and educated into the region's affinities bythe feral Ruby, sent to tide Ada after the grief of losing her father. The obdurate Cold Mountain is contrasted with the shifting detritus of the war as Inman traipses its ruined economies and casts of misfits, none more repugnant than Teague and his Home Guard ruffians. That deserters were hunted thus was a revelation to me. The book runs soft at its end, a perfect option for the type of conclusion in Minghella's films. Old Stobrod, a besotted wreck even before the war, survives as an unlikely grandfather, redeemed through his fiddle-playing. This permits Frazier to voice his adoration for the genre. The soundtrack captures this. The music remains with me, along with Jude Law, who now wears Inman's face. For the rest, the mist over Cold Mountain has lifted leaving only Frazier's singularly sublime anti-war text.

Anything he can do, she can do better
SPOILER ALERT - DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE NOVEL!

Not bad - but so politically correct I nearly threw up. All the men (except for the hero) are idiots; all the women are self-sufficient (eventually) and the last thing they need is a man, except for the bare essentials (which is symbolically illustrated in the lovers one-and-only tryst, which spawns a lovely little girl). Your move.

A Spectacular Novel With A Great Knowledge of History
I read this book, because I loved the movie and I found the book do be one of the best and most interesting books I have ever read. Charles Frazier has not only provided us a wonderful love story, but also a bit of a history lesson. The man has a great knowledge of history and this is apparent from the first page. The novel is about Inman. Inman is a confederate soldier in the hospital with a bullet wound on his neck, when the wound heals he will be forced to go back to war. Inman doesn't see a point in the war, so one night he hops out the window and begins to walk back to Cold Mountain and the woman he loves: Ada. Ada lives on a farm with her father, who dies, and she is left to fend for herself. Even though it's been four years since she has seen Inman, she still waits for him to return.
Then we meet Ruby is is sent to help Ada. While this is not the greatest synopsis in the world, I would highly recommend this book, it is great. The story is very well told, I was hooked on every word and read it in a matter of days. A+ ... Read more

Isbn: 0375700757
Subjects:  1. Civil War, 1861-1865    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Historical    4. Historical - General    5. Historical fiction    6. History    7. Love stories    8. United States    9. Fiction / General    10. Reading Group Guide   

In the Moment: Live in Concert
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 July, 2000)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
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Editorial Review

For three decades, Dianne Reeves has been one of the most popular vocalists, thanks to her well-produced recordings and engaging live shows. On this date, recorded before an audience of 300 fans, Reeves weaves her trademark, hornlike contralto over smooth grooves that cross over mainstream jazz, contemporary pop, and world-music lines. Her band, featuring keyboardist Otmaro Ruiz and Wynton Marsalis's bassist, Reginald Veal, delivers the Cat Stevens-associated church hymn "Morning Has Broken," Mongo Santamaria's classic "Afro-Blue," and Cole Porter's immortal "Love for Sale." She also pays homage to jazz's Brazilian roots with her splendid, spirited readings of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Triste," a duet with guitarist Romero Lubambo, and Milton Nascimento's "Bridges." On her lyrical, midtempo "Come In," Reeves's cousin, keyboardist George Duke, turns in a brilliant solo, and "The First Five Chapters" is an autobiographical number inspired by author Portia Nelson. But the zenith of the set is "The Best Times (Grandma's Song)," her new version of her most requested song, "Better Days," which sings the praises and virtues of family values better than our politicians. --Eugene Holley Jr. ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (6)

At last, THE GRAMMY
This is the CD that made the world take notice. This is not her best body of work. She has giving loving fans better then this and never won a Grammy. This just tells you what a big talent the world has been missing. On studio recordings, Miss Reeves is above the game. Her live shows as this, can never be surpassed. I would love to see her make another live CD covering some of her other favorites. But, if you never saw her live shows this is a treat.

just call her...DIANNE REEVES, M.D.
("M.D." in this case stands for musical doctor...)Those of us who have seen DR live know it is an experience unlike any other.Onstage, she makes her own rules and then breaks them-- seeming to constantly reinvent her songs/voice/ musical identity, all the while maintaining an intimacy with the audience that is as easeful as it is proufound/magical.I think that she does a number ofvery radical things with her music in general, and that her particularly radical style is exemplified by her performances on stage, and here in this album.When I say radical, I mean:somehow during the creative process of performing, she makes the radical choice to include the listener/audience over and over again EXPLICITLY in her creation.She has, I think, an innate and extremely rare understanding of the nexxus of human emotion and art (who else would dare put forth an album as raw and complex and contradicory as "Art and Survival'?) and is able to use her talent to make the final product far more than the sum of its parts. She goes beyond her role and status as an entertainer, giving medicine to her audience, medicine that lives on in the human heart long after the concert is over.Ironically, it's this, the most astounding aspect of her musicianship, that makes her most vulnerable to criticism.Most will agree on the dazzling voice, but: one reviewer of this album called "5 Chapters""self-indulgent"; others have claimed she is too experimental and not a "true" jazz singer.I, myself, referred to some songs on "Bridges" as "didactic" (see review).It was listening to this live album that made it click: refrains "Testify" and "Mista" now are embedded in my consciousness, self-activating affirmation chants that I hold dear in times of spiritual/emotional crisis.These songs annoyed me when I first heard them!Now I understand what she's doing:disobeying the sacred unspoken tenet of the European sensibility, that says we must "show but not tell" in art.The tenet the enforces the division between the experience and the expression.In the live world with DR, there is no division:when she greets the audience, she's singing;when she introduces each and every member of the band, telling stories all the way [left out on this album :( ], she's singing; when she talks about her start in the music business, her love of singing, her family, her heart being broken, she's doing this singing-talking thing that as far as I know is completely original to her, at least to the extent that she does it.And the singing is beautiful, and the talking is interesting-- thus, again-- more than the sum of their parts:the synergy of her miraculous presence and talent.Unmatched.She's THE singer for this millenium.I'm running out of room here but the truth is that Dianne is the queen of jazz...and the doctor of our broken hearts.Let us praise her...

The spirit of jazz
Once again Dianne Reeves demonstrates with her musicshe's one of a kind, one of the very few vocalist that relly say something new and, no matter what the critics say about her not focusing on pure jazz, SHE IS theperfect incarnation of what the spirits of jazz is: challenging theboundaries of music, pursuing freedom,improvisation, cultivating anexquisite taste with a sensibility that goes deep down into gospel, soul,r&b, afro, reggae to find a reveal new treasures. Above all this,naturally,stands her voice: warm, deep, rich in coulour and expressioncontralto,a voice guided by a sense of rythm and technical mastership goingfrom moaning, caressing, soaring, roaring, culminating with an ability toscat that leaves you speechles. This time Diane's been caught in therapture of a live performance, possibly her best dimension. She sing herheart out and kills you with a brilliant Brasilian trip: the acousticreading of "Triste" is magnificient, matched by Nacimentos'"Bridges" that is already "the definitive cover" ofthis beautiful song. Then, she and her extraordinary band sweep you awaywith a salsa-latin flavoured "Love for sale" that will have evenCole Porter surely nodding with satisfaction from high above. What avoyage.. and then he comes George Duke playing the pianoanddressing anold Dianne's hit "Come in" new, soulful and smooth and caressingand... beautiful... Each of the the songs of this superb set are simplystunning: a perfect collectionto appreciate the art of Dianne Reeves,indeed. After her first, sensational "New Morning" live in Paris,this is the second chance to travel on the wings of real live jazz with oneof the truest and best artists on the music scene today : when you're done,you just want to stand up and cry: Bravissima Dianne! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TR12
Subjects:  1. Hard Bop    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Traditional Pop    5. Urban    6. Vocal Jazz    7. Vocal Pop   

A Beautiful Mind (Widescreen Awards Edition)
by Russell Crowe Ed Harris
Director: Ron Howard
Average Customer Review:
DVD (08 February, 2005)
list price: $12.98 -- our price: $9.74
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Editorial Review

A Beautiful Mind manages to twist enough pathos out of John Nash's incredible life story to redeem an at-times goofy portrayal of schizophrenia. Russell Crowe tackles the role with characteristic fervor, playing the Nobel prize-winning mathematician from his days at Princeton, where he developed a groundbreaking economic theory, to his meteoric rise to the cover of Forbes magazine and an MIT professorship, and on through to his eventual dismissal due to schizophrenic delusions. Of course, it is the delusions that fascinate director Ron Howard and, predictably, go astray. Nash's other world, populated as it is by a maniacal Department of Defense agent (Ed Harris), an imagined college roommate who seems straight out of Dead Poets Society, and an orphaned girl, is so fluid and scriptlike as to make the viewer wonder if schizophrenia is really as slick as depicted. Crowe's physical intensity drags us along as he works admirably to carry the film on his considerable shoulders. No doubt the story of Nash's amazing will to recover his life without the aid of medication is a worthy one, his eventual triumph heartening. Unfortunately, Howard's flashy style is unable to convey much of it. --Fionn Meade ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• Dolby

Reviews (646)

Flawless
First off, amazing, the film is just flawless.The acting on all parts was a joy to watch.I feel Paul Bettany was overlooked at the oscars, as was Russell Crowe who deserved that oscar a million times over.His performance was moving and emotional, a flawless piece of art.Jennifer Connelly well deserved her oscar.She was stunning as usual and she was well matched with Russell since the two of them steal every scene they embody.This is just a great film, period.It was my favorite film up until Sunday when I was able to see an advanced screening of Ciderella Man and again, the whole Russell Crowe, Ron Howard team is a great gig...they should do that more often.Russell Crowe puts so much emotion into every role, but I feel that he does that to the superlative as Jimmy Braddock.There was actually quite a few scenes where I teared up and wanted to tell him everything would work out in the end.My wife was bawling and I did all I could to keep from doing the same.Hands down the best movie I've ever seen, followed closely by 'A Beautiful Mind' & 'Gladiator'...see them all, buy them all...

this is a great movie!
russell crowe did a fabulous job of acting in this movie!

5/5, HIGHLY RECCOMENDED

Moving Work
Russell Crowe deserved every award received for this poignant and sensitive portrayal of John Nash.In the span of decades we are taken from John's young manhood through old age and watch in wonder as he deals with his profession, his colleagues, his wonderful and loving wife and baby, and his imagined reality, all through the fog of mental illness.We never once look down on his actions, although the scene with the baby in the bathtub is both horrifying and sobering, and we root for him to somehow pull the tattered fringes of his mind together and find peace within.

Crowe's tortured performance along with a superb supporting cast, including Jennifer Connely as his supportive wife, will stay with you long after the last scenes.

The score is moving and Ron Howard's direction reminds us why he is one of the best in the movie-making business. ... Read more

Asin: B00005JKQZ
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Sense and Sensibility
by Kate Winslet Emma Thompson
Director: Ang Lee
Average Customer Review:
DVD (03 February, 2004)
list price: $19.94 -- our price: $14.96
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Editorial Review

Emma Thompson scores a double bull's-eye with this marvelous adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. Not only does Thompson turn in a strong (and gently humorous) performance as one of the Dashwood sisters--the one with "sense"--she also wrote the witty, wise screenplay. Austen's tale of 19th-century manners and morals provides a large cast with a feast of possibilities, notably Kate Winslet, in her pre-Titanic flowering, as Thompson's deeply romantic sister. Winslet attracts the wooing of shy Alan Rickman (a nice change of pace from his bad-guy roles) and dashing Greg Wise, while Thompson must endure an incredibly roundabout courtship with Hugh Grant, here in fine and funny form. All of this is doled out with the usual eye-filling English countryside and handsome costumes, yet the film always seems to be about the careful interior lives of its characters. The director, an inspired choice, is Taiwan-born Ang Lee, who brings the same exquisite taste and discreet touch he displayed in his previous Asian films (such as Eat Drink Man Woman). Thompson's script won an Oscar, and 1995 was a fine year for Jane Austen all around: Persuasion was made into an excellent picture, and Emma became the spritzy high school comedy Clueless. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Dolby
• Widescreen

Reviews (248)

The best Jane Austen adaptation ever!
If I can ever get myself to sit through the entire A&E presentation of Pride and Prejudice, it could affect this statement. However, as it stands, Emma Thompson deserved her distinction as being not only a gifted actor but also an award winning screenwriter. I wish there were more people in Hollywood like her! Ang Lee is probably one of the most talented directors today. He reminds me of Stanley Kubrick in the fact that he likes to tackle different genres of film. Lee went from a contemporary Asian family-drama (Eat Drink Man Woman) to a Jane Austen period piece (Sense & Sensibility) and pulled it off. It is a shame that he does not have one Academy Award for his directorial efforts because he is more talented than some winning directors are. The acting is wonderful, with Kate Winslet really giving a passionate performance. Emma Thompson played Elinor well (despite the age of the character being much younger). To me she displayed wonderfully Elinor's sensibleness and self-control, until a very uplifting scene at the end. I really enjoyed this film and recommend it.

Got to give it two thumbs up!
Everybody was wonderful in this movie! The acting was supurb! The costume design totaly fitted the era. And i have tried to read the book but it's pretty hard! I love the way it's written but i can't get started! This move is sure the best movie of 1995. Emma tompson is very lovely in this movie.

Great Cast/Screenplay Makes Beloved Jane AustenNovel Work!
I first saw this movie without reading the book (shame on me), so the movie didn't make much "Sense" to me, although I somewhat understood the plot [and liked the film] but it's always preferable to read the book prior to seeing the movie version (I also did that with Patricia Rozema's excellent adaptation of "Mansfield Park" [how utterly stupid of me], but I'll read the novel, as I have it now, part of "Jane Austen: The Complete Novels"). I saw this movie again on March 12 and...ah, what the hell, read on.

Emma Thompson ("Dead Again," "Much Ado About Nothing") is the screenwriter and star of this excellent adaptation of one of Jane Austen's most beloved works (the others being "Mansfield Park," "Emma" and "Pride And Prejudice"). Recently divorced from Kenneth Branagh, who cast her in his adaptations of William Shakespeare's "Henry V" and "Much Ado About Nothing" (which he directed, produced, wrote for the screen and starred in; see my review on "Much Ado About Nothing" and other Shakespearean adaptations) and "Dead Again" (he only directed and starred in that one), Ms. Thompson agreed to tackle this project as "Jane Austen is my favorite author" when approached by producer Lindsay Doran on the set of "Dead Again" and does an excellent job with the material, such a good job that she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Screenplay (competing against Randall Wallace for Mel Gibson's "Braveheart" [which won Gibson Best Picture and Best Director]) AND WON!! Well deserved, too. Kate Winslet (pre-"Titanic" fame and whose next role would be as Ophelia opposite Kenneth Brangah in the latter's uncut, star-studded 4-hour version of "Hamlet" [see my review on that one and the 1948 version of "Hamlet" starring, produced, text-edited, though he went uncredited, and directed by Sir Laurence Olivier aka The Master Of The Bard and arguably one of the greatest Shakespearean actors who ever lived] as well as prior and watch for upcoming reviews on faithful other versions of William Shakespeare's plays), Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman (fresh off his role as the villainous Sherrif Of Nottingham in Kevin Reynolds' remake [to a certain extent] of the 1938 classic "The Adventures Of Robin Hood" [see my review on it] starring screen legends Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHaviland [whose next project was the equally successful 1939 classic "Gone With The Wind", see my review of the VHS], based on the classic novel of the same name by Margaret Mitchell) play the two potential suitors in this wonderful version, Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon, respectively. Greg Wise plays the villainous Willoughby. Imelda Staunton (who two years prior had been cast as Margaret in Kenneth Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing" and recently won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in the drama "Vera Drake") plays Charlotte Palmer. The rest of the cast does a great job in this well-scripted/well-casted film. Ang Lee ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") does a fine job directing this period piece. Ms. Thompson should have also brought "Pride And Prejudice" to the screen as well (there's an upcoming version starring Keira Knightley ["Pirates Of The Carribean" see my review on it; sequel coming soon] set to hit theaters this year at the earliest), but it's all well and good. Special features include deleted scenes, Emma Thompson's Golden Globe speech, theatrical trailers and more.

Great cast, terrific screenplay, top-notch acting, beautiful scenery (it was shot in the same locales described so meticulously by Jane Austen in her novel) and good directing make this period piece a movie to treasure for all time. The anamorphic widescreen format enchances the beauty of this great picture even further. Were it not for the "B" word, which is also in the book, this movie would've/should've been rated G. Rated PG for thematic elements. ... Read more

Asin: 0800141660
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Braveheart
by Mel Gibson Sophie Marceau
Director: Mel Gibson
Average Customer Review:
DVD (08 January, 2002)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning 1995 Braveheart is an impassioned epic about William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish leader of a popular revolt against England's tyrannical Edward I (Patrick McGoohan). Gibson cannily plays Wallace as a man trying to stay out of history's way until events force his hand, an attribute that instantly resonates with several of the actor's best-known roles, especially Mad Max. The subsequent camaraderie and courage Wallace shares in the field with fellow warriors is pure enough and inspiring enough to bring envy to a viewer, and even as things go wrong for Wallace in the second half, the film does not easily cave in to a somber tone. One of the most impressive elements is the originality with which Gibson films battle scenes, featuring hundreds of extras wielding medieval weapons. After Eisenstein's Alexander Nevsky, Orson Welles's Chimes at Midnight, and even Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, you might think there is little new that could be done in creating scenes of ancient combat; yet Gibson does it. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• Dolby

Reviews (743)

EPIC!
While long and gory, this movie delivers. The acting of Mel Gibson and the others in this movie is totally flawless.Mel's fake(it doesn't sound like it) accent must have taken much practice and determination.

The landscape of the movie is breathtaking, much like in "The Lord of the Rings."From the grassy planes to mountains, this movie sends you to Ireland.

The amazing score is another piece of the puzzle, as without it, the movie would not be the same.Sad music blends with good old bagpipe music.

The fighting scenes, which are my favorite, are extremely realistic with blood and gore.The weapons used are authentic.When bows are pulled back, it is done with effort, unlike most other movies where bows are pulled back with absolutely no effort whatsoever.

There are very sad moments like when William's soon-to-be wife is killed and when he yells "FREEDOM!!" that bring tears to my eyes.

This movie gets two thumbs WAY up and should definately be added to your DVD collection.

Cheap thrills for mass market minds
Mel Gibson seem to be a mesochist determined to impress the world with his willingness to protray himself suffering with make-believe valiance in some cheezy pretense of historical settings.

one of the best
I feel sorry for everyone who rated this movie with 4 and less stars, they miss out on the enjoyment of one of the best movies ever. ... Read more

Asin: B00003CX95
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-action/Adventure   

Come Walk With Me
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 June, 1997)
list price: $16.98
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Reviews (24)

Absolutely The Best
All I can say is,absolutely, incredible piece of work. The production, the arrangement, the writing along with the most incredible voice out there.Yolanda Adams has an outstanding voice, but this girl can sang.Oleta, you have been blessed. This is what great singing is all about.Hope she's back in the studio for spiritual or secular, I don't care, I will be a fan for life.

Unmistakeable Oleta...
Sometimes --- even with artists whose work you typically love --- a cd needs to be played several times before you really "feel" it.Not so with this one.You know you'll spend plenty of time playing a cd when you loved it the first time around! The rich character of Oleta's voice is simply unmistakeable.This cd is comprised of wonderful selections which soothe the spirit and calm the mind.Not a lot of shouting going on here, which is fine by me: simply music that opens the door to worship, and is peaceful enough to allow for meditation.Wonderfully done...I highly recommend.

Inspirations and Reflections for a Soul in need .
'GODS got a Blessing, with your name on it'. ... Read more

Asin: B000003BV0
Sales Rank: 39624
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Gospel    3. Gospel    4. Pop    5. Urban   

Reckless Mercy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 November, 1998)
list price: $15.97
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Reviews (6)

Kevin Prosch is the best!
I have been a fan of Kevin's since 1997.Although he is not as well known as musicians like Darrell Evans or Matt Redman, these musicians credit Kevin Prosch as being a major influence.Kevin is more than a musician - he is a Psalmist in the tradition of King David.Reckless Mercy is a wonderful CD, and Kiss the Son is my favorite song ever.Kevin leads his listeners into a different level of worship - he challenges his listeners to be authentic and broken before God - more than any worship leader I've ever heard. His music has blessed my life tremendously, and this CD is a good start to a collection of Kevin's music.I also recommend Come to the Light, Palanquin, and Black Peppercorns.You basically cannot go wrong with any of Kevin's CDs.

The best of
Reckless mercy is a greatest hits record from most of Kevins early stuff.It's diffenately a record worth owning, However, to really here the best from Kevin, I recomend "The Black Pepper Corns". This is a side project Kevin did.It's not really a worhip album like the rest of his albums,but it's probably one of the best albums I have ever heard. Good luck finding it though.It's a very hard album to find.Another good album is his newest one "Palanquin" which is a little different, but it still has the great song writting that Kevin continues to produce.Kevin Prosch is a great song writter who's influences are more like Van Morrison's than anybody else.He does have a bit of flavor though that Morrison could never produce.

Reckless Mercy touches the human heart with a desire for God
I have been following Kevin's music for about a year now, and he doesn't disappoint.Reckless Mercy is a wonderful compilation of some of his best work... it all points to God is our only help and hope, from a transparenthuman perspective. I would love to see all of Kevin's CD's here. Especially THE BLACK PEPPERCORNS! ... Read more

Asin: B000007T9B
Sales Rank: 136636

The Weight of Glory
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (20 March, 2001)
list price: $10.95 -- our price: $8.21
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Reviews (24)

Penetrating insights
This is an exceedingly well composed and thought provoking collection of essays by one of the truly great Christian apologists of the modern age.

"The Weight of Glory" considers "...our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off...", and how, through love, we must help one another reach the end for which we were made.

"Learning in War-Time" explains why the pursuit of learning in the midst of a temporal crisis is not an evasion, but a moral necessity.Lewis turns conventional thinking on its head.

"Why I Am Not a Pacifist" is a logical critique that demolishes the pacifist position.

"Transposition" is a deep theological reflection on how we are to understand and interpret miracles, and how we are naturally inclined to do it incorrectly.

"Is Theology Poetry?" discusses the relationship between the two, with Lewis making a surprising case for Christian theology being, at one level, very poor poetry.At the core of his argument is the fact that we are not drawn to religion by virtue of its poetic appeal--there are other, deeper reasons for faith.

"The Inner Ring" counsels university students to do what is right, not what is popular.

"Membership" explains the meaning of the term in the Christian sense of one body with many parts, as opposed to the more modern idea of membership as all people being equal.While Lewis commends the notion of equality in its proper place, he says that "[Christianity] is the hierachical world, still alive and (very properly) hidden behind a facade of equal citizenship..."A tremendous meditation on the complex interplay between religion and social institutions, on how we can remain truly human in a society that of necessity tends to suppress our humanity.

"On Forgiveness" highlights the easily glossed over distinction between forgiving sins and excusing them.With a personal frankness typical of all these essays, Lewis makes his point about how we tend to make excuses rather than accept responsibility by revealing his own shortcomings.

"A Slip of the Tongue" is about how we tend to compartmentalize our faith, how we try to keep our beliefs from intruding on the "real world" where we live except when we're in church.

Lewis tackles some very difficult problems, but if he does not completely solve them, he certainly puts them in a perspective we may not have considered.

If you like C.S. Lewis . . .
. . . like I do, I strongly suggest We All Fall Down, by Brian Caldwell. Like Lewis, Caldwell takes an intellectual aproach to the concept of Christianity. His novel is very much in the vein of The Screwtape Letters and The Great divorce. I highly recomend it for discriminating Christian readers.

Pulling it All Together
I have to admit that the first time I read Weight of Glory was before I had read any of Lewis' other works.Since then I have had a chance to read many of his other works, both fiction and non-fiction.

I can say with certainty that having read Weight of Glory helped immensely with all of his other books.The same threads that Lewis weaves with throughout his other works in various degrees, all show up here in Weight of Glory, completely undisguised.In The Silver Chair Lewis talks about many issues using fictional characters and situations, and in the Abolition of Man Lewis again deals with some of these same issues in a very (overly???) analytical way, but in The Weight of Glory those same issues are presented in a way that is easy to understand and wonderfully illustrated by means of Lewis' amazing ability paint pictures with words.

This is a great book for anyone interested in understanding more of what Lewis is saying throughout his other books.One will find that Lewis keeps chasing many of the same subjects and ideas around throughout many of his books, and this is a great place to start the chase. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060653205
Sales Rank: 4872
Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Worship - Preaching    5. Sermons - Christian    6. Theology    7. Religion / General   

Daughter of the River: An Autobiography
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (January, 2000)
list price: $12.00 -- our price: $9.60
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Reviews (10)

If you must read it, borrow it from the library.
I just had a hard time reading/understanding/finishing this book. I did finally finish it because I wanted to know the mystery behind the author's father, but in the end the whole book was disappointing. I guess it's a matter of the book's structure. The author jumps from one time setting to another so often, it gets totally confusing! Also she intertwines different stories of different family members and other people in her life, that it's easy to confuse the characters. Some of the language sounds awkward, the curse words seem...forced. Also after a while, the author's unceasing bitterness towards life tended to grate on my nerves.

This is the second book that I've been unable to finish
Rarely have I been unable to finish a book, even when it's quite terrible. However, this book was unreadable to me.

There is no rhyme or reason to this book. There's no linear progression. It's more of a "This happened when I was 5. This happened when I was 15. This happened when I was 12. This happened when I was 5." The book goes nowhere and there is no plot to follow.

After reading the glowing reviews here on Amazon, I was very much looking forward to reading this book. However, after reading half of it, it's in a box in the closet...

One of the better autobiographies of recent Chinese life
I have read many accounts of life in China, and I found that Hong Ying's autobiography is outstanding.Most autobiographies have been written by Chinese intellectuals, but Hong Ying grew up in abject poverty.Her very survival is a testament to incredible perseverence.That she not only survived, but became a talented writer, is nothing short of miraculous.This book has been termed a "Chinese Angela's Ashes," and I believe that that is an apt comparison. ... Read more

Isbn: 0802136605
Sales Rank: 11835
Subjects:  1. 1962-    2. 20th century    3. Asia - China    4. Authors, Chinese    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Chinese authors    10. Ethnic Cultures - General    11. Hong, Ying,    12. Literary    13. Political    14. Women   

Ballads
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 June, 1995)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

In 1962 John Coltrane was under assault from conservative critics who had labeled his tumultuous extended performances "anti-jazz." In response he entered the studios to create this classic collection of both well known and obscure ballads. Coltrane was one of jazz's greatest ballad players, a fact sometimes overlooked in the controversy that swirled about his work, and his lyrical gifts are in sharp relief here. They're transmitted through one of the most beautiful tones that jazz has ever produced, suggesting a rare metal that has just been discovered. The material brings out the best in pianist McCoy Tyner, who is prominently featured and whose harmonic subtlety and limpid grace shine throughout. --Stuart Broomer ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (37)

The sublime perfection!
In the special case of these giants jazz musicians you guess they reproduce reflects almost an autobiographical experience . if you realize the song titles and the way they play the piece , you willfeel an open heart crying , dreaming and suffering . Tht's the blues , its nervous and greatness .
When you listen Say it (over and over again) you will be immediately engaged with this charming moods and eloquent expressiveness .Fantastic rapport and to me the best track of this excellent album.
You don 't know what love is the most passionate works ofColtrane and draws the right path of a missed love .
Too young to be steady is funny piece where Coltrane exhibits his notable domain of the musical form.
All or nothing at all is an experimental piece
I wish I know opens with a brief and smooth piano introduction where the soloist once more steals the show with that special magnetism and powerful feeling . Suggestive and tender piece . The second best track without any doubt.
It' s easy to remember opens too with a piano melody who allows as musical carpet to serve as curtain to Coltrane around a touching piece , nostalgic and elusive .
Nancy (with the laughing face) must have been one of the greatest loves of John . It 's just a love poem all the way .The rapture feeling is more than obvious .
This CD is wonderful and extraordinary . It will give you the minim but essential facets of this genius.

Album
the only reason I gave this a low mark, was because the album was just too short in my opinion.

A different side of Coltrane
John Coltrane demonstrates another side of his musical range on this beautiful album of ballads. Coltrane's playing is soulful, sweet and filled with emotion. Mccoy Tyner is equally devastating on piano on just about every cut included here. Coltrane's talent and musical imagination is unquestionably on display here in a cd that is highly accessable in comparison to some of his more challenging work. The man was a giant and this CD belongs on the shelf of every jazz lover. ... Read more

Asin: B000003N7I
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop   

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at 'The Club'
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 July, 1995)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

"Live at 'The Club'" boasts the cover of this 1966 album. Of course, this turned out to be a lie, as did the entirety of the original liner notes. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy was not recorded at that Chicago venue, but instead at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. (The ruse was a favor to the club owner.) The hollering audience was comprised of invited guests and stimulated by free booze. Still, their enthusiasm is definitely well warranted, as alto man Cannonball Adderley and his band offer a riveting blend of postbop calisthenics and soul-jazz grooves. Joe Zawinul's famous title track, with its hypnotic, gospel-drenched funkiness, was a crossover top 10 pop hit, as well as an astonishing exercise in restraint for Zawinul, who somehow resists the urge to dig in on his electric piano, instead opting for a deep, mellow mood. The rest of the album cooks, with Cannonball, brother Nat on cornet, and Zawinul supplying the heat. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (9)

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Let me just tell you, this is about as exciting as it gets!The recording actually feels like it took place at a famous jazz club on a summer night, but as everyone knows by now, this wasn't so, and it was recorded in Capitol studios.This album finds the quintet at the top of its game, this time featuring Cannonball, his brother Nat on cornet, the spectacular Joe Zawinul on piano, Victor Gaskin on bass, and Roy McCurdy on drums.Of the six exciting numbers, I'd have to say that "Games" is my favorite, another great example of how amazingly underrated Nat was as a composer.The title track has this after-hours mood that you won't be able to find anywhere else.Whenever you're down about something, just put on that track, and I guarantee it will help you deal with whatever your problem is.You can't possibly call yourself a jazz or Cannonball fan and not own this magnificent album, so order it now!

Get your groove on!
This is a great classic jazz cd.I guarentee you will have lots of fun with this one!Get ready to boogie!The whole lineup plays with plenty of intestinal fortitude and they blend together quite well.So what if it was really recorded in the studio?Perhaps what gives this album an edge is the band feeding off the energy of the audience.Energy is what this has.Mercy, Mercy, Mercy is a necessity in any jazz library.This *IS* jazz!

THIS is JAZZ!
Mercy, mercy mercy!This cd is a killer.All 6 songs are excellent, from the opening bops on "Fun" to the ending shuffle notes of "Woe."Though the setup is sort of a lie, its obvious the band, and especially Cannonball, are having a great time.Cannonball really demonstrates his mastery of his instrument, playing the whole range and a variety of different licks.Nat Adderly is excellent to.Zawinul puts heart into his piano and keyboard, and time is never lost with very solid playing from the Gaskin the bass player and the drummer.Get this cd, you won't be sorry.If you like Adderley, bebop or just any kind of jazz, its impossible for this cd NOT to get your feet tapping and your fingers snapping.Deffinitely Cannon at his best. ... Read more

Asin: B000005GY5
Subjects:  1. Hard Bop    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Soul-Jazz   

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