The Idan Raichel Project - Within My Walls

Led by Israeli keyboardist/producer Idan Raichel, The Idan Raichel Project seeks to give voice to the amazingly diverse blend of world cultures that comprise Israel's colorful musical landscape. Raichel was conscripted into the Israeli army where he joined the Army rock band and after completing his military service, Raichel started working as a counselor at a boarding school for immigrants and troubled youth. Notably, the school was filled with young people from Ethiopia who were part of Israel's growing community of Ethiopian Jews. Raichel began to fall in love and identify with Ethiopian music and culture. He also found that most of the immigrant boys he worked with were forced to shun the culture of their homeland in desperate hopes of assimilating into mainstream Israeli society. Inspired by this realization, Raichel began investing time in learning more about the many immigrant cultures that made up Israel. Raichel hoped to encourage his students and friends to embrace and live out their native cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Idan had become a successful backup musician and recording session player for some of Israel's most popular musicians. He decided it was time to pursue a project that reflected his richly multicultural musical ideals, and began working on demo recordings and The Idan Raichel Project was born, featuring the songwriting and production skills of Raichel, and the musical contributions from an amazingly diverse cast of players. The Idan Raichel Project burst onto Israel's music scene in 2002, changing the face of Israeli popular music and offering a message of love and tolerance that resonated strongly in a region of the world where headlines are too often dominated by conflict. After much success of the first two albums, in November 2008, The Idan Raichel Project released the album “Within My Walls” (Bein Kirot Beiti); an enchanting blend of Raichel’s poetic lyrics sung in Hebrew, Moroccan Arabic, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole and Swahili with African, Latin American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern sounds coupled with beautiful arrangements and sophisticated production techniques. Contributions come from Colombian singer Marta Gómez, Cape Verdean luminary Mayra Andrade and the silken-voiced Somi of Rwandan and Ugandan heritage, a 24-piece arranged by Israeli arranger Assaf Dar who transposed this engaging melodies into an orchestral format, Middle Eastern percussionist Zohar Fresco, traditional flute and woodwinds specialist Eyal Sela, Mark Eliyahu on kamancheh (a traditional Persion fiddle) and legendary bassist Alon Nadel. The result is a deeply moving beautiful recording, overflowing with rich melodies, engaging poetry, stunning vocal performances and intricate arrangements based on songs which address the struggle for personal fulfillment and the true meaning of love in a conflicted and complex world.

1. Todas las Palabras (All the Words) feat. Marta Gómez

2. Bein Kirot Beiti (Within My Walls) (sampled above)

3. She'eriot Shel Ha'Chaim (Scraps of Life) feat. Amir Dadon

4. Mai Nahar (River Waters) feat. Anat Ben Hamo

5. Chalomot Shel Acherim (Other People's Dreams)

6. Ôdjus Fitxadu (With My Eyes Shut) feat. Mayra Andrade

7. Shev (Stay) feat. Maya Avraham

8. Rov Ha'Sha'ot (Most of the Hours) feat. Ilan Damti

9. Min Nhar Li Mshiti (From the Day You Left) feat. Shimon Buskila

10. Cada Día (Every Day) feat. Marta Gómez

11. Hakol Over (This Too Shall Pass)

12. Nin'al Be'Mabato (Locked in His Gaze)

13. Maisha

Buy it at Amazon Within My Walls or

Silvano Monasterios - Fostered

Venezuelan pianist-composer Silvano Monasterios unfulfilled academic aspirations led to a return to the University of Miami to earn a Master’s Degree in Jazz Piano and Pedagogy in 2004. While there his legacy was defined through study, practice, patience, feel, mood, harmonic concepts, improvisation, execution, articulation, heart, soul and the influence of his own culture, present in every cell of music that he created; in every phrase he executed and most of all, in every piece he composed. His Master culminated with a live performance beautifully recorded, which bears the name “Fostered”. It features the composition “Avila”, awarded “College Original Song Outstanding Performance” by DownBeat Magazine in 2005. Musicians are: Silvano Monasterios on piano and keyboards, John Dadurka, Sam Howard and Aaron Mitter on acoustic bass, Noah Penn on drums, Brandon Wright and Erik Elligers on saxophones and Seth Merlin and Pete Clagget on trumpet and fluegelhorn.

Track Listing:
1. Jerusalem
2. Avila
3. Simplicity
4. Bittersweet (bass solo)
5. Bittersweet
6. Welcome Back
7. Visionary (Sampled above)
8. Blue Heart
9. Caravan of Dreams
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Silvano Monasterios - Roads Not Taken

A bona fide piano prodigy born in Venezuela, pianist-composer Silvano Monasterios began his professional career at the age of 18 by performing and recording with some of the most prominent artists from his native land thus becoming experienced in a wide variety of musical genres. In 1989, he participated at the Miami Jazz Festival, where he received a “Best Soloist Award”. In 1990, he moved to and after obtaining an “Outstanding Soloist Award” at the University of Colorado in 1991, Monasterios received a music scholarship from the prestigious music program at the University of Miami, from which he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1995. In 1998, Silvano was voted “New Artist of the Year” at the “Hennessey Cognac Jazz Search” in New York City and he released his first solo CD, “Roads Not Taken”, which remains as fresh now as it did then. Unfulfilled academic aspirations led Monasterios to return to the University of Miami where he earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Piano and Pedagogy in 2004. During the years 2002-2004, Monasterios was the pianist in the award winning ensemble and most revered group "Bop Brothers" at the University of Miami under Vince Maggio. In 2005 DownBeat Magazine honored Silvano as the winner of its “Best Jazz Instrumental Soloist Award” in the 28th Annual Student Music Awards. A particularly gifted composer, he also won in the category of “College Original Song Outstanding Performance” for his composition “Avila”. Since then Monasterios has performed with a number of important artists including Ira Sullivan, Terumasa Hino & the World Jazz All-Stars, Othello Molineaux, Dave Liebman, Larry Coryell, Melton Mustafa, Marc Johnson, Donald Byrd, Alan Harris, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Nathen Page, Randy Brecker, Sammy Figueroa, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paul Wertico, Mark Egan, Claudio Roditi, Dave Valentin, Shakira, David Lee Roth, Lou Soloff and Nestor Torres. But Monasterios’ style is best described in the words of Jeff Laibson: “It is not surprising that as I was listening to the music of Silvano Monasterios I began to smile. With all great piano playing in the jazz genre, we can recognize the usual suspects of influence, whether it is Bud, Monk, Bill Evans, Herbie, McCoy, Keith, Chick, or anyone for that matter. That fact is simple, and undisputed. Great jazz playing on any instrument has always been a synthesis through osmosis of sorts, and a ton of study, practice and most of all, patience. Through its entire history, every great player has listened to the records of their inspirators, transcribed their feel, their mood, their harmonic concepts and language, their developed ideas and improvisation, and most of all, their wonderful idiosyncrasies of execution. The articulation, if you will. All of that is mixed into the heart and soul of the wishing individual creating a new kind of artistry. We hear this influence in every piano player, including the masters, so to have smiled when I first heard Silvano's music made perfect sense to me. I smiled also because his music makes one smile and happy, but equally important is that I smiled because I heard his voice and felt his vision and the influence that he too will have on others over the years as well. From the shortest phrase to the longest, though the language of jazz is obvious, his own sound and style has, and will ever be refreshing to me, and the first thing I think about, and feel as I listen to him, is the influence of his own culture, present in every cell of music that he creates; in every phrase he executes; and most of all; in every piece he composes. When I first met and had the privilege of meeting Silvano was at the University of Miami. He was a student of mine for a brief period of time, and my favorite part about teaching him was actually what he taught me. I have always learned more from my students than I have taught them. Most honest teachers would/should admit that. Coming to America from Venezuela with nothing but a dream was inspirational to me and still is. He had a powerful hope and desire, and through many years of hard work on his part, has envisaged his dream many times over and will continue to do so. The greatest part of his presence and present, is still his longing and search for matters of the heart. His love of home, family and heritage will forever be at the core of his artistic journey. They are what drives him to and into maturity, and always will be. Silvano's originality will always be a source of joy to me. What I learned from Silvano is that when one listens, one learns. When one learns, one might just smile as well.”

“Roads Not Taken” has been re-mastered and reissued by the artist himself and it is finally commercially available in digital format. Musicians are: Silvano Monasterios on piano and keyboards, Marc Johnson on acoustic bass, Alexis Peña on drums and percussion, Ira Sullivan and Tom McCormick on saxophones, John Bailey on trumpet and fluegelhorn, Oscar Salas on percussion, Lazaro Alfonso on bata drums, Pepe Vera on clarinet and flute, David Alsina on bandoneon and Randy Bernsen on electric guitar. The links on this player are for Europe but below you will also find the link for the US iTunes store.

Track Listing:

1. San Ruperto
2. Mira La Luna
3. La Gaita y la Luna
4. Flor de Fuego
5. Lawrence
6. Roads Not Taken
7. I Hope
8. Carmen
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Fly Away - The Songs Of David Foster

Once in a while comes along one of those tribute albums, which catches your ear. “Fly Away” is certainly one of those. It celebrates the songwriting art of one of the most talented musicians/writers/producers ever to appear on the music scene, David Foster. But while a lot of people think that Mr. Foster had everything to do with this album, the fact remains that the man behind this tribute is Tomi Malm, from Finland, who as an arranger and producer has reinvented a number of classics from Foster’s amazing songbook. Furthermore, Malm’s inventive and original covers are brought to life by a cast of superior musicians and singers, some of whom have collaborated with Foster in the past in one way or another. Mr. Foster himself collaborates on a few tracks playing piano. But the real beauty of this album is the fact that even for someone who doesn’t know who David Foster is or who these musicians are, it doesn’t matter. These are great songs and great performances and the appeal of these covers is undeniably attractive. To say that these renditions sound better than the originals by Earth, Wind & Fire, Peter Cetera, Boz Scaggs, Kenny Loggins, Peter Allen, Chaka Khan, James Ingram and Chicago would be sacrilege, but even if you are familiar with the originals you cannot help but to feel compelled to continue listening to this wonderful production and end up loving it. Mr. Malm has achieved a true tribute album, which sounds fresh, inventive and gives new meaning to “The Songs of David Foster”, or should we say David Foster, Maurice White, Bill LaBounty, Boz Scaggs, Kenny Loggings, Michael McDonald, Carole Bayer Sager, Peter Allen, Cynthia Weil, Richard Marx, Jeremy Lubbock, Jay Graydon, Robert Lamm, just to name a few. After all, none of the songs in this tribute (and throughout most of his career) were written by Foster alone but in collaboration with some of the best writers in the music business. Mr. Foster just has a star-like persona and is a better businessman. His all around talent as a writer, producer, musician and entrepreneur propels him into stardom. The album closes with an extraordinary contribution directly from Foster’s vaults, the unreleased song “Live Each Day”, which features a vocal performance by the late Warren Wiebe, which has never been heard before. Musicians are: Vocals by Bill Champlin, Bill LaBounty, Arnold McCuller, Frank Adahl, Jeff Pescetto, Robbie Dupree, Cecily Gardner, Ole Borud, Lisa Lovbrand, Bill Cantos and Warren Wiebe, Tomi Malm as producer, arranger on keyboards, bass and guitars, Jeremy Lubbock, Lenni-Kalle Taipale, Aidan Zammit on Rhodes, David Foster on piano, John Robinson and Jarmo Valmari on drums, Nathan East, Rick Chudacoff, Neil Stubenhaus, Alberto Hernandez and Abraham Laboriel on bass, Ramon Stagnaro on nylon guitar, Brandon Fields and Fabrizio Mandolini on sax, Paul Jackson Jr., Janne Lehikoinen, Peter Friestedt, Dan Warner, Michael Landau, Soren Reiff, Jay Graydon, Porty, Jyrki Manninen, Jaakko Pesola and Juan Carlos Jimenez on electric guitar, Michito Sanchez on percussion, Tollak Ollestad on harmonica, Frank Adahl, Bill Champlin, Lisa Lavie, Tomi Malm, Gabriel Raya, Rafa Hernandez, Eli Hernandez, Arnold McCuller, Bill Cantos, Joaquin Gonzalez, Jeff Pescetto, Bjarne Langhoff, Bjarne Langhoff, Aidan Zammit and Joe Pizzulo on background vocals, Horns arranged by Tomi Malm, Jan Glaesel and performed by the Danish All Star Horns, Jan Glaesel on flugelhorn solo, string arrangement by Tomi Malm and Jeremy Lubbock, strings conducted by Dan Bornemark and performed by the Värmland Opera Sinfonietta.

Track Listing: (Composers)

1. Prelude (Tomi Malm)

Featuring David Foster on piano

2. In the Stone (David Foster, Maurice White & Allee Willis)

Performed by Bill Champlin

3. No Explanation (David Foster, Linda Thompson, Bill LaBaounty & Beckie Foster)

Performed by Bill LaBounty

4. Jojo (David Foster, David Lasley & Boz Scaggs)

Performed by Arnold McCuller

5. The Colour of My Love (David Foster & Arthur Janov)

Performed by Frank Adahl

6. Heart to Heart (David Foster, Kenny Loggings & Michael McDonald)

Performed by Jeff Pescetto

7. Fly Away (David Foster, Peter Allen & Carole Bayer Sager)

Performed by Robbie Dupree

8. Look What You've Done to Me (David Foster & Boz Scaggs)

Performed by Cecily Gardner

9. Through the Fire (David Foster, Tom Keane & Cynthia Weil)

Performed by Ole Borud

10. The Best of Me (David Foster, Jeremy Lubbock & Richard Marx)

Performed by Lisa Lovbrand

11. Nothin' You Can Do About It (David Foster, Jay Graydon & Steve Kipner)

Performed by Frank Adahl

12. Whatever We Imagine (David Foster, Jeremy Lubbock & Paul Gordon)

Performed by Bill Cantos

13. When Will the World Be Like Lovers (David Foster, Tom Keane & Robert Lamm)

Performed by Jeff Pescetto, Robbie Dupree, Frank Adahl, Bill Cantos, Arnold McCuller and Joe Pizzulo

14. Live Each Day (David Foster and Linda Thompson)

Performed by Warren Wiebe

Buy Fly Away at Amazon, CD Baby

Ketil Bjørnstad - Remembrance

Norwegian pianist Ketil Bjørnstad always paints a serene Scandinavian landscape through his beautiful compositions, unique style matched by the distinctive performances of his long-time musician colleagues. This is felt throughout all his recordings, especially those under ECM Records, which are perfect examples of how some music can appeal to anybody regardless of the style. “Remembrance” is no exception. Tenor saxophonist Tore Brunborg reminds us of other great Scandinavian talents such as Jan Garbarek by adding palettes of melodies tinged with Scandinavian folklore while veteran drummer Jon Christensen remains always inventive as his usually ultra-sensitive drumming might seem like disorderly free drumming at will to the non-connoisseur just as it is a legendary performance to those familiar with his great style. This mixture makes “Remembrance” a reflective, introspective recording, well suited for those times when peace, relaxation, concern and a look at one's inner self are necessary. Recorded and mixed by Jan Erik Kongshaug.

Track Listing:

1. Remembrance I

2. Remembrance Ii
3. Remembrance Iii
4. Remembrance Iv
5. Remembrance V
6. Remembrance Vi
7. Remembrance Vii
8. Remembrance Viii
9 Remembrance Ix
10. Remembrance X
11. Remembrance Xi
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Gino Vannelli - Canto

Gino Vannelli began his recording in the 70’s and he became really popular with his hit singles "People Gotta Move" and his classics "I Just Want to Stop" and "Living Inside Myself". But this secluded artist has always been able to amaze his fans and new listeners with his ability to innovate, create and sound unique, mainly due to his incredible musicianship and a wonderful and distinctive voice. So after an illustrious 30-year career, Vannelli took a huge leap forward and recorded “Canto” in 2003. Instead of going out and dredging up some moldy old standards, on a daring move he sat down and wrote his own, which is a lot more than you can say about some of the lifeless "classical" efforts done by some of his contemporaries. If growing old means going soft then might as well do it with integrity, soul and with a vengeance. The result is truly surprising and extraordinary and just beautifully moving. "Canto" expands Vannelli’s pallet both musically and linguistically as he also sings in Italian, Spanish and French but the emotion of his singing, the great compositions and the amazing arrangements transcend any language barrier. Vannelli’s low profile perhaps explains how little this gem of a production is known, but once again he has been able to reach deeply into our soul with his music. Musicians are: Gino Vannelli on vocals and piano, Joe Vannelli on keyboards, Randy Porter and Glenn Morley on piano, Janet Chvatal on vocals (Soprano), Daniele Bonaviri on guitar, Phil Neumann on flute, Fred Korman on oboe. Arrangements and orchestrations by Gino Vannelli, Ross Vannelli, Jorge Calandrelli, Don Sebesky, Randy Cannon and Glenn Morley.

Track Listing:

1. Canto

2. Parole Per Mio Padre

3. The Last Dance

4. Dea Speranza

5. Una Sola Voce

6. Wayward Lover (sampled above)

7. Mala Luna Dell'Armi

8. Joli Coeur

9. Una Rosa a Dicembre

10. Il Viaggio

11. The Last Days of Summer
Buy Canto at Amazon (cheap on the Used) or

Roger Waters - Amused to Death

During my music conversations with friends, peers and music lovers in general I am amazed that in spite of the ageless popularity of Pink Floyd, many people don’t even know this amazing album exists, so I felt compelled to post it. But the best review of this album is found on AMG as written by Mike DeGagne: “Amused to Death is a solid album both conceptually and musically, showcasing Waters as an artist who, like his work with Pink Floyd, conveys his thoughts and ideals with pinpoint accuracy so that they are engraved within his audience's mind. With this album, Waters touches heavily on the dangers of capitalism, the insensitivity of the human race, the ridiculousness of war, and the onslaught of mindless entertainment that encroaches on mankind on a day-to-day basis. Fitting all these aspects into 14 songs is a task in itself, but accomplishing this task alongside music that is forceful and appealing is extremely difficult, and still Waters succeeds in doing this throughout the duration of the album. "The Ballad of Bill Hubbard" is a moving spoken intro from Alf Razzell, a former member of Britain's Royal Fusiliers. A stab at the false sense of security that lies within religion is dealt with on the powerful "What God Wants, Pt. 1," and the cowardice of the world's leaders is addressed in "The Bravery of Being Out of Range," one of the albums most blatant tracks. Guest guitarist Jeff Beck rises to the occasion on a number of songs here, and both Rita Coolidge and Don Henley fill in behind and beside Waters on a couple of the longer tunes. Ending with the title track (sampled below), a song that sums up the whole of the album with it's subtle yet hard-hitting demeanor, Waters proves that he can still reveal his conceptual ideas with pristine clarity, only on Amused to Death, the music is as equally entertaining and effective.” This masterpiece is not only a play set to music but a musical achievement of the highest caliber complemented by a profound statement into the professionalism of music production, recording and mixing techniques. The contrast between the musical mood and sound and the blatant lyrics transport the listener into a revolting ménage of sentiments deliver through hard criticism of life as seen on a TV screen. Produced by Waters and Patrick Leonard. Mixed by James Guthrie. Musicians are: Roger Waters on bass, guitars, keyboards and vocals, Patrick Leonard as producer, arranger on keyboards, Jeff Beck, Bruce Gaitsch, Steve Lukather, Andy Fairweather, Tim Pierce, B.J. Cole, Rick DiFonzo and Geoff Whitehorn on guitars, Jeff Porcaro, Graham Broad, Denny Fongheiser and Brian Macleod on drums, John Pierce John Patitucci, Randy Jackson and James Johnson on bass, Luis Conte on percussion, John "Rabbit" Bundrick on organ, Don Henley, Rita Coolidge on vocals, P.P. Arnold, Lynn Fiddmont, Doreen Chanter, N'Dea Davenport, Charles Fleischer, Natalie Jackson, Jon Joyce, Katie Kisoon, Jim Haas, Stan Laurel on background vocals, Guo Yi on bass, dulcimer, lute, oboe and zhen, Steve Sidwell on cornet, John Dupree, Kenneth Bowen and Michael Kamen as orchestra arrangers and conductors, the London Welsh Chorale and the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Jessica Leonard and Jordan Leonard on screams and voices, Alf Razzell as narrator and Marv Albert as the sports narrator. Listening on headphones or through big speakers at high volume is highly recommended.

NOTE: This album is not available digitally, so buy the CD before it dissapears!!

Track listing:

1. The Ballad of Bill Hubbard

2. What God Wants, Pt. 1

3. Perfect Sense, Pt. 1

4. Perfect Sense, Pt. 2

5. The Bravery of Being Out of Range

6. Late Home Tonight, Pt. 1

7. Late Home Tonight, Pt. 2

8. Too Much Rope

9. What God Wants, Pt. 2

10. What God Wants, Pt. 3

11. Watching TV

12. Three Wishes

13. It's a Miracle

14. Amused to Death (audio sample above)

Buy Amused to Death at Amazon

David Baerwald - Bedtime Stories

David Baerwald is well known as a collaborator of the famous “Tuesday Night Club” writing partnership with Kevin Gilbert, Bill Botrell, Sheryl Crow and others, which produced Crow’s most famous release bearing the same title. But following the surprise success, and sudden collapse, of the duo David and David, with David Ricketts and their first impression on the charts with the Top 40 hit "Welcome to the Boomtown", David Baerwald broke up the duo and released “Bedtime Stories” in 1990. Portions of the album were written and produced in union with Joni Mitchell’s mainstay Larry Klein, who also plays on many of the tracks. Baerwald's songs are literate, subtle, emotionally appealing passionate dark tales populated by often seedy characters struggling through daily life. His rough-hewn voice adds to the world-weariness of the material, but also conveys warmth and vulnerability. Bedtime Stories is a bracing collection that shines a light on desperate situations and characters with great dignity and musicianship. This album combines intellectual stimulation with an accessible pop-like slice of Americana with a sense of adventure rarely heard in rock of that era. It remains as current as when it came out 20 years ago. (Review exceprts courtesy of Tom Demalon).

Track Listing:
1. All for You
2. Good Times (audio sample above)
3. Dance
4. Hello Mary
5. The Best Inside You
6. Young Anymore
7. Sirens in the City
8. Liberty, Lies and Refugees
9. Walk Through Fire
10. Colette
11. In the Morning
12. Stranger

Buy Bedtime Stories really cheap at Amazon's used CD section

Stomu Yamashta - Go! Live From Paris

In the 1970's, famed Japanese percussionist/composer Stomu Yamashta recorded a series of legendary (and long out-of-print) albums with his Go Ensemble utilizing the talents of a stellar and eclectic mixed cast of European and American musicians. Yamashta fusioned his percussion talents with jazz, electronic and cinematic classical music to create an ambient form of music all of his own while still leaving enough room for the contributing musicians to integrate their best talents and sound unique as ever. After the release of the album “Go” in April 1976, Yamashta assembled a band featuring collaborators Steve Winwood, Michael Shrieve (Santana), Klaus Schulze (Tangerine Dream) and Al DiMeola (fresh out of Return To Forever and his first solo endeavours) to deliver a series of stunning concerts. The Parisian concert was captured and released as “Go! Live From Paris” in 1977. Musicians are: Stomu Yamashta on percussion and keyboards, Al DiMeola on guitars, Michael Shrieve on drums, Steve Winwood on keyboards and vocals, Klaus Schulze on synthesizer, Jerome Rimson on bass, Pat Thrall on guitar, Brother James on congas and percussion and Karen Friedman on vocals. Finally this progressive rock icon is available again. Read more at AMG.

Track Listing:

1. Space Song

2. Carnival

3. Windspin

4. Ghostmachine

5. Surfspin

6. Time Is Here

7. Winner/Loser

8. Solitude

9. Nature

10. Air Voice

11. Crossing the Line (sample above)

12. Man of Leo

13. Stellar

14. Space Requiem

Buy it at Amazon Go Live in Paris

Manu Katché - Playground

Drummer Manu Katche's sophomore effort for ECM maintains the musical concept of his debut for the label, “Neighbourhood”. The rhythm section remains intact, but while “Neighbourhood” embraced the star appearances of Jan Garbarek and Tomasz Stanko, “Playground” feels more like a band mainly due to the amazing interaction between Mathias Eick on trumpet and Trygve Seim on saxophones, whose restraint and reliance on gentleness complement Katche’s out of the ordinary funky backbeat, subtle fills and pulse. Katche’s subtle, complex and lyrical compositions have gotten stronger and more mature. The classic ECM sound is absent as sound engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug has been replaced by James Farber who also delivers a great recording. Musicians: Manu Katché on drums, Mathias Eick on trumpet, Trygve Seim on saxophones, Marcin Wasilewski on piano, Slawomir Kurkiewicz on bass and David Torn on guitar.

Track Listing:

1. Lo

2. Pieces of Emotion

3. Song for Her

4. So Groovy

5. Morning Joy

6. Motion

7. Project 58

8. Snapshot

9. Possible Thought

10. Inside Game

11. Clubbing

12. Song for Her (Variation)

Buy Playground at Amazon or

Manu Katché - Neighbourhood

In the mid '80s Manu Katché’s amazing drumming style got indeed noticed by artist such as Peter Gabriel and Sting, with whom he toured and recorded extensively. These inspiring collaborations propelled Katché to an impressive and prolific career as a studio drummer. His list of credits is both impressive and diverse as Katché always provides superb unique grooves to any recording. After having played with his share of popular musicians he blossomed into the contemporary jazz scene as a backing force on many recordings for the ECM record label and finally he joined the label and released “Neighbourhood” in 2005 with the help from some of the same ECM stars he recorded with. The reflective, ardently lyrical mood of Katché's compositions is both naive and thoughtful and his percussive backing fierce yet subtle, carefully keeping a gentle pulse that paves the way for the space and dynamic reach of the group as a whole, beautifully recorded by the master of the ECM sound Jan Erik Kongshaug. Musicians: Manu Katché on drums, Jan Garbarek on saxophones, Tomasz Stanko on trumpet, Marcin Wasilewski on piano, Slawomir Kurkiewicz on bass.

Track Listing:

1. November 99

2. Number One

3. Lullaby

4. Good Influence

5. February Sun

6. No Rush

7. Lovely Walk

8. Take Off and Land

9. Miles Away

10. Rose

Buy Neighbourhood at Amazon or

Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat 20th Anniversary Edition

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Best known for such pop hits as the Oscar- and Grammy winning duets "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," with Bill Medley, from the film Dirty Dancing, and "Up Where We Belong," with Joe Cocker, from the film An Officer and a Gentleman, Jennifer Warnes has earned her greatest acclaim for this landmark collaboration “Famous Blue Raincoat” with songwriter/poet Leonard Cohen in what remains the ultimate tribute to Cohen's music. Warnes' voice is the perfect vehicle for Cohen's poetic lyrics of romantic longing and resigned despair. Her sweet timbre and sensuality complement to perfection the sharp edged, painfully romantic, tragic, fatalistic themes that have marked Cohen's finest and most characteristic compositions, many of which are featured on this collaboration. Cohen himself states: "Her voice is like the California weather--filled with sunlight, but there's an earthquake behind it". The re-mastered album offers four tracks not on the original release. Musicians: Jennifer Warnes on vocals, Roscoe Beck on bass, guitar and keyboards, Jorge Calderón, Richard Feves, Warren McRae and Dave Stone on bass, Jack Bruno, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Mitch Watkins, Gary Chang, Russell Ferrante, Bill Ginn, Oliver Marland, Smitty Smithm Bill Payne and Van Dyke Parks on keyboards, Robben Ford, Michael Landau, Doyle Bramhall, Greg Leisz, David Lindley, John Miles, Dean Parks, Fred Tackett and Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitars, Larry Brown, Deric Dyer, Steve Forman and Lenny Castro on percussion, Dave Boruff and Paul Ostermayer on saxophone, plus strings and background vocals.

Track Listing:

1. First We Take Manhattan

2. Bird on a Wire

3. Famous Blue Raincoat

4. Joan of Arc

5. Ain't No Cure for Love

6. Coming Back to You

7. Song of Bernadette

8. A Singer Must Die

9. Came So Far for Beauty

10. Night Comes On

11. Ballad of the Runaway Horse

12. If It Be Your Will

13. Joan of Arc

Buy Famous Blue Raincoat: 20th Anniversary Edition at Amazon or

Hector Zazou- Songs from the Cold Seas

Hector Zazou (July 11, 1948—September 8, 2008) was a prolific French composer and producer. His vanguard legacy is sophisticated, jazzy, lyrical, charming, witty, avant-garde and cutting-edge framed with sparse instrumentation, unusual and eclectic instrumental timbres and colors with a distinctive combination of ritualistic, tribal, ethnic vocals and cinematic synthesizer textures. Zazou also incorporated the vocal talents of prominent artist in contexts far removed from their usual environments. His austere, somber and somewhat cold but equally enchanting “Songs from the Cold Seas” is a collection of songs depicting Arctic regions through his artistry and that of “Nordic” artists. Guest Artists: Björk, John Cale, Jane Siberry, Suzanne Vega, Lena Willemark, The Ainu Dancers of Hokkaido on percussion, Siouxsie Sioux, Brendan Perry and Barbera Googan. Musicians: Hector Zazou on guitar, keyboards, programming and electronics, Jan Johan Andersen on harmonica, Angelin Tytot, Budgie and Brendan Perry on percussion, Balanescu Quartet Strings, Pierre Chaze, Marc Ribot, Lone Kent and Barbara Gogan on guitar, B.J. Cole on pedal steel guitar, Guy Delacroix and Sara Lee on bass, Mark Isham on trumpet, Sargo Maianagacheva, Ivan Sopotchine and Jerry Marotta on drums, Ale Möller on mandola, Orlan Mongouch on balalaika, Harold Budd, Patrick Morgenthaler, Guy Sigsworth on piano, Renaud Pion on bagpipes, woodwinds and keyboards, Sakharine Percussion Group, Noriko Sanagi on koto, Sissimut Dance Drummers, Elisabeth Valletti Harp, Mari Kaasinen, Kirsi Kahkonen, Demnine Ngamtovsovo, Catherine-Ann Macphee, Tchotghtguerele Chalchin, Elisha Kilabuk, Claudie Amirault, Lioudmila Khandi, Sirpa Reiman, Marina Schmidt, Vimme Saari, Koomoot Nooveya and Tokiko Kato on vocals. Nice cover and design by Russell Mills.

NOTE: This album is not available digitally.

Track Listing:

1. Annukka Suaren Neito
2. Visur Vatnsenda-Rosu
3. The Long Voyage
4. Havet Stomar
5. Adventures in the Scandinavian Skin Trade
6. She's Like a Swallow
7. The Lighthouse Sioux
8. Oran Na Maighdean Mhara
9. Yaisa Maneena
10. Yakut Song
11. Song of the Water

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Jorge Pardo & Chano Dominguez - 10 de Paco

"10 de Paco", released in 1995, is a tribute to legend flamenco guitarist and composer Paco De Lucia, featuring ten of his greatest compositions performed "sans" guitar by flamenco jazz musicians Jorge Pardo and Chano Dominguez who are part of a group of emerging musicians from the 80's referred to as "Los Jovenes Flamencos" (The Young Flamencos). Pardo and Dominguez are dominant figures in this fusion of flamenco and jazz resulting in an unprecedented and explosive combination of enchanting melodies, rhythms and improvisation. These two musicians have managed to amazingly transport the rooted music of Spain, which is mostly centered on the acoustic guitar, to their respective instruments flute, saxophone and piano and “10 de Paco” serves as the perfect conduit for this genre. Musicians: Jorge Pardo on flute and saxophone, Chano Domínguez on piano, Tino Di Geraldo on percussion, Javier Colina on bass, Luis Dulzaides on percussion and drums, El Conde on handclapps and Chonchi Heredia on vocals and handclapping.

Track Listing:

1. Solo Quiero Caminar
2. Chiquito
3. Rio Ancho
4. Zyriab
5. Tumbona
6. Se Me Partió la Barrena
7. Almoraima
8. Playa del Carmen
9. Monasterio de Sal
10. Cancion de Amor
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Kittyhawk - Collection

Some fans of the group Kittyhawk have complained that the MP3's being sold don't sound as good as they should. One alternative would be to acquire this amazing collection, which sounds pretty good. Then you could complement with the missing tracks by downloading them. This collection also serves as a huge sample of this band's amazing creative work and unique sound. It comprises songs from the bands first three albums. There are bo songs from the 4th album entitled "Not a Moment Too Soon". Musicians: Paul Edwards: Chapman stick & vocals, Daniel Bortz: cello, fretless and fretted Guitar, Chapman stick, Richard Elliot: saxophones and lyricon and Mike Jochum: drums & percussion. Additional Musicians: Randy Strom: Chapman stick and Piano, Dan Desousa: keyboards, Steve Reed: percussion and Brandon Fields: saxophones.

Track Listing:

1. Bad Oscar
2. Blue Rider
3. Pavane
4. Chinese Fire Drill
5. Trutina Amor
6. Mariner
7. Big City
8. Bells of Talison
9. Kilimanjaro
10. Melting the Heart of a Winter Spirit
11. Fanfare for the Common Man
12. Race for the Oasis
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Kittyhawk - Not a Moment Too Soon

Kittyhawk last release marked the end of an era for a group that had characterized itself with a unique blend of instruments and a sound prevailing with singularity. “Not A Moment Too Soon” shifted the group's sound into an emphasis on synthesizers and drum machines to the point that it makes you wonder if this is the same band thus culminating the cycle for this wonderful band. Musicians: Paul Edwards: Chapman stick & vocals, Daniel Bortz: cello, fretless and fretted Guitar, Chapman stick, Richard Elliot: saxophones and lyricon and Mike Jochum: drums & percussion. Additional Musicians: Randy Strom: Chapman stick and Piano, Dan Desousa: keyboards, Steve Reed: percussion and Brandon Fields: saxophones.

Track Listing:

1. Laetoli Wakers

2. Seven Pillars

3. Harmony in Red

4. Le Luxe

5. Darkness and Light

6. December People

7. Not a Moment Too Soon

8. Goodbye Variations

9. Jamaican Hearts

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Kittyhawk - Fanfare

Fans of saxophonist Richard Elliot will be surprised that the artist famous for his Smooth Jazz sound once belonged to Kittyhawk, a group known for the unique blend of jazz and rock through a peculiar instrumentation, which consisted of the wide spread use of the Chapman stick (string instrument developed by Emmett Chapman), multi-layered guitars, soaring saxophone and Lyricon (electric wind instrument), harmonized or doubled by wordless vocals backed by powerful drums and bass groves. On “Fanfare” released in 1985 the sound of the band had softened up a bit perhaps due to the wide success of the sane Smooth Jazz Elliot moved to later on. Nonetheless this album still remains a landmark in the band’s short-lived span. Musicians: Paul Edwards: Chapman stick & vocals, Daniel Bortz: cello, fretless and fretted guitar, Chapman stick, Richard Elliot: saxophones and Lyricon and Mike Jochum: drums & percussion and Dan de Sousa: keyboards. The track "Fanfare for a Common Man", which is a version of Aaron Copland's classical work is not available for sale on the download version of the album but it is available on the Kittyhawk Collection.

Track Listing (as it appeared on the original album):

1. Fanfare for the Common Man (track doesn't appear on the version sold)

2. Pavane

3. Melting the Heart of a Winter Spirit

4. Trutina Amor

5. Bad Oscar

6. Blue Rider

7. Apollo

8. Mariner

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Kittyhawk - Race For The Oasis

Kittyhawk came about in the 80’s when Fusion, the genre, was either going out of style or it had evolved for the most part, into uneventful music. Although a lot of releases from that era sound dated, Kittyhawk’s Fusion style remains as vital as it did when their albums were released proving that their style and music complexity were a reflection of their talents and their uniqueness. “Race for the Oasis”, which came out in 1981 continues the unique blend of powerful drumming and soaring saxophone and vocals beautifully enhanced by fretless guitars and the singular use of the Chapman Stick Touchboard, a string instrument developed by Emmett Chapman which later was made even more famous by bassist Tony Levin (of King Crimson and Peter Gabriel fame). Musicians: Paul Edwards: Chapman stick & vocals, Daniel Bortz: cello, fretless and fretted Guitar, Chapman stick, Richard Elliot: saxophones and lyricon and Mike Jochum: drums & percussion. Additional Musicians: Randy Strom: Chapman stick and Piano, Dan Desousa: keyboards, Steve Reed: percussion and Brandon Fields: saxophones.

Track Listing:

1. Race for the Oasis

2. Wind, Sand and Stars

3. Bells of Talieson

4. Kings Crossing

5. Mo

6. Arroyo

7. Kilimanjaro

8. Mighty Steel, Modern Love

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Kittyhawk - Kittyhawk

Kittyhawk founders Daniel Bortz and Paul Edwards came together through their mutual interest in the Chapman Stick Touchboard developed by Emmett Chapman. Bortz and Edwards enlisted two other like-minded instrumentalists, drummer Michael Jochum and saxophonist Richard Elliot who these days enjoys great success as a solo smooth jazz artist. Kittyhawk then released their debut album in 1980 and quickly evolved into a group that captivated audiences for their unique sound and instrumentation. Wordless vocals are often doubled or harmonized with saxophone as the drums provide a powerful support to the multi-layered guitars and Chapman stick that enhance the harmonic content. Musicians: Paul Edwards: Chapman stick & vocals, Daniel Bortz: cello, fretless and fretted Guitar, Chapman stick, Richard Elliot: saxophones and lyricon and Mike Jochum: drums & percussion. Additional Musicians: Randy Strom: Chapman stick and Piano, Dan Desousa: keyboards, Steve Reed: percussion and Brandon Fields: saxophones.

Track Listing:

1. Islands

2. Never Once

3. Chinese Fire Drill

4. Once Upon a Time

5. Big City

6. Wooed But Not Wed

7. Piper's Romp

8. Aerial View

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