Brandford Marsalis - Romances for Saxophone

Brandford Marsalis for lovers in an intimate playlist of his most romantic tunes. He is an American saxophonist known for his work as a jazz instrumentalist who also frequently perfoms as a classical soloist.

Tulio Cremisini - Momentum

Every once in a while an album touches you in unexpected ways and “Momentum” by Tulio Cremisini is one of those albums. Cremisini studied the acoustic guitar at an early age but had to give it up in exchange for percussion as a result of an accident, which severed several of his tendons on his fingers. But after many years of diverting his musical skills in other directions, Cremisini bought a guitar and started fooling around trying to reconnect with the young boy who, decades ago, began learning how to play the instrument. After many hours of practice, several ideas began to flow as musical pieces and Cremisini found himself working overtime to keep the “Momentum” going and let the flow of ideas manifest itself into musical works, which he then recorded at his home studio. The result is a heartwarming, fresh and beautiful set of acoustic guitar pieces comparable to the works of Pierre Bensusan, Michael Hedges, Anthony Phillips and many other acoustic guitarists. Tulio Cremisini is a multitalented, classically trained musician, composer, songwriter and producer with over 35 years of experience working on original music for films, TV (shows for NBC/Universal/Telemundo), advertising, records and musical theater. He has been the Principal Timpanist with Miami Symphony Orchestra since 2008 and he has won several ASCAP and TV awards as well a 2010 Latin Grammy. He has worked as producer/songwriter or arranger for numerous top Latin and international artists. Tulio’s multicultural and eclectic educational background has given him such a special versatility to seamlessly embrace any musical style with class and effectiveness. And as a sample of such versatility please check out his work on a grand scale symphonic project: “Symphony of the Soul” (Ilan Chester). Chester expressed perfectly the achievement of Tulio Cremisini’s latest work: "…In his latest work, "Momentum", Tulio reveals his introspective and sensitive nature through the careful selection of melodies; and playing as if caressing his guitar, he manages to take the listener to a serene and beautiful place, a place where the feeling of longing and the goodness of heart are the all-pervading elements. ”Momentum" is a musical privilege to have and to cherish…"

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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
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Michel Camilo - Concerto for Piano and Orchestra

Dominican pianist and composer Michel Camilo has fascinated audiences since his debut album. He is a jazz pianist with a brilliant technique and a composer who flavors his tunes with Caribbean rhythms and jazz harmonies. Camilo has also composed scores for the award winning European film suc as “Amo Tu Cama Rica” and for “Los Peores Años de Nuestra Vida” and he has been a featured soloist, arranger and composer with many world renowned Orchestras. In February 2002, Decca released his Concerto for Piano & Orchestra, the Suite for Piano, Strings and Harp and his piece Caribe. Most attempts by jazz pianist to create a piano concerto are not as memorable, but Camilo’s early classical education plays an influential role in the development of this work, thus creating an enchanting and beautiful piano concerto, which not only showcases his abilities but it’s also everlasting in its compositional merits. Musicians: Michel Camilo on piano accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin.

Track Listing:
1. Concerto for Piano & Orchestra: I. Religiosamente - Allegretto - Allegro
2. Concerto for Piano & Orchestra: II. Andante
3. Concerto for Piano & Orchestra: III. Allegro
4. Suite for Piano, Strings & Harp: I. Tropical Jam
5. Suite for Piano, Strings & Harp: II. Tango For Ten
6. Suite for Piano, Strings & Harp: III. In Love
7. Suite for Piano, Strings & Harp: IV. Journey
8. Caribe (Improvisation for Solo Piano)
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Thijs Van Leer - Introspection 4

The last collaboration between flutist and member of Dutch progressive rock group Focus, Thijs Van Leer and arranger/producer/composer Rogier Van Otterloo was released in 1980. Just like the first three installments of this series, it features Thijs Van Leer on Flute, the beautiful voice of Letty de Jong and the orchestra was arranged and conducted by Rogier Van Otterloo. Once again the result is astounishing as the arrangements and the performances make these classical pieces become standard versions and the original compositions make a superb match for the classical tone. This album has been remastered and it is now available as sold by the great re-issue company BGO Records.

Track Listing:

1. Arcangelo (gigue from sonata op.5 n.9 - Corelli)

2, Introspection 4 (Rogier Van Otterloo)

3. Rondeau Des Enfants (Thijs Van Leer)

4. Grave, Allegro, Adagio, Allegro (sonata en E minor - Handel)

5. Le Tango (Thijs Van Leer - Roselie Van Leer)

6. Air (Telemann)

7. Pastorale (Scarlatti)

8. Largo E Dolce (J.S.Bach)

9. Siciliano,Allegro (Handel)

10. Song For Eva (Theme from Exit 7) (Van Leer - Ruiter)

Buy Introspection 4 at Amazon or from BGO Records

Thijs Van Leer - Introspection 3

This third collaboration between flutist and member of Dutch progressive rock group Focus, Thijs Van Leer and arranger/producer/composer Rogier Van Otterloo was released in 1977. The concept remains the same as in the first two installments of this series and the result is just as beautiful. It features Thijs Van Leer on Flute, the beautiful voice of Letty de Jong and the orchestra arranged and conducted by Rogier Van Otterloo. The album was conceived and produced by Ruud Jacobs and John J. Vis and it was recorded at the famous Dureco Studios, in Holland. This album has been remastered and it is now available from the great re-issue company BGO Records.

Track Listing: 

1. Reigen Seliger Geister

2. Roundeau

3. Adagio

4. Brother

5. Sicilienne

6. Rondo III (sampled above)

7. He Shall Feed His Flock

8. Focus V

Buy Introspection 3 at Amazon or from BGO Records

Thijs Van Leer - Introspection 2

Flutist and member of Dutch progressive rock group Focus released the second partition of the "Introspection" series in 1975. This beautiful second collaboration with Dutch arranger/producer/composer Rogier Van Otterloo elaborates even further the concept of classical masterpieces mixed together with elements of pop music, including some originals by Van Leer himself, resulting in a beatifully crafted production. This production is available on CD paired with "Introspection 1". There is a remastered version on CD with a different cover, which is currently out of print.

Track Listing:

1. Goyescas No IV (Quejas - La Maja y el Ruiseñor) (sampled above)

2. Rondo II

3. Introduction

4. Siciliano

5. Focus III

6. Larghetto & Allegro

7. Introspection II

8. Sheep May Safely Graze

9. Mild Wild Rose

10. Bist Du Bei Mir

11. Carmen Elysium

Buy it at Amazon or at BGO Records

Thijs Van Leer - Introspection 1

During his years of playing with Dutch progressive rock super group Focus, founding member, flutist Thijs Van Leer ventured into the realm on semi-classical music by joining Dutch producer arranger Rogier Van Otterloo. This LP was the first of a stream of productions they did together before van Otterloo's passing in 1988. The result was magical. The covers of classical musical pieces were done to perfection blending elements of pop music with the integrity of the masterpieces and viceversa, the original compositions sound as part of the same repertoire. Although corny at times and bordering on muzak (sometimes called "Elevator Music"), these beautiful and superb orchestral arrangements by Van Otterloo create a concept, which is attractive to any music lover, even the hard core fans of the group Focus. This production is available on CD coupled with their second rendition. The remastered version is no longer available on CD.

Track Listing:

1. Pavanne (Fauré Op. 50) (sampled above)

2. Rondo

3. Agnus Dei (from Mass in B minor JS Bach)

4. Focus I

5. Erbarme Dich (from St. Matthew Passion JS Bach)

6. Focus II

7. Introspection

Available at Amazon or at CD Universe

Thijs Van Leer/Rogier Van Otterloo/Louis Van Dijk-Musica Per La Notte Di Natale

Since the raise to popularity of Dutch progressive rock super group Focus, it's founding member Thijs Van Leer has been balancing his musical career between his classical roots and his jazz-rock influences. On this release he teams up with pianist Louis Van Dijk and arranger/producer Rogier Van Otterloo to create this beautiful Christmas album, which according to the liner notes it is a compilation, but the whereabouts of the original releases is unknown.  The beauty of this album touches your spirit during the Christmas season and beyond. This CD is out of print. Note: Blogger filed a complaint regarding the posting of the shared audio files, thus the link has been removed.

Track Listing: 

1. O Jesulein Suss

2. Coventry Carol
3. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
4. Es Ist Ein Ros' Entsprungen
5. Maria Die Zoude Naar Bethlehem Gaan (sampled above)
6. Von Himmel Hoch, Da Komm' Ich Her
7. Er Is Een Kindeke Geboren Op Aard'
8. Away In A Manger/Ich Steh' An Deiner Krippen Heir
9. Hoe Leit Dit Kindeke/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. Concerto Per La Notte Di Natale
11. Urgen, Dagen, Maanden, Jaren
12. De Winter Is Verganghez

Michel Colombier - Old Fool Back On Earth

Michel Colombier (May 23, 1939 - November 14, 2004), was a French composer, songwriter, arranger, and conductor who collaborated with prestigious artists including Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg, Beach Boys, Supertramp, Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Neil Diamond, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind and Fire, Joni Mitchell, David Sanborn, Branford Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Jaco Pastorius and Madonna. His legendary album Wings, earned him three Grammy Award. He scored more than one hundred feature, cable, and television films including White Nights, Against All Odds and the legendary Purple Rain, for which he won a Grammy as well as an Academy Award for Best Song Score. “Old Fool Back on Earth” has to be his masterpiece. In his own words: “This is the story I dreamed when I heard this music, but feel free to dream your own”. Part classical, part jazz, part cinematic but always beautiful, it appeals to any music lover. It features the London Symphony Orchestra, Ernie Watts on all sax solo parts, Patti Austin, James Ingram, Alex Ligertwood, Wayne Anthony and Phil Perry on vocals, Abraham Laboriel on bass, Chester Thompson and Fernando Toussaint on drums, Paulinho Da Costa and Alex Acuna on percussion, LA horn section and background vocals. A great story and beautiful artwork by Jean-Michel Folon and Milton Glaser. Complete biography. Album details and artwork. The CD is out-of-print but it is available at iTunes.

Track Listing as it appears on the CD:

Disc: 1
1. Old Fool Back on Earth
2. God Pan
3. My Fairy in the Crystal Reeds (And Other Frogs)
4. Nymphéas
5. Alone?
6. Angel of Love
7. Dolorosa (sampled above)
8. Woman
9. Solitario
10. Infinite Human
11. Wish I Could Stay
Disc: 2
1. Nightbird-The Forest
2. Nightbird-The City
3. Nightbird-The Island
4. Minotaur
5. Nuit et Solitude
6. Alone Again
7. I Call You My Love