Directions [Import]

Disc: 1

1. Song of Our Country

2. 'Round Midnight

3. So Near, So Far

4. Limbo

5. Water on the Pond

6. Fun

7. Directions, No. 1

8. Directions, No. 2

Disc: 2

1. Ascent

2. Duran

3. Konda

4. Willie Nelson

Directions,Miles Davis,Import [Generic],Fusion,Jazz,Jazz-Rock,Modal Music,Pop,Post-Bop

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: Beautiful score A gorgeous film score GREAT MUSIC. Never Gets Boring Great !!

House of Flying Daggers Shigeru Umebayashi Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hero Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000 Film) Memoirs of a Geisha House of Flying Daggers The Last Samurai ASIN: B0006HC0R8 Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

1. Opening title
2. Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu)
3. The Echo Game
4. The Peonyhouse
5. Battle in the Forest
6. Taking her hand
7. Leo's Eyes
8. Lovers - Flower Garden
9. No way out
10. Lovers
11. Farewell No. 1
12. Bamboo Forest
13. Ambush in 10 directions (Shi Mian Mai Fu)
14. Leo's Theme
15. Mei and Leo
16. The House of Flying Daggers
17. Lovers (Mei and Jin)
18. Farewell No. 2
19. Until the end
20. Lovers (Title Song)

Amazon.com

The films of director Zhang Yimou have a panoramic sweep to them that deftly creates a fantastical vision of ancient Chinese culture for the screen. Yimou's eye for color and sense of drama demands a score that conveys the emotion, tradition and action of his movies. Here Shigeru Umebayashi tells each part of the story with a mix of traditional flute, drums, string instruments and, to a lesser degree, orchestra and moody-sounding synthesizers. The lilting melody of "Lovers" is particularly effective, simmering with a passion that leaves no doubt about the tone of the scene; it comes back to dramatic effect at other times in the film as well--the soundtrack closes with a soaring version of it by soprano Kathleen Battle. Similar to but not as heavy as Tan Dun's occasionally overbearing work on Yimou's film Hero, Umebayashi leans toward the subtle for this love story, and the film is better for it. - Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful score.......2006-11-13

I truly enjoy this CD. The music is enchanting, emotion-evoking, and powerful. I love to listen to it in order to relax before going to bed. I recommend this CD to anyone.

A gorgeous film score.......2006-09-24

"House of Flying Daggers" is one of my favorite Asian films from the past five years. One of the main reasons I love the film is the sumptuous classical film score by Shigeru Umebayashi. The classical score reminded me a great deal of the score for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The operatic ballad by Kathleen Battle is stunning. I don't normally like most opera music but I definitely enjoyed listening to Kathleen Battle. This is a lovely cd to relax to with a hot cup of tea and a good book.

GREAT MUSIC........2006-05-18

Not only was House of Flying Daggers a wonderful movie, but the music was breathtaking. If for no other reason purchase the CD and enjoy Kathleen Battle's rendition of Lovers.

Never Gets Boring.......2005-12-25

This album has everything good music needs. It's driving, subtle, powerful and soft. It is a truly amazing work of art. It gets the emotions of the characters and the events of the story out perfectly. A ballet could be performed to this score.

Great !!.......2005-07-19

The music is wonderful, the two songs are one of the best I've heard...

Average customer rating: Excellent Noisy and Pretentious A challenging and rewarding trip NO GREENHORNS Directions in Music:Live at Massey Hall

Directions in Music: Live at Massey Hall Herbie Hancock , Michael Brecker , and Roy Hargrove Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wide Angles Tales from the Hudson Pilgrimage Michael Brecker Nearness of You: The Ballad Book ASIN: B000063TB7 Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

1. The Sorcerer
2. The Poet
3. So What/Impressions
4. Misstery
5. Naima
6. Transition
7. My Ship
8. D Trane

Amazon.com

Directions in Music marks Herbie Hancock's all-star tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. It's clearly a chance for Hancock to return once again to his creative roots, when he was in Davis's great quintet of the mid-'60s, and he has excellent companions for the journey in Michael Brecker and Roy Hargrove, the tenor saxophonist and trumpeter who clearly demonstrate their inspiration in Coltrane and Miles. The CD begins with a reprise of Hancock's "Sorcerer" from his Miles period, with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, who were so crucial a part of Wayne Shorter's Footprints Live, and prove themselves just as important here. Blade is especially driving, pressing Hancock and the horns to complex creative dialogue. The synthesis of "So What/Impressions," already closely linked tunes, benefits from the input of some fresh creative thinking, while Brecker's long cadenza on "Naima" is an effective invocation of Coltrane's intrepid virtuosity. Over 78 minutes in length, this is energetic, sometimes brilliant music, in many ways resembling Hancock's own classic, Maiden Voyage. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2006-03-12

I almost had the chance to hear this group live. It would have been an incredible experience to see and hear these guys in concert.

This album pays homage to John Coltrane and Miles Davis, who were not only highly innovative players, but great composers, too. It never really hit me that almost everything Coltrane recorded as a solo artist had been written by him.

Anyway, this album has a very modern sound to it (hence the pushing music forward, "directions" part). The standout track in my opinion, since I am an asipiring jazz saxophonist, is Michael Brecker's solo performance of Coltrane's "Naima". Brecker has the most impressive technique of any living jazz saxophonist. I was not too familiar with Brecker before hearing this album, so hearing him play something like "Naima" was pretty moving.

Noisy and Pretentious.......2005-08-26

OK, I must be in the distinct minority here, but this is an album that is difficult to listen to, and somewhat avant garde. I suppose the bulk of the reviewers here as well as the cheering crowd in Massey Hall are more sophisticated than I. I've been listening to jazz for over 40 years, had my own jazz radio show and play a little myself. I've enjoyed Herbie Hancock and respect his contributions. I've seen him live twice, once with the Headhunters in 1975 and again about 4 or 5 years ago with Wayne Shorter. Hancock has gone through many phases. I didn't get Mwandishi or Rockit with that guitar/keyboard contraption. Also, I didn't get the performance with Wayne Shorter with all the meandering and drifting. My sense at that time was he is the star, and if you don't get it, tough cookies.
Now we get some superb jazz performers doing their thing, with more meandering, squawking, off key sounding horns (as if they were sucking lemons) and we're supposed to cheer about it. So great, they've made their names, they can screw around with these bizarre arrangements, but I'm not obligated to pretend I like it.

A challenging and rewarding trip.......2005-03-06

First, I'd like to address the complaint that bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade didn't make the front cover. The reason for this is that "Directions in Music" is Hancock, Brecker, and Hargrove. Directions in Music is now touring again, and I just got back from seeing their show in Minneapolis, where their drummer and bassist were Terri Lyne Carrington and Scott Colley, respectively. If there is ever a CD released as a result of the current tour, I suspect there will be similar indignation from Colleyacs and Carringtonphiles.

This CD is very advanced jazz. There is a level of abstraction here that demands that this music be listened to actively, if at all. That isn't to say that this is free jazz; there is a predetermined structure behind what you're hearing, but it feels loose and impressionistic. It is worth the trouble of warming up to. The rhythym section is delightfully responsive to the solos of Brecker and Hargrove, and that goes double for Herbie Hancock, who comes off as a complementary counter-soloist more often than not. Brecker and Hargrove use this support to their advantage. Their solos typically will develop slowly and deliberately, starting out ponderous and using spaces effectively as they build tension to a climactic point at which they get to use the full strength of their dexterity.

At this point, I must make the obligatory "______ alone is worth the price of admission" statement about Impressions. My previous experiences with this song have been Coltrane-styled modal romps. The Directions in Music approach to it was a stunning reinvention (a slow-developing Impressions!).

Naima is just an extended solo by Brecker. It should be treated as an intermission. It tended to get a little too showy as it wore on, but you can take it or leave it; other reviewers have chosen to take it.

I have heard nothing about plans for another Directions in Music CD, but if there is one, here's an idea of what to expect. The most obvious change is the addition of electronic effects in a few of the songs. Hancock has his keyboard, Brecker picks up an EWI (electronic wind instrument), and Hargrove even has a second microphone which he uses to get sound effects out of his trumpet. The concert was also in surround sound. The song selection was entirely different, except for a revisting of The Poet. They also played John Coltrane's Cresent, a tune which is designed to be played dramatically, patiently, and deliberately, so it fits Directions in Music like a glove. Brecker's intermission solo is on the EWI this time. He layers over himself until he's a regular one-man band, playing a funky version of Wayne Shorter's Pinocchio. Again, expendable, but perhaps you would be amused.

Pick this up, figure out what it's about, and keep an eye out for a sequel.

NO GREENHORNS.......2004-11-29

A loving homage to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Of the three main players here, only Herbie Hancock actually played with Miles Davis. To my knowledge, even Hancock never played with Coltrane. So it is that Michael Brecker in the liner notes writes of listening to Miles and Hancock playing on FOUR PLUS MORE while he was in high school. (Hancock must be feeling old these days.) Even still at least another generation has come up since Brecker and Hargrove won national recognition, so this is not a bunch of greenhorns laying their praises at the memory of the masters.

What Hancock and company have produced are high quality acoustic performances that are more reminiscent of Davis and Coltrane than note for note reproductions of the originals. Roughly half of the cuts are pieces the dynamics duo recorded themselves at one time; the remainder are musical impressions written in their wake. ("The Sorcerer" falls into both categories.)

With the chances to hear these musicians play live declining, this may be the only opportunity we may get to hear jazz of this caliber outside the confines of the studio. This recording comes highly recommended.

Directions in Music:Live at Massey Hall.......2004-01-02

As I listen to this CD, I am brought into an incredible musical journey that completely transcends song forms and grabs hold of the sheer impact that musical lines forged into place have when they reflect the light of the new pathway through the harmonic template. As a musician who is profoundly impacted by this music, with much BIAS, I recommend you give this music a listen.
WOW! I should have flown to Atlanta to see the show.

Average customer rating: Impeccable. Brilliant. Nothing new under the sun what is happening to Blue Note Beautiful Italian neo-jazz!

Other Directions Nicola Conte Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Samba | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music European Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Latin Kick Sons of Koop Garota Moderna Hi Note Life Size ASIN: B0002KP5FI Release Date: 2004-09-13

Tracks:

1. Sea and Sand
2. Wanin' Moon
3. Nefertiti
4. Impulso
5. Time for Spring
6. Kind of Sunshine
7. Aphrodite's Dream
8. Several Shades of Dawn
9. Dharma Bums
10. All Gone
11. Other Directions
12. in Between
13. Depart

Album Details

2004 Album from the Italian Jazz/Bossa DJ Whose Notoriety in the Jazz Community Extends as Far as the Acid Jazzers who have Wholeheartedly Embraced his Work. For this Outing, None of the Instruments Are Sampled, all Are Played and Conte Functions More as a Conductor. An Ambitious Move on his Part and Further Extending his Artistry.

Customer Reviews:

Impeccable........2007-03-10

Newcomers to Nicola Conte should think of the following concepts - high style, serious talent and retro chic...
People who remember Conte's "Jet Sounds" will understand why he could count on Thievery Corporation as fans. They subsequently signed him to their ESL imprint in the US.
However, this record is different, it moves on from the chilled electronic bossa tinged music of "Bossa Per Due" and "Arabesque" into a territory defined as jazz.
This is pure jazz, no samples and electronic trickery, just Nicola at the centre of the band calling the shots, deciding on a 1950's and 1960's direction. As a result it has found its rightful home with the most famous jazz record label of all time, Blue Note.
Inspired by 60's Blue Note, this album takes you on a musical journey through Hard Bop, Modal and Latin Jazz.
The Koop-like vocal 'Kind Of Sunshine' is probably the stand-out, but check the tough 'Impulso', the driving 'Nefertiti', and the wonderful 'Aphrodite's Dream', plus the tight 'The Dharma Bums'.

Brilliant........2007-03-06

This is an interesting album which works on a number of levels.
It is an effective atmospheric latin-tinged accompaniment to a dinner party which will not provoke complaints from non-jazz fans.
If more concentrated listening is your thing it contains enough quality jazz musicianship to satisfy post-bop jazz enthusiasts.
It will also appeal to younger listeners more accustomed to DJ manufactured jazz grooves and it is nice to drive to.
I enjoy most types of jazz but prefer music that challenges me a bit. I tend to get bored quickly with stuff that lacks depth.
I am still finding new things to enjoy in this album after many months of listening.One or two tracks are on a less engaging and ingenious side but overall it is worth shelling out the cash for.
I can understand why some reviewers have given it a low rating because it is more rooted in jazz traditions than his previous offerings.
So, if your not a jazz fan and are not prepared to listen to music at more than a superficial level, please don't go here.
Recommended to all others though.

Nothing new under the sun.......2005-04-22

Despite being a Nicola Conte's fan I think that his new album for Blue Note is a pretentious attempt to switch from the fresh sound of the previous albums to a boring excercise of re-reading the glorious sound of the jazz of the fifties and sixties. It doesn't sound new and fresh at all (apart from Kind of sunshine very much in the St.Germain style).
What saves this album is the quality of the musicians that took part to it and the fact that the tracks that originally inspired Nicola Conte's ones are so good that any copy can't be that bad. But next time I expect a change of direction...again.

what is happening to Blue Note.......2005-02-23

I'm a real fan of the label Blue Note but since Norah Jones big success , it looks like the label signs about any rubbish. After St Germain and Marc Moulin , this is another electro-king that wants to be seen as a jazz musician .Pathetic!

Beautiful Italian neo-jazz!.......2005-02-21

WoW! I have listened to Nicola Conte's talent for over 2 years now, and his first albums get a high workout in my collection of over 500 CDs. This new CD had me worried there for a minute because I thought that Nicola has escaped into some new weird musical underground with this retro-sounding album, but upon intent listening I am not worried any more! The album has some stand-out tracks but my favorite is the title track (number 11). Words fail me in describing the beautiful sound of this and his other records. I am a dedicated fan for life! Five stars from me!

Average customer rating: More from the Norman Whitfield masterclass half&half really tight set

Psychedelic Shack/All Directions The Temptations Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cloud Nine/Puzzle People Wish It Would Rain/In a Mellow Mood Sky's the Limit Gettin' Ready Song for You/Masterpiece ASIN: B00004WZ5O Release Date: 2001-01-22

Tracks:

1. Psychedelic Shack
2. You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth
3. Hum Along and Dance
4. Take a Stroll Through Your Mind
5. It's Summer
6. War
7. You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You?)
8. Friendship Train
9. Funky Music Sho' Nuff Turns Me On
10. Run Charlie Run
11. Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
12. Love Woke Me up This Morning
13. I Ain't Got Nothing
14. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
15. Mother Nature
16. Do Your Thing

Album Description

UK version of Motown's '2 Classic Albums On 1 CD Series'. Reissue of 2 of the male vocal groups 70's era albums, 'Psychedelic Shack' (1970) and 'All Directions' (1972) together on 1 CD. Packaged in a full color slipcase with original artwork and 8 page booklet. 2000 release. Slimline double jewel case. The former LP reached #9; the latter hit #2. Both are unavailable in the U.S.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered 2-On-1 CD of Two of the Temp's from the Late 60's.

Customer Reviews:

More from the Norman Whitfield masterclass.......2005-03-28

Psychedelic Shack came out in June 1970 featuring the psychobabblic Take A Stroll Through Your Mind, as well as the Temptations versions of War and Friendship Train, which Norman Whitfield had produced originally on hits for Edwin Starr and Gladys Knight. This new direction was all too much for original lead singer Eddie Kendricks who was shortly to leave the band. One of the songs, It's Summer, appeared as a single in newly re-recorded form a year later.

The sound that Whitfield got from the phenomenal but uncredited session players had become honed and refined to an effortless-sounding and staggering efficiency. 

All Directions came 3 albums later (after Sky's The Limit and Solid Rock) in 1972 and was well named since it veered between Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On and Ewan MacColl's First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. At its heart lay an astounding 12-minute masterpiece, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, which began with a bravura instrumental overture which stripped away the instrumentation bit by bit in a way that almost prefigured dub reggae as it used the sonic palette in a manner that only the latest technology could have enabled.

half&half.......2005-03-03

honestly i have never heard all directions cuz i bought the psychshack record for fifty cents like the rapper and even though it has some nicks and scratches you can hear the music and it sounds really good and i'm sure all directions is good too.

really tight set.......2003-04-26

this is a solid Combination of Albums.the Temptations like Marvin,Stevie,Smokey,Diana,Jackson 5,etc... moved into the 70's with a whole different outlook than what Motown was putting down in the 60's.Norman Whitfield&the Temps went for a Hybrid Sound of Sly&The Family Stone,Hendrix,P-Funk among others to capture there Flower Vibe on these Sets.everybody knows the Hits but the Albums themselves hold up really well.the arrangements&the Vocals are top notch from start to finish.

Average customer rating: be smart Third Rate Review Amazing Music; Third Rate Sound Simply Superb A New Direction for the 'Yesterdays New Quintet' Brand???

Sound Directions: Funky Side of Life Yesterdays New Quintet Manufacturer: Stones Throw ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Angles Without Edges Presents Monk Hughes & Outer Realm Beat Konducta, Vols. 1-2 Shades of Blue Stevie ASIN: B000AP2ZOY Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. Directions
2. Dice Game
3. Wanda Vidal
4. Fourty Days
5. Play Car
6. A Divine Image
7. The Funky Side of Life
8. Theme for Ivory Black
9. The Horse
10. One for J.J. (Johnson)/ Harlem Clavinet
11. On the Hill

Album Description

From twisted hip hop bliss to one-man-band vinyl alchemy Madlib delivers yet another genre-exploding album, further proving that there is no end to Yesterday's Universe, nor the mind of Echo Park's illest. With this latest instrumental excursion, Madlib offers up a funky side project for his blunted-out, jazz-cat legions. He's put the curse on some of L.A.'s most in-demand session musicians and dubbed the resulting madness SOUND DIRECTIONS. Another chapter begins in the direction of sound.

Customer Reviews:

be smart.......2006-12-27

i would like to point out that the way this cd sounds is clearly intentional. anybody who listens to "The Beat Konducta (movie scenes) would know that the sound is intentional. i personally cant get enough of the wavering sound. especailly the way some of his kick drums seem to suck all the sounds of the track down into a pit and the track comes back strong ("the payback").

Third Rate Review.......2006-04-09

Apparently reviewer Jeremy thinks Madlib is deaf. I, on the other hand, realize that Madlib CAN hear and that the "poorly-done compression" Jeremy perceives, was intended by the artist. Production is always a matter of taste. Just because Madlib's use of compression makes Jeremy "feel like his hearing is damaged" doesn't mean rational people can't enjoy the sound. Jeremy's complaint is entirely aesthetic.

Amazing Music; Third Rate Sound.......2006-01-22

First let me say that this is merely the observation I have of the CD I bought. If other copies don't do this, then I want to know and I'll exchange it. But I have a feeling this is actually as lame as I think it is.

ok, is it just me, or is there something seriously wrong with the sound on this cd? I own most of Madlib's releases, and in the past madlib has been guilty of adding so much compression to his drums and other tracks that the entire recording pumps (when compression is too high, it sounds like the volume ducks in and out, like when you cup your hands over your ears and release them rhythmically). But it's rarely very bad, and maybe only for a track or two. Most of the tracks on this album have so much poorly-done compression that the whole recording dips in and out, to the point where it feels like your hearing is damaged. This is not a matter of personal taste or recording aesthetics; It is a matter of a good recording versus a bad one, not a different one.

I recently saw a screening of an old film print of "North By Northwest" by Hitchcock in the theater. I was looking forward to seeing this classic on the big screen, but the sound cut in and out through a similar effect as on this album. It was so bad that many people left because they didn't want to have to keep jumping in their seat every time a spoken word became preposterously loud, or lean forward and strain when the dialogue became so quiet as to cease to be intelligible. This is what it's like to listen to "Sound Directions." Madlib shows himself to be a competent drummer, and I think overall the songs on this album are fantastic. In fact, if the sound was ok, I'd probably listen to this album a couple of times a day. But as is, it's one-third excitement and two-thirds disappointment. Someone as experienced in the studio should never let such a basic technical problem get that out of hand.

If you make music that's instrumental, you don't have lyrics to distract the listener from compositional, production-related, or performance-related letdowns. This album is essentially instrumental, and funky in the tradition of some of David Axelrod's and Herbie Hancock's work. Given that, I'll say that it is not a matter of personal taste that a listener, when listening to INSTRUMENTAL BREAKBEATS, would not only want the sound to be clear, but that the drums stay audible in the mix. Due to the compression problems, as well as plain old bad mixing, crucial instruments drop out at the most inappopriate and moodkillings moments.

So 4.5 to 5 stars for the musicicans and arrangements and Madlib as a composer, and 1 star for bad production and/or mastering.

I don't expect nor want every album I buy to sound as clear, brilliant and clean as Steely Dan's "Gaucho." But I DO expect, when I buy an album recorded in a studio on decent gear by an experienced producer, that the album doesn't have overriding and distracting production problems. You've heard recordings of your friend' bands in clubs that have occasionally been more coherent than a lot of this album.

Simply Superb .......2005-11-04

Jeremy is wrong. The reason why the compositions sound compressed is because they're not using a totally digital format of recording which sounds more like older recording albums, but I remind, whomever, that digital formats sound more mechanical and less human, so this album has a more human feel and is backed up by some great musicianship. There are a few songs that are hard on the ears, but with any great experimenter, you have to give them a break; they're creating something new, and so any listener should just open up to them. Trust me; they have a great sound that isn't matched by anyone of our generation.

A New Direction for the 'Yesterdays New Quintet' Brand???.......2005-10-28

Madlib has certainly been one of the pivotal forces behind the 'Stones Throw' label. He has been behind some of the best production efforts the label has had to offer. Remaining remarkably regular and consistent with his releases, he frequently produces under different names, enabling him to mess with various approaches, different ideas and styles, that some of his other aliases wouldn't allow for. Here he revisits his "Yesterdays New Quintet" project, which is predominately a Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Experimental project that took the instrumentation of Jazz and mixed slight traces of beats, and a strong emphasis toward the sort of soulful Fender Rhodes grooves that, were beginning to make their presence felt in the early 70's Jazz scene. And so what you were left with were beautifully angular sound drifting keyboards, confident improvisational pieces, and a meticulous attention to detail that was clearly a labour of love, and a project that is clearly a reference tribute to the music that inspires and influences Madlib.

Not everyone got (or indeed 'gets') "Yesterdays New Quintet", and some found the predominately instrumental takes on Jazz-infused grooves, a little wearing, and likened it to background music, with no real soul. So that might explain why this new album, although falling under the Yesterday's New Quintet umbrella, doesn't make direct references to the name, and it doesn't seem to be clearly labelled anywhere on the retail CD either. And it now means that this release takes on a far more upbeat and lively sound, that although in parts is still clearly the work of Madlib, and features tracks that easily sit within the Yesterdays New Quintet' name, now feature sounds and arrangements (and more importantly, ideas) that seem to be culled from his other production aliases (beat Conductor, Madlib), and livens an album that now isn't reliant on Jazz-Funk styled tracks, and now incorporates: leftfield funk, freewheeling instrumentals, Psychedelic Soul, celebratory breakbeats & progressive rare-groove, and as much as I love the first "Yesterdays New Quintet - Angles Without Edges" album, this is now a far more broad and eclectic sounding album, with a lot of the criticism of the first albums ponderous pace, now replaced with a wildly different tracks that have all been given the special Madlib touch, and so by skitting through vintage soul grooves, electronic freewheeling funk , and fusion-orientated Jazz breaks, that use horns, guitar, Rhodes keyboard, sampling, breaks, bass, organs, drums, into a gloriously messy collection of tracks that although never really gelling as a coherent album, make for a spectacularly thrilling sound, that'll attract the attention of anyone within listening distance. Madlib's skill at interpreting and arranging music that has influenced him, is staggeringly good, and justifies his reputation of one of the most gifted beat-constructors around.

In a strange way, this album feels like Madlib has drawn on the sounds and styles of all his aliases, and produced tracks that can (and do) work vaguely within the context of the Yesterday New Quintet name, and yet it does present a sound that although clearly a part continuation of Yesterdays New Quintet, is different enough to not really justify being considered 'just another' YNQ ('Yesterdays New Quintet') release. Perhaps this is why the album is more commonly called "Sound Directions", possibly signalling a new direction that he wants take the music. And this seems to be the sensible option, as there is a little bit too much Funk, and Beat-orientated tracks (as stunningly realised as they are), and leftfield Hip-Hop referencing, to really be considered a true YNQ release. And it'll possibly disappoint the Jazz Purists that be expecting more of the contemporary Jazz compositions (albeit with a decidedly abstract feel), that brought YNQ to their attention to the first place. (Although they will probably love his cover of "David Axelrod's - A Divine Image")

If you are considering buying this album, that I have to say that It's got to be a 'No-Brainer' purchase if you are a Madlib Fan. And so long as you understand that (A) this is prominently an instrumental album, (with the occasional sampled hollering), (B) It shifts between slow more cerebral subtly layered Jazz tracks, to energetic freewheeling imaginative breaks, Exuberant and Passionate electronic crossover funk, and organic jam-heavy soul-fusions. (C) is a relatively short album (40 minutes), (D) and if your a YNQ fan (like myself), be prepared to accept that although it does contain some of the mood and style of the YNQ Jazz-style sound, it now doesn't wholly make up the whole album. And you should be thinking more along the lines of it being a album that touches upon most of the production styles that Madlib has produced at one time or another. And to be completely honest....Who's going to have a probably with that???

Highly Recommended

Average customer rating:

Different Directions: The Last Show [CD plus DVD] Champion Manufacturer: Bridge Nine Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Straight Edge | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Time Slips Away Promises Kept Difference Between Nothing to Hide Broadcasting... ASIN: B000OPOC96 Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Promises Kept
2. 4th of July
3. Decisions Made
4. Different Directions
5. Monument
6. Decline
7. The Truth
8. Time Slips Away
9. Left
10. Thank You Note
11. Perspective
12. Assume the Worst
13. Insider
14. Miles To Go
15. 116

Album Description

After 7 years of traveling the world and touring with Comeback Kid, Sick Of It All, 7 Seconds, Terror & Slapshot, Champion decided to call it a day. This is the final document in their extensive history which includes a DVD of their last show, interviews, early band footage.

Average customer rating: Fans of Sunny Day Real Estate- get into this band a gem that got away practically unnoticed A melodic beauty A melodic beauty Different - And yet still the same...

Directions in Music Bundy K. Brown , James Warden , and Doug Scharin Manufacturer: Thrill Jockey ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: New Features Many in High Places Are Not Well Our Point of Departure Lila Sworn Eyes ASIN: B000005AD9 Release Date: 1996-09-09

Tracks:

1. Track 1 - Bundy K. Brown
2. Track 2
3. Track 3
4. Track 4
5. Track 5
6. Track 6
7. Track 7
8. Track 8

Customer Reviews:

Fans of Sunny Day Real Estate- get into this band.......2004-05-27

This cd is great. I, being an insane fan of Sunny Day Real Estate, do think they sound pretty similar so of course I would like this ;-] This is something you could and should get into. Good stuff, guys.

a gem that got away practically unnoticed.......2002-10-01

This is a remarkable album made by some of the leading figures in modern music. Whenever Doug Scharin sits down behind a drum-kit magic starts to take place. It sounds like an entire drumband, but it's just Doug and his drums.
Bundy K Brown again is a soundwizzard. He somehow knows when to jump ship. He left Tortoise just before they kinda broke through.
This sounds like a unplugged tortoise with jazzier drums. A definitly must-have album if you're into the chicago based music.

A melodic beauty.......2000-12-16

This is a truely exceptional album. It is perhaps the best and least recognized release from the vast nexus of tortoise associated bands available. Every time I listen to this album I shocked at how beautiful, rich, and democratic Direction's music is. If you are a lover of bands from the math-rock ouvre, you've got to pick this up.

A melodic beauty.......2000-12-16

This is a truely exceptional album. It is perhaps the best and least recognized release from the vast nexus of tortoise associated bands available. Every time I listen to this album I shocked at how beautiful, rich, and democratic Direction's music is. If you are a lover of bands from the math-rock ouvre, you've got to pick this up.

Different - And yet still the same..........2000-09-06

Historically, Mr. Brown has filled in and hopped around in the McEntire-Chicago scene from band to band, project to project (Tortoise, Gastr Del Sol, etc). When I saw this album appear in the ranks of the Thrill Jockey Catalogue I was anxious to hear it - I am always curious to see what a musician who has regulary been in the back lines can do up front.

As it turns out, he has really put some unique work into it. The album seems to embrace melodic, guitar-oriented tunes. There are some beautiful works of music on this album. Track 4 is an ingenius display of what Brown can do With your basic 3 instruments.

The surprise in it was the slight de-emphasis of the supplementary instruments this genre of music usually warrants: Not as many vibes, synth, blips or beeps as I had expected - It seems more focused on straight forward, playable tunes surrounding catchy chord progressions. This is not a bad thing, only different.

Dispite any differences, its all there - The overall sound of the album leaves you without a doubt of what this music is: another offspring of Chicago's "Post-rock?" clique. Which brings me to the downside of the album - I believe you'd only like it if you dig the genre. Additionally, I found myself at times waiting for something to happen. I was at times disappointed with the sometimes anti-climactic tunes.

The verdict? If you like the more melodic, acoustical works like Jim O'Rourke or Gastr Del Sol, get it. If it's catchy, pop tunes like The Sea and Cake or any other McEntire-esque music you might be disappointed. I gave 3 stars to this one (which, by the way isn't bad, I'm just a conservative critic). I really like this album - it will spend many hours on my turntable in the years to come.

Average customer rating: This CD is alot of fun! Grooooooovy Jazz from Down Under. Funk Jazz at its coolest

Deeper Directions In Groove Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000046PY Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

1. Two Way Dreamtime
2. Medium Rare (Interlude)
3. The Favourite
4. D.N.A. (Interlude)
5. Pythonicity
6. Shelflife
7. Hip Replacement
8. Suffer The Children (Interlude)
9. Gil
10. The DIG Theme
11. The Den (Interlude)
12. Terrified From Dizzy Heights
13. Re-Invent Yourself (Re-mix)
14. Inner Blue Funk

Customer Reviews:

This CD is alot of fun!.......2005-11-21

I have had this CD for years and cant resist to put it in the player from time to time. Many songs here really move. I always was hoping there would be a follow-up recording to this, but for some reason (probably lack of people ever hearing about them), no follow-up.

Grooooooovy Jazz from Down Under........1999-08-07

I challenge you ... just try and stop your body grooving, your feet tapping and your fingers clicking when this music is on.

This is jazz that makes you re-explore your long held definition of jazz. Brilliant, innovative, creative, infectious, rich, grooooovelicious music!

One of my all time favorite albums.

Funk Jazz at its coolest.......1998-10-12

This is one of the coolest Australian funk jazz bands. Their debut album showcases their incredible ability and creativity, as well as saluting their influences (Miles Davis, etc). This album combines rap with groovy rhythms along with smooth pieces of pure jazz. A must have for any self-respecting Jazz fan. An interesting contrast to their later recordings.

Average customer rating:

All Directions The Temptations ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000025K3V Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On
2. Run Charlie Run
3. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
4. Love Woke Me Up This Morning
5. I Ain't Got Nothin'
6. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
7. Mother Nature
8. Do Your Thing

Average customer rating:

Different Directions John Denver Manufacturer: Navarre Corporation/ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: It's About Time Some Days Are Diamonds One World Seasons of the Heart Dreamland Express ASIN: B000008EZY Release Date: 1991-10-25

Tracks:

1. Potter's Wheel
2. Ponies
3. Foxfire Suite/Spring Is Alive/You Are/Whisper the Wind/Spring Is Alive
4. Chained to the Wheel
5. Two Different Directions
6. Hold on to Me
7. Chosen Ones
8. Amazon (Let This Be a Voice)
9. Tenderly Calling

Jazz Music:

1. Earthtones
2. Giant Steps
3. Havana/New York
4. High Pressure
5. I'm Back at Carnival Time
6. It's a Good Thing
7. Jazz Dance Classics, Vol. 4
8. Jazz Party
9. Judgment!
10. L.A. Jazz Syndicate

Jazz Music

jazz music