Youngblood [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Product Description
Japanese reissue of the classic jazz album originally released in 1992 on Enja, digitally remastered with a limited edition miniature LP sleeve reproduction of the original artwork. 2000 release.

Youngblood,Elvin Jones,Tokum,Jazz,Jazz Music

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: black halo Just background music the best ever Finally, power metal to be taken seriously... BEST CD EVER MADE

The Black Halo Kamelot Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Epica Ghost Opera Karma The Fourth Legacy Once ASIN: B0007OASII Release Date: 2005-03-15

Tracks:

1. March Of Mephisto
2. When The Lights Are Down
3. The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)
4. Soul Society
5. Interlude I: Dei Gratia
6. Abandoned
7. This Pain
8. Moonlight
9. Interlude II: Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso
10. The Black Halo
11. Nothing Ever Dies
12. Memento Mori
13. Interlude III: Midnight - Twelve Tolls For A New Day
14. Serenade

Album Description

Kamelot inked their recording contract in 1994 and released their debut, Eternity, the following August. The press praised the album as one of the most promising first offerings ever. 1996 saw the arrival of Dominion, an album that sounded even more varied and diverse than its predecessor. In spring 1997 Kamelot found Casey Grillo and the former Conception vocalist Khan, who joined the group during the production of Siege Perilous. In autumn of the same year, the new line-up embarked on an extensive European tour and returned to Gate studios in Wolfsburg twelve months later to work on the album that set a new standard for the band; The Fourth Legacy. In summer 2000, Kamelot's first live album was recorded during the New Allegiance tour, which took them through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Greece and Spain. Only a few months later, Khan, Youngblood, Grillo and Glenn Barry presented their fifth studio cut, Karma, and embarked on a European tour. Epica arrived in 2003, followed by another tour as Headliners in Europe, Japan, Mexico and the US as well many top Festival appearances. The Black Halo adds another exciting and epic chapter to the band's brilliant history.

Customer Reviews:

black halo.......2007-07-15

This cd from beginning to end is fantastic. I have finally found another band to add to my collection. I would recommend this album and any other from Kamelot.

Just background music.......2007-06-29

Blah blah blah, this CD is just so-so. It's probably good for just putting in your 100-CD changer and set the player on "random." If songs from this CD play, well fine. I judge a CD by how many times I've just got to keep playing it.........this one didn't get too much attention. It's not bad, it's just not special. This band has so much potential to do great....perhaps they need new management, a better song selector, or just a spark.

the best ever.......2007-04-13

A sterling fusion of melodic power metal and classical orchestra. The current pinnacle of progressive metal. My favorite album of all time. I've given this one to all my friends, and bought myself several copies to archive. 'Nuff said.

Finally, power metal to be taken seriously..........2007-04-12

The Black Halo is the second part of a story based around German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's version of Faust, following main characters Ariel, Helena, and Mephisto. The first part was Kamelot's previous album, Epica, and as such is basically mandatory listening for anybody who really wants to get the full experience out of The Black Halo. However, for the stubborn among us - Epica covers Ariel's abandonment of everything he has known in order to begin pursuit of the answers to the great mysteries of life. Unfortunately, things don't quite work out for him in the wide world, and he begins to long for the promising days of youth. This subsequently leads into his meeting with Mephisto, who - being the devil in disguise - arrives in the shape of a beautiful woman when Ariel is at his lowest and offers him all the pleasures a man could want. Ariel temporarily succumbs to Mephisto's offers and abandons his search. He indulges in "the life", as it were - food, drink, women, et al - and goes on to sign a contract with Mephisto that will turn out to be the proverbial deal with the devil. After all of this, he encounters his childhood love - Helena. They share a moment together, and Ariel learns that she is pregnant with his child, but Ariel ends up pushing her away in fear that the deal he had just made with Mephisto would bring her too much suffering... and as a result, Helena drowns herself in the river. Ariel becomes trapped between Mephisto's malevolence and Helena's goodness (who reappears as an angel), and Epica essentially ends there. The Black Halo, in turn, starts off with a depiction of the absolute peak of Mephisto's power over Ariel. The album sees Ariel given another chance at love (which he also rejects), and consequently descends into a dark conflict that takes place entirely in his mind. Several enlightening realizations bring him to a final confrontation with Mephisto, a tragic reunion with Helena, and ultimately culminate in a scene that portrays his death and takes the listener back to the very beginning of the overall saga. There are many little details, nuances, twists, and turns to discover along the way, but I'll leave that up to you. Suffice it to say, the concept is very well thought-out and quite moving.

The album features various guest musicians, including - guitarist Thomas Youngblood's wife Mari as the voice of Helena, Dimmu Borgir's Shagrath as the voice of Mephisto, Epica's Simone Simons as the character Marguerite, a full blown professional choir (dubbed the Kamelot Choir), the Rodenberg Symphony Orchestra, Stratovarius' Jens Johansson on keyboards, and more.

Impressive. Most impressive.

The music is rooted firmly in a power metal aesthetic. However, this is the most plausible form of power metal I have ever heard. I'm not even a fan of power metal - I could never get into the trite and boring high fantasy themes, extreme falsetto vocal nonsense, flat and predictable musicianship, and overall feeling of dreadful cheese. Kamelot, on the other hand, seem to take this inherently disastrous genre of metal and completely drop everything that makes it so laughable, substituting instead a sincere sense of sweeping power, genuine emotion, and soaring drama.

The band, from an instrumental perspective, manage to not completely fall into the trappings of their chosen genre. Save for a few essential performances from Jens Johansson (for example, his lead in the middle of "March of Mephisto" which is supposed to act as the devil's instrument), there aren't any obnoxious keyboard leads to be found here. The drums extend past incessant double bass marathons, offering moments of impactful glory (also best exemplified on "March of Mephisto"), and even some time signature changeups. The guitars range from high-speed tremolo riffing to mid-tempo work that can be quite heavy but never grates on the listener's ears; the guitar leads are highly melodious and fitting to the atmosphere of a given song and its place within the progression of the story, never really descending into pointless wankery. However, the real gem here is vocalist Roy Khan. He has immense range, but chooses to hang around the mid vocal registers for much of his delivery, which makes those moments where he extends up high or drops down low that much more moving. Those allergic to power metal shouldn't get discouraged by the "up high" comment... he doesn't indulge in the kind of over the top vocal acrobatics many have come to expect from this genre; he simply changes things up occasionally to keep a dynamic flow and stay with the mood of the song. Furthermore, his voice is filled with a fiery passion that's perfect for getting across the feelings and depicting the internal conflicts of the main character, Ariel... and he has several absolutely breathtaking performances throughout - namely, his duet with guest vocalist Simone Simons on "The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)", and his bone-chilling delivery on "Abandoned" that's multiplied ten-fold by the stellar backing of orchestra and choir.

There are three interludes during the course of The Black Halo that aren't really songs, but serve as transitionary performances that bring to light critical aspects of the storyline. The second of these, "Interlude II - Un Assassinio Molto Silenzioso" (translates into "A Very Silent Murder"), features Italian singer Cinzia Rizzo who's performance is of note. The third interlude, dubbed "Interlude III - Midnight, Twelve Tolls For A New Day", is also quite significant in that it depicts Ariel's final glimpse of Helena approaching him just before the moment of his death. His pained uttering of her name brings the album proper to a close. There is another song to be found afterwards, though. "Serenade" isn't part of the album's story, but is a joyous and upbeat song that is essentially a glorious celebration of life.

There are several other moments I'd like to briefly discuss.

The first is the opening track, "March of Mephisto". This song is just so unbelievably powerful. It's meant to represent the peak of Mephisto's influence over Ariel, and it gets this feeling across admirably as the united, methodical pulsing of drums and guitars sounds like a massive mustering of Mephisto's armies and their inevitable march to war with Mephisto himself snarling at their backs. As another reviewer said, it's like a freaking revolution. I can only imagine what kind of reaction this song garners in a live setting.

The second is the track "Memento Mori". Being the longest song that Kamelot have written to date (at around nine minutes), it sees Ariel, Helena, and Mephisto together one final time. The staple of this song is the line "I am the God in my own history", where Ariel finally realizes that he has the power to control his own destiny and casts Mephisto from his mind. Powerful performances from Roy, Mari, and Shagrath.

...and that's about it.

The Black Halo is like the "anti-power metal" power metal album, or maybe it's the purest embodiment of what power metal was always meant to become. Either way, it's a stunning, gorgeous, and intelligent album that I would recommend whether you're a fan of metal or not.

Not to be missed.

BEST CD EVER MADE.......2007-04-01

This is THE ONLY ALBUM ever created that I can listen to from start to finish without feeling the need to skip anything or interrupt a song from bordom. If you have never heard anything from Kamelot, this is the album you want to buy to get you started. Best of the best, gaurenteed.

Average customer rating: Thunder in them thar' hands. Saw Him Live Yes, the Real Deal is right A Must Have - Simply Excellent Music Shameful to show a lie on this site

Big Mama's Door Alvin Youngblood Hart Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Blues General | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Blues General | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Blues | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Blues | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Motivational Speaker Territory Down in the Alley Start With the Soul Fish Ain't Bitin' ASIN: B000002BJA Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

1. Big Mama's Door
2. Joe Friday
3. Them Fair Weather Friends
4. France Blues
5. Gallows Pole
6. Pony Blues
7. Amazed 'N' Amused
8. Things 'Bout Comin' My Way
9. When I Was A Cowboy (Western Plains)
10. Rest Your Saddle
11. If Blues Was Money
12. Hillbilly Willie's Blues
13. Livin' In A Strain
14. That Kate Adams Jive

Customer Reviews:

Thunder in them thar' hands........2007-01-09

No small wonder that Taj Mahal was recruited to pen a few introductory remarks to acolyte, Alvin's,'Big Mamma'. And more than this, he sits in on three tunes to further endorse the man who, for all intents and purposes on this gem, would appear to be his heir apparent. The mix of re-arranged Delta Blues and self-penned material, the multi-instrumental accomplishmnet and that inimitable afro-American vocalising, is everything that Taj has reverently worked over down the decades. Hart's songs sit seamlessly with the archival stuff. as,'Rest You Saddle' and,'If the Blues was Money' demonstarte.'Gallows pole' and McTell's,'Hillbilly Willie's Blues' are exemplary. An especial thrill for me is my favourite Ledbelly,'When I was a Cowboy Out on the Western Plain', as complete a snapshot of cinematic breadth as you'll hear condensed into a few minutes. This is a thrilling album. Blessed with such 'grasp of the idioms, tone, humour, irony, joy, and breadth' of tradition, to quote Taj, it will serve as a powerful foundation for a wide-eyed approach to re-invigorating music.

Saw Him Live.......2006-12-09

I gotta say, we saw him live in New York City recently along with Doc Watson, and he stole the show! This cat had us glued into our seats. Wow!

Yes, the Real Deal is right.......2006-11-25

First of all, this is one of the most beautiful and outstanding collections of blues ever assembled. What AYH has is something that years of music lessons and years of practice cannot produce. His delivery and style has an almost supernatural quality, translating some mysterious and primal element of life that we blues fans seem to be fascinated with. His authenticity is in this regard is unmistakable. As far as the childish comments regarding white people playing blues music - give us all a break. I am personally good friends with a fella who played on this album, as well as on a couple of others. He also toured with AYH for four years, and, surprise, he's as white as Margaret Thatcher. Grow up kids.

A Must Have - Simply Excellent Music.......2006-10-03

I love Alvin Hart's music. This album is an introduction to his blues music, but he is really much more than a blues musician; he is a musician's musician. His 'Territory' album is a great example of his dynamic scope. It has Texas Swing, Calypso, Ska, Hard Rock, Blues and more. Yes, he caters to all these styles of music and he does it with great skill and conviction. Big Mama's Door shows a wide scope of Blues: delta blues, droning dobro, rag and more. I like his twelve string guitar work along with his cowboy inspired lyrics - reminescent of Lead Belly. Taj Mahal lends a hand with couple of the most inspiring songs from the album,'France Blues' and 'Things About Comin' My Way'. I can listen to this album over and over. A great collection of originals and a couple classic covers, 'Gallows Pole' and 'John Hardy'. Alvin is clearly the new bearer of the torch - from old timey delta blues to advant-garde progressive rock, he is player to keep an eye on,

Shameful to show a lie on this site.......2006-07-15

Mr. Johnson below wrote a lie about Alvin Youngblood Hart packing this lie in racism. Aren't there laws against character slandering? The fact is that first of all Alvin gives a flying F. who plays the Blues as long as he himself isn't filed in it and second Alvin admires so many musicians from all over the world and he is admired by them as well and skin shading isn't involved in this world; only music. His world is round.

Average customer rating: Mystical, magical, mysterious, mesmerizing... AND ... memorable! Fabulous Another Grammy Award (2007) for Mary Youngbood

Dance with the Wind Mary Youngblood Manufacturer: Silver Wave ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Native American | North America | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Feed the Fire Beneath the Raven Moon Heart of the World The Offering Heart of the Wind: Music for Native American Flute & Drums ASIN: B000FDEU6M Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

1. Misty Rain 3:54
2. Wind Whispers 3:25
3. My Gypsy Soul 3:20
4. Play With Me 4:27
5. Dance With Me 2:56
6. Find the Song 4:30
7. Lost Long Ago 4:17
8. Make An Offering 4:32
9. Reach For The Sky 4:37
10. Blood of MY Blood 3:12
11. On Our Journey 3:52
12. Dance With the Wind 5:08

Amazon.com

Native American musical icon Mary Youngblood can make her wooden flutes express every possible shade of emotion while never losing sight of the larger cosmic epic we are all part of. Of Aleut (Alaskan) and Seminole (Floridian) ancestry, she was named "Flautist Of The Year" at the Native American Music Awards two years in row and won a Grammy for Beneath The Raven Moon (2003.) A classically trained multi-instrumentalist and composer, she was one of the first tribal women to play an instrument that not only has ancient religious connotations but was formerly confined, amid a few centuries-worth of stiff taboos, exclusively to male performers. But she also has few peers as a singer; her vocals on "Play With Me" are transparently lovely. Meanwhile, "Dance With Me" sounds almost Celtic, with Eric Levine's lilting fiddle leaping amid the other instruments like a trout in the sunshine. As a musician and a human being, Youngblood continues to personify all that is strong, spiritual, womanly and fine; her music is at once easily accessible and miles deep. She has something important to share with people of all backgrounds and deserves to reach a mainstream audience. --Christina Roden

Album Description

NEW May, 2006 Sometimes the wind whispers and sometimes the wind howls. When GRAMMY winner Mary Youngblood lets the wind flow through her Native American flutes the result is always one of beauty and joy. Inspired by the wisdom of nature, Mary writes: "The trees have given a voice to me, the voice that sings to you now." Her eclectic musical style evokes feelings of freedom, and gratitude for the blessings of life, our Dance with the Wind.

Customer Reviews:

Mystical, magical, mysterious, mesmerizing... AND ... memorable!.......2007-05-19

Playing Time - 51:45 -- Dedicated to hurricane Katrina survivors, "Dance with the Wind" recognizes that the wind has many personalities from breeze to gale. With her music swaying to the gentle zephyr, Grammy-award winner Mary Youngblood's splendid Native American flute-playing is warm and conversational. She adds her gusty vocals on three tracks (Play with Me, Dance with the Wind, Make an Offering). Of Aleut and Seminole descent, Mary has released four previous albums: The Offering, Heart of the World, Beneath the Raven Moon, Feed the Fire. As on her other albums, Tom Wasinger wears pivotal hats as a co-producer, co-writer, and accompanist who plays many different instruments. Other musicians featured are Eric Levine (violin), Jody Price (viola), Mark McCoin (percussion), Larry Thompson (drums), Ray Wasinger (drums), and James Marienthal (piano). An instrumental piece like "Dance with Me" has blustery moments when infused with Celtic-flavored sensibilities of Levine's silky smooth bow work. Using a dual chambered flute on "My Gypsy Soul," Mary decorates that piece with a colorful, breezy wrap although I felt like it could've used a tad more diversity. Her approach is to keep her melodies and arrangements fairly simple. My guess is that she does this to have a greater impact on a listener's emotions without cluttering her tunes with technical overload.

Youngblood's music draws inspiration from various genres from classical to jazz, and traditional to new age. With flutes always in the forefront, the music has rich, distinctive timbre and usually a jaunty lilt. At the middle of the set, more stark and wistful pieces like "Find the Song" and "Lost Long Ago" are contemplative and seem to convey calm statements about pursuing dreams. This album does convey some elements of predictability that reinforce Youngblood's signature sound established over the years. Her multi-tracked vocals on "Play with Me" honor the trees for the voices they have given her to her music in the form of guitar and flute. At track eight, "Make an Offering" is her own declaration about the importance of music in her life to sing breath into the soul. In a subtle reference to an earlier song at track seven, Mary also sings "find the song lost long ago, Its melody will lead us home." Spare instrumental settings keep the arrangements lean, bordering on new age at times to create soothing aural soundscapes. "Blood of my Blood" has a jazzy chordal progression, walking bass line, and muted strings of a Hungarian cymbalom. That makes for interesting cross-genre pollination. This type of hammered dulcimer also appears in the mix of "Find the Song." "Reach for the Sky" is the one piece that also has Mary playing piano along with Native American wooden flute and alto flute. "On Our Journey" is one of the more lyrical and melodic instrumental tracks. A bonus track closes the genial album on an ethereal note.

Adopted as a baby by a middle class non-Indian family, Mary grew up studying piano, violin, classical flute, guitar and ballet. As an adult, she decided to concentrate on wooden flute, and she now owns over 250 hand carved instruments that celebrate her heritage. On the stage of life, "Dance with the Wind" is about seeking dreams, meeting goals, searching for answers, finding truth, and experiencing freedom. Whether you find it mystical, magical, mysterious, or mesmerizing, there's one word that best describes Mary's music. That is memorable! (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

Fabulous.......2007-04-02

Prior to Dance with the Wind, I was not familiar with Mary Youngblood's work, but she is fabulous. Now I will get her other albums and enjoy. In addition to her lovely flute, her voice is as soft as velvet.

Another Grammy Award (2007) for Mary Youngbood.......2007-03-23

Mary Youngblood just keeps getting better and her second Grammy winning record is a remarkable joy to behold. Stellar flute playing, signature song writing, creative arrangements, and unique instrumentation all combine to make this a superb recording. Mary Youngblood has always had the talent to stand out above the crowd, and with this honor she stakes her claim as the number one star of Native American music.

Average customer rating: Almost as Solid as "Big Mama's Door" GREAT SOUND The Best! downhome heart Just shy of masterpiece

Down in the Alley Alvin Youngblood Hart Manufacturer: Memphis Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Big Mama's Door Territory Start With the Soul Motivational Speaker Fish Ain't Bitin' ASIN: B000068R2Q Release Date: 2002-07-09

Tracks:

1. Judge Bouche
2. How Long Before I Change My Clothes
3. Deep Blue Sea
4. Jinx Blues
5. Bootlegger's Blues
6. Alberta
7. Broke And Hungry
8. Devil Got My Woman
9. Chilly Winds
10. Tom Rushen Blues
11. Please Baby
12. Motherless Child

Amazon.com

Time traveler Alvin Youngblood Hart's albums have darted from crusty Delta fingerpicking and hollering to Hendrixian hellfire to crunchy, primal rockin' blues, all with the ring of authority that comes from complete commitment to the music. This time, he's set the wayback machine to the early '30s, using guitars, mandolin, banjo, and a lot of heart to interpret tunes by Son House, Charley Patton, Skip James, Leadbelly, and others. Somehow, the dust of old Mississippi, the state where the Oakland-born musician now resides, seems to have gotten into his blood. Hart sounds like Parchman Farm's newest inmate as he wails and moans through "How Long Before I Can Change My Clothes," plucking notes from a National resonator guitar. Chiming out chords and quick runs on banjo, he makes Odetta's "Chilly Winds" seem like they're carrying the voices of lost ghosts, recounting their lives of misery under Jim Crow's wing. Hart tends to take many of these classics, like Patton's "Tom Rushen Blues" and Leadbelly's "Alberta," at slightly slower tempos, which gives him more time to squeeze gut emotions from his lightly graveled phrases and lets his pluck-and-drone playing work its hypnotic effect. Stark and impressive for the power Hart generates alone, this may be the acoustic blues album of the year. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

On his fourth (Grammy Nominated) album (for his fourth label), the contemporary bluesman sounds inspired and refreshed as he accompanies himself on acoustic six-string guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Hart runs down fairly obscure tunes from Son House, Charley Patton, Leadbelly, Skip James, and Sleepy John Estes, infusing them with a jolt of energy while staying true to their original versions and invigorating them with inspired interpretations. Liner notes by Billy Gibbons, Robert Gordon & Dave Alvin. Dot. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Almost as Solid as "Big Mama's Door".......2003-10-23

This cd is excellent. It is almost flawless. It's also just a step or two below "Big Mama's Door", which was Hart's first release. The only real flaw on this cd is the song selection. Hart does Leadbelly's "Alberta", instead of doing the Mississippi Sheiks/Bo Carter version of the song, which happens to be a much more melodic and pretty tune. Also, Alvin plays "Devil Got My Woman", which has been done to death by everyone and their grandma. The cd also seems a bit short; there are twelve songs on this disc and you could probably fit fourteen or maybe even fifteen. Still, this cd marks a return to acoustic country blues for Hart. Buy this, you will not be disappointed!

GREAT SOUND.......2003-01-05

WHO ELSE CAN PLAY A GUITAR OR BANJO WITH A DIFFERENT COORDINATED RHYTM AND MELODIE. HE REMINDS ME ON A JUGGLER.

The Best!.......2002-08-25

This is a wonderful CD. Alvin is back at what he does best. If you are an acoustic country blues fan. BUY THIS!! Easily the best acoustic blues album of 2002. Period. His version of Bukka White's "Change My Clothes" will blow you away with the wonderful cornfield holler falsetto. Damn!

downhome heart.......2002-08-18

While of course Alvin Youngblood Hart has the right to do any kind of music he chooses, it would be hard to dispute that he does downhome African-American music best. He's in top form on this splendid recording, which harks back to the sound of his first. Like Lead Belly, Mississippi John Hurt, Henry Thomas, and Mance Lipscomb, he is a gifted bluesman but not only a bluesman. He is also immersed in the older rural traditions out of which the blues emerged a century or so ago. Thus, for two examples, the riveting renditions of the deep-folk songs "Deep Blue Sea" (not to be confused with the Tommy McClennan "Catfish Blues" variant of the same name) and "Chilly Winds." Though credited to Odetta, the latter is actually a cobbling-together of the title song (ubiquitous in both black and white tradition), "Pea Vine Whistle," and "K. C. Moan" -- themselves merely versions of older songs of murky origin. Hart not only revives the all-but-lost art of African-American five-string banjo but also masters it. The result is a sound nothing short of exhilarating.

I like everything on this album, with one small qualification. Hart boldly takes on the masters, making even Charley Patton's "Tom Rushen Blues" beautifully his own. Yet Skip James defeats him, as James seems to defeat everybody who tries him. Hart's version of "Devil Got My Woman" isn't bad, but James's original has an otherworldly quality which manages always to evade capture or even reinvention. If somebody has ever done a better version of any James song than James himself, I have never heard it.

This quibble notwithstanding, this is the sort of recording one has a very hard time taking off one's turntable. It should make all who hear it grateful that Hart is a relatively young man and that there's more -- plenty more, one hopes -- where it comes from.

Just shy of masterpiece.......2002-07-23

I don't want to harp on this too much. I'm a huge fan of this type of music, and Hart is one of the best at it. If this had come out first (before Big Mama's Door, that is) would I like it better? From here, it seems that BMD is more cohesive, more compelling: I suspect it's just an illusion. This (DITA) is probably just as good.

I feel sort of sorry for Hart: he's so good at this stuff that he's apt to get pigeon-holed, which would be a shame. His previous release, "Start With the Soul", deserves more attention than it gets.

Average customer rating: motivational indeed Like Kryptonite! No problems, prompt service A real Gem Alvin Youngblood Hart is your Pope of Rock N' Roll !!!

Motivational Speaker Alvin Youngblood Hart Manufacturer: Tone Cool ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Big Mama's Door Start With the Soul Territory Down in the Alley Daily Bread ASIN: B0009H97D0 Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

1. Big Mama's Door (Might Return)
2. Motivational Speaker
3. Stomp Dance
4. In My Time of Dying
5. Lawd I'm Just a Country Boy in This Great Big Freaky City
6. My World Is Round
7. Nobody's Fault but Mine
8. Shoot Me a Grin
9. Worm
10. Necessary Roughness (A Power Move)
11. Meanest Jukebox in Town
12. How Long Before I Change My Clothes
13. Shootout on I-55 [*]

Album Description

Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, Motivational Speaker offers a window into the musical soul of Alvin Youngblood Hart. Kicking off with "Big Mama's Door (Might Return)," Alvin reprises the title track from his all-acoustic debut, heavier and a whole lot louder, joined by his pal Audley Freed (Cry of Love, Black Crowes). "Motivational Speaker" is a James Gang/Led Zeppelin-flavored nod to the garage band spirit, followed by "Stomp Dance," which was inspired by a Creek Indian theme. There are seven Alvin Youngblood Hart originals on the new CD, plus a rock spiritual, a prison lament, an obscure Free B-side, and songs originally performed by Otis Redding, Doug Sahm, and Johnny Paycheck--pretty much everything except acoustic blues. Why? Because Alvin played acoustic blues on his last record, and Alvin likes to keep things fresh. Guest stars on Motivational Speaker include Audley Freed, Robert Kearns (Bottle Rockets), Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), and Jim Dickinson.

Customer Reviews:

motivational indeed.......2006-04-30

AYH WILL PROBABLY REPLACE MY SRV STICKER,ALTHOUGH I SUSPECT HE PLAYS A TELECASTER."MY WORLD IS ROUND" INSPIRING VERY STRONG A VERY GOOD WEIGHT LIFTING OR LOG SPLITTING SONG."IN MY TIME OF DYING" IS INTERESTING AND THE GUITAR WORK IS FINGER LICKIN!I LET MY WIFE AND SON LISTEN TO IT AND THEY TURNED THEIR NOSE UP COMMENTING THAT IT WAS DEPRESSING.I JUST THINK THE SONG IS BEAUTIFUL PROBABLY A DEDICATION TO OHLHAVER.WORTH THE MOOLAH BETTER THAN A REAL ESTATE SEMINAR ABLE TO LEAP THE TALLEST MUSICAL BOUNDARIES.

Like Kryptonite!.......2005-10-25

It's like Kryptonite to the Blues Police and the Lemon Suckers. AYH is his own man. 70's style blues rock riffage without the cliches, tone for days, classic country played like a maestro and serious slide like nobody's business.

His best to date and a breath of fresh air. Inspiring.

No problems, prompt service.......2005-09-02

I ordered it, paid for it, they shipped it, I received it.
End of story

A real Gem.......2005-07-29

If you like blues/rock with a touch of country here and there you will love this album. AYH is one of the best in the buisness. This guy plays a great slide guitar, right up there with the best, he can also take the slide off and totally wail.
There is not a weak song on this disc, highly recommended.

Alvin Youngblood Hart is your Pope of Rock N' Roll !!!.......2005-06-24

If you are looking for a gritty, bluesy Rock N' Roll album with a touch of honky tonk then you have found it. More electric and driving than his earlier stuff such as Big Mama's Door, this album will have you dancing at home or pushing your car past the speed limit. Highlights for me included the psychedelic "In my Time of Dying", featuring a searing solo by Audley Freed of Cry of Love and Black Crowes fame, hard riffy rocking "Motivational Speaker", rootsy rocker "My World is Round", and "Shoot me a Grin", which is Alvin in his element!! I was also pleasantly surprised at the country honk song "Meanest Jukebox in Town" which seems to almost take you back in time. The album closes with a nice ambient electric instrumental jam, which is very appropriate. If these kind of tunes are up your alley then you will definitely dig this album, which I think is among his best work!!!

Average customer rating: shuffling and kicking across the floorah... If You Love The Stones You Got To Like The Blues

Songs of the Rolling Stones: All Blues'd Up (This Ain't No Tribute Series) Various Artists Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Led Zeppelin: This Ain't No Tribute Series Bob Dylan: This Ain't No Tribute Series Eric Clapton: This Ain't No Tribute Series Janis Joplin: This Ain't No Tribute Series Bossa n' Stones: The Electro-Bossa Songbook of the Rolling Stones ASIN: B0000695VN Release Date: 2002-07-09

Customer Reviews:

shuffling and kicking across the floorah..........2002-12-09

This is a really nice surprise! I didn't expect this to be as good as it is! All the stuff on this compilation gets high marks for originality...(except for two lame cuts/13-2=eleven super cuts ain't bad)...despite the familiarity of the tunes, the interpretations are highly unique with maximum emphasis on being soulful and bluesy. Look at the Masters who work on this project! "Wild Horses", sung by Otis Clay, is worth the price of this CD alone, the slow-driving, flat-out-heart-pumping rythmn is hot enough to get my favorite wife off the couch and tangoing in my arms with a get your ya-yas out look in her eyes;) This is the cream of the da-mint when it comes to solid craftsmanship and bluesmen, (Luther Allison, Larry McCray, Lucky Peterson, Junior Wells, Gatemouth Brown, Willie Dixon, Bobby Womack, Alvin Hart...)-these muthas play it loud and play it right, and when you combine that with extra-hard and edgy tracks you got the potion and the motion. I'm partial to Taj Mahal and when he sings about dem "Honky-Tonk" Ladies, it's as real as a smoky juke-joint a few blocks from Chicago's Michigan Avenue full of rough and tough, red-roughe wearing trouble. I'm curious as to why most of this compilation was recorded in 1997, yet the CD release is only a few months old? Doesn't matter though-the music is timeless and, please Sir, can I have another!

If You Love The Stones You Got To Like The Blues.......2002-10-31

This Ain't No Tribute disc is one of the best tribute discs of the stones that this Stones Fan has ever heard. After all it was the Stones who introduced millions to the roots of rock music. If you like the Blues, even just a little, and if you like the Stones, these covers of some of their classics and some not so classic will impress you. Bobby Womack, a Chicago Blues Man from the late 50's early 60's, covers the Stones early hit " It's All Over Now" which was originally his song before the Stones covered it. If you want to here a new take on some old classics this disc is well worth the purchase. I'm glad to see that the "This Aint No Tribute Series" is still available, but this one is the best of the bunch.

Average customer rating:

Is That a Riot? Youngblood Brass Band Manufacturer: Cc Ent / Copycats ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: center:level:roar ASIN: B000NI3FGA Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. March
2. Nuclear Summer
3. Waiver
4. But You Can't Run
5. Pala Minima
6. Jem
7. Dead Man Stomping
8. Ake
9. Is That A Riot?
10. Bone Refinery
11. Sell Me More Or Like You Just Don't Care
12. Will
13. Thanks

Average customer rating: Enchanting Offerings Liquid Poetry THE OFFERING M. YOUNGBLOOD Music from another world we've all forgotten.......

The Offering Mary Youngblood Manufacturer: Silver Wave ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Native American | North America | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music | Ambient | Celtic | Environmental | General | International | Jazz | Meditation Music | Piano | World Dance General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music North America | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beneath the Raven Moon Heart of the World Feed the Fire Dance with the Wind Changes: Native American Flute Music ASIN: B000009PRC Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

1. The Offering
2. Children's Dance
3. Tears For Kientepoos
4. Silent Wolf
5. Echoes
6. Mark's Song
7. She Watches Them Play
8. Eagle Clan
9. Aleut Wind
10. First Love
11. The Gathering
12. Moaning Cavern
13. Winds Of Change
14. Flute Circle
15. Re-Kindle The Fire
16. In A Yellow Wood
17. Grandmother's Last Sunset

Amazon.com

With a natural talent reminiscent of R. Carlos Nakai, Mary Youngblood spins a wondrous ancient music from her cedar, redwood, and birch flutes on The Offering. This special album was recorded in the heart of Moaning Cavern in California, and the result is a collection of beautiful, ethereal dreams rich with melancholy colors and diverse wooden tones. The composition "Echoes" sings with its chamber dual flute as if Youngblood is playing a duet with herself, droning and fluttering against the moist cavern walls. In several tunes an occasional cadence from water hitting the cave floor is heard, and this spontaneous, subterranean interaction enhances the earthy purity of the music. This was Youngblood's debut, a masterful work full of tradition and spiritual grace, topped only by Youngblood herself on the folksy follow-up, Heart of the World. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

Enchanting.......2006-05-14

I have been a Mary Youngblood fan for a few years now, this collection of tales are as beautiful as all the rest. I would recommend her to anyone who loves Native American music. You will have a new favorite!!!!!

Offerings.......2004-03-25

A beautiful and moving series. The emotion can be felt in every song she plays. I listen to it time and time again and continue to be impressed with her ability to inspire through her music.

Liquid Poetry.......2001-11-22

If Mary Youngblood is not the finest Native American flute player on earth, I don't know who is. Her sense of melody and phrasing are just beyond compare. This album is the Native American Flute at it's best!

THE OFFERING M. YOUNGBLOOD.......2000-06-26

REAL TALENTED WOMEN PLAYING THE NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE SO FLUID AND WITH GREAT SKILL.

Music from another world we've all forgotten..............1999-06-03

This artist and her CD,The Offering, is the very best of the Native American music I have in my collection....many being of Carlos Nakai. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys music so relaxing you are almost in a trance, in another state of mind. During reading or during Yoga, or just background music for a quiet dinner this is a must! It can take you far beyond into another world.................

Average customer rating: Lots to like (even some blues) wonderful choice Uncharted .... Tallacatcha is the best Critics' Choice

Territory Alvin Youngblood Hart Manufacturer: Hannibal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Hannibal Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Big Mama's Door Start With the Soul Motivational Speaker Down in the Alley Fish Ain't Bitin' ASIN: B000007S88 Release Date: 1998-06-23

Tracks:

1. Tallacatcha
2. Illinois Blues
3. Ouachita Run
4. Sallie, Queen Of The Pines
5. Countrycide
6. Ice Rose
7. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
8. Mama Don't Allow
9. John Hardy
10. Just About To Go
11. Underway At Seven

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

San Francisco Bay Area performer Alvin Youngblood Hart established his credentials as an acoustic bluesman with his acclaimed 1996 debut, Big Mama's Door. To his credit, he's off in new directions with the first notes of Territory. The western-swing opener "Tallacatcha" lets fans know from the get-go that Hart won't be bound by genre restrictions and, indeed, he explores everything from reggae to rock without ever seeming showy. As Hart's skills expand, so too will the perspectives of his listeners. --Steven Stolder

Amazon.com

This follow-up to Hart's 1996 debut, Big Mama's Door, leaves no doubt that the early acclaim the California singer has generated is deserved. Big Mama's Door introduced a player as well versed in the history of the blues as he is with its musicianship, and Territory only reinforces that perception. From the opening strains of "Tallacatcha" to the closing "Underway at Seven," magic flies from his fingertips. It's as if those who've inspired Hart's music are channeling through him to reach a new generation. Whether it's the straight acoustic blues of "Mama Don't Allow" and "John Hardy" or the less-likely "Tallacatcha" (which entwines lap steel, fiddle, and piano into a Western dance-hall tune) and "Just About to Go" (a reggae-like number), this album further cements Hart's place in the upper ranks of contemporary bluesmen. --Alexandra Russell

Customer Reviews:

Lots to like (even some blues).......2006-09-12

When the first song started, I thought I was listening to the wrong disc. "Tallacatcha" is a Texas swing number that's unlike anything heard from Mr. Hart before. Guess it was good to know right up front that this disc is not going to be limited to any style of music, with (of course) blues, acoustic mandolin, accordion waltz (or is it two step?), 70's style electric rock, and ska (yes, ska!) also represented.

That ska song ("Just About to Go") is a lot of fun, but the acoustic blues cuts are still the best songs on the disc, with "Illinois Blues" and "Mama Don't Allow" as exceptional examples. While some songs don't work (most notably the 70's rock inspired "Ice Rose") the disc as a whole successfully weaves a rich textured moody musical/lyrical tapestry.

wonderful choice.......2003-01-05

he is brilliant in any style he plays. what a musician.

Uncharted ...........2002-08-18

Territory is an excursion into Alvin Youngblood Hart's adventure with music. Hart born in Oakland in 1963, uses music to discover the adventures in life and to weave common threads to connect his lifetime and history to the his influences and experiences. Although Hart was raised in Oakland he spent his Summers with his grand parents in the hill country of Northern Mississippi and while there he developed an appreciation for the countryside, learned to ride horses and learned about the diverse musicians and music of the Mississippi Delta. He was introduced to the work such musicians as Charlie Patton, Skip James, Ledbelly and Bukka White. His parents exposed him to the more recent blues of Jimmy Reed, BB King and Jimmy Witherspoon. Growing up in the 60's and 70's he was influenced by Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones.

Alvin Youngblood Hart is an impressive sight. He stands nearly 6'6" and weighs 250. He wears his hair in long dread locks and clothing of choice are flannel shirts and blue jeans. Watching him on stage is a rare treat. He is a skillful musician and vocalist who willingly takes chances and avoids being pigeonholed. How many blues musicians would choose to do a song as Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, composed in the 1920's by song writing team Al Dubin and Joe Burke, who are also known for "Tiptoe through the Tulips?"

Territory is indeed an adventure covering many different song styles and influences from rock to country to folk to blues to psychedelic. This has been a rap against the cd by those who would choose that Hart be pigeonholed into only doing acoustic blues which he did so eloquently on Big Mama's Door. Thankfully he is willing to take chances and has presented us with this album which is expanding and enlightening to the listener.

Territory is a mixture of original songs, Tallacatcha, Ouachita Run, Sallie Queen of the Pines, Countrycide, Just About to Go, Underway at Seven, Traditional Blues songs, Mama Don't Allow, John Hardy and Skip James' Illinois Blues, and psychedelic, Captain Beefheart's Ice Rose.

The cd would be worth the price for the haunting song set in minor keys, Countrycide. Countrycide is a story of how Charlie and Ed Brown "used the injustice system to their complete disadvantage."

The song starts :
"We have seen some dark days in the history of man
Tell you bout Saint Patrick day when the stuff hit the fan."

and finishes
"We have seen some dark days in the history of man
Broken hearts, stolen lives and tales of stolen land."

The cd gets underway with Tallacatcha an original which the listener might want to foxtrot to. Alvin plays both lap steel and electric guitar on this and is accompanied by piano, fiddle and bass. Tallacatcha is a Choctaw word meaning "river of pearl." Hart sings, "Everyone knows her name ain't Rose, They all call her Tallacatcha."

The cd ends with Underway at Seven, which is an instrumental with echoes of the Rolling Stones. Hart works solo, once more playing the lap steel and electric guitar. It is a fitting end to the album, a sleepy slow song with beautiful notes leisurely weaving throughout.

Tallacatcha is the best.......2000-09-21

I found Territory first and bought Big Mama's Door because I liked Territory so well.

There's nothing better than Tallacatcha.

Critics' Choice.......1999-10-13

1999 Down Beat Magazine International Critics' Poll:

Blues Album of the Year

1999 Living Blues Magazine Crtitics' Award Winner:

Best Blues Album of the Year - All Categories

Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year

Most Outstanding Blues Guitarist of the Year

These critics already know what everyone else needs to discover. Hart is a diamond in the rough.

Average customer rating: Best music ever. FREAKIN GREAT ALBUM One of my favorite albums. Ever. Why is YBBB so awesome? Too much rap and foul language

center:level:roar Youngblood Brass Band Manufacturer: Ozone [Caroline] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Buck Jump The New Orleans Album Is That a Riot? This Is The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Collection Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B00008R104 Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. To Come Together
2. Round One
3. Culture: Envy: War
4. Brooklyn
5. Diaspora
6. Human Nature, Pt. 2
7. Thursday
8. Movement
9. Avalanche
10. Nate Mccarish Handbills for No Man
11. Camouflage
12. Is an Elegy
13. Under Your Influence
14. V.I.P.
15. And Leave Alone

Customer Reviews:

Best music ever........2006-04-15

Sometimes music is so good that it's unbelievable. Well written, well arranged, and well performed. This CD is just that kind of music.

Youngblood Brass Band is true "brass band" comprised of sousaphone, trombone(s), trumpets, tenor sax, bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals, the main feeling is POWER: the power to play loud or soft, featuring inspired solos backed by thick harmonies and counter-melodies to make the music interesting listen after listen. The drum beats are so tight you'd swear they were played by one person on a drumset instead of two people on separate bass and snare drums.

While the album does feature some "rap" over the music, if you (like me) dislike rap, thankfully two of the best songs, "Brooklyn" and "V.I.P.", are instrumentals. Also, the lyrics are more cerebral than most you'll hear these days.

"Brooklyn" is probably the best song, featuring trombone solos, tenor sax solos, and one of the most fantastic sousaphone solos you'll ever hear by Nat McCavish. Tuba players must listen to it!

I've listened to this group as often as possible for years, and have yet to become bored of their music. I suggest you visit their website for more of their music, too.

FREAKIN GREAT ALBUM.......2006-03-10

Read everyone elses review, I'm just adding my 2 cents on how much you need to own this album!

One of my favorite albums. Ever........2006-02-27

First off, yes, this is a hip-hop album. If you are not a huge fan of rap lyrics and "foul language" then you MAY not enjoy this album if you can't get past that fact. However, I would HIGHLY recommend this album to anyone who enjoys really great music. The MC of this group can write lyrics like nobody else that I know (the closest I can think of is Tomas Kalnoky from Streetlight Manifesto). Not only are the lyrics amazing, the sousaphone groove backed with the horn "sampling" is amazing. Diaspora would probably be my favorite track, followed by Elegy and Brooklyn.

I have the older YBB albums, and I have to say that this is my favorite one yet. What sets this album apart from the others in my opinion is the sheer variety in musical stylings. It seems that all of the older songs for the most part simply open up with the sousaphone walking a bassline and then the horns come in (which isn't a bad thing).

If you've never heard of Youngblood Brass Band and have an open mind for something a little off the beaten trail, then I'd recommend picking this one up. If you love Youngblood, then why don't you already have this album?

Why is YBBB so awesome?.......2004-10-12

First, this album is amazing. I dont know why one can critique the rap when it is so thought provoking and eloquent. Second, the tuba player did not use multiple tracks on "Nate Mccarish Handbills for No Man" By the way, thats the full title, not just ""Hanbills for no man"" He plays two notes simeltaneously by using a half-open valve. Yes, its possible. I highly recommend buying this album, it is an experience in itself which will hopefully increase your appreciation for all artists(emphisis on the point that not all musicians are artists, one must create to be an artist).
Peace

Too much rap and foul language.......2004-07-07

I was introduced to the Youngblood Brass Band after listening to public radio (NPR) one morning. The band was being interviewed and played their songs Brooklyn and Human Nature on air so that we could hear a sample of their talents. I was blown away and told everyone about what I heard on the radio. The Youngbloods said that those two songs truly represent their album and their style of music: Based on that statement I bought the album looking for more songs like Brooklyn and Human Nature. What I got was an album full of stupid raps that messed up the band. I would have been happier if the youngbloods made an instrumental version to this album for those who don't like the rap.

But what really made me upset is their constant dropping of the F-Bomb. I don't think it's right for an album that has cursing in it to not bear the Parental Advisory Label. I was highly upset. This album received two stars from me for the two redeeming songs that I like.

If you don't mind listing to a rapping band that curses, this album is for you. But if you just want to hear a great band, you may be disappointed.

Jazz Music:

1. Always
2. An Evening with Sitting Bull
3. Angora Station
4. Another Evening at Jimmy Ryan's [Live]
5. Best of Smooth Jazz Radio
6. Bird of Paradise
7. Black Narcissus
8. Black Unity [Original recording remastered]
9. Bless Me Indeed; Living The Jabez Prayer
10. Blue Bird

Jazz Music

jazz music