The Quintessence [Original recording remastered]

1. Quintessence

2. Robert Portrait

3. Little Karen

4. Straight, No Chaser

5. For Lena and Lennie

6. Hard Sock Dance

7. Invitation

8. Twitch

The Quintessence,Quincy Jones,Grp Records,Jazz,Mainstream Jazz,Modern Big Band,Pop,Swing

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: Essence of Evans Quintessence is aptly named! Ten Stars!! **********

Quintessence Bill Evans Manufacturer: Ojc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Since We Met The Tokyo Concert I Will Say Goodbye The Paris Concert, Edition One Explorations ASIN: B000000YWO Release Date: 1992-02-17

Tracks:

1. Sweet Dulcinea Blue
2. Martina
3. Second Time Around
4. A Child Is Born
5. Bass Face
6. Nobody Else But Me

Customer Reviews:

Essence of Evans.......2001-11-30

Tour de Force with some of jazz's greatest musicians. Kenny Burrell, Ray Brown, Bill Evans, Philly Joe Jones. Plenty of Bill on the keys and Ray on the bass strings. Quintessence sounds slightly like Vince Guaraldi's band but with more force and greater repetoire. This is a special album and a must for fans of Bill Evans or fans of the other fine musicians present here.

Quintessence is aptly named! Ten Stars!! **********.......2001-01-20

Quintessence is the album I would choose to listen to of all others if I was told, "you have one jazz album to select if stranded on a desert isle" -- or for life! Evans breaks from many of his standards, and from the group of people he played with for longer stretches, and comes up with an absolute beauty. Don't buy another jazz album until you have bought Quintessence. You will want to buy a copy for every jazz friend!

Average customer rating: "From Out of Static Time Has Grown..." Quintessence...for the Adventerous Ones A Heavier, More Aggressive Borknagar I ENJOYED THIS ALBUM QUITE A BIT Great CD, terrible mixing job

Quintessence Borknagar Manufacturer: Century Media 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 Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Archaic Course Empiricism The Olden Domain Epic La Masquerade Infernale ASIN: B00004TDX9 Release Date: 2000-05-23

Tracks:

1. Rivalry Of Phantoms
2. The Presence Of Ominous
3. Ruins Of The Future
4. Colossus
5. Inner Landscape
6. Invincible
7. Icon Dreams
8. Genesis Torn
9. Embers
10. Revolt

Customer Reviews:

"From Out of Static Time Has Grown...".......2005-10-22

Man, I didn't realize how long I've had this album...I'd say about two years or so. Two years. And it spent about 9/10 of that time sitting on my shelf collecting dust. Thank God I decided to give it another listen; it'd still be there if I hadn't.

Borknagar, upon first listen, may sound like just another black metal band. They sure did to me. I saw nothing of revelance to them when compared to other black metal bands, so I put this CD on the shelf and forgot about it. Only a few months ago did I decide to give it another listen, and because I did, I'm now a pretty damn big Borknagar fan.

Yes, the songs are black metal, but different from the standard BM in a very hard to describe way. Let's call them progressive black metal. They are to black metal what "Tales From the Thousand Lakes" era Amorphis was to death metal. They create super complex music with layers of melodies and lyrics that go far beyond that of the typical genres. At the time this record came out, preaching Satan and ranting about killing Christians was the black metal norm. Borknagar dared to write more poetic lyrics. And it succeeded.

The first track is a heavy one, starting right off with rapid riffing and drumming, as well as a high pitched shriek from vocalist / bassist ICS Vortex. After 22 seconds, we are led into the first verse, with Vortex's screaming accompanied with an effect that he uses throughout the album. To the unobservant listener, this particular verse could very well bore you, as it did me; the fast pace keeps up, and hey, it is just super fast drums, guitar and screaming: typical black metal But it's much more than that; listen closer and notice the layered keyboards, the numerous guitar harmonies, the tastefulness in drummer Asgeir Mickelson's beating: all leaning more towards progressive metal than anything black. The second track is more melodic, with lyrics completely sung cleanly as opposed to screamed. It starts with a beautiful hearmony between the guitars and the keyboards, leading into the first verse, and the song builds upon itself, until reaching the status of being an epic. And this is not the only song on this album to reach that status: "Ruins of the Future", "Colossus", "Genesis Torn" and "Revolt" could all very well be considered metal classic. That is, if you give them a chance to grow on you.

Because of the complexity of the music in question, Borknagar will not be a band to immediately strike you. They're like Meshuggah, in that you have to study their music, notice all the little things, to fully appreciate their art. There's nothing predictable about this album at all music wise. Any skilled musician should give this band a listen.

The lyrics on this album, as I said before, are all very well written. Dealing with matters like the vastness of time, the forces of nature, the feeling a human mind experiences...it's all extremely poetic. Being a fan of poetry and a lyric writer myself, I never like to see bands let their lyrics skip, especially when the music is exceptional. The lyrics simply must be as thought-filled as the music, or the full effect just won't be so powerful.

This is a very highly recommended album. If you are a musician at all, PLEASE give this album a chance. This is an extremely talented band that deserves your attention. For fans of ALL types of metal.

Quintessence...for the Adventerous Ones.......2005-09-04

Borknagar is the all star band that tends to create a more mature and experienced take on blackened metal. They focus more on the meat of the music rather than the church burning and corpsepaint associated with this form of music. Borknagar has always had a sort of elder-like leadership role in their music making and their albums are great testaments to their outstanding song craft and ability to draw you into their misty, murky, dark world. while most of their albums have a bit of a grey like quality to them, Quintessence is the odd album out for this band. the colour scheme for this album is red and the music reflects that same feeling. first off, the production of this album is unique. all the instrument and the vocals (especially the vocals! yikes!) are all pushed waaaay up into the mix giving the record a very aggressive and claustrophobic feeling. you can almost feel the white hot heat from the fiery performance of the band. this may turn off alot of listeners who like their black metal music crystal clear and/or utterly productionless. in any case, it works well for this particular album for Borknagar. they took a chance with these sort of production values and (in my opinion) it pays off in spades. the band rocks hard on this album...exploding through the songs like they were blasts of molten lava shot straight from hell's cannon squad! the vocals are great! very hearty and passionate, there are alot of effects used on the vocals which at times, tends to hamper the impact, but at the same time gives some of the songs a very "cosmic" feel to them. this would be the last album with I.C.S. Vortex on vokills, which is unfortunate b/c he gives quite a stellar performance. overall, this is an album to be purchased immedietly by those with adventerous tastes in metal music!

A Heavier, More Aggressive Borknagar.......2005-03-15

Where "The Archaic Course" showcased Borknagar's fascination with nature and took more of a majestic Viking metal route, the sound on 2000's "Quintessence" is more focused on songwriting, and is, simply put, more aggressive and well... heavier!

Speeding down a path of musical and intellectual evolution, Borknagar changed themselved from the inside out here. The lyrics focus on science and universal mysteries rather than nature-themed lyrics on previous outings. Definitely provokes the listener to think, despite their obscurity, which may caise a few eyebrows to raise. But the lyrics are descriptive and beautiful nonetheless. These are by far some of the best lyrics I have seen in metal, alongside Agalloch, Dissection, and Emperor, among others.

The guitars and drums have sped up consistently and now collaborate together impeccably. There are a lot of intricate fills on the drums, and much more in-your-fave double bass. All around, it's a fresh awakening from the "wall of noise" production used on previous albums. However, the guitars are a little too distorted and muddy for their own good, and sometimes clashes with the keyboards, which are more up-front than "The Archaic Course". They weave pompous and majestic melodies throughout the album, giving this album quite an ethereal atmosphere.

Vortex now does bass and vocals. He still has one of the best clean voices in metal, but he does more screaming, which is much more visceral and venomous than before. His all-around vocal job is more steady, and he busts out some beautiful vocal harmonies on "Colossus" and "Revolt".

1. Rivalry of Phantoms- Storms into a frenzy of triumphant guitar melodies, with some great organs underlying the storming and intricate drumwork. A strong opening track, and shows what to expect on the album. 5/5

2. The Presence is Ominus- Vortex double-layers his vocals here of clean and his hateful rasps. The guitars weave some great melodies, and the drums are outstanding! The lyrics are really good too. 5/5

3. Ruins of the Future- My favorite song. This song is faster with some catchy guitar work and stampeding drumwork. It later breaks down and Vortex gives one of his best performances here. 5/5

4. Colossus- Stunning! A pounding rhythm coupled with Vortex's opeatic clean vocal create a larger than life atmosphere, and you just feel like raising your fist to the sky when hearing this. The best song on the album. 5/5

5. Inner Landscape- A nice little interlude that showcases the somewhat hidden keyboards. A nice break from the chaos, but a bit unfitting. 3/5

6. Invincible- The pace picks back up with storming double bass. The verses shows a nice technical side of the band, and the keyboards add a triumphant feel here. The guitars are great as well. This song isn't too memorable, but the lyrics compensate for it. 4/5

7. Icon Dreams- More double-layered vocals here, which are interesting but catchy, and the tempo sets an epic mood. Again, not very memorable, but it has its moments. 4/5

8. Genesis Torn- Another great song. Has a booming chorus which will stick in your head for days, and the keyboard work woven with the guitars is impeccable. This sums up the album best, and has a lot of tempo changes. A great song. 5/5

9. Embers- Serves as somewhat of an intro to the grand finale of "Revolt". Truly beautiful guitar work.... 4/5

10. Revolt- Awesome... Vortex gives his most emotional vocal performance here, and the mood is almost mournful. A great closing song. 5/5

My only complaint here is the crowded production. I would reccommend this to fans of avant-garde or proggressive metal. Another great CD from Borknagar.

I ENJOYED THIS ALBUM QUITE A BIT.......2004-07-11

At least Simen Hestnaes (ICS Vortex), I did. He's got a great voice. If only the synths, guitars and his vocals were more prominent. If I wanted to hear those crazy demonic vocals and supbar production, I'd listen to a superior and much more aggressive black metal band like Emperor.

More Vortex, less demon vocals.

Great CD, terrible mixing job.......2004-01-28

In general, this is probably one of the best black metal (or whatever subgenre this stuff fits into) bands I've heard. I especially like the occasional clean vocals and keyboard parts. However, the real downside of the CD is its unbelievably bad mixing job. The guitar parts sound MUDDY, and at times sound just like complete noise (some of you less musical types may like this, but I think it would sound a lot better if one could actually make out the melodies, which in general are very well written and interesting). The same thing goes with the vocals, they're really muddy and at times impossible to make out, even though Vortex has a great voice. Buy this CD only if you really like darker metal stuff, or if you want something melodic and can put up with the bad production.

Average customer rating: Standard forever arrangements on great music It gets no better.... A must have PURE GENIUS... Very Mellow

The Quintessence Quincy Jones Manufacturer: Grp Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music GRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Big Band Bossa Nova Smackwater Jack Quincy Jones' Finest Hour Further Definitions This Is How I Feel About Jazz/Go West, Man! ASIN: B000003N9M Release Date: 1997-04-08

Tracks:

1. The Quintessence
2. Robot Portrait
3. Little Karen
4. Straight, No Chaser
5. For Lena And Lennie
6. Hard Sock Dance
7. Invitation
8. The Twitch

Customer Reviews:

Standard forever arrangements on great music.......2006-02-18

Two features must be pointed out about this album: the impressive material and the band performance.

Here you'll find the intricate Bronislau Kaper's 'Invitation' in a sensational and definitive arrangement. What about Thelonious Monk's 'Straight no Chaser'?

Truly, the quintessence of the best department of Mr. Quincy Jones' musical kaleidoscope.

It gets no better...........2001-12-31

Having found out about Quincy Jones' jazz background by pure accident, I can't seem to get enough of his early recordings. I heard tracks from this cd on my local jazz station and didn't stop until I had it(I could only find it at Amazon!!). Every aspect of every recording flows together perfectly. It has just about everything a jazz fan could want.

A must have.......2001-11-10

Whether you are a jazz aficionado or just want to add a few jazz albums to your repertoire, this album needs to be included. The textures of the songs, the arrangements make this the perfect jazz album. The band personnel which reads like a who's who flows through each sultry voicing and blasts with the confidence of a winner, which is what they are. Get this, you wont be disapointed.

PURE GENIUS..........2000-10-03

If I were told I was going to have to live on a desert island for the rest of my life, and I was only allowed to take 5 jazz records, this album would be one of them. I don't hand out the "genius" title very easily, but it's simple in this case... Quincy Jones IS a genius.

Very Mellow.......2000-04-07

I have Always Dug Quincy Jones's Work Be it As Producer or as Artist.I dug Quincy&Bands take on Straight No Chaser.this disc is very mellow&The Arrangements are Solid.

Average customer rating: Standard forever arrangements on great music It gets no better.... A must have PURE GENIUS... Very Mellow

The Quintessence Quincy Jones Manufacturer: Impulse! ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Impulse | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Big Band Bossa Nova Smackwater Jack Quincy Jones' Finest Hour Further Definitions This Is How I Feel About Jazz/Go West, Man! ASIN: B000024HSJ Release Date: 1997-03-17

Tracks:

1. Quintessence
2. Robert Portrait
3. Little Karen
4. Straight, No Chaser
5. For Lena and Lennie
6. Hard Sock Dance
7. Invitation
8. Twitch

Customer Reviews:

Standard forever arrangements on great music.......2006-02-18

Two features must be pointed out about this album: the impressive material and the band performance.

Here you'll find the intricate Bronislau Kaper's 'Invitation' in a sensational and definitive arrangement. What about Thelonious Monk's 'Straight no Chaser'?

Truly, the quintessence of the best department of Mr. Quincy Jones' musical kaleidoscope.

It gets no better...........2001-12-31

Having found out about Quincy Jones' jazz background by pure accident, I can't seem to get enough of his early recordings. I heard tracks from this cd on my local jazz station and didn't stop until I had it(I could only find it at Amazon!!). Every aspect of every recording flows together perfectly. It has just about everything a jazz fan could want.

A must have.......2001-11-10

Whether you are a jazz aficionado or just want to add a few jazz albums to your repertoire, this album needs to be included. The textures of the songs, the arrangements make this the perfect jazz album. The band personnel which reads like a who's who flows through each sultry voicing and blasts with the confidence of a winner, which is what they are. Get this, you wont be disapointed.

PURE GENIUS..........2000-10-03

If I were told I was going to have to live on a desert island for the rest of my life, and I was only allowed to take 5 jazz records, this album would be one of them. I don't hand out the "genius" title very easily, but it's simple in this case... Quincy Jones IS a genius.

Very Mellow.......2000-04-07

I have Always Dug Quincy Jones's Work Be it As Producer or as Artist.I dug Quincy&Bands take on Straight No Chaser.this disc is very mellow&The Arrangements are Solid.

Average customer rating:

Contrast High Michele Rosewoman & Quintessence Manufacturer: Enja ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004TGGD Release Date: 1993-06-24

Tracks:

1. Commit to It
2. Panhambula
3. Of All
4. Dream, No. 1
5. Source
6. Akomado
7. Same's Difference
8. Contrast High
9. Dream Fragment

Average customer rating: Jazz With Emotion Wonderful album!

Wrapped Up In Your Kiss Quintessence Manufacturer: Steve Millard Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 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 4-for-3 Latin Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: It's Time Duets: An American Classic Call Me Irresponsible Caught In The Act (CD + DVD) Michael Bublé ASIN: B00066N5O6 Release Date: 2004-07-23

Tracks:

1. The Man She Loves
2. Wrapped Up In Your Kiss
3. Sand & Sea
4. Things Haven't Been The Same
5. The Man Of My Dreams
6. Breezy Summer Night

Product Description

"Wrapped Up In Your Kiss" marks Steve Millard's debut as both a composer and a lyricist. In Quintessence, Millard has found the quintessential group to convey the depth and variety of his compositions. The CD opens with "The Man She Loves," a driving up-tempo bossa nova. Hans Teuber's rich, full-bodied tenor sax, Eugen Bien's crisp piano, and Mark Ivester's clean beat recall the Getz/Gilberto/Jobim collaborations of the early 1960's. The title track, featuring silky vocalist Jennifer Ivester (Mark's wife), is a smoky midnight ballad of sensuous anticipation, highlighted by Teuber's beautiful and haunting tenor solo. "Sand & Sea" brings us back to a lighter bossa nova, à la Jobim's "Wave," featuring Bien (pronounce BEE-EN) on piano, with Douglas Barnett as always providing a solid bass line. On "Things Haven't Been The Same," Jennifer sings a tale of love lost with a 9/8 feel. Barnett's descending bass lines provide a compelling synchronicity. "The Man of My Dreams" is an upbeat big band tune in the spirit of Ellington, performed by the quintet, with Teuber and Bien delivering solid solos and Jennifer singing tongue-in-cheek. The final track, "Breezy Summer Night," has Teuber switching to alto and conveying a couple walking hand-in-hand on a gorgeous quiet summer evening with a hint of wind whispering in the trees. Barnett shows off his melodic chops on this one as well. When recording engineer Rick Fisher (whose list of clients has included The Steve Miller Band and Pearl Jam) was mastering this CD, he said, "This is really nice, but why would anyone in this day and age write Jazz Standards?" Steve Millard answers: "Why not?"

Customer Reviews:

Jazz With Emotion.......2007-07-16

This is a great collection of jazz in a classic and timeless mode, music with feeling, not esoteric pretensions. If you want a disc to help you relax or just make you feel good, this is one to spin. Steve Millard writes great tunes, and Hans Teuber, a Seattle mainstay, shines.

Wonderful album!.......2007-04-29

I love this album. The composition, the lyrics, the voice... Everything is top level. Thank you.

Average customer rating: the best

Quintessence Samaroo Jets Manufacturer: Delos Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Calypso | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Trinidad | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000072I Release Date: 1994-05-03

Tracks:

1. Meditation
2. Tico Tico
3. Everything I Do, I Do It For You
4. The Bee's Melody
5. I'll Be There
6. Alma Llanera
7. Portrait of Trinidad
8. Begin The Beguine
9. Coming In From The Cold
10. O Mere Sona
11. Memory
12. Unforgettable
13. Two To Go
14. Heal The World
15. One Moment In Time
16. Pan Rising

Customer Reviews:

the best.......2001-05-08

This six-member band is about as good as it gets. The music is artfully and complexly arranged by the famous Jit Samaroo,the pans are the Steinways of steel pans, and the playing is masterful. This is not the typical fun-in-the-sun pan music; this is the tops--memorable!

Average customer rating: Dated...in a bad way Shivas Quintessence - Cosmic Surfer

Cosmic Surfer Shiva's Quintessence Manufacturer: Eclectic Discs ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0009XBKHK Release Date: 2005-09-05

Tracks:

1. Reptilian Corporate Sign Language
2. But What Am I?
3. Dolphin Dreaming
4. Blue Is Beautiful
5. Didgeridoo Medicine Man Om Namah Shivaya Chant
6. Everything Is Weird
7. Blame
8. New Age Breadhead
9. Hollywood Guru Hollywood Guru Show
10. Giants
11. Cosmic Surfer
12. Ganga Mai
13. Oasis
14. Sun
15. Hail Mary Divine Mother Chant
16. Hallelujad
17. Sri Ram Chant Hari Narayana Chant
18. Om Mane Padme Hum

Album Description

Two CD set from the updated Quintessence, originally released in 2005. Forever remembered for their underground hit "Notting Hill Gate" Shiva Jones, the former lead singer and song writer for the progressive underground English rock band Quintessence (circa. 1969 - 1974), and his new music partner Rudra Beauvert have come together to create an exciting, eclectic and contemporary style of music on their double disc Cosmic Surfer, Jones and Beauvert weave humor, speech and satire into serious topics that affect the balance of our global community today. Impossible to categorize, it incorporates Electronica, Rock and Ambient/New Age. Eclectic.

Album Details

The Double CD Set Has Songs Like Reptillian Corporate Sign Language, that Address the Corporate Greed of Our Times. But What Am I? is a Tongue-in-cheek / Monty Python View on Alien Abductions and the Eternal Question of "Who Are We?" in a Broader Sense. Blue is Beautiful and Everything is Weird Are Two Songs that Look at How We Are Treating the Environment. Hollywood Guru and New Age Bread Head Send Up the New Age Guru Circuit. Also, Due to Popular Demand, We've Included Modern Renditions of the Most Popular Classic Quintessence Songs Such as Cosmic Surfer, Ganga Mai and Giants. "Cosmic Surfer" is Fearless Ride and Will Definitely Take the Listener to Musical Realms Not Experienced Before!

Customer Reviews:

Dated...in a bad way.......2007-02-16

Quintessence were a solid pub band around London and England in the early seventies. I had Gunga Mai on a famous sampler on the Island Label called "Nice Enough to Eat". Gunga Mai is the best track on this selection. The rest sounds like a mixture of Spinal Tap and Tenacious D, with one notable exception....this is serious. Stay Away

Shivas Quintessence - Cosmic Surfer.......2005-11-01

In 2003 Mystic Records released the debut CD by Shiva Shakti, a collaboration between Phil "Shiva" Jones, original vocalist for the band Quintessence, and Swiss synth wizard Ralph "Rudra" Beauvert. The CD was a mixture of original songs and reworkings of Quintessence songs. Though the band name has changed to make the Quintessence connection more overt, Cosmic Surfer is really the follow up to the first Shiva Shakti CD.

There may be an ocean between them but that has in no way hindered Phil and Ralph's ability to work together to create music, and indeed this latest effort is a 2 CD set. The first disc includes all original music while the second consists of new recordings by Phil and Ralph of Quintessence classics, including two songs originally written for Quintessence never recorded.

To be sure, Phil struck gold in hooking up with Ralph, and he acknowledges as much in the liner notes. Ralph brings a love for the original Quintessence along with a taste and talent for varied styles of electronic music to the team, which makes for a superb combination with Phil's passionate, expressive vocals and witty, humorous and poignant lyrics. The result is a unique and wholly accessible sound that crosses multiple stylistic boundaries and defies simple classification.

Disc 1 opens with "Reptilian Corporate Sign Language", a 10 minute tune with cool grooves, stinging guitar licks and freaky alien synths to provide the musical pulse for Phil's lyrics attacking big business and its role in creating a mindless consumer culture. Obey... conform... breed... consume. And halfway through the music transitions to a segment where the mood darkens and Phil sings with theatrical intensity. A potent opening track. The mood lightens considerably on the whimsical "But Where Am I", which features some of Phil's most humorous lyrics and delivery. What really amazes me about the song is that it's got a pop song sense of melody, yet there's non-stop action with a variety of soundtrack voice bits and Ralph injects a banquet of electronic fun into the mix throughout. Excellent music and a really fun song. And a perfect illustration of the band's potential to reach multiple audiences... progressive rockers, space and psych fans, and plenty more I'm sure.

"Dolphin Dreaming" is one of my personal favorites and one that will surely appeal to space rock fans. Ralph is a wiz at creating completely cosmic music that works perfectly within a song oriented context. And after several headphone listens to this song I know it could stand alone as an instrumental. But the vocals are key to this project and "Dolphin Dreaming" is surely one of the more spiritually uplifting songs of the set. Other highlights include "Blue is Beautiful", another standout track where Phil's vocal delivery takes front and center stage, but backed by equally creative musical arrangements. "Didgeridoo Medicine Man" is another lengthy track, and has some of the more down 'n dirty rocking moments on the album, as well as some of the more Eastern influenced chanting music, a hallmark of the original Quintessence. And just to keep things interesting, Phil, who is an accomplished didgeridoo player, uses the instrument to embellish the proceedings in ways you've probably not heard before. For something way off the beaten path give a listen to the spaced out cosmic rap on "Everthing is Weird". And for more lyrical fun and Phil taking jabs at the commercialism and superficial use of spiritualism just check out "New Age Breadhead" and "Hollywood Guru Show".

Disc 2 features a set of 9 reworked Quintessence songs. Veterans fans of the band will be pleased to hear that these are no mere re-recordings. In many cases the duo have written new sections, and along with Ralph's personal musical stamp they are truly fresh interpretations of the songs. And there are numerous guests who help to flesh out the music, prominent among them being Maha Dev, the only other original Quintessence band member to participate in the album. Among my favorites of the Quintessence songs is "Cosmic Surfer", with its beautiful combination of spirituality and progressive rock. Part of the magic of the album as a whole is Phil and Ralph's ability to create accessible yet adventurous music. Psychedelic influenced progressive rock with a pop sensibility. The nearly 12 minute "Ganga Mai" is a real standout on disc 2, with Phil and his chorus of backing vocalists taking off into chanting jam realms while the synths, flutes and percussion make for an enchanting spaced out Eastern raga vibe. "Sun", one of the previously unrecorded Quintessence songs, is probably the track with the most potential to be released as a single. "Hail Mary" is the other Quintessence song finally seeing the recorded light of day and is a shining example of the Shiva penchant for spiritual themes. And I love the way the song incorporates elements of Indian pop music and adding spacey raga keyboards and light techno grooves.

In summary, this is outstanding album with a fantastic combination of music and song, impeccable production and impressive crossover potential. The music is accessible and groove laden, yet the music fan who likes to be challenged will discover countless new treasures with each subsequent listen. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Quintessence , Volume 1 (Live) Gems within are worth it! Chet in a different light At moments wonderful, at others, unlistenable intoxicated Chet Baker ruins CD

Quintessence, Vol. 1 Stan Getz Quartet & Chet Baker Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Quintessence, Vol. 2 West Coast Live The Stockholm Concerts Stairway to the Stars Oh You Crazy Moon ASIN: B00000GV57 Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

1. Intro Announcement
2. I'm Old Fashioned
3. Just Friends
4. Star Eyes
5. My Ideal
6. But Not For Me
7. Dizzy Atmosphera
8. Stablemates

Amazon.com

Fans of Chet Baker know that the trumpeter and vocalist's career is divided into two distinctly different periods: His elegantly minimalist 1950s work where he helped define the "cool jazz" sound of the period, and his later efforts that were maddeningly inconsistent. This aural document from his later years--recorded in Oslo in 1983--falls into the latter category, and it's a decidedly mixed bag. Baker's voice is, sadly, far from in its top form, and his vocal performances here on standards like "Just Friends" and "But Not For Me" show him straining. Still, there are plenty of reasons to like this live recording. Stan Getz himself is in fine form throughout, his tenor saxophone tone still as rich and full-bodied as ever (especially on his gorgeous opening solo on "I'm Old Fashioned"), and his backing group (Jim McNeely on piano, George Mraz on bass and Victor Lewis on drums) swings superbly. Baker's trumpet playing was also in much finer form than his voice, and during his better moments here--as on his interplay with Getz on a lovely version of "Star Eyes"--a bit of his old self shines through. --Ezra Gale

Customer Reviews:

Quintessence , Volume 1 (Live).......2002-08-21

Although I've never listened to Baker much I found him fun to listen to on this recording. Sure his voice is strained but he scat sings surprisingly well on But Not For Me and on Just Friends. On both tunes you can really hear the mind behind the trumpet. Mraz, who is usually a fantastic bassist, rushes in several spots but Jim McNeely plays great piano on this recording (what ever happened to him?).

Considering the overall shape both men were in during the 80's this isn't a bad CD to sit back and listen to. Two old war horses playing comfortable tunes with a very good rhythm section.

Gems within are worth it!.......1999-12-01

Even if Chet Baker has a few downs throughout, both Stan and Chet bring together a wonderful mix. Getz's opening solo on the first track is, by far, his BEST ever! This CD is worth that track. Again - his BEST solo ever. Listen to it over and over - you'll agree that's it's flawless and moving!

Chet in a different light.......1999-11-04

We realize this is not the Chet of the 1950's--young and minimalist. But somehow the listener is brought into the thinking of Chet's jazz language. Specifically, Just Friends is a masterful example of how a horn player thinks. Baker vocalizes beautifully--as his horn is an extension of his inner voice--in this cut is his inner voice. It's important to realize that the genius of great artists is exposed at the lowest point in life. Baker is seasoned on this album, in a tragic sense, and it does not diminish the artistry.

At moments wonderful, at others, unlistenable.......1999-07-26

My two favorite jazz musicians are Chet Baker and Stan Getz. They played their music with such style and coolness that really sets quite an atmosphere.

This CD is one of those albums that satisfies and disapoints at the same time. Getz's solo opening on "I'm Old Fashioned" is probably one of his best latter day solos. Baker's voice is really shaky and the fact that he attempts to Mel Torme (Skat sing) his way through some of the songs when he should of been playing the trumpet is quite annoying.

He does manage some good trumpet work though throughout the CD. Getz really does a good job with his solos but Baker, sadly, doesn't shine so well on the album.

For some really good performances with these two in their prime get the "Stan Meets Chet" album or "West Coast Live". This album is just for the big fans of the two musicians.

intoxicated Chet Baker ruins CD.......1999-04-27

dreadful.

Chet Baker is too intoxicated to sing or play on-key. The cover picture will show that Stan is either bored or VERY angry and having to be on stage with this doper. The newly released Stan & Chet in Stockholm is much better, at least Stan's part is.

Average customer rating: Better late than never Genius Chet, with , ordinary Getz !! unjustly maligned record somewhat better than Quintessence 1

Quintessence, Vol. 2 Stan Getz & Chet Baker Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Quintessence, Vol. 1 The Stockholm Concerts West Coast Live Oh You Crazy Moon Quartet Live, Vol. 3: My Old Flame ASIN: B00003ZA5Y Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

1. Conception
2. We'll Be Together Again
3. I'll Remember April
4. Blood Count
5. It's You Or No One
6. Airegin
7. Line For Lyons

Amazon.com

The followup to Quintessence, Volume 1 documents more of Stan Getz and Chet Baker's February 1983 concert in Norway. Fortunately, the Norwegian Broadcasting Company recorded the reunion of these two lyrical, instrumental voices. Both men, in particular the hard-living Baker, were well past their primes at this point, yet each still had enough left, both in terms of technique and of having something to say, to make this an essential recording for fans. For those new to either man's work, however, there are many better records to start with. Still, this polite and well-played seven-song set, which includes tunes by Sonny Rollins ("Airegin"), Billy Strayhorn ("Blood Count"), and Jule Styne-Sammy Cahn ("You or No One"), and which contains nary a word of between-song patter, has many moments where Getz's famous "lovely" and lyrical tone is undeniably gorgeous. Baker, to his credit, makes the most of his solo spaces, his diffident, Miles Davis-influenced lines providing a good foil for Getz's more aggressive exhortations. The interplay between the two on tunes like "I'll Remember April" is predictably cool and airy, but also a great deal weaker in tone and ideas than it might have been a decade or two earlier. For those golden moments, try the two-CD West Coast Live. --Robert Baird

Customer Reviews:

Better late than never.......2005-05-02

This music is too late in the careers of either of the principals to live up to the title of the album, which nonetheless contains some extraordinary playing. "I'll Remember April," one of the best tunes in the American Songbook, has a tendency to limit freedom somewhat because of its insistent, programmatic chord structure. Not so here. In fact, this is a version I'm ranking up there with the Erroll Garner and Clifford Brown-Sonny Rollins recordings of the tune, maybe even higher. Getz lives up to expectations, and Chet beyond them. He's so free and "at home" with the tune that you'd think he was playing on blues changes or a single mode. Not a note is out of place. Nothing is wasted, yet nothing is missed. Somehow he manages to account for every harmonic turn without the least trace of "running the changes." Sublime and exemplary playing by a legend who even at this stage in his career could show he was capable of outdoing himself.

Genius Chet, with , ordinary Getz !!.......2004-11-22

Shame that very few people could understand difference in , instrumens, that they were played. TRUMPET is THE HARDIEST INSTRUMENT , in every sence, so playing a sax is a realy joke!!
Comparing this two guys, you will obviosly see, master mind of Chet , keeping in mind , above said.

unjustly maligned record.......2004-01-17

I am surprised at the beating the Quintessence releases have received. Stan and his band are in fine form, so even without Chet Baker this would be a solid CD. True, Chet's contributions are minimal in parts but he gets plenty of opportunities to shine--and Getz rarely steps over him, as many have stated. Perhaps the knowledge of underlying tension between Getz and Baker cause many to not listen with an open mind. That would be a shame, since even though Getz/Baker were not a match made in heaven as it would have seemed, this release is a valuable document of a collaboration that would soon end--much to the dismay of this listener.

somewhat better than Quintessence 1.......2000-02-12

Nine years or so after Getz death and a decade or more after Baker's we are reaching the bottom of their barrel of lost performances by these two lyrical Cool Jazz Giants.

Somewhat better than Quintessence 1, in that the Baker, who seemed in Q1 to be so intoxicated as to be unable to sing on-key, DOESN'T sing here. (don't get me wrong, I like Baker's early singing)

Playing by both seems pleasant and workmanlike but occationally oddly unemotional, burned out and effete, but not necesarily cool. Not either man's best efforts, but not their worst.

I notice than Concord has not seen fit to provide samples of the sound.

Getz arabesque treatment of "Blood Count" stands out, he has played this on many records and it's always intreguing, he never seems to play a song the same way twice. It's a wonder his band was able to so closely follow his ever-changing direction! Stan always seems to know when to play the melodic line and when to improvise. "Conception" which appears on this CD was last recorded by Getz in the very early 50's, as far as I know.

I hope Stan Getz son Steve will continue to try to discover lost Getz masterpieces.

by MY rating system, two & 1/2 ** means listenable but not equal to their best.

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