Jazz Blues & Gumbo Groo

1. Everyone Knows

2. Just A Little

3. Let Bygones Be

4. Don't Set Me Free

5. Dreamwalker

6. Fool's Paradise

7. Through To You

8. Boogie Stop Shuffle

9. The Hustle Is On

10. General Mojo

11. Nothin But The Blues

12. Troubleshooter

Jazz Blues & Gumbo Groo,Dave Cross & Crosse,Endurance

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: LOVE IT! The Voice and the Soul Not as strong as the her first two releases Not her best Insipid and inoffensive, uninspired and uninspiring

Not Too Late Norah Jones Manufacturer: Blue Note ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Corinne Bailey Rae Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) Continuum Taking The Long Way Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000KCHZK6 Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. Wish I Could
2. Sinkin' Soon
3. The Sun Doesn't Like You
4. Until The End
5. Not My Friend
6. Thinking About You
7. Broken
8. My Dear Country
9. Wake Me Up
10. Be My Somebody
11. Little Room
12. Rosie's Lullaby
13. Not Too Late

Amazon.com

Although the music of Norah Jones continues to blend pop, soul, folk, and country with a seasoning of jazz, her third album for Blue Note is the first where she's written (or collaborated on) all the material. Beneath the smooth surface lie darker strains on the album-opening "Wish I Could" (about a boyfriend lost to war), intimations of mortality in "The Sun Doesn't Like You," and the post-election horrors of "My Dear Country." The last seems to channel the inspiration of Brecht/Weill, while the equally bleak "Sinkin' Soon" is set to a jaunty Dixieland rag. Throughout, Jones's vocal intimacy and melodic warmth remain as disarmingly understated as ever. The soulful "Thinking of You," the countryish "Wake Me Up," and the syncopated "Be My Somebody" reflect the captivating style of her previous work. Although too much in the same midtempo mode becomes a dreamy lull, cut by cut, Jones's voice is irresistible. --Don McLeese

From Blue Note

Album Details

1. "Wish I Could" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitars; Julia Kent: pizzicato cello; Jeffery Ziegler: bowed cello

2. "Sinkin' Soon" (Lee Alexander-Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; Daru Oda: vocals; M. Ward: vocals; Jesse Harris: guitjo; Kevin Breit: mandolin; J. Walter Hawkes: trombone; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums, slit drum, pots and pans

3. "The Sun Doesn't Like You" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitar; Adam Levy: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Paul Bryan: Chamberlain keyboards

4. "Until The End" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer, piano; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitar; Adam Levy: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

5. "Not My Friend" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitars; Adam Levy: backwards electric guitars; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: marimba, cymbals

6. "Thinking About You" (Norah Jones-Ilhan Ersahin): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Chuck Mackinnon: trumpet; Rob Suddith: tenor sax; Lee Alexander: bass; Tony Mason: drums; Devin Greenwood: Hammond B-3 organ

7. "Broken" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, electric guitar; Julia Kent: outro cellos; Lee Alexander: pizzicato, bowed basses

8. "My Dear Country" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; J. Walter Hawkes: trombones; Jose Davilla: tuba; Bill McHenry: tenor sax; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

9. "Wake Me Up" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, acoustic guitars; Lee Alexander: bass, lap steel; Andy Borger: drums

10. "Be My Somebody" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Richard Julian: vocals; Tony Scherr: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

11. "Little Room" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, acoustic guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Daru Oda: whistle

12. "Rosie's Lullaby" (Norah Jones-Daru Oda): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Daru Oda: vocals; Adam Levy: electric guitar, vocal; Robbie McIntosh: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums

13. "Not Too Late" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, piano, Mellotron; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums

Produced by Lee Alexander

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Come Away with Me

Feels Like Home

New York City

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IT!.......2007-07-19

What's not to love about Norah? She once again gives us super music on this cd. Can't think of anything bad to say about it.

The Voice and the Soul.......2007-07-15

Bought this CD after hearing "Wish I Could" on the radio; this is a gorgeous, hauntingly beautiful, moving song.

I too am surprised to see the strongly negative reviews here. Her 3 CDs have sold more than 39 million copies worldwide, so there is clearly a strong fan base somewhere! The added plus on this third CD is that Norah wrote or co-wrote every song, so we are gaining a glimpse into her musical soul as well as hearing the beauty of her voice.

There are some real gems here. "Sinkin' Soon" evokes 1930's jazz with its honky-tonk piano (played by Norah) and its wah-wah trombone. "Until the End" has country roots. "Not My Friend" is a mellow, dreamy, wistful song with dagger-sharp lyrics. "My Dear Country" is a lament about what election day hath wrought. The final title cut, "Not Too late," winds things up on an optimistic note.

It is not surprising that Norah has good musical genes. Her father, Ravi Shankar, brought his sitar to the Beatles and Indian music to a global audience. Norah's seamless blending of country, jazz, blues, pop, and folk brings great talent and aural delight to a new musical generation.

Not as strong as the her first two releases.......2007-07-11

In my opinion, this CD is simply not as strong as her first two CDs. Most of the songs are fine, but forgettable. A couple are just a bit weird-sounding for my taste. Out of her 3 CDs, I preferred "Come Away With Me", although I understand that Ms. Jones feels that her current CD is a truer reflection of her musical style.

Right after I bought this CD, I was privileged enough to see her in concert. She is clearly talented, and has an accomplished band. The concert was wonderful and was over before I knew it. Her performance got rave reviews in the local newspaper the next day.

I look forward to her next release, mostly to see how her artistic style evolves.

Not her best.......2007-07-11

I own all three of her CDs. Come Away with Me is the best IMO. Her passion and talent shine through. Each song was worthy to be on the CD. In Feels Like Home, it seemed she relaxed a bit, had a little more fun, but lost some of the passion, a couple of the songs were not up to what I expected, but passed as entertaining. This third CD is the worst. My impression was that now that she has made a name for herself she can put any track on a CD without much scrutiny. I have listened to it a few times, but it just doesn't do anything exciting for me. A big disappointment.

Insipid and inoffensive, uninspired and uninspiring.......2007-07-08

That's about the highest praise I can muster for this effort. It isn't that it's BAD, but it just never achieves "lift off."

I wish I could wax enthusiastic, but after quite a few listens at this point, I don't think my opinion is likely to change appreciably.

Time for Ms. Jones to find her passion. It isn't evident on this CD.

Average customer rating: Simply addictive! Haunting sounds The phenom Ms Jones Glad i bought it ( Part II )...! I'd Love To....

Come Away with Me Norah Jones Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Feels Like Home Not Too Late Careless Love Taking The Long Way Corinne Bailey Rae ASIN: B00005YW4H Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

1. Don't Know Why
2. Seven Years
3. Cold Cold Heart
4. Feelin' The Same Way
5. Come Away With Me
6. Shoot The Moon
7. Turn Me On
8. Lonestar
9. I've Got To See You Again
10. Painter Song
11. One Flight Down
12. Nightingale
13. The Long Day Is Over
14. The Nearness Of You

Amazon.com

It is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her 22 years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognizable, blending shades of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" alone are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to such masterpieces. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit, and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience and some careful listening to artists like J.J. Cale and Shirley Horn is the knack of remaining low-key without sounding sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. --Michael Ross

Amazon.com

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Not Too Late

Feels Like Home

The Little Willies

Customer Reviews:

Simply addictive!.......2007-07-12

This is her best album!
Her voice is unbelievable, the delivery is amazing and the lyrics are stunning!

Haunting sounds.......2007-07-06

For 3 months, my Norah Jones CDs have taken over my car stereo. This woman is very talented!

The phenom Ms Jones.......2007-06-27

This is such an outstanding production, so much better than the later(I think) CD. Miss Jones should be careful which guitar players back her up. She should stick to Bill Frizell or maybe she should try Mark Knoffler, if she can get him away from Emmy Lou.

Glad i bought it ( Part II )...!.......2007-06-20

I knew that Nora Jones was good music but i had no idea just how good...My sister-in-law bought me this CD for Father's Day...i have listened to it 3 times today. The way i would describe her lyrics and delivery is equal to "Musical Rose Petals". So smooth and so inviting is her voice. I really love the Piano work also. Her birth name being "Geethali",Nora Jones along with the likes of Michael Buble have added a nice,new,fresh selection of music to today's currently enemic sound. This album made her only the second artist ever to sweep the "Big Four" being Album,Song,Record,& Artist of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2003. Standouts for me include: "Come Away With Me","Don't Know Why", and i really like her rendition of Hank Williams SR.'s "Cold,Cold Heart". With her throw back to Billie Holiday/Roberta Flack days voice coupled with a very welcomed piano based style, Nora Jones can take me away anytime! If you've waited to give her a listen ,as did I, do yourself a favor and don't wait any longer.

I'd Love To...........2007-06-05

Okay, she's not quite a standards specialist, but a lot of people think Norah Jones is well on her way to setting some new standards of her own.

The daughter of famed Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar, Jones grew up in Dallas with her mother, and her work is firmly rooted in the dry Texas soil. The youngest in this survey (she was born in 1979), Jones burst on the scene in 2002 with this debut album of nine original songs plus a handful of country and pop standards. Renowned for her sweet and soulful set of pipes, Jones has often been compared to Billie Holiday. There's also a touch of Roberta Flack and Emmylou Harris in there.

Come Away with Me is an honest-to-goodness country-blues recording that you can sit back with on the front porch rocker on a brisk autumn afternoon. Sort of like an early James Taylor, Jones mixes a little bit of country, folk, and soul into a collection that's the perfect antidote to today's insincere fare. The public must have sensed the same thing, because it bought this CD in boxcar loads, and in 2003 Jones walked away with eight Grammies, including album of the year and best new artist.

The title track, written by Jones, is the first new song I've heard in a long time that's utterly believable. "Come away with me and I'll never stop loving you," she begs, and it's as though she's singing it to you, personally. To Hank Williams's "Cold Cold Heart" she brings an R & B feel, petitioning in anguish to her lover man to come back, body and soul. "I've Got to See You Again" is an exquisite modern torch song in the same vein, while "One Flight Down" is an upbeat tune with chord progressions right out of Paul McCartney's Wings songs, like "Carry That Load." She ends with Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You." Close your eyes, let Jones's words envelope you with their soulful caress, and you'll sense that she's a lot nearer than your living room speakers.

Average customer rating: Good, but not the best a snoozer LOVE IT Feels Like Home Feels Like Home

Feels Like Home Norah Jones Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Come Away with Me Not Too Late The Girl In The Other Room Sleepless Nights/Those Sweet Words The Little Willies ASIN: B00018D44U Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

1. Sunrise
2. What Am I To You?
3. Those Sweet Words
4. Carnival Town
5. In The Morning
6. Be Here To Love Me
7. Creepin' In
8. Toes
9. Humble Me
10. Above Ground
11. The Long Way Home
12. The Prettiest Thing
13. Don't Miss You At All

Amazon.com

Norah Jones blew everybody away with her jazzy, country-tinged, Grammy-winning debut CD, Come Away with Me. On this recording, Jones doesn't mess with her trademark formula. Under Arif Mardin's cozy coproduction, Jones is supported by her writing partners, her Handsome Band, and some special guests (country legend Dolly Parton, Levon Helm and Garth Hudson of the Band, and jazz drummer Brian Blade, to name a few). Jones's Texas-twanged vocals and her sparse acoustic and electric Wurlitzer piano lines enliven the CD's 13 tracks, from the light and lively single "Sunrise" to Tom Waits's "The Long Way Home" and the bouncy duet with Parton, "Creepin' In." Jones's soul-baring piano/vocal rendition of Duke Ellington's "Melancholia," retitled "Don't Miss You at All," proves she's a true Blue Note artist with unlimited potential. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Amazon.com

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Not Too Late

Come Away With Me

The Little Willies

Album Description

'Feels Like Home' features 13 tracks & a host of special guests including Dolly Parton, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson of the Band, Jesse Harris, Robert Burger and Tony Scherr. Blue Note. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

Good, but not the best.......2007-06-17

"Feels Like Home" is a welcome addition to any fans' collection. I gave it four stars simply because I did not think it was as good as her first or third CD. If you like Norah's other work you will like this CD, but if you don't have extra money or you would like to introduce yourself to Norah Jones purchase "Come Away With Me" or "Not Too Late" instead.

a snoozer.......2007-06-09

Wonderful intimate voice,great musical heritage, extremely monotonous songs....great if your trying to lower your bloodpressure or achieve REM state. This ain't jazz it's elevator music.

LOVE IT.......2007-04-13

I love the sound of her voice, there is no other like it.

Feels Like Home.......2007-03-23

Another Norah Jones classic in its sound and unusual genre. Easy to listen to - fun to sing with!

Feels Like Home.......2007-03-16

I love the music of Norah Jones and I love this CD. She is so smooth.

Average customer rating: stax of hits Two and a half magic hours Great mucic with great package Stax & back to my youth. Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration

Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration Various Artists Manufacturer: Stax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back to Mono (1958-1969) Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) Back to Black Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000KP62UM Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. GEE WHIZ (LOOK AT HIS EYES) - Carla Thomas
2. LAST NIGHT - The Mar-Keys
3. YOU DON'T MISS YOUR WATER - William Bell
4. GREEN ONIONS - Booker T. & The MGs
5. WALKING THE DOG - Rufus Thomas
6. I'VE BEEN LOVING YOU TOO LONG (TO STOP NOW) - Otis Redding
7. CANDY - The Astors
8. RESPECT - Otis Redding
9. YOU DON'T KNOW LIKE I KNOW - Sam & Dave
10. I WANT SOMEONE - The Mad Lads
11. HOLD ON I'M COMIN' - Sam & Dave
12. LET ME BE GOOD TO YOU - Carla Thomas
13. YOUR GOOD THING (IS ABOUT TO END) - Mable John
14. KNOCK ON WOOD - Eddie Floyd
15. B-A-B-Y - Carla Thomas
16. TRAMP - Otis & Carla
17. SOUL FINGER - The Bar-Keys
18. BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN - Albert King
19. SOUL MAN - Sam & Dave
20. (SITTIN' ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY - Otis Redding
21. I GOT A SURE THING - Ollie & The Nightingales
22. SOUL LIMBO - Booker T. & The MGs
23. I'VE NEVER FOUND A GIRL (TO LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO) - Eddie Floyd
24. WHAT A MAN - Linda Lyndell
25. PRIVATE NUMBER - William Bell & Judy Clay
26. WHO'S MAKING LOVE - Johnnie Taylor
27. I FORGOT TO BE YOUR LOVER - William Bell
28. I LIKE WHAT YOU'RE DOING (TO ME) - Carla Thomas

Tracks:

1. TIME IS TIGHT - Booker T. & The MGs
2. SO I CAN LOVE YOU - The Emotions
3. WALK ON BY - Isaac Hayes
4. DO THE FUNKY CHICKEN - Rufus Thomas
5. JODY'S GOT YOUR GIRL AND GONE - Johnnie Taylor
6. MR. BIG STUFF - Jean Knight
7. NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE - Isaac Hayes
8. WHATCHA SEE IS WHATCHA GET - The Dramatics
9. RESPECT YOURSELF - The Staple Singers
10. THEME FROM SHAFT - Isaac Hayes
11. SON OF SHAFT - The Bar-Kays
12. THAT'S WHAT LOVE WILL MAKE YOU DO - Little Milton
13. I'VE BEEN LONELY FOR SO LONG - Frederick Knight
14. HEARSAY - Soul Children
15. IN THE RAIN - The Dramatics
16. I'LL TAKE YOU THERE - The Staple Singers
17. STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN - Mel & Tim
18. DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE - The Temprees
19. IF YOU'RE READY (COME GO WITH ME) - The Staple Singers
20. CHEAPER TO KEEP HER - Johnnie Taylor
21. I'LL BE THE OTHER WOMAN - Soul Children
22. WOMAN TO WOMAN - Shirley Brown

Amazon.com

When Concord Music purchased Fantasy Records in 2006, the bulging Stax catalog came along for the ride. Not a bad deal, especially since Stax remains one of the richest and most vital sources of '60s and '70s soul, blues, and R&B. The newly reactivated label's debut release is a lavishly boxed double-disc set of 50 highlights--as opposed to hits--from the Memphis label's voluminous vaults to celebrate its 50th anniversary. All the usual suspects appear, including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, Johnnie Taylor, Eddie Floyd, Albert King, and the Staple Singers. But the compilers deliver a well-rounded, even eclectic collection by including tracks from such relatively obscure acts as the Astors, Ollie & the Nightingales, the Mad Lads, Linda Lyndell, and Mable John, whose "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" is one of the great lost soul treasures. Propelled in large part by house band Booker T. & the MGs, the majority of these songs have become integral threads in the fabric of American soul. Even at two and a half hours, there's not a dull moment here. That is a testament not just to the Stax musicians, but to a label whose artists defined a classic sound that remains as timeless, relevant, influential, and electrifying as when it was recorded. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

FIRST TIME EVER! 50 GREATEST STAX HITS IN A SPECIAL 2CD BOXED SET. Set includes chart toppers by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Booker T & the MGs, Isaac Hayes, The Staples Singers, Johnnie Taylor, and more

*Packaged in a UNIQUE HARD COVER BOX with LENTICULAR COVER ART *EVERY MAJOR STAX AND STAX-ATLANTIC HIT from the label's 1960s and 70s heyday. *THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE STAX HITS COLLECTION EVER! *Release coincides with the 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF STAX *DIGITALLY REMASTERED *Features a MULTI-PAGE BOOKLET with notes from "Soulsville USA: The Story of Stax" by noted soul music historian Rob Bowman

Customer Reviews:

stax of hits.......2007-07-07

STAX have a reputation for pure soul as opposed to a certain label who
'motored' off in to a commercial watering-down of black music.Here we have
a generous fifty tracks on two cds of real soul music,not all hits,but all
representative of what STAX could do.A great compilation!

Two and a half magic hours.......2007-06-19

When "The Summer of Love" enters the conversation, most of us mean San Francisco, 1967. Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead. Be-Ins. Flower Power. Sgt. Pepper.

If by "love" we mean white kids from all over the country convening in urban crash pads --- well, that sets the bar pretty low, doesn't it? Given the opportunity, we could have done that. A lot of us would, even now. Just tell us where to show up.

A year before Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed there, it was a lot harder to show the love in Memphis. And yet, in an ancient movie theater in South Memphis, black and white musicians made some of the most inspired music we'll ever hear.

Let Motown own the slicker-than-snail-snot "commercial" franchise of urban black music.

And nine bows to Atlantic, with 18 singles on the Billboard Hot One Hundred Charts in the late Spring of 1967 --- ranging from Aretha Franklin doing the unofficial black national anthem ("Respect") to the white Long Island band, the Young Rascals. The only other competition Stax had in this rarified interracial zone in the late `60s: Sly & the Family Stone.

At Stax, something wonderful flourished, and it's in the grooves for all to hear --- starting with an interracial house band backing up such megawatt soul signers as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Rufus Thomas and Eddie Floyd. Their influences were various: rock, pop, country, blues. Mixed together, they produced music that was at once familiar and not --- music that jarred the ear just enough that you had to listen to it.

But "produced" isn't quite the right word. At Stax, they mostly recorded "live." Even when they didn't, the theater's acoustics made music sound "live." As a result, you heard an excitement --- a vibrancy --- in these records that was available nowhere else in American popular music. Just listen to one of the 50 songs on the Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration when the horns --- horns! --- kick in and you'll remember how exciting music could be.

There was so much talent on the label it was able to survive the December '67 plane crash that killed Otis Redding and two-thirds of his backup band. The reason: Stax had the Staples Singers coming on strong. And Stax had Issac Hayes.

You remember "Shaft" --- "can you dig it?" But Hayes also self-produced "Hot Buttered Soul", a record that featured an unlikely 18-minute version of "By the Time I Got to Phoenix." This was as radically different from `60s pop music as Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."

This two-CD boxed set has hits galore: "Green Onions", "I've Been Loving You Too Long", "Knock on Wood", "Born Under a Bad Sign" and "Respect Yourself." It also has songs you don't know, oddities that sure sound like hits.

The through-line: men and women singing one love song after another. The music can be raw --- loss makes for even better songs than happiness --- but I don't think I'm making it up when I say the primary ingredient of that music is love. First, of course, love of music, pure and simple. But more, love of the historical moment, love of the knowledge that when we're creating together, there's no reason we can't get along.

This Stax set is testimony to a grand idea, now honored too often only with empty words. It's also great fun, music that holds its own with the best pop this country has ever produced --- music so enjoyable you can forget the moral it contains.

Great mucic with great package.......2007-05-21

This is terrific music. These 50 songs will be among the best you will own in your life. No fillers.

Stax & back to my youth........2007-05-20

I am one of the original English fans from the 60's era & the music really took me back to my teenage years. Very good double cd & very speedy delivery service.

Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration.......2007-05-15

This is a fantastic CD set! Everyone who loved that good music the first time it came out and the second and third times needs to get it! Getting to Memphis to the Stax Museum should be on everyone's list of things to do, especially this year with all the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Average customer rating: Vintage Norman More Cool Licks Rivals his best work Missed opportunity sounds like RAP

Stay with Me Norman Brown Manufacturer: Peak Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: White Sand He Had a Hat Ladies' Choice Born 2 Groove You Are My Lady ASIN: B000NJL4WG Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Let's Take A RideYou
2. You Keep Lifting Me Higher
3. Pop's Cool Groove
4. It ain't Over BWB
5. So In Love
6. Stay With Me
7. Soul Dance
8. Every Little Thing
9. A Quiet Place
10. I Need You

Customer Reviews:

Vintage Norman.......2007-07-08

This is Norman Brown in all phases. I have to admit the songs are original. However, I thought that his previous album,"West Coast Cooling" was one of his better album's. It had an upper-tempo, and a relaxing laid-back feeling of smooth jazz. Some cuts on this album has a little bit of Wes Montgomery and Lee Ritenour. I can say this because, I have all of Norman Brown's CD's.

More Cool Licks .......2007-06-27

and catchy musical phrases. I continue to love his guitarwork, if your a Norman Brown fan you'll like this CD. The only caveat is I'm not a big fan of the singing (2 or 3 songs). It's not bad, just not what I buy a Norman Brown CD for...

Rivals his best work.......2007-06-16

I guess it all depends on how you measure an album. Here's I how see this effort:

2 Lame Tracks (6,10)- kind of lame, the vocals ruined any chance of these being good songs.

4 Good Tracks (4,5,7,8) - the kind that fill out a really good smooth jazz outing

3 Excellent Track (2,3,9) - tracks you'll love to hear for the next month and will have trouble choosing whether or not to include on your own "Best of Norman Brown" mix CD.

1 Best NB Track Ever (1) - "Let's Take a Ride" is my favorite NB track ever, at least for now. It has that feel-good groove and great melodic guitar strokes. You know you shouldn't, but there is a lot of tempatation to listen to it over and over.

While this has more "lame" tracks than "After the Storm" or "Celebration" (my two fave NB discs) its "best 4" are all as good as any tracks on those discs, so I give this one 5 stars!

Missed opportunity.......2007-06-11

I've been reading all these comments and it's hard to believe that so many people (Including a smooth jazz webradio owner) praise this new Norman Brown's album like his best album to date. Arguably Norman Brown is one of the most gifted smooth jazz artist you can find. His MoJazz recordings will remain for many years to come as an absolute reference point for the genre. Said that and after carefully listened "Stay with me" quite a few times I can't find a genuine explanation why so many people agree on this new album as his best work. Surrounded by an amazing crew (including his partners with B.W.B., trumpeter Rick Braun and saxman Kirk Whalum)Norman Brown is unable to ignite the fire that I personally expect from a musician of his caliber. Bland vocals (Norman definetely should stick to his guitar and ocassional scats) mixed with a set of instrumentals that won't surpass anything Norman Brown has done to the present. "Soul Dance" and "Pop's Cool Groove" (you can tell Paul Brown is behind this composition) are the only songs that vaguely reminded me "After the Storm", til this day in my humble opinion the best Norman Brown's album and without any stellar names in the personnel. I feel a great opportunity has been missed this time around considering the outstanding group of musicians available for this work. (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Paul Brown, Sam Riney, Brian McKnight, Paulinho Da Costa and the list goes on). Even so,I still remain loyal to Norman Brown as one of my favorite smooth jazz artist and given time, he once again will amaze me with his unique talent and versatility.

sounds like RAP.......2007-06-02

I really like Norman Brown. He reminds me of the late great Wes Montgomery, and Mr Brown was inspired by his music. However, this CD has only one good cut, mixed with what sounds like Rap music. I think his title begs the question, "Stay with Me". I don't think so, smooth jazz, please on your next CD.

Average customer rating: RIpping it up with Les Where's Les? Deserves at least 4 stars where's Jimmy? One esxpects to hear Les Paul

American Made World Played Les Paul & Friends Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition Back Home 80 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Les Paul A Bigger Bang ASIN: B000A9QKMI Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Love Sneakin' Up On You - Sting & Joss Stone
3. Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Edgar Winter
4. Somebody Ease My Troublin' Mind - Eric Clapton & Sam Cooke
5. So Into You - Peter Frampton
6. How High The Moon - Les Paul & Alsou
7. Bad Case Of Lovin' You - Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top)
8. I Wanna Know You - Neal Schon & Beth Hart
9. Good News - Jeff Beck & Sam Cooke
10. Let Me Roll It - Richie Sambora
11. Caravan - Les Paul
12. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl - Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Rick Derringer
13. All I Want Is You - Johnny Rzeznik (of Goo Goo Dolls)
14. 69 Freedom Special - Les Paul & Friends All Star Jam
15. Fly Like An Eagle (2005) - Steve Miller
16. I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know - Joe Perry & Mick Hucknall (of Simply Red)

Amazon.com

The range of artists stepping up to pay tribute to the master electric guitarist as he turns ninety is staggering. From '50s and '60s guitar slingers like Buddy Guy, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Steve Miller to stars of subsequent decades like Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Richie Sambora, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, they cross continents and generations. The songs celebrate the Les Paul guitar as well as the man. While he appears throughout, he's part of a generally raucous setting that leaves no volume knob unturned. The guests are often also the vocalists, but it's the guitars that carry the day. Purists may wag their fingers at the use of Sam Cooke's vocals in a contemporary recording, but Les Paul himself was never afraid of what new possibilities a tape recorder could unlock. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

RIpping it up with Les.......2007-06-14

Wow. Les at 90 going after it with Jeff, my favorite guitarist ever? I think "Ain't that Good News" is the best song on the album, but not simply because of Jeff, though I am biased. They do some cool scuttle-buttin' together. Most other tracks, though average to good, are crammed with too many and too much guitar work, making most cuts plain noise-makers. There are some good cuts, but as others have said, who chose these songs? Some aren't even Les-type songs, and the players have no real connection to Les. I agree with others who have voted for Dickey Betts, Jimmy Page and other true Les Pauler's. But, we have what we have and that' all that we have. I would recommend it to other guitarists/blues/rock affecinado's, but think the Les and Mary benefit misses the true nature of what Les was about, although there is a ton of electronic gizmos used on the album-hey, maybe that is what it was about, not what songs they played, but what gizmo's they used. They should have included that in the liner notes. Any way, I will plug once more for Jeff's participation, because I think it is the one song where there aren't 49 guitarists slinging away and you can't tell who is playing what solos or which rhythym chops. Go Jeff Go! As I read the song titles I half expected the players/singers whom we know and love and remember covering them to be on these covers. Guess not, so enjoy what it is, cuz we won't always have old Les to play around with.

BC

Where's Les?.......2007-02-02

Not enough of Les... I've been a fan of his for 40 years. He deserves a better tribute album than this! It would be nice if it were all people who played the guitar with his namesake during their careers also!! The one nice thing was Steve Miller being included. A little history I read years ago is Les taught Steve to play the guitar!! COOL!! If I remember correctly, Steve Miller's father worked at Capitol Records and that's how Steve got connected with Les. Miller being on the album is the only plus for me. I love Les's playing and just don't hear it on this album. Like other's have said, I'd like to hear some of his shows from his gig every Monday night in NYC. You want to really here Les?? Go find some old 78's like I did when I was a teenager!!
Being a guitar player myself I knew who he was when I was a kid. I didn't appreciate him until I was in my 20's and I think he deserves more than this!! He's a national treasure at the very least!!!!!!!

Deserves at least 4 stars.......2006-11-16

For all you folks [reviewers] who were disappointed by this cd: LIGHTEN UP! The album is simply not what you hoped/expected it might be. The presentation as "Les Paul and Friends" was misleading as the music does not focus on the guitar playing of Les in a polite easy going way. Instead what you get is a fresh and well recorded collection of some truly great rock and R&B. Les himself strongly approved of the result of this collaboration. Get this cd and crank it up!

where's Jimmy?.......2006-07-23

What?? A Les Paul tribute without Jimmy Page? You must be joking! If Jimmy were in on the sessions, he would've made sure there was more Les!

One esxpects to hear Les Paul.......2006-07-19

When one purchases a recording with Les Paul's name on it, one expects to hear Les Paul.

Except for one track, Caravan, Les Paul may as well be an indistinguishable background musician.

Shame because Caravan is brilliant. This 90 year old man has not lost his playing ability, and it would have been better off to play songs from his old trio or with Mary Ford, and having a guest vocalist, BUT NO EXTRA GUITAR PLAYERS, or have cd made similar to the recordings he made with Chet Atkins, where one can hear Paul.

The only pleasant surprise is hearing how well Neal Schon (of Journey) can play. Even Peter Frampton, a brillant player who sacrifices his guitar playing for his pop tune, is a dud on this session.

Perhaps any recordings made of Paul's current club dates will show up, as they will better represent him than this does.

Overall, the songs are good and the playing by others is very good, but it is not a Les Paul recording and, given other reviews, has deceived a number of people

Average customer rating: Awesome creative project On Point Always Love this Lady another GREAT Jill Scott offering Jill Scott is a Winner, Wonderful Voice

Collaborations Jill Scott Manufacturer: Hidden Beach ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Luvanmusiq In My Songs The Evolution of Robin Thicke Evolution of Robin Thicke Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000LV63RC Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. Love Rain (Head Nod Remix) - featuring Mos Def
2. Daydreamin' - featuring Lupe Fiasco
3. Good Morning Heartache - featuring Chris Botti
4. Said Enough - featuring The Isley Brothers
5. One Time - featuring Eric Roberson
6. Let Me - featuring Sergio Mendes & Will.I.Am
7. 8 Minutes To Sunrise - featuring Common
8. Funky For You - featuring Common & Bilal
9. Sometime I Wonder - featuring Darius Rucker
10. Slide - featuring Jeff Bradshaw
11. The Rain - featuring Will Smith
12. God Bless The Child - featuing Al Jarreau & George Benson
13. Kingdom Come - featuring Kirk Franklin
14. Love Rain (Coffee Shop Mix) - featuring Mos Def

Amazon.com

At the time of its release, internet rumor had it that Collaborations was a "taster" project--that is, a sampler to whet listeners' appetites for Scott's long-awaited third solo album, due in summer of 2007. But Collaborations doesn't play like something you'd listen to once before throwing your napkin (or, more accurately, your earbuds) down. Not only does it genre-jump with the kind of precision you don't normally find in an artist pinned to a certain musical movement (in Scott's case, neo-soul), it throws the weight of its bold names around without straining or slacking under the pressure. The hit here is "Daydreamin'," a fuzz-encrusted slice of alternative hip-hop off Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, but there's so many other full-bodied contenders for mass adoration it could easily be eclipsed as the favorite. They include the soul-soaked "Said Enough," with the unmistakable Isley Brothers; the noirish thumper "8 Minutes to Sunrise," with Common (who also gets "Funky for You" together with Bilal); and "Slide," maybe the sexiest jazz-and-R&B hybrid ever to heat up a mainstream diva's disc. On that track, credit goes to Jeff Bradshaw for brilliance with his brass. But consider it: how many other singers could pull off sultriness alongside a trombone? Scott is a shape-shifting vocal wonder; Collaborations is the latest evidence. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Talent, Innovation, Style, Charisma, Passion and Versatility are just a few of the words that come to mind when people talk about the true artistry that has become Jill Scott's trademark.

Jill's chameleon-like ability to passionately perform in an eclectic array of genres, from hip hop, to jazz, to urban alternative, to spoken word, to latin jazz and gospel, has led many of her fans and peers to call her "The Real Thing."

Jill Scott Collaborations is arguably the most unique set of collaborations by one artist ever assembled. The Jill Scott Collaborations CD has something for music fans of all types as it features many of Jill's collaborative efforts over the past six years including her incredible work with WILL SMITH, SERGIO MENDES AND WILL.I.AM of the Black Eyed Peas, MOS DEF, CHRIS BOTTI, AL JARREAU AND GEORGE BENSON, KIRK FRANKLIN, MOS DEF, LUPE FIASCO, and others.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome creative project.......2007-07-17

What can I say, she is such an incredible artist. Just when you think you've heard everything she's capable of Jill Scott emerges with more variety and new sounds. Every selection is like a unique work of art. Jill shows that she can lead or be the accompaniment and is comfortable doing hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. I love this woman!!

On Point Always.......2007-07-13

I have one word to describe this CD: Excellent. As always Jill delivered & did not disappoint me.

Love this Lady.......2007-07-05

I have a few of these songs on other albums already but love the production design of this double disc. The bonus tracks are super keen too, and Jill Scott's voice is like buttery, syrupy pancakes on a Sunday morning. Love it.

another GREAT Jill Scott offering.......2007-07-05

As a fan of Jill's, I have been waiting so patiently since the release of her last album Beautifully Human in 2004.

This music is fantastic! Disc one is very strong with great collaborations. Especially like: "good morning heartache", "let me", "eight minutes to sunrise" and "the rain feat Will Smith" - oh and "daydreamin" - too hard to choose! Disc two has samples of other artists, so I enjoyed listening to snippets of their styles as well.

Keep it going, Jill! You are a voice for these times! Do you forsee a tour on the West Coast? you have alot of fans here!!!

Jill Scott is a Winner, Wonderful Voice.......2007-06-25

Jill is sounding great, love her Philly sounding voice. Enjoyed the colloraborations with other singers.
Thanks for the bonus CD.

Average customer rating: legendary Duane, We Hardly Knew Ye Great live album but not the best out there Is there some way I can give it more than 5 stars? Best live album, but there's more!

The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East The Allman Brothers Band Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Jam Bands | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Slide Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Eat a Peach Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Blind Faith Beginnings Brothers and Sisters ASIN: B000003CMB Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

1. Statesboro Blues
2. Done Somebody Wrong
3. Storm Monday
4. You Don't Love Me
5. Hot 'Lanta
6. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
7. Whipping Post

Amazon.com essential recording

There has never been a better showcase for improvisational rock than this 1971 concert recording, and few (if any) live rock albums are in its rank. With only two studio albums (and plenty of touring) under their belt, the Georgia sextet tore into the Fillmore East with road-tested buoyancy. Titanic guitarist Duane Allman was at the peak of his powers, pushing his foil, Dickey Betts, to unsurpassed peaks. Vocalist-keyboardist Gregg Allman would have been a star in any other setting; here he's merely one more component in a brilliant ensemble. Duane Allman died shortly after At Fillmore East shipped, and the Brothers haven't scaled such heights since. But, then, neither has anyone else. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

legendary.......2007-05-17

I purchased this album to replace the one on LP. If you are a person who enjoys true southern rock , you shouldn't be without a copy of this one. Some of this work is at a level you will never hear again. Absolutely superb!

Duane, We Hardly Knew Ye.......2007-04-01

A spectacular collection of live jamming from the Brothers. IMHO Duane is the greatest lead guitar player ever. Hendrix was a spectacular virtuoso who could do things that no other player could. Clapton and the other contenders, tremendous technically, but Duane was in a league of his own in being able to communicate with his axe. To hear lead guitar at its best, go no further than this magnificent set!

Great live album but not the best out there.......2007-03-04

I've always been a fan of blues oriented rock music- especially live recorded music. This album is exceptional, no doubt, although I have to disagree with some of the previous reviews. I used to own this cd but gave it up after giving it a few tries. After reading these reviews I gave it another try. The sound quality is great and the performance is great too, but not the ultimate live album I was expecting. If you want to get some excellent electrified live blues rock music I'd recommend Rory Gallagher's Irish Tour or Ten Years After's Live at Fillmore East. Bottom line, buy The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East but don't expect it to be the best live album you've ever heard.

Is there some way I can give it more than 5 stars?.......2007-01-12

It's almost pointless to add another 5-star review to this album. This is way beyond the categories of "Southern rock" (Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet belong in that dubious realm) and "blues rock" (hate to sound politically incorrect, but there's never been a blues performer or band that's even come close to what these guys were capable of). Duane Allman's slide guitar squalls with the kind of expression that will put the fear of God into you and make you forget, for a moment, who Jimi Hendrix was.

Kiddies, this is what rock concerts used to be. Never mind! This is too real for you. Go back to blogging about how great fill-in-the-blank is.

Best live album, but there's more!.......2007-01-11

This Live album has been the standard for all others to be measured by for over 30 years. Every musician is at the top of his game. Duane Allman's guitar playing still reveals new thrills after 3 decades of listening. Dickey Betts does a great job of keeping up. (To tell them apart, Duane's guitar is a little smoother and seems to sing.) This recording still feels fresh and vital. You do not need to be a southern rock or blues fan to enjoy the music. However, do yourself a favor and opt for double The Fillmore Concerts instead. The recording mix is a little more balanced and there are some alternate takes that pack the discs with over 130 minutes of music. If you agree (and you most likely will) that this is the best live album, then the additional music on the additional disc is the second best live labum. With the extended album you will get a deeper appreciation for a band that played until the sun rose. This is not an album to be mixed into an iPod shuffle. Relax, sit down with your favorite beverage and immerse yourself. The music will take you away.

Average customer rating: New artist for me... Diverse. Katie Melua returns! katie is great Terrific CD

Piece by Piece Katie Melua Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Call off the Search Nine Million Bicycles Not Too Late I Cried for You/Just Like Heaven Eye To The Telescope ASIN: B000FBHCQ4 Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

1. Shy Boy
2. Nine Million Bicycles
3. Piece By Piece
4. Half Way Up The Hindukush
5. Blues In The Night
6. Spider's Web
7. Blue Shoes
8. On The Road Again
9. Thank You, Stars
10. Just Like Heaven
11. I Cried For You
12. I Do Believe In Love

From Amazon.co.uk

Piece by Piece--the second album from Georgia-born-chanteuse-cum-naturalised-Brit Katie Melua, and the successor to her multimillion-selling Call Off the Search--begins teasingly with the soft-pedaled "come hither" jazz flirtations of "Shy Boy" and concludes with the whispering philosophical torch-song resignation of "I Do Believe in Love." The two songs represent opposite ends of the emotional spectrum--sultry and kittenish on the one hand, solitary and ruminative on the other--but they also offer clues that the cutesy, crazy, easy listening Melua of Mike Batt's mentorship may be gradually acceding to the full bloom of self-determined musical adulthood. Melua's songs are often the more fretful and organic--the ghostly title track and the lovely "I Cried for You" are especially recommended, while the bluesier numbers (particularly the cover of the classic "Blues in the Night") seem shoehorned in gratuitously to match an anticipated demographic. Batt's contributions are melodic, memorably buoyant, and childlike. The Chinese-flavored "Nine Million Bicycles" and the naggingly catchy "Halfway up the Hindu Kush" are both charming despite their naïve pseudo-ethnicity and currently offer, particularly when compared to something as ponderously wooly as "Spider's Web," a necessary fun counterbalance to Melua's burgeoning compositional skills. At this stage, Piece by Piece fits together nicely like a little jigsaw puzzle. And even if it didn't, Melua would still sound simply ambrosial singing from a washing machine repair manual. --Kevin Maidment

Customer Reviews:

New artist for me..........2007-05-12

I saw her sing a song by The Cure on tv and bought the cd because I loved how she sang this song. The other songs on the cd are very different then this one song and each song is a bit dif then the other. Very relaxing, dreamy cd that I have listened to alot since getting it. Very nice!

Diverse........2007-05-01

When you're born with the ability to sing like Katie Melua, they could set a shopping list in front of you and you'll break people's hearts singing it.
Katie has a timeless voice and on her latest album she has chosen a set of blues-based songs that set it off perfectly.
Huge natural talent was always going to secure Katie Melua's future, the excellence of "Piece By Piece" will simply reinforce her arrival as major force.
Nonetheless, her latest offering does not surpass in beauty and success o her debut album (which became Britain's biggest seller and has so far attracted three million copies world-wide).
The album does occasionally reach out to a potentially wider fanbase thanks to its ability to draw on a number of influences and remain fascinatingly diverse.
There are some self-penned tracks as well as some covers but, for the most part, it's an accomplished affair that feels as though Melua has taken her time over it.
It's also distinctly blues-based, occasionally feeling ponderous depending on the mood it catches you in at the time.
Highlights include the single, "Nine Million Bicycles", which is genuinely sweet. The track was inspired by Melua's own visit to China and some of the things she heard on the trip, thereby equating the fact that there are nine million bicycles in Beijing with the certainty she is in love.
The meandering blasts of flute that weave their way throughout lend the song a Chinese feel and make it quite enticing.
Further evidence of the album's diverse instrumention is evident on the upbeat and melodic "Thank You, Stars", which provides more heartfelt lyrics and a really nice blend of strings and mandolin.
While the kooky "Halfway Up The Hindu Kush" is another that demonstrates Melua's vocals at their most happy go lucky - it's no coincidence that all three tracks were written by the conductor, Mike Batt.
Elsewhere, Katie demonstrates a more melancholy and mature style on self-penned tracks such as "Piece By Piece" and "I Cried For You" - although such moodswings can sometimes catch you off-guard if you're not in the right mood for them.
More straightforward blues fare comes in the form of "Blues In The Night" and "Blue Shoes", both of which find Melua at her moodiest, while a slightly more rousing cover version of "On The Road Again" feels like the sound of an artists having fun with one of her favourite tunes.
It lacks the edge of the original but should still delight fans, while bringing the album out of one of its brooding passages.
Another cover version drew a more mixed response from both these listeners, however. The artist has re-recorded The Cure's seminal "Just Like Heaven" for the soundtrack of the movie of the same name.
The hardcore Cure fan among us may find it risible and sickly sweet, while the Melua fan enjoy the acoustic guitar and female makeover given to Robert Smith's classic.
That said, given that we represent both a Melua fan and sceptic it's satisfying to be able to report that "Piece By Piece" does achieve what Melua set out to - that is to say, fans will get what they're seeking, while the album does indeed appeal in small doses to those who may not have been touched by the artist's work so far.

Katie Melua returns!.......2007-04-02

My wife & I played 'Call Off the Search' as 'our dance' at our wedding ... we both love Katie Melua and are very happy with her new album. Not quite as strong as her freshmen outing, but a good album, with good songs. She didn't go a drastically different way with this one ... you'll recognize her!

katie is great.......2007-03-09

i originally heard katie when she opened for il divo on their usa tour- she is fresh, jazzy and good listening music with a catch- this cd was all i expected and more-

Terrific CD.......2007-02-22

My 21 year-old daughter found this CD under "employee favorites" at a local music store near her university, and bought it for her mother. Luckily, I listened to it. It is perhaps the best CD I have discovered in 5 years. Katie Melua is a bit like Norah Jones, but far better. Every cut on this CD is excellent. It has flavors of jazz, pop, folk, and blues. Her voice is fantastic, and the instrumental is just as good. Although musical tastes vary (as you can see from other reviews) I doubt very much that you will disappointed by purchasing this music. In fact, most will love it. JUST BUY IT!

Average customer rating: This is more mainstream than earlier Ozo Actually, 4.5 stars! Fantastic, Ecclectic Mix Expanding their musical scope. Slouching toward pop - disappointing

Don't Mess With The Dragon Ozomatli Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock en Español | Latin Music | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Street Signs Ozomatli Live at the Fillmore Embrace the Chaos Coming Up ASIN: B000M06STA Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Can't Stop
2. City Of Angels
3. After Party
4. Don't Mess With The Dragon
5. La Gallina
6. Magnolia Soul
7. Here We Go
8. La Temperatura
9. Violeta
10. Creo
11. When I Close My Eyes
12. La Segunda Mano

Amazon.com

On their fourth full-length studio release, Ozomatli serve up a rhythmically seething musical mélange that serves as virtual mirror to the dizzying cultural contradictions at the heart of their Los Angeles hometown, wrapping it in a studio-polished veneer (largely courtesy of Santana/Ricky Martin producer KC Porter) that only underscores their intriguing reflections. They wear their civic pride as badge of honor on the gritty "City of Angels," a hip-hop-funk-fusion anthem that courses straight from the street to the stars. The joyous "La Temperatura," a tribute to the city's pro-immigrant marches of '06, picks up the local thread and weaves it into the band's longstanding social conscience, one they focus on Washington's inept response to Hurricane Katrina via the savory, N'Awlinz-meets-Norwalk swagger of "Magnolia Soul." The title track hints at a few conquered personal demons, while the sultry, Los Lobos-esque Spanish ballad "Violeta," the infectious 80s-ska-funk-meets-00s-punk-pop of "When I Close My Eyes," and the hip-hop-jarocho stew "La Segundo Mano" (featuring Queztal's Martha Gonzales on vocals) stand as vibrantly disparate testaments to the band's true range of pan-cultural musical fervor and accomplishments. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

This is more mainstream than earlier Ozo.......2007-07-01

Which may be why some listeners object. "Dragon's" good and it may be their entree into more acknowledgement. "Street Signs" is probably my favorite of their CDs and more indicative of their work, but this is still a great melange of a lot of different styles and worth the investment.

Actually, 4.5 stars!.......2007-06-19

Truth is, I barely liked this disk after the first listen. I thought the guys had "sold out" and made a disk that was too pop-ish, slick and lightweight. But then I played it a few more times and, DAMN, these songs are stuck firmly in my head. I still think Street Signs had three songs better than everything on this disk, but overall I have come to thoroughly enjoy Dragon for what it is... different, fun and very energetic. Ozo is one of the coolest bands around and if this disk draws in some new fans to mix with us old ones (I discovered them in 2005), then I'm OK with the "selling out".

NOTE: If you want to buy their very best, get Ozo's Live at the Filmore set!!!! That one earns 5.5 stars.

Fantastic, Ecclectic Mix.......2007-06-12

Compared to the rest of the music Ozo has put out this is probably their most solid integration of various types of music. With a lot more Asian influence on this album I think they hit the nail on the head. Most of the songs get your foot tapping and the lyrics in English are quite profound. Highly recommended! It has been in my CD player since I bought it last month!

Expanding their musical scope........2007-06-10

Their usual high energy with another "take" on the avenue of employing rap technique that helps someone who is 60 (which I am) appreciate one style of rap as a valid form of musical expression.

Slouching toward pop - disappointing.......2007-06-06

I have been a big fan of Ozomatli since their first CD. I rave about them to all who will listen as most people who love this band do. This CD is indeed the turning point toward pop for this band. There are shades of the old band in some of the songs like La Gallina, or Violeta but most of the stuff is empty. It is like a band trying to cover Ozomatli songs. I am sure that most fans will give this a try in spite of the negative reviews, but for our sake guys don't do this again.

Jazz Music:

1. Jazz for Romance
2. Jive at Five
3. Juke Joint Jive: Go Daddy Go
4. Just Friends: A Gathering in Tribute to Emily Remler, Vol. 1
5. Just Friends, Vol. 2: Tribute to Emily Remler
6. Lighthouse at Laguna [Live]
7. Live at the River East Art Center [Live]
8. Love Me Like Candy
9. Mulligan Meets Monk
10. Nichols 'N' Nu

Jazz Music

jazz music