In Orbit

1. In Orbit

2. One Foot in the Gutter

3. Trust in Me

4. Let's Cool One

5. Pea-Eye

6. Argentia

7. Moonlight Fiesta

8. Buck's Business

9. Very Near Blue

10. Flugelin' the Blues [*]

In Orbit,Clark Terry w, Thelonious Monk,Ojc,Bop,Jazz,Pop,Swing

Jazz

Music

jazz

Tracks:

Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix
Blow Me Away - Breaking Benjamin
Peril
Ghosts Of Reach
Follow (1st Movement Of The Odyssey) - Incubus
Heretic, Hero
Flawed Legacy
Impend
Never Surrender - Nile Rodgers
Ancient Machine
2nd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
In Amber Clad
The Last Spartan
Orbit Of Glass
3rd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
Heavy Price Paid
Earth City
High Charity
4th Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
Remembrance
Connected - Hoobastank

Amazon.com

Further proof that the 15-year-old male is the nexus of contemporary popular entertainment, this anthology of music from and "inspired by" the sequel to the earth-conquering Halo saga also showcases how capably the video game industry can trump even Hollywood's vaunted production values. The original synth-heavy underscore by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori is filled with enough brooding, mock-Goth atmospherics, and pulsing exotica of indeterminate ethnicity to give the Hans Zimmer stable a run for their money, while a slate of (mostly) worthy rock star guest turns give it a welcome edge. Legendary axe-slinger Steve Vai's sinewy riffing punches up the reworked main theme and "Never Surrender," while alt.metal contenders Breaking Benjamin serve up the suitably dramatic inspired-by cut "Blow Me Away." But it's Incubus' four-part "Odyssey" suite that's the centerpiece, bridging 1970s prog and modern rock with its moody aura and evocative musical dramatics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

BUY! BUY! BUY!.......2007-03-05

This CD stayed in my truck's CD player for months before getting tired of it. Enough said.

Great game - great music.......2007-01-10

My son wanted this Cd. I had never sat long enough to listen to the music when he played Halo, so I didn't have a clue what I was buying. He let me listen to some of the tracks once it arrived and I had to "borrow" it from him so I could download the cd onto my pc. Needless to say I bought volume 2 and the original Halo soundtrack cd as well. They may belong to my son, but I love these cds too!

Hug your pillows girls.......2006-08-06

THe only reason I am writing anything about this album is because it contains the Odyssey by Incubus, and its probably some of their best work and will go down as their most unnoticed. While the rest of your nerds are huggin your pillows at night thinking about your video games and the "gnarly instrumentals" on this album you sit there and bash Incubus' work. The first track by them, Follow, is not all that great however it was re-released on an additional cd with their Alive at Red Rocks DVD and it sounds sooooooo much better on that cd (with some real lyrics) But after listening to the Odyssey I was really hoping this to be a new direction for Incubus, a more proggressive/conceptual sound. Whether this is the direction they go on with their new album is yet to be heard. Its a shame that this work will go unnoticed, and the only reason it will be that way because a bunch of losers decide to try and impress people with (what they think) is a sense of music just because its of a classical nature. Yes, the rest of the music on the album is amazing, and I give big ups to its composition, but come on people, show some love to good music when its presented to your faces.

best video game soundtrack ever........2006-08-03

i understand that many people are a bit angry with breaking benjamin and hoobastank being in here. i'm not particularly happy myself with the last track, but i think contemporary music is appropriate here, albeit lyrics may not be the greatest form of expressing the mysterious feeling behind everything. i think o'donnel and salvatori have what it takes to compose a score of music, but it's not a score, it's a soundtrack. i found that if you don't like them you can just skip them. the second to last track is a great way to end the soundtrack.

classical music listeners stop complaining.......2006-05-10

The worst part of this album was songs with lyrics (breaking benjamin, techno, hoobastank)...i dont understand then why people are upset with the incubus - follow has one word the whole song (two if you count "yeah") and their instrumental songs are brilliant, floyd-esque at times. for those of you reading others criticizing this album, ignore them, ignore the three bad songs on this album, and purchase it and enjoy it.

Average customer rating:

whoa! September rules!
One of Sweden's best new imports.
the other side...
My new FAVORITE cd!!!
Stellar dance pop

In Orbit
September
Manufacturer: Family Tree
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Euro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

September
Satellites
Main Line
From Paris to Berlin
Unique

ASIN: B000BU2JRQ
Release Date: 2005-11-07

Tracks:

Prelude
Cry for You
Looking for Love
Satellites
Flowers on the Grave
It Doesn't Matter
Sacrifice
Good Times
Midnight Heartache
Sound Memory
End of the Rainbow
Satellites [Live Acoustic Version]
Satellites [Multimedia Track]
Looking for Love [Multimedia Track]

Customer Reviews:

whoa! September rules!.......2007-06-10

the video for 'Satellites' just blew me away!! i'm telling you---watching her dance in that white dress was a mind blower! i was able to watch the video on you-tube because i never could get the one on the cd to work.

the CD has about 10 songs on it---all good. the cd also has two videos on it, 'Satellites' and 'Looking for Love'. for the life of me, i can't figure out how to view them. i've tried every multimedia player known to man and none of them will work. it's frustrating to the max---you'd think they would've put these two multimedia files in a format Windows Media Player could recognize.

oh well. other than not being able to play the videos, the CD is awesome.

One of Sweden's best new imports........2007-01-09

21 year old Petra Marklund has recorded what could be a very good contender for pop album of the year and dance album of the year of 2006. I discovered this artist by recommendation and I am tickled.

This album has the disctinctive Swedish pop sound which I looove. At the same time she has a disco sound going on. The well produced beats and instrumentation provide great foil to Petra's powerful vocals. It's refreshing for a female singer to have a strong voice in dance music.

"Satellites" the obvious hit off the album is dance-pop perfection. Think A* Teens meets old-school Britney Spears but with stronger vocals. It is the strongest and might be the best track on the album but each track is a winner. Some tracks are growers but giving them time their greatness will sink in.

"Looking for Love" has a blatant disco sound but it's much better than the crap that permeates our ears and brains. The general American public has really bad taste in music. In Europe, namely Scandinavia. They know good music and know how to make it. I am thankful to have discovered this artist.
"Flowers on the Grave" is an above standard pop ballad. It's much better than what we are subject to day in and day out by American pop culture.
Other standout tracks include, "It Doesn't Matter", "Good Times" and "Midnight Tonight" It's nothing groundbreaking or necessarily new but it's not good. It's great.

the other side..........2006-12-13

If Alice Deejay had an ounce of credibility this would have been her release. It sounds like 2001. It's dancey pop music. It's not electro in any way.

I will try to never listen to this cd again. The only reason I give it 2 stars is because the production value is above average.

I can see why young girls like this. I may give it to my niece.

My new FAVORITE cd!!! .......2006-08-11

From the moment you start the first track to the last you are hooked. The songs are infectious and the rythms have you wanting to dance. You can't help but to sing along and move to the beat. It was by chance that I came across hearing satellites and I was hooked in an instant. If you like fresh music with a twist of disco and dance-pop than you can't go wrong with this CD. You will not be dissapointed.

This CD has it all! Well produced, great lyrics, and fantastic voice!

Stellar dance pop.......2006-04-19

I had unknowingly already heard of September when I listened to Robbins' "Dance Party like it's 2006" compilation, which features "Satellites". I didn't know I would come to love the song at the time, but upon reflection, I can say that I enjoyed it even then.

This album is really hard to dislike. It doesn't have the obnoxious, repetetive, neverending beats like Cascada, or the whiny voice of Edmee' in DHT. The beats and melodies are all blended rather well, and the singer's voice is strong and very very easy to enjoy. At no point in this album does September take themselves too seriously, and that is HUGELY important in any genre, but definitely in dance.

"Satellites", the song everyone should know, is more electro than anything else, but I could see where people would get disco and house from. It's very poppy, and a wonderful song. "Flowers on the Grave" is one of the slower songs, still beautiful, still a great listen. "It Doesn't Matter" is more of a disco song, featuring some guitars thrown in with the "shake your ass like you just don't care" dance beats.

A previous reviewer said that "Midnight Heartache" sounded familiar. This is because the song features a "Bette Davis Eyes" sample as the musical background. Also, Mylo used the same sample for his "In Your Arms" song. September treats the music as a canvas, and they paint quite a song overtop of it. "Midnight Heartache" is one of my favorites. "Sacrifice" is your typical dance-pop fare, but again those vocals are amazing and they drag you by the ear drum.

All in all, I highly recommend this to anyone with an ear for gorgeous female vocals, or for a penchant to dance. This will not disappoint.

Average customer rating:

LOVE IT!
Vital Organs...
I love the Ultra-Lounge series.
Help from reviwers,please!!!
Ah one and-uh two and-uh...

Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 11: Organs in Orbit
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Retro Space Age | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

Easy Listening | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music

Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 12: Saxophobia
Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 3: Space Capades
Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 6: Rhapsodesia
Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 18: Bottoms Up
Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 8: Cocktail Capers

ASIN: B000002U4S
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Rockhouse - The Ernie Freeman Combo
Ill Wind - The John Buzon Trio
The Girl From Ipenema/Meeditation - Denny Mclain
Love Is Just Around The Corner - Jackie Davis
Movin' At Midnight - Sir Julian
Voce E Eu - Walter Wanderley
Li'l Darlin - The Joe Bucci Trio
Patricia - Billy May and his Orchestra
The Third Man Theme - The Don Baker Trio
A Man And A Woman - Sir Julian
Mr. Ghost Goes To Town - The John Buzon Trio
Laura/More - Denny Mclain
Perfidia - Jackie Davis
The Late, Late Show - Milt Buckner
Fever/Comin' Home Babay - The Ernie Freeman Combo
Flying Fiddles - Shay Torrent
Song Of The Bayou - Martin Denny
Enchanted Farm - The Forbidden Five
Bonus Track - Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IT!.......2007-05-13

Love this kind of music - can't get enough - have most all of the CDs. Excellent New Jersey-based company with excellent foresight and retro-understanding for the best party and jazz combos. Excellent choice for any kind of day or evening, party or relaxation time.

Vital Organs..........2007-03-28

While some entries in the wonderful "Ultra-Lounge" series seem to get away from their 'theme', "Organs In Orbit" stays true to it's organ-mad sound from start to finish. Even the bonus track by "The Continental" has a strong Hammond sound to it. In some ways, that makes this one of the stranger entries in the series, because it sticks *so* closely to the format.

I think every cut on this disc has some merit (except "Flying Fiddles" where Shay Torrent (?) proves that an organ can sound like a fiddle...and not much else.) One of my absolute favorites would have to be the aptly named "Movin' At Midnight" (by the also aptly-named Sir Julian)...it's the coolest and swings like nobody's business.

There's also The Joe Bucci Trio's smooth-as-the-formica-top-of-a-wurlitzer "Lil' Darlin'", Milt Buckner's ultra-cool "The Late Late Show" (you might remember his "The Beast" from Volume Four) which definitely lives up to the late night feel of it's title, and the Immortal Martin Denny's Eerie, yet cheesy "Song Of the Bayou". Not to mention the cool wind sound effects (made on an organ, of course) on "Ill Wind."

I saved a new paragraph to try and describe the best cut of all: The John Buzon Trio and "Mr. Ghost Comes To Town." These are the same geniuses who brought us "Squatty Roo" on Volume Eighteen and two more great ones on "Mambo Fever." And "Ill Wind" (see above). "Mr. Ghost" is as sax-heavy as it is organ-infested, and it is a real attention grabber with it's infectious latin rhythms...one I come back to enjoy over and over again.

Another treat is 'The Forbidden Five' and their "Enchanted Farm" a take-off on Martin Denny, who often used bird calls, etc. in his songs to give them that 'Exotica' feel. The Five take this concept much further out, where instead of tropical bird calls, we have horses whinnying and cows mooing, etc. It even has bombs exploding and a Theremin, too..although actually there's a beautiful melody going on behind all the parody. Definitely one-of-a kind!

I forgot to mention organ hero Denny McLain, well represented here with four cuts, but I feel I've said enough. If you're searching for excellent examples of that cheesy lounge organ sound...look no futher. ;oD

I love the Ultra-Lounge series........2006-12-10

The sound quality of the Ultra-Lounge series is excellent, even though the songs were recorded mostly in the 50's and 60's. Capitol Records packs each CD with carefully chosen tracks consistent with the theme of the particular volume in the series. Many of the selections that appear here aren't available elsewhere, either because the original album on which the song appeared is out of print, or because the song was issued as a single and never collected in an album. A few 'previously unreleased' tracks also appear here. This series is a wonderful introduction to the music of a by-gone era, and each album includes detailed notes on each track (artist, writers, date recorded, how released, etc.). I heartily recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this type of music.

Help from reviwers,please!!!.......2006-05-11

I am 56 yrs old,and I think I am gonna die before finding out who
plays the song "the Twist" just like the style as "Ernie Freeman" on ORGAN and other songs on the LP in 1950/60s
(Patricia,Save the last dance for me, Hokey pokey, Hava Nagila,
etc..). Maybe E.Freeman himself played,I am not sure. Please help to find it.
Thanks and regards in advance

Ah one and-uh two and-uh..........2006-03-03

Remember when you'd sit in front of the t.v. at your grandparent's place on Saturday night and Lawrence Welk would come on? You know... just after Hee-Haw? Like around 6 pm or so. Man those were the days! That's what this c.d. reminds me of. This is the soundtrack to life in the 70's at my grandparents house when they weren't listening to gospel music or watching Oral Roberts on Sunday morning. What can I say... I had a surrealistic childhood.

Two things come to mind:
1) listening to this may bring back nostalgic memories or at least give one an appreciation of organ dominated hip-swingin' tunes of the 50's-60's.
2) this may be useful as an interrogation tool for law enforcement officers, military intelligence personnel or the like. Caution should be exercised when using said c.d. for interrogative purposes as repetitive use may result in permanent brain dis-function for both the confessor and the interrogator. God be with you my friend, God be with you.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding. A classic.
Pay not attention to the crab behind the curtain
This is incredible. Arrogant but incredible
not a rave
Pieces in a peaceful style.

Pieces in a Modern Style
Samuel Barber , Ludwig van Beethoven , John Cage , Ferry Corsten , Henryk Gorecki , George Frideric Handel , Pietro Mascagni , Maurice Ravel , Erik Satie , Andre (aka ATB) Tanneberger , Antonio Vivaldi , and William Orbit
Manufacturer: Maverick
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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The Best of Strange Cargos
Strange Cargo 1, 2 & 3
Strange Cargo
Strange Cargo III
Remasterpiece

ASIN: B000046S1W
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

Adagio For Strings
In A Landscape
Ogive Number 1
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
L'Inverno
Triple Concerto
Largo From Xerxes
Piece In Old Style I
Piece In Old Style III
Opus 132

Tracks:

Adagio For Strings: Ferry Corsten Remix
Adagio For Strings: ATB Remix

Amazon.com

William Orbit's Pieces in a Modern Style is an ambient album that rejigs 11 works by classical composers in a particularly tacky fashion. Even though Orbit has proved his mettle as an innovative and exciting producer for others--Blur's 13 and Madonna's Ray of Light--this is an ungainly meeting of the sublime and the absurd that, frankly, doesn't work. Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings," Ludwig van Beethoven's "Triple Concerto," Henryk Gorecki's "Piece in the Old Style I," and Antonio Vivaldi's "L'Inverno" are four that unfortunately meet their maker in a crude pileup of flat, belching synths and wallpaper flourishes. If he had combined live instrumentation with a playful reverence for the arcane glories of the past, perhaps he could have managed to make reality out of that most elusive of notions: experimental music that actually sells. However, Orbit fails to do anything more than resemble a second-rate Vangelis. --Maxine Kabuubi

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding. A classic........2007-06-06

I have been working in electronic music for almost 20 years years. I have a massive library of music for almost any reason, mood and itch. Tonight, I am taking the five minutes to stop and write how unique, amazing and consistently refreshing this album is everytime I go back to it since the day it was released.

Highly Melodic, very electronic and overall lacking the percussive elements most have come to know when listening to Orbit.

Much more sophisticated than the average listener might appreciate.Consider it a staple for anyone serious about electronic music.

I believe anyone rating this poorly is looking for a pop appeal that you just won't find here, thankfully.

Pay not attention to the crab behind the curtain.......2006-06-22

I don't know who Maxine Kubabi is. She's certainly untitled to her opinion. An "ungainly meeting of the sublime and the absurd?" What a sublimely empty and inadequate statement.

You have to know something about a genre before you can be an effective critic inside it. You should be able to specify why you don't like something in some detail, rather than resort to crabby nebulousities ... that's greasy kid stuff.

What Orbit has done is to realize some old, familiar works in an electronic medium, using smooth and musical strokes. He's taken many big chances. Some of them worked out well, others not as well as one might hope. But he deserves kudos for taking a risk and for making some of it work.

Why would anyone who *likes* electronic music complain that it doesn't have live instrumentation? That's like complaining that jazz has no rock and roll in it. "Reverence"? "Second rate Vangelis"? so: you were disappointed that Orbit didn't create more of the kind of schmaltz you personally like. Yanni, anyone?

For those who actually like electronic music, and like Beethoven's Opus 132, please, give that track a listen. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

This is incredible. Arrogant but incredible.......2006-05-26

I have been a fan William Orbit since Water from a vine leaf and I have to admit while this ins't exactly a electronica per se it is still amazing to see what he has done with our classics. The listening experience depends solely on the listener. More ambient than anything else I have heard though.

Recommended for William orbit and curious georges

not a rave.......2006-02-04

If you're looking for something to pop in late at night to dance to...this is not the album. This album is eery and some of it is painful. It's not full of upbeat electronics like originally thought it would be. But, I love it. It's great to listen to while just thinking...relaxing...reading...it's beautiful.

Pieces in a peaceful style........2005-11-28

Being a fan of ambient and electronica for some time, I decided to give this a try. I can understand how some may simply hear this as a cheesy reworking of the classics, just a man and his keyboard, but it's really much deeper than that if you just sit and listen. I suggest not comparing to the originals as much as enjoying what these pieces are themselves. A few tracks do lag, and there are quiet spots, but as a whole I find "Pieces In A Modern Style" to be almost hypnotic, and as I said in my review title, rather peaceful. The tracks I prefer the most are "Adiago For Strings", "Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo", "L'Inverno", and the music-box sounding "Triple Concerto". However the others are fine as well. I say, if you think you might like this, you probably will. It's well worth the used price if nothing else.

Average customer rating:

Head Boppin Fun
A Classic Album Beyond Description
This should be a classic
The Blues Suite
Straightforward, Hard-Swinging Jazz

Blues in Orbit
Duke Ellington
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | 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
Similar Items:

Piano in the Foreground
Masterpieces by Ellington
Ellington Uptown
Piano in the Background
Such Sweet Thunder

ASIN: B0002J58O2
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

Three J's Blues
Smada
Pie Eye's Blues
Sweet & Pungent
C Jam Blues
In A Mellow Tone
Blues In Blueprint
The Swingers Get The Blues, Too
The Swinger's Jump
Blues In Orbit
Villes Ville Is The Place, Man
Track 360
Sentimental Lady
Brown Penny
Pie Eye's Blues (Alternate Take)
Sweet & Pungent (Alternate Take)
The Swinger's Jump (Alternate Take)
Blues In Orbit (Alternate Take)
Track 360 (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com

The atmospheric, floating quality (see title) of the production and the mysterious, airy, and sparse arrangements make this album an overlooked gem in the Ellington catalog. Two of the tracks were cut in 1958 utilizing the full 15-piece orchestra: the slow-moving blues of the title track, where the leader's eerie piano fills answer the statements of the full band, and "Track 360," a dramatic aural representation of a train wreck. The remainder of the CD (minus one other track) was recorded with slightly smaller configurations at two midnight sessions in December of the following year. Ray Nance (the only trumpet because of band restructuring) and especially Johnny Hodges offer the most rewarding solo contributions of the date, many of which stand alongside their best ever. Hodges's magnificently fragile and seductive alto graces "Brown Penny" and handles both delicate and driving passages with aplomb on Billy Strayhorn's "Smada" (with the composer in the piano chair) while Nance belts out the bridge. The band also revisits earlier classics from the Ellington songbook: Nance shows his violin prowess on "C Jam Blues" before growling through "In a Mellotone"; "Sentimental Lady" is in Hodges's capable caress. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Head Boppin Fun.......2005-08-27

Well the Jimmy Hamilton intro is worth the price of the Cd but if you are a layman with little experience with Duke this is a great Cd to get as your first you will tap and shake and smile into the wee hours of the morning.

A Classic Album Beyond Description.......2005-04-16

The only reason this 1959 album doesn't come up in conversations about Duke's best albums is simply because Duke's catalogue is so enormous and literally every thing he did is classic or near classic. In other words if Duke had recorded only a dozen lp's in his lifetime- this lp would be praised to the high heaven's- and in a lot of circles today it is highly praised as one of his best. I've been listening to this cd in my Buick Park Avenue all week long and can't get enough of "C Jam Blues " and "Three J's Blues " and " In A Mellow Tone ". The original liner notes are intriguing as well and sets a great visual for really enjoying this classic album. The liner notes state that these are after midnight sessions recorded over two nights starting on December 2, 1959 in New York at Columbia Record's studio on East 30th St. and Dukes late nite dinner has arrived at 2am- a sizzling steak, a pot of coffee with lemons in it,portions of american cheese, and grapefruits. If you're just getting into jazz- I highly recommend this album as a great way to initiate your collection. My favorite track on this lp is "C Jam Blues"- I just can't get enough of Ray Nance's violin work on this track- it literally blows me away every time I listen to it. Jazz and Blues lovers everywhere- listen to me- get this lp in your collection pronto. I actually own the original vinyl album of this cd on Columbia -of course it does not include the great bonus tracks found on this cd. As for me- who knows when this cd will be taken out of my cd player in my Buick Park Avenue- maybe never. Duke, If you're listening up there in heaven - you truly were the 20th centuries Beethoven.

This should be a classic.......2005-03-10

What an excellent session by the Duke. I don't know why this isn't considered one of the classic Duke Ellington records. I picked it up because it was on sale and was blown away. All of the songs are excellent, "Pie Eye Blues" and "Sentimental Lady" are my favorites. But pick any track at random, they're all great.

This is a pretty loose session, true, but by no means is it sloppy. If anything, the looseness makes these great tunes even more engaging. The Duke's playing is, of course, superb, but there are also excellent solo turns from Ray Nance and Johnny Hodges.

This is a re-release on which the bonus tracks are really a bonus. I'm not really interested in alternate takes - I'm not a musician or an archivist, just a music fan. But there are three tracks that were not on the original album and they're great. These are not throwaways, they're as good as the 11 originals.

Finally, I'm amazed at how far remastering has come. The sound is incredible. Put this on when someone's over and they'll never guess this was recorded in the 50's.

The Blues Suite.......2004-08-31

If you think playing the blues is easy, well you need to listen harder. The 12 bar blues may seem easy and repetitive and straightforward, any kid after a 2 hour class may be able to play some blues, but it takes a life to learn to play it with feeling, with meaning. Duke and his men are able to find that in this album. If this material seems simple at first look, how come there are no Ellingtons on Hodges around anymore? Why there are no albums like 'Blues in Orbit' anymore? Because this is not kid stuff, this is not easy stuff, this is not simple stuff. Putting down this album as 'not adventurous' just because it has the word 'blues' in the title is not knowing what the blues is about, and how complex is to the play the blues right. This album is one of the best in Ellington career, and most certainly a indispensable purchase.

Straightforward, Hard-Swinging Jazz.......2004-07-30

There's nothing particularly adventurous about this album, which finds Ellington and a somewhat stripped-down version of his orchestra playing straightforward arrangements of what is for the most part rather simple material -- including tunes that were already established classics of the jazz canon ("In a Mellotone," "C-Jam Blues"), as well as lesser-known and more recent compositions. However, the musicians are all in excellent form, playing with great precision in the ensemble passages while nonetheless swinging very hard on the uptempo numbers and managing to invest each piece with a feeling of relaxed spontaneity -- a quality that is often less conspicuous in Ellington's more ambitious works from this period. The individual soloists, particularly the great Johnny Hodges, also turn in some riveting improvisations, and the emphasis on blues and pieces that are informed by a blues sensibility imparts a nice sense of stylistic unity. The result is an album that, while perhaps not quite on par with Ellington's greatest recordings from the early 1940's, and certainly not as formally complex as some of his later works, is extremely rewarding on its own terms.

Average customer rating:

Gene & Sonny on Verve: Round 2
The Price of Progress
An album of its time
Sublimely Soulful

Boss Tenors in Orbit (Dlx) (Dig)
Gene Ammons , and Sonny Stitt
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

God Bless Jug and Sonny
We'll Be Together Again
Boss Tenors: Straight Ahead from Chicago 1961
Groovin' with Jug
Quadromania

ASIN: B00006466T
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Long Ago And Far Away
Walkin'
Why Was I Born?
John Brown's Body
Bye-Bye, Blackbird

Customer Reviews:

Gene & Sonny on Verve: Round 2.......2006-09-14

This is the second of two albums Gene and Sonny made for Verve in 1961-62, and it's a beauty. One of the best tracks on the CD is LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY, a slow ballad, with wonderfully lush solos by both tenormen. Organist Don Patterson lays down a soft, deep carpet for the men to play on as well. Sonny plays alto on WHY WAS I BORN, taken medium tempo that features a long extended ending as both men seem determined to have the last word. BYE BYE BLACKBIRD has excellent exchanges between Gene and Sonny near the end. Guitarist Paul Weeden has a decent enough solo on WALKIN', but sounds a bit clunky and obtrusive on JOHN BROWN'S BODY. This CD is not quite on the same extraordinary level as the earlier Verve BOSS TENORS, but anything with Gene and Sonny playing together on it will never disappoint.

The Price of Progress.......2004-07-14

As a result of remaining vigilant on Ebay, I've recently been able to restore the original monophonic vinyl LP to my collection. Now I know why this session has always been one of my 6-7 desert island discs. I'm sure the engineers who remastered this date were proud of their work: the two horns sound like they're rooms, practically worlds, apart; Billy James' drum kit sounds as "clean" as a Boss Dr. Jazz digital rhythm machine; Donald Patterson's bass lines are so definitive they sound like a separate instrument from his B3. The B3 itself has the immaculate sound of a new instrument (just what every true B3-lover despises). The ensemble ambience is so dry and unforgiving that the horns occasionally seem to be out of tune with each other and the rhythm section.

In short, it's a wonder that even the inspired musicmaking of this extraordinary pair somehow rises above the technology. Take it from me, the humble mono LP is far closer to the way this ensemble sounded when I heard them play in the early '60's at McKie's Show Lounge on Chicago's south side. There was no space (literally) between the musicians or between the musicians and the listeners (on more than one occasion I simply reached across the bar to supply Sonny with his drink--didn't even have to get off the stool). Only on the vinyl do you begin to feel included in the sound mix, much as in the club itself.

Granted, the CD reissue isn't as indispensable as the original, but it's still exemplary Ammons-Stitt-Patterson, and most musicians I know have ears that can "translate" even bad audio reproduction into sublime musical content (which helps explain the high regard for much early recorded material by Bird, Billie, Satchmo, and even Tatum).

For the record, Sonny plays tenor and not alto on "Walkin'", the blues line made famous by Miles. He's so fluid and comfortable in the upper register of the instrument that it's easy to be fooled. And whether you call it "John Brown's Body" or "Battle Hymn," there are many players and listeners alike who will find these public domain chord changes, like those of the blues, felicitous ones to blow on.

An album of its time.......2002-10-23

An album where Sonny Stitt comes at you from the left channel and Gene Ammons from the right.Confusingly on "Walkin'" Stitt also plays alto as well, and on "Why was I born" he plays only Alto.So not completely Boss Tenors throughout!. However the blowing is joyous across nearly the whole album, and the pair were clearly at the height of their powers. The reason for only four stars really has to do with the material, which seems very much of its time.Recorded during the Civil war centennial "John Brown's body" is the nadir,with both players attempting to move away from the 'hard to improvise on' theme by throwing reducing clusters of notes at each other. This is really a shame, but at 7.22 it takes up a substantial part of the playing time on the CD.The other four tracks are really good, however.Favourites are the version of Jimmy Mundy's "Walkin'" and an excellent take of Kern& Hammersteins "Why was I born". The rhythm section is excellent throughout, though Don Patterson is rather more restrained than I would have liked (perhaps in defference to the hard blowing that's going on in front of him)and Paul Weeden on guitar and Billy James on drums propelling the whole session along really well. The remastering is excellent, and it would have been a five star review if it weren't for THAT version of John Brown's body!

Sublimely Soulful.......2002-10-22

If your thing is "tough tenors" (though Sonny switches to alto on "Walkin" and "Why Was I Born?") accompanied by masterfully-played Hammond B3 (without any gratuitous bass player), this album will represent an unequaled event. It's also the best recording by 4 of the most soulful, empathetic musicians who ever played together--Jug and Sonny, organist Donald Patterson, and Sonny's favorite drummer, Billy James.

The abum has been reissued several times under different titles and formats. The original LP opened with "Bye Bye Blackbird," featuring Donald Patterson's fresh, original chord changes (outclassing players like Jack Macduff and Jimmy Smith). The playing of Sonny and Jug is as lyrical and inspired as it's earthy and funky. And it's so much more than another "cutting contest." These are two musicians for whom the whole point of human existence is playing music, all the better if you can play it together--and neither player ever sounded better.

"John Brown's Body" (a tune that's become a signature number for Monty Alexander) is literally exhumed and reanimated by Jug and Sonny. Like Horace Silver's "The Preacher" (based on "Show Me the Way to Go Home" changes) it's an infectious "public domain" tune that brings out the spirits of both saxophonists at their most communicative, from extended emotive choruses to a feisty exchange of 4's. Patterson's a delight whether or not he's soloing (and he does get some extended solo space), because of his logical bass lines, rich registrations, judicious use of the Leslies, and responsiveness to his two boss men. Billy James synchronizes the time clock of his trap cymbals to Patterson's walking left foot and gooses the principals at every opportunity.

And whether you love Gene Ammons or wonder why you should, simply listen to his building, passionate, inimitable sound on the opening track. All the man needs is a single note and he can simply knock you out--much like the sound of Judy Garland's voice.

In short, this album comes closer than any other to capturing these two tenor titans at the top of their game. It's the way I remember them from their very best nights at the long-gone Chicago southside jazz club, McKee's Show Club (at 63rd and Cottage Grove). The remastering, though state of the art, does in effect produce some "digital drying-out" of those "dirty" Hammond frequencies and overtones (if you have a good LP version, save it). All the same, I'd swap 5 Joey D's and even Jimmy's "The Sermon" for this session.

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Terry & Monk In Orbit!!

Terry & Monk In Orbit!!!

Two veterans shoot the breeze

In Orbit
Clark Terry w , and Thelonious Monk
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000000YGX
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

In Orbit
One Foot In The Gutter
Trust In Me
Let's Cool One
Pea-Eye
Argentia
Moonlight Fiesta
buck's Business
Very Near Blue
Flugelin' The Blues

Customer Reviews:

Terry & Monk In Orbit!!.......2005-03-15

This is a underrated, somewhat, "rare" session date including the trumpeter from St. Louis, Clark Terry, jazz's most unique musician, Thelonious Monk, bassist Sam Jones, and the hippest hard bop drummer of the 50's, Philly Joe Jones, whos lifetime ambition was to preform with Monk, does it for the first and final time on this album here.

From the fast and furious swinging sensation of the first part of "In Orbit" to the 3/4 part in the same song, to the cool blues of One Foot In The Gutter, you are swung down home by four of the most happenin' jazz musicians in town!

Two things here, that make this session a good one. Clark is on flugelhorn. Its low colorful tone is a compliment to the rest of the instruments. The trumpet/piano/bass/drums format ain't one of the most regular formats heard in jazz. It is nevertheless, a pleasing one; two melow instruments and a rhythm section.

This is a swinging album! It spins frequently on my turntable. Monk, Jones, Jones, and Terry are all in good form here. This is a fine blowing session. Any hard bop fan will dig it.

Terry & Monk In Orbit!!!.......2005-01-30

Two veterans shoot the breeze.......2003-11-01

This is one of the more interesting quartets ever assembled: Clark Terry playing the flugelhorn with Monk on piano (playing as a sideman no less), Sam Jones on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Playing mostly Terry compositions, the band works together wonderfully. Terry's rich tone and Monk's sharp, angular style would seem to be at odds with each other, but in fact the opposite is true. Their musical sensibilities are a good match; they are both always playing on the edge and not afraid to fall off. They are also both unafraid of being humorous, a rarity in musicians of any genre, particularly instrumentalists. The title track showcases Terry's dexterity and wonderful sense of melody. There is only one Monk composition, and that's "Let's Cool One."

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Jazz Orbit -- Bill Holman Orchestra
More West Coast Big Band by the Dean

In a Jazz Orbit
Bill Holman
Manufacturer: Vsop Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003BB8
Release Date: 1995-03-27

Tracks:

Kissin' Bug
The Man I Love
Goodbye
You Go To My Head
After You've Gone
Far Down Below
No Heat
Theme & Variations #2
Aura

Customer Reviews:

Jazz Orbit -- Bill Holman Orchestra.......2006-02-28

Brilliant compositions and arrangements by the best big band jazz composer/arranger in the history of the art form. And the band is made up of the finest L.A. studio musicians.

More West Coast Big Band by the Dean.......2000-09-25

Even though my preference when it comes to west coast jazz is for smaller formats - quintet, septet, octet etc. - this is a fine big band performance featuring all the usual suspects (Holman, Sheldon, Kamuca, Rosolino, Candoli, Porcino etc.) giving their all to some excellent arrangements by Holman. Nine charts, all nicely done up by Holman, showcasing the best of the west when it comes to solos, lead playing and tight section work. Recorded in 1958 this is another great recording to add to your collection. Recommended, especially if you like the work of contemporaries like Kenton, Shorty Rogers and other west coast experimental big bands. I only deducted a star because these charts just don't swing as hard as some other Holman offerings.

Average customer rating:

Blues in Orbit
Gil Evans Orchestra
Manufacturer: Tokuma
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000MM0D76
Release Date: 2007-04-09

Tracks:

Thoroughbred
Spaced
Love in the Open
Variation on the Misery
Blues in Orbit
Proclamation
General Assembly
So Long

Album Details

24bit Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

aural ambrosia baby !
A Delightful Discovery

In Orbit
Planet Jazz , Grant Stewart , and Joe Magnarelli
Manufacturer: Sharp Nine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000EULSE8
Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

Mommy, Mommy NO!
Buttermoose
The Cow is Now
The Lemur is a Dreamer
Dawn on the Desert
The Squirrel is a Girll
Sonora
Dual Highway

Customer Reviews:

aural ambrosia baby !.......2007-01-19

i am deliriously happy to share a planet w these guys and be in orbit w them whenever i can make it down to smalls jazz club in nyc--where these brilliant musicians hold sway every sunday ----the music on this disc is magical & mesmerizing ----its a sheer delight to come across this level of sterling musicianiship and composition --- played weekly still --thanks to the vision and genius of the founder of the greatest jazz haven on the planet---i`m talkin about mitch borden and smalls---the underground grotto and jazz bar --& most importantly the place where these young passionate practitioners of americas greatest music can and have for over a decade now played listened worked on worked out developed expanded & honed their skills----plied their trade---musicians living from hand to mouth most times---living to play --- and playing to live----the dedicated listeners who reap the benefits in hearing these artists regularly- over the years- owe the greatest debt to mitch of course--- and his vision and his continued relentless dedication to this wonderful thrilling poignant passionate music--- most of the musicians who play and have played here play all over the world now---spreading the gospel everywehere--- and in a world of phony hype---trash masquerading as art , fear paranoia , violence and all the rest----this is no mean feat ! its truth and beauty baby !!!!!!!! ever more cherished today than ever -----this sweet scene and its architect --mitch borden-----praise to the heavens ! listen and you shall hear it in this recording-----music truly to soothe the savage beast in all of us !

A Delightful Discovery.......2006-05-16

The cooperative band "Planet Jazz" may be known to those who follow the New York City hard-bop scene. But for most jazz listeners, this band and its music will be a delightful discovery. The band was first formed some years ago by drummer/composer Johnny Ellis, and with one exception has maintained the same personnel since 1991. The exception is Ellis himself who died at age 44 in 1999. Joe Strasser was called in to play the drum chair and the band has become active again in New York clubs under the musical direction of pianist Spike Wilner.

Given Sharp Nine's reputation and the personnel on the CD, one would expect "In Orbit" to be a solid hard-bop date. Certainly the music here falls somewhat into the hard-bop category, but it also draws heavily from bop, small-group swing and Ellington. Five of the eight tunes on the CD are by Ellis. Don't let his off-the-wall titles fool you (there's a story behind each one). Ellis' compositions are melodic, memorable, generally optimistic in nature, and always quite intricate. They swing hard but perhaps flow a bit more smoothly than the typical hard-bop composition. Ellis was clearly a very gifted musician and his tunes include burners, ballads, waltzes, and medium tempo swingers. He had a great ear for contrasts and dynamics within a given tune. Ellis' arrangements make the band sound larger than it actually is and he occasionally incorporates patterns from the big band tradition. All of this comes together on the CD's tour de force, "The Lemur is a Dreamer", which begins as a ballad, shifts into swing time, becomes a burner featuring a hard-swinging tenor solo by Grant Stewart, then ends with the ballad section once more. It's an outstanding jazz performance.

The CD's program is rounded out by Charlie Shavers' Caravan-like "Dawn on the Desert"; Hampton's Hawes' waltz "Sonora" which has a gripping introduction arranged by Wilner; and the closing Ellington/Hodges blues,"Dual Highway", which swings down the middle of the road with excellent solos by the band members. Overall, the program is exceptionally strong, well-balanced, and consistently interesting.

Planet Jazz is a very tight band which handles the tricky arrangement without missing a step. The soloists are very good indeed, and guitarist Peter Bernstein is consistently outstanding in his solos and as part of the band's rhythmic foundation. Grant Stewart plays strong solos on tenor with his attractive tone and even brings Paul Gonsalves to mind on "Dual Highway". Joe Magnarelli leads the ensemble on trumpet or fluegelhorn, and solos in a warm, flowing style. Wilner is an agile pianist whose fleet solos radiate a sense of joy and discovery. Bassist Neal Miner and drummer Strasser underpin the band's music with swinging and tasteful rhythmic drive.

Planet Jazz's "In Orbit" is an uplifting, warmly recorded, and highly recommended CD. This superb addition to the Sharp Nine catalogue will appeal to a wide spectrum of jazz listeners.

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