Yesterdays

1. I Want to Be Happy

2. Bess, You Is My Woman Now

3. Far Away Places

4. Yesterdays

5. Story of a Starry Night

6. Magic Moments

7. Didn't We

8. Now Is the Hour

9. On the Trail

10. My Man

11. Body and Soul

12. Danny Boy

13. Love

14. Springtime Pipers

15. Slumber Song

Yesterdays,Glenn Miller,Ranwood Records,Big Band,Big Bands,Jazz,Jazz Music,Leader,Pop,Sweet Bands,Swing

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

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

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

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highly Recommended

Average customer rating: Mood music quite good, really Its NICE!!! An Enjoyable Recording Not Your Father's Jazz

Angles Without Edges Yesterdays New Quintet Manufacturer: Stones Throw ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sound Directions: Funky Side of Life Shades of Blue Presents Monk Hughes & Outer Realm Stevie Beat Konducta, Vols. 1-2 ASIN: B00005O7TY Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. Julani
3. Papa
4. Keeper Of My Soul
5. The One Who Knows
6. The Birth Of YNQ
7. Paladium
8. Life's Angels
9. Thinking Of You
10. Uno Esta
11. Rugged Tranquility
12. Daylight
13. Hot Water
14. Mestizo Eyes
15. Sun Goddess
16. Kuhn's Theme
17. Little Girl (Dakota's Song)
18. Broken Dreams
19. Last Day

Customer Reviews:

Mood music.......2006-12-23

Madlib has to be one of the most creative individuals releasing music today. This album combines the spontaneity of jazz jam session with deep hip hop grooves. Perfect for a mellow afternoon or any other time to get lost in your thoughts. Very rewarding.

quite good, really.......2006-02-19

but i would just like to point out (because i've not yet read a review where this was mentioned) that the song Paladium is a nifty little reworking of Palladium by Weather Report. you can even hear Jaco's funky @ss bassline (apparently sampled then somehat buried). that's all.

Its NICE!!!.......2005-11-03

It is every bit worth of 4 stars. When I first heard this album, I thought it would be a rap project of some sorts; but it wasn't. It was an instrumental album. The first couple of listens, I didn't care for it and didn't play it. Some 3 months later, put it in the deck and listened to it while cleaning house, and loved every bit of it. Favorite stand out track "Little Girl". I gave the cd more props when I heard "Mestizo Eyes" on Adult Swim.

All and all, its a nice album.



P.S. I hear Stevie is better.

An Enjoyable Recording.......2005-08-04

I've listened to this recording several times now and I've concluded that it has a very mysterious appeal. It's not quite jazz, although it certainly utilizes some jazz harmonies and improvisatory freedom but Angles Without Edges walks the line between jazz and hip hop. As a matter of fact, this album would sit quite uncomfortably on the record shelves if it were surrounded by recordings by the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane or Wayne Shorter. One man band and producer, Madlib, really comes up with some excellent grooves and uses them to good effect and gets a wide range of interesting sounds out of his synthesizers. Unfortunately, as is done in a lot of hip hop, these grooves are basically driven into the ground by being looped over and over, without variation. Worse, Madlib is not a skilled keyboardist, resulting in some questionable solos. All in all, this album is an interesting experiment and does make for some compelling listening but it doesn't bear comparison to any of the recordings released by jazz's great inventors and pioneers.

Not Your Father's Jazz.......2005-06-29

I first heard 4 of these songs as soundtracks to "Bumps" during Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" line up. There would be a random shot of somewhere in Tokyo and these songs would play. The last "bump" listed the artists. I finally found the songs that I was looking for on this album.

This is going to be one of those CD's that you always want with you. "Papa", "the One Who Know", and "Paladium" are infectious. You can't keep your head from nodding and feet from tapping. This album is fused with so many element. Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop. This is a keeper.

Average customer rating: kiri kern Kiri sing Kern is a great experience Lacks Splendor White Glove Kern mildly disappointing

Kiri Sings Kern: Dame Kiri TeKanawa Dame Kiri TeKanawa , Jerome Kern , Jonathan Tunick , and London Sinfonietta Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kiri Sings Gershwin Kiri Sings Porter; Dame Kiri TeKanawa Kiri Sings Berlin Kiri Te Kanawa - Greatest Hits ~ 14 Favorites of Opera, Popular & Traditional Song Christmas with Kiri ASIN: B000002SK3 Release Date: 1993-03-16

Tracks:

1. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: The Folks Who Live on the Hill
2. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: I'm Old Fashioned
3. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: The Way You Look Tonight
4. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: The Song Is You
5. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
6. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: All Through The Day
7. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: The Last Time I Saw Paris
8. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: A Fine Romance
9. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: Yesterdays
10. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: All The Things You Are
11. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: Bill
12. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: Long Ago And Far Away
13. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: Look For The Silver Lining
14. The Songs Of Jerome Kern: Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man

Amazon.com

As Hammerstein writes in the opening song, "Many dames with lofty aims strive for lofty goals"--and Te Kanawa strives for successful crossover. Her beautiful singing exhibits impeccable diction and excellent phrasing; but "A Fine Romance" lacks anger and humor, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" lacks a storyteller, and "All the Things You Are" lacks romanticism. However, happy songs like "All Through the Day," "Look for the Silver Lining," and "The Folks Who Live on the Hill," are successfully interpreted. Jonathan Tunick's orchestrations enhance Kern's beauty through his captivating use of obbligato instruments. A pleasant, if not wholly satisfactory, listening experience. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

kiri kern.......2007-03-29

Kiri is sensational on this CD. Jerome Kern music is stupendous and the arrangements superb. Three top esses.

Kiri sing Kern is a great experience.......2004-01-18

I love the way she sings Kern's songs. Though certainly not opera, Kern's songs benefit from an an operatic approach--not all of them, but certainly ones such Smoke gets in your Eyes, The song is you, All the things you are. I love Kern;s songs sung in many styles but Kiri's way is one of the best.

On the other hand, I did not like Kiri singing Berlin.

Lacks Splendor.......2002-09-01

Though I do enjoy Kiri's interpretation of most music, and this CD was decent, I did not find any piece particularly memorable.

The voice is undeniably beautiful, and Kiri has managed to keep her maturing voice sounding somewhat young, yet I find that I much prefer her rendition of "The Laughing Song" to that of "Smoke Gets in YOur Eyes."

If you love Kern, and couldn't care less who performs it, than purchase this CD. If you are a fan of Kiris', then perhaps it would be best to avoid this purchase...for it is not a shining star in her vast collection of CDs. All in all, it was a disappointment.

White Glove Kern.......2001-05-20

I am the first to admit that most "crossover" albums, be they of classical performers singing pop or vice versa never quite cross over. This album does splendidly. Kern's music is the most related to classical operetta , and therefore the least jazziest. Operatic soprano Kiri Te Kanawa gives luscious, heartfelt readings of these wonderful songs, backed by glamorous orchestrations. Hearing a voice of such opulence and beauty in this music is a rare treat. Just listen to "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" ,"Long Ago and Far Away" or "The Song is You" and prepare to be swept away to another, more elegant time.

mildly disappointing.......2000-09-30

Sometimes cross-over works, sometimes not. While Kiri te Kanawa has a beautiful voice, she never gets into the idiom of these Jerome Kern masterpieces sufficiently to convey their stories or their subtleties. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes especially stands out, she sings it with none of the pathos the song demands and her version pales compared to the Platters. The orchestral arrangements are decent and in many of the songs the purity of her voice is enough to carry them, but overall I would say this is a disappointing example of a crossover record. Ms. te Kanawa should stick to what she does best.

Average customer rating:

Life Upon the Wicked Stage Carole Cook , Jerome Kern , Grant Geissman , David Stout [trombone] , Dan Fornero , John Fumo , Brock Peters , James Anderson , Jane Lanier , Lauren Kennedy , Linda Michele , Marissa Jaret Winokur , Melissa Errico , Reece Holland , Robert Morse , Rod McKuen , Roger Rees , Ronnie Franklin , and Steve Orich Manufacturer: Lml Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocalists | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tap Your Troubles Away - The Words and Music of Jerry Herman (Historic All-Star Tribute) Kurt Weill: The Centennial ABC (Adler, Bock, Coleman) Over The Rainbow: The Music Of Harold Arlen (1995 Benefit Concert Cast) Dream: The Lyrics and Music of Johnny Mercer ASIN: B0000658H9 Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

1. The Song Is You - Jamie Anderson
2. How'd You like To Spoon With Me? - Jane Lanier
3. The Land Where The Good Songs Go - Pamela Myers
4. All The Things You Are - Alan Campbell
5. The Folks Who Live On The Hill - Lee Lessack
6. She Didn't Say Yes - Marissa Jaret Winokur
7. Pick Yourself Up - Street Sounds
8. You Couldn't Be Cuter - Marsha Kramer
9. Shimmy With Me - Lea Thompson
10. They All Look Alike - Bruce Vilanch
11. There It Is Again - David Holladay
12. Remind Me - Ron Rifkin
13. In Love In Vain - Melissa Errico
14. Make Believe - Linda Michele
15. Ol' Man River - Brock Peters
16. You Are Love - Dale Kristien
17. I Won't Dance - Bonnie Franklin

Tracks:

1. The Last Time I Saw Paris - Charles Busch
2. Long Ago (And Far Away) - Pam Dawber
3. They Didn't Believe Me - Pat Marshall
4. Look For The Silver Lining - Rod McKuen
5. A Fine Romance - Jane Carr
6. Sure Thing - Sally Kellerman
7. Don't Ever Leave Me/Why Was I Born - Joely Fisher
8. I'm Old Fashioned - Robert Morse
9. Yesterdays - Joan Ryan
10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Dorian Harewood
11. In The Heart Of The Dark - Dale Kristien
12. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Valarie Pettiford
13. The Way You Look Tonight - Hugh Panaro
14. Life On The Wicked Stage - Carole Cook
15. I've Told Every Little Star - Carole Cook
16. Till The Clouds Roll By - The Company

Average customer rating:

Music of Jerome Kern Manufacturer: Centaur ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Audubon String Quartet | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Songbook: The Song Is You ASIN: B000BLI4YM Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. All the Things You Are (From Very Warm for May)
2. I Won't Dance (From Roberta)
3. Dearly Beloved (From You Were Never Lovelier)
4. I'm Old Fashioned (From You Were Never Lovelier)
5. Can't Help Lovin' That Man (From Showboat)
6. Look for the Silver Lining (From Sally)
7. Yesterdays (From Roberta)
8. How'd You Like to Spoon with Me (From the Earl and the Girl)
9. Song Is You (From Music in the Air)
10. Long Ago and Far Away (From Cover Girl)
11. Folks Who Live on the Hill (From High, Wide and Handsome)
12. Pick Yourself Up (From Swingtime)
13. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (From Roberta)
14. Showboat (From Showboat)
15. Lovely to Look At (From Roberta)

Average customer rating: does it again Madlib at his most creative Way out and daring, if technically suspect Madlib Brings More of the Fusion, More of the Funk We Gettin' Down

Presents Monk Hughes & Outer Realm Yesterdays New Quintet Manufacturer: Stones Throw ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sound Directions: Funky Side of Life Angles Without Edges Stevie Shades of Blue Beat Konducta, Vols. 1-2 ASIN: B0002CX1IY Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. Prelude / Run With The Sun (Afterlife)
2. A Piece For Brother Weldon
3. Irvine's Vine (Spirit Man's Lament)
4. Time
5. Welldone
6. Liberated
7. Keys
8. Still Young, Giften & Broke
9. Nodlew's Sea
10. Day Of Spirit Man
11. Master Wel's Tune
12. The Beginning, The Middle & The End

Customer Reviews:

does it again.......2007-02-01

This has to be one of my favorite YNQ albums. although there are only four this one stands out to me. it had a special feel to it. for me at least. Weldon Irvine did a fantastic job inspiring Madlib. which is the theme of this album. its a tribute to weldon irvine but the songs arent covers but songs that were inspired by weldons work.

Madlib at his most creative.......2006-12-06

It's understandable that many people don't quite get this one. It's like Angles Without Edges, but much more experimental. This is probably my favorite of Madlib's jazz recordings because it's the most complex. Much more bass driven than his other ones, it shows Madlib's versatility to play a number of instruments and create a very unique sound. I've never really heard anything quite like this recording...

Way out and daring, if technically suspect.......2004-12-06

This is another of mostly-hip-hop producer Madlib's alter ego as band, basically his Yesterday's New Quintet "group", but with one of the cats in the leader. It's really just Madlib playing everything and it works...even when it has no right to.
He goes for a trippy, Weldon-ish, Art Ensemble of Chicago-Meets-Herbie Hancock "Sextant thing here, and despite his utter inability to play a really good keyboard solo, makes a really, really great record. It's got groove for days, and is filled with his trademark daring.

Madlib Brings More of the Fusion, More of the Funk.......2004-09-15

I've listened to Madlib's work for awhile now. I was a huge fan of "Quasimoto," then I bought the first Yesterday's New Quintet album, "Angles Without Edges." It was a tough listen, but I grew to like it a lot. As a person who was always into jazz, I thought Madlib's way of blending jazz fusion, free jazz, and hip hop with basically limited keyboard skills was creative and new. I was disappointed with Stevie, because the keyboard on the album is relatively pedestrian and not much creative is done with the actual Stevie Wonder songs. It was no surprise to me to find out that Madlib had recorded it ages ago.

This new "Monk Hughes and the Outer Realm Presents" album really shows how long ago "Stevie" was recorded. The pieces are complex, the keyboard work much more intricate, more synthesizers, more chaotic beats. This to me not only blows away "Stevie", but "Angles Without Edges" too. Madlib has gone further into the roots of jazz fusion, bringing out pieces reminiscent of Herbie Hancock's "Sextant" and Miles Davis' "Live Evil" and "Live at the Filmore West" work all at once. The beats on it resemble IDM style Autechre beats at times too.

Some say this album's a hard listen. That I'll grant them, but there's so much of a richer sound to it than previous Yesterday's New Quintet work that it's more than worth it and I actually find it an easier listen than "Angles Without Edges." It's creative, it's complicated, and it's challenging, all the things a good musician like Madlib, who's moving further out of his composer shell every day, should try to do.

We Gettin' Down.......2004-07-30

The "Monk Hughes and the Outer Realm: A Tribute to Brother Weldon" is yet another brilliant project from the ever-prolific Madlib.

Madlib has the Yesterday's New Quintet, a jazz "group," but really it's just him multitracking. This is another title in that vein, only it's attributed to "Monk Hughes" the "bass player" for Yesterday's New Quintet. So, get how twisted that is, Madlib has a "solo" record from one of his aliases.

It's a series of instrumental jazz tunes (many highly improvisational) that loosely recall Weldon Irvine. He was a bandleader/writer/arranger who is widely sampled (most notably by Tribe Called Quest on the song "Award Tour"). Irvine was a keyboard player (pianist/organist by training, electric keyboard madness on record) and sort of a mentor to a lot of these rap guys who fancy themselves instrumental musicians. Before he was "rediscovered" by rappers and rap fans, his most noted accomplishment was probably co-writing the song "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black" (which was recorded by a number of prominent R&B folks including Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin--who made it an album title as well). Irvine's body of work is stylistically varied, mostly instrumental, and tends toward the soul/jazz side. Lots of polyrhythms, expansive keyboard playing, but tight and listenable compositions. Best way I can describe it: Stuff Tribe would sample.

While this album bears a ballpark resemblance to both "Stevie" (the Yesterday's New Quintet album of Stevie Wonder covers) and what I have heard by Weldon Irvine, it is a more challenging listen than either. One reason: Its subject--Irvine--was a much less commercial entity than Wonder. Anything that invokes Irvine's name is NOT going to have big, fat "Superstition"-type hooks in it. Another reason: Madlib is not the trained composer and performer that Irvine was. This is not said to discredit Madlib--whose instrumental skill is improving measurably on each subsequent release--but Weldon Irvine had more training, tons of band experience, first-hand exposure to groundbreaking musicians, and (most importantly) about 20 extra years of practice. I have no doubt that, in terms of forward-thinking musical expansion, Madlib will soon be included in that upper realm--not just for his instrumental jazz records, but for his widely varied and consistently inspired body of work.

"Inspired" does not necessarily mean "immediately enjoyable" and therein lies the challenge. I give Madlib generous credit for composing all the tunes on this record (12 of them), but, unlike "Stevie" or even "Madvillain," this record is harder to grasp. "Stevie" was probably the first Madlib production that I didn't need to listen to several times before enjoying. Here, without the melodic foundation of Wonder's songs, Madlib's original compositions wander a little bit. There is also a noticeable melacholy streak that runs through this record (no doubt generated by the fact that Irvine committed suicide in 2002). Major props to Madlib for using this moody, free-jazz approach and almost completely inverting his "typical" tight, terse production style. This record is certainly not tight, nor is it terse. These are lengthy, expansive, improvisational tracks with lots of vintage keyboard. There are no Stevie Wonder hooks or MF DOOM witticisms to comfort you.

But the payoff--as with every Madlib work that I've heard--is immense. Buried in these vamp-y jams are miniscule nuggets of jazz/soul/funk brilliance. In essence, Madlib has created tracks that could be sampled. You may have to wait for 4 or 5 minutes for the magical moment (maybe one bar) of interplay. You may have to sit through Madlib playing the same 3-note segment on the ARP synth 10 or 11 times in a row, but then a squiggly bass part slides in and the drum adds a fill and there's a washy fender rhodes progression and you're like, "Hey! What the hell was that???!!!!" Suddenly, you're bringing that 2-second segment back. Before long, you're listening to the entire song over and over (like I'm doing right now with "Day of Spirit Man").

It's clear that Madlib has integrated one Weldon arrangement technique--to have at least one instrument repeating the hook or at least maintaining the rhythm while the improvisation happens. One example is the rhodes phrase and conga rhythm that ground "Day of Spirit Man." Another instance where this technique works especially well is on "A Piece For Brother Weldon," where (without the repeated foundation) the improvisation would almost certainly derail the track.

With his soul/jazz foundation and occasionally amazing bits of instrumental interplay, Madlib invokes the funky spirit of Weldon Irvine quite admirably. And he does so alone, which is astonishing when you hear the record's "band" sound. I can only imagine what a monumental recording undertaking this must have been, especially when you consider that almost every instrumental part morphs within each track. The result is definitely a turntable kind of album, where the hassle of getting up and moving the needle prevents you from skipping over less-desirable passages. And that's a good thing, especially in this music world of singles-driven rap "albums." Madlib keeps it righteous, intelligent, and concept-driven. That's why there's nobody like him.

Average customer rating: One good track only LOOKING AROUND at YESTERDAYS... Blew Me Away i LOVE THE MUSIC ON HERE... Outstanding - a must have

Yesterdays Yes Manufacturer: East/West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tales from Topographic Oceans Close to the Edge Relayer The Yes Album Going for the One ASIN: B000002J22 Release Date: 1994-09-20

Tracks:

1. America
2. Looking Around
3. Time And A Word
4. Sweet Dreams
5. Then
6. Survival
7. Astral Traveller
8. Dear Father

Customer Reviews:

One good track only.......2007-02-24

I am a huge Yes fan, but this cd is just not essential. There is one great track, America, which I already have on my Yes Fragile remastered and expanded, so I just don't need this cd. I like also "Time and a word" but again, a better live version is available on other cd from the band. The two first Yes CD were not as good as their following ones, and this cd is a compilation of those two first release, so it's not a surprise that this is a not cd to recommand.

LOOKING AROUND at YESTERDAYS..........2005-03-13

This was Yes' very first compilation album, released in between RELAYER and GOING FOR THE ONE while Yes were on tour. But rather that a best of, it's a collection of material from mostly the first two albums, which were somewhat ignored in America and were released before Yes started to make it big with their third album, THE YES ALBUM. I suppose the reason for releasing this album was to tie up a few loose ends tracks like 'America' with some forgotten early material to round everything up for fans.

To appreciate this album better, you could try to imagine this was 1975 and this album new and then compare it to the current album(RELAYER) and judge for yourself how it holds up to the current line-up(Anderson/Squire/Howe/White/Patrick Moraz). This music is mostly early Yessongs. On most of it, you won't hear Howe's country licks, Wakeman's spacey synths or Trevor Rabin's squealy AOR rock stylings. You will hear Bill Bruford's jazzy drumming, Peter Banks' eclectic, almost Pete Townshendish guitar and Tony Kaye's swirling and gritty R&B-laced hammond organ. It holds up well to what came later, just Yes in a different mode. There are a few features that make the 1969-70 material different to what happened next, one being no synthesizers yet. The music is organ-driven. The other is shorter tracks. The average length of an early Yessong is 2-6 minutes. They hadn't gotten to epics yet. With that in mind, the same multi-sectioned instrumentation apply, as well as the classic Yes vocal harmonies. It holds up well. The trax:

AMERICA - worth the price of the disc alone, and the only one here to feature the FRAGILE/CLOSE TO THE EDGE line-up. Though a Paul Simon cover, Yes makes this track their own, spicing it up with intricate instrumental sections, stretching it out to ten minutes, making it sound like it belonged on either of those aforementioned albums. The hero here is Steve Howe, whose countryish guitar playing is tasteful.

LOOKING AROUND - a funky, soulful shorter track which has Tony Kaye's hammond organ commanding the procedings.

TIME & A WORD - an early classic in the mould of 'Your Move' the following year, this is the only track that Yes retained from the early years for the live shows. A nice early anthem track.

SWEET DREAMS - a somewhat Beatlesish track and one of my favorites from this era. Peter Banks gets shafted however, with his guitar mixed kinda too low. One of early Yes' best though.

THEN - a number more epic in nature, and featuring some orchestral backing. I always thought 'Then' sounded somewhat exotic.

SURVIVAL - from the first album. While 'Then' merely hints at more progressive future directions, 'Survival' actually runs with the ball. This is closest to the Yes as you would know not too much later. In fact, I could draw parallels to a later track from 90125, 'Changes', in that it starts with some tricky instrumental work, goes into a proper 'song' and ends as it began. Really, kind of an early 'Changes'. And Peter Banks' acoustic guitar bit is pretty, though too short.

ASTRAL TRAVELER - driven by a chunky guitar riff, and a dirty, gritty organ which sounds like its grinding up metal shavings. The middle section goes into classical bombast, just like the Classic Yes. Not so much different from their 1971-79 period.

DEAR FATHER - A B-side track included for completists. This was always my least favorite track, which sounds a bit dated unlike the other material here from the same era. Jon's vocals sound strained and the syrup-y string section doesn't do it justice. They should have included 'Something's Coming', another B-side which was superior.

This is a great disc for anyone interested in the first two albums but aren't sure. Buy this compilation first before getting the first two albums. That way, you'll have the excelent 'America'.

Blew Me Away.......2005-02-15

I am surprised there are so many negative reviews for this CD, but then again they appear to be written by dedicated fans of this group, whereas I am a newbie to the Yes sound.

Before hearing this CD, my knowledge of Yes included their hit song Owner Of A Lonely Heart, which in my opinion is a less than good song. So when I opened up the packaging to this to find that the first song, America, is a cover of the Simon and Garfunkel tune, I was a little prejudiced and put the CD on expecting a complete butchering of the song.

Very shortly thereafter, my jaw was on the floor. Not only was I listening to amazing musicianship, but the folk-sounding song I knew and loved by Paul Simon had been given new life--a much jazzier and funkier one.

The rest of the songs on here held up the same level of musicianship and I finished listening to the CD without one negative thought.

Perhaps as I hear more and more of this band (as I intend to) I will begin to understand where this recording may be lacking, but as an introduction to the music of Yes, I would have to say this CD is a very worthwhile compilation.

i LOVE THE MUSIC ON HERE..........2005-01-06

but the master tape on some of the old tracks is seriously out of phase. "Survival" is almost unlistenable. It sounds like it was run thru a phase shifter. I've never heard anyone else mention even though it's so glaring. The first two YES albums sound fine it's just this compilation. The original LP sounded like this and also the first CD transfer. And now the remaster. Why didn't they just go back to the original masters for the first two albums and add them back to the compilation? "America" sounds fine though...

Outstanding - a must have.......2004-06-26

I rank this compilation LP as one of the three best releases of Yes. Although it is a compilation of previous material, you can treat it as an independent release. The music on here is phenomenal. To me, this music is equal to The Yes Album and Close to the Edge. Its a bit different, but very refreshing. I prefer this compilation to the original LPs from which they came. Why? Because the weak material from those early two albums is removed on this compilation. What you have here is the best of Yes from the days before The Yes Album. Its a classic.

Average customer rating: A Special Part of Jazz History

Yesterdays: Live in Europe Shelly Manne & His Men Manufacturer: Pablo ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: At the Manne-Hole, Vol. 1 Complete Recordings At the Blackhawk, Vol. 4 At the Blackhawk, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0000C504Q Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Cabu
2. Bag's Groove
3. Poinciana
4. Straight, No Chaser
5. Yesterdays

Customer Reviews:

A Special Part of Jazz History.......2004-03-15

I am touched by the memories and performances of this JAPH recording. Please don't hesitate to pick up a copy today!!!
Shelly Manne and his associates made a tremendous contribution to Jazz through their West Coast presence and recordings; but as the liner notes mention, Shelly's Manne Hole is now a UPS shipping Depo!! ( how times have changed )
Luckily, we are left with these wonderful treasures that have stood the test of time; no computer remix required...
If you are a West Coast fan be assured that the playing, sound, and presentation are excellent, for a few dollars it's worth reliving the music of yesterdays.

Average customer rating:

Soprano in Hollywood Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Best of lesley Garrett ASIN: B000004BR0 Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

1. With a Song in My Heart
2. When You're Away
3. Lover
4. Danny Boy
5. Love Is Where You Find It
6. One Night of Love
7. Gershwin in Hollywood Medley: Love Walked In/The Man I Love/Love ... [M
8. Beyond the Blue Horizon
9. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
10. Yesterdays
11. Jealousy
12. Long Ago (And Far Away)
13. One Kiss
14. So in Love
15. Smilin' Through

Average customer rating:

Yesterdays Ronald Muldrow Manufacturer: Enja ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Facing Wes ASIN: B000005CA9 Release Date: 1994-04-05

Tracks:

1. Sham Time
2. Yesterdays
3. Swedish Schnapps
4. My One And Only Love
5. Besame Mucho
6. Love For Sale
7. Groovin High
8. Walking My Baby Back Home

Jazz Music:

1. 7.5 on the Richter Scale
2. A Day In The City
3. Above the Rim [Explicit Lyrics] [Soundtrack]
4. Amazing Grace
5. At the Crescendo, Vols. 1 & 2 [Live]
6. At the Movies
7. Attitude Adjustment
8. Bennie Green
9. Best of Contemporary Jazz, Vol. 2
10. Big Band Themes

Jazz Music

jazz music