Wayfaring Stranger

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This is an intriguing collection of mostly folk and folk- influenced material in concert form. The splendid opera singer and recitalist Mentzer and the great guitarist Sharon Isbin have arranged their program for maximum variety, even including several guitar solos as interludes. Although Mentzer says she has long wanted to record the five American folksongs that open the program, she sounds a little uncomfortable in them, too large-scale and operatic in delivery. But the remainder of the disc is excellent, including three wonderful Schubert Lieder and the delightful French folksongs arranged by the almost-forgotten composer Mátyás Seiber. The performers and recording engineers collaborate to ensure that the guitar is always properly audible. And what a great way for fans of each artist to meet the other! --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Holy Manna
Abbeville
Wondrous Love
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Jewett
Dunlap's Creek
New Britain
The Morning Trumpet
Resignation
Poland
Wayfaring Stranger
Sweet By And By
Blooming Vale
Idumea (I)/Idumea (II)
Sweet Prospect
Shall We Gather At The River
Amanda
Invitation
Parting Hand
Angel Band

Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
A few bright spots, but also some disappointments
This CD Deserves SIX Stars!
every good adjective
Fabulous!

Peace Like a River
James Lucas , Janice Kapp Perry , John Rutter , Jean Sibelius , John Tavener , American Traditional , English Traditional , Spiritual Traditional , Mack Wilberg , Craig D. Jessop , Clay Christiansen , John Longhurst , Richard L. Elliott , Daron Bradford , and Meredith Campbell
Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Consider the Lilies
Love Is Spoken Here
America's Choir
Mormon Tabernacle Choir: The Sound of Glory-Battle Hymn of the Republic
Choose Something Like a Star

ASIN: B00020H9W0
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

Sweet Peace
Be Still, My Soul
Peace Like a River
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Lord Is My Shepherd
This Is My Father's World
Wayfarin' Stranger
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Deep River
Lamb
Child's Prayer
It Is Well With My Soul
Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep
Gaelic Blessing
Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends
Come, Let Us Anew

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-06-14

This CD is a must have for any Mormon Tabernacle Choir fans. The music is very reverent and gentle, and should also appeal to those not from the LDS church, seeing as how most of the music is common to the wider Christian community. This CD is a fantastic addition to any music collection.

A few bright spots, but also some disappointments.......2007-01-19

It Is Well With My Soul is one of my favorite-favorites and that is the main reason why I bought the CD; it turned out to be a huge let down on this album, they rearranged it so much that I almost didn't recognize it. Be Still My Soul is another reason why I bought it and it's good, but not great. Swing Low Sweet Chariot is where it starts to get good. The last two songs "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends"
and "Come, Let Us Anew" are very good reasons to buy this CD, they each have truely powerful passages and make the CD worth having. The Mormon Tabernacle Choirs 2006 release entitled Then Sings My Soul is by far the best that I've heard from them.

This CD Deserves SIX Stars!.......2005-11-05

However, the rating scale has a limit of five. I own over 700 CDs of virtually every type of music. Peace Like A River belongs in a class by itself! I've never written a review before but, after listening to this STUNNING performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I feel compelled to share my praise with that of the five other reviewers. If I were limited to one word, I would use the word "SUPERB" to describe this beautiful and moving CD. SIX stars for Peace Like a River! BRAVO!!!

every good adjective .......2005-08-06

This album is all beauty and solace. The singing is pristine, the arrangements lush and often stirring--never saccharine. As with the previous reviewer, my first listing of "Peace Like a River" brought me to tears (especially "Peace Like a River," the sopranos in "Swing Low," and the bagpipes in "Thou Gracious God"). Buy this one.

Fabulous!.......2005-05-29

The perfect recording to help you recover from a long, hard day. Showcasing the MTC's "new" sound in contemporary choral arrangements with its own orchestra and conductor, "Peace Like a River" brought tears to my eyes in selection after selection during my first listen -- and I'm not normally an emotional person! The title song together with "Deep River," "Swing Low" and "Be Still My Soul" are alone worth the cost of the recording. Get this one!

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
Incredible..Worth 30 stars
Superb singing matched with superb arrangements
Beautiful music
Beautiful Music, Yet There Is No There Here

Blue Wheat
Stephen Foster , John , American Traditional , Spiritual Traditional , and Dale Warland Singers
Manufacturer: American Choral
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Harvest Home
Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers
Cathedral Classics
December Stillness
Christmas Echoes, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000003M4T
Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

Oh, Shenandoah (Traditional)
He's Goin' Away (Traditional)
Skip To My Lou (Traditional)
Steal Away (Spiritual)
Wayfarin' Stranger (Traditional)
Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me? (Traditional)
Pretty Saro (Traditional)
Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier
Black Is The Color (Traditional)
Red River Valley 9 (Traditional)
Nelly Bly (Stephen Foster)
My Lord, What A Mornin' (Spiritual)
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (Stephen Foster)
Hard Times Come Again No More (Stephen Foster)
Single Girl (Traditional)
Deep River (Spiritual)
Buffalo Gals (Cool White [John Hodges])
The Water is Wide (Traditional)
Black Sheep (African-American lullaby)

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-06-06

Robert De Cormier's remarkable arrangement and Marie Spar Dymit's and Lynette Johnson's pure vocals of "Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier" are well worth the price of the entire CD.

Incredible..Worth 30 stars.......2007-05-16

The Dale Warland Singers are my benchmark by which I judge all other choirs. The uniformity of sound, blend, and precise entrances, uniformity are incredible - almost inhuman. Excluding the all male Chanticleer from the roster, this was the finest choir in America. Now that they have broken up, buy all of their CD's you won't be disappointed!

Superb singing matched with superb arrangements.......2004-07-03

A project like this one inevitably highlights the skill of arrangers, and Dale Warland has selected some of the most talented anywhere. Most of these selections will be familiar to listeners, but I doubt most people have heard, for example, "Red River Valley" in Carol Barnett's haunting version here, and ditto for her magnificent "Deep River."

The disc opens with a spectacular, panoramic "Shenandoah" that takes maximum advantage of the Dale Warland Singers' refined sound, and things only get better (if that's possible). Other favorites are a cheery, fizzing "Nelly Bly" and Mark Keller's strong reworking of Stephen Foster's "Hard Times Come Again No More."

Throughout the recording, the freshness of the arrangements is matched by the irresistible singing. This group is known for its outstanding performances and recordings, but this must be counted as one of their all-time best. The sound quality is terrific, capturing the gorgeous blend and precision of the group in a natural-sounding acoustic. Just stunning.

Beautiful music.......2003-07-03

I bought this CD after hearing a few of the recordings on our local NPR radio station. I was not disappointed in any of the selections. Very beautiful.

Beautiful Music, Yet There Is No There Here.......2003-01-13

The Dale Warland Singers (DWS) are among the relatively few musical professionals, who by their aesthetic standards and demonstrated artistry, have taken the less traveled and narrow road to exemplary artistic excellence.

The sound quality and acoustics are excellently engineered in this 20-bit original recording. The most delicately blend and inflection of the singers' voice can be heard. This sheaf of choral works has once existed in real space and time in the kaleidoscopic folklife of past generations. In recording the "Blue Wheat", the 40-member DWS, the creme de la creme of professional choral ensembles, has elevated the common oral tradition of American folk music into a rarified choral art form a capella "in the style of the chapel."

If the soul of the DWS is a capella singing, then Warland and the arrangers are the wings of the same soul. Among the kapellmeisters whose arrangements have graced this folksong anthology are the late Norman Luboff and Roger Wagner. Also included in this album are contemporary arrangements by other esteemed composers: John Rutter (conductor of The Cambridge Singers), Carol Barnett (the DWS resident composer from 1992 to 2001), and Stephen Paulus.

Gertrude Stein is famous for saying of her childhood home, Oakland, California, "When you get there, there's no there there." Purportedly, Stein opined this city by the San Francisco Bay lacked a defining sense of place. Bel canto notwithstanding, the folk melodies of "Blue Wheat" invoke a longing for something no longer possible. The abyss between the America today and the its past is impossible to bridge. Already, we have yielded to the abstractness of political correctness. Our past is either neglected, actively destroyed, or selectively museumed. We do not live in an understood land and culture. There is no there here in the presence of this music. It is only the poignancy of the moment that these beautifully rendered tunes live in our mind. We have to accept this reality as part and parcel of our rootlessness.

Tracks:

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Credidi
Versa Est In Luctum
Jefferson - Chanticleer
David's Lamentation
Soar Away
Whispers
Voices Of Autumn
The Un-Covered Wagon
Fuggi, Fuggi, Dolor
Labbra Vermigile E Belle
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Camptown Races
Love Walked In
Willow Weep For Me
Calling My Children Home
Wayfarin' Stranger
I'm A Pilgrim

Amazon.com

This is Chanticleer's 25th recording and also marks its 25th anniversary season. The title refers to the group's wide-ranging repertoire; this disc includes Mexican baroque, traditional American songs in various styles and music commissioned by Chanticleer itself. A program that tries to please everybody is bound to disappoint somebody; however, no one could be disappointed by the singing. The sound of these 12 unaccompanied male voices has an unearthly, celestial beauty and purity; their blend is perfect. Though the singers rarely use vibrato, their intonation is impeccable both together and in solos. Their expressive range and stylistic versatility are incredible: they can project tenderness, pleading, and bitter protest and are equally at home in plainchant, Latin hymns, blues, spirituals, shouts and crooning. Among the highlights are the three opening hymns, settings of two poems of Torquato Tasso by William Hawley, commissioned by Chanticleer, which combine 16th- and 20th-century styles, and the two final folksongs, the last with a stride-style piano accompaniment, making a rousing, exuberant ending. The booklet, in three languages, is well laid-out and informative. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Amazing, ecclectic album.......2007-07-11

This CD is a great example of Chanticleer's phenomenal versatility, and it has something for everyone to appreciate. The Appalacian twang on the two Billings pieces is a bit much, but otherwise Chanticleer is in top form here and really shows what they are made of. As for the recording itself, something about the micing or acoustics in the recording process causes the countertenors to be just a tad too strong on a few tracks, but it's not a major problem.

To me, the most extraordinary tracks are: The Un-Covered Wagon with it's surreal effects and incredible array of vocal techniques, Willow Weep For Me, Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair (Michael Lichtenauer's solo floats so effortlessly in a mixed vocal register, I have never heard anything like it!), and Whispers.

Warning: This CD Is Addictive.......2006-12-10

I purchased this CD after hearing this magnificent choral group sing "Calling My Children Home" in a recent concert. Written by Doyle Lawson (from the group "Quicksilver"), Charlie Waller and Robert Yates, the song is a standard bluegrass number I had known for years (Emmy Lou Harris for one has recorded it); but I had no idea it had found its way to San Francisco. Chanticleer has made this song their own. I cannot imagine anyone else's version coming close to theirs.

The group sings 17 other songs on this CD, most of them arranged by Joseph Jennings, Chanticleer's music director. Their version of William Billings' "David's Lamentation," a Sacred Harp work, will blow you away. Another favorite of mine is "Wayfaring' Stranger." There are also two Stephen Foster songs included, "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Camptown Races" as well as Gershwin and other American composers.

There seems to be no kind of music that this group cannot sing better than most other groups. They remind us that there is no musical instrument more beautiful than the human voice.

This CD should be one for the time capsule.

Well worth buying.......2005-08-16

Chanticleer fans know what to expect in terms of vocal quality, and won't be disappointed. I agree with another reviewer that the Appalachian accent is a little over the top, but I thought the shape-note style was perfect: brilliant sound, but not that nasal.

I enjoyed the many styles of music in this CD, but since I tend to listen to CDs straight through as albums, I found it a little disconcerting to go so suddenly from one style to the next (e.g., Mexican Baroque to shape note).

That being said, everything is splendidly, sensitively performed. The renditions of "Whispers" and "The Un-Covered Wagon" are breathtaking. By all means, buy and enjoy this!

Good variety of American Choral Music.......2005-01-03

This album features a wonderful selection of "American" choral music. I'm not a big fan of the "stylized" singing of the shape-note pieces (with the nasal voices), but that is my only complaint. My favorite piece is Steven Stucky's "Whispers" which is an artfully crafted homage to Orlando Gibbons' "Drop, Drop, Slow Tears" and William Byrd's "Ave Verum Corpus." Joseph Jennings and Chanticleer effectively demonstrate that there is no "defining" American choral music and it is this rich panoply of variety which is so enchanting!

Absolutely wonderful!!.......2003-10-25

This album shows Chanticleer's great talent and it displays they're wonderful voices. I've seen them perform pieces from this album and they do it with such passion. It's wonderful. If you don't get this or any of their albums you truly are missing out!!

Average customer rating:

Fabulous!
Great!
Wow! Magnificient Talent!!!
Children with a gift

Volume 1
Von Trapp Children
Manufacturer: Rattlesby Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Von Trapp Children, Vol. 2
Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers
At Home with the Trapp Family Singers
The Original Trapp Family Singers
The World of the Trapp Family

ASIN: B00007MB2E
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Wayfaring Stranger
Father`s Eyes
Cuckoo
Dona Nobis
O Wie Wohl
All the Pretty Little Horses
Ching-a-ring-chaw
Edelweiss
Lonely Goatherd
Come Thou Fount
Scarborough Fair
Children`s Prayer
Amazing Grace
Danny Boy
Blue Cheese
Good News About the Chariot
Homeward bound

Album Description

Meet the von Trapp children: Melanie, Sofia, Justin and Amanda. They are the descendants of the famous singing family whose story captivated the world in "The Sound of Music." As the great grand children of Captain von Trapp they have inherited the family`s unique musical gift. Their beautifully blended voices bring a fresh, pure sound to a diverse variety of music in this debut recording.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous!.......2004-12-28

The von Trapp Children are terrific singers! Their voices blend together just great. I can't wait to get the other two cds they have out!

Great!.......2004-11-27

These children are really fantastic! I loved every second of them singing. There voices are so clear and they blend together so perfectly. They are such a joy to hear and have added on to their family legacy! Buy this CD, you won't be sorry!

Wow! Magnificient Talent!!!.......2003-02-01

I am currently listening to this remarkable CD with that blissful madrigal talent passed down to these children.

My cat came and sat next to the speakers, which he has never done before, when the lovely voices sang so eloqenntly
and wonderously high.

I am so thankful this is available through Amazon!!!

Val Lee of Meridian, Idaho

Children with a gift.......2002-03-07

The Von Trapp Children Vol I is a great listening experience. Every time I hear it, I am swept away to a world of beauty and innocence. It conjures memories from the past and dreams of the future. I highly recommend this to any listener!

Average customer rating:

Better than the old 78's
A Mighty Troubadour
Oldie but goodie
Authentic folk music -- excellent
At Last!!!

The Wayfaring Stranger
Burl Ives
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Return of the Wayfaring Stranger
Lavender Blue: Songs of Charm, Humour & Sincerity
Burl Ives Sings Little White Duck (And Other Children's Favorites)
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Burl Ives
A Twinkle in Your Eye

ASIN: B0000507YT
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Leather-Winged Bat
Cotton-Eyed Joe
Sweet Betsy From Pike
On Top Of Old Smoky
I Know Where I'm Going
I Know My Love
Cowboy's Lament
Wee Cooper O'Fife
Riddle Song
Tam Pierce (Old Engliser)
Peter Gray
Darlin' Cory
John Hardy
Colorado Trail
Roving Gambler
Bonnie Wee Lassie
The Divil And The Farmer
On Springfield Mountain
Little Mohee
Troubador Song
Robin, He Married
Lavender Cowboy
Green Broom
High Barbaree
I've Got No Use For Women
Old Paint
Baby Did You Hear
Pueblo Gal
Pretty Polly

Customer Reviews:

Better than the old 78's.......2006-11-09

Many of the old favorites that I listened to growing up on the old 78's, but now there is no clicking, hissing, and all the other noises that came from the worn old records, just the clean clear voice of Burl Ives. If you love these old songs, this is a great disk to have.

A Mighty Troubadour.......2005-10-20

If ever there was a perfect distillation of the art of folk ballad singing, this is it. There's no pretense here, no big point to prove. Just the clear folksy voice of Burl Ives and an unobtrusive guitar. The intimacy of the setting allows you to savor the material for itself, even as Ives makes the material his own. Regardless of its age or origin, or of the subsequent commandeering of many of these ballads by popular folk groups, each song in here becomes a Burl Ives Song, just as much as "One for my Baby" or "September of my Years" became irrevocably a Frank Sinatra Song. (It may be no coincidence that both Ives and Sinatra also gained recognition as actors - there is a definite feeling of an actor's commitment and identity in these songs - you almost feel that you are hearing them as they happen.) And although the songs are short, you never get the feeling of being hurried through them. It's a shame that relatively little of Ives's folk output has made it to CD, being passed over in favor of his children's material or countless "Little Bitty Tear" commercial compilations.

Oldie but goodie.......2005-09-14

An alblum from the past that is as good today as it was then. If your old record player is gone with the past, you can start over with CD's and if you are a Burl Ives fan this should be your first purchase.

Authentic folk music -- excellent.......2005-09-09

This CD along with "Return of the Wayfaring Stranger" are truly gems of Americana. It is a such pleasure to listen to these songs which Ives performs in the way that they must have been sung originally.

At Last!!!.......2002-12-09

My parents had this album and "The Return of the Wayfaring Stranger" when I was growing up. We used to listen to them when we went to bed. I loved it and we wore the records out. I have been searching for Cd's of this for years and really hoped that they would be released so that I could share these with my children. They are part of this country's history through song and deal with life as it was and is.

This is a nice acoustic album. Just Burl and his guitar on most songs. There are some additional songs added to this Cd that were not on the original album. They don't quite fit in with the original style, but they are still good.

Return of the Wayfaring Stranger
Average customer rating:

Burl Ives is Burl Ives

Burl Ives' definitive album

Really Great Album!!

The perfect companion to "The Wayfaring Stranger"

FINALLY,MORE CLASSIC BURL IVES ON COMPACT DISC!

Return of the Wayfaring Stranger
Burl Ives
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music
Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Pop | Styles | Music
General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Traditional Folk | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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The Wayfaring Stranger

Lavender Blue: Songs of Charm, Humour & Sincerity

Poor Wayfaring Stranger

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Burl Ives

A Little Bitty Tear

ASIN: B000050804
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

John Henry
Billy The Kid
Fare Thee Well, O Honey
Mah Lindy Lou
Mule Train
The Worried Man Blues
Greer County Bachelor
Lilly Munroe
Old Blue
Ballanderie
Lord Randall
Riders In The Sky (Cowboy Legend)
Wayfaring Stranger
Woolie Boogie Bee
I've Got A Fever In My Bones
River Of Smoke
The Doughnut Song
(O-Lee-O) The Bachelor's Life
Lady From Laramie
Jolie Jacqueline
Pig Pig (So I Can Get Home Tonight)
Last Night The Nightingale Woke Me
What Shall I Do With The Baby-O

Customer Reviews:

Burl Ives is Burl Ives.......2005-10-19

As Burl Ives is always great and this CD is another good one.

Burl Ives' definitive album.......2003-11-30

If you own only one Burl Ives album, then make it this one. Unfortunately, current marketers rehash many of Ives' worst songs, the ones geared towards small children, basically novelty songs. This is an adult album with some of the most common-sense and beautiful singing you will ever hear. The first 14 cuts were recorded in 1960 with just Burl, his guitar and a few special effects. The songs are American standards and Burl's interpretation is marvelous throughout. His penetrating tenor will send shivers down your spine with his renditions of Fare Thee Well Honey and Lindy Lou. But the most outstanding tracks are undoubtedly the rousing Mule Train and John Henry.

Ives is a master at singing these songs and this is a honest, stripped-down, unadorned masterpiece. They don't make music like this anymore, and as far as this genre goes, this is as good as it gets.

Really Great Album!!.......2002-12-09

My parents had this album and "The Wayfaring Stranger" when I was growing up. We used to listen to them when we went to bed. I loved it and we wore the records out. I have been searching for Cd's of this for years and really hoped that they would be released so that I could share these with my children. They are part of this country's history through song and deal with life as it was and is.

The perfect companion to "The Wayfaring Stranger".......2001-07-31

This 23 track CD contains not only the original 14 tracks on the vinyl version, but 9 bonus tracks, including "The Donut Song" in its original mono form as it is rechanneled on the "Little White Duck" CD. The entire album is a classic and does contain his hit cover of "Ghost Riders In The Sky" and his interpretations of "Billy The Kid," "John Henry," "Worried Man Blues" and other folk classics. A lot of the bonus tracks are not on any other CD in print and they are as good as the original album which this CD features the original artwork and reproduces the original liner notes from the vinyl contrary to another review of this product. This is a must have as an album that holds out on its own and/or as a companion to Collectables's "Wayfaring Stranger" reissue as the original album is sung in the same style as the first "Wayfaring Stranger" volume and the bonus tracks are just as nice.

FINALLY,MORE CLASSIC BURL IVES ON COMPACT DISC!.......2000-11-28

Until Recently You had to be a vinyl record collector to enjoy Burl Ives'classic folk,country and pop recordings.Finally some good quality products are being released and this one is one of the best.The first 14 tracks,previously released in 1960, are wonderful folk selections of the same style as the original Wayfaring Stranger recordings of the 1940's.There are however two guitar parts on these.They're all excellent.Tracks 15-22,released in 1950 and track 23,released in 1955 are very entertaining pop recordings with an orchestra and chorus.The arrangements are exciting and upbeat.Again,they're all excellent.There are no liner notes of any kind other than the original release dates.The sound quality of these old recordings are quite good,sounding as if they could have been remastered from tape.Usually when an Ives CD comes out,someone finds fault comparing it to the original release on vinyl.Well if you want to start a record collecting hobby go ahead,but you wont find anything as good or better than this.

Average customer rating:

Age breeds a shining moment
Nice but dismissable.
Disappointing by Quartet West standards
If you breathe and have ears, buy this record!
A Night and a Lonely Town

The Art of the Song

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Haunted Heart
Now Is the Hour
Always Say Goodbye
Nocturne
American Dreams

ASIN: B00000JNMR
Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

Lonely Town
Why Did I Choose You
Moment Musical Opus 16 No.3 In B Minor
In Love In Vain
Ruth's Waltz
Scenes From A Silver Screen
I'm Gonna Laugh you Right Out Of My Life
You My Love
Prelude En La Mineur
The Folks Who Live On The Hill
Easy On The Heart
Theme For Charlie
Wayfaring Stranger

Amazon.com

Bassist Charlie Haden was an integral part of Ornette Coleman's pioneering avant-garde groups in the '50s and '60s and led his own equally forward-thinking Liberation Music Orchestra. His ensemble Quartet West, with tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts, drummer Larance Marable, and pianist Alan Broadbent, revealed a sentimental side of his musical personality that surprised many. This recording, with string arrangements by Broadbent, sounds like a soundtrack to a Raymond Chandler film as Haden's sturdy bass tones make him a worthy supporting actor. But although Shirley Horn's ethereal voice sparkles on "Lonely Town," "In Love in Vain," and "I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life," and crooner Bill Henderson's towering pipes are radiant on "Why Did I Choose You," "Ruth's Waltz," "You My Love," and "Easy on the Heart," all of the material is in pretty much the same ballad tempo, which, compounded by the time length of the CD, robs it of the romantic resonance it could truly shine on the listener. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Age breeds a shining moment.......2003-11-20

The criticisms miss the point. This is an effort that does a rare thing - it brings together men and women who can put the experience of life to judicious use in their art. Unlike listening to the deterioration other performers have faced, in later years, at the hands of studio production teams that no longer know what to do with them, Charlie Haden has found a way to create a beautiful volume of space in which to let the years of these venerated performers shine through. It is in this space you shall hear the notes of lives lived and savored.

Nice but dismissable........2001-08-09

Haden's pleasant miscellany of neglected but deserving ballads is indeed a mixed bag, but somehow his focus, purpose, and method elude this listener. Neophyte writers are frequently enjoined to compose with a sharp, definitive, unified "thesis." Haden could have used a bit of coaching along these lines before producing this collection. Even drawing upon a common composer (as opposed to ranging from Kern to Rachmaninoff to public domain) might have provided the needed coherence to the project.

In any case, it's always a welcome experience to hear Shirley Horn; the revival of a touching ballad like "In Love in Vain" merits our appreciation; and though I was never a big fan of Bill Henderson (an acquired taste), he deserves to be recorded based on the evidence of this recording.

In sum, this album is more than anything else a "sampler" and should have been priced accordingly.

Disappointing by Quartet West standards.......2001-05-09

The outstanding Quartet West album is 'Always Say Goodbye'. On that CD, Broadbent demonstrates his skills at orchestral arrangement, and Haden deftly selects great oldies to intermingle with some of his own superb compositions. Haden also takes some historic performances -- such as Jo Stafford on vocals -- to bring a resonance to the new covers. The experiment was very successful.

You can see the logic behind this subsequent album: instead of using dusty old recordings, why don't we use today's state-of-the-art production to capture the voices of several current artists? And why don't we let Alan orchestrate the whole album?

The trouble is that the orchestration, beautiful though it is throughout, constrains the band terribly. And the vocals swamp the album. (Actually the Jo Stafford track on 'Always Say Goodbye' is one of the weakest on the album.) They say that the saxophone is the instrument closest to the human voice, and it is Ernie Watts who suffers most on this album, The sax is simply crowded out by all the singing. It is only on the stand-out track, 'Prelude en la mineur', an instrumental re-working of a Ravel piece, that Watts finally gets a chance to let rip.

Shirley Horn's vocals are fine, particularly on 'Lonely Town'. But I simply cannot listen to any of the tracks containing Bill Henderson's voice, and sadly, there are four of them.

The most touching song is the last one, where Haden himself bravely takes the vocal lead. It's a song his mother used to sing on the radio, back in the early 1940s, when the entire Haden family would appear on KWTO Springfield. It is a farewell to the dead, and also a reassurance that one day they will meet again.

If you want a quick survey of this CD, check out tracks #1, #9 and #13. It's a long way from the days of Haden's playing with Ornette Coleman and the Liberation Orchestra, and it's very mellow.

If you breathe and have ears, buy this record!.......2001-04-15

I first heard of Charlie Haden on Dublin's best radio music show - The Mystery Train presented by John Kelly on RTE Radio 1. I bought this CD and it has never been off my current play list. This is beautiful music that touches the heart. Listen to Wayfaring Stranger, Lonely Town, I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life, or Ruth's Walz after a tough day at the office or jammed in traffic and you will be back in touch with the good things in life. As someone who has evolved though Thin Lizzy, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Queen, U2, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, BB King, Grant Green etc, Charlie Haden is proof of my graduation. After since buying other and even better Haden CD's, I am looking forward to seeing him in concert with Quartet West here in Dublin on April 29. BUY IT NOW!

A Night and a Lonely Town.......2000-05-24

Despite its problems, I think this album still deserves a five-star rating. Seemingly inspired by the music of moody classic cinema, a listener might well envision a seedy nightclub in a fog-swept black & white San Francisco of the 1940s or a tearful Ingrid Bergman about to board a twin-propellor leaving Rick and Casablanca behind her forever.

Regardless of which side of the Atlantic you envision on your moody musical journey, this is definitely a lounging type of music, perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons, after-theatre drives around town on warm summer evenings, warm candle-lit baths, or romantic dinners for two. The beautifully romantic ballads range from the longing "Lonely Town" to the mostly-resolute "I'm Going to Laugh You Right Out of My Life" to the quietly complacent "The Folks Who Live on the Hill." Interspersed with these great standards, however, are wonderful instrumental pieces which frame the remaining vocals with stunningly dramatic moods.

The only flaw is the rather unappealing voice of Bill Henderson, who seems to be suffering from a weak set of lungs, if not from lack of enthusiasm. Henderson seems to strive for the vocal capabilities of Shirley Horn, who sings on 1, 4, 7 and 10, but is incapable of achieving those same dramatic pitches of his fellow artist. Nevertheless, he does an adequate job on "Ruth's Waltz" and "Easy on the Heart" even if "Why Did I Choose You" is downright painful to listen to. Haden, who sings on 13, seems similarly incapable of reaching Horn's heights, but "Wayfaring Stranger," the traditional song he chose to render, is capable of carrying itself with the slow somber tone it evokes in the listener.

Tracks:

I. Prepare The Way: Watchman Of Zion
I. Prepare The Way: Kingsbridge
I. Prepare The Way: Bozrah
I. Prepare The Way: Baptismal Anthem
II. A Virgin Unspotted: A Christmas Hymn
II. A Virgin Unspotted: A Virgin Most Pure - A Virgin Unspotted
II. A Virgin Unspotted: Boston
III. Lo, The Bridegroom: The Heavenly Courtier
III. Lo, The Bridegroom: Pretty Home
III. Lo, The Bridegroom: The Midnight Cry
IV. I Wonder As I Wander: Wayfaring Stranger
IV. I Wonder As I Wander: Slow Traveller
IV. I Wonder As I Wander: I Wonder As I Wander
IV. I Wonder As I Wander: Lullay, Thou Tiny Little Child
V. Shepherds Rejoice: Lovely Vine
V. Shepherds Rejoice: Adeste Fideles
V. Shepherds Rejoice: Still Water
V. Shepherds Rejoice: While Shepherds Watched (Folksong)
V. Shepherds Rejoice: Sherburne
V. Shepherds Rejoice: Shepherds Rejoice
VI. Light Of The World: Fulfilment
VI. Light Of The World: Fulfilment
VI. Light Of The World: Hush My Babe, Lie Still And Slumber
VI. Light Of The World: Jesus The Light Of The World
VI. Light Of The World: Joy To The World

Customer Reviews:

An antidote to Pop Christmas Music.......2007-01-11

I happened to hear this in an mp3 newsgroup and immediately bought it for my folks and several other people. It is an incredible performance and unlike anything usually heard around Christmas . I listen to Classical music all day while working and yet I've never heard this before . Everyone who received it loved it.

A refreshing change........2006-11-25

While some tracks may be a bit tedious, there are some real gems here - enough to make you wonder why they remain mostly forgotten. The performaces are spectacular.

Decent in moderation..........2003-12-26

A note to non-early music fanatics (as, contrary to the Mr. Cohen's notes, this CD mainly attracts early music fans):

This album is decent provided you don't listen to the entire CD in one sitting. It is a nice break from the run-of-the-mill Christmas music, whether it be of the "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" or "Jingle Bell Rock" variety. However, the arrangements become tedious after a while. There are only so many open-fifths one can hear... Most people will find themselves gritting their teeth 2/3 through the disc. The non-early music fanatic would do well to listen to several tracks at a time.

The classical enthusiast will not be pleased with Mr. Cohen's notes as he tends to disdain most "classical" music as pompous, "stuff shirt" nonsense. He seems to believe that the music on this disc is FAR better than that of, say, Handel's Messiah, simply because it is the music of lower/middle class (18/19th Century) America. He laments the Europe's influence on American music; after all, we should not be following the horrible examples set by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, etc. Good four part writing, where--gasp--the tenor parts are not constantly following the sopranos?? And--Beautiful, full, varied instrumentation?! Counterpoint?!?! Hpmh!...what unmitigated gall! What sheer snobbery!

...Please don't misunderstand me. I respect both Mr. Cohen's expertise (his sentiment is a different matter) and this music, and I do agree that the music presented on "American Christmas" is an enjoyable break from "Santa Claus is comin' to town. And, yes, SOME of this music deserves more credit than it is given nowadays (it sure beats anything sung or written by Britney Spears...) But lets be realistic: Handel's Messiah this is not.

So, with that said, buy this CD... and remember, extreme moderation is the key to enjoying this album; if this sort of music was played as often as that oh-so-awful "music of reindeer," as Mr. Cohen puts it, you (provided that "you" are not an early music fanatic or Mr. Cohen) would find yourself desperately longing for the return of "Santa Claus is comin' to town."

This CD contains some rare gems!.......2003-08-16

There are many delightfully refreshing tracks on this CD. While I'm not a fan of soloists, there are many tracks with a chorus. Many of these selections have a real Civil War-era sound to them. I especially like track 18: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, done in the form of a round. I've become addicted to track 24. This is a CD for all seasons.

Mining an American heritage.......2003-01-07

The Boston Camerata is the foremost group dedicated to early music performance in the country ... This recording is one of my favorites, and it always gets heavy rotation around the holidays. The tunes are all American, taken from 18th and 19th-century sources, and definitely remind modern audiences of the religious heart of Christmas. Some of the tunes are familiar ('Joy To The World'), and some have unfamiliar texts ('The Watchman' and the evocative words sung to 'Adeste Fidelis'). Many of the tracks feature the beautiful harmonies of the shape-note traditions. The performances are, of course, stunning. Don't miss the terrific liner notes by Joel Cohen, calling Americans to reclaim our musical heritage from the classical and ethno-musicologists.

Average customer rating:

Strangers indeed (3.5 stars)
Bravo
Bravo - Mentzer is warm, rich and musically pleasing
Moving musicality - the voice of Mentzer is soulful and rich
Nice idea, problems in execution

Wayfaring Stranger

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Wayfaring Stranger
Red Rosey Bush
Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair
The Nightingale
Go 'Way From My Window
Zapateado
Aranjuez, Ma Pensee
Spanish Dance No.5
Plaisir D'amour
Jeune Fillettes
Que Ne Suis-Je La Fougere!
L'amour S'envole
Maman, Dites-Moi
Capricho Arabe
Standchen
Heidenroslein
Nachtstuck
Reveillez-Vous
J'ai Descendu
Le Rossignol
Marguerite, Elle Est Malade

Amazon.com

This is an intriguing collection of mostly folk and folk- influenced material in concert form. The splendid opera singer and recitalist Mentzer and the great guitarist Sharon Isbin have arranged their program for maximum variety, even including several guitar solos as interludes. Although Mentzer says she has long wanted to record the five American folksongs that open the program, she sounds a little uncomfortable in them, too large-scale and operatic in delivery. But the remainder of the disc is excellent, including three wonderful Schubert Lieder and the delightful French folksongs arranged by the almost-forgotten composer Mátyás Seiber. The performers and recording engineers collaborate to ensure that the guitar is always properly audible. And what a great way for fans of each artist to meet the other! --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Strangers indeed (3.5 stars).......2007-02-21

Take away the 5 American Songs, I'll give this CD 4.5 stars. It makes me wonder why the artists would choose one of their weakest set to be the title of the CD. I find Ms. Mentzer meandering her way operatically through the 5 songs, ended up totally at lost. But what is amissed here, she made it up in the rest of the CD and I find her most comfortable in the Schubert's songs, she did especially a fine job in the popular Standchen. Aranjuez, Ma Pensee also got a nice premiere here. It is sorrowful and heart-wrenching and well worth the transcription from the Concerto. But the limelight of the performance belongs to Ms. Isbin. She is an excellent accompanist throughout and truely shines in the 3 solo performances. She takes more risks with Capricio Arabe and is well rewarded. The contrasts in color and her rubatos make (the ever-solid) David Russell's interpretation sounds prosaic! In summary, skip past the 5 American songs, the rest of the CD is very enjoyable. I only wish Ms. Mentzer and M. Isbin had choosen a couple more Schubert's songs and a few more guitar solo pieces.

Bravo.......2000-07-31

This CD presents two marvelous artists who each perform magnificiently in solo roles. I had sought this CD to hear Sharon Isbin. Susanne Mentzer's voice was unfamiliar. No longer.

The CD consists of many folksongs, American and French plus British works and Lieder. The sound quality is superb. The symetry and synergy produced by Isbin and Mentzer has to be heard to be truly appreciated. Sometimes the voice or instrument is in the background. While writing I am listening to Mentzer and Isbin's guitar mastery provides a beautiful blend. There is one problem that I find. The title is misleading. After listening to this CD, most listeners will feel like neighbors, not strangers. They may be wandering but there is some direction. "Wayfaring" to me implies less direction. The music is spontaneous and moving. It is also free flowing rather than having each performer stick exactly to the scores. Yet they are in tandem. So, as they wander, their steps are in synct.(sp). I bought my copy on an auction. Now, I will look for more Mentzer works while continuing my search for more Isbin. If Erato shows its savvy, there should be an encore CD.

Bravo.

Bravo - Mentzer is warm, rich and musically pleasing.......1999-03-25

The strength of Mentzer's full mezzo is moving and most enjoyable to the ear and heart. A truthful and beatifully trained artist whose voice allows the listener to do just that "listen". Worthy and rich, full of contrast and life, I find Mentzer's singing very moving. A fine compliment is Isbin's generousity with guitar. Buy this.

Moving musicality - the voice of Mentzer is soulful and rich.......1999-03-25

Ms. Mentzer is a mezzo with a full rich range, yet very sensitive and moving. Her voice tells us she has love in a complicated life...as all fine artists share. Ms. Isbin is a fine compliment to Mentzer's brilliant and heartfelt singing. A fine addition to any music collection.

Nice idea, problems in execution.......1999-01-27

If you are intrigued by the idea of classical artists performing folk music, this album may prove discouraging. The fault is not with Isbin, who seems comfortable in any musical genre. Mentzer, on the other hand, runs into trouble immediately; her delivery lacks the necessary understatement, and her vibrato goes whanging all over the place. It's pretty painful, though it improves when the performers get to the lieder tracks and Mentzer seems more at ease. Still, getting to the later tracks isn't easy.

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