Transformations

1. Symphony No. 5: Moderate-- David Maslanka

2. Symphony No. 5: Moderate-- David Maslanka

3. Symphony No. 5: Slow-- David Maslanka

4. Symphony No. 5: Very Fast-- David Maslanka

5. Mourning Dances -- Timothy Mahr

6. Symphony No. 4 -- David Maslanka

Tracks:

Particle People (with Blackalicious)
E-Pro (with Blackalicious)
Triple Threat
Ghetto Queen
Fiyo On The Bayou
W (with Joe Satriani and Dj Logic)
Ed + Molly

Tracks:

Eye Of The Storm
Below Radar
L.A. Woman (with Robbie Krieger)
Losing It
Sun Mar 11
Thanks
Lucky Man

Album Description

Since 2000, Particle has emerged as one of the hottest up-and-coming acts on the jam-band circuit, playing their techno-flavored instrumental jams at sold-out shows across the country, and selling 30,000 copies of their debut CD, Launchpad (Or Music).

In late 2005, their guitar player left, and while auditioning new ones, they realized that they couldn't decide between the two finalists, each of whom would take them in a different, new direction. After much soul searching, they chose both, and instantly expanded their range to include not only a more-organic rock sound, but also vocals, a first for them.

This 2-CD set, Transformations Live: For the People, includes not only highlights from the new line-up's first-ever show, but also key performances from their next show, recorded on Fat Tuesday at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall.

Customer Reviews:

Lots of Particles but Nothing Cohesive.......2006-07-31

Attention, all boys who spend too much time locked up in their bedrooms; There is a new double CD (and accompanying DVD, sold separately) of live music by Particle - of course it's a double disk, since the `song' lengths often approach the half-hour mark. For fans of the band, this release marks a change of pace for the group, featuring two new guitarists who actually sing!!!!! The vocals put a whole new spin on the band's presentation and helps to make them more accessible to those who aren't familiar with the band, but in all honesty, I really doubt it will make much difference to anyone. I mean, the playing is technically great, but is anybody really astounded by this kind of thing anymore? Without seeing the crowd, I'd be willing to bet that the band's fan base is 98.9 percent male. I bet that they played an awful lot of air keyboards, too. Well, I suppose the good news is that they can now add air guitar to their repertoire.
There is little about the music here that is emotionally stimulating, so the essence of its appeal lies in the technical prowess of the players. For the average listener, there's not much else to draw you in, unless you want to hear their semi-carbon copy of the Doors' "L.A. Woman" featuring Robby Krieger as the guest third guitarist, or the Neville Brothers "Fiyo on the Bayou" as it morphs into an extended jam entitled "W" that is completely unrelated to the original basic rhythm. Blackalicious brings along the funk and adds a few raps to the rhythms ("Particle, there ain't no equal. Particle, they're back for the sequel!"), which suit the band about as well as sardines suit sugar. All of this is marginally interesting, but it surely seems as though it's much more interesting for the players than it ever could be for the audience. The twenty-five minute jam entitled "Triple Threat" rolls along like a drive through a Kansas cornfield - endless and redundant. When they do attempt a `real' song with words and some emotional investment, like "Losing It," the musical accompaniment is reduced to pedaling a single note on the bass guitar while the keyboards repeat an overtly simple riff - sort of the inverse of what this band is actually about.
The keyboard playing is usually wizardly, but often utilizes tones that remind me of what I'd hear over the p.a. at Disney's Epcot Center in the mid-eighties. The best tip that I can provide for fans of Particle's keyboard sounds is to check out the late seventies albums by Jean Michel Jarre ("Oxygene", "Equinoxe"). Otherwise, I can't really recommend much else here, because to my ears, "Transformations" is music with a lot of particles, but little substance. C+ Tom Ryan

Mindblowing!! .......2006-07-30

I grabbed this live album after watching the DVD version at a buddy's house and being completely blown away. I've never seen Particle live, but I've heard their stuff before and hadn't really got that into them. That changed with this album!! The jams are incredible! It's nice to hear a band that actually takes the time to let a jam build and grow before just going for the money notes. It may be just me, but I feel like this new stuff is worlds better than the old stuff. The music seems to have more spirituality and complexity than it did on other discs I've listened to. To back it up, there are some great performances by Blackalicious and Joe Satriani!! All in all, I'm completely impressed by this band and I'd highly recommend grabbing this disc along with the DVD version!

UGH!!!!.......2006-07-28

I went to this concert thinking it was going to be one of the coolest I'd ever been to. Special guests I love playing with a band that gets a lot of respect from the jam band community? How could I go wrong, right? EHHHHH WRONG. These guys are insanely boring. As a jazz musician, I'm not turned off by instrumental songs like most people are. But these songs have nothing going on! It's like they were writing songs and were just too lazy to write lyrics too. There is no need to have two guitarists and a bassist playing the same three chord progression over and over and over. I just don't get it. The thing is, I know these guys can sing too. The cover of LA Woman was really well done and the guy's voice fit well. But other than that song, the entire first set was nothing but BOOOOORing drawn out songs. Basically, If you want to hear blackalicious or dj logic, listen to good hip hop; If you want satriani, stick with extremist, surfing with the alien, and the like; if you want robby krieger, just listen to the doors. Now if you're looking at this because you want some great jam band music, Get some guys that can actually play like Greyboy allstars, addison groove project, galactic, or charlie hunter. Hell, go get christian mcbride's new album featuring soulive, charlie hunter, dj logic and more. Just dont waste your money on this boring crap.

SUMMER MUST HAVE!!.......2006-07-20

This cd is the first release that shows off the new line up and the addition of vocals. If you want to get down with the new sound of Particle - this cd is a must have. The special guest tracks are great little nuggets that showcase the potential of this new group of guys. If you want the whole live experience - grab the DVD - Robby Krieger rocking out in a Doors shirt is worth the price alone.

Average customer rating:

Transformations

Manufacturer: Gia Publications
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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

ASIN: B000O75EXW
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

Court Music
Concerto Grosso For Bass Trio
Sanctuary
Bali
Moderate
Slow
Very Fast
Moderately Slow

Album Description

Director of Wind Studies at the University of North Texas, Corporon has made fifty recordings with various groups and on various labels, and is in demand as a guest conductor around the world. He was won countless awards and honors, and is a past President of the College Band Directors National Association.

Average customer rating:

Gentle on the psyche

Transformations [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Estella: Kaori Muraji Self Best
Essential Guitar: 33 Guitar Masterpieces
Stardust
Dancing in the Dark (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)
Friday Night in San Francisco (Stereo SACD)

ASIN: B0007D09GU
Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

Hey Jude
Michelle
Here, There And Everywhere
Yesterday
Hiroshima To Lu Na No Shonen - Dominic Miller
Bad Boy - Dominic Miller
No.7: If Only I Had The Water Of Life
No.4: You Have Set, My Star!
No.3: A Day In May
No.6: At The Window
Variaciones Sobre El Carnaval De Venecia
Farewell To Stromness
I
II
III
IV
Over The Rainbow
Londonderry Air
The Last Waltz
La Belle Dame Sans Regrets - Dominic Miller
Fragile - Dominic Miller

Customer Reviews:

Gentle on the psyche.......2007-05-17

I keep this CD at work, and my office-mates request it more than any other CD on my desk. The amount of familiar tunes in this collection makes it accessible to everybody. Each piece is performed with grace; it will compliment the more esoteric guitar music in anyone's collection. Kaori Muraji lets each piece unfold like a soft summer night. This album is paced throughout so that it plays gently, and quietly maintains momentum. It makes for very enjoyable listening. Muraji can be a dynamic player. Live, she is very in the moment; typically you can see the music moving through her body and the mood of the music on her face. Always there is a serenity to her. You'll feel it on this CD as well. There are some beautiful treatments of Theodorakis and Takemitsu, but it was also nice to hear a pop tune like "The Last Waltz."
Even though my tastes tend towards more dramatic performances (works by The Assad Brothers or Yang Xue Fei), I've really enjoyed this collection. It would make a good gift item both for the serious guitarist (Muraji's technique and interpretations are impeccable) or the casual listener. Your mother would love to get this CD, especially if she's a guitarist. Show her you love her and give her a copy.

Average customer rating:

Silhouettes

Manufacturer: North / South Record
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000004AHE
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Average customer rating:

The Passacaglia on this album is incredible, especially on the Bosendorfer piano
Music school level of pianism
Pratt-falls
A modern virtuoso
Mussorgsky played the way it should be!

Pratt: Transformations

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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The Caveman's Valentine

ASIN: B00002CF1B
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Gnomus
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Il Vecchio Castello
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Tuileries
Pictures At An Exhibition: Bydlo
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Unhatched Chicks
Pictures At An Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg And 'Schmuyle'
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Limoges. Le Marche
Pictures At An Exhibition: Catacombs
Pictures At An Exhibition: Cum Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Hut On Fowl's Legs -Baba-Yaga-
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate Of Kiev
Passacaglia And Fugue In C Minor, BWV 582
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Aria
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 1
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 2
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 3
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 4
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 5
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 6
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 7
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 8
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 9
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24 Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 10
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 11
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 12
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 13
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 14
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 15
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 16
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 17
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 18
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 19
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 20
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 21
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 22
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 23
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 24
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Var. 25
Variations And Fugue In B-Flat Major On A Theme By Handel, Op. 24: Fuga

Customer Reviews:

The Passacaglia on this album is incredible, especially on the Bosendorfer piano.......2006-05-03

I am giving this a recording a rating of four just on the strength of the Passacaglia And Fugue In C Minor, BWV 582 played on the Bosendofer piano. Oh my God... what an incredible tone and moving performance!

The rest of the album is good and I thing that Pratt is a solid performer. He has good interpretive powers and you can get this from listening to samples of his music above. I am looking forward to seeing other albums from this young artist.

One minor criticism is that the Passacaglia had some weak areas toward the end. I think Pratt took a few more liberties than I would have liked. However, overall he did a splendid job adopting this piece to the piano.

Music school level of pianism.......2005-01-19

Obviously the shameless promotion of this kool artist has nothing to do with music...

Pratt-falls.......2003-09-03

Oh, my! I heard, for the first time, without even knowing who was playing, this new Angel/EMI artist Awadagin Pratt. Seattle's KING.org had featured this disc during the waning hours of Labor Day holiday. I was relaxed and able to really listen, rather, than in my line of work as a radio program producer, catch a fast segment of a new release.
Aside from the fact that it wasn't the Internet burping, for a change, but a choppy release, Pratt's perfomance of "Pictures" was heavy and ponderous. The "Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks" had the same pianist approach as "Promenade", and the other tableaux. "The Great Gate of Kiev" had the same flavor as "Bydlo" or "Limoges". Pratt filled this ingenius piece with cement-laden pounding, showing no difference between each segment. I am amazed to see such favorable fanfare over his recordings.
When I compare him to Sergei Edelmann, Horowitz, Kissin, and Lorin Hollander (who played this work often in his solo recitals), and others, I am sorry to see such a new talent who has been highly praised by listeners and reviewers alike, release a new "Pictures" with so little attention to his pallette.

A modern virtuoso.......2003-03-03

Awadagin Pratt has always seemed (to borrow a phrase) a long way from normal. With his tall-built frame, informal clothes and big dreadlocks, you'd never guess he was a classical pianist just from seeing a picture. And yet, give any of his albums a spin and you'll be amazed at what sheer beauty can come from a single piano in the right hands. He doesn't just have the chops to make the trickiest compositions seem effortless; he gives everything a unique interpretation beyond just playing all the notes the way they're written.

You can't really go wrong with anything he's put out, but I have to claim Transformations as my overall favorite because of my personal preference for "Pictures at an Exhibition." One of Pratt's strengths is his sense of timing & dynamics; knowing when to hold a note or a chord just a moment longer, when to slow down or speed up, and when to play soft or loud. I realize that that's an important thing for anyone playing the piano, true, but AP creates a peaceful romantic beauty that I've rarely heard elsewhere. Sometimes it seems to me that he's underplaying more than needed (i.e. using that soft ambient tone when it's not always necessary), but it fits the selections he chooses here more than overplaying would. Just imagine any of the "Promenade"s or the "Great Gate of Kiev" finale being played too fast or loud. They're better off being a little more subdued.

Beyond the 37 minutes of that initial piece, the album is expanded with a leisurely Bach fugue (originally for organ, but I say it sounds much better on just the piano) and a Brahms variation of a Handel tune. I haven't heard any other versions of those particular pieces, but here I find them just as fascinating as the rest of the disc. The closing suite in particular gives a light, happy feeling to wind things down to a close.

I'll leave off now, lest I further reveal my overwhelming ignorance of most things classical. I can't say anything about how any composer's works should or shouldn't sound. But I know what I like, and I like this very much.

Mussorgsky played the way it should be!.......2001-11-30

Several years ago, before the release of this CD, I had the pleasure seeing Mr. Pratt perform Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition". To this day I don't remember the rest of his program that night, but the Mussargsky I will never forget. When this particular CD was released, I jumped to buy it just to help me remember his performance years before. Mr. Pratt may well base his professional concert career on pieces such as this, but who cares? The dynamics and tempo of the piece are what I look for in a dramatic interpretation of this mass audience composition. You are able to hear every note, and "picture" what Mussargsky was trying to convey.
If you are a serious classical music fan, or just like to listed to classical pops ever so often, you owe it to yourself to add this CD to your collection.

Average customer rating:

Transformations: Melodious Accord
Mccullough
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006YXAD
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Average customer rating:

Hillybilly fun!

Mountain Songs
Beaser , Harberg , Glaser , Paulnack , and Platino
Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006SM78
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Barbara Allen
The House Carpenter
He's Gone Away
Hush You By
Cindy
The Cuckoo
Fair And Tender Ladies
Quicksilver
I
II
I
II
III

Customer Reviews:

Hillybilly fun!.......2003-04-18

Since opening this disc this morning, I've now listened to the "Mountain Songs" three times. The work truly is a masterpiece, and is wonderfully recorded. It has both familiar melodies and charming folk tunes masterfully arranged for flute and guitar - try listening to "All the Pretty Little Horses" and the stunning guitar performance of Franco Platino! That guy can really play.

Power Transformations: Meditation Techniques for Increased Velocity and Higher Consciousness

Average customer rating:

Power Transformations: Meditation Techniques for Increased Velocity and Higher Consciousness
James Arthur Ray
Manufacturer: James Ray International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000QCQ7SG
Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

Introduction
The Benefits of Meditation
The Brain and Its Functions
About Power Transformations
More Meditation Techniques
Time to Get Started
Power Transformations Music
Metronome

Product Description

In this one-of-a-kind program, James Arthur Ray gives inside information regarding the Path of Power and how to access the Power Trance States of consciousness. After over 2 decades of personal study and experience, James gives tools and techniques to shorten your learning curve and increase your energy. This program is for you if you are completely dedicated to walking the path of all great Initiates. (This program is for the serious student only!) Journey with James through the amazing inner world of the Spiritual Warrior. Tap into the immense tapestry and power that lies hidden through the doorway of the unconscious mind the gateway to the Divine. Venture where few will ever tread and increase your Power to unparalleled proportions! This program consists of two CDs that you can use daily to shape a new reality...

Average customer rating:

Night Music!!

Transformations
Bunky Green
Manufacturer: Universe Italy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Another Place

ASIN: B00007E8LD
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

I Won't Last a Day Without You
Europa
Feelings
Lady from Ancona
Chillon
Funk Ain't a Word

Album Description

Although the great Charlie Parker and John Coltrane were among saxophonist Bunky Green's strongest early influences, he soon went on to develop his own personal style that made him one of the most promising artists of the 1970s. Green broke out of the jazz mold and began incorporated numerous genres, including rock, eastern music, classical, gospel and blues, into his playing. After several years as a sideman for Mingus, Freddie Hubbard, Yusef Lateef, Cannonball Adderly and Roland Kirk, to name a few, Green stopped playing conventional jazz and began studying new expressive techniques (it often seems that he uses his saxophone to imitate the human voice), these musical innovations are brought together on this amazing 1977 Vanguard release, finally available again on Comet/Universe. 6 tracks in a cardboard gatefold sleeve. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Night Music!!.......2003-02-11

Bunky Green's late 1970's sound was "Smooth" before the term was coined to describe an entire genre of laid back melodic Jazz artists. Playing in the vein of Hank Crawford, Stanley Turrentine and Grover Washington, Jr., Green's "Transformation" bridged the gap between Charlie Parker's improvisational leaps and Smooth Jazz's melodic and funky radio friendly sound. On this recording, the music tackles the challenge of providing the perfect background for romance.

This recording is great "Night" music, pure & simple. Put this disc on when the mood is right for romance. "I won't Last A Day Without You" is a good warm-up piece for good conversation, holding hands and glancing into each other's eyes. By the time "Europa" arrives, the wine should be kicking in and the slow dancing begins. You will be in a completely relaxed mood when "Feelings" arrives and the party turns serious. Things start shifting to hot and heavy when "The Lady from Ancona" winds down and "Chillon" and "Funk Ain't A Word" provide A great rhythmic pulse for some serious fun. All that is left is to either hit the repeat button or wish you had a quiet ballad to help you drift off into dreamland.

Throughout this entire affair, the band is right on the mark - fresh, stimulating and vibrant as they move from warm and moody to flat out hot and funky. Green's Alto Sax is crystal clear and beautiful. His improvisations are sensuous and very thought provoking. The band sounds very 70's in both vibe and sound, with the keyboards sounding somewhat dated, but the mood and pulse of this recording is right on the money.

After listening to this music for over 25 years, It is still capable of "Transforming" an average night into a very passionate experience. I hope it does the same for you - Enjoy!

Transformations
Average customer rating:
Transformations

Manufacturer: St. Olaf Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00022WBZI
Release Date: 2004-01-01