What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XIV)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2017
On the eve of a new year, it's time for a new thread.
Last year's thread can be found here:
Gazpacho - Molok
Another find thanks to forum recommendations which perfectly suits my taste.
Back on the Strait and Narrow
One from the girls really enjoying playing this ripped CD again
Only just started listening to Suzy Bogguss will have to look round for a couple more of her CDs I like her style of music.
Now Playing.........
Paul Motian - It should've happened a long time ago
Paul Motian (drums, percussion), Bill Frisell (guitar, guitar synthesizer), and Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone)
Streaming on TIDAL........ In the mood for some Jazz and can not beat Paul, Bill & Joe!
(1997)
Air - Premiers Symptomes
A seven CD album pressed in France for the UK market, originally released in 1997 compiling the French duos single releases between 1995-97 this one however has a couple of bonus tracks Californie and Brakes On.
Dick Hyman (piano) & Ruby Braff (Cornet) - Manhattan Jazz
Allmusic.com:
Every duet album by pianist Dick Hyman and cornetist Ruby Braff is magical. The pair of distinctive musicians always seem to react immediately to each other and they consistently play highly expressive versions of prebop standards. This outing has its memorable moments and is highlighted by "Jubilee," "You're Lucky to Me," "I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby" and "Jeepers Creepers"; Hyman takes "I'm Just Wild About Harry" as an unaccompanied solo. The CD is easily recommended to mainstream collectors.
On CD:-
Massive Attack - Protection
(2007)
Air - Pocket Symphony
Why? Because it's a rather lovely mix of being relaxing yet funky and interesting all at once.
Walter Becker Obscurities and Oddities, WAV CD rip, from CD3 of a Tribute to Walter Becker box set that came out after his death last year.
A combination of rehearsal and live recordings, they’re Walter Becker songs, so,they are intelligent and sophisticated, these versions are both interesting and enjoyable, the box set is a pretty good investment for Dan fans.
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809): Ekaterina Derzhavina (piano)
The Piano Sonatas
In my music library, off the top of my head, the Piano Sonatas are represented by the likes of Rudolf Buchbinder, John McCabe, Marc-Andre Hamelin, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Alain Planes, Emanuel Ax, Einav Yarden, Iddo Bar-Shai, Denis Kozhukhin, Andras Schiff, Evgeni Koroliov, Alfred Brendel, Ragna Schirmer, Zhu Xiao-Mei, John O'Conor, Claire-Marie Le Guay, Yevgeny Sudbin, Tzimon Barto, Jeno Jando, Angela Hewitt and so on. So why does one need anything more on this subject? Simply because you may never know what you are missing.
As is the case here for Ekaterina Derzhavina. A pianist I was not familiar with and one that as soon as I listened to for a short time quickly caused me to forgot about the cost of this purchase. I really like her style of playing. Her playing in general is all about clarity and a certain lightness. Also, she delivers Haydn in a way that is very pleasing. It sounds fun and interesting as she jostles his humour and sudden shifts and changes of mood in an exciting way. I think this is the character of Haydn that many miss if they play him too heavy handed and straightforward. So all in all, the father of the classical sonata can and should sound musical.
While this was recorded slowly over time from about 1993 to 2008 you can expect a bit of variation when it comes to the sound quality. It ranges from borderline (digitally) to very good indeed. At its best you get realistic clarity with that lovely treble timbre positioned against a standout base line of a different timbre. I love this although I admit sometimes it can sound better than real life.
My perception is that this will be one of my favourite interpretations but I need to do an awful lot of more listening to remind myself what some of the stalwarts on my shelf sound like again. But I do know that the magic is here when a recording excites you and think it is easy until you go and sit down at the piano and realize that there is really something special about this pianist. Magic indeed.
Now Playing.......
Paul Bley - Fragments
Paul Bley (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet), Bill Frisell (guitar), Paul Motian (drums).
Streaming on NAS....... Some more jazz, a wonderful album, enjoying the music on Fragment quite a bit!
One oif the best British blues bands ever.
Possibly one of the best British blues albums ever made. Fabulous
Toto
Greatest Hits - 40 Trips Around The Sun - 24/44.1
Edward
The Handsome Family - Through the Trees
Going to see them next month.
(2009)
Some fine original Airbag, arguably it's still the Nowegian's best prog' rock album.
Now Playing.......
Michael White - Motion Pictures
Michael White (violin) & Bill Frisell (guitar)
Streaming on TIDAL...... just trying something new, Bill playing with a violinist.
ewemon posted:
Possibly one of the best British blues albums ever made. Fabulous
That's a huge recommendation, cheers Ewen.
Stevee_S posted:
(2009)
Some fine original Airbag, arguably it's still the Nowegian's best prog' rock album.
Good call Steve, queuing this up now to enjoy with my headphones on.
Shep posted:
I
I have this one in my collection too. I saw them when they were on tour and visited our local pub. I was a bit of a folk fan in those days (well, still am really) and it was a good, well lubricated night.
I agree with you and Eoink. This is a superb album. I have all the albums they released together, but this one is definitely the best IMO. Although they have both enjoyed reasonable success (for 'folk' artists) I don't think they've enjoyed the success that their talents really deserve. I feel that's particularly so for Christine whose voice is way better than so many who have enjoyed massive commercial success.