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:
Dedications: Rosanne Philippens (violin) • Julien Quentin (piano)
Fritz Kreisler (1875 – 1962) • Praeludium and Allegro• Recitativo et Caprice (solo violin)
Gabriël Fauré (1845 – 1924) • Romance
Eugène Ysaÿe (1858 – 1931) • Poème Elegiaque • Solo sonata No. 4 • Caprice d'apres l'etude en forme de valse de Saint-Saëns
Ernest Chausson (1855 – 1899) • Poème
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 - 1921) • Elégie Op. 143
The concept of this album Dedications is the revolving circle of connection between the various composers here as each dedicated works to the other. Philippens is playing the 'Barrere' Stradivarius (1727) and it sounds magnificent.
So I have been playing catchup with Rosanne Philippens lately, a violinist I just started to recognize and the interesting thing is that while playing a new recording of Nino Gvetadze (Ghosts - Chopin) yesterday I realized that that CD was realized thanks to the sponsorship of the Rosanne Philippens Foundation and Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. A young musician sponsoring another young musician? Very admirable and this sort of thing demands respect. It would be very nice if more established, older musicians and anyone else that has the money and the means would participate in this sort of support more regularly.
Al Petteway - Caledon Wood
I can't remember who first posted this on here but I rate it highly. A lovely combination of acoustic-guitar led folk and Celtic music. Strong melodies, beautifully played.
I eventually tracked down a reasonably priced CD of this on the river and it arrived today all the way from the land of the rising sun. Isn't t'internet a wonderful thing. Ripped and listening, the SQ is superb and what a lovely album. It is on Tidal if you want to give it a go.
(2002)
Beth Gibbons & Rustin Mann - Out Of Season
Wonderfully expansive soundscape with a glass of Pinot at the end of the working day. Hygge time!
G
Stevee_S posted:
(2002)
Beth Gibbons & Rustin Mann - Out Of Season
great album and a shame that they didn't bring out part II
Miles Davis - Steamin' with the Miles Davis quintet.
UK first press vinyl. Far out!
(1976)
Because I fancied something upbeat and I haven't given the 'Tops a run out for a little while
Kevin-W posted:UK first press vinyl. Far out!
Seminal ! 
Getting further into this new double-album. I'm impressed and can heartily recommend it.
(2008)
I'm all over the shop tonight with genres and styles, this is a nice Jeff Beck album put together after he had gigged for a week at Ronnie's featuring all the usual suspects that he likes to play live.
Mark Knopfler - The Ragpicker's Dream
MK at his solo best.
1997 - CD (rip)...
Benny Golson - Gettin' with it.
Allmusic.com:
Benny Golson leads a potent quintet in this 1959 studio date; the tenor saxophonist is joined by pianist Tommy Flanagan, trombonist Curtis Fuller, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Art Taylor. Golson's snappy arrangement of "Baubles, Bangle and Beads" features Fuller's fine mute work and Flanagan's upbeat inventive solo before he introduces his big-toned tenor into the mix. Golson's slight vibrato and Taylor's swirling brushwork are highlights of his interpretation of "April in Paris." The remaining three tracks are all originals by the leader: the up-tempo hard bop cooker "Blue Streak," the jaunty strut "Tippin' on Thru," and the extended blues "Bob Hurd's Blues," which will get anyone's feet tapping. This is one of Benny Golson's best dates as a leader because one not only gets to enjoy his always strong arrangements, but his consistently first-rate tenor sax solos. Highly recommended.
Uk first press vinyl. One of my fave Sylvs, from 1987:
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943): Charles Owen (piano) | Katya Apekisheva (piano)
Fantaisie-tableaux, Op. 5 (Suite No. 1) for two pianos
Suite No. 2, Op. 17 for two pianos
6 Morceaux, Op. 11 for piano, four hands
Yes, you could safely say that Rachmaninov falls into my top ten composer status. I consider his piano music essential for my life which includes the solo works, the concertos, the cello sonata, the piano trios, and of course his two piano / or one piano, four hands pieces here. All true to the heart and soul of a real Russian temperament.
The Suite No. 1 has always been very special to me and it amazes me how this work was created by Rachmaninov when he was only 20 years old. Four movements based on extracts of four poems by Mikhail Lermontov, Lord Byron, Fyodor Tyutchev and Aleksey Khomhakov.
In corresponding order, the four movements are:
1. Barcarolle. Allegretto, in g-minor
2. La nuit... L'amour... Adagio sostenuto, in D-major. (The Night...The Love...)
3. Les Larmes. Largo di molto, in g-minor. (The Tears)
4. Pâques. Allegro maestoso, in g-minor. (Easter)
When the tempos and temperament are in line with the conception of this music you don't really need any descriptive titles to help you understand. Tears, for example, falling on the score as this was written comes out without any question in the music today for anyone attuned and interested.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - The Nashville Sound. Having listened to this several times, it has really grown on me. Jason has been on a roll with his last few albums.
Albert King - I'll Play The Blues For You
Yes, Albert is playing the Blues for us but he also chucks in a dollop of funky soul for good measure on this one. Nabbed this CD on the river for very little money. Nice.
On CD:-
The Chemical Brothers - Come With Us
On vinyl, from the Sun Zoom Spark box. Sounding very, very nice indeed!
Palm - Rock Island
First play of the download, vinyl shipping from the US. A four piece band from Philly, who all seem to play different time signatures, but create hypnotic tunes (to my ears )
2009 - CD (rip)...
Stu Larsen - Vagabond
Another Ewe recommendation from a while ago. An understated belter, if such a thing exists, IMHO. Another bargain fished out of the river for less than a couple of Cappuccinos.