Record Reviews

BOBBY MCFERRIN ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM CLASSICS SONY 190758893723 (Barcode: 190758893723) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1991 - 2013 Released: 2018 This Box Set collects reissues of five albums by the legendary American Jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist, originally released on the SonyFind albums on this label label between 1992 and 2013. They are: “HushFind albums with this title” (1992), “Paper MusicFind albums with this title” (1995), “The Mozart SessionsFind albums with this title” (1996), “CirclesongsFind albums with this title” (1997) and “SpirityouallFind albums with this title” (2013). “Hush” is a duo recording with cellist Yo-Yo MaFind albums by this artist and presents thirteen pieces, four of which are originals by McFerrin and the rest are arrangements of well-known Classical compositions. “Paper Music” is a recording of McFerrin conducting the Saint Paul Chamber OrchestraFind albums by this artist and singing specially arranged vocal parts to nine Classical compositions. “The Mozart Sessions” is also a recording of McFerrin conducting the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and singing specially arranged vocal parts, with pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist performing the piano parts. Together they perform two Concerti by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist and a vocals / piano improvisation based on a Mozart sonata. “Circlesongs” is a cappella recording of eight original pieces performed by McFerrin with twelve invited vocalists. “Spirityouall” is a mixture of Americana, spirituals and original songs performed by McFerrin, a Jazz group and background vocals. McFerrin is undoubtedly the greatest male Jazz vocalist of all time and one of the most creative, versatile and open-minded musical personalities ever on the American scene. Although three of these five albums showcase him in the Jazz-Classical Fusion idiom, his extensive and superbly diverse recorded legacy presents the full picture of his achievements so far, and one can never expect what else he will come up with next. He is also one of the nicest human beings I have ever had the opportunity to meet in person, which is of course not less important than his musical genius. Definitely a “Don’t worry, be happy” person, but also an exceptionally gifted human being. This music is of course beyond recommendation… Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 08/09/2021

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Oversampling Recommend To A Friend

JAMES TAYLOR ~ HOURGLASS COLUMBIA 5099748774828 (Barcode: 5099748774828) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is the 14th studio album by legendary American singer / songwriter James TaylorFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks (and a hidden track), ten of which were written by Taylor. On the album he is accompanied by some of the best American studio musicians, and other musicians, many associated with Jazz, like saxophonists Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist and Branford MarsalisFind albums by this artist. StingFind albums by this artist adds vocals on one track and cellist Yo-Yo MaFind albums by this artist plays on two tracks. Since his debut released in 1968 Taylor continues to create a steady stream of refined albums, mostly based on his own songwriting, which over time accumulated to one of the most significant American Rock songbooks. His personal musical style remains pretty unaffected over time and his sincere, heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melodies are all timeless gems. Overall, this is a beautiful collection of songs, sung with great emotion and accompanied by superb musicians, which for any Classic Rock fan is a no brainer. Once familiar with Taylor’s songwriting, one simply never gets tired of his creations!

Updated: 24/02/2024Posted: 24/02/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend