One more lot of CDs for Sale!

Here is one more lot of CDs for Sale.
(Text , Pictures and reviews taken from Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more)














Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane

CD No: 302 Label: Jazz Land SALE : 125 MSRP:295


Among Thelonious Monk's long stays at New York's legendary Five Spot was a six-month period in 1957 with possibly his most brilliant band, with John Coltrane finding fuel in Monk's music for his harmonic explorations. The quartet only recorded three studio tracks: a sublime reading of Monk's ballad "Ruby, My Dear"; a loping version of "Nutty"; and a stunning version of "Trinkle Tinkle" on which Trane's tenor mirrors Monk's piano part. The CD is completed with outtakes from an octet session that joined Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins and an extended solo version of "Functional."



The Giants

CD No: 307 Label: Universal Sale: 125 MSRP: 280

This is one of the best trio albums you have ever heard. Piano: Sparkling, crisp, perfectly tuned. Guitar: Fluid, restrained, rapid-fire. Bass: The essence of timing and warmth. It shows how jazz is not just the playing of music and then trading solos over the chord changes, but the communication between the musicians. There are points in the album where you can here Oscar Peterson hum out the solos, which shows he has them all planned out in his head. Ray brown does an amazing job of keeping the rhythm tight and the band together. Joe Pass is truly amazing, and his musical communication with Ray Brown and Oscar Peterson just goes to show how much talent a group can have.


Antonio Carlos Jobim's finest hour

CD No: 308 Label: Verve Sale: 175 MSRP: 445

While Antonio Carlos Jobim is an essential figure in the music of Brazil, he also created a significant place for himself in American music as a great songwriter and a key figure in the tremendous popularity of bossa nova.

Apart from his unique melodic gift, what makes Jobim's work memorable is the complexity of mood he could evoke--the touch of sadness that colors the brightest bossa nova, the irony in the midst of joy, and the mixture of delicacy and resilience in his voice and piano. He was an artist who worked primarily in pastels, but it was his sense of shadows that gave his work its most enduring qualities. Including his most famous tunes and collaborators--like "The Girl from Ipanema" with Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto--Jobim's Finest Hour catches it all, from the standard-bearers to such gems as the playful "Aguas de Marco."


Stan Getz for lovers

CD No: 309 Label: Verve Sale: 175 MSRP: 445

Stan Getz music, "The Sound", the epitome of Cool, and Romantic in the true sense for the word. Introspective. Always Lyrical and effortless. As if the sax were connected directly to his heart. A warm Balm to a world of stress, anger and dissonance. Melancholy. More than anyone else, with the possible exception or Miles Davis (before '64), Stan IS the meaning of Cool.

Most of these ballads are taken from the eighties, the final decade of his forty year career.

As wonderful as this lyrical introduction is, Getz music is rapidly disappearing from the market, and all that's left are "best of' s". I hope the reader will seek out the albums from which this music is taken, which are even more marvelous. Try "Anniversary", "Blue Skies", "My Old Flame", "Serenity" to hear these classic songs in their original context.


Lighthouse '68

CD No: 310 Label: EMI Sale: 125 MSRP: 295

The sound of the Jazz Crusaders was unmistakable. The dark, rich sound of Wayne Henderson's trombone and Wilton Felder's Texas tenor popped. Joe Sample's articulate piano style was as orchestral as it was rhythmic, and Stix Hooper could provide lots of color without sacrificing the great grooves he'd establish.

The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach was the site of their most satisfying and commercially successful albums. "Lighthouse '68" was propelled by their aggressively unsentimental version of "Eleanor Rigby", but the album was full of great compositions by the band members, including bassist Buster Williams.
Added to the original album which has been newly remixed and mastered in 24 bit are a live version of "Tough Talk" and three additional tunes that have not appeared on any Jazz Crusaders albums.


So near , so far :: Joe Henderson


CD No: 311 Label: Verve Sale: 175 MSRP: 445


One of the most effective tributes ever recorded, this session matches Joe Henderson's tenor with three brilliant former Miles Davis sidemen--guitarist John Scofield, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Al Foster.

While these musicians were associated with Davis during his later electronic years, the session's inspiration is clearly from the trumpeter's great acoustic career. It includes little-heard pieces like "Swing Spring," from 1954, and "Circle," from 1966, as well as masterworks such as "Miles Ahead", "Milestones," and "Flamenco Sketches" from the intervening classic period.

Heard at his best here, Henderson is a stunning improviser, combining a relaxed, almost offhand flow with frequently surprising melodic and rhythmic turns, developing an intriguing multi directionality in his solos. While Davis has been one of the most imitated of musicians, there's nothing derivative about this tribute, which garnered 1993 Grammy Awards as both Best Jazz Instrumental (individual or group) and Best Jazz Solo (instrumental) for Henderson's serene work on "Miles Ahead."

The CD is unquestionably a group accomplishment, though, with intense yet restrained work from Scofield (his comping here sometimes suggests the master, Jim Hall) and bristling interplay in the rhythm section.



When I look in your eyes :: Diana Krall

CD No: 312 Label: Verve SALE: 225 MSRP: 445

Years after the '90s, the decade will be remembered for the rise of pianist-vocalist Diana Krall. Simply put, this British Columbian-born artist is one of the most engaging musicians to emerge from the heap of scat-happy singers high on pyrotechnics, but short on poetry.

Stamped with the imprimatur of the Nat King Cole trio and blessed by her apprenticeship with the late West Coast piano giant Jimmy Rowles, Krall simply sings songs the way they're supposed to be sung: with devotion to the lyric and with attention to the groove. This CD finds Krall in familiar company with compatriots Russell Malone (on guitar), bassist John Clayton, drummers Lewis Nash and Jeff Hamilton, and vibraphonist (and former Bill Evans associate) Larry Bunker--all supported by Johnny Mandel's svelte string arrangements.

Krall and crew take Irving Berlin's chestnut "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and the Sinatra-signatured "I've Got You Under My Skin" south to Brazil via a sexy bossa nova. Malone's lush guitar accompaniment complements Krall's heartfelt delivery on "When I Look in Your Eyes," and Michael

Franks's "Popsicle Toes" dances courtesy of Hamilton's drum work. "Devil May Care," "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)," The Best Thing for You," and the stridish "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" groove with a minimum of waste, while Mandel's simpatico strings steal the show on "I'll String Along with You," "Pick Yourself Up," and "Do It Again." All of which further illuminate the cool fire from this fine gift from North of the Border.


Bossa Nova for lovers

(Stan Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Laurindo Almeida ,Astrud Gilberto, Walter Wanderley, Charlie Byrd, Joao Gilberto)

CD No: 314 Label: Verve SALE: 225 MSRP: 445

Track listing :

1. Vivo Sonhando - Stan Getz And Joao Gilberto
2. Wave - Antonio Carlos Jobim
3. Shadow Of Your Smile - Astrud Gilberto
4. Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars) - Stan Getz And Laurindo Almeida
5. My Foolish Heart - Astrud Gilberto
6. Amor Em Paz - Antonio Carlos Jobim
7. Misty Roses - Astrud Gilberto
8. Desafinado - Antonio Carlos Jobim
9. So Nice (Summer Samba) - Astrud Gilberto And Walter Wanerley
10. Winter Moon - Stan Getz And Laurindo Almeida
11. Insensatez (How Insensitive) - Antonio Carlos Jobim
12. Dindi - Astrud Gilberto
13. Bahia - Stan Getz And Charlie Byrd
14. Girl From Ipanema - Antonio Carlos Jobim
15. O Grande Amor - Stan Getz And Joao Gilberto
16. Meditation - Astrud Gilberto


Outstanding collection of romantic tracks from the giants of Verve's roster. No surprises really among the selections, but who wants a jarring surprise in the middle of a romantic interlude? This set goes down so nicely it won't matter that you may have most these tracks in so many other anthologies. The music on this album is smooth and inviting. The perfect music to play as a background for a cocktail party - or for intimate moments with the one you love. Even in the coldest temperatures, this album will warm you up!


Waltz for Debby

CD No: 315 Label: Riverside SALE: 125 MSRP: 295

Recorded live at the Village Vanguard, this set rounded out what became known as an early "full" portrait of Bill Evans by following Sunday at the Village Vanguard with most of the rest of the music he played on June 25, 1961. Very little in the annals of piano-trio jazz ever reached the clarity of execution that Evans made his own with the recordings from this single date.

With bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian, Evans reached a rapport that sounded whisper-intimate, rolling into gentle cascades and then rhythmically pouncing juts. On the keys, Evans sounds at once completely walled-off and nakedly open as he takes on "My Foolish Heart" and the title melody. The chords are voiced ever so oddly, as are the bass and drums. Coming as it did several months in the wake of the successful first episode in Evans's Vanguard, Waltz for Debby just made it all the more obvious what a wonder the world had in this trio and its leader



Wheel of life :: Sadao Watanabe


CD No: 317 Label: Verve SALE: 150 MSRP: 445

This second project teaming bassist Richard Bona with Japanese saxophone great Sadao Watanabe is a clear improvement on their first effort. The production is much cleaner and more energetic, and a change of drummers allows for a more aggressive approach. There is more of Bona's bouncing bass on these songs, and Watanabe sounds invigorated througout. Guitarist Mike Stern guests on two songs and the addition of a fifth instrument really elevates the group sound. Fans of Watanabe and Bona (and Stern) owe it to themselves to seek this one out, even at the higher Japanese import price.



Ladies in Lavender

CD No: 319 Label: SONY SALE: 200 MSRP: 499

The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale.

Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its quiet, emotional dignity via neo-classical orchestral arrangements that feature real life young virtuoso Joshua Bell on solo violin. Hess' intimate original compositions form a virtually seamless tapestry with the story's requisite classical repertory choices, which range from Massenet and Debussy to Bell's delightful variations on Paganini's "The Carnival of Venice."

This soundtrack, with solo violin playing by Joshua Bell is a must have for anyone enjoys Classical Music. . Nigel Hess' original composition :Fantasy for violin and orchestra, featured at the end of the movie is beautiful indeed.

This film is wonderful and the soundtrack will take your breath away. You will love the finale piece in the movie entitled "Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra" Nigel Hesse and Joshua Bell's collaboration has produced a glorious soundtrack that highlights Joshua's immense talent with the violin and Hesse's brilliance as a composer.

Rarely do movie soundtrack recordings bring a great deal of satisfaction other than restoring memories of a particular favorite film. The LADIES IN LAVENDER Soundtrack is an exception in that it not only benefits from the splendid playing of violinist Joshua Bell, but it also happens to have some very fine music composed for the film by Nigel Hess. For those who have enjoyed the film, the closing credits are accompanied by Hess' title song 'Ladies in Lavender', a soaring melody for violin and orchestra that captures all the tenderness and beauty of the story.

The soundtrack includes some classical works such as Meditation From Thais, Variations on Carnivale in Venice, Introduction And Tarantella, and even Hess' own Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra which provides the moving conclusion concert of the story. Hess wisely weaves Cornish music and folk songs such as The Girl with the Flaxen Hair that so ably set the atmosphere and mood for the film. On screen the handsome young Daniel Bruhl played Andrea, the Polish violinist who is the focal point of affection of the ladies (the incomparable Judi Dench and Maggie Smith), and studied bowing techniques well: his 'performing appearance' is excellent. Yet the true musical star of both the film and this recording is the gifted and handsome young Joshua Bell. The score and performances are a delight.



Take Ten

CD No: 321 Label: BMG SALE: 225 MSRP: 499

Paul Desmond,the unremarkable alto saxophonist, records yet another set of cool solos where what he does best, lyrical, thoughtful, bird-like playing is showcased. This time he pairs up with guitarist Jim Hall, himself a musical genius.

"Take Ten" showcases the lyrical conversations between the alto saxophone and the guitar set against single-note lines. Desmond quotes himself from a Middle Eastern tune he wrote following the release of "Take Five".

The CD as a whole is a must have. "Alone Together", one of the more up beat tracks on the CD along with , "The Theme From Black Orpheus", and "The One I love", should be the subject of all Paul Desmond inspired saxophonists becauase they portray the saxophionist at his best playing phrase after phrase of melancholic,beautiful melodies. This CD includes my most favorite take of the Brazilian tune "Black Orpheus". If you are a Paul Desmond fan or if you like cool jazz, this is the CD to buy. I dont believe you can go wrong with Paul Desmond, particularly with this CD.



Moanig :: Art Blakey and others


CD No: 322 Label: EMI SALE: 135 MSRP: 295

This is truly one of the great classics of hard bop, with drummer Art Blakey leading arguably his greatest Jazz Messengers lineup through a driving program that never lets up. Tenor saxophonist Benny Golson (whose composition "Along Came Betty" is heard here, subsequently becoming a jazz classic), brilliant trumpeter Lee Morgan, and funky pianist Bobby Timmons (who wrote the hit title cut) each take some of the best solos of their great careers, and Blakey was never greater.

No jazz record collection should be without this disc. It remains one of the premier items in Blue Note's catalog, and rightfully so. As part of Blue Note's 1999 60th anniversary celebration, original session producer Rudy Van Gelder's done a smash job remixing Moanin', adding warmth in the low end and far greater color across the spectrum. And the booklet opens like a gatefold LP with vintage black-and-white photos of the original session.

Without a doubt Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers was the most exciting band I've heard in a live performance. His week long gigs at the Keystone Korner in San Francisco were legendary. Every one of his many groups were outstanding though, propelling many of his "youngsters" into careers of their own.


The group on this CD was one of the best. There are many things that make this CD a real joy. From the four original tunes by Benny Golson and the title track by Bobby Timmons to the solid muscular drumming of Blakey himself.

Tthere is one thing that dominates this date----Lee Morgan. Lee Morgan absolutely rules. Trumpeter Woody Shaw was once asked one of those interview questions, 'What was your biggest influence?' Without skipping a beat he said, 'The solo Lee Morgan takes on "Moanin".




Bebo and Cigala :: Lagimas Negras


CD No: 323 Label: Calle54Records SALE: 200 MSRP: 499



This album pairs one of the greatest flamenco singers of today, cantaor Diego El Cigala, with one of Cuba's finest Afro-Cuban pianists, Bebo Valdes. With Valdes (father of the great Chucho Valdes) born in 1918, there's a 40-year age difference between the pianist and the singer, but they do a fine job crossing generations and oceans to discover the commonalities between Caribbean and the Iberian music, coming up with a romantic marriage of the two cultures using rumbas, guajira, sons and boleros. All the songs are classics out of the Latin music tradition, using just a handful of players in support.

Valdes's fingers are delicate and prone to dramatic flourishes; Cigala's voice is pure flamenco in its ho**** intonation, cadence and emotional outpourings. The two masters make the union work by focusing on the drama of the love songs--"Veinte Años," "Inolvidable" and the title track are just three amazing examples--as fuel for some of the most exquisitely passionate music to come out in ages

Winners of three PREMIOS DE LA MUSICA AWARDS (Spanish Academy of Musical Arts & Sciences) Lágrimas Negras, a collection of old standards performed by Cuban jazz pianist Bebo Valdes and Spanish flamenco vocalist Diego el Cigala.

This was recorded at the suggestion of Hollywood Oscar® Award-winning director, Fernando Trueba (Belle Epoque), which has become a phenomenon in Spain.

The result is a journey that discovers the essence of the Latino "love" song with connections to Cuba, Central and South America, and Spain.
Picked by New York Times critic Ben Rattcliff as "the best album of the year", Lágrimas Negras has had an impressive debut. The album has never been out of the top 30 since its release in Spain over nine months ago, achieving double Platinum sales status. It has won five Amigo Awards, one Premio Ondas, and three Premios de la Musica Awards (including Best Album).

That's pianist Bebo Valdes, one of Cuba's great jam session players of the 1950s (and still a potent force on the music scene) and flamenco vocalist Diego "El Cigala," whose half-croaked, Arabic-tinged inflections offer a fine counterpoint to Valdes's trademark sleek, supple piano runs. Cigala sounds like he, too, must be an ancient old-timer, un viejo, like all those Buena Vista dudes... But in fact he is a youngster, a ponytailed whippersnapper who just happens to channel weight of the the ages... Quite a lot of gravitas, subtlety and artistic firepower is assembled here; just to spice things up, they bring in some highpowered guests, such as jazzman Paquito D'Rivera, Milton Cardona and Brazilian superstar Caetano Veloso, who duets with El Cigala on a version of "Coracao Vagabundo," which closes the album. Also included are classic compositions by Miguel Matamoros, Maria Teresa Vera and other Latin American and Iberian legends. Mighty classy material.

This album combining two maestros from completely different disciplines is a confluence of genius and a love letter to all the composers whose songs are included. After hearing the first verse of the first track my Mother(who has sung many latin love songs in Spanish in her singing career) remarked, "This is tasty!" That summed it up perfectly. Lagrimas Negras will surprise you, seduce you, entrance you, and ultimately force you to throw away your musical preconceptions. Perhaps this is why The New York Times named it their Critics Choice Album of the Year for 2003


Just the pure sound of 2 or 3 acoustic instruments and a pure, imperfect, but beautifully naked voice just bristling with passion. Amazing, simply amazing.

Mulligan Meets Monk

CD No: 324 Label: Riverside SALE: 135 0 MSRP: 295

Critics thought the pairing of Gerry Mulligan and Thelonious Monk a strange one when this 1957 session was originally released, Mulligan's light baritone saxophone strongly identified with the cool school and Monk's percussive piano, fractured rhythms, and dissonant tunes the last word in bop. It's an interesting combination, though, with Mulligan's melodic focus actually working fairly well with Monk and his regular band, drummer Shadow Wilson and bassist Wilbur Ware.

Common roots in swing are apparent on Mulligan's "Decidedly," a variant of "Undecided," while the baritonist acquits himself well on some of Monk's best-known tunes. Monk was at his peak as a player in 1957--working steadily for the first time in years in a long tenure at the Five Spot--and it shows everywhere here, including the splashing chords and asymmetrical runs of "Sweet and Lovely." Ware, one of the most significant bassists in jazz history, is a perfect accompanist and as commanding a soloist as Mulligan or Monk, using subtle rhythmic shifts and double stops in an almost minimalist way. The alternate takes of several tunes are genuinely different approaches to the material, revealing just how spontaneous the meeting was.

This disc combines Monk & his rhythm-section of the time--Wilbur Ware & Shadow Wilson--with the baritonist Gerry Mulligan, a stylistically unusual pairing that works out very well. Monk's skeletal chording & frequent preference to have his sidemen "stroll" (play without piano accompaniment) make a natural common ground with Mulligan, who had developed the pianoless quartet in his 1950s groups with Baker & Brookmeyer. Though this session was an informal blowing session, & thus doesn't feature any of Mulligan's sophisticated arrangements, he nonetheless frequently plays quiet counterlines to Monk like he did with Chet--it's an interesting sound, & I've never heard anyone else do this with Monk.

The album is a bit uneven, but what pushes it into the first rank is the version of "Round Midnight", which is probably the single best group reading of the tune I've heard by Monk. Certainly it's the best version he did for Riverside except for the solo version on _Thelonious by Himself_. As usual with Monk in this period, his flow of compositions was slowing down, & there's only one new tune on the disc, "Rhythm-a-Ning" (first recorded by Monk for Atlantic a few months before on his collaboration with Art Blakey). The version here is very different from Monk's later recordings of the tune: it has a double-length bridge which seems to give Mulligan a little trouble (he goofs up a little at the end of the bridge on his first chorus); the performance isn't quite together, but nonetheless has lots of meat in the solos & a good vibe, which is I presume why they didn't do retakes. I'm not sure why "I Mean You" needed 3 complete takes, as they all sound pretty good to me--but I certainly won't complain about getting the bonus tracks.

"Decidedly" is Mulligan's variant on Shavers' "Undecided", & features a stoptime solo by Mulligan & some of Ware's most intriguing playing--check out his very offbeat solo on the master take, in particular. "Sweet and Lovely" is a favourite tune of mine, & despite Monk's covering it in other places I would again name this as the best group reading Monk gave it.

A fine disc. Originally it was intended that the album be split between quartet tracks & a big band arranged by Mulligan, but because the 1st recording session went so well the producer & the band decided to go back into the studio the next day to complete the album with just the quartet. I think that was the right decision. This remains one of the high points of Monk's Riverside tenure

This is Jazz, Volume 13, Errol Garner

CD No: 326 Label: Columbia SALE: 175 MSRP: 395

Garner showers spine-tingling chord-diamonds all over the room as only he can. This is a beautfully recorded fun-ride all the way from "Lover" to "St. Louis Blues". Garner can make you laugh ("How High The Moon") and cry ("Laura") at will and here he's at his sparkling best. BUY THIS CD, turn down the lights and you're back in that bistro of your youth when the world was young and there were no limits to what you could enjoy. Believe me, Erroll will TAKE YOU THERE in this magnificent CD.

Erroll Garner is an absolute master of his craft, and his music is all the more impressive considering that he was completely self-taught. His expressive playing is everything jazz should be and more. It is evident that, as the liner notes say, "he was born to play the piano."

This is a fanastic collection of songs that clearly show his style. I think he is vastly underrated and after listening to this cd, I find erroll garner to have one of the most recognizable styles of piano-playing of all jazz piano players of the world. Songs such as "lover" or "its the talk of the town" clearly indicate his genius abilities to express his thoughts and feelings.


Movie Classics: Hugo Montenegro, Ennio Morricone

CD No: 329 Label: SONY SALE: 200 MSRP: 499

Track Listing:

1. Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Hugo Montenegro
2. Fistful of Dollars (Main Titles)
3. Fistful of Dollars
4. For a Few Dollars More
5. Bye Bye Colonel
6. Ballad of Sacco & Vanzetti
7. Vice of Killing
8. Paying off Scores
9. Adventurer
10. The Harmonica Man/ Main Titles
11. Gun for Ringo
12. Metello
13. Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Theme) - Hugo Montenegro
14. Sixty Seconds to What? - Hugo Montenegro
15. Ali's Theme/ Algiers 1st November


STING : Songs from The Labyrinth

CD No: 330 Label: UNIVERSAL SALE: 200 MSRP: 395

In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears,"

Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth).

But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm.

The structure of the disc is interesting too. Interspersed with the songs are readings from Dowland's letters, documenting his hopes, successes, and frustrations as a musician, particularly the disappointment at rejection of a court post by Elizabeth I. Thus the disc becomes a sort of story - with well chosen and ordered musical illustrations - of a musician's journey and passion.

Sting's own journey with this music is nicely documented in the booklet as well, how he always loved the songs, but could not imagine performing them as young rocker. He tells us he later learned a few for love that he would sing for others privately without daring to do so publicly.


Essential Duke Ellington (2 CD)

CD No: 331 Label: SONY-BMG SALE: 160 MSRP: 399

Duke Ellington recorded for so many labels and went through so many stylistic phases, any attempt to boil down his "essence" will inevitably come up short. So it goes with this two-disc collection. While containing a wealth of gems from Columbia's huge Duke catalog, as well as some early efforts for Brunswick, it does not represent such defining works as the late-'30s/early-'40s songs gathered on RCA's Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band and The Far East Suite, Prestige's Carnegie Hall Concerts, January 1943, Blue Note's supertrio album Money Jungle, and Fantasy's The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse. That said, this 37-song set offers a great ride through the ages, powered by such classics as "Black and Tan Fantasy," "Creole Love Call," "Caravan," "Mood Indigo," "Cotton Tail" and "Come Sunday" featuring such immortal soloists as Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart and the never-to-be-underrated Ellington. Even after all this time, the transcendent genius of "Ko-Ko" still manages to spin you around the room in delight


First, let's talk about the actual music compiled on this set. If one is looking for a good set as an introduction to the WHOLE of Ellington's long career, this is the set to get. Some of Ellington's biggest fans complain that certain songs are missing. Everyone has their favorites, and with only 2 discs, SOME stuff has to be left out. The man recorded for almost 50 years! An equivalent would be assembling a 10-song Beatles Greatest Hits.

Despite this, "The Essential Duke Ellington" is an awesome and historic collection and is an excellent introduction to the man and his music. After this, one should check out the many other masterworks of this important and monumental figure in music history.



The Gould Variations: The Best of Glenn Gould's Bach (2 CD album)

CD No: 334 Label: SONY SALE: 200 MSRP: 499

If you've never heard Glenn Gould's Bach, this well planned compilation might just be your ticket to ride, as well as a great gift idea. Disc one begins and ends with the Aria from the Goldberg Variations (Gould's theme song, sort of). Among familiar Gouldian fare are the Fifth Partita, selected inventions, plus the C major and D major Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier.

Some less obvious choices also prove compelling examples of Gould's x-ray Bach style: the A minor Italian Variations, the Gigue from the B minor French overture, and the Chromatic Fantasy minus its fugue (Gould hated the fugue, and never recorded it!). Disc two contains Gould's sole organ recording, devoted to the first nine movements of The Art of Fugue. If you insert this disc in your computer CD-ROM drive, you can access a nifty interactive program. It includes full scores, liner notes, logs from the recording session, and marvelous video footage of Gould playing selections from Bach's valedictory opus at the piano. You'll be spellbound as Gould launches with soft, concentrated deliberation into the final section of the great unfinished fugue (where Bach's name is spelled out in musical notes). At the very moment Bach's manuscript breaks off, Gould's hunched-over image freezes in midair. I get goose bumps every time I see it.

The second disc is interesting as it includes 1 entire LP - Gould's performance on organ of 9 fugues from The Art of Fugue - plus videos of Gould performing fugues on piano. Consequently, while this set is not truly a "best of," it's a valuable collection of oddities and rarities and a worthwhile investment.


Paul Desmond with Strings

CD No: 318 Label: Blue Bird SALE: 250 MSRP: 549

As intended, this album presents alto sax specialist Paul Desmond as never featured before, with the backing of a string orchestra. The record, filled with such beautiful jazz standards as "My Funny Valentine," "I've Got You Under My Skin," and "Body and Soul," is very rich in texture, yet subtle and mellow overall in mood. It's unyielding purpose: to soothe the souls of its listeners.

Desmond's style and tone shine with an alluring quality, and the record is filled with melodies that don't fail to stimulate the sophisticated jazz listener.

Desmond's melodies are eloquently detailed and charmingly spun in the midst of the string orchestra arranged and conducted by Bob Prince. The legendary Jim Hall is featured as guest guitarist, playing yet another scintillating role and using his classic comping style. Hall is perhaps the most highly respected of all jazz guitarists for his good taste and witty inventiveness. Desmond has always been most familiar to the jazz public for his sweeping scale passages and his seemingly effortless spontaneity during periods of improvisation, although here he is often featured in a more lyrical ballad style on such romantic tunes as "My Funny Valentine," "Late Lament," and "Then I'll Be Tired of You."

This album is a highly innovative and meticulously crafted work, reflecting the ongoing success of both Desmond and Hall within the 1960s and the cool jazz period. Both of these musicians spent time working with Dave Brubeck and later lent themselves to many of Antonio Carlos Jobim's bossa nova projects. The arrangements are extraordinary throughout this collection, including the charming "Valentine," which begins with a fantastic Elizabethan flavor. The intro sets up the mood to carry Desmond into the first chorus, which then glides into a 20th century style. The tune "I Should Care" is "a shimmering debt to Ibert and one of the most imaginative blendings you will ever hear of strings, reeds, French horn and harp," according to the liner notes. The tone of the album: lush, reflective, thought-provoking, and soul-stirring. This work is quite a plus for any listener and especially those who consider themselves avid fans of Paul Desmond. [This album was rereleased in 2002 on the Bluebird label with seven bonus tracks from the same sessions] ~ Shawn Haney, All Music Guide



This is not Fusion

CD No: 328 Label: Times Music SALE: 125 MSRP: 295

amit chaudhuri - this is not fusion

Chaudhuri's 'non-fusion' music creates a striking metaphor for the urban sensibility."

Ivan Hewett, Daily Telegraph, London

"Sublime music...' Wall Street Journal, Asia

"Chaudhuri is a wonderful singer-- without any qualification such as 'considering his distinction as a writer.' There is a sense of calm, a simplicity, an inwardness to his singing which deeply appeals to me."
Vikram Seth, author

“I think Chaudhuri’s CD (and I have listened to it several times by now) is a landmark project in the inter-musical landscape between Western and Indian music. It stems from a very personal between-the-worlds and is attractive because the necessary negotiations within the musical sphere reach out to so many other levels of understanding music: social, biographical, technological. But most of all it is a kind of music that has clearly defined roots: not in one tradition or the other but in a very personal terrain of the globalized soul. Very often, music critics demand "authenticity" and "honesty" from music - a demand bound to produce a phoney parochial "authenticity": for no musician today lives unaware of all the other musical possibilities around them. Chaudhuri’s music is "authentic" in another, more important sense: it does not construct an ideal place, but shows us where it came from and what is lost - but also what can be gained in admitting strangeness into your own tradition.”
Sandeep Bhagwati, well-known Indo-German composer of Western art music, and professor at the Dept of Music, Concordia University, Canada

"Universally appealing... both the melodies and the lyrics are slyly parodic."
Naresh Fernandes, Time Out Bombay

“I’ve been waiting for this music for 37 years… These songs are brilliant.’
Usha Uthup, the best-known singer of the Western popular song in India
“Sparkling yet thoughtful… melding Indian classical with rock. Possibly for the first time ever, a Hindustani vocalist uses the blues as bandish, on the Gershwin classic Summertime. The result is divine.”
Ananda Lal, Professor of English, Jadavpur University, jazz, popular music, and theatre critic

“The work has intellect but is not intended to be ‘clever’. That means it references many ideas and streams of thought all at the same time, and I like this layering of ideas. And these ideas arise in some sort of organic way, as in first Chaudhuri’s own organism and its memory. The fact is that Chaudhuri is exploring emotional ranges within the tunes, and that requires control: as in what to throw out or what to focus in on. And I never once got the sense that Chaudhuri is trying to be clever or that it’s about navel gazing: there is a fun element to it which is a sufficient deterrent to either trying too hard to connect the dots between two traditions or taking oneself too seriously.”
-Madhav Chari, India’s leading jazz pianist

“I'm very struck by the sheer range of Chaudhuri’s musical affinities and internalizations. The kind of melding that is at work here cannot happen arbitrarily. There's a logic to it, a very elusive and beautiful intersection of different musical traditions. Chaudhuri has made me listen to Summertime in an altogether different register, and in his marvellously precise, yet quirky, lyrics, I found myself remembering Simon and Garfunkel and all those wonderful musicians that were part of my growing up in Calcutta… Listening to Chaudhuri’s particular blend of different musics, which is non-fusion, I was alerted to the enormously creative possibilities of one music catalyzing the creative possibilities of another. How beautiful that his voice should be able to cross so many intimate territories, and with such fine performative poise.”
Rustom Bharucha, one of India’s leading cultural commentators


“That a singer with a soothing, classical voice has remained hidden in this writer of acclaimed novels is this album's first surprise. Amit Chaudhuri, a trained classical musician besides being a fabulous novelist… has succeeded in marrying the East and the West … with aplomb… Go for it.” The Hindu, Bangalore

“Amit Chaudhuri, one of India’s foremost writers, proves, with this album, that he is one of its best ‘fusion’ singers… This is music that touches the soul. A must-try.”
Incredible India magazine

“I have been taking great pleasure in listening again and again to the writer Amit Chaudhuri’s collaborative album “This Is Not Fusion.” There’s conceptual seriousness here and also play; a fine mix of experimentation and wit. The sounds and phrases stay in the mind long after you have finished listening to the song. I recognize different parts of myself in this music.”
The writer/ critic Amitava Kumar on amitavakumar.blogsome.com


Listen to your hearts ( 2 Disc)

CD No: 301 Label: Universal Music India SALE: 200 MSRP: 495


A 2 CD set of 33 greatest love songs from the Best of the Bests artist such as : Michael Bolton, Sting, Brayan Adams, Wet Wet Wet, Lionel Rochie, Chris De Burgh, Diana Krall, Stevie Wonder, Commodores, Scorpions, Shania Twain, Abba, Aqua, Cyndi Lauper, The Cure, Sade, Daniel Bedingfield, Patti Labelle. A nice collection indeed. Though the label is Indian (Universal music India) recording is top notch!



Legends vol -1,Legends vol -2,Legends vol –3

CD No: 303-4-5 Label: World Wide Records -India pressing SALE: (Set of 3 CDs ) 400 MSRP: (Set of 3 CDs) 885

Presenting the finest ever vocal Jazz collection!

44 master piece track, pristine recording! Just have a look at the list of artist:


Nina Simone, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Alan Farrington, Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, John Lee Hooker, Miles DavisFrank Sinatra, Jack Teagraden,Count Basie, Bessie Smith !

No brainer, this is an ultimate collection, a rare find and now out of print. You won’t find it else where.

Golden Super Oldies:: 2 CD set

CD No: 327 Label: EMI India SALE: 100 MSRP: 295

Another fine collection of beautiful voices and music masterpieces.
40 Original Artist, 40 original Evergreen songs. All packed in 3 CD album! Pressed in India by EMI but recording is at par with any other overseas pressing.

Here is the list of artists:

Ben King
Dean Martin
Paul Anka
Helen Shapiro
LuLU
Lynn Anderson
Peggy Lee
Bread
The Everly Brothers
The Bellany Brothers
Dan Seals
Charlie Rich
Dr Hook
Gary Puckett and the Union Group
The Association
Lobo
Shirley Bassey
Slim Whitman
Vince Hill
Les Paul and Mary Ford
The Beach boys
The Animals
Cliff Richard
Glen Campbell
Jimmy Parkinson

And many others

Midnight Jazz

CD No: 316 Label: J&B Elite -UK SALE: 125 MSRP: 295

Teddy Wilson : I can’t get Started , Prelude to a kiss , The Man I Love
Stephane Grappelli: Don’t Blame Me, Start Eyes, Moonlight In Vermont, Love Song
Gerry Mulligan: Song for Johny Hodges, Blues for Gerry, Line for Lyons, Walking Shoes
Bill Dodget: I wish You Love

What else I need to add now? Fine music, great artist and finest recording from J&B Elite UK.


Jazz Moods

CD No: 306 Label: Hey Presto -UK SALE: 125 MSRP: 295

Yet another great album by Hey’s Prestige – UK.

See the list of artist:

Dave Brubeck
Stan Getz
Dester Gordon
Wynton Marsallis
Chick Corea
Jazz Messenger
Stephane Grappelli

and others.

A very fine melodic, soft and pleasing music even to those who are not into Jazz or listening to Jazz for the first time!

Midnight Saxophone

CD No: 313 Label: Hey Presto - UK SALE: 100 MSRP: 295


One more fine collection from Hey’s Presto – UK!

16 Romantic Saxophone Instrumentals.

Unbelong the Lounge

CD No: 320 Label: Times Music SALE: 120 MSRP: 360

A beautiful Fusion album !

Karsh Kale, Rahul Sharma, Bombay Dun Orchestra, Jatin Sharma, Sivamani and many others


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Shipping Charges:

1 CD : Rs 75

Up to 3 CDs : Rs 100

Up to 6 CDs: Rs 150

Up to 15 CDs; Rs 400

Up to 20 CDs: Rs 550

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* All CDs are from my cousin's personal collection.
* CD are used but in excellent condition. All CDs are checked visually fro any damage and are played Ftart to FInish in real time sense to insure proper playing conditions.
* CD covers may shownormal wear and tear but CDs are intact.

* No return or exchanges once sold.

* Accept Cash, DD or Check paybale at Par in Pune.

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Thanks for looking.


SUhas

Suhas,

Would like the following:

Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane

The Giants

Stan Getz for lovers

So near , so far :: Joe Henderson

When I look in your eyes :: Diana Krall

Bossa Nova for lovers

Wheel of life :: Sadao Watanabe

Moanig :: Art Blakey and others

Bebo and Cigala :: Lagimas Negras

STING : Songs from The Labyrinth

Paul Desmond with Strings

This is not Fusion

Midnight Jazz

Jazz Moods

Unbelong the Lounge

Regards,
Persiflage

Hi Suhas
I will take the

Jobim
and
This is not fusion

thanks
Sridhar

Thanks Sridhar. But those albums are already been reserved by two forum members. PMs are sent to them and Sale is pending , if these albums become availabel again then I will offer the same to you on priority basis.

By the way, your 6 CDs (through earlier Sale advt) are ready to ship since long, please let me know when and where to ship.

Hope this helps.

SUhas

Hi Suhas
ok, early bird gets the worm

I am out of the country returning towards the end of the month, pls hold the CDs till then, if you need to ship it out, I can give you a friends address.

thanks
Sridhra

Almost all CDs from the lot are now in 'Sale Pending' status.

Thanks for looking.

Regards

SUhas

Any CDs left for me Mr.Suhas?????

david.

ALL CDs from the lot are now in 'Sale Pending' status. If at all any title becomes available , I will repost it here in this very thread.

Thanks for looking.

Regards

SUhas