CD-Charts Position 1
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Midnight Blue: Remastered

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Kenny Burrell

Release Date April 05, 1999
Hynotic, subtle and the same time wonderfully soulful this record surely sits within the top five of all time Blue Note releases. It's the ultimate late night session. The consistently wonderfully Kenny Burrell who makes the difficult sound effortlessly simple gives a masterclass in Jazz guitar playing with an endlesss tapestry of smooth licks that melt into the instinctive groove of Stanley Turrentine's sax. It's a partnership made in heaven, they work so languidly off each other on, "Mule" The way Burrell brings in the track on,"Soul lament," with his emotive twanging are classic bars of music. I am also particularly fond of the waltz tempo on,"Wavy Gravy."
This record is wonderfully focussed, Burrell's musical philosophy is stamped ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Night Train

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Oscar Peterson Trio

Release Date April 07, 2008
Having grown up with the popular music of the 60s, 70s, 80s etc and loved music from Classical to Heavy Metal but not Jazz. In the past two years I have been introduced to Oscar Peterson and I could almost throw all other genres away after living with this album for the last six months. This is absolute total musical perfection and an awesome early 60s recording.

Looking forward to getting to know other albums.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Getz/Gilberto Vol.1: Remastered

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim

Release Date May 25, 1999
Antonio Carlos Jobim goes down with Lennon/McCartney, Gershwin, Amstrong as one of the most influential songwriter/stylists of the 20th century.

To judge the album on its own merits is one thing. Getz turns in small but perfectly formed solos. Astrid Gilberto's voice is ravishing, complementing husband Joao's voice with that incredibly restrained vulnerability that is the essence of Bossa. It is an album of incredible tenderness and instrospection. The studio atmosphere is very intimate with an almost homespun quality. For me its a five star album in its own right.

However, this album has a far larger significance, in the way that Sargeant Pepper did. It changed everything and set off ripples that are still reverberating ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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Bossa Nova - Jazz Masters 53

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Stan Getz

Release Date April 08, 1996
This music album was made in 1963 and it's totally timeless and as fresh in 2008 as when it was first made. I'm 43 and my dad is 70. My 8 year old son and all of us can't get enough of this. Getz's Chega De Saudade (One note samba) is totally the best jazz funk ever and all the other melodies are totally gold as well. You can buy this for yourslef or as a gift for a friend and it's totally priceless - worth a 100 times it's weight in gold. Enjoy!!!!

CD-Charts Position 5
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Go: Remastered

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Dexter Gordon

Release Date May 03, 1999
This is a cracking album and I totally agree with the other reviewer as this is a disc that is frequently in my CD player.
Although my preference would be for the other Blue Note recorded in Paris with Kenny Clarke and Bud Powell, this is a hugely enjoyable set, Dexter playing with his customary wry sense of humour and backed by a hard-hitting rythmn section. Like many other discs of the era on the Blue Note label, the recording quality is good and the standard of material is very high. No duff tracks on this one.
Dexter's style of playing with his huge, impressive tone was unique - owing something to the more Romantic players of the generation of Coleman Hawkins but taking on the harmonies and rythmns of Be-bop. This is a good introduction to ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 6
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The Essential

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Charlie Parker

Release Date April 26, 2004
I must admit I hadn't heard much Charlie Parker before buying this album as an introduction to bebops founder and one of the world's finest saxophonists to date. After listening to both CD's in this double set right through various times I was addicted and I'm sure I shall buy much more of his work very soon. Many of the bebop enthusiasts I know agreed that the choice of song's on this album were very well selected and clearly outline the saxophonists different stages in his musical career. I recommend this album to diehard bebop fans and everyone else alike either to hear the amazing musicianship, unpressedented composing skills or just to know where every musician in the world hs gained some kind of influence. Pure Genious!!!

CD-Charts Position 7
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Britten: A Midsummer Night's Dream

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
from: London

Release Date March 22, 1990
This was the first opera I ever saw live, during its initial London run a few months after the Aldeburgh premiere. I still carry vivid memories of that evening as a magical experience. And magic certainly lies at the heart of this entrancing (almost literally) piece.

From the sounds of the forest breathing in the opening string glissandos to the fairies' glittering benediction on Duke Theseus house at the end, Britten conjures a wonderful array of colours and pictures from his relatively modest orchestra. Each group of characters is given its own distinctive orchestral palette - strings with woodwinds predominate for the Lovers, the trombone fills in its fatter, comical tones when the Rustics appear, horns add a touch of regality for Theseus' ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
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Straight No Chaser

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Thelonious Monk

Release Date September 02, 1996
A truely outstanding album from start to finnish. Many catchy tunes with the incredible talent of Thelonious Monk (Piano). This album goes from strength to strength. Highly recommended from Jazz fans looking to start their collection. Overall it is an excellent album performed by real professionals. A must have for anyone who calls themself a Jazz fan.

CD-Charts Position 9
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Monk's Dream

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Thelonious Monk

Release Date September 02, 2002
This was pianist Thelonious Monk's first album for the Columbia label; it was made between October 31st and November 6th in '62. 'Body And Soul' and 'Just A Gigolo' are unaccompanied piano solos by Monk. The remainder of the tracks feature him in a quartet with Charlie Rouse (tenor sax), John Ore (bass) and Frankie Dunlop (drums). Rouse sounds a bit relentless at times, but never quite monotonous. Dunlop's bouncy drumming is a joy to listen to, and Monk himself is on good quirky form. These are studio recordings, the sound quality is excellent and the playing time is 73 minutes. A very attractive item - bewitching even.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Charlie Parker (10cd Box Set) [German Import]

CD-Charts > Music > General AAS
by: Charlie Parker

Release Date July 11, 2005
It is a very good package and after looking for it for a while (and finding it) I am very happy with it. Excellent music in a no frills offer!