Soul Symphony Review

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(More customer reviews)Soul Symphony is Will Downing's TWELVE album! Did you read that correctly, people? Album Number 12! Will Downing came out 17 years ago when he released his debut self-titled album in 1988 under the 4th & Broadway record label, the same people that put out Paid In Full for Eric B and Rakim! Usually when people talk about a long-standing career, they are talking about a dozen or so albums over 20 or 30 or even 40 years. This man is cranking out albums like there is no tomorrow. And if you're already familiar with his music, then you know that his crooning has for the most part remained consistent since day one. So with Soul Symphony, Will Downing is pretty much continuing to please his faithful followers and entice new listeners to become fans.
One of my favorite songs of all time is his duet with Rachelle Ferrell entitled "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This" from his Love's The Place To Be album in 1993. I've been a fan ever since seeing that live-in-concert video on BET that day (that was the first year I ever had cable!) More than a decade later, and I'm still amazed at the vocals and the lyrics that Will Downing has always had in his repertoire. He's often slumped into the Smooth Jazz category, but Will Downing can easily be enjoyed by R&B lovers as well. "Put Me On" is sort of like a stepper's song only without the illustrious R. Kelly at the helm. Another song entitled "Soul Steppin" is obviously geared towards the stepping crowd as well as "Will Still Loves You." But Will Downing slows it down with songs like the groovy "What's It Gonna Be," the seductive "Make Time For Love," and "Crazy Love." But his most noticeable album tracks tend to be cover songs, and he does his own rendition of the classic "Superstar" that another crooner named Luther Vandross made a great remake of.
His other two songs on the album are traditional Will Downing songs, namely "A Promise" and "Heart Of Mine." There's not a lot of bad things to say about Will Downing...and why would you? The man has put in his time and done what he's needed to do to stay in the music business for so long. Sure he doesn't go Gold or Platinum like other fly-by-night artists, but in the end Will outshines them all when it comes to worthiness and having a long-standing career. I've had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a few years ago, sharing the stage with Phil Perry, Chante Moore, and Gerald Albright. It was easily one of the most delightful concerts that I got to share with the woman who would ultimately become my wife. And sitting in the front row to see her favorite singer Chante Moore perform and one of my favorite singers made it all worth it. Hopefully Will Downing will support Soul Symphony with a tour and you'll be able to witness it all for yourself.


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Double Fantasy Review

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(More customer reviews)Note: The Lennon songs alone deserve a five star rating.
While "Double Fantasy" was meant to be Lennon's comeback album, it ultimately served as his sweet farewell.
John Lennon was a very proficient artist throughout most of the 60s and throughout the first half of the 70s. Between 1963 and 1975, a year didn't pass by in which Lennon didn't release an album, first with the Beatles and then as a solo artist. The second half of the 70s, however, saw no new music from Lennon. Indeed, he virtually disappeared from the limelight.
In the early-to-mid 70s, before his musical hiatus, Lennon indulged in his infamous "lost weekend." During this time Lennon was separated from Yoko and indulged in drugs, alcohol and general excess. After this dark phase, Lennon took the second half of the 70s off to find himself. In that time he reconciled with Yoko, became a father, and worked on new music.
November of 1980 saw the release of "Double Fantasy." It was Lennon's first album of original material since 1974's "Wall and Bridges." Although it initially received mixed reviews from critics, it was a hit, achieving gold status within a few weeks. The album's first single "(Just Like) Starting Over" also proved to be a hit single. With a new world tour planned for 1981, Lennon was poised to make a strong comeback and take the 1980s head-on.
But then came December 8, 1980, a night in which the world was robbed of one of its biggest talents.
After Lennon's death, fans went to the record stores in droves to pick up "Double Fantasy." It became one of 1981's top sellers and earned a Grammy. Although it had initially received mixed reviews from critics, it is now regarded by fans and critics alike as one of his finest solo offerings. The album proved to be a sad-but-sweet farewell.
Because "Double Fantasy" was released so close to Lennon's death, it's hard to listen to it and take it out of that context. It's a rather paradoxical listen. The nature of the album is celebratory and positive, yet it was released in the wake of such a tragedy. It's so unfair that a man who was so gifted, so optimistic about the future, should have it all taken away. All this makes "Double Fantasy" a very bittersweet album.
John Lennon's music has always been autobiographical. After the demise of the Beatles, when Lennon was coming to terms with his life and fame, he released his brutally honest masterpiece "Plastic Ono Band" (1970). It was an album of letting go, a total catharsis, a release of all his pent up demons. In 1974, when he was separated from Yoko, lost, and didn't know what to do with his life, he released the confessional "Walls and Bridges," which was a diary of that dark time in his life.
In 1980, Lennon was as happy and fulfilled as he had ever been, and "Double Fantasy" is a testament to that. He was happily married, had a young child, and was eager to get back into world affairs, tour, and make a statement.
"Double Fantasy" sees a joint John Lennon/Yoko Ono collaboration. Both sing and pen every other song, so each artist is surrounded by a song of the other. Often the songs are a response to one another, like a dialogue.
Lennon's last few albums before his hiatus had been brilliant, if unfocused. "Double Fantasy" sees Lennon's best work in years. With Jack Douglas producing and backed by top-notch studio musicians, Lennon came up with a stellar collection of mature and polished, yet rocking songs.
The Fats Domino-esque "Just like Starting Over" gets the album off to a great start. The mid-tempo "Cleanup Time," with its infectious horns has a great hook and keeps the momentum going. The downdraught insecure "I'm loosing you" is reminiscent of Lennon's work from "Walls and Bridges." Lennon's tribute to his son Sean, the new age sounding lullaby-like "Beautiful Boy" is both sincere and gorgeous, without sounding corny. The album's big hit, the mid-tempo "Watching the Wheels" offers an explanation as to Lennon's absence from the music world for the preceding few years. Lennon shows his masterful pop-sensibility for the stunning "Woman." The up-tempo "Dear Yoko" is a good, if not spectacular pop song. The horns add a nice touch. The 2000 remaster addition includes a rough demo of the hymn-like "Help me to help myself," which shows Lennon's desire to keep on the straight-and-narrow path.
Although the format of the alternating John/Yoko songs is an interesting idea for a middle-aged love story concept album, in all honesty, it would have been better if John and Yoko each released their own songs on separate albums. Yoko Ono is creative and a gifted songwriter, but her songs just seem out of place next to John's. That said, there are some good Yoko songs to be found on "Double Fantasy," like the disco-esque "Kiss, Kiss, Kiss," the cabaret-like "Yes I'm your Angel," and the infectious club-beat of "Every man has a Woman who love him."
I never actually listen to "Double Fantasy" as is, per-se. Rather; I have a CDR of all the Lennon songs from "Double Fantasy," and all the Lennon songs from the posthumous follow-up, "Milk and Honey," (1984) which was done in the same John/Yoko alternating format. This makes for a far more consistent and enjoyable listen.
While Lennon's early death is the biggest loss rock n' roll ever faced, it is of some comfort to know that Lennon spent the last few years of his life in high spirits. "Double Fantasy" ultimately serves as an acknowledgment of that, bittersweet as it may be.

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In The Heart of the Moon Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a rare feast! Two of Mali's finest musicians getting together for a couple of jamming sessions! There were no rehearsals, just immediate harmony, understanding of the music and each musician exhibiting appreciation of the other. Both artists brought their rich repertoire with them, one leading the other into a melody they both knew and off they went... creative improvisation combined with virtuosity of their two instruments, guitar and kora. The backup team included no other than famous American guitarist Ry Cooder and his son Joachim.
IN THE HEART OF THE MOON may have taken a few hours to record, but the build up to this first musical encounter of Mali's musical giants took many years. Listening to them play, you wouldn't believe either time span. Having met and heard them both play in informal settings, I can imagine the sessions, the wordless intuitive exchange through eye contact and gestures. The result is, as they say, magic! According to the accompanying notes, they themselves were surprised how well each understood the musical culture of the other. Both could adapt their playing style to the other's requirements. It demanded completely new harmonies on Toumani's kora - it softened the voice of Ali's guitar. Toumani's comment: "This is a record of music that did not exist before!" It melds the different musical traditions of two distinct Malian cultures.

Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté have both been household names of Mali music for a long time. One is famous as Mr. Blues and the other admired as Mr. Kora. Their styles are rooted in their respective ethnic cultures: Ali comes from the northern Songraï and Toumani from a long line of (southern) Mandé griot tradition. They are also from two generations. Toumani admired Ali's music as a child. "Toumani is a child born in my hands" says Ali in the notes. He played with Toumani's father, Sidiki Diabaté, also a famous kora virtuoso.
This album features by and large traditional compositions, most of them instrumental, some adapted by Ali for guitar, and one composed by Toumani dedicated to Ali on his election to Mayor of his hometown Niafunké. Those familiar with Malian music will recognize many of the tunes and enjoy the beauty of their interpretations. Those unfamiliar with its rich repertoire will find this album and excellent introduction. Just one warning - you will want to buy more recordings of both artists. [Friederike Knabe]

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In the Heart of the Moon is a summit meeting between two world music giants, guitarist Ali Farka Toure and master of the kora-the 21-string gourd harp-toumani Diabate. It is the first newly recorded work from either artist in five years and their first album-length collaboration. More an eloquent, in-depth dialogue than a jam session, In The Heart Of the Moon was recorded during three unrehearsed, improvisatory two-hour sessions at the Hotel Mande, on the banks of the Niger river, in Bamako, Mali.

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Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm such a dedicated fan of everything Josh Groban has done (I have multiple copies of his CD's and two copies of the first PBS concert) that I was thrilled to learn he had another concert! I saw it last night. What happened?? The first PBS concert was stylish (appropriate for a quasi-classical performer) and the focus was on that beautiful voice! The guests were equally wonderful performing with Josh. THIS concert was a complete turn around. Looks like Josh is trying to change it all in mid-stream but I'm not sure what it's supposed to be. Maybe "Josh Groban does the Backstreet Boys." At any rate, I was very disappointed. This concert had songs that were repeats from the first concert (in very different arrangements that didn't quite work), and a very small selection from "Closer." I tried my best to concentrate on Groban's lovely voice but the camera people seemed to think we'd rather see fans waving light sticks. When he performs "To Where You Are" (again) we see Groban through tiny flags being waved by fans (annoying and distracting). On a couple of songs his voice seems strained and I agree with one reviewer here that he sounds congested.At one point Groban goes back and forth across the stage (like this bunch really needed to be more frantic!). I stopped watching after the first hour and decided I have to be content with what I have. THIS PBS concert DVD and CD will not make it into my collection.

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Josh Groban's 2002 PBS "Great Performances" special was a #1 selling DVD and the best-selling long-form music video of 2003. His second "Great Performances" special was taped at L.A.'s Greek Theater in the summer of 2004. For fans of the young sophisticated pop phenomenon who has sold more than 8 million albums, this CD+DVD package is just the latest great performance in the career of Josh Groban. DVD Extras: On the road with Josh for Summer 2004 Tour and a special performance of "Believe" from The Polar Express (it's PBS footage mixed w/ film footage).

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Jewel - Live At Humphrey's By The Bay (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)First, let me get this off my chest: Finally, a Jewel concert on DVD!
This is Jewel's first concert release on DVD. I thought it was great-- no rapid cuts between cameras, no quirky sound issues, and the picture is crisp, clean, and clear. Jewel is radiant, and I thought this recording did well to capture her sense of humor.
For those who prefer pre-0304 before the makeover, this was performed well before 0304, so it's folkie-acoustic-Jewel. Whether you like her recent transformation or not, this DVD boasts the same great voice her fans have come to know and love.
Though some have complained about the sound, it's not an issue unless you're *really, really, really* a sound buff. I popped it in the player and was able to enjoy it just fine with my TV speakers and the occasional stereo headphone (when I play it on the computer).
About 3/4 of the songs are done solo, so fans of "Jewel & Guitar" won't be disappointed. The last four songs (You Were Meant For Me, Hands, Everybody Needs Someone Sometime, Who Will Save Your Soul) are performed with a band backing her up. (She picks up the electric guitar in the 'Hands' performance.)
Also included are 3 bonus performances of Love Me Just Leave Me Alone, Do You Want to Play, and Jesus Loves You. There's also a Standing Still video, which is basically a montage of various behind the scenes and concert clips showing while the song is playing. Then there's an interview with Jewel that's about 12 minutes long in which she talks about her creative process and the long break she took between before recording 'This Way.'
Jewel's forte is live performances. Though I wish there were more songs, I'll take what I can get. I especially enjoyed her lively banter with her audience, and it was great fun to see her start off her concert with opera, off all things, a cappella. I also liked Who Will Save Your Soul, which when performed live nowadays is nothing like what it was on the album. It's become a jazzy number that serves her as a vehicle for improv, and improv she definitely does on this one!
Just to set the record straight, I did some research on Jewel since some people have complained that the material is old (from 2001). The new tour for the 0304 CD is currently underway in the US, so it's 1) impossible to get a concert DVD for the new tour, since it still hasn't wrapped up yet, which means 2) this DVD was probably released partly to help promote the 0304 tour.
Sound quality I thought was fine. Jewel's voice rang crystal clear. Picture quality was terrific, clear, and sharp-- no fuzziness/blurriness like on Sarah McLachlan's Mirrorball DVD. The editing wasn't distracting in the slightest, so no rapid-chops like on Sheryl Crow's C'mon America release.
If you're a Jewel fan, definitely get this. If you like the genre or if you loved Lillith Fair, this should be of interest to you. However, if the thought of a girl and her guitar for an hour makes you sleepy just thinking about it, pass on this. My take on this is that it isn't my all-time favorite concert, but it was worth the money and I'm definitely happy with this purchase. I like the genre, I like Jewel, and this concert was 15 bucks decently spent.

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Shot over two performances on a summer night just before the launch of her ©¯This Way©˜ tour,"Live at Humphrey's By the Bay" is Jewel's first ever Live Concert DVD.Remixed and Mastered to Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS Surroundand Dolby Stereo, "Live at Humphrey's By the Bay©˜ captures the true essence of this Multi-platinum singer/songwriter's decade long career. With album sales topping 25 million, "Live at Humphrey's By the Bay" includes all of Jewel©ˆs signature songs including Hands, Everything Breaks Sometime, and You Were Meant For Me and brings you a front row seat in an intimate setting by one of the greatest artists of our generation.

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Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection (4 CD's + 1 DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)Yes Michael Jackson has had a few too many 'Greatest Hits' packages, but this one truly is the Ultimate collection of his musical work. Four CDs jam packed with hits and rarities spanning his entire 34 year recording career (J5, The Jacksons and solo), a DVD of his Dangerous concert that aired on HBO (available here for the first time) and an original 60 page book detailing his entire career. There's precious little more you could ask for from a box set.
Now Michael has only released 6 full albums of new material in the past 25 years so chances are that most already have the hits in one form or another so why buy this set? Consider the following list of all the rare and previously unreleased songs in this collection.
Enjoy Yourself - The Jacksons first hit from their first album with Epic
Ease On Down The Road / You Can't Win - both from The Wiz Soundtrack
Shake A Body - previously unreleased demo of what became "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground"
Sunset Driver - previously unreleased demo
P.Y.T. - previously unreleased demo
Someone In The Dark - track from the rarely heard E.T. Storybook
State Of Shock - duet with Mick Jagger (!) from The Jacksons last album Victory
Scared of the Moon - previously unreleased demo
We Are The World - previously unreleased demo
We Are Here To Change The World - from Captain EO (previously unreleased)
Cheater - previously unreleased demo
Dangerous - previously unreleased alternate version
Monkey Business - previously unreleased
Who Is It (IHS Mix) - rare remix
Someone Put Your Hand Out - rare promotional song (first time on CD)
On The Line - from the "Get On The Bus" soundtrack
Fall Again - previously unreleased demo
In The Back - previously unreleased
Beautiful Girl - previously unreleased demo
The Way You Love Me - previously unreleased
We've Had Enough - previously unreleased
That's 14 completely brand new tracks never heard before and 8 that were previously very hard to come by. These 22 tracks alone (a full album of material) make this set worth the purchase for any MJ fan. It's surprising that these demos and completed songs never saw the light of day until now considering the high caliber of the work. If this is any indication of the songs MJ has in the vault, I'd love to hear more - lots more.
No matter if you only have one or two MJ CDs, are a rabid fan or are just interested in finding out what al the fuss is about, this is the set for you. Sony did an amazing job with this set and Michael (a real perfectionist) should be commended for his bravery in releasing demos. I look forward to hearing many more of these previously unheard recordings. Thanks Mike.

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Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection is a limited edition box set consisting of four CDs and one DVD, Live in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour. Much of the music is drawn from the height of Jackson's career particularly from the albums Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory, and Invincible. The set also features three tracks from The Jackson Five and six tracks from The Jacksons. Notable tracks on the compilation include the first release of the demos of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)", "Shake a Body", "Cheater" and "We Are the World." The set also contains 8 unreleased songs, including "Beautiful Girl", "The Way You Love Me" and "We've Had Enough" and previously out of print songs such as the full version of "You Can't Win," "Someone in the Dark," the early versions of "Dangerous" and "Monkey Business," "Someone Put Your Hand Out" and "On the Line."

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