Tangerine Dream Live Cleveland 1986 Review

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(More customer reviews)Ok I was at this concert and while a LOT of time has past, I do remember this concert with great fondeness. In fact I meet TD at Captain Franks(a now closed sea food restauarnt in Cleveland) after the concert. This recording meets my memory and matches what I heard in the actual concert. The raw unproceesed nature (if you can say that with TD) of the recording is obvious. I bought this because I was there. If you have no sentimental reasons to buy it, than stick to the studio albums. In fact I just found the tour book sitting in a drawer next to my computer.

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Previously Unrelesed Live Concert, Remastered and Limited and Numbered to 10,000 Copies Worldwide. Recorded at the Cleveland Ohio Convention Center, June 24th 1986.

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Best of Silk Road Review

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(More customer reviews)A good album. If you like the theme from The Silk Road, you could also purchase the original video of The Silk Road produced by NHK TV Japan. Kitaro's music is soothing and an excellent accessory to meditation.

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Best of Silk Road blends Kitaro’s influences from traditional Japanese music and the romantic Western tradition with serene and seductive arrangements, gentle melodies and combination of lush, majestic textures.This CD features a previously unreleased version of the ‘Theme for Silk Road’ as well as ‘Pray at Xian/Mercury’, which was recorded live in Xian, China during Kitaro’s 2002 Silk Road tour.

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Life Between the Lines Review

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(More customer reviews)Laurie Z's Life Between The Lines is one of my all time favorite CD's! I have owned that fabulous piece of work for probably 8 years and I can say it is a "timeless" CD. The variation of songs and the compositiion of each and every one is so beautiful. I never get tired of it.
I have played her music in my clothing stores , sitting down to dinner with friends, planting flowers in my garden, driving in my car. It is a must have CD!
Karen Jenanyan Owner/Talisman Boutique Santa Barbara, CA

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Laurie Z.'s musical education and experience was extensive and diverse. A classically trained pianist whose influences included Beethoven, The Moody Blues, Pink Floyd and Elton John, Laurie Z.'s music has been enjoyed throughout the world. At a time when few women shared her knowledge of MIDI, synthesizers and computers, Laurie had the honor of being one of the few women to be a Consultant and Product Specialist for Roland, Kawai, Alesis and Yamaha Corporations. The depth, intensity and sophistication of Laurie's second release, Life Between The Lines, the follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut "Window to The World," all reflect the talent of Laurie Z. LIFE expresses a range of human emotions as it covers a range of musical styles from classical to jazz, from new age to rock, from gospel to ambient. Her life, her emotions, her soul...every note on this album is a gift from the heart, tender in all its vulnerability, for you to experience and share.Laurie Z. - Keyboards, pianoPer Kjeller-Guitar - Acoustic GuitarJeff Falcone - Drums John Meadows - Bass, Fretless Bass Alan Palmer - Tenor SaxJeff Hogan - Bass Tom Tally Viola

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Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's great to finally have the opportunity to review this spectacular concert DVD and CD. The clarity of the audio recording is amazing. There isn't as much verbal contact between Sarah to her audience on the CD, but the DVD is the full thing, just as the audience saw it when they were there. I believe this DVD runs circles around The Harem world tour DVD 100 times, which makes this purchase totally worthwhile. The photos are stunning and the printing of the glossy booklet make everything look so nice. The DVD is purple and the CD is black with silver lettering.
Sarah's costumes and hair are gorgeous and she is definitely glowing and looking more pretty than ever. There is one small difference from the studio recording of "Fleurs Du Mal" and the recording on the dicsc. What I'm saying is...Sarah doesn't do that high-pitched vocalise while the violin solo comes in in the intro of the song, compared to the studio album recording. I wonder if it would've wrecked the intro to the song if she did sing it while moving down the middle aisle.
"Sanvean" written by Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) is a beautiful vocalise consisting of no lyrics but just sounds. That is what I love about this song. It's just so haunting and original, and Sarah does it very well, even if some say she's too breathy. "Canto Della Terra" is beautiful and Alessandro Safina looks & sounds amazing as Sarah's duet partner. Together, they blow everyone away with their breathtaking live rendition of the song. "Atessa" is very pretty and much better than expected. It really doesn't appear they used any playback for this concert, meaning Sarah used her own voice for the whole recording. I was actually expecting Atessa to be dubbed from the studio recording because of that very outstanding high note at the end, which is incredibly hard to do without screaming it.
"POTO" turned out to be quite nice, although it was a little too fast-paced compared to the original version. But the rock concert edge gives it a totally new edge and Sarah was still able to sing over the volume of the rock band and the pipe organ high above her and Chris Thompson. Oh, that reminds me, in "I will be with you"...my only negative comment would be; Chris Thompson looks a bit tired and sounds winded. If I hadn't known already what he looks like, I would've thought they pulled someone off the street to sing with her, although the rock edge was still there in his voice. Fortunately enough, Chris shines in "POTO", and he and Sarah really blew me away when I heared the performance for the 1st time. The CD bonus track "Vide Cor Meum" is beautiful and really fits in well with the theme of the album. It could've worked really well in the traclisting on the studio album "Symphony" too.
It's really wonderful to have this beautiful package and I'll cherish it for many years to come. This is by far, Sarah's best live performance to date...although there are some really amazing live performances on her other live DVDs. But this one really showcases Sarah's live singing voice, and how well she can work with a rock band. Get this item and you'll agree, it's totally worth the wait and the money.

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In January 2008, Sarah Brightman recorded and filmed Symphony -- Live in Vienna within the mystical walls of Stephansdome Cathedral in the heart of where classical music evolved -- Vienna, Austria. Renowned for its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, the cathedral was the perfect setting to enter the magical world of Symphony lead by the voice of the beautiful, gothic-angel. The concert includes repertoire from her album Symphony and some of her most popular songs ("Phantom of the Opera," "Time to Say Goodbye"). COMBO PACKAGES TRACKLISTING* 1. Pie Jesu 2. Fleurs du Mal 3. Symphony 4. Sanvean 5. Canto della Terra (duet w/Alessandro Safina) 6. Sarai Qui (duet w/Alessandro Safina) 7. Attesa 8. I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go) (duet w/Chris Thompson) 9. Storia d'Amore 10. Pasión (duet w/Fernando Lima) 11. Running 12. Let It Rain 13. The Phantom of the Opera (duet w/Chris Thompson) 14. Time to Say Goodbye 15. Ave Maria 16. Vide Cor Meum (*bonus track)DVD extras: The Production (interview with Sarah Brightman) The Songs (interview with Sarah Brightman) The Location (interview with Father Anthony Faber and historian Elisabeth Lloyd-Davis) Photo Gallery Extras RT approx. 45 minutes Total RT for combo pkgs approx. 75 minutes

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Ethnicity Review

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(More customer reviews)I really enjoyed this cd. Yanni has kept to a similar grasp on composing, but with a different sound. Yanni, is a blessed musician in the fact that he has been very successful at keeping to his extremely vast span of creativity. I gave it 4 stars because I really do prefer his old sound, which brings me to another topic...
Others have recommended an artist named Mehdi as being similiar to Yanni. I found very little similarity but fell in love with the music. I picked up his new CD and it's awesome...Samples are at SoothingMusic.Com. Recommended !


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Distant Bell Review

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(More customer reviews)The tracklisting is
1. Gently Johnny
2. So Uncool
3. Innocence Sleeping
4. Banks of the Nile
5. Simple Lyric
6. No More Words
7. Too Late
8. The Trees They Do Grow High
9. Greenwood Laddie
10. Timeless
11. Handful of Ashes
12. Farewell to Music (w. Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains)
13. Gently Johnny (Extended Version)
"A Distant Bell" is Caroline Lavelle's third solo album. She has collaborated with many artists ranging from BT ("The Great Escape"), Chicane ("Lost You Somewhere") and Massive Attack ("Home of The Whale") to Vangelis ("Come To Me"), Hector Zazou ("The Freeze, "Lies Will Flow") and the violinist Nigel Kennedy ("Breathing Stone"). She has also contributed to Muse's "Origin of Symmetry", Radiohead's "The Bends", Loreena McKennitt's "Book of Secrets" and the legendary Irish band Chieftains, attending live tours of these artists with her cello and backing vocals.
A versatile sought-after vocalist and cellist by artists of classic, new age, electronic, chamber folk genres, Caroline Lavelle established alongside her collaborations a parallel solo career that has been one of profound experimentation. Merging traditional Irish tunes with electronic blends (on debut "Spirit", produced by William Orbit), she released an album which surpasses all the likes of Enya. Her second album, "Brilliant Midnight" is a brilliant showcase of her own song-writing and producing skills as well as the depths of her personality.
"A Distant Bell", her third solo effort intermingles, again, the traditional British-Irish tunes with that very creative and sensual attitute towards song-wirting and performing that she exhibited in her previous records. All the songs are crafted with a careful sense of perfection alongside many moments of inspirational spontaneity.

To the changes undergone, "A Distant Bell" has a minimum electronics and maximum of acoustics. The majority of the songs are performed with strings, haunting guitars, pianos and Lavelle's wonderful voice. The result is a unique and fresh interpretation of evergreen traditionality. Her distinctive voice accompany the album's emotive melodies so smoothly as to put you into a state of insurmountable captivation of music.
The haunting emotional essence of the record is further reinforced with her well-crafted self-written songs like gentle "So Uncool", the catchy Irish gem "No More Words", "Too Late" and the glorious climax "Timeless", which goes

"But old love grows so long / that the part above the ground has less effect / and time can wither tender shoots / but leaves those roots secure and strong / But the best love has no time / no forwards, backwards but only now / It's strong arms hold you when you walk and / if you fall you're always caught"... This is exquisite poetry clothed with music, at its best! A perfect 50 min. for forgetting the day and embarking on an acoustic chamber folk journey!
Also don't forget visit Caroline's website carolinelavelle.com where you can stream all the the songs on the album plus discover background of her previous albums, her own record label and some B-sides!


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Alexandria Review

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(More customer reviews)NOTE The following is quoted...........
Romantic pop-ethereal faerie singer signed to Prikosnovenie. Albums: Argo, Alexandria, Ariel, Alabaster, Apple Pentacle & collaborations.
Louisa, Australian artist on ethereal French label Prikosnovenie, released 5 CDs: Argo, Alexandria, Ariel, Alabaster and Apple Pentacle, produced at Spring Studio (with Harry Williamson) & Pilgrim Arts (with Brett Taylor). Collaborations: Love Sessions; soundtrack with Stoa; Ghost Fish with Daemonia Nymphe; ambient album with Oophoi; guest appearances with Stella Maris & Ikon. Compilations: Fairy World, L'Odysee, Belladonne, Mystica Antiqua, Cantara Magica, Cryptichon & Hypericomes. She inspired Alyz Tale to write the faerietale "Louisa", published in the book "Mon Dernier Thé", France. What critics say:
'The best female singer in the underground'
(Vampiria Magazine, Italy)
'moonstruck Louisa takes us into a world of fairies and elementals.... a jewel in the field of romantic ethereal-pop fairy music"
(L'Ame Electrique Magazine, Greece)
'Beauty, grace, passion and excellence are the hallmarks of Alexandria' (Celestial Voices, England)
'A canny fusion of ambience, folk and classical.... a haunting music sensation... setting myth and poetry to soaring vocals' (Melbourne Times)
'between Dead-Can-Dance and Enya...Louisa's voice can easily compete with the finest artists of the genre'
(Tranceform, Germany)
'Alexandria reveals a pronounced esoteric and ambient side, but the fascination for other styles like classical music is omnipresent'
(Side-Line Magazine, Belgium)
'Eerie... dreamy... soothing... Its ethereal folk sound comes from an echoing mixture of instruments... Adding to the atmosphere are lyrics full of mysterious storytelling.'
(Rhythms Magazine, Australia)
'A magic potion that gives life to all those mysterious characters from the fringes of reality... full of vivacious incantation inspired from mellifluous rumors from the faery lands and the literary world.... a tasty cocktail of Myth by this Australian voice treasure.'
(FAO CASA Gazette, Rome)
Alexandria's title-track is a tribute to Milton & Cavafy; music adapted from 15th century piece 'Baixa dansa Barcelona'.
Words from cherished listeners:
"If I would meet my Creator I know she would be singing your music." (Lance, USA)
'...on a clear, star-filled night, Alexandria was playing on the Ardfern penninsular, off the Mull of Kintyre at the Westernmost reaches of Scotland from one millenium to the next.'(Mike Robinson, Edinburgh)
'You have a crystalline voice. Thanks for making perfect music for my own dreaming.'(Craig Gidney, Washington D.C.)
'A few people create things that will stand forever. Your work will continue on for many life times if not literally forever.'(David Bagby, California)
Of 3rd album "Ariel" on Prikosnovenie, France:
Side-Line Magazine, Belgium: "captivating"
Vampiria Magazine, Italy: "beautiful", "amazing"
D-Side Magazine, France: "mesmerizing"
Tranceform, Germany: "a gem", "a masterpiece"
Dragon Flight Magazine, USA: "stunning & breathtaking"
Twilight Zone, Italy: "arcane", "visionary", "supreme"
Elegy Magazine, France: "melodique, merveille"
Collected Sounds, Sweden: "lyrical depth & dexterity"
Coroner, Russian Gothic Project: "a masterpiece"
Glasnost Music, Germany: album of the month
Ethereality, USA: "mandolin-mad", "giddily beautiful"
Suburbia Magazine, Italy: "illuminante" "fairy music"
Darker than the Bat, Belgium: "romantic", "dreamy"
Eurock, USA: "subtle...highly exotic sonic textures"
L'Ame Electrique Magazine, Greece: "a jewel"
Positive articles on Louisa's music have also appeared in the following zines/magazines:
Gothic Beauty Magazine, USA
Zillo Magazine, Germany
Presto! Magazine, France
Gonzo Circus Magazine, The Netherlands
Dark Entries, Belgium
Feedback Magazine, Portugal
Le Fantastique Webzine, France
FluxEuropa, UK
La Defuncion, Spain
Deep Listenings Magazine, Italy
Oriflamme, UK
Postmortemzine, France
www.starvox.net, USA
Barbarian Magazine/Tierra de Lobos, Spain
Polarlicht Magazine, Germany
TEAR Magazine (New York), USA
www.topiste.free.fr, France
Khimaira Magazine, Belgium
Heimdallr, Switzerland
Grindzone Magazine, Italy
Elegy Magazine, France
Fiend Magazine, Australia
Eclipsed, Germany
Antiphonal Magazine, Spain
Eisplanet Magazine, Greece
www.obskure.com, France
Swag of Yarns Magazine, Australia
New Age Magazine, Italy
Louisa's websites:
www.louisajohnkrol.com
http://louisajk.ekishnugal.com
Producers: Harry Williamson:
www.farawaymusic.com + www.springstudio.com.au
+ Brett Taylor: www.pilgrimarts.com
Label: www.prikosnovenie.com
Designer: www.sabine-adelaide.com
Thanks for your interest - Louisa :-)

REVIEWS!

Reviewer: Nicholas
This Young Lady From The Land Down Under Deserves Plenty Of Praise For Her God Given Talent... An 'Angelic' Voice That Beckons You To Drift Aimlessly In A Subconsious Delight... This CD Is A Definite Addition To Those Of You That Know Superb Craftmanship...
An Addicted Record
Reviewer: Rob Frank
This album is like what I said in the title. It is addictive. There is not one weak moment on this CD. It opens with a lush ethereal melody with Louisa's voice as a faerie siren. A great flute line hypens Contradiction Is A Dragon. Canto IV and Fortress are just pure gems. I could go on and on about this album. Indeed, I could go on and on about all her work. Just get this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Reviewer: June Barnes, Swag Of Yarns
She sings of the port of many peoples, Alexandria, but Louisa John Krol herself is as a port for many peoples. Her unique sound will tempt and entice the visitor to transcend the ordinary, to become delightfully lost in imagination's adventures. First its the vision of this `port', evocative of a romantic otherworld that tempts you to tarry awhile, then the music summons images of wandering minstrels of long ago who carried myths and legends across the land. But when her clear sweet voice beckons as the sirens beckoned Ulsysses the seduction is complete. You know you're going to stay.
amazing, gorgeous otherworldly music; what you'd think angels would sing
Reviewer: Jackie Zalewski
ethereal fans take note! this should be a defining album for the genre of otherworldly music. I am totally in love with this album. on my top shelf, and that says a lot since I have 700+ cds! You really can't label this, but there's elements of neoclassical, electronic...truly haunting. songs cascade over like swirls of water with vocals as light and pure as wind. and don't think New Agey either, cause these tunes have a beat quite often. nothing washed out/watered down. There's some really great samples worked in as well that complement the whole atmosphere. Why can't music like THIS be on the radio?

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Kitaro - Kojiki: A Story in Concert (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)Even though technical quality of this dvd in both video & audio is under average, this one still deserves more than five stars. The music is simple but beautiful and inspiring, and is like a symphonic poem. The rendition is wonderfully done using synthesizers, various kinds of drums including traditional ones, electric guitar and violin. It's good to see the handsome violinist who always smiles. I think Kitaro is ingenious in mixing music with oriental emotion. So, I'm ready to buy his next dvd; "Enchanted Evening(vol. 1)". Maybe I could say I'm one of Koreans who tend not to be generous to Japanese people because of a sad history in the past between two countries, but now I'd like to recommend any of you to buy this title and watch it especially in the evening or in the middle of the night after darkening your room.

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Kitaro, who's been called "the quintessential musician of the New Age", has been breaking barriers, geographically and musically since the late 1970's. His World Tour, recorded live, is even more forceful, intimate and direct than studio incarnations. Kojiki: A Story in Concert, translated as "The Record of Ancient Matters", is a compilation of traditional Japanese lore that was recited orally from generation to generation until the 8th century. Whether on the eerie "Hajimari", the lyrical "Sozo", the sorrowful "Koi", the haunting melancholy of "Nageki", or "Reimei", with its electric guitar jam session, Kitaro's music has never been sharper or more spirited.

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Symphony Review

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(More customer reviews)I simply love the CD. Picked up my copy this morning and popped it into the CD player. Wow, totally worth the 4-year wait! I was more than thrilled to hear the eclectic array of songs Sarah has chosen for Symphony. There's an edge to the album, which was coming sooner or later, and I'm relieved to finally hear something a little more close to home, rather than her fully themed albums from before. Symphony offers a little something for everyone. The songs which caught my attention are: Gothica, Symphony, Sanvean, Attesa and, surprisingly, Running. "Sanvean" is a Dead Can Dance cover tune, which is beautiful. Even though I reviewed the MP3 of "Running" and bashed it, I've grown to liking it because of that tribal beat which pops up around the middle of the song. I still think that Gustav Holst's original (Jupiter, from "The Planets") should've been left untouched, but Sarah has put her touch on that such classic just the same.
Symphony is voluptuous and living proof that Sarah is truly the best-selling Soprano of all time. Sarah uses a lot more of her higher, not necessarily operatic range on the album, which is pleasing to the ears, cos she's got a really lovely pop voice too. I haven't heard some notes she belts out, in a long time! The whole ethereality of the photos throughout the digipack & booklet are really nice, though some clever editing & airbrushing has been done, giving Sarah a truly different appearance in the photos. Her blonde wig is interesting with that braid across the front top portion of her head. I don't think she makes a great blonde, compared to her long, cascading raven tresses. And the backdrops...how ethereal and lofty everything seems. I like it. It's theatrical and playful at the same time. Sarah has picked up on a totally different fashion style. I love that white angelic number she wears, looking down upon her altar ego in the red dress down below.
Glad to know that Andrea Bocelli has been brought back to Duet with Sarah on "Canto Della Terra". So pretty and breathy and really packs a wallop of sound! I don't really care for Paul Stanley's voice on "I Will Be With You", compared to the original SB version, sung with Chris Thompson. His is a more soothing, smooth voice. But I realize Sarah was going for something a little more edgier, so I presume that is why they settled with the Paul Stanley version for the album.
Tracklisting is as follows:
01. Gothica - 1:20
02. Fleurs Du Mai - 4:10
03. Symphony - 4:47
04. Canto Della Terra - featuring Andrea Bocelli 3:59
05. Sanvean - 3:50
06. I Will Be With You (Where The Lost Ones Go) - featuring Paul Stanley - 04:31
07. Schwere Träume - 3:22
08. Sarai Qui - featuring Alessandro Safina 3:56
09. Storia d'Amore - 4:03
10. Let It Rain - 4:17
11. Attesa - 4:26
12. Pasión - featuring Fernando Lima
13. Running - 6:09
I don't know about the American edition, but my Canadian edition (the cd itself) is glossy red with silver lettering. It's very pretty and unlike any of Sarah's previous discs. I highly recommend purchasing Symphony, because it's really a wonderful album with a lot to offer.
Bonus material is available, through visiting Sarah's official website, once you've purchased the CD.


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Japanese pressing of the famed vocalist's 2008 featuring one bonus track: 'Forbidden Colours'. Symphony is Sarah Brightman's firststudio album for five years. Recorded in Germany, Symphony features all new songs and is created with Sarah's long-time producer Frank Peterson. The repertoire ranges from beautiful ballads 'Symphony', 'Fleur du Mal' and epic power rock scores 'I Will Be With You' to interpretations of the work 'Jupiter' from Holst's The Planets on 'Running' to Faith Hill's 'There You'll Be' sung in Italian as 'Sarai Qui' and many more.On this album Sarah reunites with Andrea Bocelli to sing 'Canto Della Terra', as well as singing duets with Fernando Lima (Mexican tenor) on 'Passion' and Paul Stanley (Kiss) on 'I Will Be With You (Where The Lost Ones Go) '. The album showcases Sarah linguistic vocal skills by singing in Spanish, Italian, French and for the first time German.EMI.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Yanni Live - The Concert Event (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)My local PBS station aired the Yanni concert. Yanni is in concert at the Mandelay Bay in Las Vegas. The show was spectacular! From the very first note, it drew me in and didn't let go until almost 90 minutes later.
Yanni conducts an orchestra made up of masterful musicians from around the world. The variety of styles, tastes, and backgrounds adds a spice to the music that just cannot be artificially created. Take the Armenian violinist for example -- this man is the Monet of violinists. The notes and melodies he crafted were nothing short of breathtaking. When he is performing in a duet with a female Japanese violinist, it brought me out of my chair.And she went toe-to-toe with him playing more notes faster and faster as the duet went on. I thought they would collapse in exhaustion from playing so hard. Meanwhile, she is smiling as she is playing! That woman is amazing. Seeing two extremely skilled violinists just pushing each other to perform better was exciting.
The flutist from Sri Lanka, who makes his own flutes, was utterly amazing. How he made such harmonious and delicious notes come from that tiny piece of wood, I will never now. His enthusiasm for his music was expressed in his work.
The harpist (right words) does a vocal piece that...wow. Then later in the concert, he makes the harp practically dance. The notes that came from that harp...wow. He does motion where he runs his hands through all the strings on the harp -- it creates a unique and pleasing to the ear sound.
The female vocalists had voices like angels that just floated through the arena. Michele Amato was one of the vocalists and her voice just...it washed over me like a soft wave.
Ramon, who played a horn (or trumpet, I don't know) added a Cuban or Carribean/Latin feel.
There were two other people, whose names escape me -- One played what looked like a hand-crafted wood instrument with strings. I had never seen such a thing before and couldn't believe the warm and soothing sounds that came from it. There was also a violinist who does a little dance while playing. The audience exploded in applause when he does the dance.
The camera work in the concert includes 16 hi-def cameras that are crystal-clear on an HDTV. The lighting is excellent, as usual, with a Yanni concert. The director has cameramen stationed throughout the arena and sprinkled within the orchestra. The shots of the audience as they go through a range of emotions -- excitement, sadness, reflection, warmth -- just add to the experience. Seeing so many people be moved by Yanni's music...Wow.
I highly recommend this DVD for any Yanni fan. As a bonus, after the concert, there was about 15 minutes of behinds the scenes footage. It showed Yanni and the orchestra practicing as Yanni explains the diverse backgrounds in the orchestra and how they arrived here.

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This spectacular and mesmerizing live event was captured by 16 hi-definition cameras and 125 channels of digital audio for a brilliant and amazing clear audio-visual experience. Go center stage for an explosive concert filled with stunning performances by the world's most extraordinary musicians. FEATURED SONGS: Standing in Motion - Rainmaker - Keys to Imagination - Enchantment - On Sacred Ground - Playtime - Until the Last Moment - If I Could Tell You - For All Seasons - The Storm - Prelude - Nostalgia - World Dance Incredible 2-Disc Set! All-Access Pass includes extensive behind-the-scenes bonus footage of performances and candid interviews!

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A New Journey Review

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(More customer reviews)Celtic Woman is back in a refreshing new album, rivaling, if not surpassing, their previous work. Once again, recurring themes of nature, destiny, history, heritage and love are infused with Celtic melodies to make this music timeless and classic. And don't discount the fantastic arrangement by David Downes. His genius is clearly exhibited in the orchestral and choral background for the songs, as well as song selection.
Describing this music is a hopeless task; if the words were sufficient, we wouldn't need the music. But I'll try.
1. The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun:
Begins with the lush, evocative strains of mystery and exotic nostalgia as only Celtic styles can weave. The music is enriched as the five vocals (Chloë, Órla, Lisa, Méav and newcomer Hayley) join their voices into a spectacular blossoming melody of morning and dawn, of newness and awakening.
In a musical interlude, the wondrous violinist Máiréad takes charge with her rapturous performance. To listen to her is not enough. To fully understand her talent (indeed, the talent of the entire group) you have to buy the DVD or catch a viewing on PBS. Máiréad is a fleet-footed fairy similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's character Tinuviel. She dances and darts about the stage, bounding from one end to the other, flinging her flaxen hair to and fro, kicking up her heels. All the while she is playing, her hands moving almost faster than the human eye can follow, sawing the bow across the strings, eliciting fast-paced melodies beyond the scope of human imagination. There is almost a devilish glint of innocent mischief in her eyes and smile as she dances.
In short, the first song is the perfect opening track to reintroduce us to the Celtic Woman reverie.
2. The Prayer
A song that fits its name; a simple prayer for guidance and aid. Chloë's voice has clearly matured since the previous album.
3. Newgrange
As with "Harry's Game" from the previous album, the mystical, foreboding songs are entrusted to Órla's voice, the deepest of the group. In this case, the song is of a secret place filled with the memory of heroic kings and druids.
4. Over The Rainbow
The classic song is given a unique "a cappella" interpretation by all of the vocals sans Lisa. I've never been particularly fond of the piece, but the group does an excellent, almost lullaby-like rendition of the song, worth repeating.
5. Granuaile's Dance
A solo performance by Máiréad that is half traditional Irish music, half lively dancing music.
6. The Blessing
Solo by Lisa, a soft, simple song of love and devotion, blessings imparted to one's significant other.
7. Dúlaman
A song dominated by percussion and something we haven't heard much of before, male-dominant background vocals and even a brief male solo. Otherwise, the song is a solo by Méav in Gaelic. The translation has something to do with Irish seaweed and courtship. Don't expect to make much sense of it; just sit back and enjoy.
8. Beyond The Sea
A far more ethereal rendition of the song frequently appearing in movies such as Finding Nemo or Apollo 13. Possibly the best version I've yet heard, speaking to future love and rest from one's weary travels.
9. The Last Rose of Summer
Hayley's first solo, this is Thomas Moore's poem set to music. The arrangement is more operatic and classical than Celtic.
10. Caledonia
One of the top three on the CD. It is another solo from Lisa, and there is just something about this song you just can't put your finger on. It is filled with warmth, love and romance, and the higher calling of "Caledonia" (the romanticized name for Scotland).
11. Laschia Ch'io Pianga
Another operatic solo from Hayley, the song is somewhat repetitive and the melody is monotonous. (Blame Handel.) Probably one of the more uninteresting tracks. It does not even correspond to the sadness that the translated lyrics suggest. It's still good, just not phenomenal.
12. Carrickfergus
A quiet ballad from Órla (accompanying herself on the harp), a nostalgic song of bygone days in the Irish town of Carrickfergus.
13. Vivaldi's Rain
Another very classical piece sung by Chloë. The song is translated as a prayer to the Lord for guidance, but this time because the singer has fallen in love.
14. The Voice
One of the most hauntingly beautiful, fast-paced tracks of the CD, "The Voice" speaks to the past of Ireland. Transcending time, "the voice" is of nature, of history, of both past, present and future, with all the sadness and glories of both. Hence, the song is both promising and melancholy. With the mournful violin and the harsh percussion mixed with Lisa's crystal clear voice, there's no denying this is one of the top songs of the album.
15. Scarborough Fair
A decidedly unhappy song, it is the third solo exceptionally performed by Hayley. She has clearly earned her place in the group. The song is abbreviated from the original, which is a woebegone tale of sundered lovers.
16. Mo Ghile Mear
"Now the time has come to leave / Keep the flame and still believe / Know that love will shine through darkness / One bright star to light the wave."
An excellent closing song performed by the entire group, consisting of both English and Gaelic lyrics, a song of happy farewell much resembling "The Soft Goodbye" from the previous album.
In closing, let me just say, there's a reason this group has spent more than a year on the top of the world record charts. Their music transcends individual styles. The arrangements are appealing. In the performers, talent is manifested in celestial voices and radiant countenance. You're out of excuses. Buy the album. Or the deluxe. Still further, buy the DVD.

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Live Review

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(More customer reviews)Suzanne Ciani reached another goal in her recording career. On March 14 and 15 of 1997, Suzanne and her supergroup of musicians called "The Wave," produced their first live concert album at the historical, Herbst Theater in San Francisco.
Featured players of the Wave include Grammy- winning woodwind player Paul McCandless (a founding member of the seminal jazz group Oregon), Windham Hill solo artist Michael Manring on bass, Teja Bell on guitars, Kalani on percussion, Matt Eakle on flute, Jeremy Cohen on violin, and Doug Harman on cello.
This album presents a tapestry of beautiful arrangements of her favorite songs. It has that "lite jazz" flavor. In addition, there are three new songs written especially for this album.
I have many favorite songs, but there are some that I should share with you.
Suzanne's signature song, "The Velocity of Love" is a very passionate arrangement.
"Go Gently" and "Time Stops" is what I would classify as "songs of comfort." It feels that her music embraces you when faced with difficult times in your life.
Again, all of her songs present a lot of imagery. The liner notes are well presented. The audio quality is very well done. You may want to play around with the Dolby Surround settings on your stereo system to capture that live concert feeling.
Suzanne was the "Diva of the Diode" from her gifted talents on the Piano at an early age. She was the "Diva of Electronic Music" from her expressive works in electronic music. After listening to Ciani's "Live" album, she is the "Diva of Endurance" because her music withstood the test of time. This album is a living proof of her achievements in music.
Purchase "Suzanne Ciani and the Wave - Live," and let her music embrace you.

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This CD was Indie-nominated for Best New Age Album.Recorded in San Francisco at the Herbst Theatre, this album is Ciani'sfirst live recording.This 74-minute tour-de-force features some ofCiani's most popular compositions, accompanied by her stellar group, "TheWave."It is supported by a TV special. Also available on DVD.

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Truth Of Touch Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all - I wouldn't say this is precisely Yanni as you know him, for this is definitely not the the Yanni from the 90's. Since Ethnicity, Yanni has explored new paths and in a sense grow. I can't say that I liked all of his recent productions, "Voices" was an OK album and "Mexicanisimo" was a terrible abomination - do not buy that album! Truth of Touch on the other hand is really refreshing - it really is. It has very well thought rhythms and melodies, it has a very unique and new sound to it - I believe it is a great transition for a new totally amazing Yanni to come in the next album. As far as the songs, Truth of Touch, Seasons, Voyage, Guilty Pleasure and Nine are my favorites. They also have some voices music which is ok and not overwhelming and a few other songs like "I'm So" and "Yanni & Arturo" which are terrific.
If you want to know more or less what this style is, I would compare to "If I could tell you" with a little bit of more rhythms and electronic sounds - but the album is really completely new, I totally like it and honestly:
YOU OUGHT TO BUY THIS ALBUM AND SEE HIM LIVE!
The ambiance of the album is just great, you can lay down in bed and listen to seasons, for example, and totally relax and imagine great things. This album is overall happy and energetic, it puts me in a very good mood. I also use it on the background to do homework. I must say that you shouldn't expect LATA or Tribute at all - take it on its own terms, the album is great. GIVE IT A SHOT WORTH IT!

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The return of Yanni as you know him: Truth Of Touch features all new instrumental compositions and recordings. Its his first album of new material since Ethnicity in 2003

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Grand Tour Alignment Review

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(More customer reviews)Sean Mason has produced a great CD here. If you like jazz-fusion, or bands like Chick Corea and the Rippingtons and Spyro Gyra, you should check this one out. You won't be disappionted! My favorite track is either No Look Pass or Gliding Through Passageways. As a bass player, I have great respect for the talent shown on this CD. Very slick..........with enough variety to keep it from getting stale too fast. All the tunes have great melodies, and it is not as spacey as some fusion bands. You can hear samples at mp3.com. Try it out.

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