Soundstage Presents: REO Speedwagon Live In The Heartland (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I also just saw this concert on PBS, and was FLOORED. It is obvious that these guys have been performing live, non-stop since the late 1970s. On stage, these guys are a well oiled machine. The talent and skills are higher now than when they released Hi Infidelity. My wife and I watched this concert over and over on our Tivo, and like this live concerts vertions of the REO songs better than the original album vertions. The audio and video quality of the broadcast concert were outstanding and I hope it is on this DVD also. I am trying to find this concert on Blu Ray, but if it is not offered that way, I will still buy the regular DVD vertion because this is a performance I know I will enjoy with my wife for years to come.
After being so impressed with this, I will admit that my wife and I went to the REO Speedwagon web site to see if we can go see them live in concert! I have not been to a concert in over 20 years, but can't wait to see these guys in person.

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Captured in High-Definition and Mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound. REO SPEEDWAGON – LIVE IN THE HEARTLAND presents Kevin Cronin (lead vocals, guitar), Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums) performing a full-throttle, 16-song set that spans the band’s celebrated 35-year career – from the Number 1 charting "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling" to hits from their most recent album release Find Your Own Way Home. Features: Find Your Own Way Home, Take It On The Run, Keep Pushin’, I Needed To Fall, Tough Guys, Can’t Fight This Feeling, Dangerous Combination, Back On The Road Again, Smilin' In The End, Time For Me To Fly, Don’t Let Him Go, Keep On Loving You, Roll With The Changes, Ridin’ the Storm Out, Golden Country, 157 Riverside Avenue DVD EXTRAS:Bonus Interview with Kevin Cronin and Neal DoughtySpecial Acoustic Performances of "I Needed to Fall" and "Ridin’ the Storm Out" from "REO Speedwagon XM Artist Confidential"

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Yanni Voices Review

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(More customer reviews)About 2 months ago I happened to catch a PBS broadcast of this concert performance, and I was instantly mesmerized by it. This experience led me to buy the CD and then ultimately see Yanni in concert at Radio City Music Hall on May 2. It was an absolutely amazing event, both musically and visually.
Previously, I only owned Yanni's "Live at the Acropolis" CD. I recently bought three more of his CDs, and all are nothing short of excellent. As far as I know, all of Yanni's previous works are almost entirely instrumental, so "Voices" represents a departure from his usual work in that regard. There is still a connection, however, to these other works because several of the tracks on "Voices" are previous Yanni songs with lyrics added. The lyrics were either written entirely by the singers themselves or in collaboration with Yanni (and a few others).
I can understand that some reviewers may be unaccustomed to hearing a substantial vocal content to Yanni's music, but this in no way detracts from the album. Quite the contrary, the vocals are profoundly moving and make this album a phenomenal piece of artistry. If I had to characterize the vocal quality of each of the four singers I would say:
Chloe: sultry, sensual
Leslie Mills: angelic, velvety
Nathan Pacheco: majestic, emotive
Ender Thomas: impassioned, exotic
The album has 17 tracks which represent a rather eclectic mix of music:
1) Omaggio (Tribute): performance by Nathan with Chloe on a few background vocals in the beginning; Italian lyrics
2) The Keeper: solo performance by Leslie
3) Our Days: a mostly instrumental piece (Middle-Eastern flavor) with some vocals by Leslie
4) Never Leave the Sun: solo performance by Leslie
5) Before the Night Ends: solo performance by Leslie
6) 1001: instrumental
7) Más Allá: solo performance by Ender; Spanish lyrics
8) Unico Amore (Enchantment): solo performance by Nathan; Italian lyrics
9) Vivi Il Tuo Sogno (Almost a Whisper): solo performance by Nathan; Italian lyrics
10) Orchid: instrumental (Asian flavor)
11) Set Me Free: solo performance by Chloe
12) Kill Me With Your Love: solo performance by Chloe
13) Mi Todo Eres Tú (Until the Last Moment): duet by Chloe and Ender; lyrics in Spanish (mostly) and English
14) Rituál de Amor (Desire): solo performance by Ender; Spanish lyrics
15) Moments Without Time: instrumental (piano and guitar)
16) Nei Tuoi Occhi (In the Mirror): duet by Chloe and Nathan; Italian and English lyrics
17) Amare di Nuovo (Adagio in C Minor): solo performance by Nathan; Italian lyrics
I would also add that the musicians on this album, especially those who play violin, cello, and harp, are incredibly talented. (Each of them was spotlighted in a solo performance at the Radio City Music Hall concert.)
I would heartily recommend this album. I have not stopped listening to it since I bought it. In my estimation, it not only represents the amazing musical talent that Yanni possesses, it also is a forum to introduce four very gifted singers to the music/performance world.
Other Considerations:
This CD comes packaged with a bonus DVD that includes the following tracks (some of which are not on the CD): Unico Amore (Enchantment), Kill Me With Your Love, Change, Ritual de Amor (Desire), Before the Night Ends, Amare di Nuovo (Adagio in C Minor), Mi Todo Eres Tu (Until the Last Moment), The Keeper, Nei Tuoi Occhi (In the Mirror), Bajo el Cielo de Noviembre (November Sky), Omaggio (Tribute), and Tour Highlights. These tracks are *not* taped from tour performances; they are studio versions, either with Yanni sitting at the piano playing while one of the four singers performs a song or tapings of studio recordings (the duets). The tracks also include some commentary by Yanni and the album's producer, Rick Wake.
The CD comes with a menu of choices that include links to (a) get the lyrics to the album's songs; (b) join Yanni's fan club; (c) get information about this album's tour; and (d) tell Disney records what you think about the CD.


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AS SEEN ON PBS Yanni makes a triumphant return with the addition of "voices." For the first time ever, new vocal sensations Nathan Pacheco, Leslie Mills, Ender Thomas and Chloe lend their voices and lyrics to Yanni's beloved classics and new songs.

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