Yanni Voices: Live From The Forum In Acapulco Review

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(More customer reviews)I ended up seeing this concert twice while they were on tour, and it was without a doubt the best concert experience I have ever been to. The vocalists are incredibly talented (well... three out of four aint bad, you wouldn't be faulted for confusing Ender Thomas with Enrique Iglesias if you heard him. He's fun, but not on the level of the other three) and the music is incredibly fun, tonally rich, energetic, and well-arranged. Chloe and Nathan in particular, are truly something special. Both gave incredibly emotional, moving, powerful performances at each of the concerts I attended.
I bought the Yanni Voices CD, and I recommend that if you are an audiophile Yanni lover, you stay away from that CD. The recording quality is so-so at best - the mix is thick, without much separation or soundstage, and can get slightly distorted in dynamic passages. If you're a Yanni fan with a discriminating ear, and have enjoyed the "Live at the Acropolis" or "Yanni Live! The Concert Event" albums, this is the CD to get a hold of if you can find it (although it will likely come at a steep price as long as it isn't commercially released - I have no idea if/when that might happen). Unlike the studio Voices CD, this one actually feels like I'm back in the room with these incredible performers - Chloe's performance of "Change" is truly something to behold.
Yanni fans - get your hands on this if you can!
One quick note - the audio on this is not the same as the Live at the Acapulco DVD, which has the same studio tracks that the Voices CD uses, dubbed over concert footage. This is the only Voices recording that actually has the sound quality to match the performance.

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After Yanni's four-year hiatus from public performance, Yanni Voices: Live From the Forum in Acapulco marks his triumphant return to the stage and, for the first time in his remarkable career, features show-stopping vocal performances by young artists who bring to life his most popular musical compositions.
Long a PBS favorite, Yanni has a unique ability to engage his audience with his masterful productions; he has done so again, creating an enchanting and riveting experience that features beautiful music, spectacular choreography, dazzling costumes and dynamic set design. Most prominently featured in Yanni Voices: Live From the Forum in Acapulco are the "Voices" themselves - Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills - four exceptional vocalists who, under Yanni's direction, perform both original and classic Yanni compositions accompanied by Yanni's acclaimed orchestra, comprised of musicians from across the globe.
Track listing:
1. Omaggio (Tribute)
2. The Keeper
3. Ritual De Amor (Desire)
4. Before The Night Ends
5. Within Attraction
6. Change
7. Bajo El Cielo De Noviembre (November Sky)
8. Unico Amore (Enchantment)
9. Mi Todo Eres Tu (Until The Last Moment)
10. Duet
11. Amare Di Nuovo (Adagio In C Minor)
12. Santorini

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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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Yanni Voices Live in Concert (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw Yanni Voices in Dallas in June. It was by far the best concert I have ever been to, and I have been to more than 125 concerts. Voices is the total concert experience. The musicianship is top notch, all 4 vocalists were incredible, and the special effects were amazing. I felt like I was in a dream.
My teenage nieces loved the show and met two of the band members after the show.
Thank you Yanni for such an incredible evening.
I am glad I can now get DVD's so my family and friends can experience it as well.
Kari

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Following the release of the successful Yanni Voices CD, world renowned, GRAMMY® nominated pianist, composer, and producer, Yanni, makes a triumphant return to the stage with the new Yanni Voices Live in Concert DVD featuring over two hours of concert footage from the Forum in Acapulco, Mexico. For the first time ever, Yanni shares the stage with new vocal sensations Nathan Pacheco, Leslie Mills, Ender Thomas and Chloe - each of them lending their voices and lyrics to Yanni's beloved classics and new songs. Emjoy hours of Yanni with bonus content from the Spanish 'Voices'. DVD Includes: 1. Open2. Nican (In Your Heart)3. Unico Amore (Enchantment) Performed by Nathan Pacheco4. Ritual De Amor (Desire) Performed by Ender Thomas5. Before the Night Ends Performed by Leslie Mills6. Vivi Il Tuo Sogno (Almost a Whisper) Performed by Nathan Pacheco7. Within Attraction8. Change Performed by Chloe9. Bajo El Cielo De Noviembre (November Sky) Performed by Ender Thomas10. Mi Todo Eres Tú (Until the Last Moment) Performed by Ender Thomas and Chloe11. Duet Performed by Jason and Sam12. Theory of Everything Performed by Leslie Mills13. Omaggio (Tribute) Performed by Nathan Pacheco and Chloe14. Our Days Performed by Leslie Mills & Chloe15. En Silencio Performed by Ender Thomas16. Kill Me With Your Love Performed by Chloe17. Amare Di Nuovo (Adagio in C Minor) Performed by Nathan Pacheco18. Nei Tuoi Occhi (In the Mirror) Performed by Nathan Pacheco and Chloe19. The Keeper Performed by Leslie Mills20. Quédate Conmigo Performed by Ender Thomas and Chloe21. The Storm22. Niki Nana Performed by Chloe23. Santorini BONUS LATIN TRACKS: 1. Ni la Fuerza del Destino Performed by Cristian Castro2. Viviré Por Ti Performed by Olga Tañón and Nathan Pacheco3. Eterno es Este Amor Performed by Lucero4. Volver a Creer Performed by José José BONUS FEATURE: Epilogue: Acapulco

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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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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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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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Tour De France: Early Years Review

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(More customer reviews)"Tour De France - The Early Years" is a follow-up album that is a "pre-quel" to "Tour De France". Back in the early 80s, CBS Sports broke ground by broadcasting highlights of the Tour De France bicycle race. John Tesh was the anchor of what would be about 30 to 40 minutes of weekly highlights of the bicycle race from 1983 - 1986. For many Americans and cycling fans, the voice of John Tesh doing the Tour was something to remember. Tesh was a master storyteller and had a real art for describing the race. What supplemented the great storytelling of the race was some spectacular music."Tour De France" did a great job at capturing the passion of the Tour De France through music written by Tesh. "Tour De France - The Early Years" is another CD that does an incredible job at capturing the race and is even better than the original CD. All of the music is top notch and really captures the passion of this race beautifully. If you watched the battles from 1983 through 1986, you will know the names of Laurent Fignon, Greg LeMond, Bernard Hinault, Stephen Roche, Urs Zimmerman, and Pascal Simon.
Although this contains "earlier" music from the Tour De France coverage (I'm assuming 1983/1984 timeframe - the CD doesn't tell you the timeframe), the music contained on this CD goes much deeper and begins to show that John Tesh is a much deeper composer and musician than his first effort led us on to believe.This album goes beyond the great synthesizers and has a nice helping of saxaphone, clarinet, violin, guitars, and even vocals. On the first album, we got a sampling of some saxaphone on "Jazzis", but this album is much more "mature" in its expanded instrumentation.
The songs that represent some of the expanded instrumentation in this album are "Roubaix", "Dijon Strut", and "Road Made for Animals". "Roubaix" is actually a city in Northeast France in which they run another race called the "Paris-Roubaix" race. This race is famous for its cobblestones. Tesh's song is a softer melody, but this is where we first see the integration of the Saxaphone on the album. "Dijon Strut" has a high fusion of Jazz almost giving it a Steely Dan feel to it. It will grow on you as you hear the song. "Road Made for Animals" is the most famous track on the album and is also one of the better tracks. I remember this song from the CBS coverage and they would use it quite frequently on the television coverage. This song features some violin toward the end which really gives it a boost. On Tesh's live album, the version is even better and the fiddle is even better.
The first song is "Headclobbers" and it just might be the most underrated Tesh piece of music I have ever heard. The first 1 1/2 minutes build up to the main part of the song. If you could imagine the Pyranees and being racing in the fog up the mountain - that is "Headclobbers". "Headclobbers is simply put - Sports music at its finest".
A couple of interesting songs: "On American Shores" sounds a lot like the Olympic music that Tesh would produce for NBC in the 90s. Meanwhile "Noovo Groovo Montage" is a short clip of what appears to be sound bytes by Tesh and his broadcasting partner, cycling broadcast legend - Phil Liggett. (There is a credit for someone named Colin Mahoney for the montage, but I'm assuming that is editing). There is also a song called "Noovo Groovo" which is one of the weaker tracks.
Tracks 8 and 9 are also very deep tracks that really tap into the emotion of the Tour De France. Track 8, "The Endless Road" is a powerful track that integrates some simple background vocals "aaah aaah aaah". Although that is all the vocals are, they add a new dimension to a powerful track. Track 9 "Brain Dead Weasel" which has a "finale" type feel - powerful crashing symbols, strong keyboards, and some great segues between different melodies. I remember this as well being used in the coverage and it tended to be used toward the end of the race.
And if that isn't enough a Live Version of "A Thousand Summers" - the most popular track from the first album is included as well. This song sounds better live! The percussion is incredible toward the end.
Just like for "Tour De France", Tesh took no shortcuts and made a DDD recording. When CD's first came out in the 80s, they were recorded three ways: 1) AAD - Analog Recording, Analog Mix, Digital Transfer; 2) ADD - "Analog Recording, Digital Mix, Digital Transfer", 3) DDD - Digital Recording, Digital Mix, Digital Transfer. Tesh on this album doesn't let us down going DDD all the way.
Like the first album, this album might just fall short in one area - liner notes. Although the credits are in there, I would have liked to find out a little more background on some of the songs on this album. Perhaps this is because Tesh was working on his own label.
But I feel this album is even better than the first and I also feel it opened the door to John Tesh as musician and composer. On "Tour De France" he did a great job at showcasing the music he created. On "Tour De France - The Early Years", he takes the next step and showcases not only his music, but his talents.

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