Desperate Hours [la Maison Des Otages] 1990 [re Up]

It is good that there is a recording of Honegger's charming Christmas cantata with French-speaking soloists that does full justice to the work. It was the last completed work for baritone, choir and organ in 1953. In fact, it certainly deserves greater fame outside France. The recording was made in Lisbon and was later remastered by Cascavelle. We hear very beautiful, and in the case of the Danse des morts from 1938/40 (for speaker, soprano, baritone, choir and orchestra), even very concise renditions.

Passer une semaine dans une maison réputée hantée depuis trente ans : telle est la mission confiée au Dr Barrett et à une équipe de spirites par un milliardaire mourant qui veut savoir si son âme lui survivra…

Passer une semaine dans une maison réputée hantée depuis trente ans : telle est la mission confiée au Dr Barrett et à une équipe de spirites par un milliardaire mourant qui veut savoir si son âme lui survivra…

Behind the Mask is the 15th studio album by British/American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released in 1990. It was the first album released by the band after the departure of guitarist Lindsey Buckingham…

In 1937, vibraphonist Lionel Hampton began leading a series of all-star swing recording dates. Although he would still be a member of Benny Goodman's organization for another three years, Hampton was a natural-born leader and his record dates featured top sidemen from a variety of major jazz bands. This CD begins the chronological reissue of all of this music (except alternate takes). Hampton is teamed with players from the Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington orchestras plus a large assortment of guests. Among the many highlights are "Hampton Stomp" (featuring Hampton playing rapid lines on the piano with two fingers), "Stompology," Johnny Hodges on "On the Sunny Side of the Street," and some good spots for Jonah Jones' trumpet.

John Scofield has turned the corner from journeyman jazz guitarist to become one of the most inventive and witty players on the contemporary scene. This date, his first for the Blue Note label, builds on a discography following several recordings for the Gramavision label, and also progresses this contemporary jazz music into an individualism that can only bode well for his future efforts. Teamed with the rising-star saxophonist Joe Lovano and the bulletproof rhythm team of bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Scofield is emerging as a player of distinction on the electric guitar, and a composer whose mirthful ideas add spark and vigor to his newfound musical setting…

Lionel Hampton's series of record dates leading all-star swing bands produced some of the more exciting music of the late '30s. Just on this CD alone, Hampton led groups with musicians drawn from the Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, Cab Calloway, and Benny Goodman big bands, among others. Among the more notable performances are Benny Carter's "I'm in the Mood for Swing," a swing version of Jelly Roll Morton's "Shoe Shiner's Drag," tenor saxophonist Chu Berry having one of his best showcases on "Sweethearts on Parade," and a romp on "Twelfth Street Rag." Through it all, Hampton (whether on vibes, two-fingered piano, drums, or singing) often steals the show.