Heaven & Earth 1994

This series of 11 church anthems is a sterling example of doing more with less. Though their format is multiple movements for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, inviting grand treatment, Handel had available only a couple of oboes and a small string band and choir (with no violas or altos for numbers 1 to 6). Yet each one of these anthems is a gem. Handel's music captures well the changing moods of the Psalm texts–from somber penitence to serene bliss to infectious joy to the raging of storms and seas. Though James Bowman's arias lie uncomfortably low for him, he and Michael George do fine work; Lynne Dawson, Patrizia Kwella, and Ian Partridge are delightful. Harry Christophers leads his choir and orchestra in subtly inflected and beautifully paced performances.

For quality of soloists, this disc ranks top dog… exquisite. Padmore s opening recitative arioso uses silence more eloquently than any other recording I ve heard, while limpid beauty of Scholl s Countertenor voice combined with the subtlety of his interpretation makes the simplest melodies the most eloquent.

Damage is derived from the closing shows of the 1993 Road to Graceland tour, which heralded the collaborative reunion of King Crimson's Robert Fripp (guitar) with David Sylvian (guitar/keyboards/vocals), the former leader of Japan. This hour-plus set finds Sylvian in tremendous voice and Fripp sonically enveloping spaces and respecting silences in a bout of well-manicured fretwork. The pair is augmented by soon-to-be Krim members Pat Mastelotto (drums) and Trey Gunn (Chapman stick/vocals) as well as former Martha & the Muffins axeman Michael Brook (guitar). The contrast in styles from Fripp's ethereal Soundscapes and edgy guitar inflections to Sylvian's smoother and refined demeanor is reminiscent of Brian Eno's early collaborations with Roxy Music…

Magical Power Mako - Music From Heaven (1982) {Belle Antique Japan 9460 rel 1994}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 254 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 121 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 10 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1982, 1994 Marquee Moon / Belle Antique Japan | 9460
Psychedelic / Experimental / Electronic / Ambient / Experimental Rock

Recorded and released in 1982, immediately following the rather disappointing Welcome to Earth, Music from Heaven was Magical Power Mako's creative breakthrough. The Japanese guitarist's earlier work, while fitfully intriguing, had felt somewhat derivative of British and German progressive rockers of the same period. Music from Heaven, while it still owes a debt to Brian Eno's collaborations with the likes of Cluster and Harold Budd, is a much more cohesive and listenable album.

Classically trained, and with a reputation as one of the world's best selling flutists, Nicholas Gunn is in the upper echelon of contemporary instrumentalists. Having released over thirteen solo projects and selling over two million copies he is a double platinum artist. His music can best be described as a fusion of Native American and ambient/world music. He masterfully employs the guitar, piano, and percussion and infuses his beloved flute and other wind instruments extensively in most of his songs. Beautifully rhythmic, it deeply touches the heart, mind, and soul. Longing, nostalgia, and sentimentality are triggered by Gunn’s passion and respect for Native Americans and a purer and simpler way of life.

The Platters sold more records, played more venues, and appeared in more films than any other vocal group of the time. They truly had the Magic Touch. By 1962, the Platters had placed an astonishing 35 songs on the American pop charts. The lead singer, Tony Williams, influenced an entire generation of singers - black and white. This is one of the most impressive legacies in black music. Virtually all of the Platters' classic recordings from 1955 to 1964 were made for one label, Mercury Records, and they're here complete for the first time.

Brothers Ron and Russell Mael from Los Angeles, USA have been making diverse music since 1969 under various incarnations of Sparks. In 1979 they ditched the guitars and keyboards of glam geek rock and started working with Italian producer Giorgio Moroder, beginning a love affair with electronic music. Since then they have worked with a variety of people including Finitribe, Les Rita Mitsouko, Erasure and Faith No More.