Barry Douglas’s decision in his Brahms series to mix and match pieces intuitively, rather than employing a strict sequence of genre or chronology, has given this series a pleasing personal slant, and Vol. 5 is no exception. Building the programme around three very different sets of variations, Douglas intersperses the more substantial works with palate-cleansing intermezzos, two little-known early Sarabandes – apparent fugitives from an unfinished Baroque-inspired suite or two – and one of Brahms’s not-so-jokey scherzos, the rugged Op. 4. Indeed, if you like your Brahms super-rugged, this CD will not disappoint. Douglas’s powerful tone and serious demeanour captures the composer’s uncompromising side; yet there’s a sense of flow that makes the intermezzos generous and warm without veering towards the emotionally indulgent. The Variations on a Hungarian Song and the Hungarian Dances are served on the bone with sour cream aplenty.
Recorded live at the Dalton Center Recital Hall at Western Michigan University. The stellar band for the occasion was comprised of pianist Ellis Marsalis, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Ralph Peterson. From the thrilling opening crawl through 'Tin Roof Blues' to a strutting 'Sesame Street Theme' with some plunger mute magic all the way to the appropriately nostalgic 'Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans' closer, this recording gives the listener a glimpse of the captivating, real and true soul and spirit of Delfeayo Marsalis.
This is a box set of previously unreleased live recordings from Yes's 1972 (fall) North American tour. There are seven concerts here, and each concert is covered by a pair of CDs. Each pair comes in its own double gatefold with unique artwork. On the inside is printed the location and date of the concert, along with the tracklisting and credits…