Noren & Crossley

Synopsis: A solo chorister singing Once In Royal David's City begins this traditional celebration of Christmas from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge. The story of the Nativity is told in the familiar words of the King James Bible together with Christmas poems by Kevin Crossley-Holland, WH Auden and Charles Causley. The famous Chapel choir, conducted by Stephen Cleobury, sings carols old and new, including such favourites as The Sussex Carol, In Dulci Jubilo, Ding Dong Merrily On High, The First Nowell, I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing By, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Bethlehem Down and O Come, All Ye Faithful. – BBC

Marc-Antoine Charpentier's (1643-1704) deeply soulful vocal works are among the most immediately appealing pieces of the middle Baroque. He had a gift for grateful, lyrical vocal writing that's expressively expansive and avoids the patterned clichés that sometimes hobble music of that era. This collection features a variety of works, including songs, a cantata, and a short opera-like scene in the form of a motet, Epithalium Carpenterij, that's quite unlike anything else in the musical repertoire. It's a wickedly funny tombeau, or musical memorial tribute, which Charpentier writes in his own honor.

If you have not yet had the pleasure of encountering the music of the Tōru Takemitsu (1930-1996), this CD, part of Deutsche Grammophon's 20/21 series, is an excellent place to start. It contains seven pieces from the last part of the Japanese composer's career, ranging from Dream/Window (1985), a representation of the city of Kyoto, to the supremely haunting Archipelago S. (1993).

Raymond Tuttle (classical.net)

“Love Vibes Too” is a follow up collection of 17 upbeat, feel good soulful dance records from the post disco, pre-house days of the late 70s and early 80s. The artists in the main are well known, international hit makers, and again on this selection Expansion take a fresh look at their repertoire and makes some of it available on CD for the very first time. “Love Vibes Too” explores music from Motown, Capitol, MCA, Epic, Columbia, Atlantic, with productions by George Duke, Rene & Angela, The Isley Brothers, Leo Graham, Michael Stokes and Narada Michael Walden. Artists officially on CD for the first time from original masters include Klique, Peabo Bryson, Nolen & Crossley, Magic Lady, Wynd Chymes, Vicky Sue Robinson, Sidney Barnes and Muscle Shoals Horns. Ultimate music for a sunny day for soul fans!

Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, Phil Woods - International Jam Sessions (1995) {Xanadu XCD1232 rec 1950-1957}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 212 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 127 Mb
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© 1950-57, 1995 Xanadu Records | XCD1232
Jazz / Bebop / Saxophone / Trumpet

This Xanadu LP has an odd title because only half of the music can be described as international. There are four valuable selections that feature the remarkable altoist Charlie Parker with a group of Swedes (including trumpeter Rolf Ericson) and the great trumpeter Clifford Brown is heard playing a lengthy "Indiana" in 1953 with a group of erratic Danish musicians. Side two of the album is from New York with altoist Phil Woods, Frank Socolow on tenor and baritonist Cecil Payne in a sextet performing fairly long versions of "Yardbird Suite" and "Scrapple from the Apple"; those renditions have since been reissued by Savoy.

Moon Safari's illusive comeback album is finally here! 70 minutes of no nonsense Symphonic Prog bursting with vocal harmonies, explosive guitars, huge melodies and romantic lyrics. CD in jewel case with a 20-page booklet. Graphic design by Mattias Noren. Mixed and Mastered by Rich Mouser.