Big 1986

An Italian chamber orchestra, Rondó Veneziano set itself apart from many groups of similar style by not only employing mostly women musicians and making it a rule to perform in period Baroque dress, but mainly because they were able to meld traditional chamber music pieces to modern backing tracks, rhythms, and percussion lines, almost giving their classical sound a club music foundation that sometimes bordered on prog rock. Their first big break came in the United Kingdom in 1983, with the single "La Serenissima," which was followed two years later by a successful appearance providing the score to the film Not Quite Jerusalem. Their first album, a self-titled affair, was released in 1980, and was followed by more than 70 albums over the next (nearly) 30 years.

An Italian chamber orchestra, Rondó Veneziano set itself apart from many groups of similar style by not only employing mostly women musicians and making it a rule to perform in period Baroque dress, but mainly because they were able to meld traditional chamber music pieces to modern backing tracks, rhythms, and percussion lines, almost giving their classical sound a club music foundation that sometimes bordered on prog rock. Their first big break came in the United Kingdom in 1983, with the single "La Serenissima," which was followed two years later by a successful appearance providing the score to the film Not Quite Jerusalem. Their first album, a self-titled affair, was released in 1980, and was followed by more than 70 albums over the next (nearly) 30 years.

Gorgeous, bell-like production, assisted by this Canadian singer, is just one reason to love this album. Her big voice is mixed out in front, but the instruments aren't lost. Sounds bubble up, leave an impression and vanish, having done their job. The strong tunes, all written by the singer, roll on one after the after, showcasing her irrepressible optimism. "Strength in Numbers," "What You Believe," "Act of Mercy" and "Innocent (With an Explanation)" stand out in a strong lineup. Kenny G guests on a powerful "How Many," produced by Narada Michael Walden. Even the classy cover art, showing an elongated Luba reaching for the sky, contributes to the overall package. If you love Paul Young or Simply Red, check this out.

Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars - Satch Plays Fats (1955) {Columbia VCK-40378 rel 1986}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 172 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 91 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 17 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1955, 1986 Columbia / CBS Canada | VCK-40378
Jazz / Jive / Swing / Trumpet

Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller only worked together twice, briefly in 1925 in Erskine Tate's band and four years later in the New York revue Connie's Hot Chocolates. But Waller made an indelible enough impression for Satchmo to record the tribute album Satch Plays Fats: The Music of Fats Waller in 1955, when such ideas were new. The nine tracks feature Armstrong ably supported by his All-Stars on such classics as "Honeysuckle Rose," "Squeeze Me," and "Ain't Misbehavin'." The mid-'50s was a fertile time for Armstrong, and this makes for a stellar package.

2014 five CD box set containing a quintet of releases from this New Wave act and their original frontman. Includes Kajagoogoo's first three albums: White Feathers, Islands and Crazy People's Right To Speak; plus Limahl's first two solo albums: Don't Suppose and Colour All My Days.
Kajagoogoo's light synth pop and pretty, photogenic look made the group an instant sensation in the early days of MTV. Led by vocalist Limahl (born Chris Hamill), the group also featured Steve Askew (guitar), Nick Beggs (vocals, bass), and Stuart Crawford (vocals, synthesizer). Produced by Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes, Kajagoogoo's debut single "Too Shy" hit number one in the U.K. in early 1983; it peaked at number five in the U.S. "Too Shy" and the following album White Feathers proved the band may have shared some similarities with Duran Duran and Naked Eyes…