Keyboard Pop

Raie Da Costa - Keyboard Wizards Of The Gershwin Era - Volume VII (1928-1934) {Pearl GEMMCD 9207 rel 1998}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 187 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 177 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1928-34, 1998 Pearl | GEMM CD 9207
Classical / Jazz / Traditional Jazz / Pop / Piano

I have listened to portions of this disc hundreds of time on the drives to and from work. It's a marvelous audio-engineering feat, bringing to life the spirited and brilliant artistry of one of the greatest novelty pianists of all time. Dead in 1934 at the age of 29, Raie da Costa's recordings were preserved only on disc pressings, but the audio engineers have eliminated the surface noise as if there never had been any; as if death and 80+ years have not removed us from this remarkably able and engaging performer. Long live Raie!!! Raie da Costa was a fabulous pianist. What a pity she died so young.

Various Artists - Keyboard Wizards Of The Gershwin Era - Volume V (1912-28) {Pearl GEMM CD 9205 rel 1998}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 203 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 153 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 12 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1912-28, 1998 Pearl | GEMM CD 9205
Classical / Jazz / Vocal / Traditional Jazz / Pop / Piano

Keyboard Wizards Of The Gershwin Era Vol V - by Arndt / Banta / Bargy / Bernard / Bloom was released Jul 28, 1998 on the Pearl label. This Volume V in the series Keyboard Wizards Of The Gershwin Era was part of a seven-volume series released by Pearl from 1995 to 1998 and together provides a comprehensive history of that style of music second to none. The sound quality, considering the tracks date back close to 100 years, is surprisingly good and with this issue you get informative notes.

Various Artists - Keyboard Wizards Of The Gershwin Era - Volume VI (1922-34) {Pearl GEMMCD 9206 rel 1998}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 153 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 140 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1922-34, 1998 Pearl | GEMM CD 9206
Classical / Jazz / Traditional Jazz / Pop / Piano

This has to be one of the most brilliant piano collections ever. The whole Keyboard Wizards series is wonderful, but some of the tracks on this disc - notably the duet "Dizzy Fingers" - are jaw-droppingly stunning. As a longtime pianist myself, I can't imagine playing some of these works, and the remastered recordings are a national treasure. I hope the creating company keeps finding and releasing more! Another great audio-engineering feat by this label. Another disc that I have listened to dozens of time. My only suggestion would have been giving Constance Mering billing over Vee Lawnhurst as Constance's playing displays greater technique and artistic range.

Steve Nieve is an English musician and composer. In a career spanning more than 40 years, Nieve has been a member of Elvis Costello and the Attractions, the Imposters and Madness. He has also experienced success as a prolific session musician, featured on a wide array of other artists' recordings. In 2003, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Elvis Costello and the Attractions. In addition to his work with Costello, Nieve has released several solo albums. Keyboard Jungle (1983) was his first, a combination of classical and ersatz film scores delivered from his beloved Steinway piano. His second album, Playboy (1987), consisted of solo acoustic piano renditions of rock songs by David Bowie, 10cc, the Specials, X and others, as well as original compositions.

In 1976, the Stooges had been gone for two years, and Iggy Pop had developed a notorious reputation as one of rock & roll's most spectacular waste cases. After a self-imposed stay in a mental hospital, a significantly more functional Iggy was desperate to prove he could hold down a career in music, and he was given another chance by his longtime ally, David Bowie. Bowie co-wrote a batch of new songs with Iggy, put together a band, and produced The Idiot, which took Iggy in a new direction decidedly different from the guitar-fueled proto-punk of the Stooges…

ASANOVIC recorded two unnoticed jazz-rock solo albums which act as rarity items for collectors nowadays, "Majko Zemljo" (Mother Earth) 1974, and "Pop" 1976. His specialty was Hammond organ. These records are recommended for fans of jazz-rock, funk and fusion styles.