Percussionist Airto Moreira, his wife, vocalist Flora Purim, and Joe Farrell (heard on flute, soprano and tenor) had teamed up several times through the years, most notably in the original version of Return To Forever. Farrell would pass away just eight months after this album, but is still heard in fine form on the interesting set.An atmospheric and at times haunting effort.
"If you are any kind of fan of concert band music, you must get this disc." Another audiophile spectacular from Reference Recordings! This album showcases the wind band music of Percy Grainger, including favorites "Lincolnshire Posy" and "Danny Boy." Grainger's gems are performed to perfection by America's only full-time professional wind band, conducted by Jerry Junkin. Grainger specified many unusual, optional instruments, and this recording has them all. Hear these "original instrument" performances in the spectacular sonics captured by Reference Recordings' world-renowned team of engineer Keith Johnson and producer Tam Henderson.
Percussionist Jim Brock gets first billing on this CD that he co-leads with Van Manakas, but Manakas' guitar is the main solo voice, he contributed all nine originals, and he is largely responsible for the date's success. The music ranges from being classical-oriented to funky to atmospheric, and there is even a slight amount of straight-ahead jazz. Manakas dominates the proceedings and is joined on various selections by Brock (whose colorful sounds from his percussion set uplift the music), keyboardist Gary Marcus, electric bassist Steve Kim, drummer Rick Dior, Phil Thompson on reeds, and Alan Kaufman on accordion. This intriguing set is worth giving a few listens to.
Sampler with works by Mozart, Carter, Vivaldi, Schoenberg, Haydn, Ives plus many more great artists and recordings. 19 tracks from the remarkable 2L catalog, and each varies greatly in character and sound design. Each tracks’ only common element is that its sound seems absolutely perfect for the music it conveys.
Two of the albums presented in this compilation is nominated for the GRAMMY Award 'Best Surround Sound Album'. Discover what the unique Nordic Sound is all about!
Called Symphonic Dances, this disc serves a four-fold purpose. First, it serves the purpose of returning Keith Lockhart to the catalog. After landing a contract with RCA leading the Boston Pops Orchestra, Lockhart returns here leading the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Lockhart has clearly grown since his time with the Boston Pops: his conducting here is well-judged, well-balanced, and well-executed. Second, it serves the purpose of returning the Utah Symphony to the catalog.