Saint-Saens’s Etudes offer an intricate and scintillating panoply of the French school of technique (the basis and prophecy of what Jean-Philippe Collard so mischievously called Marguerite Long’s ‘diggy-diggy-dee’ school of piano playing). Yet as Piers Lane tells us in his alternately wry and delightful accompanying essay (obligatory reading for all lovers of French pianism), they can be as evocative (‘Les cloches de las Palmas’) as they are finger-twisting (‘En forme de valse’, to name but one). The left-hand Etudes, too, given their self-imposed limitation, are a fragile and poetic surprise. In other words Saint-Saens’s Etudes are more comprehensive than their equivalents by, say, Moszkowski or Lazare Levey (superbly recorded by Ilana Vered on Connoisseur Society and Danielle Laval on French EMI, respectively – neither issued in the UK).
For a time period, probably between four and six years ago, Saint Vitus was one of the coolest bands in metal. Labels started repressing the group’s long out-of-print discography, and the band’s name became a watchword in press releases. The band reformed with their second, and most famous vocalist, Scott “Wino” Weinrich, who enjoyed a little popularity boost from his work in Probot as well as some well-received solo albums. The St. Vitus revival culminated in the band releasing a new album in 2012 after a 17-year hiatus.
Dee Dee Bridgewater performs 13 of Horace Silver's songs on her very well-conceived release. On most selections she is accompanied by her French quintet, but there are also two guest appearances apiece for organist Jimmy Smith and pianist Silver ("Nice's Dream" and "Song for My Father"). Bridgewater uplifts Silver's lyrics, proves to be in prime form, and swings up a storm. Other high points include "Filthy McNasty," "Doodlin'," and "Blowin' the Blues Away." A gem.
French band Northwinds was formed back in 1990, initially calling themselves R.I.P. but altering to their current moniker in the mid 90's. Since then five full length albums have seen the light of day, of which "Winter" from 2012 is the fourth. As has been the case for all their productions, this CD was released through the Italian label Black Widow Records. If you're the kind of person that have Antonius Rex and Black Sabbath side by side in your music collection, enjoy the occasional Black Widow (the band) album or have a general affection for productions released by Black Widow (the label), Northwinds is a band you probably should investigate. And their latest production "Winter" appears to be a good choice in getting to know this band better.