The Turtle Island String Quartet was not the first group of its kind to record jazz, but they have easily outclassed their competition in the years following this impressive debut recording. Each of the players is an accomplished soloist and also excels whether bowing, playing pizzicato, or playing percussion with their instruments.
World Turtle are an English progressive rock band formed by former Haze-members Chris and Paul McMahon after their earlier band's demise. While Haze were more traditionally prog, World Turtle's sound is somewhat more commercial; by using funk rhythms and horn-sections their music becomes reminiscent also of pop artists such as the late Genesis or Phil Collins' solo work. After Haze drummer Paul Chisnell left the group in 1988, the two remaining members, brothers Chris (bass, keyboards) and Paul McMahon (guitar, vocals) formed a first version of World Turtle with Pendragon-drummer Fudge Smith. This line-up, however, was short-lived. A new version of World Turtle appeared in 1991, with only the two brothers remaining…
Breathtaking and magical, the Turtle Island String Quartet present a piece of art that sends a pleasing and haunting rush though the listener's bloodstream. Opening up with the title track, "Spider Dreams" takes one on a fateful journey to musical bliss, opening up the listener to a variety of intriguing emotions. Whoever dares to take such an adventurous ride with the quartet will be richly rewarded. "Texas Tarantella" bursts with flavor and textures which only the most brilliant quartet groups can deliver. A
On their Christmas album, By the Fireside, The Turtle Island String Quartet interprets a number of classical pieces that fit the mood of the season, as well as recording several carols, and contributing several of their own songs. Featuring a guest vocal from Garrison Keillor, By the Fireside is designed to please their fans and it should, even if it won't win them any new ones.
The Turtle Island String Quartet was not the first group of its kind to record jazz, but they have easily outclassed their competition in the years following this impressive debut recording. Each of the players is an accomplished soloist and also excels whether bowing, playing pizzicato, or playing percussion with their instruments.
Breathtaking and magical, the Turtle Island String Quartet present a piece of art that sends a pleasing and haunting rush though the listener's bloodstream. Opening up with the title track, "Spider Dreams" takes one on a fateful journey to musical bliss, opening up the listener to a variety of intriguing emotions. Whoever dares to take such an adventurous ride with the quartet will be richly rewarded. "Texas Tarantella" bursts with flavor and textures which only the most brilliant quartet groups can deliver. A
On their Christmas album, By the Fireside, The Turtle Island String Quartet interprets a number of classical pieces that fit the mood of the season, as well as recording several carols, and contributing several of their own songs. Featuring a guest vocal from Garrison Keillor, By the Fireside is designed to please their fans and it should, even if it won't win them any new ones.
The group's final album, produced by Ray Davies, is a modestly enjoyable collection of good-time rock, occasionally with a slight progressive or satirical edge. The Turtles always seemed to harbor some serious ambitions, but the fact was that their only true forte was catchy pop/rock singles; when they aimed for more, the results were pleasant but unmemorable. There aren't any hit singles missing in action here, except maybe "You Don't Have to Walk in the Rain".
One of the most ecclectic musicians of the century, Herbie Mann went from playing straight jazz in the '50's to several musical genres over the following decades. During the early '70's he made some great recordings. Two albums from this period, Turtle Bay and Discoteque are combined for this release. While Discotheque does have some gems, in my opinion Turtle Bay offers the most satisfying listening.