The Library CD Shelf
Fats Waller Revisited
Dick Wellstood and his "Friends of Fats"
With Jane Harvey on Vocals
Classic Jazz Recordings
50 Executive Blvd., Elmsford, NY 10523
www.innercityjazz.com
$16.95 www.cdbaby.com
Fats Waller Revisited is an album celebrating the music of African-American
jazz pianist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer Thomas Wright "Fat
s" Waller (1904-1943). Dick Wellstood and his "Friends of Fats" along with
vocalist Jane Harvey bring Waller's classic jazz to life with full musical
performances including piano, tenor sax, trumpets, guitar, clarinet, bass,
and drums. An ebullient, vivacious collection, Fats Waller Revisited is a t
reasure for jazz connoisseurs and enthusiastically recommended for public l
ibrary music CD collections. The tracks are "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and W
rite Myself a Letter" (4:17), "I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling" (2:23), "Squ
eeze Me" (4:01), "S'Posin'" (3:10), "Two Sleepy People" (4:31), "Ain't Misb
ehavin' (I'm Saving My Love For You)" (3:43), "Honeysuckle Rose" (4:23), "I
Can't Give You Anything But Love" (5:04), "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie" (3:28
).
Musique de Nuit
Ballake Sissoko and Vincent Segal
Six Degrees Records
PO Box 411347, San Francisco, CA 94141-1347
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
$9.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 www.amazon.com
French cellist Vincent Segal and Malian kora expert Bailake Sissoko present
Musique de Nuit, an exquisitely beautiful music CD recorded outside Bamako
(the capital of Mali), with ambient noises on the edge of hearing smoothly
incorporated into the virtuoso performance. Evoking the almost mystical ex
perience of an impromptu, late-night jam session, Musique de Nuit inspires
the listener to muse, reflect, and explore. Highly recommended. The tracks
are "Nia Ndou" (6:34), "Passa Quatro" (4:52), "Balazando" (6:26), "N'ka Pal
ema" (7:52), "Diabaro" (5:16), "Super Etoile" (3:55), "Prelude" (1:12), "Sa
mba Tomora" (3:51), and "Musique de Nuit" (2:42).
Banda de los Muertos
bandadelosmuertos.com
Barbes Records
barbesrecords.com
c/o Press Junkie PR
$10.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Brooklyn-based Mexican brass band Banda de los Muertos presents their epony
mous debut album, celebrating Spanish language, Mexican culture, and the ha
rd work of immigrants who toil day in, day out for a fresh start on life. P
owerful and exhilarating, Banda de los Muertos is a "must-have" for brass a
ficionados! The tracks are "Cumbia de Jacobo" (4:53), "El Sinaloense / El J
alisciense" (4:24), "La Puerta Negra" (2:18), "El Toro Viejo" (2:18), "Trag
os Amargos" (3:28), "Culiacan" (3:17), "Las Nubes" (3:41), "El Paso" (2:47)
, "Te Quiero Tanto" (4:54), "Ay Mexicanita" (3:07), "Tu Recuerdo y Yo" (3:2
4), and "Arriba Mi Sinaloa" (2:47).
Love Will Find a Way
Mike Love
www.mikelovemusic.com
Privately Published
c/o Press Junkie PR
$16.00 download www.itunes.com
Love Will Find a Way is a reggae album by Mike Love that embraces the Rasta
fari philosophy of "one love", and resonates with the concept that uncondit
ional love is vital to human beings, especially amid the threats posed by o
verpopulation, climate change, and the frightening rise of corporate power.
The extensive song lyrics (written in a booklet that accompanies the physi
cal album) speak a message of togetherness, harmony, and conservation. Love
Will Find a Way is a treasure for reggae connoisseurs, and highly recommen
ded for both personal and public library music collections. The tracks are
"Time to Wake Up", "Good News", "Can't Take it With You When You Go", "Let
it Rain", "I Love You", "Gonna Make It", "No Regrets", "Step Lightly", "Rol
l River Roll", "Advaya's Song", and "Love Will Find a Way".
Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio
Gerry Gibs, Ron Carter, and Kenny Barron
With guests Roy Hargrove and Cassandra Wilson
Whaling City Sound
www.whalingcitysound.com
c/o Mixed Media (publicity)
$12.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Recorded live in studio, Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio is an album of pop
covers from the 50s and 60s, enlivened with a jazz twist and artfully perf
ormed by Grammy-nominated group The Thrasher Dream Trio. Evoking fly-high f
antasy, fond memories, and fancy flourishes, Gerry Gibs Thrasher Dream Trio
reaches out to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The tracks are "Wive
s and Lovers" (6:09), "The Summer Knows" (6:01), "The Look of Love" (4:35),
"Spartacus Love Theme" (3:38), "On A Clear Day" (6:45), "The Surrey With T
he Fringe On Top" (3:54), "Alfie" (6:28), "Watch What Happens (instrumental
)" (5:23), "Theme From A Man And A Woman" (3:34), "Cast Your Fate To The Wi
nd" (3:24), "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" (5:46), "More (from
Mondo Cane)" (4:21), "Watch What Happens (vocal)" (4:06), "Music To Watch
The Girls Go By" (4:15), "Girl Talk" (4:44), and "Charade" (4:28). Also hig
hly recommended is the Dave Liebman Group's jazz album, "The Puzzle" ($17.7
7 CD / $8.99 MP3).
Safe in Your Arms
Scott Cossu
Heart Dance Records
www.heartdancerecords.com
c/o RS Promotions (publicity)
$12.97 CD/ $9.99 download www.cdbaby.com
Safe in Your Arms is an album by New Age composer, pianist, and recording a
rtist Scott Cossu. Many of the tracks have long been "out of print", and ar
e at last reproduced for a new generation of connoisseurs to cherish. Re-re
corded with contributions from guitarist Van Manakas, alto flutist Ann Lind
quist, and flutist John Croarkin, these acoustic, ringing songs evoke gentl
e memories and a sense of wonder. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Safe
in Your Arms" (4:14), "Angel Steps" (2:50), "Fawn" (5:12), "Little Sunshine
Girl" (3:36), "Purple Mountain" (4:59), "Sweet Pea Lullaby" (4:13), "Gwenl
aise" (4:34), "Starlit Walk" (4:02), "A Child's Eyes" (3:33), "Akaka Falls"
(4:55), "Christo's Theme" (3:57), and "Sanctuary" (5:29).
The Ascent
Amy Faithe
Privately Published
c/o RS Promotions (publicity)
$15.00 CD / $12.99 download www.cdbaby.com
The Ascent is the debut album by artist and rising star Amy Faithe, featuri
ng her dulcet vocals and a magical, new age soundscape. An ethereal beauty
permeates this soul-stirring treasury. Highly recommended, especially for c
onnoisseurs of the genre. The tracks are "The Moment" (10:10), "Daybreak" (
6:42), "Serenity's Call" (10:12), "Peace Be Mine" (10:12), "The Ascent" (10
:01), "Who Am I?" (8:45), and "Only in my Dreams" (8:32).
Low Lily
Low Lily
Privately Published
www.lowlily.com
c/o 58 North PR
$15.00 CD / $9.99 download www.cdbaby.com
Liz Simmons (vocals, guitar, percussion), Lissa Schneckenburger (vocals, fi
ddle), and Flynn Cohen (vocals, guitar, mandolin) are the string and vocal
trio Low Lily (formerly Annalivia), well known for their knack for infusing
American folk music with both traditional and modern influences. Low Lily'
s self-titled EP draws upon musical stylings from bluegrass to Irish, Engli
sh, New England, and Old Time Appalachian to create a stellar performance o
f four original and two traditional songs that blend the finest musical and
storytelling qualities. Highly recommended! The tracks are "House Carpente
r" (3:35), "The Girl's Not Mine" (3:07), "Northern Spy" (2:57), "Adventurer
" (4:58), "All Roads Lead To You" (3:25), and "Cherokee Shuffle/Lucky" (5:0
2).
Dreams of India
Tom Teasley
T & T Music
c/o FlipSwitch (publicity)
$14.97 CD / $9.99 download www.cdbaby.com
Dreams of India is an instrumental album (aside from some vocal percussion)
with roots as a guided meditation soundtrack; it evolved into a soundscape
reimagining of the classic epic of the Mahabharata, India's ancient saga o
f love and war. Evocative and profound, Dreams of India resonates in the mi
nd and spirit. The tracks are "Om Tat Sat" (4:44), "Whispers in the Wind" (
5:32), "Breath of Smoke" (3:41), "Fire Dance" (3:42), "Indra and Arvasu" (3
:10), "Mask of Vritra" (3:49), "Silver Rain" (3:34), "Sacrifice" (4:40), "D
ance for Arvasu" (4:41), "Sketches of India" (3:27), "Namaste" (3:24), "Fis
ts of Karna" (3:00).
Amonafi
Daby Toure
www.dabytoure.com
Cumbancha
413 Carpenter Road, Charlotte, VT 05445
$15.00 CD / $9.99 MP3 www.cumbancha.com
Amonafi (meaning, "Once Upon a Time" in the West African language Wolof) is
the new music album from African-born artist Daby Toure, who cherishes his
dual nationality of both Mauritania and France. His music transcends tradi
tion and borders, connecting with elements of folk, soul, and Afropop. His
songs speak of dreams of the past, the joy of simple life in an African vil
lage, the nightmare of being unable to find work, the hardship that women h
ave faced in society, and more. Thought-provoking and soulful, Amonafi is a
welcome addition to international music collections. The tracks are "Woyoy
oye" (2:34), "Amonafi" (2:57), "Kiba" (3:49), "Oma" (2:36), "Emma" (3:06),
"Little Song" (3:06), "If You" (2:25), "Khone" (2:40), "Kille" (3:13), "Deb
ho" (3:36), "Mina" (3:40), "Soninko" (3:00), and "Ndema" (3:31).
The Shackleton Experience
Karl Schmaltz
Privately Published
$10.00 www.shackletonexperience.com
The creation of 19-year-old music prodigy Karl Schmaltz, The Shackleton Exp
erience is a unique blend of music and spoken-word storytelling, reliving S
ir Ernest Shackleton's effort to cross the Antarctic continent from sea to
sea aboard the ship "Endurance". Inviting the listener to relive the crunch
of plowing through ice blocks, exhaustive trekking across seemingly endles
s snow, and surviving dire peril, The Shackleton Experience is evocative, o
riginal, and highly recommended. The tracks are "Men Wanted", "Into the Wed
dell Sea", "Winter Months", "Ocean Camps", "Escape from the Ice", "The Boat
Journey", "Across South Georgia", and "The Rescue".
Illumination of the Heart
Deuter
New Earth Records
www.NewEarthRecords.com
c/o Sounds True
413 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
www.soundstrue.com
$13.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 www.amazon.com
Created by prolific New Age musician Deuter (widely considered one of the f
ounding fathers of the genre since the release of his first album in 1971),
Illumination of the Heart is an instrumental album of spiritual music feat
uring flute, keyboards, cello, piano, guitar, and soft vocals. Evoking emot
ion and reflection on the interconnectedness of all life, Illumination of t
he Heart is a sublime diffusion of conscious awareness, and an excellent ch
oice for relaxation, meditation, or life therapy. Highly recommended! The t
racks are "Matamua" (9:48), "Moon and Earth" (6:28), "Tonglen" (7:38), "Ste
rn an Stern" (6:50), "Coucher de Lune" (4:46), "Schein Und Widerschein" (9:
26), "Desert Dream Green" (7:37), and "Mericoeur" (8:23), 61 min.
Lights of Laniakea
Kathy Sanborn
That Other Label
$8.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 www.amazon.com
Lights of Laniakea is the seventh album by composer, singer, producer, and
American Songwriting Awards Winner Kathy Sanborn. Eight of her songs have E
nglish lyrics; three others features haunting, wordless vocalizations. The
fluid beauty of Lights of Laniakea hearkens to its inspiration, a recently
mapped supercluster in space containing our galaxy, dubbed Laniakea (meanin
g "Immeasurable Heaven") by astronomers. An enchanting, cross-cultural audi
o experience, Lights of Laniakea is rapturously radiant. The tracks are "St
ar Catcher" (5:42), "Follow the Light" (5:28), "Soul Dancing" (5:28), "Some
day" (4:57), "Little Candle" (6:05), "Lani Heaven" (5:53), "Immeasurable Sk
y" (4:57), "The Stuff of Stars" (6:03), "Abundant Love" (5:44), "Akea" (5:0
2), "Seeds of Hope" (4:37), and "Fantasy" (6:24).
New York Boogaloo
Spanglish Fly
Chaco World Music
$15.00 CD / $20.00 vinyl www.spanglishfly.com
New York Boogaloo is the debut album of Spanglish Fly, showcasing an Americ
an music style created by Puerto Ricans in New York and influenced by the s
oul, rock, and pop of the 1960's. Boogaloo shifts freely from English to Sp
anish; thoughts its character is Latin, it welcomes musicians of all herita
ges to share and experiment. Spanglish Fly recaptures the high-flying spiri
t of Boogaloo in its lively performance featuring wurlitzer and brass, funk
y bass, congas and timbales, and more. The result is just plain fun to expe
rience! The tracks are "Esta Tierra" [a re- imagining of Woody Guthrie's "T
his Land is Your Land"], "Bump (And Let It Slide)", "Return of the Po-Po",
"Martian Boogaloo", "Mira Ven Aca", "42 (El Cuarenta Y Dos)", "Love Graffit
i Me", "Me Gusta Mi Bicicleta", "Cuidate Hermana", and "Brooklyn Boogaloo".
True North
The Stetson Family
www.thestetsonfamily.com
$15.00 AUD CD / $12.00 AUD download
Acoustic, five-piece bluegrass and folk Americana band The Stetson Family p
resents True North, an album of original songs, each of which tells its own
story. The Stetson Family is based in Australia, but the rugged, down-to-e
arth charm of their music is universal. A "must-have" especially for fans o
f country and its creative offshoots! The tracks are "Hey Bartender" (2:50)
, "Run Daddy Run" (3:27), "Every Second Beat Of My Heart" (4:28), "Lover Wh
ere You Going" (3:15), "Man and a Pretty Girl" (3:56), "Billy" (4:11), "Tra
velin' Man" (3:35), "Top of the Mountain" (3:03), "Don't Look Back" (4:07),
"Haunted Hills" (3:13), "Let It Ride" (4:59), and "How Mountain Girls Can
Love" (2:43).
Fantasy Reality
Salvador Santana
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.99 download www.itunes.com
The second full length album by Grammy Award Winner Salvador Santana, Fanta
sy Reality is inspired by a timeless Walt Disney Quote: "When we do fantasy
, we must not lose sight of reality." Fantasy Reality connects the raw elem
ents of rhythm with emotionally moving melodies, and lyrics with a strong p
ositive message. Inspirational and supportive, Fantasy Reality stimulates t
he imagination while reminding the listener of the quintessential human con
dition. The tracks are "Be the Change", "Till the Mornin' Light", "Somethin
' That's Real", "Change Is Gonna Come", "Here With You Tonight", "Keep Pres
sin' On", "Let The Wall Down" "Love Is Peach", "Fantasy Reality", "Sound Ph
ysician", "Visualize Strength", and "I Don't Want It To End".
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo
ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these
reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte
rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi
duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo
rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat
ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at
www.midwestbookreview.com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to MWBOOK
REVW (at) AOL (dot) COM (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish
er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number
, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
|
|