The Library CD Music Shelf
Putumayo Presents: Rhythm and Blues
Putumayo World Music
411 Lafayette, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10003
B0030E5NJG, $15.98 www.putumayo.com
Libraries seeking to include accessible, classic rhythms of retro R&B
will find this CD the perfect introduction to sixties-style R&B (known
then as soul music). Modern interpretations - some as good as the
originals - pack a CD where the big find is the Quantic Soul Orchestra
featuring 'Kabir', a singer very much in the style of Bobbie 'Blue'
Bland. Some folks on this CD were there in the sixties: for instance,
Irma Thomas is here paired with pianist Henry Butler. Other groups
made up of younger folks let us know this style of music isn't about
to die yet!
Levantine Indulgence
Gaida
Palmyra Recordings
www.palmyrarecordings.com www.gaidamusic.com
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
$21.49 www.rockpaperscissors.biz
Syrian singer Gaida, who studied science as well as music in the U.S.
and works as a trained speech therapist with both children and
professional vocalists, presents Levantine Indulgence, an original
album that showcases her wonderful blend of Arabic melodies and jazz-
inspired arrangements. Iraqi-American jazz trumpeter and santoor
player Amir ElSaffar collaborates with her on several of the inspired
songs; also lending their talents to assorted melodies are Adel
Hinawi, Arturo Martinez, and Sarah Silbert. A captivating blend of
Middle East and West, Levantine Indulgence is an extraordinary
addition to world music collections and highly recommended. The tracks
are "Dream" (2:14), "Ammar" (3:43), "Illak Shi" (4:02),
"Indulgence" (8:26), "Kaifa Uhibuka" (3:38), "Salam Min
Dimashq" (7:00), "Almaya" (3:38), "Ghayeb" (4:54), and "Bint
Elbalad" (4:59).
Behind the Smile
Antoinette Montague
In the Groove
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
$16.98 www.antoinettemontague.com
Behind the Smile showcases Antoinette Montague's captivating singing
voice as she performs classic jazz standards and little-known
melodies, blended with elements of blues and gospel, and even adding
jazz arrangements to material from other genres such as R&B, classic
soul, and pop. The result is a smoothly flowing album sure to delight
and entertain, featuring Mulgrew Miller on piano, Bill Easley on
saxophone, reeds, and flute, Kenny Washington on the drums, and Peter
Washington on bass. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys stellar
jazz singing. The tracks are "Behind the Smile" (4:14), "I Hadn't
Anyone Till You" (4:56), "Give Your Mama One Smile" (3:35), "Ever
Since the One I Love's Been Gone" (4:46), "What's Going On" (4:33),
"The Song Is You" (3:12), "I'd Rather Have A Memory Than A
Dream" (4:55), "Lost In Meditation" (2:57), "Get Ready" (4:29),
"Summer Song" (4:22), "Somewhere In The Night" (3:09), "Meet Me At No
Special Place" (4:01), and "23rd Psalm" (2:50).
Altan: 25th Anniversary Celebration
Altan
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
$17.98 www.rockpaperscissors.biz
Altan is an acclaimed group of Irish of musicians with a rich
repertoire of lilting, poetic, traditional performances, with a
passionate emphasis on Celtic heritage and captivating string playing.
Altan: 25th Anniversary Celebration is a new album of some of their
most beloved works, recorded with the RTE concert orchestra. A quarter
century's worth of brilliant, exciting, and lush cultural songs fill
this wonderful album, which makes the perfect gift for anyone who
loves Celtic music. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Is the Big Man
Within?/Tilly Finn's Reel" (3:52), "Citi na gCumann" (4:03), "The
Roseville" (2:20), "I Wish My Love Was a Red Red Rose" (3:44), "Donal
agus Morag" (4:28), "Mo Ghaoil" (4:19), "Bog an Lochain/The Margaree
Reel/The Humours of Westport" (3:34), "A Tune For Frankie" (3:24),
"Molly na gCuach Ni Chuilleannain" (2:39), "Soilsena Nollag" (5:17),
"As I Roved Out" (4:02), "The Sunset" (3:47), "Gleanntain Ghlas Ghaoth
Dobhair" (3:37), "Comb Your Hair and Curl It/Gweebarra Bridge" (3:37),
and "Dun Do Shuil" 3:32.
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