Music reviews
Record reviews by Kevin Bryan...
John Lee Hooker,"Stomp Boogie" (Future Noise/Fantastic Voyage FVTD 011) - This absorbing 3 CD set draws on recordings made by the brooding Mississippi born bluesman between 1948 and 1958, showcasing no less than 70 examples of his deeply idiosyncratic approach to music-making. Some classic Hooker performances are given an airing in the process, including "Dimples," "Baby Lee" and "Madman Blues," as John Lee marries the spirit of the Delta Blues with a generous helping of his unique guitar work.
Derrin Nauendorf,"Skin of the Earth" (RUF 1145) - This gutsy Australian rocker has been heavily influenced by performers such as Dylan, Tom Waits and Richard Thompson, and "Skin of the Earth" must rank as his most accomplished offering to date. Roots music enthusiasts should find it a well nigh indispensable purchase as Derrin serves up a diverse array of ballads, soulful rockers and gentle instrumentals for their delectation.
Georges Cziffra, "In Tokyo 1964:Chopin & Liszt Recital" (Medici Arts MM 0332) - Pianist Cziffra is captured at the peak of his considerable performing powers here in a recording made in Tokyo in April 1964. The Hungarian virtuoso was said to combine the precision of a metronome with the electrical discharge of a thunderstorm, and his renditions of pieces such as Liszt's "Grand Galop Chromatique" and "Hungarian Rhapsody No.6" radiate a bravura energy that has to be heard to be believed.
Carlo Little All Stars, "Never Stop Rockin'" (Angel Air SJPCD 283) - This influential rock drummer recorded "Never Stop Rockin" in 2000, employing illustrious sidemen such as Ron Wood, Long John Baldry and former Procol Harum keyboards ace Matthew Fisher to underpin his sterling efforts. The man who taught Keith Moon how to play tackled some fine golden oldies in the process, with "Mystery Train" and "Midnight Special" emerging as two of the stand-out tracks.
Alfred Brendel,"Haydn:11 Piano Sonatas" (Decca 478 1369) - The latest 4 CD collection to emerge from the Decca archives explores the work of the legendary Czech born pianist Alfred Brendel. The contents span the years between 1979 and 1985, and find this cerebral character delving into Jospeh Haydn's relatively undervalued keyboard repertoire. The "Sonata in C minor, No.20" is a particularly eloquent creation,and the crowning glory of this excellent anthology.
Cecilia Bartoli, "An Italian Songbook" (Decca 478 1380) - American conductor James Levine provides the understated piano accompaniment for mezzo-soprano Bartoli as she takes listeners on a voyage of discovery into the delights of 19th century Italian art song. Some exquisite examples of the genre are given an airing by the gifted duo,including works by Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini.
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Weather for Stamford
Saturday 11 February 2012
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