International music reviews

In 1967 bossa nova was at the height of its relative popularity with both pop and jazz audiences, so it was not surprising that Frank Sinatra would offer up an album of such material. After all, Sinatra was one of those singers who could do just about anything and was interested to see what he could do with a new type of music. Intending to go first class all the way, Sinatra worked with the acknowledged master bossa nova composer, Antonio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim, who was known as the George Gershwin of Brazil. Sinatra was not the only A-list American artist to prominently feature Jobim's songs on album; there is also Ella Fitzgerald's 1981 album "Ella Abrca Jobim."

The songs were actually arranged by Claus Ogerman, but Jobim was featured prominently on the album playing guitar and singing backup vocals. The songs are mostly original compositions by Jobim, such as "Girl from Ipanema," but there are also a trio of "American" songs done in the bossa nova style: "Baubles, Bangles and Beads," Irving Berlin's "Change Partners," and Cole Porter's "I Concentrate on You." The end product is rather quiet for a bossa nova album, but echoes Sinatra's superb work as the premiere saloon singer of his or any other generation. Sinatra's vocals remain in the forefront while the Latin rhytms, the muted trumpet of Billy May, and Jobim's guitar set the stage, heard to their best effect on "Corcovado" and "Insensatez."

The only possible complaint with "Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim" is that there are only ten tracks and less than a half hour's worth of music on this album. But there is no denying that this is Sinatra at his best and one of his half dozen best albums from the Sixties (#19 on the Pop Charts but #4 on the Jazz Chart), which is why it still rates five stars.

There are three master albums of Bossa Nova vocals:
- this Sinatra/Jobim album on Warner sung in English;
- Elis Regina/Tom Jobim album sung in Portuguese; and
- "Amoroso", the Joao Gilberto/Claus Ogerman collaboration, sung in Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish!

Don't miss the chance to have all three.

Interesting to notice this is a rare songbook project in Sinatra's career and that there is another one with Jobim which was only half issued in Sinatra's title 'Sinatra & Co'.

Sinatra's choice on Jobim's standards was a kill. Sinatra's romantic approach was the precise one for the material while the swinging action was taken by the Bossa rhythm section, leaded by Jobim's guitar and extraordinary Dom Um Romao on drums, on splendorous string arrangements by Claus Ogerman.

Also interesting was the idea to include three American standards which matched taylor made to Bossa Nova: Irving Berlin's 'Change Partners', Cole Porter's 'I Concentrate on You' and Wright & Forest's 'Baubles Bangles and Beads' (from 'Kismet'). All delicious.

This is a mandatory album for a serious Bossa Nova collection.
Also for those who admires Sinatra, this album shows him in an extraordinary performance in a rather exotic ensemble for American standards.

This is not the "swingin'" Sinatra you have come to know. These are arrangements by legendary Claus Ogerman, the same man who just a couple of years ago arranged the hugely popular Diana Krall albums "The Look of Love" and "Live in Paris". This gorgeous collection was released in 1967, at the height of the "Bossa Nova" craze, and the author of the most famous of those songs was Antonio Carlos Jobim. The song was "The Girl from Ipanema" and it is included here, sung by beautifully by both Sinatra in English and Jobim in Portuguese, however, the real highlights on this lush and softly romantic opus is "Once I Loved" and "How Insensitive". Sinatra's voice is deep, smokey and he almost whispers some of the lyrics. This is an ideal album to play in front of a fire on a romantic night. Atmospheric and haunting. I agree with another reviewer that the other Jobim songs should be released with the songs on this CD, however, because the entire length of this album is only about 35 minutes. There is plenty of room for more.

I had this album and my best friend borrowed it and never gave it back. I love Phil Reynolds especially Tr. 2,3,& 4. There great. I'm waiting for my freind Glenn to lend me his copy so I can listen to some more genius music in the making.

.... This cd is great, hard pumping music u can listen to over and over. Forget gatecrasher, teo tribes etc, fantic is real music and this cd has it all. Disc 1..ok, disc 2 dosent stop!!
Frantic 2002 with A. Farley & Phil Reynolds ...grab that to.

Forget your over-hyped 'super club' releases from '01, because if you're looking for the Hard House/Progressive sound of the 'future', then Frantic is your CD.

Phil Reynolds' CD is magic - so good in fact that you could purchase this CD as a stand alone - with a bonus Ed Real disc (no offensive to Ed!).

Blistering stuff - kicking off with 'First Strike', to the superb PVD remix of '1998', all the way through to the closing of 'Get a rush' and 'Neuro Dancer' - you can't beat it - and a couple of great K-90 tracks included as well!

The strongest CD I've heard in a long time (probably since GC 'Wet'), and with music like this it won't be long until Frantic starts doing the 'international' thing too.

Ivoux was an ethereal side project of the electro/synth-pop band Battery, and nearly three years since its release, I still can't believe how stunningly beautiful this disc is. Lyrically, this album is inspired by various winter mythologies and folk tales, and more specifically, female characters who either perished or triumphed throughout the winter months. The rich, flowing voice of Maria Azevedo spins and floats upon the icy musical breath that Shawn Brice and Evan Sornstein exhale from their instruments, as they indulge in a lush melodic respite from the Industrial dance floor assaults they're otherwise known for. There are harmonies and melodies on this CD that will strike you deeply in the heart, and will unfailingly send shivers down your spine each and every time you listen. I doubt there will ever be another ethereal band that will create songs with such passionate and heartbreaking beauty. "White Witch" is just simply gorgeous and the vocal melodies on "Holle" will chill you to the bone. This is an intimate, transcendent release meant to be listened to privately. You close your eyes, and you see this band's vision: vast ivory dusted landscapes, ice clinging to skeletal trees, and a lone figure standing amidst the frigid chaos...searching throughout the dense white fog for something that could bring her warmth. The metaphors within the lyrics of these songs are so touching, so absolutely perfect, that I can not say anything more than this predominantly unsung CD is an absolute necessity to your Gothic/atmospheric collection.

Brought to you by the boys and girl of Battery, Ivoux's (that's "EE-voo") "Frozen: A Suite of Winter Songs" tells the stories of female wintery deities and mythological figures from Britain (the fictional world of Narnia, actually, in "The White Witch") to Russia ("Rusalka") to Japan ("Yuki Onna") and all points in between. This differs from the norm of Battery's music in that it is definitely not industrial, but there are certain aspects that are familiar to a Battery fan, including, most obviously, the heart-wrenchingly beautiful voice of Maria Azevedo. This album is a must-have for fans of Battery/Dia or ethereal music.

Some of the best music ever put to CD! Every song is about a female/winter myth, and as such is told through their eyes. If you can find it, there is an incredible Remix of the song Holle called Holle (Meow Mix), its almost as good as the original. The best of the best are Holle, Sif, & Emily. Emily makes me shiver with every hearing. Maria Azevedo's voice is ice crystal clear.

Fantastic electronic music. I saw this band in the UK and they were great. Last year they toured the US and did some great shows. The best way to enjoy is to blank out the outside world and let it envelop you (dark room/ headphones). enjoy!

I was lucky enough to here and see the band on the chill out zone on mtv. if u are into 70's and early 80's electric music then these are the top band, great sequenced based music, best listerned to in the dark,great sounds and interesting bass lines recommended to all with a taste for T.dream Klaus Shultze or Cluster

Listen to it in the dark (with headphones) and enjoy the best sequencers, mellotron and guitar sounds in electronic music since a long time. This music reminds me of Tangerine Dream works during their best period (IMHO 1970-84). Man, I was happy when I discovered this group. Good music for dreaming or driving (not both at the same time;-) Run for it! (and take REPUBLIC too) EN

I'm so surprised that I found this and all of the other Intocable cds. But I'm also so excited. This cd brings back so many memories and looking back I remember how awesome they were then and how awesome they still are today. If you're new to Intocable, listen to their oldies just so u can see they were great from the very beginning.

This CD includes many emotional songs. If anyone has ever had their heart broken, this CD will definitely mend their heart. I love it!!!

This is the untouchables first effort and it contains the best song that tejano music has ever heard: VETA YA. This song jams!!! Although they sound like Ramon on this album, it still is great! One problem, what's with the cover? It looks like they're about to go to church or something. What a cheesy cover. They get better though....

"Generations" is the original theme music composed to accompany "The Generations Music and Photography Exhibit," which featured historical family photographs taken in the 1920's by George Skaroulis' grandfather,Theo Patronis. Patronis was born in Greece in 1897 and came to the US in 1913. With his camera, Patronis documented the family history as well as the old and new worlds he called home. The photography exhibit opened in Patmos, Greece in July 2000, and then had its premiere in the US in Atlanta, Georgia in January 2001. Pianist George Skaroulis' music captures an appreciation of life's simplest moments, as do the photographs in the 8-page booklet that accompanies the CD. For the most part, the music is quiet and peaceful. Some of the tracks have additional instrumentation, but the album is gentle and serene, and some of the pieces are breathtaking in their simple elegance and heartfelt emotion.

"Hopes and Dreams" opens the CD with piano and oboe in an almost wistful duet that sets the tone of the album. "Photographia" is a beautiful piece with a simple melody that mirrors the poignance of the photos. As the title implies, "Nostalgia" is a reflective, bittersweet piece, remembering times gone by. The title track begins with a variation on Chopin's Prelude in Cm, and evolves into a wonderfully flowing piece that includes flute and strings along with piano; this is one of my favorites on this album - very soulful and emotional. "Dreams of Children" captures a gentle innocence along with a moving forward. "Se Ymnumen" is another favorite - a very minor piece full of passion. It was inspired by a liturgical piece heard often in Greek Orthodox church services. (It was also on Skaroulis' debut CD, "Homeland.") "Melodia" is a simple, compelling piece that is reflective and very poignant.

A self-taught pianist, George Skaroulis doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles in his music, and none are needed. The messages are clear and straightforward, and Skaroulis is one of the more expressive pianists on the contemporary scene. Another exceptional album by an exceptional artist. Very highly recommended!

This music is sooooooo beautiful. What a lovely surprise to discover this musician! I received a brochure with some Greek tapes, videos and CDs in the mail and came across the name of George Skaroulis. I had never heard of him, but decided to try amazon.com to listen to some of the selections... ahhhhhhh...
as I listened to each selection, my breathing began to slow down and my body began to relax...and a peaceful feeling began to take root. I am SOOOO grateful for this beautiful music.

Also.. his "Season Traditions" CD is one of THE most beautiful albums... Its music is sooo calming and beautiful that you can truly listen to it ALL YEAR LONG. Put this CD on and curl up with a good book by the fire... ah.. a little bit of heaven.

I purchased this CD after I skimmed every track for about 10 seconds each. I play this cd almost everyday. George's rendition of Shenandoah evokes different deep emotions out of me everytime I listen to him. All of the other songs bring such peace and is a great relaxer or backround music while I'm at work. Hopes and Dreams, Castelli, My New Friend, and Dreams of Children are my favorites. I think I might have to buy another copy of this cd before I wear out my current one. And a bonus, George is a great guy.

If you've never heard Mercedes, get ahold of this CD. The collection is a broad, eclectic spectrum of her abilities, ranging from traditional South American styles to modern pop. Her Spanish version of 'Fragile' at LEAST equals Sting's original. Those familiar with Mercedes might prefer her earlier works.
One caveat: My CD, pressed from inferior materials, is now concave (cupped) and will not play on most CD players. I recommend that, once you have bought the CD, you immediately make a copy for (your own!) regular use.

In this Cd You can listen to the evolution of sosa's art and music. While keeping her unique style, she creats something new and freash. Definiely worth listening.

Mercedes Sosa is a living legend, she has a wonderful voice, full of passion and very strong. Hear her voice just once and you will fall in love. Try understand the lyrics.She selects only the best, the most beautiful, full of poetry, and discover the soul of South America. Hear "El Puente de los Suspiros", a great peruvian vals, and discover a great guitar player, Lucho Gonzales.

i bought the GLT import last year - i must confess, i bought it for the acoustic version of push (which is my fave song on the album) and for hang (my 2nd fave). the acoustic version of push is amazing - the combination of rob's soulful voice and kyle and adam's guitars....it transcends you to a different level of music (whoa that sounded really deep) anyhow, i recommend this cd to anyone who loves "push" or hang" - it was definitely worth the money =)

You have to think with a girl like that, but you don't have to think about listening to this single. Listening to the cd makes my life seem bolder. I wake up quick just to listen to it. It pulls me up and over. Don't take this cd for granted buy it!! Or we'll push you around.

Yes how foolish I am, poor little me thoght that the greaseball king sang this but how wrong I was. I always have liked the song though and as your american your version is probably toggling!!!!! Curse you God for making me this way!!!!! Reviewed by LOUISEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Once again, John Frusciante excels at what he does! Every track is wonderful, with my favourite being the second, Time Is Nothing. His latest, Shadows Collide With People is another one to get. He just gets better and better! The only Cd of his I don't own is Smile From the Streets You Hold, but I'm sure one day, I have it!

Finally, an artist breaks through into the semi-mainstream that has a talent that cannot be hindered by others on radio, mtv, etc. This is a man who knows no boundries, using every influence from the vast archives of music knowledge he knows. This is a man who lets his true colors shine through on any peice of material he is working on. The 2 albums before his TROWFTD are an experience in the depths of addiction,love, depression, and just plain pisces loathing. THe gtreatest miracle in the world is that he got cleaned up. For now on we will always have Mr. Frusciante to make days go smoother, to make things seem alright. I will always be in debt for the things he showed me without even knowing me.

Few CD's are out that you can listen to all the way through that help you capture a certain mood or feeling. This cd single by John Frusciante is one that has a good overall flow. The mood is pretty much the same all the way through it.

Going Inside is of course, off of his solo album To Record Only Water For Ten Days. Time is Nothing is an instrumental piece, and a very good one at that. I wish he had put it on TROWFTD. So Would've I made me think of his Niandra days, but without the feeling of despair. The Last Hymn and Beginning Again are two very nice pieces also.

This is a very good cd single and well worth the money. I would highly recommend it to any Frusciante fan, especially those who are just getting into his solo work. I think it's a mesmerizing listen!!

What a wonderful CD! John Two-Hawks plays his flutes like magic, and his voice is simply incredible! I love the songs with soft guitar as a background to the cedar flute. I must say, John's rendition of Amazing Grace is the most beautiful I have ever heard! If you do not have this Good Medicine CD yet, I recommend it highly! Truly beautiful, healing music that will bless your spirit.

I saw John Two-Hawks in concert last summer. It was the most amazing concert I've ever been to. I went away from it with a new perspective about many things in my life. So I purchased his "Good Medicine" cd and took it home with me. The music is just as I heard it in concert! It touches my heart deep inside and brings some peace into this crazy life! I have a friend who was diagnosed with cancer. I bought her a "Good Medicine" cd and the "Good Medicine" book as a gift. She listened to it during her chemotherapy treatments and said that all the side effects of the chemo just "went away"!! She said she played the cd at home, in her car, all the time. Well, her cancer ended up going away! And my friend gave a lot of the credit to this music. I really, really love this cd and I think everyone should have it! I have all of the John Two-Hawks cds, and I love them all!!

Wow! This Good Medicine CD is awesome! I use it to help me get to sleep and to help me relax when I'm stressing and it works like magic every time! In my opinion, John Two-Hawks is by far the best Native American musician out there. His flute playing just takes me away into a wonderful place, and his singing is just awesome! This Good Medicine CD is my favorite from him. I also LOVE his new Good Medicine book. So full of wisdom. Well, that about sums it up for me! Oh, if you're a John Two-Hawks fan like me, you really should check out his official site johntwohawks.com, it's really a cool site with great pictures of him and so on. Anyway, what I really wanted to say is, Good Medicine is really really GREAT!!!