What I was listening to - Vol #2

Schumann: The Four Symphonies, VoxBox - The Moss Music Group, 1990 (CDX-5019)

The introduction of VoxBox has had a huge impact on my classical collection.   For those of you who don't know, VoxBox recordings are not cheesy, yet priced for those on a budget.  This is particular set (2 CDs) is a recording of the for Schumann symphonies by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jerzy Semkow.   The price at Tower Records?.....$13.99.  You can find other VoxBox recordings at similar prices.  Anyway, I'm getting side-tracked.   In my opinion, the Schumann symphonies are under appreciated by many.  One should really sit down and listen carefully to his symphonic works.  This particular recording is fine with Semkow taking very little individual artistic license.   I would say that for those who love symphonies, the Schumann works would be a nice addition to any collection.

A final word about VoxBox.  If you want a catalog from them, write to:

Vox Music Group
560 Sylvan Aveue
Englewoods Cliffs, NJ  07632

Their recordings are a definite bargain.


Beethoven: The Early String Quartets, The Tokyo String Quartet, BMG Classics released under the RCA VICTOR RED SEAL, 1993 (09026-61284-2)

After hearing the middle quartets by this same group, I just had to go and get the early quartets.  This is a 3 CD set which covers Op 19 Nos. 1-6, Op 14 No. 1, and a quintet (Op 29).  For the quintet Pinchas Zukerman guests as the violist.   Like the middle quartets, this set is going to keep me occupied for quite some time.  The recording is superb and I can't wait to get through these and finally purchase the late quartets to complete the collection.

Joe Satriani - Flying in a Blue Dream, Relativity Records, 1989 (88561-115-2)

I've been going back and listening to some of my rock stuff and rediscovered my Joe Satriani collection.  This is his fourth release.  As rock guitarists go, on a technical level Satriani blows everyone away.  Although Joe definitely needs to stay away from the vocals.  He may be a great guitar player, but he can't sing worth sh*t.  You can get a true appreciation for his guitar playing skills off the first 2 tracks on this release: "Flying in a Blue Dream" and "The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing".  You gotta love the latter just for the title alone.   On the title track there's a barely perceptible acoustic guitar that adds an interesting dimension to this cut.  Another great cut is "One Big Rush" which goes back to the simple rock style (lead, rhythm, bass, and drums) with very little input from other types of instruments.

Joe Sample - Collection, GRP Records, 1991 (GRD-9658)

For those of you who were fans of the Crusaders, I highly recommend that you go and listen to some of Joe Sample's solo material.  This particular release is a collection of works covering 1978-91.  This CD includes selections from "Carmel", "Roles", "Rainbow Seeker", "Voices in the Rain", "The Hunter", and "Oasis".   As keyboard players go, Sample definitely ranks up there with some of the best.  Some of his best playing can be heard on "Sunrise" from the "Carmel" release.  For those of you who are real fans of the Crusaders and are very discriminating listeners, you might recognize the drum tracks in many of these cuts.   That's because Stix Hooper played drums for many of Sample's solo works.


Fourplay - Elixir, Warner Bros., 1995 (9-45922-2)

This is the thrid release by this group of musicians who all have superb careers as individuals.  I never knew the genesis of Fourplay, but when you get Bob James on keyboard, Nathan East on bass, Harvey Mason on drums, and Lee Ritenour on guitar, you know you've got something great.  On this release, there are guest appearances by Phil Collins, Patti Austin, and Peabo Bryson.  Given the great talent, there isn't much to say here.  My favorite cuts, the title track "Elixir", "Magic Carpet Ride", and "Fannie Mae".  This is definitely a CD which passes the 3 song rule.


The Jazzmasters II - The Jazzmasters, JVC Musical Industries, 1995 (JVC-2049-2)

Actually, I'm still a bit confused about the identity of this group.  When I hear them played on the radio, they're usually identified as the Jazzmasters.   However, the group is led and produced by Paul Hardcastle (remember his big dance hits of the 80's, "19" and "Rainforest"?).  Anyway, to add to the confusion, depending on the record store you go to, you can find this release under The Jazzmasters or under Paul Hardcastle.  Whatever!  This is the second release, the original being called "The Jazzmasters".  The music is actually a bizarre mix between dance music and jazz.  All the tracks are written by Paul Hardcastle alone, or with Helen Rogers who is the vocalist of the group.  I have to say that this second release is better than the first release, "The Jazzmasters".  My favorite cuts include:  "Walkin' to Freedom" (this has a simple but very effective rhythm gutair in the background), "Summer Rain" (I don't like the vocals on this one, but the tune itself is really nice.  The bass track simple, but really adds something to this song), "Slomotion" (great use of a french horn as a lead instrument), and "Inner Changes".

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