Faure: Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine; Durufle: Requiem; Quatre Motets CD

Faure: Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine; Durufle: Requiem; Quatre Motets After working his way through loss and chaos on the brilliant TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT (recorded in 1973, but not released until 1975), Neil Young deftly exorcised any lingering demons with 1974's ON THE BEACH. The album opens with the saunter of the aptly titled "Walk On," followed by the utterly gorgeous, Wurlitzer-tinged "See the Sky about to Rain." The set also features a trio of scathing songs--"Revolution Blues," "Vampire Blues," and "Ambulance Blues"--that address issues important to Young, both social and personal. It is good to hear Young back with such bite and vitriol, especially after the broken desperation of TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT. But while ON THE BEACH is edgy and deeply felt, it also manages to sound liberating and relaxed, with glimmers of hope and humor peeking through the spare, evocative arrangements. Inexplicably unreleased on CD until 2003, ON THE BEACH is both unflinching and resilient, and easily stands as one of Young's finest albums. Recording information: Broken Arrow Studios, San Francisco, CA; Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, CA. Photographer: Bob Seidemann. Guests:Graham Nash/Rick Danko/ David Crosby/Levon Helm Personnel: Neil Young (vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica, Wurlitzer organ); Neil Young (Wurlitzer piano); Ben Keith (vocals, guitar, slide guitar, steel guitar, dobro, Wurlitzer piano, organ, Wurlitzer organ, drums, background vocals); Graham Nash (vocals, Wurlitzer piano, Wurlitzer organ); Ralph Molina (vocals, drums, background vocals); Tim Drummond (bass instrument, drums, percussion); Rick Danko, Billy Talbot (bass instrument); David Crosby (vocals, guitar); Rusty Kershaw (guitar, slide guitar, violin, fiddle); George Whitsell (guitar); Joe Yankee (harp, tambourine); Levon Helm (drums). Liner Note Author: Rusty Kershaw.

Faure: Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine; Durufle: Requiem; Quatre Motets Since John Coltrane's original 1962 BALLADS is quite delberately one of his most mainstream efforts, the contemporary jazz singer Karrin Allyson's superb recreation of this landmark session is less of a conceptual stretch than it might have been otherwise. Neither is it a mere waxworks-like simulacrum. For one, Allyson's wholesome sound is perfectly suited to these songs. In fact, it's the very innocence of ballads like "I Wish I Knew," "Too Young To Go Steady," and "Nancy (With The Laughing Face)" which lent such poignancy to the iconic saxophonist's melodically rhapsodic readings, and now spur Allyson on to such beautifully-rendered performances of her own. The singer also receives sympathetic support from the pianist James Williams, and one of John Coltrane's worthiest descendants, the saxophonist James Carter. Recorded at Sound On Sound, New York, New York on November 6-12, 2000. Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff and Karrin Allyson. BALLADS: REMEMBERING JOHN COLTRANE was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album and for Best Engineered Album. Personnel: Karrin Allyson (vocals, piano); John Patitucci (strings, acoustic bass); Bob Berg (tenor saxophone); James Williams (piano); Lewis Nash (drums, cymbals). Audio Mixer: Josiah Gluck. Liner Note Authors: Karrin Allyson; Nat Hentoff. Recording information: Kampo Audio Studios, New York, NY (11/06/2000-11/12/2000); Sound on Sound, New York, NY (11/06/2000-11/12/2000). Director: Alexis Davis. Personnel includes: Karrin Allyson (vocals, piano); Steve Wilson (soprano saxophone); Bob Berg, James Carter (tenor saxophone); James Williams (piano); John Patitucci (acoustic bass); Lewis Nash (drums).

Faure: Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine; Durufle: Requiem; Quatre Motets The reissue of this 1969 debut by the then- 26-year-old John McLaughlin is more than just a trip down memory lane. The music reflects experimental, free jazz trends that influenced jazz in the 1960s. But McLaughlin puts a unique virtuoso spin on this electric post-bop, delivering 10 original compositions that, while highly improvisational, still build on well conceived melodic motifs. The British quartet's interplay is especially memorable on "Arjen's Bag" and "This Is for Us to Share," the latter featuring McLaughlin on both electric and acoustic guitars. A rubato feel adds charm to this lovely yet convoluted ballad's clever harmonic structure. The album ends with "Peace Piece," a subtle solo acoustic guitar tune that hints at the Indian modal music that McLaughlin would later explore with his group Shakti.

Faure: Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine; Durufle: Requiem; Quatre Motets ETERNAL proves (yet again) that saxophonist Branford Marsalis, though no longer a "young lion" of jazz, still has a strong, unique musical voice. This 2004 album begins with "The Ruby and the Pearl," a somber tune that suggests an Argentinean tango. On this selection, Marsalis's soprano sax glides effortlessly over the understated rhythms. The title track is really a tone poem; it tells the story of the universe through both large, sweeping gestures and soft, delicate colors. Over 17 minutes long, this work is an extended improvisation that crescendos little by little, then explodes and collapses on itself; after a pause, the gentle melody reappears. Overall, this is a very reflective, even melancholy record. Here Marsalis is not interested in impressing the listener with awesome chops--he's just interested in creating great music An Extraordinary Ballad Coll. W/J.Calderazzo,E.Revis,J.Watts Liner Note Author: Rafi Zabor. Recording information: Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY (10/07/2003-10/10/2003). Personnel: Branford Marsalis (saxophone); Branford Marsalis; Eric Revis (bass instrument); Joey Calderazzo (piano); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums). Audio Mixer: Rob "Wacko" Hunter.

Faure: Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine; Durufle: Requiem; Quatre Motets The Rudy Van Gelder Edition of PAGE ONE includes an essay by Bob Blumenthal. Digitally remastered using 24-bit technology by Rudy Van Gelder (1998, Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey). This is part of the Blue Note Rudy Van Gelder Editions series. The title PAGE ONE is fitting for this disc as it marks the beginning of the first chapter in the long career of tenor man Joe Henderson. And what a beginning it is; no less than Kenny Dorham, McCoy Tyner, Butch Warren, and Pete La Roca join the saxophonist for a stunning set that includes "Blue Bossa" and "Recorda Me," two works that would be forever associated with Henderson. Both are bossa novas that offer a hip alternative to the easy-listening Brazilian trend that would become popular with the masses. Henderson and Dorham make an ideal pair on these and other choice cuts like the blistering "Homestretch" and the engaging swinger "Jinrikisha." These both show the already mature compositional prowess that would become Henderson's trademark throughout his legendary career. The final blues number, "Out of the Night," features powerful work by the leader that only hints of things to come in subsequent chapters. Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on June 3, 1963. Originally released on Blue Note (84140). Includes liner notes by Kenny Dorham and Bob Blumenthal. Personnel: Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone); Kenny Dorham (trumpet); McCoy Tyner (piano); Butch Warren (bass); Pete La Roca (drums). Producer: Alfred Lion. Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.

Faure: Requiem; Cantique de Jean Racine; Durufle: Requiem; Quatre Motets 2cds-John Holloway,Violin/ Davitt Moroney,Chamber Organ