Weekly Staff Picks!

  

Eruptions: Orchestral Excerpts for Low Brass (CD 9444)

This CD is my new best friend, because really nothing sounds as powerfully dramatic as classical music in low brass!

Jorge Martin – Cello Music (CD 9442)

And now to throw a wrench into my low instrumental theme: country music! The music library actually has a pretty significant stash of country (also known as “the sounds of my childhood”) so I thought I would select some of my favorites to expose this collection to the light in case there are any country fans out there!

    

Jo Dee Messina – Burn (CD 2514)

Lonestar – Lonely Grill (CD 2959)

Dixie Chicks – Fly (CD 2511)

Cene’s Spring Break picks

While AU students are relaxing at the beach, we’re still hard at work at the Music Library. This week’s picks  have a little of everything from west coast jazz, to west Texas swing, to Japanese pop.

Anita O’Day - Sings for Oscar/Pick Yourself Up (CD 10012)

We recently picked up a couple Anita O’Day CDs (as well as the acclaimed documentary Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer (Music Library DVD 331)) filling a glaring hole in our vocal jazz selection. This particular disc combines two fantastic 1957 releases. The tremendous session with Oscar Peterson’s group – featuring Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and John Poole on drums – is the highlight, but the other sessions are no small shakes; the larger ensembles feature such heavy hitters as Stan Getz, Bud Shank, Barney Kessel, Jimmy Guiffre, and Shelly Manne among others. Anita is at the very peak of her vocal powers, proving that she can hold her own with anyone in the pantheon of jazz singers.

Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys - San Antonio Rose (CD 3264)

Bear Family Records out of Germany isn’t known for doing things half way, and this massive 11-CD plus DVD box set is no exception. Containing everything Bob Wills recorded from 1932-1947, including alternate takes, air checks,  and studio chatter, and an exhaustively thorough 180+ page book, this set is not for the faint of heart. Those willing to wade in will be surprised by the remarkably consistent quality of Wills’ tunes and bands over this time period, leaving little doubt as to the appropriateness of his title “the King of Western Swing.” His bands were forward-thinking and modern, combining big band jazz with popular country and old time fiddle music, and redefining what a country dance band could be by introducing horns, reeds, and drums. The included DVD of Take Me Back to Oklahoma, however, can be safely missed.

Georges Auric - La Belle et la Bête (Complete Film Score, 1946) (CD 10070 or streaming from Naxos Music Library)

Jean Cocteau‘s 1946 film version of the Beauty and the Beast story, besides providing Disney with the source material for their animated version, was notable for its lush, dreamy atmosphere, elaborate camera work, and deliberate, poetic pacing. George Auric‘s score is the perfect complement to the film’s rich visual style, and stands on its own as a wonderful example of 20th century impressionism.

V/A - The Great 1955 Shrine Concert (CD 3250 or streaming from American Song)

One of the best live gospel recordings of the pre-multitrack era, this disc captures several golden-age groups at the peak of their powers, and in an electric atmosphere that is closer to their natural environment than any recording studio. The most recognizable group on the bill for gospel novices is the Soul Stirrers, still featuring a young Sam Cooke. In the live setting they really stretch out; two of the group’s three tracks clock in at about eight minutes. Dorothy Love Coates’ Gospel Harmonettes turn in a 19 minute medley of hits, while the Pilgrim Travelers and the Caravans both turn in impassioned performances.

Yellow Magic Orchestra - BGM (CD 9351)

Japan’s Yellow Magic Orchestra spanned a variety of styles over the course of their career together, from pure pop and crossover electronic disco to experimental, semi-ambient electro-world beat (if such a genre actually exists). Their fourth album, BGM, occupies a place somewhere in between. The songs are less concerned with the dancefloor, and present a more mature, sometimes almost sleepy sound, while remaining catchy and memorable.  The tunes “Cue” and Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “1000 Knives” are the standouts.

Carley’s Christmas Favorites

Our final round of staff-picks for 2012!

American Song provides an impressive array of streaming audio for your entertainment. Here are some of my favorite finds. Note that there are pages upon pages of albums, so I suggest you type “Christmas” in the search bar and have at it if none of these picks tickle your fancy!

20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection: Jackson 5(!)

A real classic. Who doesn’t love Michael’s high notes in “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”?

The New Possibility: John Fahey’s Guitar Soli Christmas Album/Christmas with John Fahey, Vol. II

An all-around winner appropriate for dressing the tree, dinner and cocktail parties.

Christmas with Rosemary Clooney

and without further adieu: 

Katie LaRaye Waldren: Cold Frosty Morning, A Celebration of Christmas on Hammered & Mountain Dulcimer

Trust me, it’s really nice.

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And here are some more picks from our Christmas CD Collection Subject Guide:

A Charlie Brown Christmas – CD 5057

On a Sensual Night, performed by AU’s own On a Sensual Note, 2007 – CD 5178

What if Mozart Wrote “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, Hampton String Quartet – CD 426

The Ventures’ Christmas Album – CD 5062

Sing we Noel: Christmas Music from England & Early America, Boston Camerata – CD 201

Happy Holidays, all!

New recordings added to the National Recording Registry

The Library of Congress’ National Recording Preservation Board has added twenty-five recordings (as it does every year) to the National Recording Registry, which aims to protect and preserve recordings that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States.”

This year, there’s the usual slate of historic recordings, like an Edison cylinder designed to play inside of a doll and radio broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow and the Native American cultural program, “Indians for Indians;” important moments in classical music, like Bernstein‘s debut with the New York Philharmonic, and Fritz Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra;” and a heavy dose of pop music – Prince’s Purple Rain made the cut, as did Donna Summer, Parliament, the Grateful Dead, the Sugarhill Gang.

The full list is as follows. Bolded items are recordings we own – either on CD or streaming:

1. Edison Talking Doll cylinder (1888)

2. “Come Down Ma Evenin’ Star,” Lillian Russell (1912)

3. “Ten Cents a Dance,” Ruth Etting (1930) 

4. “Voices from the Days of Slavery,” various speakers (1932-1941 interviews; 2002 compilation)

5. “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” Patsy Montana (1935)

6. “Fascinating Rhythm,” Sol Hoopii and his Novelty Five (1938)

7. “Artistry in Rhythm,” Stan Kenton and his Orchestra (1943)

8. Debut performance with the New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein (Nov. 14, 1943)

9. International Sweethearts of Rhythm: Hottest Women’s Band of the 1940s (1944-1946)

10. “The Indians for Indians Hour” (March 25, 1947)

11. “Hula Medley,” Gabby Pahinui (1947)

12. “I Can Hear It Now,” Fred W. Friendly and Edward R. Murrow (1948)

13. “Let’s Go Out to the Programs,” The Dixie Hummingbirds (1953)

14. “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1954, 1958)

15. “Bo Diddley” and “I’m a Man,” Bo Diddley (1955)

16. “Green Onions,” Booker T. & the M.G.’s (1962)

17. “Forever Changes,” Love (1967)

18. “The Continental Harmony: Music of William Billings,” Gregg Smith Singers (1969)

19. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Vince Guaraldi Trio (1970) (CD 5057)

20. “Coat of Many Colors,” Dolly Parton (1971)

21. “Mothership Connection,” Parliament (1975) (CD 9430)

22. Barton Hall concert by the Grateful Dead (May 8, 1977)

23. “I Feel Love,” Donna Summer (1977)

24. “Rapper’s Delight,” Sugarhill Gang (1979) (CD 3410)

25. “Purple Rain,” Prince and the Revolution (1984)

New Arrivals: May 3

1. Putomayo Presents the Carribean (Various Artists) – CD 9718

2. Putomayo Presents World Reggae (Various Artists) – CD 9717

3. Putomayo Presents North African Groove (Various Artists) – CD 9716

4. Putomayo Presents Mali (Various Artists) – CD 9715

5. Leo Kottke Live (Leo Kottke) – CD 9701

6. Rejoicing in the Hands (Devendra Banhart) – CD 9702

7. The Black Babies (Devendra Banhart) – CD 9703

8. Oh Me Oh My…the Way the Day Goes By The Sun is Setting Dogs are Dreaming Lovesongs of the Christmas Spirit (Devendra Banhart) – CD 9704

9. Devil’s Got Your Tongue (Abbey Lincoln) – CD 9705

10. Songs My Father Taught Me (Pepe Romero) – CD 9706

11. Road to the Sun (Sharon Isbin) – CD 9707

12. Lost Blues and Other Songs (Palace Music) – CD 9708

13. “Everything is gonna work out fine” (Jerry Douglas) – CD 9709

14. Best of the Vanguard Years (John Fahey) – CD 9710

15. Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell) – CD 9711

16. Romeo and Juliet (Prokofiev) – CD 9712

17. The Best of Bert Jansch (Bert Jansch) – CD 9713

18. Putomayo Presents Nuevo Latino (Various Artists) – CD 9714

19. The Complete Atlantic Sessions (Willie Nelson) – CD 9719

Enjoy!

Staff Picks!!!

Hey ya’ll!!

So it’s that time of the month again. For staff picks, of course. Duh. Check these babies out! You might find some new gems!

They Might be Giants – Flood – CD 9644

A 90′s classic! Featuring their most famous song “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”!

Today’s Top Country – CD 2580

Out in 1994, this country album features hits from favorites like George Strait and Joan Kennedy.

Rufus Wainwright – Poses – CD 2596

Wainwright’s 2001 album features many songs that made him famous, including one of his best songs ever ‘Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk’.

Audra McDonald – Build a Bridge – CD 3758

Audra’s gorgeous voice soars through classical musical theater and pop songs such as “My Stupid Mouth” and “I Think it’s going to rain today”.

The Essential Jazz Collection – CD 3529

All the best jazz music in one collection featuring artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Charles Parker, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Thelonious Monk, and many more!!!!

Five picker picks from the American Song database

The American Song database has tons of albums by some of the most talented instrumentalists recorded. Here are five albums – and some nice youtube clips – that feature outstanding guitar players.

American Song should open right up if you’re on campus; from off campus, you’ll have to input your MyAladin credentials when you click any of the links below.

Norman Blake – “Live at McCabe’s”

 

Doc & Merle Watson – “Then and Now”

 

The Tony Rice Unit – “Acoustics”

 

Chet Atkins – “The Early Years”

 

Merle Travis – “In Boston 1959″ (also available at the Music Library as CD 4786)

 

 

Kenny Baker (1926-2011)

Legendary bluegrass fiddler, Kenny Baker, died last month at the age of 85. He was the longest-tenured member of Bill Monroe‘s Bluegrass Boys, joining the group in 1957, and playing with them off-and-on for the next thirty years.

He brought a sensitive and smooth style to bluegrass fiddling, showing his influences from Western swing string bands and continental jazz violinists like Stéphane Grappelli, and influencing generations of country fiddlers to follow.

In addition to his innumerable recordings with the Bluegrass Boys, he recorded many popular albums as a leader, most of which are available on the Alexander Street Press American Song database (Aladin login required off-campus). Be sure to check out some (or all) of the following to see why he’s so revered.

 

Kenny Baker – A Baker’s Dozen

Like the title says, a dozen traditional and Baker-composed fiddle tunes. The crack band has typical bluegrass instrumentation, and features an 18-year old Sam Bush on mandolin.

“Johnny the Blacksmith“

 

Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe

Kenny Baker plays Bill Monroe, and Bill Monroe does too. The father of bluegrass was allegedly supposed to sit in on a tune or two for this album of Monroe compositions, but ended up playing on the whole thing. First rate stuff.

“Monroe’s Hornpipe“

Kenny Baker & Bobby Hicks – Darkness on the Delta

Baker teams with fellow Monroe veteran, Bobby Hicks, on this 1980 album, which features some beautiful unison playing.

“McHattie’s Waltz“

Kenny Baker & Josh Graves – The Puritan Sessions

This is an unusual one. Baker hardly touches the fiddle on this 1974 record with Flatt & Scruggs dobro player, Josh Graves, instead featuring his considerable finger-picking chops. This is comfortable, front porch music, perfect for these hot late-summer nights.

“Sands of Monterey“

American Song database updates

The American Song database just updated with an additional 41 albums, bringing the total number of albums available to 6,875!

This latest update adds releases from Amherst Records, Rebel Records, Southern Records, Tompkins Square Records and Yellow Dog Records; focusing mostly on country, bluegrass, folk, and blues music.

Highlights include records by Charlie Louvin, Ralph Stanley, and Roland White, a fiddle album by longtime West Virginia Senator, Robert Byrd, a collection of recordings by NYC subway musicians, and one of Charles Manson’s oddities.