Cinematic Orchestra – Man with a Movie Camera (2003)
Man with a Movie Camera is a 2003 soundtrack album by The Cinematic Orchestra, released on 26 May, 2003 on Ninja Tune. The album contains re-workings and thematic reprises of some of the music from their previous album, Every Day, including the tracks “Man with a Movie Camera”, and an instrumental version of “All Things to All Men” entitled “All Things”.
The album comprises the soundtrack to a re-released version of the then ground-breaking 1929 silent documentary film, Man with a Movie Camera from Russian director Dziga Vertov. The Cinematic Orchestra were commissioned to record the score to play as the opening event in Porto, Portugal’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2001.
The first live performance took place in the Coliseu do Porto theatre in May 2000 as part of that year’s Porto Film Festival, and was met with a standing ovation from the audience of more than 3,500 people. The songs have since been performed at film festivals all over the world.
In November 2002, the band, along with a string section and percussionist Milo Fell, recorded the album over a 2-day period at Whitfield Street Recording Studio in London.
Keith Jarrett – The Köln Concert
A musical chameleon, pianist Keith Jarrett was at his finest when he recorded these sustained solo improvisations in a German concert hall in 1975, the first lasting 26 minutes, the second 40. Melodies and rhythmic figures arise fluidly from his fingers as he moves from one idea to another, while his strong left hand is often used for repeated motifs that generate a rolling hypnotic power. This couples with strongly consonant harmonies to impart the flavor of gospel music at times, dance musics and Debussy at others. Above all, it’s Jarrett’s ability to knit all of his moods and wanderings into an almost seamless tapestry of warm and tuneful ideas that gives this music its enduring appeal. –Stuart Broomer
Steve Hackett – Blues with a Feeling (2007)
An aging British progressive rock guitarist doing the blues? Absurd? Perhaps blues afficianados can find fault with this album, but to my untrained ear it is an album with power and great tunes, from the catchy “Love of Another Kind” to the tongue-in-cheek “Solid Ground.” Hackett once again demonstrates how gifted a guitar player he is; taking classic blues tracks like “Born in Chicago” and “The Stumble” to new levels. His enthusiasm for the material shines through on every track; even his vocals – much improved from Cured – communicate the proper degree of emotion while carrying a tune.
The Blues Brothers – Briefcase full of Blues (1978)
What recommends this album more than anything else is the history behind it: What started as a skit on NBC’s Saturday Night Live quickly snowballed to become a true phenomenon (AMG). So what if John Belushi didn’t sing as well as Otis Redding. With this album, the Blues Brothers sparked interest in blues and R&B among a new generation. Taken as an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek tribute to R&B music, the album has retained its entertainment value. The sincere performances are enhanced by some tasty playing from a top-notch band
