Allegri Quartet - 50th Anniversary

Advantages: A great way to get the best of the Tallis Scholars on one double CD
Disadvantages: are you joking?!

...Sheer delight! If you're already familiar with the work of the Tallis Scholars, then this 25th anniversary CD will need no recommendation from me at all. If not... then let me just say that this group of singers has not and will not be bettered at this kind of music. Their repertoire is mostly but not exclusively mediaeval, and this CD contains some of their best-known works, in particular their rendition of Allegri's Miserere, in my opinion by far the best version *ever* of this beatiful composition. The pure soprano voices render this piece achingly beautiful. If you don't already have an extensive Tallis Scholars collection, or - like me - want to start replacing your old vinyl collection with CDs, this is an excellent place to start.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: Driven by musical passion. Great Jazz structures (+ lack of)
Disadvantages: All tracks are very similar (no variation)

...A must have for all JTQ fans. This album incorporates acid jazz with the classic James Taylor quartet sound. Opening with Joe's Diversions, the hammond organ sound takes lead throughout the album. Vocals from new singer Yvonne Yanney bring new light to the quartet - the most prominent track being 'It's all over'. For all jazz, and especially acid jazz fans, this album provides complex melodies and harmonies, whilst capturing the unusally simple structures of acid. The album is well produced, and the selection of tracks (11 in total) are well chosen. I would recommend this album to all fans of JTQ and jazz, and to those who are willing to try something new in their musical tastes. Truly a great album, full of musical passion.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Classic tracks, diverse, some great versions.
Disadvantages: Not everyone's cup of tea

...Joe Brown and the Bruvvers were around in the early to mid sixties. They were not really my sort of thing but Hubby, being slightly older than me, was a fan. Shopping recently he saw a CD, The Very Best of Joe Brown, 50th Anniversary and promptly bought it. This CD shows me, anyway, that many of the tracks were from a slightly earlier period than I had thought. After all 50 years ago it would have been 1958. Joe Brown was a spiky haired youth before spiky hair was ever thought about. He was always seen as an affable cheeky cockney, who looks and seems no different all these years later. Born in 1941 he began his musical career in 1956 with his backing band The Spacemen. This band was to become The Bruvvers. I guess as musicians Joe Brown and The Bruvvers were all under-rated. They just seemed to miss-time things and were not quite... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful