Bird, The - Charlie Parker

Advantages: Charlie Parker of course.
Disadvantages: None.

...Crazeology - Charlie Parker Jazz time again folks, well bebop to be precise (mostly). I make no secret of being a huge Charlie Parker fan. Not just because he was arguably the greatest alto saxophone player ever, but because he was a pioneer. At a time when black music was seen as something that was somehow less accomplished, and the musicians somewhat less worthy than their white counterparts (in fact it was thought that hardly any black musicians could read music, a common myth), Parker broke the mould. He wrote, he practically invented a new genre (be bop), well maybe I exaggerate, he was certainly one of the leading lights. He also played with chord structure and melodies and harmonies, tearing up the rule book and inventing his own style. His sound is incredibly distinctive, despite the fact that he played... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Easily accessible, light, beautiful voice
Disadvantages: Less quirky than her earlier work, too melancholy for some

...Bic (pronounced Bec) Runga is a teeny tiny singer from New Zealand and Birds is her third studio album. You may have heard her song "Sway" (from her first album Drive) on the American Pie soundtrack. The album I have is imported from New Zealand; the UK release is slightly different. This album cover isn't much to look at. You can see from the picture that it doesn't exactly reach out and grab your attention. The booklet itself, though, has some really beautiful black and white pictures of endemic New Zealand birds as well as another portrait of Bic, also in black and white. Other than that it simply has the thanks, contributors and details of booklet production - no lyrics (in case you're a singer-alonger). On the back cover is the track listing: 1) Winning Arrow 2) Say After Me 3) Listen 4) Birds 5) Ruby Nights 6) No Crying... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Pure joy for Charlie and Lola fans, both children and parents alike
Disadvantages: The track 'Bat Cat' does not go on long enough.

...If you are fed up of nursery rhymes, pop or childrens stories on car journeys and have a Charlie and Lola fan this CD is fantastic for them and you. It has saved us from hell on many a car trip, for the pure sillyness and fun of the songs and lyrics. The CD combines out takes from the TV series of Charlie and Lola talking, with music from the show, and tracks I haven't heard before. Highlights include, 'The bestest in The Barn' which has the lyrics on the inner sleeve (and apparently you can watch the video by loading the CD in your computer, but I haven't tried this yet), 'Germs' which has the best bug noises you will ever hear (I challenge you not to laugh), and 'Bat Cat' which is pure genius. I can't wait for an excuse to put this on in the car, it has us all in a good mood and singing along, in no time. The best value childrens CD... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful