Carnival - Maynard Ferguson

Advantages: The tracks are all hits and the playing is out of this world
Disadvantages: None

...This album is a great introduction to Maynard Ferguson's music and includes all his best known and loved hits. If you've never heard him play before you will be awestruck. There is still no one to rival his amazing upper register playing. All the recordings are good quality and unlike some compilations, there are detailed sleeve notes including band personnel and origins of the recordings (for some tracks) and a biography. The first track, Birdland, is one that just listening to it makes you feel happy and all the playing is superb. Then Everybody loves the Blues really showcases Maynard's talents with some beautifully subtle, laid-back playing in the opening and some real screaming at the end. MacArthur Park is just a great tune and Maynard simply soars over the band. The Fox Hunt is an exciting, fast and furious live... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Maynard James Keenan, Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor, Adam Jones.
Disadvantages: -

...It was released by the Rock/Metal band Tool, in 1996, so it's pretty old. But why are people still buying it? Truth is, it's a good album. Tool began in 1990 with their debut Ep, Opiate. It contained only seven songs (if you include The Gaping Lotus Experience), but it made the fans beg for more. Undertow followed, in 1993 (also a great album, although somewhat dark and depressing). And in 1996...Aenima. ***STINKFIST*** A great rock song. Used as a single when Aenima first came out, it is easily accessible, compared to the rest of Aenima. Great guitar and drums on this song. Perfect example of 'hard rock' Tool. 10/10 ***EULOGY*** This is a slightly longer song. It probably 'something you'll get used to'. The percussive introduction is great. Inspiring vocals by Maynard on this song, as well as great lyrical content. It'll be one... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: good sound debut
Disadvantages: none if you like him!

...Carnival is an album which allows Wyclef to explore many different music genre for the first time after working with the Fugees. The eclectic mix of music will go on to be Wyclef's signature, and here we find hip pop, interspersed with many more meaningful songs involving Wyclef’s past. Many of these songs have a strong Haitian influence, and are much more emotional in content. These more personal songs come at the very end of the album, with the funkier hip hop towards the beginning. ‘Guantanamera’ is particularly good, and the voice of Lauryn Hill on some tracks demonstrates the closeness these musicians still share. An appearance by Earth, Wind and Fire is a treat, and a cover of the Bee Gees is a fun track. All in all I rate this album very highly, but I am a big fan…... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful