Clarinet XX

Advantages: Discover unreleased TOTO tracks
Disadvantages: The not so new tracks at the end

...This album, simply named XX to commemorate the twenty years TOTO have been on the musical scene. You probably already know from my review of their first album that I am an unconditional fan of this group. I love them to bits, because of the quality of their music and the greatness of their lyrics. TOTO is made of a main group, namely Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals), David Paich (Keyboards, vocals), Bobby Kimball (vocals, but had a break in the middle of TOTO's career, but came back in the end), the Porcaro brothers (Steve on keyboards, Mike on bass, and Jeff on drums), and Simon Phillips, who became the drummer when Jeff Porcaro died in 1992. They all tend to participate on the writing of the songs/music, which makes TOTO a real bunch of artists (compared to most of today's bands who sing songs that others have written for them... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: beautifully composed, orchestrated and performed
Disadvantages: not for the "sing-a-long" musician

...yes thats right folks! Gerald Finzi's music can be described as many things, but genius must be one of them. Gerald Finzi was a British composer in the early 20th Century. Though mostly known for his choral works and hymns, his orchestral pieces give him standing among the all-time musical greats. With an incredible understanding of counterpoint and harmony all the music is atmospheric and paints scenes of true England: rolling hills and valleys, greenery and wildlife. It is true, that a musician's world can be portrayed through his work. The clarinet works, performed by Robert plane, are masterfully directed and performed, keeping close to the original scores even throughout the cadenzas and most intricate of passages. This is the album I put on for stress-busting, though its not for the sing-along istener (no lyrics!), nor is it... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Music that is innovative and original and strangely beautiful
Disadvantages: One or two tracks prevent the album from being an all time classic

.... Performers and instrumentsLaurie Anderson, vocals, vocoder, Farfisa, OBXa, electronics, violins, keyboards; Roma Baran, Farfisa bass, glass harmonica, accordion; Bill Obrecht, alto sax; Peter Gordon, clarinet sax, tenor sax; David Van Tieghem, drums, RotoToms, tympani, marimba; Perry Hoberman, bottles, flute, sax, piccolo; Rufus Harley, bagpipes; Chuck Fisher, alto sax, tenor sax; Richard Cohen, clarinets, bassoon, bari sax; George Lewis, trombones Tracklist:1. From the Air - 4:29 2. Big Science - 6:14 3. Sweaters - 2:18 4. Walking & Falling - 2:10 5. Born, Never Asked - 4:56 6. O Superman - 8:21 7. Example #22 - 2:59 8. Let X=X - 3:51 9. It Tango - 3:01 10. Walk The Dog 11. O Superman Total time 38:58 Priced £11.98 at Amazon and hmv.co.uk... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful