Dubai - Billy Drummond Quartet

Advantages: A good range of music is presented here
Disadvantages: Not so good for new Reich fans

...The main piece on this CD is Triple Quartet, a work written as recently as 1999. It has a strident and pungent sound but features Reich's famous driving, pulsing rhythms that are really captivating. Unlike his earlier works, the harmonies are stronger and less lush and there is a constant sense of drama and a surprisingly high level of passion. It took me some time to warm to the piece but now it is very high on my list. The slow movement is particlarly beautiful. Next up is a reworking of Violin Phase for electric guitar. An odd concept but it does work. However i prefer the original, its hard edge tone may not be to everybodys liking. Music for a large ensemble follows next and flows along at fast pace with interlocking patterns. There were moments when the mix seems to lose its way, and some of the textures seem to collide a little... Read review

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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

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Advantages: Great tracks, loads of emotion packed inside!
Disadvantages: Not so much tracks from her first album

...A jam-packed CD full of unique tracks from an amazing artist! ***** Billie Paul Piper was born in 1982 in Swindon. Since she was tiny, she dreamed of performing and attended various dance classes and drama groups! When she was 13, she won a place in Sylvia Young Drama School and stayed there in London. When she was 15, she was given the opportunity of a lifetime! Innocent Record Company offered her a record deal! Without hesitating, Billie jumped at the chance, and became a new face for music - a young, lively, bubbly teen! Billie's first single, 'Because We Want To', went straight to number one - a massive achievement! Following that, Billie had several other fantastic hits and a great album, 'Honey To the Bee'. Billie promoted this album by going on tour, then taking a short break afterwards. When her break was over, Billie... Read review

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