Empathy/A Simple Matter Of Conviction - Bill Evans

Advantages: Moving, beautiful harmonies and solos.
Disadvantages: Not everyone likes jazz

...Over the years my taste in different jazz styles has changed, but Bill Evans still stands out as one of my favourite musicians; the artist who originally enticed me into the world of Jazz, and whose work has significantly affected my own style as a Jazz pianist. Recoded in 1981, ‘You Must Believe Ins Spring’ contains pieces of a less upbeat and syncopated style than that of his earlier work, and instead more flowing, beautiful pieces, played with the heart-felt lyricism for which Evans is renowned. Sticking to a jazz trio form, (piano with drums and double bass), Evan’s creates the perfect atmosphere in each piece through subtle textures and natural, unspoken collaboration with his fellow musicians. Being a huge fan of Evans I may appear somewhat biased in his favour; the album is after all one my favourite. But anyone who has some... Read review

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Advantages: Great Voice, Good Selection of Tracks
Disadvantages: A Few Poor Tracks

...Faith Evans isn't really a household name in the music industry, especially over in the UK as she's had very little coverage so I'm not surprised if you've never heard of her. In the US however things are different, she's recognised as an up and coming star in the R n B genre of music having already had a career that spans over 10 years. She first hit the charts in 1995 with her first album, appropriately titled "Faith" which contained the hit single "Soon as I get Home." In 1997 she again shot into the American charts with a track devoted to her husband B.I.G, on which she collaborated with P Diddy and 112. She's not had an easy time, with a huge drugs scandal going on which the press (as usual) jumped onto, but finally things seem to be looking up for her. The First Lady is actually Faith's fourth album release (released in May 2005... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Tracy's best album
Disadvantages: absolutely none

...an empty heart. Third is "I used to be a sailor" (3:58). This song can be interpreted in many ways, I think it's a song depicting mental demise: " I used to be a sailor, who sailed across the seas. But now I'm just an island since they took my boat away from me" The island represents the person's freedom, the sailor is the freedom to fantasise about becoming anything in life. The song is in first person which enforces that this situation could happen to any of us at any point- it is completly uncontrollable. Forgot any Mariah Carey records, "The Love That You Had" (4:11) is the greatest break up song of all time....simple as: "The love that you had in your heart is gone. Any touch of sincerity. Any trace of compassion. What hardened your heart? What turned it to stone? What made you forget you were in love with someone?" Hold those... Read review

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