Iona - Iona

Advantages: a great set of solo songs from the Waterboys front man
Disadvantages: none

...to the next but this is exactly what Scott manages to do. Here we are treated to the art of "less is more" and "Iona" is a great example of the art. A barely audible acoustic guitar picks out a distant rhythm behind a set of moving and beautiful descriptive words and the only change in dynamic is achieved through a gradually rising distorted electric guitar that provides an otherworldly wash of sound in the background. Although the Waterboys were always regarded as an Irish band, due to being based there, Scott is a refugee from the land that shares his name and he pays homage to his old hometown in "Edinburgh Castle" a straightforward acoustic busker style ballad. Dublin gets it own recognition in "City Full of Ghosts", a personal reflection of the musical exploits of times gone by with specific references to the Waterboys. Dublin is a city full... Read review

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Advantages: Quintessentially English
Disadvantages: I only listened to the compostions I am familiar with!

...This is a double CD of traditionally English composers, among them are 3 of my favourite composers, Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Delius. Included are the some of the works of Warlock and Butterworth which are just as notable. William Bennett- Flute Iona Brown- Violin Nicholas Kraemer- Harpiscord Sir Neville Mariner- Director The Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields. I love Ralph Vaughan Williams, as I was exposed to his composition and works as a youngster in wind band. Musically Vaughan Williams is famous for his woodwinds and versatility in Military Bands, but has been adapted to full orchestra. Elgar, famous for Nimrod withinthe Enigma Variations and Delius are more orchestral in their composition. The CD The CD opens with the title track and Vaughan Williams. Fantasia on Greensleeves I adore this peice being a Flautist... Read review

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Advantages: Some great music
Disadvantages: Compilations!

...Cave is off Mull and Iona in Scotland and the music was inspired by his visit there, although I'm sure he didn't visit in the midst of a winter storm as it is very beautiful music, and the very famous Piano Concerto No 2 by Rachmaninov (yep, him again and I can't play this one very well either!) You will know this, as the music was practically lifted note for note to create the song 'All by Myself' which opened Bridget Jones diary. The complete list for this one is: 1. Bruch Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor, 3rd Movement 2. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No 23 2nd Movement 3. Tchaikovsky: Rose Adagio ( The Sleeping Beauty) 4. Mendelssohn: Fingals Cave Hebrides Overture. 5. Brahms: Symphony No 3 3rd movement 6. Tchaikovsky: Dance of the Reed Flutes (The Nutcraker) - Everyones a fruit and nutcase Arrrghh, 7. Elgar: Cello concerto 1st and 2nd... Read review

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