Oscar's Ballads - Oscar Peterson

Advantages: Fantastic album, range of pieces
Disadvantages: Perhaps a bit expensive for a 30 year old album

...I only got into jazz very recently myself and I thought I'd use the platform of ciao to try and persuade others who may not have listened to it before to give it a go too. The CD I'm reviewing was chosen by me purely on the basis on the fact that I vaguely knew the name of the pianist from other jazz articles I'd read and the fact that I love jazz music where the piano is the main solo instrument. The CD Oscar Peterson's 'Tracks' is not a new release. In fact it was originally released in 1971. The actual CD I'm reviewing has been digitally remastered and the tracks in no way sound dated; either in quality or in musical style. But this is something I will come on to in more detail later on in this review… I have to say the cover to this CD seems uninspiring. Simply showing a side profile of a face (perhaps Peterson's) - it... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A brilliant, brilliant, reunion album. The Bangles are bang on target
Disadvantages: None

...wife But don’t let anybody tell you how to live your life. Broken pieces.” Once this track gets its hooks into you it won’t let go – beware!! Worth the price of the CD… *2. Stealing Rosemary ***** 3:32 Written by Debbi Peterson, Vicki Peterson & Susanna Hoffs Main Voice: VICKI This is a somewhat more a folksy influenced song backed with chiming guitars and an insistent drum and percussion line. Goes well with the Parsley, Sage and Thyme. *3. Something That You Said ***** 4:34 Written by Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson & Charlotte Caffey Main Voice: SUSANNA. This has also released as a single. Here comes that sultry, slightly husky, wrap-you-around-my-little-finger, come hither voice again backed by the girls in effortless harmony. Susanna shows her full vocal range on this slower rock ballad with an almost flawless opus. 4. Ask Me... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Escape from the real world
Disadvantages: The music does not last forever

...If you have seen all those flying warriors in 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon', believe me, you'll feel like flying too when you listen to the dreamlike music of this CD. Welcome to the wonderful world of instrumental music! It includes cello, drums, flute... The high tempo of the drum beat in 'Night Fight' makes you want to pick up a sword and fight; the delightful flute music of 'To The South' is so spirit uplifting (remember how the tiny girl smashed up a tea house single-handed?); close your eyes as you listen to 'Though The Bamboo Forest' and you'll see yourself flying; then, the sentimental 'Farewell' has really made me weep. At the end, you'll fall in love with the beautiful song 'A Love Before Time' (this song was competing with Bob Dylan's song for the Best Song Oscar). To escape from the real world, you would play this CD... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful