MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Productions

12/23/2016

Holiday Music Review: The Classic Big Band Christmas Album-Various Artists

Release Date: November 4, 2016

Label: Sony Legacy

The Classic Big Band Christmas Album is a special edition release from the massive archives under the direction of Sony/Legacy. The recordings were originally released in 1941. This is in the LP format to make it something more collectable and enjoyable, if you appreciate the warm sounds of vinyl coming through the speakers.

Some of the big band icons are part of the collection such as Glen Miller, Harry James and Benny Goodman and their orchestras.

What I think is special for folks like me is that I remember listening to this kind of music when I was a little boy. My parents had the old 78s and I thought “The Flight of the Bumblebee” was just the coolest thing.

This a holiday collection just in time to get you in the spirit and perhaps remember something special that you experienced during your life. For some of us there is both happiness and sadness if you are old enough to have parents that have passed. This music will help relieve some of the hustle and bustle and overall stress related to getting ready for the big day.

If you are a fan of big band music and holiday music this is the recipe you want cooking in your kitchen this year along with the Holiday meal and goodies.

I appreciated the many aspects of this collection I previously mentioned along with the fact that there are some 78 transfers included with all the crackling sounds that Mom and Dad’s records had. People like originality, something that has all the qualities and imperfections that goes along with something well worn. As they say on American Pickers, it has some good patina (I am using it as a frame of reference we all know rust doesn’t form on LPs!).

There is a lot to like here, well everything. This music will transport you back to a time long ago before computers, cell phones, the internet, political correctness and social media. It certainly was a less complicated world when this music was recorded. You can hear it all resonating from start to finish.

Give The Classic Big Band Christmas Album a spin and enter a world forgotten but one that can come to life by just listening. Thanks for bringing back all the memories Sony. Merry Christmas to all and happy listening!

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 23, 2016

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9/07/2016

New Age Instrumental/Classical Review: Starr Parodi-The Heart of Frida

Release Date: August 12, 2016

Label: Sonic Doppler
Website

Starr Parodi is one of the most prolific piano players I have had the pleasure to hear this year. The Heart of Frida came out less than a month ago and those music enthusiasts interested in hearing some fantastic new age and classical instrumental music need to hear this album. She brings the story to life on a 1928 Steinway grand that once made its home on the MGM scoring stage.

Frida Kahlo was a muse, feminist, lover, survivor and painter who transformed her suffering into transcendental art. That I think is quite enough for another artist to be inspired by and it definitely unfolded that way for Starr.

The opening track is the eloquent and haunting title track. It is beauty in disguise as the tone is set to bring you back to another world. Believe me it does. The rhythm is notable with Starr’s piano playing sounding simply gorgeous, there is no other way to put it.

“When Doves Cry” is lovely tribute to Prince. A lot can be said with no words if the music has enough of spirit and the flow takes you downstream, which it does. The river of music just flows into the ocean of your soul as you remember one of the most talented and charismatic entertainers of our time. A fitting tribute to a true star.

Two tracks in and I am completely sold, absorbed with this music. After learning more about Frida it was easy to appreciate the music more. Although I must say if I knew nothing I would have still enjoyed this project immensely.

Starr is a true virtuoso taking her music to another level to dedicate her work to another artist. Her movements are founded in the realm of classical and presented with an impassioned new age flair and preciseness. The transitions she makes within one song is extremely emotional and quite brilliant. You can feel the music.

“Hardly Touching” is absolute perfection on the ivory keys, a story given life through sound not words. Starr said “It is about artistic inspiration coming from another plane, another universe…” How could you not be moved by that statement and not find the reality of it after hearing the song? The music lifts you up higher and higher into the ether, it is a magic carpet ride to the clouds and beyond. Simplistic and delicate as the morning dew dropping off a rose, it paints so many colorful pictures in your mind.

Those are a few examples of what to anticipate from a superb rendering of instrumental piano music. The recording is solid from beginning to end and the flow felt so natural.

Solo piano music does not get much better than The Heart of Frida and I could not say it any more succinctly than that. This is clarity of vision and inspiration brought to your ears, heart and spirit through the fingers of Starr Parodi. Surely this recording will be receiving more accolades then I could possibly give it. If there is such a thing as musical perfection, then this is as close as it gets.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Heart of Frida, When Doves Cry, Hardly Touching