Magical lost & found musical treasure~Bravo Mary Wells!
926919
Listening to this stellar lost but now thankfully found Mary Wells musical treasure, easy to see why the iconic legendary singer was Motown Records first female Superstar, remembering each extraordinary early sixties 45rpm release from Mary Wells as an exciting event...shining brilliantly like a fine gem throughout "Lost & Found: Something New", Mary Wells talent is full of range going gritty soulful to smooth & sophisicated, appears not be be a song this great singer couldn't put her indeliable vocal stamp on making them all uniquely her own. Incredible in four short years supremely talented Mary Wells output was so great that some fifty years later a timeless collection of forty seven prime tracks would be released containing a stunning range of material, not one of her classic blockbuster "Hit" tracks needed to create a wonderous treasure chest filled with fantastic performances that make for a grand and highly enjoyable listening experience...not only dozens of prime Motown roster composed originals but mesmerizing supper-club take on "The Second Time Around" and other classic standards, show the magnificent & versatile singer did not get her just due from the Music Industry, shameful Mary Wells not yet in the "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame", something so wrong with that picture and why no "Grammy Award" tribute for a trail-blazing uniquely original singer who sold millions, clearly an innovative major influence in the great musical sixties & beyond, Mary Wells a major building block in the beginning years of none less than Motown Records, early Wells classic hits soared over and over again to the top of the charts, crossing over to Top 40 helped in a big way to put the legendary label on the map. Post-Motown releases show the legendary singer equaled and at times surpassed in quality her amazing Motown output, witnessed in newly released "Complete 20th Century Fox Recordings", this tremendous collection in its entirety "Grammy Award" worthy as "Mary Wells" debut Lp is one of the finest Pop/Soul releases from the great musical sixties from any female vocalist...note in Comment Section of this review my Top Fifteen all-time Mary Wells favorite Single Releases...fantastic 20th Century Fox singles among the "cream of her crop"!
Mid-way through "Something New" are mesmerizing performances with Marvin Gaye filled with passionate optimistic energy, clearly Marvin & Mary had a wonderful time singing together making it surprising they didn't have more big duet hits, must have been due to Mary Wells exit not long after their magical duets came out...as both matured it is easy to imagine what could have been.
"When I'm Gone", "Honey Boy" and "Everybody Needs Love" are captivating tracks that show a hit streak after "My Guy" would have continued had Mary Wells stayed at Motown, appears as though rumor of radio ban on her material after highly publicized Motown exit may have been what destroyed her career and ultimately her life...joyous collection is one to be enjoyed over and over again, with superb backing by music legends Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and The Supremes, clearly from the awesome results throughout this winning collection, everyone at Motown were extremely excited and very inspired working with the uniquely talented & legendary Mary Wells. "Limited Edition" stellar release is beautifully packaged with large nicely illustrated & well written booklet, full of life sound is crystal clear making this banner release a must-have for any Mary Wells or classic years Motown fans, being a "Limited Edition" release price will soar once this spectacular collection is sold out...so get it now!!! RIP sweet soulful lady, you are loved and missed by many.
1402104
Whimsical and enchanting are the best words to describe this absolutely delightful book! There is no Snow White, nor 7 dwarfs, but instead a cast of 8 extremely adorable children on a most precarious mission. This is a magical fantasy that envelopes the reader and holds tight to the very end! Although recommended for young to middle graders, my middle-aged self  was  intertwined and thoroughly engaged till the very end as the author led me on quite the wonderous journey! In my own opinion..I'm waiting for the movie..it's that fantastical!!
770121
Deborah Flanagan's original, creative engagements with the lives of her subjects, Houdini, Francis Bacon, Diana Vreeland, Tesla and his pigeons, et al, are simply marvelous! Each poem is a gemlike facet of a life. I was charmed, inspired, edified. After multiple readings, I found myself hoping for another book of fascinating subjects filtered through the author's unique poetic sensibility. I loved "Or, Gone." Highly recommended!

Linda Umans
586041
Wow! I don't know what I was expecting when I requested this galley from NetGalley, but I don't think a mystery was even on my radar. I was both surprised and intrigued.
Kristy takes you behind the curtain of a vaudeville illusionist. We learn about Wren and her experiences as an apprentice to the great Harry Houdini. Wren has a gentle faith that draws you to her immediately. You cheer for her and cry with her.
Kristy brings the vaudeville time period alive. The sights, sounds, are vivid and real. I enjoyed this book tremendously and highly recommend it!
2791026
Embers By Helen Jane Long is a wonderful, warm, soothing CD. It reminds me of a warm sunny day with blue skies, green grass and a soft wind. I am listening to the CD as I am writing this reflection. Some things are just so special and so delicate it is hard to put into words. And even though I can not find the words to describe Helen's music. I can honestly say that it is beautiful, inspiring and enjoyable. Every stroke of the key creates a melodious classical sound that will touch your heart and uplift your spirits. Helen Jane Long's music is absolutely delightful and enchanting. Thank you Helen for creating Embers. I love it!!! For more information on Helen Jane Long visit her website and listen to the Onlinewithandrea interview with Helen.

Andrea Garrison
Host/Producer Onlinewithandrea
Author/Producer&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Crossing-Over-Of-Mattie-Pearl/dp/1434837270/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Crossing Over Of Mattie Pearl</a>
969483
This is a fabulous find.  Wow.  This young woman has an amazing heart--and a message you want to hear.  Her voice is like color reflected on sparkling water.  It swirls and flows.  She paints with her vocals.  Such a fresh sound.  She is twenty-something and I am a Boomer--and she reminds me of the troubadours of the late '60's and early '70's but without the drugs!  Poetry with depth, nothing shallow here. Reality and hope co-exist in her songs.  Man, you should listen to this music.  This is the real deal.
524075
I stumbled across this while listening to a recent box set I purchased from HM.  I'm captivated.  It is a wonderful work, beautifully sung.  Please note that the box set has this and many more gems at a bargain basement price.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Music-of-the-Enlightenment/dp/B005BZBY1I/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Music of the Enlightenment.</a>
812842
These melodies are precisely "Timeless Treasures" from Brian.  Sung from his heart and soul with collaboration from other special folks you will recognize, this is a gem!  One must be very creative when bringing a previously owned and previously signed CD to be re-autographed.  Brian was gracious and I believe genuinely touched that I put in the effort to hunt down this "out of print CD".  It is a golden favorite!
4311401
When I saw this book at the local library I jumped up and down like a small child excited to see a coveted toy residing on the store shelf. Janis Ian is an amazing singer and songwriter who I have only discovered in the last few years and LOVE everything I have heard. Not only is The Tiny Mouse a fantastic story of adventure, near catastrophes, and self-discovery, it comes with a disc of wonderful musical narration by Janis Ian herself!! She included three tracks: one with a full band, an instrumental version, and one with only the vocal and the guitar. I think I could read/listen to this book every morning with my daughter. LOVE IT!!
4062153
"Odessa" is a totally opulent & progressive "pop-rock opera" late sixties musical masterpiece from Barry, Robin & Maurice...music from this magnificent period achieved a level of greatness gone & sadly not happening today, thankfully this tremendous Bee Gees masterpiece has been lovingly restored to its deserved glory in this sublime 3-Disc Box Set, packaging first-rate as is the exalted content. Bonus Disc on its own is a fascinating addition, showing a work in progress while holding its own as a great addition to a satisfying musical journey. Super-groups from this taken for granted miraculous musical era rose to the top, achieving legendary status and to this music lovers ear, Bee Gees remain at the top of this stellar list. "Odessa" is an impressive staggering work, this hauntingly glorious set of mesmerizing gems flows, giving total listening pleasure and complete satisfaction...vocals are stunning, arrangements grandiose & richly varied, creative musicians throughout give their all are best of the best! Music lovers don't miss this wondrous & adventursome musical treasure...greatness like this won't happen again, ENJOY!
2106139
A never before published children's book, "The Moon Shines Down" by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Linda Bleck arrived in my mail yesterday. I felt like a child with an unexpected Christmas gift when I gazed at the bright yellow moon over a Koala bear sailing down a river. I quit my tasks and read the book aloud.

It's been awhile since I read Margaret Wise Brown's books, but from the first rhythmic line, I recalled all the days with our children and grandchildren. Books like "Good Night Moon" and "Runaway Bunny." Brown had over a 100 books in print when she died suddenly in 1952. Her many unfinished manuscripts were all but lost.

"The Moon Shines Down" is a delightful story of how the same moon shines upon children everywhere and in every culture. I see this as a valuable book for teaching young children about race, animals, and God. The bright colors on each page will keep the youngest child entranced in the story.

"The Moon Shines Down" is a treasure from the front cover to the last page where a Koala bear sleeps in a tree. The publisher's introduction about the "story behind the lost manuscript" creates a teaching tool. A bit of history to help instruct our children on how old things are valuable and usable.

Thanks to the far reaching insight of Thomas Nelson--what a brilliant idea to seek the help of author Laura Minchew when the old sheets of forgotten words were found. I applaud Minchew for giving us Margaret Wise Brown once more.  "The Moon Shines Down" promises to be a classic for children today.
447119
Jan Smith's "Tin Heart" is a delightful gem that flew beneath my musical radar screen until recently.  While her 2006 CD "29 Dances" on the Landslide label captures attention, the Louisville native's earlier effort is well worth the search.  Fans of Iris DeMent may find Smith's unadorned folksy style appealing.  Jan's husband Jeff Vogelgsang lends musical support on mandolin.  Her songs encompass a range of feelings from wistful quiet reflection to peppy toe tappers.  Of my two favorites, "Gorham Mountain" is my choice for best track on the CD.  The melody is strong and original with Jan's breezy vocals, "As the sky turned to black, I decided to go back, head on into town where I had no friend."  "Ionesco's Chair" presumably has something to do with the absurdist playwright Eugene Ionesco.  Again, Smith writes a melody brimming with energy, "You'll be the anchor & the steam showing up in every dream; You're the candle I am burning in my window."  The CD concludes with the lovely "Fisherman" with a pretty melody and Jeff's mandolin gently capturing the listener's attention, "I don't want nothing but love anymore; I cannot exist without water; so I stand on the side, but the waves & the tide, they carry me out, ever farther out."  Other tracks like "Rum in My Morning Coffee" & "Every Dish in the House" are also strong.  "Tin Heart" is an excellent release, homespun and endearingly folksy.  Bravo!
4094667
Simply a delightful trip back across the centuries, long before the crass commercial exploitation of this glorious day on the Christian calendar.  The polyphonic voices, the delicious syncopation on Spanish Renaissance masterpiece Riu Riu Riu ... Dios Guardo El Lobo de nuestra Cordera' ... the auld English and the period French, the virile sonority of the men's group, the angelic, soaring strains of the female group, the mystical union and then separation of the two, the feeling you get of proximity to the Divine when they sing accopela, the open mouthed wonder you will experience as your grateful ears take in the dainty, rhythmic accompaniment of tambourines and lutes and flutes ... ahhh!
It simply is not Christmas without this musical masterpiece.
You will catch yourself dancing a little jig as they sing about Joseph being well married or of the little girl innoncence of the futrue mother of the Christ child.
Mr. Cohen and his troupe travel the country every year developing their themes of Hispanic, French, Baroque and Renaissance Christmases ...
a journey for which we can all be uplifted!
John Leddy Colleyville TX
1264015
Magical, mystical and marvelous!  Exceptional talent and beautiful performances, I truly love this recording!
2410090
You know how you can just love an album, then somehoe, for some reason, it get buried under others and you sort of forget about it? Well I did this to JLS. I rediscovered it and honestly, I think I have been listening to it practically non stop,now for two months. It's amazing how I leap in the air and sway, laugh in one song, then the next, especially Dear Father renders me nearly in tears in reflection of my life and those I have love, and sometimes those lost. Of course soaring and finding your own way with courage is the theme. Neil Diamond's voice with his unique way of pleading and vulnerability gets right into the deepest recesses of your brain and heart. This is a truly magical album. The musicianship is incredible. Oh, those strings! That piano, the drums, just every single instrument is flawless. Please, I can't  encourage you enough to buy this music!
639637
Robert Mirabal has been able to allow all of us "walking in two worlds" to come together and rejoice in all of the glory and beauty of his music. This talented artist not only sings, writes, drums, plays flute (as well as making his own beautful flutes) and dances; but he allows us into his world!  And what a wonderful world it is!  His musical talent is beyond compare!  His voice and music awakens the spirit in every one of us.  The way he blends traditional Native American music with contemporary rock beats is amazing! Just listen to "Hope", "1000 Miles", "Skinwalker's Moon" and "Navajo Fires" - and I guarantee you will be up on your feet, dancing to his rhythms!  A definite "Must-Have"!! And add the video to your collection - the visual Mirabal/Rare Tribal Mob assualt is undescribable! No wonder Robert Mirabal and RTM have entered on the Billboard twice with this excellent CD! Great job and well deserved!!
3865387
Love & Magic For The Record

Ahhh yes... how sweet the sound!

Ponder for a moment: If, in her hey day, Miss Diana Ross had teamed up with producer, musician, cultural poet extraordinaire, the late Curtis Mayfield and had they ever blended their considerable abilities... a recording of this magnitude might have been the result of that union.  However, the true beauty of
Love & Magic For The Record is that it's totally Lauriel Michele's baby.  It is she, and she alone who masters the multitasking gigs as songwriter/lyricist/arranger/ composer and performer throughout this 12 set opus.  It is a fine collection of songs and moods, but what "Love & Magic For the Record" does best is that it succeeds in letting the listener know and marvel at the layers of depth, musicality, and varied talents of Lauriel Michele.

This lady possesses the chops of past, present and future legends.

Not since the beauteously self-inventive, Patrice Rushen, has one woman/artist so completely laid and taken ownership of the entire musical terrain she surveys.  Like Miss Rushen,  Lauriel Michele holds tight to her own creative reins. The songs-- whether quietly, symphonically, rhythmically or acoustically, each one, is, in its own way, amazing, with the title cut "Love & Magic" being the aural standout within the collective.  As a listener you just never know what new surprise will come purring, popping, cooing or exploding from your speakers, but that is the joy contained inside meaningful music that isn't just mindless noise, but true artistry. As an extra added touch of authenticity, the tracks contain the ever-so-slight hissing... imagine a needle upon the groves of vintage vinyl album of yesterday.  This too plays well with Miss Michele's special and most precious brand of soul, as it harkens back to a bygone era when music had more weight, flavor, seasoning, and gravitas.

"Love & Magic For The Record" is a richly prepared feast for the ears, and a most potent balm for the spirit...  It is nothing short of reflective, soulful, transcendent, head bobbing, foot tapping and yes, consciousness-raising music!

Brava Lauriel Michele... Long May You Reign!

One.