Brillant Talent on Display
589828
This is an incredible display of songwriting, singing style and a gifted voice.  It is great to know that there are still singers who can carry the soulful torch of the greats such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills.  I find myself playing this song several times a day.  Her talent must be in the genes!  Well, let's not overlook the significance of singing from the heart.

Donnell White
1936977
With Acrosluke Firewalker, debuting artist Acrosleuth displays an impressive range of musical talent.  Skilled at multiple instruments (the more conventional ones include the bass and alto horn) as well as electronic manipulation, Acrosleuth puts it all to work on the 9 tracks included here.
Each track has a quality which I was hard-pressed to describe at first, but which ultimately I would term "spirited."  Acrosleuth writes very engaging melodies, which seem to possess their own energy.  This CD is in no danger of boring the listener, and the combination of live and electronic instrumentation just varies its palette even more.  Equally impressive is that there are as many musical moods/themes presented here as there are tracks; these are clearly individual compositions which can be considered on their own.  From the bright and (appropriately) prehistoric "Pterodactyl Rhythm Engineering," to the action-packed underwater chase of "Aquatic Necronomicon" (I can see this song on a James Bond soundtrack, seriously), to the distorted roars on the interlude "Butternut Wholesome," there is some serious variety here.  You never know what's coming next.
In short, electronic music fans are going to be engaged and impressed with the life present in this release.  Acrosleuth is most definitely an artist to watch.
3517846
Reading this new art book, I feel as though I've just met someone at a party and realize I'm standing next to a genius. Due to her distracting physical beauty I am surprised by her brilliant work as a serious artist, with tremendous focus and drive that was endlessly creative. This title becomes more exciting as one reads on.
3015265
A unique sound, impossible to pigeon-hole this music as a particular genre.  It combines influences from difference sources into a one-of-a-kind musical experience.  The enthusiasm of these exceptionally talented performers was abundantly clear when I saw them perform live, and this recording brings backs the excitement of that evening for me everty time I listen to it.  Just amazing.
3321333
Artwork offers impressive, unusual perspectives which surprise the eye.
1824234
Ramey and Studer triumph in a spectacular performance. Ramey's resonant bass rings true and powerful. Ranks up there with his Mefistofele! I cannot imagine this role more superbly sung and acted. Chicago Lyric Opera is in  for much excitement next season when he does this role for them with such  commanding and thrilling tone. Studer sings in the same league and calibre:  rich tone, secure and powerful high notes with dramatic intensity, simply  an all out no stops performance. Her soft notes are beautiful and her duets  with the tenor Kaludov are equally memorable. He is not quite in her league  but he does some fine singing. Wonderful production. Only Zancanaro lets  down the side a litle but then it is not much of a role to start with. La  Scala  can be proud of this performance - which ranks high with their  Domingo "Fanciulla" - and we are luckier than the audience  present since we can see it at will.
1614815
One of the most astounding photo collections in recent memory, the "Players" series have been the Pice de rsistance of my collection; featuring some of the most stunning photographs I have ever seen, the books are an example of an artist who understands his subject, and captures it in its most flattering state. Rick Day's "All Players" gives us more of what we have grown to love; photos of the world's most beautiful specimen's, and does so in a package that is physically large, facilitating the appreciation of all of the finest details within each image. While it does include some photographs found in the former Players books, this new edition is largely filled with all new images, that could only illicit amazement at the beauty found in each piece. I did not think that "Players two" would be surpassed in both size and scope so soon, but I stand corrected; this book will be the centerpiece of your book collection, guaranteed. Flawless in almost every regard, it is an inspiration for the artist, and anyone that appreciates the work of a visionary in the field of Male photography. Truly exceptional.
4896177
Music from a Painted Cave is one of the most beautiful productions that I've had the good fortune to see.  I saw the performance live, and I wasn't sure that I breathed for the entire length of the show.  I didn't believe that it could get any better, but oh how wrong I was.  Leave it to Robert Mirabal to best his own performances!  Music from a Painted Cave masterfully demonstrates ancient cultures and brings it all into the present as the show goes on.  The music and the dancers are stunning, the writing is second to none, and the whole Mirabal family is brilliant in the performance.  The dance with Father and Daughter actually brought tears to my eyes.  There just aren't enough words to describe the beauty of this music and this performance!!
4779639
You will love this man's immense talents; should you get the opportunity to see him live as I did, DO IT! (Ticket prices are OUTRAGIOUS however!)
1436586
After seeing the play, couldn't get enough of their music for a while.  Talent like that doesn't go out of style.
831446
For those who didn't get a chance to see her early performances, ones in which she showed her tradmark combination of bravado and style, along with a glorious voice, this is a very special treat.

  I'm old enough to remember seeing the televised Central Park performance and knew immediately that she was something special, with a certain delivery that was hers alone. There were other specials since then and, of course, she went on to act in movies and on Broadway.

  But these first specials stand apart from the rest,showcasing a young Streisand who appears, at times, to be nearly as amazed as her fans at her performances, which truly seem to pour directly from her soul, unedited, unrevised.

 She is friendly, accessable and just awkward enough to be totally irresistable. None of the famous "diva" reputation seems to be showing here. She appears to be enjoying every moment in front of her fans and she hasn't become used to celebrity yet. The novelty of it all shows on that beautiful face, a face which is truly testimony to how so many imperfect parts can add up to one glorious whole.

  The specials themsevles would be reason enough to buy this set but there are some added features which make it even more attractive, including rare photos, detailed liner notes and little known trivia. From My Name is Barbra to a Concert in Central Park to the rarely seen Belle of 14th Street, this is a must for Barbra's many fans!
3233200
This band contains four fantastic talents and they need to be seen live to be believed.  Rachel Price gets the headlines, as well she should.  However, the songwriting (mainly by the drummer), is first rate.  We coaxed some friends to come along with us (one a bass player in a current band) to see them live, and he was awestruck by the bassist's virtuosity, taking jazz/pop/rock songs and rasing them to a higher level in the rythme section.  So it isn't just the lead singer's voice and her presence on stage.  It is the rest of the band's muscial talents as well, making this one of the most refreshing finds I have heard in 10 years. I have to believe their "genre" somewhat falls between the cracks, because even though they seem to sell out every small venue in the NYC area from Hoboken to Mahhattan to Williamsburg, they just don't seem to get that much airplay -- even on "alternate" stations like WFUV.  I hopefully won't be complaining about this lack of recognition in a year or two, because I hear from friends I've contacted to attend concerts in other cities that they come back with the same "high musicality" "high virtuosity" and Rachel Price voice + presence that I have experienced.
2409189
This concert from evening of September 23, 1993, must have been a wonderful event to have experienced...the VHS of it is a polished gem that will never go out of style. The professionalism and musicianship is outstanding, and the setting is magical...with 2000 year old arches surrounding the open air stage, and the amazing structures of ancient Greece lit up against the night sky.
Shardad Rohani conducts the London Royal Pholharmonic Concert Orchestra, as well as doing a terrific violin duet with Karen Briggs, the super violinist member of Yanni's fabulous group. Her solos are a knock-out, as well as those of the rest of the band, among them Charlie Adams on drums, Ric Fierabracci on bass, and Michael "Kalani" Bruno on percussion.
Yanni looks stunning and plays beautifully on a grand piano, as well as an assortment of keyboards...you can tell he is also leading the entire show...and it's quite a show.
There's a touching song he sings for his mother Felitsa, who sits in the audience, next to the gorgeous Linda Evans, both of them glowing with pride.
Directed by George Veras with 14 cameras, the editing is a marvel, a constant flow images that keeps one's interest and works to perfection with the music...the concert is an hour and 35 minutes long, with an added 5 minutes of backstage interviews.
This is one to take out of your tape library once in a while, and wish you'd been there, on this very special night under the Grecian stars.
4859412
This treasure is an early, exhilarating performance by Kristy McNichol demonstrating high talent proving that a multi-talented career is on the way. This is a gem and a must for Kristy McNichol fans.
3766547
This is both entertaining and exquisite talent. The tunes are catchy and complex.  It is highly recommended to any music lover!
2039511
Paloma Faith's debut album "Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful" introduces one of the finest new talents I've heard in a long time. Her approach to song writing is fresh and intelligent, while the performances exude an energy that is captivating. Faith's background in theatrics shines through, resulting in well crafted musical arrangements-- the band is tight, the background singers fantastic, and the addition of strings and brass on some tunes makes for a glorious musical experience. Her performances are also something to watch, for she is the type of performer who has tremendous charisma and commands attention in a beguiling and unassuming way.  If you have a look at her videos or performances on "Live From Abbey Road" you'll know what I mean -- a DVD needs to be produced. Looking forward to the second album and hope  that her material is released  in North America.
424725
I've seen my fair share of live acts over the years.  After having just seen Doro perform live in a small NYC club, I didn't know what to expect from her presence on a massive stage (albeit on DVD).  The results are epic.  The pyro, the lights, and the giant warlock are all  sights to behold, but of course none of them would mean anything if the songs weren't there.  The songs, keep in mind, are worthy of such gigantic, singular presentations.  Whether Doro is joined by current musicians, former band members, or cheerleaders, each song is given its own chance to blow the audience away or render them speechless.  Disc One itself is two and a half straight hours of a top notch musical experience that should not be missed.