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Music Reviews - July, 2008
- Written by Jason Victor Serinus
- Published on 01 July 2008
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Exquisite is a word I once reserved for the subtle beauties of classical song. Then I began to listen to ECM Grammy Award-winning producer Manfred Eicher's jazz recordings, and my perspective changed. I can't vouch for yours, but I feel confident that the rarefied atmosphere of opening five trackson this CD may very well take your breath away. And that includes the trio's cover of Prince's 1991 "Diamonds and Pearls," as well as sublime renditions of music by Gary Peacock, Ennio Morricone, contemporary trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, and pianist / trio founder Marcin Wasilewski.
Music Reviews - June, 2008
- Written by Jason Victor Serinus
- Published on 30 June 2008
ANNE SOPHIE VON OTTER: TEREZÃN THERESIENSTADT, J.S. BACH: LUTE WORKS VOL. 1, TERRY RILEY: THE CUSP OF MAGIC, ELLA FITZGERALD: LOVE LETTERS FROM ELLA, SHELLEY MORNINGSONG: OUT OF THE ASHES
An Interview with Joyce Castle, Mezzo-Soprano
- Written by Jason Serinus
- Published on 20 March 2008
If you've never heard of mezzo-soprano Joyce Castle, by all means read on. To say she is a hoot to interview is a major understatement. Castle, long a member of New York City Opera, has of late become associated with leading and character roles in contemporary opera, as well as the French repertoire. She is certainly a character and a half over the phone.
Jazz Great Karrin Alysson Talks with Secrets
- Written by Jason Victor Serinus
- Published on 27 June 2008
It's the special qualities of Karrin Alysson's instantly recognizable, slightly hoarse vocalism that set her apart. Her careful attention to words, the phrases molded with an intelligence that declares her total involvement, the impeccable pianism that illuminates a good share of her performances, and her overarching desire to tell a story all unite to pull listeners into her songs. Whether she's singing about poet Robert Frost or a lover's embrace, the warmth, depth, and honesty of Alysson's artistry catapults her into the same august company as three of her jazz idols, Carmen McCrae, Nancy Wilson, and Dinah Washington.
Music Reviews - March, 2008
- Written by Jason Victor Serinus
- Published on 16 March 2008
J.S. BACH - CANTATAS VOL. 16: NEW YORK • FOR THE SUNDAYAFTER CHRISTMAS • JOHN ELIOT GARDINER | SOLI DEO GLORIA SDG 137Movie Renter's Guide - June, 2008
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 01 June 2008
Classic War Films: The Sand Pebbles (Blu-ray), Battle of Britain (Blu-ray), Patton (Blu-ray), The Longest Day (Blu-ray), A Bridge Too Far (Blu-ray), The Eye (Blu-ray), Jumper (Blu-ray), Bella (SD DVD), Witless Protection (Blu-ray), Step into Liquid (Blu-ray), Meet the Spartans (Blu-ray), The Spiderwick Chronicles (Blu-ray), Weeds, Season 3 (Blu-ray), Chipmunks TV Shows (SD DVD), Gangs of New York (Blu-ray), National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (Blu-ray)
Movie Renter's Guide - March, 2008
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 04 March 2008
Things We Lost in the Fire (SD DVD), Â Hitman (Blu-ray), Â Ceine Dion: Live in Las Vegas (Blu-ray), Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (Blu-ray), Ice Age (Blu-ray), i, Robot (Blu-ray), The Kite Runner (SD DVD), There Will Be Blood (SD DVD)
Movie Renter's Guide - May, 2008
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 01 May 2008
Indiana Jones: the Adventure Collection (SD DVD), Juno (Blu-ray), Predator (Blu-ray), Face/Off (Blu-ray), Next (Blu-ray), Commando (Blu-ray), Alvin and the Chipmunks (Blu-ray), Rambo 4Â (Blu-ray), Rambo 1, 2, and 3 (Blu-ray)
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Music Reviews - February, 2008 - Special CD/DVD Reviews
- Written by Jason Victor Serinus
- Published on 20 February 2008
This month, I deviate from the usual review format. Instead of offering short, individual reviews of a host of CDs and DVDs, I offer three feature-length reviews that focus on four Divas past and present: Maria Callas, Cecilia Bartoli, Measha Brueggergosman, and Kate Royal. These four women, variously Greek/American, Italian, Canadian, and British by birth/heritage, provide object lessons in great singing.
Movie Renter's Guide - April, 2008
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 03 April 2008
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (SD DVD), Noble House (SD DVD), Independence Day (Blu-ray), Cloverfield (SD DVD), The Lives of Others (Blu-ray), The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Blu-ray), I Am Legend (Blu-ray), AVP Requiem (Blu-ray), 27 Dresses (Blu-ray)
A Talk with Baritone Nathan Gunn
- Written by Jason Victor Serinus
- Published on 06 February 2008
Baritone Nathan Gunn's career is on the ascent. Thirteen years after winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council Competition at the tender age of 23, the handsomely voiced artist followed up recent leading roles at the Met, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pittsburgh Opera, and Aix-en-Provence with this summer's release of his first solo CD, Just Before Sunrise.
