Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (3-D, Blu-ray), Nixon (Blu-ray), Camp Rock (Blu-ray), Only the Valiant (SD DVD), The Forbidden Kingdom (Blu-ray), Rolling Stones: Shine a Light (Blu-ray), Transformers (Blu-ray), Smart People (Blu-ray), Meet the Browns (Blu-ray)
When attending CES and Rocky Mountain Audio Fest over the past couple of years, I noticed that turntables are starting to be the majority of sources for exhibit rooms. We all have heard about the vinyl renaissance, but I just did not realize how strong it is. I mean, LPs are being played everywhere at hi-fi shows.
In the spring of 2008, Bay Area resident Frederica von Stade and I had an extended phone conversation. The ostensible purpose was her forthcoming participation in the U. S. premiere of a unique salon, Pauline Viardot and Friends.
The Vacuum Tube state of the Art Conference has been out of commission since 2003 but it made a comeback this year in Vancouver, WA - right across the river from my home town of Portland, OR. Can't miss an opportunity like that so I wrangled a press pass. If you are thinking of attending a future VSAC, don't fret the price . . . . ! !
The Ruins (Blu-ray), Drillbit Taylor (Blu-ray), Mad Men (Blu-ray), Batman: The Movie (Blu-ray), The Bank Job (Blu-ray), Patriot Games (Blu-ray), Belly (Blu-ray), High Noon (SD DVD), Clear and Present Danger (Blu-ray), The Sum of All Fears (Blu-ray) . . . more coming.
I interviewed Joseph Sahyoun, President of Earthquake Audio Corporation, about several of their newest technological developments, including new voice coil cooling that will allow more power to be delivered from subwoofer drivers.
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.
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
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.
The Marantz TT-15S1 has me so excited about vinyl again that it has me scrambling to find old LPs. A friend recommended that I check out a used CD store, and, "Oh yeah," he says, "they sell vinyl too!" Tunes in Hoboken, New Jersey has become a favorite destination when I can find parking and have a bit of time to kill searching through their ever growing collection. I never stop to look at the CDs by the way, but go straight to the 12" x 12" disc-size.
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)
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)
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.
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)
YouTube
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Instagram
