CD Selections

The Complete Choros
and Bachianas Brasileiras
Heitor Villa-Lobos
Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra and soloists

One of my favorite composers is the underrated Brazilian, Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959). This multi-disc set of instrumental music offers masterful performances of his two great nationalistic series, the Choros and the Bachianas Brasileiras. The Brazilian musicians playing here feel the music deeply, and speak it fluently. A final disc is devoted to his complete works for solo guitar - exquisitely performed.
 

Music for Un-Romantics:
"Clair de Lune" from Claude Debussy's Suite bergamasque

Not being romantic is the mark of certain men, of a certain age. I never buy flowers on Valentine's Day; I do so whenever I see really nice flowers for sale. This is why Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune," the third movement of his Suite bergamasque, is the perfect piece of music for me and for all fellow un-romantics. Read More
 

Russian Music for Cello & Piano
Wendy Warner, cello; Irina Nuzova, piano

Songs for the Soul
Organist Radam Schwartz and Conspiracy for Positivity
Featuring Vocalist Miles Griffith

The voice was the first instrument. The ear, by logical progression, ranks second. Drums were used to communicate over long distances, so they're third. The fourth is the Hammond B-3 organ, with roots that are firmly embedded in the church. During the 1950s and '60s, it became the main voice for "soul jazz," providing a hand-clapping, feet-tapping, rise-up-out-of-your-seat-and-celebrate style that commands your attention. Read More...