Dennis Brown

For ADD, the sound quality is excellent. And, while artistry is a matter of taste, I was impressed by the ability of the artists to capture the spirit of Bach. If this doesn't give you goose-bumps, get a DNA test; you might be a cyborg.

I was looking for the Bach piece "sleepers awake" which is just one of the most beautiful pieces of music. After an extensive search I found this record. The sound quality and superb choir make this a must have.

Hip-O Records has gathered and captured the best of Dennis Brown on this Cd. Brown whose popularity was from the late '70s to the '90s is another true Jamaican Ambassador that touches you within.

A compilation that is second to none for Reggae fans, his soft style with strong overtones will satisfy your appetite and live on in your heart. The entire album is inspiring, each track is warm with tender feelings that reach into the depths of your soul! Great job Hip-o, keep them coming.

Total Time: 63:27 on 18 Tracks/ Hip-O Records - 314 545 230 2 (2000)

If you like Dennis Brown, this has to be part of your collection. It has all his best hits. He's not the Crown Prince of Reggae for nothing. RIP Dennis.

This is a must have for any Dennis Brown lovers..This is a collection of "The Crown Prince of Reggaes" best work.

I originally purchased this 3CD set because of its price: for all of Bach's most important orchestral works, a little more than $20 is a bargain! I planned on later upgrading to what I assumed would be "better" recordings of these works.

Since my purchase, I've listened to them, left them alone for a while, and then come back to listen again. I can't praise this set highly enough. The sound quality is excellent; at no point is there any distortion from any instrument. The balance, something which is crucial when playing concerto grosso, is also well done: the harpsichord does not overpower the instruments nor strain to be heard, and the soloists and tutti are always well matched in volume.

Matching the excellent recording quality is the playing. For a modern-instrument performance, this sounds very baroque in both the tempi and the cooperation between performers and Marriner does an excellent job at bringing the spirit of Bach out in these pieces.

Szeryng and Hasson in the violin concertos also perform splendidly. I've heard more versions of these concertos than I'd like to remember, including Perlman and Hahn, but I still prefer these two lesser-knowns playing alongside the Academy to any other recording, however more "dramatic" they may be. The only way I can describe their playing is "warm" and "uplifting," despite searching for other words less overused.

These recordings have continued to draw me back again and again with their lush sound and spirited playing. With such a deal as this, I'd easily reccomend this set to anybody looking for Bach orchestral works, even if you already own a recording of some of these pieces.

Few will argue that Sir Neville and the Academy were at their artistic peak during their years with Philips. During this period they turned out many definitive Mozart recordings but these recordings of Bach's six Brandenburg Concertos (1981), four Orchestral Suites (1978), and three Violin Concertos (1976) have also become favorites for Bach fans who prefer modern over period instrument recordings.

These late analog era recordings have been beautifully mastered for CD and for some, including Gramophone magazine, sound even better than the Marriner/ASMF all digital recordings of the same works from the 90s for EMI. In addition while you can get the EMI recordings on three individual 60-minute discs for around the same total price you miss out on the three essential violin recordings and, again, these earlier performances are preferable.

Each disc is generously filled with music (all three right around the 77 minute mark) and the sound is crystal clear. Again this is ASMF at their best so the ensemble sounds wonderful and nicely balanced and each of the soloists shine, especially Henryk Szeryng on violin (the three violin concertos and also three of the Brandenburgs), Jeanne Pierre-Rampal on flute (BWV 1050), and William Bennet on flute (BWV 1067). The tempos Marriner uses are pretty typical for these works except for the famous Air from Orchestral Suite #3 which may be the slowest I've heard to date: clocking in at 7:11 it's a full two minutes longer than the earlier Marriner/ASMF recording on London/Decca. But it works. This new TRIO set is beautifully packaged with extensive liner notes on Bach, each individual work, and musician credits by work.

Highly recommended.

Please note: These recordings are still available as part of Philips older "DUO" series, spread over two 2-disc sets, but this latest release is the more cost effective way to go and if you buy the two DUO sets you also end up with a duplicate work: the concerto for two violins (BWV 1043). (The DUO sets also includes one additional work: the Concerto in C minor, BWV 1060 for two harpsichords - you need to decide if it's worth the extra $$.)

These are probably Bach's most beloved and well-known works. His Brandenburg Concertos, Orchestral Suites and Violin Concertos are performed and recorded so frequently that there is a seemingly endless selection of interpretations from which to choose. I chose that of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, under the direction of Sir Neville Marriner, and I must say, I made a good choice. The playing is remarkable and the interpretations are fresh. Also, for three CDs, you can't beat the price.

Excruciating. Ray Brown is one of my all-time heroes but even he can't redeem this appalling travesty. Kiri Te Kanawa should be prevented from ever attempting this repertiore again by any means necessary.

If you want a good example of how great jazz with a singer can be, buy "John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman" or Charlie Haden "The Art of Song" instead.

Here is the most beautiful rendition of "Never Was You" ever with the restrained vocal purity of Kiri and the awesome chords of Andre's piano...a real gem. Ray Brown and Mundell also contribute their world-class talents to this unique UNPRESSURED album. A treasure that will please music lovers for many years. GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN!

Wonderful! As is everything the inimitable Kiri does. No, she does not sound like other jazz singers but adds the Kiri touch that has made her one of the most listened to of all performers, whether of opera or jazz. This CD made my ears very happy. I'd advised the disgruntled writer to hold on to her CD--there is only one available on the entire internet and the seller is asking for $75.00. An unmistakable message--it appears that Kiri lovers don't want to part with Kiri CDs. Also advise other viewers to get the VHS from which this CD was made. Inexpensive now but it'll not be for long. It's called Kiri & Andre: The making of Sidetracks. It has the best closeups of Kiri that I've ever seen and shows what a happy-go-lucky gal she is. Also recommend her Kiri! on VHS (her 50th Birthday Concert) It is one of the best musical recitals ever made--period. Sorry, the price is out of sight.

Makes you wonder why Charles Murray in his book "Human Accomplishment" does not rate Bach higher. I would not recommend listening to anything that brings tears to your eyes while driving! It could cause an accident.

Although I bought this CD for the Cantata 140, the entire CD has been a powerful source of pleasure and joy. The chorale prelude version of Cantata 140 was used as the bridesmaids' music at our wedding, and our best man sang the "Zion hoert" movement--so I already had a sentimental attachment to the music. But I'd heard it off and on for several decades before purchasing this CD. And my initial (as well as current) feeling was that 140 on these discs was almost obscenely too slow. And yet, on at least two occasions, I sat in traffic while tears filled my eyes as I listened to it. It's a magical performance, even if it is too slow.

And the other cantatas (there are two sets of performers on the discs) are nearly as inspired. I especially like the "Ein Feste Burg," one of whose sort of Vivaldi-esque movement is so thrilling that, in spite of my moral objections to such practices (if you've read C. S. Lewis's "Perelandra," you'll know what I'm referring to), I've been known to play over and over and over again.

I have bought this disc for several of my grown children. I recommend it without reserve.

Tempo is vital to excellent Bach Cantatas, and here Jones directs fine group of vocalists, choirs and orchestra in solid, stable yet passionate account of four cantatas as well as Jesu, Meine Freude.

This is excellent balanced two CD recording, which is sensitive, informed and lively as needed.

Especially attracted to dignififed offering of Cantata 80, with superb vocals by Emeling and Sotin.

Nice price, combination and performance at reasonable price.

These somewhat older recordings of three of Bach's greatest cantatas deliver superb music making! Cantata 147 features memorably articulate, vibrant and focused singing by a young Joan Sutherland; the performance of the famous chorale, though taken perhaps a tad slow, richly serves the incumbent spirituality of Bach's music. Better the understatement found here than the racing tempi that ruin at least four other major versions I have. Gardner's tempi are acceptable, but the playing is not as focused as it is under these conductors. The orchestras here are pliant and attentive, partnering splendid singing with a devoted sense of intimacy. Altmeyer, Baker & Ameling are especially fine soloists in the other two cantatas. I've heard many performances of Bach's cantatas and consider these among the very best recorded versions. With so many recordings of the cantatas available, one would think there should be many musically fine editions from which to choose and be content, but memorable performances are rare enough indeed. Music making of this kind quashes an already notoriously thin controversy with respect to period instruments and style. This is music verily from the inside out, nothing less. It's a delight to experience from beginning to end. A separate chorale version of 'Jesu, meine Freude' (with slightly altered melodic cadence) is an unexpected additional treat. Don't hesitate, for Bach's sake!

I am a relative newcomer to Bach's cantatas, so this review might not carry much gravitas but anyone's free to contradict me. I thought this was an excellent recording of some of Bach's most loved and well known cantatas, and this double-disc offers excellent value for money. Cantata 147 was superb, and thankfully was not sung in English as I have heard before but in German obviously as it should be -I go crazy hearing "Jesu Joy of Man's Desire" in english the German sounds so much better and this version is a case in point, with a really vibrant orchestral accompaniment instead of a laboured organ which I have heard before. This chorus is so good, Bach included it twice in BWV 147 and it really is a joy.

The second cantata on the first disc is BWV 227, the motet "Jesu meine Freude". I knew nothing of this beforehand and was delighted to find out that it contains all choruses and corales with no recititatives which I find to be a bit boring (queue sound of purists turning in their graves).The choir here is uniformly excellent

The second disc begins with BWV 140 "Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme". I have a particular love and interest for this cantata having sung it recently and this is how it's meant to be sung- the South German Madrigal Choir's execution is far better than our unbalanced amatuer one! The tricky "Wachet Auf" chorus is handled effortlessly and perfectly with the "alleluia" bit toward the end absolutley superb. The two soprano/bass duets are also brillaint but the undoubted highlight of this cantata comes with the final corale "Gloria sie dir gesungen". This contains such joy and sheer beauty it must be heard to be believed. Translated, one of the lines reads "With men's and angel's tongues" and this sounds like choirs of angels. The finale with the sopranos hitting strong soaring high notes is hairs on the back of the neck stuff.

I know nothing about BWV 80 but to this amatuer it sounded excellent with the opening chorus a joy, punctuated with triumphant french horn throughout.The cantata is routinely excellent throughout.

I would definitely reccomend this cd to classical lovers in general and to Bach lovers in particular

Dennis Brown's greatest recorded legacy was produced between his teen years and 1983. The problem is that the majority of this music is difficult to find because most of his records from this period were never released on CD.
Although there are some very good "greatest hits" CDs in Dennis Brown's discography, fans will be pleased to discover the hidden gold of his earlier years. Unlike most of his early releases, these songs are remastered to sound modern. The songs create a sheath of positive energy that only a well-crafted Dennis Brown album can offer -- it remimds me of the vibes created by the "Visions" album.
Overall, this CD is very smooth and consistent, with a satisfying roots reggae feel. Brown's fluid and melodic singing style, coupled with the uplifting roots rhythms and accompaninent of his band, make this album a top choice. There should be more re-issues of this type -- "A Little Bit More" is a definite step in the right direction.

Linval brings out the best is a hit list of artists from the golden age of dancehall. You should buy this CD just for Jr. Reid's "Mr. Bigman" alone, but there are many other gems on here as well. A wonderful release from one of the greats in reggae.

For anyone who loves reggae this is a must have. I often do not like compilations CDs in reggae, there is no common thread and as a whole, the songs don't work together. But this release works from start to end. There are amazing tracks here from artists like Jr, Reid, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, etc. Linval Thompson put his stamp on reggae with these productions. You have classics cuts here that helped start the dancehall revolution. A must for listening in the car, for a Saturday night party or just chilling with the head phones. Another gem Easy Star!

The sound and music of this 30 year old recording is excellent. Blood & Fire records, my favorite reggae label, has produced another winner. The sweet Dennis Brown vocals with the well remastered sound is very appealing. This is great roots reggae so get this classic CD and enjoy it for many years.

Amen to the other enthusiastic reviews--it doesn't get better than this, swirling full background arrangements, with soaring vocals. Be it known that this is Dennis's *Joseph Coat of Many Colors* album with several 12" expanded releases from the same period.

"DEB (Dennis Emanuel Brown) was just another reggae star." That is, if we have to believe what the "music mafia" - the "meanstream" fools who get overpayed to write nonsensical reviews - have to say about his Works. All they ever listened to in order to form an opinion are the crossover songs that DEB recorded in order to make a living.

Here now, is a true gem, lovingly compiled by the "Blood And Fire" crew (Simply Red's Mick Hucknall, reggae guru Steve Barrow et al). On it DEB in his purest form, singing conscious lyrics, truths and praises in that soaring voice of his that never ceases to amaze. Giving you the chills and uplifting your spirit. Making you want to press "repeat" again and again. And yet again!

All songs on Promised Land are DEB productions, which gives one an insight into what he was all about as a person and a performer. No holding back, no compromise, but straight up soothing of mind, body and soul.

Dennis Emanuel Brown was truly one of the finest singers ever (reggae or otherwise), and this CD is one that can prove it. Listen to it, feel it, cry, laugh, dance and rejoice.

Thisa is really great music, but before you get this CD I think you should make sure you have Dennis Brown's Ultimate Collection & also Visions, which was done around the same time as this. It is, nonetheless, prime real roots reggae from one of the crucial reggae artists! Dennis Brown is recommended.