No comments about Suzuki Piano School: Performed by Valery Lloyd-Watts (Volume 1&2) (Suzuki Method).

2 comments about Recordings: for Jazz.

1. I've always been disappointed that Gunther Schuller never extended his series of excellent works analyzing jazz history: "Early Jazz: Its Roots and Musical Development" (first edition 1968, 400+ pages) and more than 20 years later "The Swing Era: The Development of Jazz, 1930-1945" (1991, 940 pages). These seminal works go into extensive detail with plenty of musical notation to illustrate points yet they have appeal at all levels. I desperately wanted him to move on to my favorite periods, all after 1945. But this hasn't happened yet, and I suspect it may not.
   
   Now Giddens and Deveaus have done so. True, their analysis is not as detailed as Schuller's, but they're covering a lot more territory. Besides, such a book would be thousands of pages long. They found the right level of depth for this treatment at this length.
   
   I've been listening to (and reading about) jazz for 40 years, and this is the best overview covering all the periods that I've ever seen. I learned lots of interesting things, and it will help anyone except probably a professional jazz musician to put all the pieces and trends into perspective.
   
   The use of technology with the downloadable applet from the book publisher (no charge) that works with the related series of CDs is also quite interesting. It's nice to have the screen pop up with an explanation of what's happening just as it is happening so you don't have to constantly refer to the book to get the description or compare the minute:second in the book with what's on your file player.
   
   Given this, I do recommend also purchasing the CD set. No, it's not cheap, and you could probably find most of the cuts somewhere else -- but it would take a great deal of effort (something I had to do as far as I could with the Schuller books). And while the CD set contains a large number of songs I already have in my collection, I would miss not having those few that he also describes. Besides, the cuts on the CD are designed to interface directly to the free applet.
   
   Summary: The book/CD set is one of the best jazz investments I've ever made. It has brought me immense enjoyment, and it's something I know I'll go back to again and again. I suspect this will become the standard resource of jazz history for many years to come.



2. Jazz scholar Scott DeVeaux and premiere jazz critic Gary Giddins (The Village Voice) compiled this four-CD collection to accompany their advanced level jazz primer, Jazz (2009). At $60.07 from Amazon.com, it's pricey but worth it for the serious jazz listener or student of jazz. I could cavil at some of the choices they made: I would have preferred less pop jazz, for instance. (Nothing against Sinatra or Getz and Byrd's "Samba Dees Days," for instance, but there are other pieces and other musicians I'd like to hear. And while Horace Silver's hard bop quintet deserves to be spotlighted, so do Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers: what about the 1958 quintet -Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, Bobby Timmons, etc., what a group!--doing "Moanin'"?) In some cases, I would have preferred different selections by the musicians or different groups being spotlighted. From the twenties, I'd like to have heard one of violinist Joe Venuti and guitarist Eddie Lang's hot jazz groups from Chicago, or maybe Adrian Rollini. And there is a great 30s pickup group with trombonist Jack Teagarden and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster. (The same album has another group with clarinetist Peewee Russell playing with James P. Johnson on piano and Zutty Singleton on drums!) On the modern end, I missed hearing a cut by Roscoe Mitchell or the full Art Ensemble of Chicago, ditto the World Saxophone Quartet or ROVA. The jazz-fusion group Weather Report was good, but I feel that John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra blew them out of the water when they were hitting it. But this is small potatoes for a collection that is both generally representative and singularly informative.
   
   Most of the cuts on the first CD are stunning: Ghanaian drummers, a black Baptist or Pentecostal choir, killer guitar and vocal by oldtime bluesman Mississippi Fred McDowell, a piece by ragtime's little know clarinet virtuoso Henry Sweetman, great King Oliver and Louis, and Louis on his own and with Earl Fatha Hines. The second CD, which takes the music up through the 30s, is equally good. Hell, it's all good!
   
   Each of the selections is pegged off an analysis of the performance in DeVeaux's and Giddin's book. The analyses are not uniform in quality -some seem close to trivial--but over all, reading along in the text while listening to the musical cuts will teach the reader/listener a great deal. Hurrah for you, Scott and Gary! Something like this has been needed for a long time.

5 comments about Meditation for Optimum Health: How to Use Mindfulness and Breathing to Heal.

1. This CD was recommended to me and I have heard good things about Dr. Weil, but I have to say the CD's were a let down. The lecture was too long and i thought it would have been better to simply be text. The actual breathing exercises were not that inspiring and quite short. Although it was instructional to go through the breathing exercises along with the CD it would have been better if that part was expanded.



2. this is a great cd. you just listen to it and follow the instructions and can actually learn to meditate. great



3. I have several meditation/healing cd's from Andrew Weil, which I enjoy. This is not one of them. Perhaps as an introduction to meditation there is some useful content, but I did not find it helpful.



4. Dr. Andrew Weil and Jon Kabot-Zinn are two of the best in their fields. They make a great team!! The information continues to help me keep my focus and grow in awareness of myself and my world. Thanks.



5. I bought this along with a new CD player for my wife. She loves the CD.

5 comments about Midlife and the Great Unknown.

1. A friend told me he was going to listen to David Whyte and it intrigued me enough to look him up and download this CD for a long drive this weekend. I find myself rather numb from the depth and breadth of it all. So very much to think about and what its implications are in my life that I'll be having to relisten many times I'm sure (I've already listened twice). He gives us his experiences with such clarity I can almost smell the Celtic grasses under his feet and feel the mists swirling around his vision, occasionally parting for a view of distant and promising lands. This wrapped up in his and others poetry that he reads and his reflections about it has caused me to further explore new poets, to talk about them with my friends, and to ask what can we do with this. David has obviously thought about such matters deeply and I can think of no higher tribute to a person than they made me think profoundly about profound matters.
   
   A NEW NOTE OF CAUTION: I purchased this as an introduction to David Whyte, thinking if I liked this "unabridged" version I'd buy his "Clear Mind, Wild Heart" (CMWH) audio. Long story short: this is actually CD 2 and 3 of CMWH. I think this is like taking all the odd chapters of a Tale of Two Cities, renaming it "Story of a Town (Unabridged)". It is misleading labeling. I will keep the five stars because it is an amazing foray into poetry and life in general but beware--if you're thinking you'll buy CMWH then go straight there. Fortunately the audio download server with a name almost identical to the publisher of this CD refunded my money so I could just buy the 6 CD set.



2. As awkward as it might be to consider oneself at mid-life, it is a genuine relief to have such a clear and open-hearted guide such as David Whyte help make sense of it all. This CD is profound and inspiring. I could listen to Mr. Whyte's voice all day long. He draws on not only poetry (his own and that of others), but on basic life observations and recollections. The only caution I'll give is that some material seems to be lifted directly from another of his CDs, entitled "Clear Mind: Wild Heart". It's possible that it's just the same words and themes...I haven't done a side-by-side comparison. The duplication is a bit disconcerting, but has more to do with the publisher than the author. Anyway, David Whyte's talents are amazing, and this material is one that I'll listen to again and again. Best wishes,



3. This CD is one that you will want to listen to over and over again, and with friends. It is not just for people in midlife, it is for anyone in life. Get it and you will learn what life is all about and how to live it.



4. I wish the "midlife" reference were not in the title as it made me hesitate and delay trying this product for way too long. It is such an exquisite treat and so powerful in way more ways than I can convey through words. David Whyte's uniquely powerful delivery adds further punch to his great insights that reach ever deeper the more one listens. Thus I found it amazing the first time I listened and keep being blown away by finding it ever more powerful every time I listen. In addition to the content, the place David Whyte speaks from is itself profoundly impactful. At the time I ended up deciding to buy this product I had greatly lamented Amazon not selling David Whyte's "poetry of self-compassion" as I had adored that tape. Although I still regret not having yet been able to find it on CD as it is even more powerful yet, I am so glad that it ended up pushing me into giving this product a try as both are invaluable and well worth owning and repeatedly listening to over the years as special treats that get ever better over time.



5. David Whyte is the author and poet of the soul, of the deep searching place within and of the wondering being.
   He refers with such modesty to the incredible work of others, and for that you get to know of poets and poems that you weren't familiar with before or at least did not recognize them untill seeing them in light of what he refers to.
   Like a true teacher, he helps you to dare to do what you already had within you. Like a genuine guide, he leads you to the realms you had unconsciously and conveniently forgotten or overlooked.
   David Whyte's writings are very deep and beautiful. But,when he speaks his expressions, his words could be more touching if he did not repeat himself over and over.
   
   Somethings get imprinted in your mind (not heart) forever because you've heard them repeatedly but memorizing is different from feeling.
   
   It is like someone holding a flower in front of you and insisting upon your looking at it, it is like each time you turn your face away, they bring you back to the flower(over and over). Yes, you'd remember the flower, its color, dimensions, fragrance and so on. But maybe it is when you are just passing by the flower and you intuitively/unknowingly turn around to look back and see the flower again because you wanted to because something touched you , is the moment that you are naturally receptive to the flower.
   
   Of course it matters how someone speaks, what words s/he uses. how their tone of voice is, how and when they emphasize on a word, how they flow as they speak and how sincere they are.
   
   David Whyte is excellent on all the above. If only he would give space to his listeners to absorb what he just read/said at their own pace. Words touch different people in different ways.
   
   All that said, this audiotape is very rich. It fills your backpack with amazement and inspiration on your personal journey through the Great Unknown.

5 comments about Absolute Beginners Keyboard Course (BK/CD/DVD) (Complete Absolute Beginners Courses).

1. I asked him and he says he's been using it. I especially love that it comes with a dvd and cd so that the learner can listen and even see how things should be done. A perfect compliment to the keyboard he also received as a gift.



2. This is such a great course, so effective! I'm learning so fast (you can go as fast as you like :)
   
   The book is so easy to read, direct, to the point with lots of great tips and it's all working so well. Within a few days, I can now play with two hands simultaneously. Granted, I took piano for half a semester years and years ago, but I'm learning so much more now in less time than I ever did in that class.
   
   The CD is fun to use. Why? It's your background music, so you feel like you're playing with a band, even from the first lesson. Because of that, it's so much easier to learn rhythm, counting beats, and reading notes.
   
   The DVD included also helps. Now, I'm looking for a continuation to this course. Is there a Keyboard Course from the same makers, one for intermediate students?
   
   ***Just in case you like to learn more music theory (very basics) and like to learn it the fun way, I'd recommend Music Ace Deluxe or if you're a little more advanced for that, try Harmonic Vision Music Ace 2
   
   best!



3. I bought this, along with a cheap keyboard, to teach myself to play. The dvd/manual set was very helpful, let me go at my own pace, and I felt confident learning.



4. Can't really judge it on its performance but I got it in a timely manner.



5. 
   This piano course was hypped as being "easy" and it was not. I returned it. The order did arrive promptly so the delivery was completely satifactory.

5 comments about The Norton Recordings: Four CDs to accompany The Norton Scores & The Enjoyment of Music, Tenth Shorter Edition.

1. This book was sent in excellent shape and in a timely manner. I would definitely consider buying from this seller again.



2. Assumed since the book was new it would come with CDs. Next time I will ask, but the book was in excellent condition...my assumption was not sellers fault. Would buy from this seller again. Quick service.



3. This book offers a more in-depth look at music and all its componets. The C.D.'s accompany well with the reading and teaches one lots abput music history.



4. The book was delivered promptly and was in the condition as advertised. Good transaction. Recommended!



5. They misled me, I thought that I would receive the book with the cds but all I recevived were the cds.

5 comments about Self-Healing with Sound and Music.

1. I recommend this CD. A friend gave it to me and I have since bought several copies to give to others.



2. This is the first time that I have ever received an item from Amazon that I would like to return. I found no 'healing powers' in the music... in fact I found it annoying. I will not even listen to it a 2nd time. I tried to leave this CD product NO rating.... less than one, but the system does not allow it.



3. I have had this cd set for a while and use the music cd in the whole house intercom when family members are sick or facing stress. Recently I have been playing it on the computer in the hospital 24/7 while my family member was recuperating from surgery and later complications. I definitely notice a difference in everything from blood pressure to O2 sats/rbc's when I've been playing this v. the nights I have not. Who knows, but I'm not questioning it. I highly recommend this cd even as a relaxation cd, it can play for days on end and keep the energy in the room calm and healthy. Thanks Dr. Weil!



4. Liked this one and so did a friend. They talk and them play the music as they used it in examples. dth



5. This tape is very easy to take even for non-newagers. The Doc is a nice and interesting guy with a good voice.
   
   Kimba is a delight with a Hawaiian aura and fabulous instruments which she plays in a beautiful way.
   
   The musical part of the tape is lovely and relaxing.
   
   Weil's whole series is great for people in crisis who need to focus their brains to help them heal and deal with pain.
   
   Check it out!

5 comments about Through a Dog's Ear: Music to Calm Your Canine Companion, Volume 1.

1. Now that the nights have gotten colder and it is dark early, I like to put this CD on about an hour before I put my doggie to bed; we both relax by the fire while I pet her or read; the music is very relaxing.



2. My dog has been anxious and this music has been calming to him. He seems to be less anxious when he has this music on...one other plus it is pleasant for me to listen to, not unbearable like some other relaxation music cds I purchased.



3. I cant explain how thrilled I am with this CD. I was at the end of my rope with my roommate's dog. She would cry for hours, even if I had her out of her room playing with me and my dog. I tried talking to her in soothing tones, I tried shaking a can at her that she was scared of, I even tried just ignoring her. Last night my roommate left, like she does many nights, and of course her dog cried and yelped-even though she was out running around with me and my dog. So I put her in her room and put on this CD. She cried for maybe 20 seconds, then went to her bed and was silent for hours. It was the craziest thing, and it made my week. I just put the CD on repeat and she was so calm. Normally if she even sees me walk by the room she will have a fit. Yet I went to check up on her and she saw me and didnt make a noise but just went back to her bed. So my roommate gets home and we are expecting the normal crying and barking and general mayhem. Instead we were so pleasantly surprised to have a calm quiet dog in her place. I cant give this CD enough praise, and just wish I had thought of it before.



4. Our dogs are alone most days as my wife and I both work. We long ago got into the habit of leaving music on for them, even though they long ago got over being anxious when alone. But when they like the music, we can tell by their demeanor when we return.
   This CD is wonderful! They love it, it totally relaxes them while they're home alone. They even make sure to "remind" us if we appear to be leaving without turning it on, they sit by the player and beg for it!
   We have tried a few different products, and this is one of the best. We have even fallen asleep ourselves, while listening.
   You can't do much better, I highly suggest it.



5. 
   
   This was a Xmas present for a friend...his dog barks excessively when he leaves home. This has helped a lot, and he said the music was nice to listen to.

5 comments about Music An Appreciation - 5 Audio CD Set.

1. The shipping estimator gave me a month window for the CDs to arrive. I had them in a week. These discs were purchased for a music class.



2. strongly recommended for any one who is interested in knowing more about music. i found this book very fun and interesting that i enjoyed every single page of it.
   the topics are great, statements are strong and words are clear.
   I am so very happy of this purchase.



3. Good deal. Cheaper than buying it in the bookstore.
   The came came in a very good shape.



4. CDs arrived quickly. Had a hard time getting the first disc to work in the computers in the house but the rest worked fine.



5. GREAT PRICE ON THIS CD SET. DID HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEM, WHICH WAS UNKNOWN TO THE SELLER. HE WAS VERY GRACIOUS IN TAKING CARE OF THE PROBLEM. WOULD NOT HESITATE TO PURCHASE FROM AGAIN. VERY HONEST SELLER!

5 comments about The Pema Chodron Audio Collection: Pure Meditation:Good Medicine:From Fear to Fearlessness.

1. Got this for a gift and she loves it and highly recommends this audio book!



2. If you can get past the coughing, sneezing and nose blowing audience background noise and just concentrate on her voice and words then you are absolutely in for a wonderful teaching.



3. Exceptional product that I would absolutely recommend to all individuals. The Spiritual Awakening and grounding that this series has provided to me will take a life time to appreciate, THANK YOU. I have read a number of her books and titles, listened to a number of her CDs and I absolutely appreciate them all and will absolutely buy more!



4. This collection of 3 lectures on meditation and lojong is very helpful and detailed. If you are starting -- or restarting -- your meditation practice -- these recordings will be very useful. No one explains Buddhist meditation for westerners quite as well as Pema Chodron.



5. This series has helped me get deeper into my meditation. I've learned some new methods to consider, such as tonglen, as well as a bit of history behind the methods. I am able to connect with Pema's lectures because she approaches the subjects with lightness and humor. I bought this after a friend sent me "Getting Unstuck." I would recommend both. This collection is more of a lecture style while Getting Unstuck is more anecdotal.