A Poets View

Photo courtesy of www.mp3cream.com

In celebration of the Lunar New Year, I thought it fitting to review one of my favorite CD’s, Tai Chi sunrise by Boko Suzuki.  I enjoy all styles of music however traditional Asian music is a definite hit with me.

Boko Suzuki has had an amazing career with music and directing musicals such as RENT on Broadway.  He is an impeccable musician and director in his own right.

I first heard Tai Chi sunrise while working in Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco.  I worked in a music shop where we had several various artist CD’s we would play on a daily basis.  The cover of the cd is what prompted me to play it.  I was immediately entranced by the Eastern sounds and traditional Chinese instruments.  Each song played in quiet and serene detail.  As an instrumental only CD it exemplifies the art of song.

Instruments played consist of piano and synthesizer, Chinese dizi flutes, acoustic guitars and percussion.  Each of the eight tracks plays anywhere from three and a half minutes to over nine minutes.  All of the tracks are composed, arranged and produced by Boko Suzuki.

The first track  “Body Goes Where The Spirit Reaches” being my favorite on the CD is pure tranquility from beginning to end.  It will soar through your spirit infusing your soul with peace and harmony.  Simply breathtaking is an understatement.  And, each track follows suit.

If you enjoy soothing inspirational sounds that will uplift your spirit, Tai Chi sunrise is a must.

There are several download services available and too many to list here.  So, you can simply google Tai Chi sunrise boko suzuki to hear samples and buy downloads.

A living legend best describes Tony Bennett. I recently had the honor of seeing him in person here in San Francisco. I came out of that concert knowing that I was in the presence of greatness. A greatness that probably will never be matched in my lifetime.

I was given duets as a gift and it has become one of my favorite cd’s. I like the eclectic mix of tunes and singers who lend beautiful harmonies to the cd. The epitome of a good song is measured by the ability of it’s being able to stand the test of time by various renditions being created by different artists. Tony Bennett is the master.

His decision I think to reach out to the younger generation with his music was not only smart from a business standpoint but it also brings classic great music to the younger crowd who these days basically only listen to hip hop and rap. They gravitated to Tony’s music like bees to honey as is evident of his winning so many Grammy awards these past years. His goal was to reach out to each and every person no matter their age.  He has accomplished this goal and then some with Duets.

It is a jazzy compilation of songs standing the true test of time and is a classic gem. Tony Bennett stood true to his music all his life and only sang and performed with the best and continues to do so. This CD is a classic example of his steadfast belief. Duets is a CD for the ages, any age.

http://www.tonybennett.com

Vocalist Sony Holland’s latest cd collection – Swing, Bossas, Ballads & Blues is hip, smart, sexy and her best yet. It hosts a mix of jazz, jazzy rock, blues and pop. The original tunes on this cd, As You Are, I Can’t Blame Them For Trying and Act Like You’re In Love With Me are outstanding to say the least. As You Are with its poetic lyrics “Whisper low and careless rhyme/like wind blowing through the chimes/ & Lose yourself in sweet amor/lie upon my peaceful shore” is a testament to the creative writing talent of songwriter Jerry Holland. Act Like You’re In Love With Me is a sexy, bluesy gem. I Can’t Blame Them For Trying is a soft, smooth piece which to me stands tall among the classic standards. The vocal range of Sony Holland is amazing when you listen to her stirring renditions of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and The Shadow Of Your Smile. She can rock on with the best of them with Fifty Way To Leave Your Lover and have you in a musical trance with Midnight Sun. Her voice is the epitome of vocal eloquence - smooth and sensual. One thing among many that I really love about Sony’s voice is the fact that you are able to clearly hear each word and phrase. She is a top notch singer and performer.  The players on the cd are second to none. With the hot sax of Charles McNeal, Art Khu tickling those ivories and Dave Rokeach never missing a beat, in company with the other stellar musicians accompanying Ms. Holland, you’ve got a fantastic musical journey on Swing, Bossas, Ballads & Blues. And, with the engineering genius of grammy award winner Leslie Ann Jones, how could you go wrong?