Benoit Mernier - J.S. Bach, Buxtehude & Bruhns - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

April Verch is known as one of the most esteemed fiddlers and stepdancers of her generation. On Once A Day, it's her voice - a sweet and gossamer instrument - that adds a distinct personal flair to her homage of 1950s and 60s classic country. Verch, an Ottawa Valley, Canada native, grew up on the sentimental songcraft of this iconic era, and her deep appreciation of the source material is clear in her careful attention to songwriting and phrasing. Songs penned by greats such as Webb Pierce, Loretta Lynn, The Louvin Brothers, and Connie Smith are bound together by a masterful studio band of country veterans, including steel guitarist Al Perkins (Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris), guitarist Redd Volkaert (Merle Haggard) and fiddler Kenny Sears (Mel Tillis, Grand Ole Opry). Recorded in Nashville and produced by Doug Cox, the arrangements on this record breathe-a rare example that reminds us that less is often more. With 12 albums and nearly two decades of touring under her belt, Once A Day reminds us of Verch's incredible range, and is sure to delight fans of classic country and it's relatives.

J.S. Bach - Clavierubung 3 [COMPACT DISCS] date 05/25/2004

Even though the institution of the InchBWVInch (InchBach-Werke-VerzeichnisInch) - as well as the InchKVInch (InchKechel-VerzeichnisInch) - seems untouchable and sacrosanct, an expansion seems possible. This can hardly be achieved by newly found or identified works, as archives have already been searched very thoroughly. But Holger Eichhorn, founder of the Musicalische Compagney is not satisfied with the existing and established oeuvre, for Motets - and at that some of the highest artistic value and interesting stylistic features - are hidden in about a dozen of Bach's Cantatas. Taking the Motets out of their context in which they have survived (namely in 11 Cantatas) and placing them next to InchtheInch standardized Motets, makes this recording an absolute first.