Bruns / Baier - Chamber Music for Woodwinds - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Jean Langlais was born on February 15, 1907, in La Fontenelle, Brittany, France. He became blind from the age of two. Sent to the Paris National Institute for the Blind Youth in 1918, he studied piano, violin, harmony and organ with great blind teachers (among others Albert Mahaut and Andre Marchal). Later on, he entered the Paris National Conservatory of Music in the Marcel Dupre's organ class, obtaining a First Prize in 1930. In 1931, after studying improvisation with Charles Tournemire, he received the InchGrand Prix d'Execution et Improvisation des Amis de l'OrgueInch. He completed his studies obtaining a Composition Prize in Paul Dukas' class at the Paris Conservatory in 1934.In 1945, he became the successor to Cesar Franck and Charles Tournemire at the prestigious organ tribune of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris. He gave countless concerts worldwide, and was a prolific composer. He died on May 8th, 1991 in Paris.Langlais' distinctive style combined traditional harmonies with contemporary techniques. His compositions often feature intricate organ textures and colourful harmonies, influenced by his background as a church musician. Langlais was also known for his use of modes and complex rhythms, which added to the unique character of his music. His works often have a strong emotional intensity and sense of drama, with frequent shifts in mood and dynamics.This is the third volume of the complete organ works includes sonatas, suites, Noels, the Symphony InchAlla WebernInch, and many miscellaneous shorter works.Played by 3 excellent Italian organists Giorgio Benati, Fausto Caporali and Alessandro Perin. The extensive booklet includes information on the organs used on this album.

Kraemer / Trio Saar Luxe - Kontraste Chamber Music for Woodwinds [COMPACT DISCS] date 02/02/1995

First album in years, co-produced by keyboardist George Whitty, is both smooth & swinging, with nods to George Benson, Pat Martino & Wes Montgomery. Years in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe, veteran guitarist Bill Moio has crafted a gem in Try This. Co-produced by keyboardist-arranger George Whitty who has toured and/or recorded with Herbie Hancock, The Brecker Brothers, and Grover Washington Jr., guitar aficionados and smooth jazz fans alike will be introduced to this talent deserving wider recognition, who has been flying under the radar. From the funky Tower of Power-inspired title track to the soulful, blues-tinged Struttin', the gorgeous ballad Friends Again and smooth jazz cruising numbers, Chuckles and Straight Talk, Moio and his cohort Whitty concocted a virtual two-man show on Try This through their accomplished keyboard sampling/sequencing technology and adept drum programming. The result is quite organic-sounding and authentic, while the guitarist unleashes his remarkably fluent chops in scintillating fashion. Along the way, the native of South Portland, Maine and resident of Paradise Valley, Arizona also sneaks in a few tips of the hat to guitar heroes Pat Martino (720 Berkeley and I've Heard It All Before) and Wes Montgomery (particularly his thumbed octaves work on Straight Talk, Let It Begin and Chuckles). A cadre of colleagues with alto saxophonist Eric Marienthal, bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Tom Brechtlein, appear as special guests on two tracks, Try This and Struttin' (Brechtlein also appears separately on Need to Know). Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron and trombonist Andy Martin bulk up the synthesized horn section on Struttin' and the Latin flavored closer, Arroz con Pollo. And the full sounding complement of digital horns and strings on I've Heard It All Before and Friends Again sound as convincing as the real deal.