Michael Lewin - If I Were a Bird: A Piano Aviary - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Album Tracks 1. Sonata Accadenica for Violin & Basso Continuo, Op.2, No.12 in D minor 2. Sonata for Obbligato Harpsichord & Violin, BWV 1019(A) in G 3. Suite for Solo Violin in a 4. Sonata for Violin & Basso Continuo, BWV 1024 in C minor (Attributed to Johann Georg Pisendel) 5. Adagio & Allegro for Obbligato Harpsichord & Violin, BWV 1019 in G

The music of Charles Tomlinson Griffes has a place in musicians', and especially pianists', hearts out of all proportion to it's quantity. Michael Lewin has recorded the complete piano music of Griffes on two CDs, of which this is the first. On this CD there are relatively familiar works, such as the Roman Sketches and Sonata, alongside yet-to-be published rarities, such as a charming transcription of Offenbach's Barcarolle, and a lovely Chopin like Prelude dating from the young composer's fifteenth year (he was to die, alas, only two decades later). Album Tracks 1. Son I. Feroce; Allegrettl Con Moto 2. Son II. Molto Tranquillo 3. Son III. Allegro Vivace 4. Three Tone-Pictures, Op.5 The Lake at Evening 5. Three Tone-Pictures, Op.5 The Vale of Dreams 6. Three Tone-Pictures, Op.5 The Night Winds 7. Tempo Rubato 8. Roman Sketches, Op.7 The White Peacock 9. Roman Sketches, Op.7 Nightfall 10. Roman Sketches, Op.7 The Fountains of Acqua Paola 11. Roman Sketches, Op.7 Clouds 12. A Winter Landscape Lento E Mesto 13. Rhap in B W. Great Freedom 14. Offenbach's 'Les Contes D'hoffmann' Barcarolle ('Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'amour') 15. Legend in F# Moderato 16. PRLD in B Andante

Following the success of the Ayo Ke Disco compilation (on Soundway), Norsicaa launches a new record tag. The first is 'After Midnight' a reissue of the sublime second album from keyboardist Boy Katindig. Jazz-fusion, disco-funk, Latin jazz and batucada rhythms get the Filipino treatment on this album originally released in 1980. 'After Midnight' draws heavy influence from soul and funk contemporaries in the US as well as Latin America, in particular the famed Brazilian percussionist Paulinho da Costa.It's a testament to his musical prowess that Katindig weaves effortlessly between styles and tempos. His reverence for Paulinho da Costa extends far, with covers of several songs from the latter's 1979 Happy People album. It also includes a slow-burner cover of 'Déjà Vu' written by Isaac Hayes originally for Dionne Warwick; on the Filipino instrumental version, local legends Jun Regalado and Roger Herrera (from Regalado's 'Pinoy Funk' single) are reunited on drums and bass respectively.But Katindig's original compositions hold just as much weight and unique personality title track 'After Midnight' opens with a sultry funk serenade reminiscent of The Isley Brothers, and quickly transforms into a catchy, blistering, saxophone chorus that brims with swagger. Hidden B-side gem 'Got The Need' is an uptempo tribute to batucada that would not be out of place in a jazzy house set, and boasts increasingly elaborate and psychedelic solos from Katindig on keys and Ben Concepcion on soprano sax. Album Tracks 1. After Midnight 2. Seeing Is Believing 3. Wildflower 4. Getting Out of Hand 5. Got the Need 6. What I Feel 7. Love Till the End of Time 8. DÉJÀ Vu