Various Artists - Thomas & the King / O.C.R. - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Two rarely performed piano trios by Sylvio Lazzari and Wilhelm Kienzl form the core of this album. Lazzari's Piano Trio op. 13 is characterized by a passionate tone and displays the composer's dramatic talent; like Kienzl, Lazzari would later become first and foremost an opera composer. Sylvio Lazzari was known for his skillfully crafted, sonorous music. In comparison with Lazzari's work, the piano trio by Wilhelm Kienzl is even more melodic and full of verve, even if it is also more conventional - which is not surprising since it is by a twenty-three-year-old student. His piano trio is full of youthful freshness. At times Kienzl's music exhibits flowing structures reminiscent of Schubert, and a hint of salon music wafts through the piece. À propos Wilhelm Jeral's InchSérénade Viennoise,Inch arranged for piano trio, is presented as a charming encore. This musical gem with InchWiener Schmäh,Inch as irresistible as a slice of plum cake with whipped cream on top, is congenially brought to the musical table!

The soundtrack includes multiple versions of one of the film's key dances, InchMy Funny Valentine,Inch performed by Elvis Costello, Kronos Quartet and Chet Baker. Tracks from Julee Cruise (of InchTwin Pea ksInch Fame), Kronos Quartet and Yo-Yo Ma plus score music by Van Dyke Parks round out the album.

The soundtrack to the sequel for Eddie & the Cruisers follows the basic blueprint of John Cafferty's songs for the first film - they're all high-energy pounding three-chord rock & roll sounding a bit like Bruce Springsteen or Bob Seger. There may not be a song as good as 'The Dark Side ' but the music is still enjoyable for hardcore fans of the original. - Stephen Thomas ErlewineFull performer name John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band. Personell John Cafferty (vocals guitar keyboards); Gary Gramolini (guitar); Michael 'Tunes' Atunes (saxophone); Bob Cotoia (keyboards); Pat Lupo (bass); Kenny Jo Silva (drums). Engineers Karl Rassmussen John Muldowney Tony.