Essential listening for guitar enthusiasts
Aldo Mosca | Sonoma, California United States | 05/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great distillation of the European recordings of Baden Powell. The theme selection and the quality of the sound is superb. I say this up front because these should be the top priorities in releasing recorded music.The rest of the production, however, seems a bit rushed (at least on the unit that I own). The graphic design is lovely, and the photos are great, but the copy is in two languages: English is used for the general notes and the technical data on each track, but the individual track notes are in portuguese. Fortunately, I can read both languages. The individual track notes are short, so if you aren't bilingual, don't worry. You won't be missing a whole lot.Also, on disc 1, track number 6 is labeled "Folha Morta", but it really is "Valsa de Euridice". The confusion may have arisen because it is taken from a live show and you can hear Baden warming up with "Folha Morta" for a few seconds before breaking into "Euridice".All in all, this is a great way to add some essential Baden Powell tracks to your collection without breaking the bank (Baden went through a frenzy of releases in the 60's and 70's, so there is a *LOT* of material out there)."
MOST IMPACTFUL ALBUM TO ME IN 2004
FREDatHome | Louisa, VA USA | 05/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had not known Baden Powell, and can thank DJ Ann Porotti's "All That Jazz" on WTJUfm in Charlottesville, VA (UVA) for introducing me. Having now listened to this album many, many times, particularly the second disc, which I prefer (altho both are great) - I can say that this album, more than any other in 2004, really impacted me and opened my ears to another area of listening.
Powell swings, picks, vocalizes background, and this music can serve as background or mood music - the album is just great. I do not know the language, and don't relate to the track titles, so I listen to his album as I do opera, for the pure sound. It's terrific guitar playing, and great overall music."
Stunning musicianship, must-have album
Steven R. Sims | Australia | 04/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I admit I haven't heard much of Baden Powell apart from this album, but I find it hard to imagine there can be anything better. For an introduction to BP, this is the one to get.
BP is absolutely scintillating on these 2 CDs. All are French recordings, the 1st CD from his Barclay work, the 2nd from Festival. There is a huge variety of music considering it all comes from the one artist.
Perhaps I'm biased, but after many listens I have to say every track is a masterpiece. This is wonderful guitar playing from start to finish, and if I had to try to categorise (impossible!) then the closest I could get would be Bossa meets Bach meets The Boss BP!
"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1