Search - Don Shirley :: Golden Classics

All Don Shirley's music and recordings

JOHN G. KALBRENER | MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA USA | 01/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"That Don Shirley's music has not reached more people is both our and Dr. Shirley's tragedy. The man is a true Master of many musical forms. He brings to mind, among other artists, the great architects who design from their very hearts as well as their minds, and construct their work with infinite understanding and care for the composers' intentions *and* the Human Spirit, deep into every nook and corner of the structure. Don Shirley designs and constructs his music very much as Frank Lloyd Wright created what he called "Organic" spaces, where every element serves the "user" and literally en-lightens their lives. Don Shirley is such a unique artist that his relative absence from the Jazz and American Music (his term for his work) scene is one of the great mysteries of our culture. If you have read this far, please try just one of his recordings, *any* Don Shirley recording. You will experience an astounding artist reach deep into your spirit and fill you with bright, powerful, enchanting magic. You will be grateful, appreciative, and find yourself in the midst of a wonderful discovery."

Hidden Gem of Music

book mom | Neenah, WI USA | 08/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having been introduced to Mr. Shirley when my father first began collecting his vinyl recordings, I have searched for years to find his works on CD. To me and to my extended family as well, Mr. Shirley's music has been entertaining, inspring and comforting. Our only regret is that mainstream music America seems to know so little about this incredible musician and human being. THANK YOU for making his music available, and for anyone remotely interested - DO NOT MISS THIS MUSIC. We anxiously await more releases of his work."

If you buy one instrumental CD this year, this is it!

book mom | 12/22/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard of Don Shirley. In December 1999 I attended the funeral of a friend, Juliette McGuiness Nelson, at The Cathredral of Saint John The Divine in NYC. As part of the service, Mr. Shirley played a version of When The Saints Go Marching In. Sitting in Saint John the Divine and hearing Mr. Shirley's minimalized version of this old gospel song flow around the space was about as spiritual as I've beome in a church lately. It was more than music. After the service I spoke with some of my friends -- everyone in Harlem knew Don Shirley. When I arrived home I quickly did a search on Amazon for his titles. Finding only this one -- Golden Classics, I ordered it immediately. This CD is my find of the year!! Mr. Shirley's work is magnificent. He plays with the songs with a soft and loving sense of fun. The backup musicians don't overpower. His piano stands in the middle and leads you along. If you buy only one instrumental CD this year, this should be it. Let's hope that the owner of the other works reissues them. When is Mr. Shirley going back into the studio? It's been awhile, but he needs to get back to work!! Jim Williams New York City"