Art of Jazz Guitar

Track Listings

1. Moppin' the Blues

2. Danse Norvegienne

3. Babik (Bi-Bop)

4. Féerie

5. Heavy Artillery (Artillerie Lourde)

6. Fly Fishing

7. Crépuscule

8. Swanee River

9. Tiger Rag

10. Gypsy With a Song

11. Swinging Down

12. Paris Blues

13. Diners Swing

14. Scandinavia

15. Lucky Thirteen

16. Beltown

Tracks:

Five-five-FIVE
Hog Heaven
Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar
While You Were Out
Treacherous Cretins
Heavy Duty Judy
Soup' N Old Clothes

Tracks:

Variations On The Carlos Santana Secret Chord Progression
Gee, I Like Your Pants
Canarsie
Ship Ahoy
The Deathless Horsie
Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar Some More
Pink Napkins

Tracks:

Beat It With Your Fist
Return Of The Son Of Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar
Pinocchio's Furniture
Why Johnny Can't Read
Stucco Homes
Canard Du Jour

Amazon.com

Guitar solos and nothing but. Meticulously culled and assembled by Zappa from live recordings made between 1979 and 1980, this three part set features some of the most dynamic and musical guitar work recorded anywhere by anyone. From the rhythmically dazzling "five-five-FIVE" to the unique lyricism of the three title tracks, Zappa proves beyond doubt that he belongs among the most elite of rock's guitar virtuosos. The remarkable interplay between Zappa and Vinnie Colaiuta--some consider this to be the drummer's best work--provides this album with some of its most memorable moments. --Andrew Boscardin

Customer Reviews:

cheezy box.......2007-02-02

I thought a boxed set would have a better box and real disk cases not paper.
The music wasn't as good as expected either. Franks later works are more tidy than the sometimes "at a loss of cords" jumble. Still good jams though.

I don't want to shut up.......2006-12-05

I don't want to shut up because I want to say that this album contains some very beautiful music, even if some moments are ugly like the solo in Heavy duty Judy but it's Zappa you know, completly unpredictable. I prefer this one to "Guitar" album a lot. Guitar is a lot less interesting overall and this one represents Frank in his very deep soul to me. If you don't know what to buy among the two, buy this one for sure. About the music. It is only instrumental music. No words, no songs. Zappa complained at the time that in America you should have songs with words to be considered, and heard... but luckly he decided a lot of times to put out things like this one, a three records box of instrumental music and guitar stuff (with monsters musicians that played with him). I, as a competent Jazz guitarist, am not particularly shocked or impressed by Zappa's technique, on the contrary I absolutly don't consider him a virtuoso, but a quite "original" and unusual musician. A true naif of the instrument. He was a naif on the guitar, not a technician, a scientist of the instrument, or a perfectionist. But he, in his quite weird way, did communicate things. And this is what does it count. And I love to hear him play. But I think that his most important things are on the compositional side not as instrumentalist. But nevertheless I really appreciate this album. There are quite interesting tunes, textures, musical soundscapes and guitar solos. The packaging is well done even if I don't go crazy for paper boxes (they can be ruined easily). Inside you will find the three albums in their "original" cover artwork which is a strong plus for collectors. It is sure an important box in the immense Zappa's catalogue, full of masterpieces. I can suggest the purchase of this one absolutly. Go, do it!

shut up and play yer guitar.......2006-11-10

if you like zappa, this is the one for you, a true guitar guniess!

If you like music, buy this!!!.......2006-10-23

shut up and play yer guitar is a 3 cd set which includes some fantastic compositions by FZ.Not only are the guitar solos mesmerisingly magnificent,the bass and drums are beautifully performed also.Iwould reccommend this to anybody interested in the life and times of FZ as there is plenty of stunning guitar work on it.In short,just buy it,listen to it and enjoy!!

Best of Zappa's Guitar Work........2006-07-28

What I like is the range of bizarre guitar sounds on the record and Frank's use of the guitar as a melodic instrument, like a jazz saxophone, instead of just a "rock out" guitar solo that is part of a regular song. The variety of guitar tones he gets are pretty amazing and fun to listen to.
He has this crazy natural abillity that is present in his solos. Every once in a while during a solo, he will hit the most beautiful note that you never even thought he could throw in, but he does it and i am amazed every time.
The title track is cool, so is Five-Five-Five, and I believe Steve Vai had some part in this record. I only have the tape, it's a 20 year old cassette. Treacherous Cretins is pretty cool too. A classic.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant
I have waited so long for this
Magnificent guitar - a chord melody tour de force
I don't own this but I love it! It is absolutly SUBLIME !
Simply the best!

Solo Guitar
Ted Greene
Manufacturer: Art of Life Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Chord Chemistry
Modern Chord Progressions
Jazz Guitar Single Note Soloing, Volume 1
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Contemporary Chord Khancepts (Jazz Masters)

ASIN: B0007CNXQ4
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

Watch What Happens
Summertime/It Ain't Necessarily So (Medley)
Danny Boy (Londonderry Air)
Send In The Clowns
Ol' Man River
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Just Friends
A Certain Smile

Album Description

Originally released in 1977 on PMP Records and now available on CD for the first time ever! Digitally remastered for compact disc from the original analog master tapes by John Strother at Penguin Recording in Los Angeles, California and supervised by Ted Greene himself. Includes the original album cover artwork and liner notes from both pressings of the original LP release. Ted is also the author of several excellent books on the subject of guitar chords, "Chord Chemistry", and chord progressions, "Modern Chord Progressions", as well as Jazz guitar soloing, "Jazz Guitar Single Note Soloing, Volume 1 & 2". This is the only recording Ted Greene has ever released as a leader; a true solo guitar masterpiece in every sense of the word. Many people all over the world have been anxiously awaiting the CD reissue of Ted's "Solo Guitar" album. Art of Life Records is proud to make this long out-of-print recording available to the world once again.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2007-03-09

An amazing record. I looked Ted up on Google because my teacher, Mike Rao, also a fantastic player, was one of Ted's students and spoke highly of him. That led me to Amazon, where I was surprised to find Ted's record for sale. Glad I bought it. He has a wonderful way with the standards. It's hard to beleive he's playing solo.

I have waited so long for this.......2007-01-06

I am a George Van Eps lover. I came by this reissue when I was shopping for Van Eps CDs. The listening of the arrangements of these songs is a wonderful trip through the beauty of harmony. Voices responding to each other, bass lines and harmonics are magnifying the whole experience. The missing star (wich is totally based on personnal taste) comes from the experience M. Greene and the sound ingeneer made. They simultaneously taped the guitar straight through the board and through a samll Leslie rotating speaker wich gives a "phasing" effect. I find it a bit distractive.

The buy is worthed. The experience is exceptionnal. If you have studied a bit Greene's wonderful Chord Chemistry book and are a fan of guitar Chord Melody, THIS IS A MUST.

Magnificent guitar - a chord melody tour de force.......2007-01-04

I have few words to offer that can do this album justice. If you love solo jazz guitar, you will treasure this contribution from one of the all-time masters of the instrument. The multi-part arrangements sound like at least two people playing at once. Walking bass, lyrical melodies and intelligent harmonies flow out with beautiful clean tones. This is not just another stuffy jazz guitar album. It's smooooooth - easy for anyone to listen to.

Greene's arrangements are musical, lyrical, heavenly sounding, swinging, lovely and simply amazing. A true master.

I have been playing serious guitar a long time and have enjoyed hearing the many great players of all genres throughout my life. I can think of very few as put together as Ted Greene. The tasteful merger of a master technician harnessed within a sensitive artist. Inspired and inspiring - deserves 7 stars.

I don't own this but I love it! It is absolutly SUBLIME !.......2006-07-31

It may seems strange. I don't own this record, but this morning I can't do nothing but listen countless times the samples of "Solo Guitar" here on Amazon. I find this record sublime. Nothing less. I didn't know about Ted Greene prior to these listenings and I am a Jazz guitarist that knows every player around present and gone. This to say how secret this album and this player really are. This is a gem, you can easily hear what a wonderful kind of harmonizations Ted was able to produce. His guitar was like a grand piano. Fantastic his use of harmonics too. He reminds me a little bit of Johnny Smith. And Johnny is one of my favourite players for sure. There's even something from Lenny Breau in his music, and Lenny was another master of the Jazz solo guitar playing. Ted's music is technically brilliant and emotionally tender and at the same time absolutly mesmerizing. The beauty this man had inside is really present in his music. You can feel he was a clean, gentle soul. This music is of the highest technical level possible but it is played to please and to give the audience emotions. It's not an ego trip, something that can happen in Jazz. It's a work of art of a lifetime (Ted infact recorded only this record under his own name). I'm gonna buy immediatly this album (and even the music books Ted wrote) because the samples here are absolutly enough to let me understand how big was this man and how precious his music was ..... if you have enough hear for true music you will do the same. A gem.

Some times later ... now I own this one. As I already told you, it's a gem. Nothing less.

Simply the best!.......2006-06-06

After one listen to this CD you might as well use your guitar as a coffee table. This man is a master of chord medley. If your a serious guitar player you NEED THIS CD! When your done listening then go buy all of his books. God Bless you Ted Greene.

Average customer rating:

Winos do not march
YES!!!
Only Frank knows......
Not for children or republicans
If you're up for a challenge...

Guitar
Frank Zappa
Manufacturer: Zappa Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 3
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 2
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 4
You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 1

ASIN: B0000009TH
Release Date: 1995-05-02

Tracks:

Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
Which One Is It?
Republicans
Do Not Pass Go
Chalk Pie
In-A-Gadda-Stravinsky
That's Not Really Reggae
When No One Was No One
Once Again, Without The Net
Outside Now (Original Solo)
Jim & Tammy's Upper Room
Were We Ever Really Safe In San Antonio?
That OL' G Minor Thing Again
Hotel Atlanta Incidentals
That's Not Really A Shuffle
Move It Or Park It
Surise Redeemer

Tracks:

Variations On Sinister #3
Orrin Hatch On Skis
But Who Was Fulcanelli?
For Duane
GOA
Winos Do Not march
Swans? What Swans?
Too Ugly To Show Business
Systems Of Edges
Do Not Try This At Home
Things That Look Like Meat
Watermelon In Easter Hay
Canadian Customs
Is That All There Is?
It Ain't Necessarily The Saint James Infirmary

Amazon.com

The sequel to Shut Up and Play Your Guitar, Guitar is a two-part collection of improvisations by Frank Zappa, assembled from live recordings between 1979 and 1984. Zappa's bands from this period provides a solid foundation for what is essentially a one-man show, as Zappa carves his "air sculptures" from fluid, lyrical guitar notes. The backdrops vary from rock to blues to free-form embellishments to Zappa-defined reggae all the while giving the soloist plenty of room to explore his instrument. While it lacks the interplay between Zappa and drummer Vinnie Colliuta (he appears on only one track of this set) that made its predecessor so remarkable, Guitar contains more than enough of Zappa's musicianship to carry the day, making this an essential part of any Zappa or guitar fan's collection. --Andrew Boscardin

Customer Reviews:

Winos do not march.......2007-01-13

Get it for Winos Do Not March. I've never heard anyone play the guitar like that. FZ's genius really shines on some of these tracks.

YES!!!.......2005-12-16

This album contains the most stirring tribute to Republicans ever recorded. It's why I became one! My eyes get teary just thinking about it. I LOVE THIS ALBUM!

Only Frank knows.............2005-07-20

First of all let me say I am a huge fan of FZ and Steve Vai, but could someone please tell me what a "stunt guitar" is/does? I don't understand why Frank brought along a young virtuoso named Steve Vai, billed him as a stunt guitarist,and then buried him in the mix of his band of idiot savants. Only Frank himself knows....and he's not talking. Another two disc set of FZ solos is only for the most hardcore Zappa fan and this collection will not dissapoint. Perhaps as a counter point to "Shut Up 'N Play", Frank could have highlighted Mr. Vai's talents (as well as those of Ike Willis, Ray White and Denny Whalley)by trading leads with them. On the positive side this collection reinforces the notion that Frank is one of the most underated guitarists ever.

Not for children or republicans.......2005-02-03

That is what the linear notes say, written by Zappa himself, so if you belong to any of those groups I suggest you follow the artist recommendation. This is in no way a less satisfying record than 'Shut up and play your guitar'. If you liked 'Shut up..' you need this one and viceversa. Its true, the greatest drummer Zappa ever had was Vinnie Colaiutta and he is not on this album, but to say that the rest of the musicians on this album are bad is just plain dumb. This is Zappa the guitar player/composer at his best.

If you're up for a challenge..........2005-01-09

An album like this will challenge your ears in several ways. Like most of Zappa's output, this CD isn't for everyone. Those who criticize Frank's guitar playing from a technical standpoint, however, are completely missing the point. Steve Vai et al. are certainly better technically on the guitar, but I think Vai would be the first person to admit that he couldn't improvise in a live setting on this level. Zappa was trying to create spontaneous compositions as he played, and he was unafraid of trying absolutely anything in his quest to do so.

If you hear on this set a lot of repetition, a lot of exploration of similar melodic/rhythmic themes, this is mainly due to the fact that a lot of the solos were recorded around the same time (even at the same shows) so that was what was in his head. I think of them as variations, not perhaps in the classical sense of a "theme and variations" but multiple explorations of the same material.

On the other hand, I think if you listen closely it's amazing from a compositional standpoint. There is an inner logic and coherence to the solos, whether self-proclaimed "expert guitar players" choose to acknowledge this or not. Frank's guitar technique was highly unorthodox and it might not be what you would like to hear from a guitar player, but he wasn't interested in playing clean, perfect lines. He was interested in doing something different every single time he got out there to play a solo, and this is a document of his attempts to do just that. It is a record of experiments with an audience.

The other major complaint about this CD is the sound, particularly the sound of the band playing behind Frank. As an experimenter, Frank Zappa was bound to be drawn to the new synthesizers and other gadgets that came out at this time, just as many, many other bands and musicians were in the 80's. However, when I listen to this album I am always struck by how natural-sounding it actually is versus a lot of other material from the 80's. I mean we are talking about the decade of Duran Duran, Devo, Joy Division, Culture Club, Madonna and a ton of other bands that sounded far more "plastic" than Zappa's band ever managed, even during the much-maligned 1984 tour (the one with all the fake handclaps and electronic drums).

Any modern music listener who isn't able to have an appreciation for electronic sounds is pretty much lost at sea as far as I am concerned. Compare this album with the Postal Service or the Prodigy and you tell me who sounds more machine-like. To my mind there's nothing cold or unexpressive about machine-made music at all. I think the real issue is that the sounds on this album serve to underscore the emotional coldness of Frank Zappa himself, something with which a lot of his fans are uncomfortable.

I don't see a huge gulf between Frank's playing or his tone in 1979 versus 1984. It's different, yes, but it's clearly the same guy playing and I don't immediately prefer one to the other. I agree that Vinnie Colaiuta is more attuned with what Frank was doing than Chad Wackerman is. However, Wackerman is more than competent and he does have his moments if you're willing to listen without prejudice. Also, critics of Scott Thunes' playing on bass have no idea what they're talking about. Just listen (with a really good pair of headphones or a great stereo) to the first track, "Sexual Harassment.." and you realize that Scott is playing his ass off while still completely supporting Frank.

I think Guitar deserves to be listened to very carefully by anyone who enjoys experimental music and wants to hear someone who is reaching for something rather than trying to stay inside a musical box or do what is expected. And I actually enjoy the hell out of this album. I get a lot of pure pleasure listening to Frank and the musicians he was playing with on these recordings. So there are those of us out there who truly enjoy listening to Guitar in its entirety.

Average customer rating:

A good pop record.
Quirky Beatlesque Album is a Classic
!Que dificil es valorar a Belew!
Not Belew's best but a strong album nonetheless
Last half is excellent

Mr. Music Head
Adrian Belew
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Young Lions
Here
Inner Revolution
Lone Rhino/Twang Bar King
Salad Days

ASIN: B000002IO3
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Oh Daddy
House Of Cards
One Of Those Days
Coconuts
Bad Days
Peaceable Kingdom
Hot Zoo
Motor Bungalow
Bumpity Bump
Bird In A Box
1967
Cruelty To Animals

Customer Reviews:

A good pop record........2005-07-13

By the late '80s, Adrian Belew was one of the most sought after guitarists in rock music-- after three solo albums, fronting King Crimson for three records in the early '80s, session work with as diverse a group as Laurie Anderson, David Byrne/Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Frank Zappa and literally dozens of others. But commercial success eluded him. A band he was involved in, The Bears seemed poised to reach it, but their record label folded and Belew resumed his solo career.

I'll talk about the rest of the album in a minute, but into this environment Adrian Belew wrote leadoff track (and single) for "Mr. Music Head", a piece called "Oh Daddy". Featuring a vocal by his daughter asking him when success was going to arrive, Belew rips out a blast of a pop song with a superb lead guitar line and a catchy chorus. It figures that a brilliant songwriter would turn perceived failure into a triumph such as this, and in this sort of bouncy pop song Belew would construct what I feel is his first consistently satisfying album of his solo career.

One thing that's quite interesting about this record is a lot of the songs on here are piano-driven, particularly a lot of the other really great stuff (other than the opener), including great pop song "One of Those Days" and the decidingly melancholy "Bad Days" (featuring some subtle and brilliant guitar playing from Belew). Other standouts include the stunning "Peaceable Kingdom" (vocals over percussion in a sort of African-pop meets Beatles sensibilities) and the phenomenal "1967", featuring one of Belew's best vocals, both in delivery and arrangement, and a great solo guitar backing.

If there is a complaint to be made, it's that "Mr. Music Head" never really drifts out of the pop vein. I find that Belew's best work tends to fuse his avant-garde leanings with his pop sensibilities. This one gets a little too same-old same-old as it drives on.

All in all, its a good record, not the masterpiece its followup ("Young Lions") would be, but definitely a good one, and probably Belew's most accessible work.

Quirky Beatlesque Album is a Classic.......2003-04-28

Adrian Belew is a master of sound manipulation. From his banana Strat and sea of effects pedals he can conjure practically any sound imaginable: who else could write pop songs such as Elephant Talk, Big Electric Cat, and Lone Rhinoserous?. Throughout his long career supporting enigmatic artists such as Talking Heads, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and Laurie Anderson, and 20 years as the front man for progressive rock icon King Crimson, Adrian has always displayed his considerable musical talents, his not-quite-in-the-mainstream pop sensibility, and above all his love of music.

All of these characteristics are on full display here. "Oh Daddy" was a minor hit for Belew, and features his daughter Audie's vocals. This catchy tune is a wry comment on the music industry, and Belew's modest position within it. Elsewhere, he creates images of perfect summer days, imperfect relationships with happy endings and Peaceable Kingdoms, where animals roam free unhindered by humans. Belew has clearly been influenced by John Lennon and the Beatles, and here he even attempts a sound collage, a la Revolution #9. However, Belew even makes this sound more joyful than sinister. Naturally, Belew decorates his songs beautifully: he plays all the instruments on this album, but that is mainly piano, percussion, and guitar synth. But he creates quirky solo lines, atmospheric backgrounds, and even a clarinet solo from that palatte.

Anyone who's ever seen Belew perform live will recognize his pure joy at being on stage and making music, and that joy comes through vividly on this wonderful disc. This is a wonderful accompaniment to a breezy spring afternoon or a summer drive to the country. Buy this CD!

!Que dificil es valorar a Belew!.......2003-01-20

Sí, que dificil es valorar los discos de Adrian Belew. Es evidente que la mayor parte de los aficionados, se acercan a este artista, desde la perspectiva de King Crimson. Así analizado, sus discos pecan de "exceso pop". Sin embargo, si te acercas desde un punto de vista global, analizando, no solo su participación en KC, sino sus discos en solitario, sus colaboraciones y sus proyectos paralelos, llegas a la conclusión de que estamos ante uno de los principales músicos de la escena pop-rock. Este disco que comentamos, supuso su primer intento con Atlantic, después de una estupenda trilogía anterior. Los tres discos que realizó para Atlantic son sucesivamente peores, pero éste se mantiene, aún, con altos standares de calidad. Si exceptuamos el primer tema (autenticamente horrible)el resto nos muestra, una vez mas, sus inflencias Beatles. Muchos de los temas de Belew podrían ser catalogados como las grabaciones perdidas de "Revolver". NO es que suenen a algún tema en concreto, pero tienen ese sentimiento.

Not Belew's best but a strong album nonetheless.......2002-10-29

If you could make your guitar make any sound in the world what would it be? In the case of Adrian Belew, he can make it sound like every animal from Jumanji and quite a few you can't imagine. Unlike a lot of musicians, that's not just his focus. Belew loves melodic pop songs. He loves the Beatles. He loves much of the music of the 60's and 70's. He doesn't focus or dwell on the past but emblishes on it using it as a foundation to build new music not retro music.

Mr. Music Head was Belew's break through album. His minor hit Oh Daddy actually reached a mainstream audience (that's also true of the songs he wrote with Fripp, Levin and Brufford for the 80's incarnation of King Crimson). His adorable daughter Audie sings on the track and it isn't corny. Unlike his earlier albums Lone Rhino and Twang Bar King (both out of print and never committed to CD. You can hear the highlights on his compilation CD), the jokes are more subdued and downplayed in favor of more serious material and stronger songs. That's just as well as well because his joke material is fine to listen to but doesn't leave much of an impression compared to his better songs.

The material ranges from sublime (One of These Days) to silly (Oh Daddy). Mr. Music Head, like Here and Inner Revolution shows Belew at the top of his form. I'd also recommend his work with King Crimson-- Discipline, Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair, Thrak and Live in Argentina. The Acoustic Adrian Belew is also worth picking up. The Talking Heads albums you should pick up that features his distinctive vocals and guitar work include Remain in Light and The Name of This Band is Talking Heads (available only in vinyl and long out print but I have a copy transferred to CDR. I'd recommend doing the same thing).

Enjoy the music of the Lone Rhino.

Last half is excellent.......2002-03-22

This is Adrian Belew's fourth solo album. It has 12 songs ranging from 3 to 5 long. Total running time is 45 minutes. It is similar in style to his first three. It has wild melodies, interesting rhythms and strange guitar playing.

The last half of this album is excellent. The songs are great and meaningful. The main problem is that the opening tracks are too silly and light. They the kind of songs that stick in your head and you can't get rid of them. Like a bad kid's song or radio jingle. I don't like playing this album because I have to sit through Oh Daddy one more time to get the to better stuff. It would have been great if the song order were reversed. The opening tracks aren't bad, it just that the later tracks are better.

After the first few tracks, the guitar playing is excellent. His innovative way of playing the guitar adds extra depth to the songs.

Belew is one of the most talented, versatile musicians around. He played with Zappa, Bowie, Talking Heads and King Crimson, just to name a few. He was one of the few musicians who could actually upstage Zappa. With King Crimson, we added a whole new personality to the group and his stage presence was astonishing. But, he has had some down moments, like his time with the Bears.

Tracks:

Blues For Carole
How High The Moon
You Needed Me
The Claw
Secret Love
Sweet Georgia Brown
My Foolish Heart
I Fall In Love Too Easily
Send In The Clowns
Nine Pound Hammer
Cannonball Rag
Flamenco
It Could Happen To You

Tracks:

Visions
Remembering The Rain
Autumn Leaves
Indiana
Stella By Starlight
Emily
My Funny Valentine *
Autumn Leaves *
Johnny Cash Sings Jazz? *
Lenny's Radio *

Album Description

Originally released as "The Living Room Tapes - Volume 1" & "The Living Room Tapes - Volume 2", this two CD set brings together, for the first time, both volumes of "The Living Room Tapes" in one package, in addition to over 30 minutes of previously unreleased material. All tracks have been digitally re-mastered. The total playing time of both CD's combined is almost two and a half hours long. This two CD set contains 23 songs including 4 previously unreleased bonus tracks. The music contained on this two disc set is some of the best Lenny Breau ever recorded. This is a rare opportunity to hear Lenny play music by Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, and many well known Jazz Standards. Lenny also performs many solo pieces in addition to the duo material with clarinetist Brad Terry. Two of the bonus tracks reveal the humorous side of Lenny's personality and are sure to put a smile on your face.

Customer Reviews:

A Mountaintop Experience For Lenny Breau Jazz Guitar Fans.......2004-04-13

When I first received this CD it stayed playing in my computer between every other CD. I really love the whole range of Lenny's modern solo chordal guitar style represented at such an obviously happy and good time in his life.

His responsive, sensitive, artful backing styles when Brad is blowing clarinet are improvised mini-masterpieces. Great creative variety in his walking bass lines, tasty intuitive chording and counterpoint, and some of his best technical work combining fluid and gorgeous lead lines, while you never hear his technique get in the way. Some of his albums inspire deep sighs and tears in your eyes. This one makes you smile and sometime laugh out loud all the wat thru'. It is truly a joyous CD!

The Best of Lenny Breau's Posthumous Releases!.......2003-05-01

This beautifully remastered 2 CD set is the best news Breau fans have had in years. His playing is not only technically astounding, it's playful, imaginative and expressive. As well, this set captures the array of influences that shaped Breau's style: jazz, blues, flamenco, country and more. The previously unreleased material is awesome with Breau doing a couple of hilarious comedy skits. The remastering job done here is remarkable, a vast improvment on the quality of the original releases. GET THESE CDS!!

The music speaks for itself.......2003-05-01

What a great release! The music is wonderful and the banter between Lenny and Brad is playful and thoughtful. As someone who has been involved with music my whole life, I have to disagree with the previous posting regarding sound quality. The quality is there. The highs are crisp and the lows are rounded...a perfect mix! Do yourself favor and take a listen. You WON'T be disappointed.

The BEST Lenny Breau EVER!!.......2003-05-01

Anyone who is a fan of Lenny's music needs to purchase this recording. This is far and above some of his best recorded work. The sound quality is excellent throughout and Lenny's choice of material is also excellent. Volume One was originally released on LP and then on CD but has been out of print for many years now. Volume Two has NEVER been released on LP and was available on CD years ago. The new 2 CD set contains both volumes with extra tracks and all tracks have been digitally remastered. First class Lenny Breau!!

One of Lenny's Best.......2003-02-14

I must admit. At first I was a little skeptical about Lenny and Clarinetist Brad Terry. Mr. Terry proves himself equal to the challange of playing with Lenny Breau. The interplay between clainet and guitar is on a level rarely heard anywhere.The Bourbon Street cd with Lenny Breau and Dave Young come to mind. However there is more varity on this cd.There is also plenty of guitar solo. With Lenny playing Travis style, Jazz and Flamenco. All on a seven string nylon guitar. This was his first recorded performance on that insturment.There are also several electric guitar solos as well. I highly recommend this cd. As this is one of Lenny best.

Average customer rating:

Bass Lovers Need this CD
Mind Blowing, Haunting Musicianship
This is a great CD
Buy this CD
maybe my expectations were to high

View
Bryan Beller
Manufacturer: Onion Boy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Universe Will Provide
Dog
Frank Zappa: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation
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Guitar Therapy Live

ASIN: B0000C1HFG
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Bear divide
Seven percent grade
Supermarket people
Elate
Get things done
Backwoods
Bite
Eighteen weeks
Projectile
Wildflower
No
See you next Tuesday
View

Product Description

Long known as a uniquely talented yet tasteful hired gun bassist for the more adventurous rock guitarists of recent times (Mike Keneally, Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa, Wayne Kramer), Bryan Beller ventures out on his own with his debut solo album, View. LA based Beller has composed a carefully crafted emotional tapestry of interweaving themes and styles on his mainly instrumental jazz/rock release.

Customer Reviews:

Bass Lovers Need this CD.......2004-08-23

I absolutely love this CD. This may be Bryan's first solo album, but nothing about this piece of art says "rookie". If you've never heard Bryan play acoustic bass you will be amazed at the lovely melodies and harmonies he creates. The electric songs are SO good. "7% Grade" is dangerous to play while driving as it leads to heavy acceleration... "Bite" is great crunchy rock ... it's not too hard it's not too soft.. if Goldilocks were shopping for a CD, she would choose "View". And then she should go next door and try out Mike Keneally's CD, "Dog".

Mind Blowing, Haunting Musicianship.......2004-08-08

I love The Mike Keneally Band. So I bought this CD by the Keneally's bassist because I thought it would be "interesting." I was unprepared for the mind blowing journey Beller has in store on View. Unparalleled musicianship is an understatement in describing this CD. And the guys you've heard of (Keneally on keyboards, Joe Travers on drums, Beller) give you everything you'd expect and more. But its the guys you may not have heard of that really knock you socks off -- Griff Peters and Wes Wehmuller, guitar and bass respectively. Beller said in his live performance of View that Wehmuller is a guy that makes Beller wish he played a different instrument so that he (Beller) could play with him (Wehmuller) -- that about sums it up. The bass playing on this record is, as expected, compelling. The guitar tone contributed by Peters is very special -- not "super fast" shredder material -- just unbelievable tone and an awesome sense of restraint and power (Hello, David Gilmour!) Every track is a stand out but for my money Get Things Done and View are just about the finest musical pieces that I've ever heard. Keneally "shredding" the keys on Seven Percent Grade ain't too shabby either. To me, Beller is like the best of Stanley Clarke -- phat and driving rock/fusion (and no cheesy psuedo-funk vocals either). Just one more thing -- if you are ever in the fortunate position to see Beller and this band play live (either on the same bill with the Mike Keneally Band or alone), rush to the venue and camp for good seats. Unless you don't want your mind blown!

This is a great CD.......2004-08-04

Whether you're a musician or just someone who likes listenting to good music, this CD really stands out as unique and very enjoyable. The driving rhythms of the bass playing and the overall arrangement really show off Beller's talent as a performer and writer. The compositions on this album are a very complex mix of styles that really come off well, and I would recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for a refreshing new sound.

Buy this CD.......2004-07-28

Bryan Beller is a fantastic bass player. Anyone who has heard his work knows that. His debut project shows that he's also a solid composer. Now, if your idea of "music" is the radio-friendly, corporate approved, focus-grouped crap in regular rotation on your favorite pop station there are better ways to spend twenty bucks than buying View. However, if you enjoy well thought out composition with soul, texture and a taste of Jaco, JPJ and even some Metallica if you listen carefully this is a great CD. 7% grade and Supermarket People stand out in my mind as the best tracks, but that's just me. The players all are of the caliber to execute on music that most mortals couldn't fathom playing. I just hope its not another decade before he does it again.

maybe my expectations were to high.......2004-02-29

After reading Bellers articles in Bass Player over the years I was really looking forward to his debut cd. Maybe the other reviewers have a diferent copy of this cd because the one I got is atrocious. The songs themselves have potential...but Bellers choice of bass sounds,effects and tone are simply awful.You know sometimes the most important notes are the ones we don't play. Sorry, I really wanted to like this cd.

Average customer rating:

One of Adrian Belew's better CD's.
Amazing!
Very good
"When great big cadillacs roamed the Earth"
GREAT MUSIC

Young Lions
Adrian Belew
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mr. Music Head
Here
Inner Revolution
Lone Rhino/Twang Bar King
Op Zop Too Wah

ASIN: B000002IPJ
Release Date: 1990-04-18

Tracks:

Young Lions
Pretty Pink Rose
Heartbeat
Looking For A U.F.O.
I Am What I Am
Not Alone Anymore
Men In Helicopters
Small World
Phone Call From The Moon
Gunman

Customer Reviews:

One of Adrian Belew's better CD's........2006-12-15

Released in 1990, this is Adrian Belew's fifth solo CD. It is 38 minutes long and the sound quality is very good.

Adrian Belew is an excellent, innovative and interesting performer/guitarist. He has added a lot to the groups he has played with, including Frank Zappa (in on of Zappa's best bands), King Crimson, David Bowie and the Talking Heads. But, his solo CD's have not always been great, with only a few good songs and some "unbearable" moments. However, this CD has a few great songs and nothing really bad.

He does two songs with David Bowie, Pretty Pink Rose and Gunman, which are both very good. Pretty Pink Rose is one of Belew's best songs of all time.

There are some other very good songs, like the funky, discordant I Am What I Am.

The CD has some songs that I would call filler. There is an unnecessary version of Heartbeat that he played with King Crimson. It is basically the same as the King Crimson version, but I don't think quite as good. Then there is a version of the Traveling Wilbury's Not Alone Anymore, where Belew tries to sound like Roy Orbison. He doesn't quite make it. Taken by themselves, these are pretty good songs and performances, but they aren't as good as the originals.

There are songs that are basic pop, like Looking For A UFO and Small World. They are horrible but are not the best things Belew has done.

All in all this is a fairly good CD throughout. My favorite is still his first, Lone Rhino.

Amazing!.......2005-09-26

This CD is my first time hearing this artist. I wouldn't have described myself as an aficionado of progressive rock before now, but I really loved this cd. It rocks!

Very good.......2005-08-02

Actually a 4.5 some filler but all in all very unique and very entertaining. Some of his best stuff is here,it's a cross between a pop and weird prog, well he was with the king of this genre,Zappa. This deserves to be among his best work yet.

"When great big cadillacs roamed the Earth".......2005-07-13

The standout in his catalog, Adrian Belew's "Young Lions" successfully finds common ground between Belew's pop and progressive leanings. It is also I feel the record where Belew began to establish his identity unique of his past collaborators-- the overt King Crimson and Talking Heads influences on his sound had finally been assimulated without shining as brightly as they had in the past.

The album is all over the place, the common thread being Belew's monster guitar playing and fantastic songwriting-- from tribal churning ("Young Lions") to delicate pop "Looking For a U.F.O."), eco-conscious rock ("Men in Helicopters"), ballads ("Phone Call to the Moon") and duets with David Bowie (the explosive "Pretty Pink Rose") and some crazy radio guy ("I Am What I Am"), the album covers a lot of ground. The important thing is that, quite frankly, everything is really, REALLY good. Witty lyrics, clever arrangements, and phenomenal guitar.

This is the place to begin investigating Belew's catalog. If you're already listening and you don't have it, get ahold of this-- its essential material. Highly recommended.

GREAT MUSIC.......2005-04-24

THIS ALBUM IS GREAT! THIS ONE IS NOT AS PROGRESSIVE AS SOME OF HIS OTHER WORKS BUT IT IS AN ENJOYABLE LISTEN. YOUNG LIONS GETS THE CD OFF TO A GREAT START AND PRETTY PINK ROSE WITH DAVID BOWIE IS EXCELLENT. NOT ALONE ANYMORE IS A TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO ORBISON. BELEW IS A FIRST RATE MUSICIAN- CHECK OUT HIS OTHER SOLO ALBUMS SUCH AS HERE AND INNER REVOLUTION. AND OFCOURSE, CHECK OUT KING CRIMSON.

Average customer rating:

Dreamer
Anton Roolaart
Manufacturer: Umbrello
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000NQR83I
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Near or Far (6:18)
On to the Afterglow (8:29)
Dreamer (6:15)
Scary Monsters (4:34)
Color of your World (5:48)
Mid Summer's Day (7:40)
Manon (6:09)
The Spider (5:16)

Album Description

The music on this debut conveys the quintessence of melodic symphonic rock keenly arranged with lush orchestration. In Roolaart's lyrics, one can find the recurring theme of human relationships. To fulfill his vision for this CD, Anton incorporated the talents of Rave Tesar (Annie Haslam's Band/Renaissance) and Rich Berends (Mastermind). Anton's influences include Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie.

Average customer rating:

Uneven, but still great.
I just don't get this one.
A Plate Of Sounds
Long Live Rock-n-Roll !!!
Adrian Belew in a Nutshell

Op Zop Too Wah
Adrian Belew
Manufacturer: Passenger
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000IDM
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

Of Bow And Drum
Word Play Drum Beat
Six String
Conversation Piece
All Her Love Is Mine
I Remember How To Forget
What Do You Know (Part I)
Op Zop Too Wah
A Plate Of Words
Time Waits
What Do You Know
Modern Man Hurricane Blues
In My Backyard
A Plate Of Guitar
Live In A Tree
Something To Do
Beautiful
High Wire Guitar
Sky Blue Red Bird Green House
The Ruin After The Rain
On

Amazon.com

Belew is back in songwriting mode for Op Zop Too Wah. Several of the songs here ("Six String," "All Her Love Is Mine") match the first-rate pop tunes he recorded with The Bears. And fans will enjoy an assortment of first-take efforts that sound like demos for the next King Crimson album ("Modern Man Hurricane Blues," "Live in a Tree"). --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Uneven, but still great........2006-11-11

It's an uneven album, self-indulgent at times, but the last song makes up for any defects. 'On' is one of the greatest post-Beatles pop songs yet.

I just don't get this one........2005-07-14

An odd album that never quite sat well with me, "Op Zop Too Wah" again finds Adrian Belew straining to combine the many elements of his career. I've often felt his early albums were far too saturated in a David Byrne influence, and that the second batch (after the '80s Crimson broke up) was a distinct improvement, but drifting two far into pop. This one, recorded after the Double Trio King Crimson came together, is a strange one-- the songs themselves are interspersed with various brief snippets and musical thoughts, and even the most pop material on here has some sort of bizarre twist to it.

If nothing else, it is a brave album-- Belew covers a ton of ground here, but that shouldn't come as a particular surprise.

The record certainly starts off well enough-- the first half dozen tracks are all fantastic, from a blistering guitar solo traded with verses over brilliant percussion ("Of Bow and Drum"), a goofy love song about a guitar ("Six String"), a dark, haunting, and twisted love song ("All Her Love is Mine"), and at least one piece that defies description in the slightest ("I Remember How to Forget") with a couple little idea snippets. "I Remember How to Forget" is also quite famous for having been the song that King Crimson worked up but Belew pulled back from the band-- its a twisted, contorting song that probably would have done well on a Crimson record.

Unfortuantely, after that, it kind of falls apart, the title track is ok but feels like it drags on forever, but other than that, some dull balladry ("Time Waits") and a bunch of pieces that are either overlong ("High Wire Guitar"), fall apart ("Modern Man Hurricane Blues") or just fail to develop (nearly all of it).

Then again, some folks think this is a masterpiece-- I'm giving it two stars simply for the beginning, but I'd recommend checking out "Here" or "Young Lions" before this one if you're new to Belew.

A Plate Of Sounds.......2004-01-18

This is Adrian Belew's definitive, yet most overlooked album. Almost every style and experiment he's known for crops up on this 21-track journey of an album, it's as though he had taken elements of his own style, influences, instrumental skill and psyche and splattered it onto this disc in an ejaculated spray of musical jism. And with 21 tracks, you get a lot of contrast: experimental guitar textures in 'CONVERSATION PIECE' and 'HIGH WIRE GUITAR', Beatles styles in 'SIX STRING' and 'TIME WAITS', beat poetry with 'WORD PLAY DRUM BEAT', alt-pop in 'SOMETHING TO DO' and modern blues with 'MODERN MAN HURRICANE BLUES' and 'ALL HER LOVE IS MINE'. There's even a rejected King Crimson track('I REMEMBER HOW TO FORGET')and isn't that psychedelic-ish last track('ON') like a strange Thrak/Sgt. Pepper hybrid?

Perhaps this album sounds a bit schizophrenic, but it's pretty cohesive as well- it sounds like a complete album rather than a mass of styles thrown together. Most of the tracks are short, and some tracks sound undeveloped yet done that way on purpose('A PLATE OF WORDS' for example sounds like a regular song which got turned off halfway through). This is some of Adrian's best songwriting, a shame this release got lost in the shuffle amid the Crimson double-trio era and didn't get the recognition it should have. Buy this and take the journey.

Long Live Rock-n-Roll !!!.......2002-08-26

I think phrase "Op Zop Too Wah" is an modernized synonym for the "Rock-n-Roll":))Album is a cerebral work of sound, color and outlandish/creative lyrics. There are a lot of instrumental passages, drums and guitars, effects (landmarks of Belew's inovations). There are some strong ideas, album sounds like a person changing radio stations, each song a different channel on the dial. So that's the way the listener is always cought of guard on what to expect. Op Zop is the retrospective jorney in Belew's career. Song "I Remember How To Forget" closer to Crimson's material, another song "Modern Man Hurricane Blues" is a step in a new direction, it was born from Ade's and Robert Fripp talkings about modernizing of the blues form. It's a song about modern man's city life ("ProzaKc Blues" is another Crimson blues in this case). Op Zop more muscular, more radical and it brings Belew into another dimension, another masterpiece within his works. Adrian Belew world's #1 songwriter and guitar hero of our time... you know with whom... Op Zop Too Wah is a great listening experience in modern Rock-n-Roll history. Belew is a man with many talents and his artwork on album is cool too. Recomended for those who never forget a meaning what Rock-n-Roll is.

Adrian Belew in a Nutshell.......2002-04-21

In his first two albums Adrian Belew looks for his voice and shows his mentors influence. There are some excellent songs and playing but Belew doesn't quite reach his potential. Desire Caught By The Tail, his third album demonstrates his more experimental side to diehard fans. This pretty much becomes the pattern for much of Belew's work with a swing to more pop based songs.

Op Zop Too Wah is where he puts it all together, literally. Every phase of Adrian Belew's ideas fall into place on this album. The guitar work and post beat poet kick the album off with Of Bow and Drum and Word Play Drum Beat. Besides being entertaining pieces of music they are also interesting experiments in the boundries of rock music. The lyrical, pop side of Belew's sound is found on tracks like All Her Love Is Mine and Time Waits.

This can make for sharp contrasts of which there are plenty in this set of 21 songs. There have been complaints about how disconcerting these contrasts are to which I disagree. As an album Op Zop Too Wah is cohesive, it's just not typical of his pop laden prior efforts nor his completely experimental material.

Instead we get a pastiche of the elements that make up Adrian Belew's musical skills, really the first album in his catalog to do so. The key is taking the album for what it is and not what you would like it to be. It is refreshing to hear the various elements of Belew's interests including production skills. The sequencing and spacing of songs are at times surprising yet tasteful. Production quality is excellent.

For new listeners you can expect some pop songs in the acoustic and electric form only they will be a bit twisted from what you may be experienced to. There will be concise excursions into lightly experimental guitar and song structures. There will also be some heartfelt playing and singing to well intentioned lyrics with some occasional humor. Expect some rocking moments as well.

The only negative are a couple of songs that seem underdeveloped or go on a bit long. Keep in mind most songs are well under four minutes so this critisim is to be considered within the scope of the album which is fast paced.

Adrian Belew is that rare artist that can play virtually any kind of music and fit in, he has played with such diverse artists as NiN to Paul Simon to his stints with David Bowie and Frank Zappa not to mention being co-guitarist/vocalist in King Crimson and his pop based band, The Bears. Op Zop Too Wah is a sampling of his interests as an artist and should be listened to as such. There is a lot of great music on this album.

Tracks:

No Limit - Alvin Lee
Prisoner - Randy California
Western Flyer - Angelic Voices of Faith, Eric Johnson
Let Me Out 'A Here - Leslie West
Blood Alley 152 - Ronnie Montrose
Sharp on Attack - Steve Howe
Sphinx - Phil Manzanera
Slow Moon Rising - Rick Derringer
Danjo - Peter Haycock
Urban Strut - Steve Hunter
Captain Zlogg - Hank Marvin
Strut-A-Various - Robbie Krieger

Customer Reviews:

The first of the series.......2005-07-31

Features a veritable royalty of rock guitar players each performing one new unique to this project (otherwise unavailable) instrumental track. Track three is actually Eric Johnson, but misattributed in the description above. This is long out of print but worth getting if you like guitar.

Music Review:

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