EPL Picks- Best of 2011 - Classical, Jazz, Crossover Cds
Annotation:This female vocal trio from Norway is respected for their imaginative interpretation of early music manuscripts. Trio Mediaeval looks to both 13th century sources and contemporary composer Gavin Bryars for inspiration on this recording.
Place a Hold
Annotation:Appearing on several best classical album lists, the Striggio CD exemplifies the complexity and beauty of late Renaissance choral compostion.
Annotation:Murray Perahia's recording of the Handel Variations was released at the end of 2010, but has been included on the Gramophone magazine's best of list for last year. The pianist continues to shine.
Annotation:Nelson Freire performs piano music chosen across Liszt's composing life.
Annotation:New Yorker magazine contributor Alex Ross considered this Takacs Quartet recording a 2011 highlight.
Annotation:Pianist Yuja Wang interprets the famous Piano Concerto #2 and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with both technical flourish and poetic sensibility.
Annotation:Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, mandolinist Chris Thile, bassist Edgar Meyer and violinist Stuart Duncan create a musical gumbo from classical, bluegrass, jazz and folk ingredients.
Annotation:Virtuoso vibes player Gary Burton carries on with great guitarist Julian Lage.
Annotation:Bop enthusiasts will find Lovano's approach to iconic Charlie Parker's music a rewarding listening experience, especially if they can groove to the 2 featured drummers.
Annotation:Inventive solo piano comes from Mehldau as he reworks standards and a few contemporary rock selections. The 2 CD set comes with a DVD of the live performance.
Annotation:Another ECM production featuring sensitive ensemble interaction. This time it's a Polish trio previously linked with trumpeter Tomasz Stanko.
Annotation:The ECM label happily promotes great examples of the piano/bass/drums improvising experience. Here is a French trio at the top of their game.
Annotation:The inventive guitarist continues his whimsical approach, blending jazz, country and blues themes. No one else sounds like Bill Frisell.
Annotation:Bjork brings her unique Icelandic sensibilities to play in an album that draws from progressive rock, jazz and classical sources. But she's not one to waiver from her own path.
Annotation:Two electronic sound performer/DJs on the European scene rework favourite recordings from the ECM catalogue. The results should intrigue anyone who's been turned on to the Brian Eno related concept of creating musical landscapes.
Annotation:The original Bela Fleck quartet is back together. Where else would you find the lead voices of banjo, harmonica and piano being both inventive and memorable?
Annotation:The voice is lower and there's an added sense of space and silence to her music. Contemplating snow can do that for you.
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Description
Here are some 2011 highlights from classical, jazz and crossover recordings available from the library.The list ends with innovators who have creatively blended musical genres. More than a top 10 list, the count reaches 17 noteworthy albums. (DP/MNA)
Top 10 List