For those that have come to Blogfully often; you know that I’m a big fan of all types of music. I don’t really have a preference, though I do find myself leaning towards soft rock and country music most often. Still, music is an amazing thing. It’s like candy for your ears. It’s the universal language that can bring peace to those that listen.
In saying this, I’ve got a few genres to share with you all. I’ll also have a giveaway for two CDs in the end. I hope you enjoy the Artists albums and will consider entering for your chance to win.
I took the time to listen to each of the CDs below (as well as watching the DVDs) and have enjoyed my time doing so. Each of the artists below is amazing and well worth the listen. I found myself relaxed; free from all stress. I simply love music.
Without further a due:
Monica Mancini 
I’ve Loved These Days
Release Date: June 15, 2010
Label: Concord Records
ARP: $18.98
Available as an MP3 album download (at Amazon) for $9.49
Track Listing:
- These Days
- God Only Knows
- American Tune
- Blame it on the Sun
- Without Him
- How can I be Sure
- I’ll follow the Sun
- Ballad of the Sad Young Men
- Something So Right
- I’ve Loved These Days
- ENCORE: Joy
About The Artist:
Monica Mancini began singing early on as a member of the Henry Mancini Chorus, which led to a successful studio career in Los Angeles, where she appeared on countless film scores and recordings, with such notable artists as Placido Domingo, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. Her debut CD, simply titles Monica Mancini was the companion to her PBS television special, Monica Mancini: On Record.
Ms. Mancini’s recent TV appearances include the “Great Performances” PBS special, We Love Ella. Evening at Pops with John Williams and the Boston Pops as well as a performance of “Imagine” with Josh Groban, Joshua Bell and Dave Grusin on the recent simultaneous multi-network “Stand Up To Cancer” telecast viewed by more than 45 million people….(read more)
My thoughts:
Monica has such an amazing way of captivating anyone in listening distance. She has one of those charismatic voices that will simply set you in a trance. Beautiful, just beautiful. I am so happy to have listened to her music. I had never heard of her music before receiving this CD for review and I’m just so glad that I was able to hear it. Definitely worth listening to in the future.
Playing For Change LIVE
Release Date: June 15, 2010
Label: Hear Music
ARP: $18.98
Track Listing:
Disc 1: (CD)
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Disc 2: (DVD)
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Bonus Videos:
- Amazing Grace
- Imidiwan Afrik Temdam (featuring Tinariwen)
The Film:
- On the Road with the PFC Band
About Playing for Change:
Playing For Change LIVE is the next chapter in the journey to connect the world through music. Five years ago PFC started recording and filming musicians from across the globe and uniting them together through “Songs Around the World. This DVD/CD is a showcase of the first time they have ever met in person and played together on the stage. These musicians come from different countries and cultures but when the music plays they unite as one heart for the human race. – Mark Johnson (Co-Founder of Playing for Change *AKA- PFC)
For more information on Playing For Change; visit www.playingforchange.com
My Thoughts:
I have been listening to PFC since they came out 5 years ago and have loved them ever since. It was one of those CDs that connected my son and I. We found a connection in what we listened to and since then, he continues to listen to and share this music with others. We have the original Playing For Change DVD and CD and I believe, to this day, it is the most played music in the house.
Kenny G Heart And Soul
Release Date: June 29, 2010
Label: Concord Records
Genre: Jazz
ARP: $18.98
Track Listing:
- Heart and Soul
- Deja Vu
- Fall Again (Featuring Robin Thicke)
- Letters From Home
- The Promise
- No Place Like Home (featuring Kenny “babyface” Edmonds)
- My Devotion
- G-Walkin’
- Sunrise
- One Breath
- Encore
- After Hours
About Kenny G:
Kenneth Bruce Gorelick (born June 5, 1956), better known by his stage name Kenny G, is a Grammy winning American, adult contemporary and smooth jazz saxophonist. His fourth album, Duotones, brought him breakthrough success in 1986.Kenny G is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era, with global sales totaling more than 75 million albums. Read more at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_G
To read more about Kenny G; please visit www.KennyG.com
My Thoughts:
I have always been a fan of Kenny G (and his music) so by default, I have to say- get your copy the minute it releases on June 29th. It is so relaxing, in fact, the best time to listen to Kenny G., for me, is after the kids have been laid to rest. That’s when I can put the lights down low, poor me a glass of wine and just vegetate. His music is amazing and so worth listening to.
Steve Cropper & Felix Cavaliere Midnight Flyer
Release Date: June 15, 2010
Label: Stax
ARP: $18.98
Genre: R&B, Soul
Track Listing:
- You give me all I Need
- Midnight Flyer
- Now
- When You’re With Me
- I Can’t Stand It
- Chance with Me
- Move the House
- Sexy Lady
- Early Morning Riser
- All Night Long
- I Can’t stand The Rain
- Do It Like This
About the Duo:
The two music legends have reconvened for their second collaborative recording, a tour de force of 12 original tunes, guaranteed to satisfy your soul. Featuring Steve Cropper (guitarist for Booker T. & The MGs and one of the primary architects of the unmistakable Stax sound of the 1960s) and vocalist/keyboardist Felix Cavaliere (the voice of the Rascals and the pivotal figure in the blue-eyed soul movement of that same era), this release showcases the songwriting prowess of these two towering figures from one of the most seminal periods in the history of American pop music. Recorded in Nashville and mixed by the legendary David Z, this is the follow-up to Nudge It Up A Notch, the 2008 maiden voyage by Cropper and Cavaliere that scored critical acclaim from both the music and mainstream press. (Read More)
My Thoughts:
Personally; I enjoyed, very much, listening to this CD. The music is very catchy, up beat and just plain fun to listen too. It has kept me moving all day and gives that get up and move feel. If you’re into soul music, I recommend this CD. It’s really a fun one to have around.
Lee Ritenour’s 6 String Theory
Release Date: June 29, 2010
Label: Concord Records
ARP: $18.98
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing:
- Lay it Down
- Am I Wrong
- L.P. (for Les Paul)
- Give Me one Reason
- “68”
- In Your Dreams
- My One and Only Love
- Moon River
- Why I sing the Blues
- Daddy Longlicks
- Shape of My Heart
- Drifting
- Freeway Jam
- Fives
- Caprices, OP. 20, No. 2 and 7
About 6 String Theory:
6 String Theory is a special project put together by legendary guitarist Lee Ritenour in celebration of the world’s most popular instrument – the guitar! Joining him in this tribute to the guitar, the all-star line-up includes George Benson, BB King, Slash, Steve Lukather, John Scofield, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray and Vince Gill among many other superstars. Blending rock, blues, jazz, acoustic, country and classical, they come together for a seamless project that promises to take the listener on a musical journey and exploration of the guitar. Also featured on vocals are BB King, Robert Cray, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Majal, Joe Bonamassa and Jonny Lang. Debuting on this release is sixteen-year-old guitarist Shon Boublil who was the grand prize winner of Lee Ritenour’s Yamaha Six String Theory Guitar Competition. – Read more by visiting www.sixstringtheory.com
My Thoughts:
Another sensational CD worth purchasing. I don’t know what it is about Jazz, but it puts me in some sort of trance. Every time I’ve taken the time to listen to this genre, I feel happy, relaxed and just in control. It’s definitely medicine for the soul. I love it!!!
Okay- so there you have it. A collection of Genres worth looking in to adding to your music collection. I have enjoyed every bit of each and every CD above and would encourage you to head to any one of the official websites provided by simply clicking on each of the CD pictures.
So would you like to win 2 CDs? I have, for one Blogfully reader, a copy of Kenny G’s Heart and Soul as well as a copy of Playing For Change LIVE.
To Enter: (mandatory)
- In the comments below; share with me, your most favored artist and song of all times.
For Additional entries: (must complete mandatory entry or additional entries will not count)
- Follow Blogfully via Google Friend connect, RSS, Email updates, Networked Blog, twitter, etc. (leave a separate comment for each)
- Retweet this post by using the “retweet” tab at the top of this post
- Share this post using the “share this” tab at the bottom of this post
- If you’re a blogger- mention this giveaway on your blog (linking to this post) and please leave a comment to the exact post where mention can be found
The Fine Print:
- This Giveaway ends on July 4th, 2010 @ 11:59pm CST
- One (1) winner will be drawn at random (from all qualifying entries) via random.org
- Winner will have 48 hours to reply to winning notification (from me) or prize is forfeited
- Sorry Folks; This Giveaway is opened to US Residents only
Disclosure: Each of the CD titles above were sent to me for the purpose of my review, through Special Ops Media, Inc. Receiving such products will never influence my thoughts and opinions I have personally experienced. Thank you.
This is a very difficult question because as I grew up I found different bands and artist that I truly loved. I remember in high school one of my favorite bands was Creedence Clearwater Revival and still love their music today. I love Paul McCartney, but I seem to love his earlier songs more than some of his latter songs. I cant forget Peter, Paul and Mary, The Carpenters, Van Halan, Bee Gees, Brooks and Dunn, Celine Dion, Fleetwood Mac, and Pete Seeger. My Iphone is loaded with many others … Ok I will stop typing and pick one for this post. Although this group had a lot of internal problems I really enjoyed their music and they only had one number one hit … the group I am talking about is Fleetwood Mac and the only song that made it to the number one spot is “Dreams.” I think if they would of been able to stay together as a group they would of created some additional outstanding music and most likely several more number one hits.
When I think of music I always think of what motovational speaker and writer Zig Zigler onces stated. You write the laws for your country, but let me write your music and I will rule your country. I some how agree with Zig … Folk Writer and singer Pete Seeger has brought many people together because of his songs. Music can rule our world!
Now, Barb, it is impossible for me to pick one favorite song and artist, but I will say that a current favorite is Darius Rucker because I saw him in concert last week and he put on an awesome show that ended with a rockin version of “Purple Rain” that is still stuck in my head!
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