Music Publicity

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Madrigal for Flute and Piano
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website

Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro continue their longstanding musical alliance with yet another superb release titled Madrigal for Flute and Piano. This is their seventh release on Cantilena Records. The duo is creating quite a legacy of classical renderings and this particular release is one the stands out amongst the many I have enjoyed over the years.

Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are in exceptional form performing music from various composers from the 18th and 19th century. Reineke, Gaubert, Hue, Boehm, and Doppler are the honored composers on this outing.

The term 'madrigal' has two distinct, unconnected meanings: a poetic and musical form of 14th-century Italy, and a 16th- or 17th-century setting of secular verse. This is ongoing education for me personally, both listening and understanding the meaning of the titles. I find it all very fascinating and can see how this beautiful music has lasted through the ages. Classical music is where it all starts and ends and everything we hear that is from a different genre stems from it. There was a day that I would have said that statement was rubbish but now I know much better.

The nine tracks take you through a story from a place far away in time with the ebb and tide of a musical ocean that seems to flow right over you while listening. This music is exciting, sad, tragic, and full of the many colors of the soul. Without uttering a word this music is so powerful, alone that it does need a single word to express itself. The flute is a beautiful instrument and if used properly it can bring out many different atmospheres, particularly when it combines with another instrument like a piano. The give and take that this dynamic duo formulates in each composition is an ongoing dialogue with their instruments that holds strong and true from the beginning to the end of this recording.

Madrigal for Flute and Piano is music that resonates through the universe and will continue to do so thanks to the fine artists performing, Laurel Zucker and Mark Shapiro. Thank you both for another classic that I intend to enjoy for many years to come.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

October 31, 2006

1. Carl Reineke- Movement 1
2. Carl Reineke -Movement 2
3. Carl Reineke - Movement 3
4. Carl Reineke- Movement 4
5. Philippe Gaubert- Divertissement
6. Francois Doppler- Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise, Opus 26
7. George Hue- Fantasie
8. Philippe Gaubert - Madrigal
9. T. Boehm - Nel Cor Piu Variations

Artist: John Mayer
Title: Continuum
Genre: Rock-Blues-Pop
Label: Columbia
Website

John Mayer has a deep abiding respect for the blues, and never has it been more apparent than on his superb album Continuum. When Mayer made the switch to the blues, some folks seemed caught off guard and confused, nevertheless his true fans knew better. Personally, I have heard a lot about this artist but never sat down and listened to any of his work. Now I am sorry that I missed so much. I was glad to hear that he shook all the comparisons to Dave Matthews and developed his own identity and unique sound.

Continuum is easily in my top ten albums for 2006. After listening several times it has continued to grow on me with each listen. Make no mistake about it; Mayer is a very talented and real individual with nothing but a great future ahead. He knew exactly what he was doing when he hooked up with some blues legends and played his six-string right alongside them (check out his tear-out-your-heart version of the Hendrix classic “Bold As Love.”) Not only did he learn his chops, he exposed himself as a legitimate contender to take his place alongside the legends he was playing with. If he continues to release albums like this his place in history is secure. Even if he suddenly stopped recording today, his impact would still be felt for many more years to come.

Out of the 12 tracks, I did not hear one that I could not identify with or thoroughly enjoy for the musicianship, vocals, and lyrics. This recording oozes with a strong feeling of confidence and maturity at every turn. Mayer owns who he is, unlike that ditzy blonde he was dating recently. He called it as he saw it and told her to take a hike. I say right on brother! You are the real deal and your music tells the story beautifully who you are deep down in your soul.

The lead off track “Waiting For The World To Change” is so prolific, musically and lyrically. You have to love what Mayer says in the fourth verse.

Now, if we had the power
To bring our neighbors home from war
They would have never missed Christmas
No more ribbons on their door
And when you trust your television
What you get is what you get
Cause when they own the information
They can bend it all they want

Now if that does not make you look in the mirror and question who you are and the world we live in, well you just are not hearing this young man’s message.

Mayer’s guitar playing is clean, sharp, and biting all at the same time. His vocal style is relaxed yet very effective because of the way he brings each word from his toes to his lips; it all comes rolling out with meaning, like something he holds very close to his heart. I especially enjoyed the irresistible hooks and rhythms of “Vulture.” And oh the words, my oh my does it hit you square between the eyes. This album is so good you could choose any one of these tracks and make it a single and it would zoom up the charts. Yes, it is that good.

Continuum is a true classic of our time, a sparkling and memorable production that deserves all the gushing and media attention that it has been receiving and will continue to get many years from now. John Mayer arrived a few years ago but this time out he has made a statement that he is here to stay and expect more of the same in the future. As we are waiting for the world to change, we can listen to good music and do our part to change it.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

October 29, 2006

01. Waiting on the World to Change (3:21)
02. I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You) (4:52)
03. Belief (4:02)
04. Gravity (4:05)
05. The Heart of Life (3:19)
06. Vultures (4:11)
07. Stop This Train Mayer (4:45)
08. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (4:02)
09. Bold as Love (4:18)
10. Dreaming with a Broken Heart (4:07)
11. In Repair (6:09)
12. I'm Gonna Find Another You (2:43)