CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

River: The Joni Letters (with Bonus Tracks) - Amazon.com Exclusive

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Herbie Hancock

Release Date September 25, 2007
To tell the truth ,I wasn't expecting that much from this album. To me, Joni Mitchell's songs in the original form are hard to top. I haven't even been very impressed with her own recent covers of her classic work. So I put off getting this until recently. I am happy to report that for the most part this CD exceeded my expectations. First of all, I love the downtime mood of the proceedings. Herbie was creating an album, not just a collection of tunes. The pacing and order was well thought out, as was the choice of tunes, covering some of her more well known compositions, yet sprinkling in a few more obscure offerings. The arrangements are creative, often adding unexpected harmonic twists that place the album further into jazz territory than ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Worrisome Heart

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Melody Gardot

Release Date February 26, 2008
This album is lovely in its depth and smooth in its versatility. With shades of classic jazz standards and vocal allusions to the masters this album is by no means a disappointment. i loved the whole disc, which is rare in these days of digital over exposure.

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

The Orchard

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Lizz Wright

Release Date February 26, 2008
I learned about this CD from watching CBS Sunday Morning -- This woman's voice is soulful, smoth and silky -- just a dream to listen to. And her lyrics are just as strong. Buy this album -- you won't regret it. Great for any hour of day. It's 5:00 am as I write this and I'm enjoying the track "When I Fall" -- and I'm confident you will too (though you don't need to listen to it at 5 am!)

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Original Soundtrack

Release Date July 25, 2006
I first was introduced to Cohen a few years ago and loved his music. Later when I saw "I'm Your Man" on Sundance I was completely enraptured by many of the performances on it. I was happy to see a CD was made of the songs.

I will say my favorite is probably the amazing cover of Anthem by Perla Betalla and Julie Christensen, though this is very closely followed by Rufus' Chelsea Hotel #2 and Teddy Thompson's Tonight Will be Fine. Another in the top list would be Antony's If it be your will.

Not quite as good but definitely worth it are Nick Cave doing Suzanne and then Sisters of Mercy by Beth Orton.

The other songs are not quite as memorable imo, but still great songs.

I was sorely dissapointed that ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

New York City

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Brazilian Girls

Release Date August 05, 2008
Bursting onto the music scene in 2005 introducing their genre bending sound, The Brazilian Girls have released their most exciting recording to date and surely one of the best releases of 2008. Wow! Think of a ramped up, punked out Pink Martini and you have some idea what's in store. The layers of sound have become more aggressive on most of the tracks but the shifts in tone work beautifully. Listening to Losing Myself (Track 2) and then Mario De Dios (Track 11)one can appreciate the incredible range and diversity of this remarkable band. Hats off to Verve for supporting such unique talent and let's hope the Brazilian Girls don't stop any time soon.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Jazz for Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Various Artists

Release Date June 22, 2004
This CD is great to listen to with your little ones. The songs are fun and not too annoying for adults.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

A Piece of What You Need

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Teddy Thompson

Release Date June 17, 2008
Possibly the best TT album so far, A Piece Of What You Need is typically Teddy but with new layers. It's dark, light, funny and melancholic all at the same time. Highlights for me are the opening two tracks, which are opposite sides of the same coin. 'The Things I Do' expresses self-loathing (a fairly constant theme throughout Teddy's work), while the wickedly funny 'What's This?!!' sees him being surprised and bemused at being happy. The words and the music fit perfectly together, and it's all quite poetic... "One night away from the therapist's couch - ouch!" There's a hint of country and western in some songs - notably "Can't Sing Straight", which you can almost hear Johnny Cash singing.
A Piece of What You Need is a good introduction to Teddy Thompson's ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Lost & Found

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Ledisi

Release Date August 28, 2007
There are so many lesser-known and lesser-popular artists out there who receive lots of praise or are deemed incredible when they are anything but. Ledisi on the other hand, is totally deserving of the praise. This album features top-notch production and vocals. These are well-chosen tracks and range from very melodic and upbeat to somber. I bought this album from iTunes randomly for no particular reason and had it for a few months before I just started playing it. I have been listening to it since. The songs are easy to catch on to and the album flies by in no time because it's such a great listen.

Do yourself a favor and buy this, odds are you'll be a fan.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

An Ancient Muse

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Loreena McKennitt

Release Date November 21, 2006
I always liked Loreena McKennitt, but it wasn't until I saw her "Nights of the Alhambra" DVD that I became a real fan. Prior to that, I was attracted by her beautiful voice and her haunting arrangements of traditional Celtic music. But after seeing "Alahambra", I realized that she also plays several instruments with virtuousity, and is a great performer! Now, when I listen to her new Ancient Muse DVD, I get more out of it, because it recalls the concert and makes the experience a (virtual) visual as well as an audio treat!

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Bringing Back the Funk

CD-Charts > Music > Verve Music Group
by: Brian Culbertson

Release Date April 29, 2008
love this cd If you love jazz with a twist this is your cd