Audio CD review:
Harold Arlen, Peter Maxwell Davies, John & Paul McCartney Lennon, Dominic Sumner, Gordon (Sting) Miller, Sting, Toru Takemitsu, Francisco Tarrega, Mikis Theodorakis, Irish Traditional, Unspecified - Transformations [Hybrid SACD]

Harold Arlen, Peter Maxwell Davies, John & Paul McCartney Lennon, Dominic Sumner, Gordon (Sting) Miller, Sting, Toru Takemitsu, Francisco Tarrega, Mikis Theodorakis, Irish Traditional, Unspecified - Transformations [Hybrid SACD]

Band: Harold Arlen, Peter Maxwell Davies, John & Paul McCartney Lennon, Dominic Sumner, Gordon (Sting) Miller, Sting, Toru Takemitsu, Francisco Tarrega, Mikis Theodorakis, Irish Traditional, Unspecified Title: Transformations [Hybrid SACD] Rating: Release Date: 10 May, 2005 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Hey Jude 2: Michelle 3: Here, There And Everywhere 4: Yesterday 5: Hiroshima To Lu Na No Shonen - Dominic Miller 6: Bad Boy - Dominic Miller 7: No.7: If Only I Had The Water Of Life 8: No.4: You Have Set, My Star! 9: No.3: A Day In May 10: No.6: At The Window 11: Variaciones Sobre El Carnaval De Venecia 12: Farewell To Stromness 13: I 14: II 15: III 16: IV 17: Over The Rainbow 18: Londonderry Air 19: The Last Waltz 20: La Belle Dame Sans Regrets - Dominic Miller 21: Fragile - Dominic Miller

Customer Review Gentle on the psyche I've only previously heard them on "The Guitarist" by John Williams. I'm going to leave my original review intact below, but I've been listening to this CD a lot lately and I'd like to comment further: I'm very impressed by the versions of the Theodorakis pieces on this CD. These versions are slower, there is more distinction between the bass and melody parts. I've come to love Kaori Muraji's interpretations of these pieces more and more. Its interesting to compare them with Williams' version, but they stand on their own and demonstrate why there is no one BEST guitarist in the world, but many extremely talented interpreters from all over the world. I've also developed a greater appreciation of the Takemetsu arrangements. Muraji has deepened my knowledge of this important arranger and composer; that is what this CD is ultimately about. I gave 4 stars but don't let that dissuade you from purchasing "Transformations. " As I stated, I really prefer more dramatic works, but this is a beautiful CD and technically one of the best recordings I've heard, even without a SACD machine. Muraji has a remarkable conception of how the guitar should be played. You won't find a crisper performance this side of Manuel Barrueco. . . clean, every note precise (incredibly so, I'd say-if she were a surgeon, I'd want her as my doctor) and still full of feeling. This was my original review (written in the summer of 07): I keep this CD at work, and my office-mates request it more than any other CD on my desk. The amount of familiar tunes in this collection makes it accessible to everybody. Each piece is performed with grace; it will compliment the more esoteric guitar music in anyone's collection. Kaori Muraji lets each piece unfold like a soft summer night. This album is paced throughout so that it plays gently, and quietly maintains momentum. It makes for very enjoyable listening. Muraji can be a dynamic player. Live, she is very in the moment; typically you can see the music moving through her body and the mood of the music on her face. Always there is a serenity to her. You'll feel it on this CD as well. There are some beautiful treatments of Theodorakis and Takemitsu, but it was also nice to hear a pop tune like "The Last Waltz. " Even though my tastes tend towards more dramatic performances (works by The Assad Brothers or Yang Xue Fei), I've really enjoyed this collection. It would make a good gift item both for the serious guitarist (Muraji's technique and interpretations are impeccable) or the casual listener. Your mother would love to get this CD, especially if she's a guitarist. Show her you love her and give her a copy. . You can see a complete list of all Harold Arlen, Peter Maxwell Davies, John & Paul McCartney Lennon, Dominic Sumner, Gordon (Sting) Miller, Sting, Toru Takemitsu, Francisco Tarrega, Mikis Theodorakis, Irish Traditional, Unspecified discography, or go back to the Harold Arlen, Peter Maxwell Davies, John & Paul McCartney Lennon, Dominic Sumner, Gordon (Sting) Miller, Sting, Toru Takemitsu, Francisco Tarrega, Mikis Theodorakis, Irish Traditional, Unspecified tabs