Music : Paganini: After a Dream

Rating: - Dreamy Music That Will Captivate Your Ears
"Being given the opportunity and honor to play this divine instrument was an experience that I cannot begin to put into words. This recording, Paganini: After A Dream" contains all of the emotion, excitement, hard work, obstacles, and faith that were endured to make this dream a reality. This recording is dedicated in memory of the incomparable bassist Ray Brown and my inspiring violin teacher, Gerald Beal; and to the birth of my niece, Alexandra Collette Carter." ~ Regina Carter ~

As someone who greatly appreciates violin music and the beautiful masterpieces of classical masters Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Gabriel Fauré, I find this recording, Regina Carter's "Paganini: After A Dream," a great source of musical enjoyment especially when shared with friends who have the same musical tastes as mine.

In recording this set of nine dreamy pieces that will captivate your ears, Ms. Carter was so privileged to be the first non-classical violinist to play the very famous Italy's national treasure called "The Cannon," a 250-year-old violin that belonged to Nicolò Paganini, a legendary Baroque violinist/composer. There is a classical as well as historical essence on this beautiful album that was recorded in New York City and Genoa, Italy in 2002 under a prestigious label, Verve Records. One of the most respected names in orchestrations and a multi-Grammy Award winner, Jorge Calandrelli, did the exquisite arrangements and orchestrations, with String ensemble conducted by Ettore Stratta.

Ms. Carter interprets some classical pieces with contemporary approach that will captivate your ears - Ravel's "Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte," Fauré's "Après Un Rève" and "Pavane," and my top favorite from this set, Debussy's "Reverie." I've heard so many different interpretations of this classical piece, but this one is rendered in a most unconventionally beautiful setting with its chart based on an arrangement performed by Ella Fitzgerald on Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!

I'm so captivated by the beauty of "Black Orpheus (Manha de Carnaval)," a poignant ballad composed by Brazilian guitarist, Luis Bonfá. It is one of the most-recorded tunes amongst legends of jazz, and one of the most beautiful melodies of all-time. With her exceptional talent in violin playing, Ms. Carter shines not only on this track, but the entire recording.

"Cinema Paradiso" and "Oblivion" by Italian composers Ennio Morricone and Astor Piazzolla, respectively, are also two of the most notable pieces executed in a light and breezy manner with Ms. Carter's violin sounding so enormously charming.

The fine musicians who contributed their creativity to make this album truly remarkable and worthy to any music lover's collection are Chris Lightcap (bass), Alvester Garnett (drums), Mayra Casales (percussion), and not to mention an orchestra consisting of cello, bass, viola and harp players. My special mention goes to a great pianist, Werner "Vana" Gierig for a wonderful piano playing, and of course to Ms. Carter, whose superb artistry goes beyond violin playing - she's also a noted composer in her own right. And the piece "Alexandra," (obviously a tribute to her niece) is a testament of her composing skills.

This is one of the best instrumental albums I've ever heard with elements of jazz and classical fusion to make for a unique listening experience. I will most definitely recommend it to any music lover.

"Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends." ~ Alphonse de Lamartine ~

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Rating: - I love love love Regina Carter
This is a great CD and I listen to it over and over again. She is so versatile and her sound is amazing as are all the performers on this disc.

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Rating: - Cocktail Music, or Meditation Music, Classical with swing
The most outstanding music I've heard in years. It was playing in a designer's home in Highlands, NC when we went to show it to real estate clients. And boy did it set the mood: Sophistication, High Culture and Joy.
After we left, we orderd 3 copies- one for each of us.
And we buy about 2 CD's year. That's how motivivated we were.

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Rating: - Still can't believe how bad it is
Terrible, terrible CD. I got it two day's ago and could not even listen through the whole CD. Regina plays the violin and the music with such bad taste. What a disgrace to the once Paganini's violin. I can't believe I spent my money on this. It should not even have 1 star.

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Rating: - Like a breeze, caressing you...
Well, you know how there are some songs that work best in their original form and should not be remade / remixed / jazzed up by any musician at all? Regina Carter is the exception to that rule, for her touch is magic.

Save for Regina's own composition, every song on this album is given a contemporary jazzy twist. The sound is light, breezy and wistful. Regina possesses the inimitable ability to make a violin sing so tenderly, it breaks your heart just listening to her play. This lovingly produced album is the perfect companion for many things: a candle-lit dinner, appreciating a beautiful painting, retrospection, a drink in a bar, a ride in a car, gazing at scenery from afar... the possibilities are endless.

Generally, the problem with remaking well-known songs is that playing the tune, give and take some rephrasing or improvisation, is not enough. To impress, the arrangement, playing, and overall production has to be inspired and tight. In this respect, Regina delivers. It is unfortunate that there are some moments on this album which sound a tad "too easy" or, for lack of a better word, pedestrian. But given the overall substance of this album, those moments are easily overlooked.

For those familiar with the original classical works on this album, they would surely appreciate and marvel at how Regina manages to make songs that are tough to remake, sound so gloriously refreshing. Like a breeze, caressing and loving you, this album is a god-sent.