Music Recommendations?

[kima]

I have always been a rock and roll kind of girl but now that my kids are rarely home and I am becoming more reflective I find I want to listen to more classical or contemplative music. Music that I can play softly while doing my stretches, reading or cooking. Believe it or not I don't really know where to begin. I have heard of Enya but don't know much about her. I would love some ideas- nothing too new agey- just nice to listen to. I really like Sarah McLaughlin, Jann Arden etc but that is as "soft " as it gets.
I know there are alot of music buffs out there- I'd sure love some ideas. Thanks.
Maureen

[beejayw1]

Go to Amazon.com and search the following two artists:

Enya (if you haven't discovered her yet, you're in for a treat.) She has celtic roots - I believe, in fact, that she's an Irish citizen - with classical leanings. Lovely instrumentals, etc. I have several of her CDs, including Memory of Trees, A Day Without Rain, and Paint the Sky with Stars. I believe they have samples available for listening, if your computer is set up correctly.

Also try Tim Janis. He is a relatively new instrumental artist/composer, and his music has classical roots. I stumbled across his music when I was in a mall. A group was playing the most gorgeous pieces, and I stopped to ask what they were. It was this group, and the CDs were for sale. My sister bought December Morning and I bought Flowers In October, which I love. Try listening to samples of his music, too. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Natasha]

Hi Maureen!

Do you want suggestions for classical music as such? I take it you are looking for something relaxing - is that right? If so, I would suggest anything Baroque, or possibly from the Classical period.

Popular examples of Baroque music include The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, and so on. Just a few ideas of Classical period music include anything by Mozart (e.g., his wonderful Piano Concertos - try Nos. 21 and 23), his symphonies and clarinet concerto, Haydn's myriad of symphonies and trumpet concerto, and so on. BTW, are there any specific instruments you particularly like? Do you like symphonies? Music by smaller groups (chamber orchestras, etc)? If you have specific likes/dislikes, I can pinpoint things you'd probably enjoy.

Personally, I usually choose to listen to classical music from the Romantic period (Tchaikovsky et al.), but didn't know if you were looking for stuff like that, since many people find it less conventionally "relaxing" than Baroque or Classical. Anyway, I would be happy to give you more suggestions if you are interested.

As for non-classical, I would recommend Hilary Stagg's "The Edge of Forever" (which Peggy recommended on the Great Food board some time ago). It's delightful.

Hope this helps!
Natasha

[daner94]

I recently discovered Keb Mo. I bought one of his CD's recently-- sorry, cannot think of the name of it. He plays the guitar and sings the blues and it is really great background music, nice and mellow. I like to put it on Sunday mornings.

I would also like to recommend Jonatha Brooke. I don't know why this woman has not hit it HUGE yet. She is a mix between Bonnie Raitt and Sarah McLaughlin. Her lyrics are amazing and so is her voice. It's not exactly mellow music but you might want to give a try. Her 3 best albums are Plumb, 10 Cent Wings, and Steady Pull.

[valeriek]

Kima,

I was always a rock - n - roll type girl also (I could get into how big my hair was in the late 80's, but that is a disussion for another time!). As 30 approaches, I still love rock (only the stuff I like is now called classic rock) but I do look for more mellowing music when I'm cooking or having dinner with BF or even just trying to fall asleep. Sara McLaughlin is a favorite of mine. I also enjoy the music of Tracy Chapman and Jewel. I recently bought the soundtract to the movie Magnolia and I can't think of the name of the singer, but the songs are great. I'm getting more and more into almost folk music - which to me is beautiful singing with nice accoustical guitar. Indigo girls are another relaxing sound. And if you like rock but are looking for something only slightly more mellow, I really enjoy the MTV unplugged series.

I also put in my Seal CD or the music from Ally McBeal (don't laugh) when I'm cleaning house or feeling having dinner with BF. It is almost a happy sound. I want to get more into this type of music.

Finally, I do have some great classical CDs, but I put those in when I'm all alone in bed reading. That is peace on earth.

[emilycat]

Hey, kima!

Natasha's post reminded me how much I love Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I used to put it in while I was studying in college. I also have a CD called "A Little Night Music," which is a compilation of a bunch of really lovely Mozart pieces. I love that one.

This may be too techno, but whenever I just want to chill out, I play Moby. Love him.
Also, I adore Joni Mitchell. Although I tend to be in a singing mood when I play her stuff because it puts me in such good spirits. :)

Oh, and David Gray is awesome. Very mellow, great lyrics, the music is lovely, and he actually has a nice voice (which seems to be lacking in so many new male vocalists. :rolleyes: ) I would definitely recommend him.

[AZLorena]

I worked in a music store a while back and used to get this type of question on a regular basis. My advice for you is to find a music store like Borders that has listening stations installed in all of their sections. The put featured selections in the stations, so you can listen to a variety. This is a good start because generally the music that goes in those stations are "big" sellers. When you are picking new music, it is always good to take a test drive first.

[KValley]

Hi Maureen!

First, you are the only other person I know besides DH who has heard of Jann Arden! But I shouldn't be surprised- she's Canadian. You must like Diana Krall, too, no?

Okay, I've got a mega list of calming, contemplative music:

Baroque/Classical

I love Adagios- such soft, gentle music. Deustsche Grammaphon puts out a 4 CD collection (also sold individually, I believe), conducted by Herbert van Karajan Karajan- Adagio Dozens of adagios by a numerous Baroque and Classical composer. Luscious.
Albinoni, Pachelbel, Vivaldi are all masters of the Adagio
Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 6 Pastoral; Moonlight Sonata
Bach Cello Suites; Goldberg Variations
Debussy (Romantic era, post classical)
Handel Water Music
Vivaldi Anything Vivaldi. He is my favorite composer. Beyond the Four Seasons, I'd also recommend Music for Lute and Mandolin and Violin Concerti, Concerti for Strings.

I don't listen to much Contemporary Classical, but I am developing a taste for Finnish composer Arvo Part, who writes music so spare and silent that it fills the whole room.

Segovia The Spanish guitar maestro. You can float away on his chords. Beautiful music.

I won't bring jazz into this, except to mention Bill Evans- an incredible jazz pianist- v. mellow. Try A Waltz for Debbie, Conversations with Myself. Although there are some beautiful, relaxing jazz artists and recordings, they might evoke a different kind of mood than what you are searching for.

Windham Hill puts out the greatest volume of soothing, mellow, beautiful contemporary instrumental music. Some of my favorite WH artists are George Winston Piano, and Willie Ackerman- Guitar. Other non-WH instrumental artists Don Ross- Guitar; Ottmar Liebert- Guitar

Windham Hill also publishes wonderful Celtic music. Our favorites are a series of collections entitled Celtic Christmas Don't let the Christmas part deter you- we listen to these year-round. There are some familiar old carols, but for the most part it is traditional Celtic music that was new to me, so I don't associate it with the holidays. Peaceful, at times moody. V. relaxing. There are at least 5 of these collections available.

Other mellow Celtic music: Clannad Lore; Past/Present; The Chieftains The Celtic Harp; Ballad of the Irish Horse; an album on the Narada label entitled Celtic Voices: Women of Song I also love the soundtrack to Braveheart

Other random soundtracks that I use to relax: The English Patient classical, a little jazz, traditional Hungarian, original compositions, The Red Violin classical, The Big Blue original compositions evoking water, romance, v. wistful, A Local Hero, traditional Scottish, with Mark Knopfler's original comps and soothing voice in some.

Loreena McKennit does lush, more modern Celtic music. THink Tom Waits mixed with Enya.

Luka Bloom is Irish, but he does folk, with a sweet sense of humor, a brilliant guitar

Nick Drake was an emerging folk singer from Britain before he OD'd in the early 70s. His music is being re-released and compiled with a vengeance. It is soft and moody.

On this side of the Atlantic, Alison Krauss Sweetest voice east of the Mississippi. Folk, bluegrass, just a hint of country. Forget About It, her latest, is gentle, playful. You can definitely hear the Dolly Parton influence in her voice and music. DP's last album, Little Sparrow, has served as my introduction to DP. It is brilliant. A little Celtic mixed in with bluegrass (which is where bluegrass has its roots), and refreshing takes on a classic Eagles song (Seven Bridges Road), Collective Soul (Shine).

Van Morrison may be a bit off of what you are looking for, but he is a standard in our house- I find him very relaxing and also very uplifting. THe world just seems brighter when Van is singing.

Indigo Girls Try their Retrospective CD- it has a bit from each of the albums- most of their best songs, IMO; also their self-titled album, which is my favorite (remember "Closer to Fine" from the late 80's?

Dido I've been listening to her (only?) album a lot, lately. Young, single woman angst, but she has a mellow voice, music is wistful.

Oh- jumping back over the pond for two last recommendations: Sade anything but her latest, which I like, but it's a little too heavy on the dance beat on a couple of tracks; and one of the most romantic albums of all time (IMHO) Roxy Music Avalon

Emily- I will have to look for David Gray; and I've been curious about Moby, but I'm not into electronica- I'll have to give it a try!

[Alisa]

KValley - Have you been peeking into my music collection????

I would also recommend Fleetwood Mac and anything by Ella Fitzgerald.

[emilycat]

Julie, I'm printing this off and taking it to the music store with me!
Thank you!!!

I wouldn't really call Moby electronica -- I'm not into that, either. You should give it a whirl, though -- some of the songs are really, really beautiful.

[SandyM]

Nice list, Julie!!

Might I add to the soundtrack portion - Last of the Mohicans.

I love love love Vivaldi.

I'm listening to Sade here at work as we speak (very calming, very quiet), and I agree with Julie - her latest CD is not as good as her previous releases, all of which I have.

Nina Simone is good for a classic jazz/bluesy feel, but not loud and combustive as some can be.

Diana Krall has an amazing voice - I don't know anyone who hasn't listened to her CDs and didn't fall in love with her. Also in the Jazz realm, the Rippingtons - guitar, sax, percussion (a little more upbeat). Check out Fourplay (with Lee Ritenour, not Larry Carlton), and if you're into piano, Bob James is awesome - but not in the Liberace sense, if you know what I mean. In particular, The Bob James Trio is a great CD to start with. Lee Ritenour's Wesbound CD is a tribute to Wes Montgomery, and it's incredible.

If you're into New Age type music, check out Wind Machine. Breezy, mellow music, good for a quiet evening by the fire or mood music for dinner.

[Jewel]

I'm one of those sick and twisted women who like to listen to John Denver just about any time, whether I'm cooking, cleaning, driving or playing with the computer. Heck, I'm listening to his 4-CD collection today at work, so as I type I'm singing along to 'Fly Away'!! It's kind of an obsession with me. Don't say it, DH is trying to find me help.

I never really got into any new age or 'newer' music until I hit about age 37 or 38. Suddenly I was hearing this lady on DH's radio station wondering who the heck she was...I was in awe of her voice and her guitar. I asked DH who she was. He looked at me like I'd just landed on this planet and told me it was Sarah MacClachlan. I went right out and bought Mirrorball, her live CD. I absolutely love it!

I also learned a lot about classical music from my ex-fiancee, who listened to almost nothing else. I told him what I liked of what he played, and he told me I liked 'baroque' stuff. Lots of strings, lots of 'haunting melody' and very soft and gentle. My favorite is Pachabel's 'Canon in D'. I find now that anything with a few violins and cellos, and I'm one happy girl.

It's kind of nice being able to appreciate all music now, from Barry Manilow to The Bangles, The Eagles to Boston, Travis Tritt to Glen Campbell and nearly all points in between! Sometimes growing older ain't so bad!! :D

[guavagirl]

i've tried to check that no one has answered the question re: the principal singer on the magnolia soundtrack, so my apologies if this is duplicative.

and the singer is... aimee mann. :cool:

[mcraig13]

Oh my gosh--what an opportunity. You may think some of these are a little country--but listen first--I would call them more folkie. My husband writes about music--the mostly obscure stuff--for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, etc. so we have heard a lot--and of a lot that are not in the mainstream.

I second the reccomendation of Alison Krause. Also, try Nanci Griffith, Lucy Kaplansky, Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Joan Armatrading, Eddie From Ohio, Greg Trooper, Robert Earl Keen, Terri Allard--and now I am going brain-dead.

I'll come back to this later.

[aggie94]

I have to put in a vote for my one of my all-time favorite groups, 10,000 Maniacs. My favorite album by far is In My Tribe. I'm not as fond of Natalie Merchant's solo stuff, but it's worth checking out. She has such a fabulous voice and sound!

I'll also add another vote for Indigo Girls.

[kima]

Thankyou Thankyou one and all. I am printing out all of your suggestions and hitting the stores. I like to go to a second hand CD store- all the CDs are 6.00 therre. They all are in good shape. BTW if any of you are ever in Vancouver or Victoria we apparently have the lowest prices for CDs in the world! You see the Brits load up when they are here!!
Natasha- I am so ignorant about classical music that I don't know what I like but I think Romantic music would be my cup of tea. You all reminded of music I love and own- Joan Armatrading, Shawn Colvin, Indigo girls.
The soundtrack to Magnolia sounds interesting- haven't seen the movie yet.
Emilycat- A Little Night Music sounds like what I am looking for- do you think you could provide a little more info to takre to the store with me?
I have never heard of David Gray- will check him out at Amazon.
danner64- I am intrigued by Jonatha Brooke- will find her as well.
KValley- I was hoping you would read this thread- I have noticed you listen to a wide variety of music. No one else you know has heard of Jann Arden- she is huge up here! I saw her live once- hilarious personality and then she sings such serious songs! I had breakfast at her cafe in Calgary awhile ago- unfortunately she didn't come in. They won't play her music there (we asked) because Jann doesn't want that- they play music she likes to listen to!
I knew you guys would have lots of suggestions- keep them coming!
Oh yes Julie I have the new Dido aldum- I like it but don't love it.
Anyone else like Macy Gray- her lyrics are a bit raunchy but I love her voice!!

[emilycat]

Kima --
Um, gosh, I wish I could.... it's a midnight blue cover with an illustrated sketch on the front, I think. I hope you can find it!

[julia]

I'll second a vote for Diana Krall. I've recently gotten into Michael Franks - he's great! - check out the cd's "Barefoot on the Beach" and "Tiger in the Rain".

[SandyM]

I forgot about Michael Franks!! I have 5 of his CD's. And who can't love his Christmas song........"I Bought You A Plastic Star For Your Aluminum Tree"???

[SusieO]

This thread has some wonderful information on it!

Julie, thanks for the great list. Is A Local Hero a movie? I'm not familiar with it, but the music sounds like something I would like.

Jonatha Brooke is featured fairly regularly on public radio's World Cafe (which my public radio station, of course, doesn't carry :( -- and if you live in Philadelphia and don't listen to WXPN all day long, shame on you!)

I'll put in another plug for Aimee Mann and the Magnolia soundtrack. It's one of my favorites.

[LaraW]

One of my favorite albums is Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. It is great to have on in the background, or to turn it up and really concentrate on it.

Other favorites are Tori Amos, Sarah McLaughlin, Billy Joel, Van Morrison, and Paul McCartney.

[kima]

I would like to recommend Lucinda Williams and Eva Cassidy. Cassidy dies recently and is only now being discovered. Her album Songbird iw wonderful. You can hear samples at Amazon. I have spent the last hour listening to samples of the music you have all suggested. Jonatha Brooke has a great voice!
I have given myself a limit of 4 new CDs. In the quest for simpler living I am trying not to accumulate too many new things! (I always make exceptions for cookbooks!!)

[lanie]

Sometime ago there was a string not unlike this and someone recommend Hilary Stagg, The Edge of Forever - absolutely incredible - I love it!

BTW.....aside from Jan Arden, there are a few other Canadian singers that I am sure people are aware of Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Ann Murray, Neil Young, Paul Anka, Sarah McLaughlin, Barenaked Ladies, etc.
:D

N.B. Actually Elvis was born in Canada! Most of the world is not aware of this - Mr. Presley is enjoying the balance of his middle-age in Arnprior, Ontario, where he purchased a property many, many years ago. ;)

[BlueMoose]

Elaine,

Do you guys have those compact disc things up there in the sticks yet, or do you still have record albums like we do in the boonies?

Chrisi ;)

[mcraig13]

I had to check the stacks of CD's to add to my other recs.

Janis Ian--new stuff
Dar Williams
Julie and/or Buddy Miller
Kim Richey
Cheryl Wheeler
Tish Hinojosa
Richard Shindell
Louise Taylor
Catie Curtis
Bill Morrissey
Irs Dement
Slaid Cleaves
Ani DiFranco--not exactly easy listening but well worth the effort

Borders should have most, if not all of this, even the Virginia local stuff here(Terri Allard and Eddie From Ohio).When I win the lottery the first thing I am going to do is buy a radio station and play really good music.

[lanie]

Hi Chrisi - actually, they are starting to sell CD's in some of the stores - only prob...they don't sell anything to play them on....this computer - forget it....going to try some of the downtown stores to see if I can find a CD player - hear the sound is really good!

Elaine ;)

[beacooker]

OK, I just spend an entire Saturday morning on Amazon listening to pieces of the music you guys recommended. Here is my 'must buy' list:

Allison Krauss - New Favorite (and I'm sure I'll be buying more of her CDs)
Eva Cassidy - Songbird
Keb Mo - Big Wide Grin (what a great smile he has! That cover is great)
Jonatha Brooke - Steady Pull
David Gray - White Ladder

Thanks for starting this thread, kima, and everyone who contributed! I was going to make my own recommendations, but by the time I got ready to do it, most of my favorites had been mentioned!

[AmyMcP]

One of my favorite dinner/cocktail CDs is Miles Davis - Some Kind of Blue....great

And speaking of jazz, you can't go wrong w/ Ella or Billie....

[funnybone]

Lately I've been listening to Matchbox Twenty and Lenny Kravitz. I also enjoy Melissa Etheridge, Santana, and Don Henley Hey, it's much better than the Aaron Carton and NSYNC my kids are listening to. LOL

[SandyM]

Has anyone ever heard of him? I was introduced to his music this weekend (I downloaded winamp and received MP3's from a friend). I was not a fan of new age music at all - Mannheim Steamroller, Yanni, things of that nature - but his music (which is classified as "new age" reached me, for some unexplained reason. It's so beautiful!

[Alisa]

Originally posted by AmyMcP
[BtAnd speaking of jazz, you can't go wrong w/ Ella or Billie.... [/B]

Amy - if you haven't discovered her already - you'll probably love Etta James too.

[SandyM]

Originally posted by Alisa


Amy - if you haven't discovered her already - you'll probably love Etta James too.

I love Etta James!! How strong is a woman!!! :cool:

[Wendy w]

Billie Holiday.

[Hoosier65]

Just putting my two cents worth in. I will be trying some of the suggestions you all have made. I like all kinds of music, just depends on the mood I'm in. These are some I really like:

All of the above
Jane Monheit blues/jazz
Steve Tyrell
Errol Garner
James Taylor
Johnny Mathis
Nancy Griffith
Sound tracks from Sleepless in Seatle, You've got Mail, Nottinghill
And others too numerous to mention