I think that it is impossible to make a successful recommendation in an art field without knowing in depth the recommenders� taste. I have purchased a few CDs on HH�er recommendations which did not get ripped to my system and were given away. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable to see what other HH�ers are listening to. I enjoy this thread when taken lightly.

To either prove or disprove my point let me make a few recommendations...

I am not a classical fan but I enjoy a reasonable mix in my collection as long as it is a bit more lively classical. I am also a piano fan. And I love to test my M gear with the greatest challenge � the piano. Accordingly I recommend all of Gabriela Montero. But if you add in the mix that I enjoy straight up jazz, I really enjoy Gabriela�s improvisations on classical. Disc 2 of Gabriela Montero Plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc., or even better her Baroque Album, track 6.

Or on a tangent, to combine my appreciation for Gabriela on the piano with my appreciation for the lively Latin music, her Solatino works wonders for me.

My favourite genre is soft rock. And to generalize I appreciate female vocals. So I have all the Katie Melua albums. But if you add the piano solo on My Aphrodisiac is You on the Call off the Search album you get sizzle. Although the studio effects are a bit much on her last album The House, she sizzles and I think it is her best album.

If you are a classical buff and are not of the set that thinks the trumpet bastardizes otherwise pure (and in my opinion often boring) classical, then Alison Balsom � Italian Concertos is bright, airy and cheery classical.

I think this will prove my theory that arm's lenght recommendations in music are impossible, but it is fun to share one's preferences.

Aloha,

Home: DSP8000's, DSP5500HC, DSP5200's, 861v6>v8+ID41, MC200, HD621.
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