Music: Media

"The name Rafael Mendez is synonymous with trumpet virtuosity, and this CD provides ample evidence as to why. The clarity and technique of the performances are astounding and constitute a must-hear CD."
--Daniel G. Berk

As seen on Public Television nationwide. 'Awake, My Soul: The Story of the Sacred Harp' is the first feature documentary about Sacred Harp singing, a haunting form of a cappella, shape note hymn singing with deep roots in the American south. Shape note singing has survived over 200 years tucked away from notice in the rural deep south, where in old country churches, singers break open 'The Sacred Harp', a 160 year old shape note hymnal which has preserved these fiercely beautiful songs which are some of the oldest in America.

J.S. Bach occupies a pivotal place in the history of music. His compositions represent both the height of the Baroque and the beginning of the Modern Age of music. Filmed in Leipzig, London and America this fascinating and authoritative documentary features specially-filmed extracts with John Eliot Gardiner conducting the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, performing the Mass in B minor, Andr+¡s Schiff playing the Goldberg Variations, Jacques Loussier improvising on the Toccata and Fugue in D minor as well as demonstrations by Ton Koopman, Tini Mathot, Joanna MacGregor and the Thomanerchor of Leipzig.

Konkombe is an extraordinary journey into the musical kaleidoscope of juju, Afrobeat, highlife, Afro-pop, and Lagos street music that makes up the Nigerian pop music scene. From traditional minstrels wandering the streets of Lagos to the talking drums of the Saharan north, from recording session with stars of juju and highlife to an intimate visit with Fela surrounded by his exotic wives, Konkombe looks at the entire spectrum of Nigerian music from its primitive roots to the most exciting stars of Afro-pop. Features performances, intimate interviews and recording sessions with some of the biggest stars of African music including King Sunny Ade, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Sonny Okosun, I.K. Dairo and more.