Customer Reviews

Hero for Today

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Hero for Today" is a wonderfully balanced collection from the US Army Band and Chorus. There was a good selection of patriotic music, both old and new. The balance within the chorus was well executed, as was the balance between the band and the chorus. Their rendition of "Hymn to the Fallen" was thoughtful, almost prayerful, with a subtle choral overtone. The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was a fresh and full arrangement of an old favorite. "Here's to America" was an upbeat expression of faith in America, in good contrast to the reflective "A Hero For Today." "This Is My Country" was set with a majestic tone, while "God Bless America" was an upbeat expression of an old favorite. I'd recommend this CD to anyone who would like to hear both traditional and new expressions of patriotic music.

"In the past I have always tended to prefer instrumental service band and military music, but the latest Altissimo release titled Hero for Today is absolutely superb and has me rethinking my preferences. This CD features the US Army Band and Chorus, and is one of the finest CDs I have ever heard. The CD includes a mix of instrumental pieces, and vocal/instrumental arrangements. It opens with the US Army Herald Trumpets playing a very moving piece titled Heroic Fanfare, which leads to many other wonderful selections. The first time I listened to the CD was on my short 15 minute drive to work, which found me in the middle of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. This is so nicely performed that upon arrival at work I could not shut my car off until the song finished. The Hymn is followed by America the Beautiful, performed by the US Army Brass Quintet. There are a total of 16 tracks on the CD, which closes with a vocal/instrumental version of The Armed Services Medley (track 15), then The Stars and Stripes Forever. In short, I highly recommend you add this CD to your collection.

I bought the CD for my mom who LOVES "We Were There". The 3rd infantry performs a great rendition of it during their concert series every year on the Ellipse in Washington D.C. which includes soldiers wearing the uniforms of the Army as they have evolved and a very stirring speech. Since the 3rd infantry is unable to sell recordings to the public, being able to at least get the song feor my mom was a wonderful present. The other music on the CD was also wonderfully patriotic and beautifully performed.

I was looking online for the music to The Last Full Measure of Devotion and could not find the sheet music but Amazon had the CD with this song on it. I placed and order and had it in my hand in just 4 days. I expected to wait for 2 weeks.

It's easy to forget that everyday many Americans lay down their lives for
the rest of us. These heroes may go unsung but their sacrifice is no less
significant then the heroes of the past. Each track on this album honors the
legacy or heroism in our country and reminds me that no matter when or where
there are citizens who will pay the ultimate price to preserve out country.
The members of the US Army band are in their own way true American Heroes.
Their long and powerful service to our country underlines what it means to
be American. They perform each track on this album with great passion and
listening to it you can feel the power of what these songs represent. They
speak of what is best in our country in American the Beautiful and speak to
pledge of service in Duty Honor Country. If you love great classical or
military music or just love your country this is an excellent album for you.

Also noticed part of the proceeds goes to support the Army Historical Foundation!

I listened with at least moist eyes - and often streaming tears - to this stunning collection as I enjoyed a scenic ride on Amtrak from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR. I could not help but be proud and grateful for our most honorable country and the dedication and sacrifice of the people who volunteer to protect and defend her. I bought 15 copies and gave them to my friends and family. I intend to give copies to my best clients. Needless to say, I commend A Hero for Today to all.

I heard the title song first at the memorial marker ceramony for Paul R. Smith, the first Medal of Honor recipient of the WOT. I went searching for a CD and to my surprise, found it as the title.

Unlike some of the other reviewers, I have found the tone quality very good. My only 'complaint' is the lack of printed lyrics.

While I'm not usually a huge fan of military music, I found the lyrics time appropriate for occassional use in my social studies classes. While we have many discussions about the US policies, many of us can use a reminder of those few that are giving up so much for the many.

The CD is overall very good. There are some intonation and timing issues. However, the CD had me captivated from beginning to end.

US Army Band and Chorus should have skipped this gig. Unfortunaly, these tunes are not well known and not very moving in terms of patriotism.
It was release while the US Army and Marine Corps were fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq with no end in site.
The Army has a department called Psyops. It pushes patriotism. To say it has failed with this album is putting it very mildly.

Another re-hash of Altissimo! recordings here. Once again recordings have been drawn together from the US Army Band Library which means the sound quality is often un-even, and nothing is original here.

The standard US Armed Forces Medley Altissimo! just uses from one CD to the next. I don't think they ever change the band playing it! So no mention of when these recordings were made either, or who was directing the Army band when they were done. Altissimo! has not reached that level of professionalism that other labels attained long ago.

Most of the patriotic material here has been issued before by Altissimo! There is very little new material on this CD. The redundant program presented here is a common feature with most US service bands. The musicianship is first-rate: The music they play often second or third rate! These bands can do a lot more than play this kind of dribble. Of course Altissimo! thinks that only the popular stuff will sell. And so they market the same thing over and over.

The picture on the front with the US soldier in desert tans is intended to pull in the patriotic buyer today. The funny thing here is that the recordings combined here were probably in the can pre-9/11! Buyer beware!