John Williams: The Magic Box

John Williams (Composer), Francis Bebey (Composer), Timothy Walker (Composer), Paul-Bert Rahasimanana (Composer), Jean Mwenda (Composer), Vasco Martins (Composer), Ralanto (Composer), Enoch Sontonga (Performer), African Traditional (Performer), Christopher Laurence (Performer), John Etheridge (Performer), Richard Harvey (Performer), Paul Clarvis (Performer), Paul Kegg (Performer), Martin Loveday (Artist), Anthony Pleeth (Artist)

Product Details

• Performer: Enoch Sontonga, African Traditional, Christopher Laurence, John Etheridge, Richard Harvey, et al.
• Composer: John Williams, Francis Bebey, Timothy Walker, Paul-Bert Rahasimanana, Jean Mwenda, et al.
• Audio CD (April 16, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000065APV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #112,703 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
With his crystalline articulation and extraordinary rhythmic prowess, John Williams ranks among the greatest solo voices the acoustic guitar has ever known. Now, with the joyous evocations of the African guitar tradition, Williams has hit upon his most emotionally satisfying crossover recital to date. Though both chief soloist and arranger, Williams nevertheless avoids shining the spotlight on his virtuosic skills--even his solo showcase, "Masagna," places greater emphasis on the tune's folkish incantations. He allows plenty of melodic space for the likes of steel-string player John Ethridge, while guiding listeners through the idiomatic flora and fauna of the pan-African experience: from the hornpipelike airs of Madagascar ("Mitopa") and kora-styled arpeggios of Mali ("Malinke Guitars") through to intimations of South African vocal traditions with a lovely children's chorus on the anthem of the African National Congress, "Nikosi Sikelel'I Africa." Simply expressive and deeply felt, Magic Box exudes a universal vibe that transcends borders and nationalities. --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pushing the limits, May 7, 2002

By	R. Webb "rbw2001" (Brooksville, Fl. United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Once again John Williams pushes the classical guitar 'limits' to new horizons. Introducing new genre's of music to the guitar is nothing new for this guitarist. Accompanied by voice, double bass, accordian, zarb, harmonium, flute, whistles, percussion and steel string guitar among other insturments makes this a cd that has gone far outside the 'classical' category. This cd however is not specifically a John Williams showcase. It is a panoramic view of Africian music in general. Reflecting the different cultural tastes of the continent. I would like to add that I think Mr. Williams is long overdue for a Grammy Award. Maybe this cd will do it.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Expanding the Horizon, July 18, 2002

By A Customer

In pursuing his goal of expanding guitar music beyond the traditional Spanish repertoire, Williams and friends have produced a very enjoyable collection of African style music. The blend of percussion, bass, and wind instruments gives it even more flavor. Particularly delightful is track 3, "Maki," with Williams playing beautiful tremolo and strumming on a bright sounding requinto. Several other pieces give off a similar tropical, mellow, and happy feeling. I'm eagerly anticipating Williams' next project and where he will take us.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for a quiet, cloudy Sunday Morning, November 15, 2003

By	Dr. Eric M. Jones (Wodonga, Victoria, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have Magic Box playing and a small water sculpture flowing as I type this and the combination is just about perfect. I wouldn't call myself a sophisticated listener, even though I bought my first Segovia recording as a teenager in the early 1960s and, over the years, have accumulated quite a few recording by Segovia, Isbin, Williams, Parkening, and others. I never tire of listening to these superb guitarists playing Rodrigo and Bach and the other standards but, every once in a while, it is a pleasure to hear something a little out of the ordinary. It takes a special talent for a classically trained musician to handle pop or folk material with any success - as it does for pop/folk musicians to go the other way. Williams does it with ease.