The Illusionary Movements of Geraldine and Nazu [Barnes & Noble Exclusive]

( 14 )

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Scott Paulin
J. Ralph may not be a household name, but chances are his music enters your home every day, in the form of evocative soundscapes from countless TV ad campaigns. A self-taught composer who found early success in the heady realm of electronica, where he was known as Spy, J. Ralph's compositions are no mere jingles, but rather lush orchestral backdrops drawing on classical and cinematic prototypes, sometimes showing traces of his electronica expertise as well: the wistfully romantic music on the stereo in your Volkswagen (or Honda, or Volvo) as you cruise into the sunset. Behind its cryptic title, The Illusionary Movements of Geraldine and Nazu allows this versatile composer some space ...
See more details below
CD (B&N Exclusive)
$12.99
BN.com price
(Save 31%)$18.99 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up in Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (CD)
  • All (4) from $37.29   
  • New (4) from $37.29   

More About This Product

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Scott Paulin
J. Ralph may not be a household name, but chances are his music enters your home every day, in the form of evocative soundscapes from countless TV ad campaigns. A self-taught composer who found early success in the heady realm of electronica, where he was known as Spy, J. Ralph's compositions are no mere jingles, but rather lush orchestral backdrops drawing on classical and cinematic prototypes, sometimes showing traces of his electronica expertise as well: the wistfully romantic music on the stereo in your Volkswagen (or Honda, or Volvo) as you cruise into the sunset. Behind its cryptic title, The Illusionary Movements of Geraldine and Nazu allows this versatile composer some space to breathe beyond the 30-second mark, as one expansive track after another etches itself into your memory. Half of the tunes are strictly instrumental, ranging from the lyrical solo violin and surging symphonic climaxes of "Untitled 17" to the Celtic tinge of "Where the Day Takes You" and the dramatic fanfares of "Paradise del'Anima Persa." The vocal tracks add a layer of dramatic mystery: "M" develops like an operatic scene, with a mezzo-soprano and a (Bocelli-esque) baritone in ardent dialogue and duet, pausing to dance a tarantella in the middle. The guitar and Middle Eastern strings on "One Million Miles Away" and the distant accordion on "Mi Ricordo" are among the many eclectic and ear-grabbing sonic touches, but there's also an emotional core in each song that goes deep beneath the appealing surface. J. Ralph's advertising clients should beware: After listening to this music on its own, you won't so much remember the products it was used to promote as simply admire the composer's distinctive talents and imagination.
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • Release Date: 5/3/2005
  • Label: Alliance Entertainment Corp.
  • UPC: 603777800424
  • Catalog Number: 80042
  • Sales rank: 22765

Album Credits

Performance Credits
J. Ralph Primary Artist
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 14 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(11)

4 Star

(3)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)
Sort by: Showing all of 14 Customer Reviews

  • Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Best Cd ever

    I love this cd and every song in it. It song has emotion and feeling that moves with the beats.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    One of the best CD's I've ever heard

    I was in B&N and they were playing it over the loudspeaker. Fantastic. I asked what it was and bought two copies, one for me and a friend. Am buying another copy now for my son in Seattle. Overall, one of the finest CD's I have ever heard. Listen once and your'e hooked.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    Best Flight Ever!

    I know that the idea of a nice relaxing flight sounds like a reach at best, but I have to thank United Airlines for featuring and introducing me to J.Ralph's album on one of my recent flights. I was hooked from his first song to last. Bought the album immediately once I found it!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    The emotions I feel astonish this old man

    Of all the sounds I've heard, his moved me in a way I've not felt in a very long time. While the twilight of my life has finally settled home - when I listen to J Ralphs melodies...I feel young again.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    new age, new rage.

    I recently purchased this album after hearing of J. Ralph through a friend, unfortunately it didn't have the bonus track, 'when she dances'. but regardless of this all the music featured was outstanding in setup, execution, and quality. It's wonderful to just listen to. It's an album that won't get stale with time always great. This album is one at the top. J. Ralph, keep it coming!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    Each song could be in a movie preview

    Every song is mad relaxing and really good. its good stuff that you can just listen to in the backround and it calms you down. quite enjoyable overall to listen to..

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    ... transporting

    Illusionary Movements of Geraldine and Nazu... transports you to another world. It is the calm in the storm... and "When She Dances" is simply beautiful. Mr. J. Ralph does not disappoint.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    good stuff

    For all you orchestral fans, this CD is for you. However, the best song is a vocal track, the bonus track, "When She Dances."

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    Just great !

    I had the opportunity to listen to some songs during my flight from Brasil to Detroit on May 01, and I realized that just on that week the CD would be released by B&N ! Lucky me ! Just bought it on Tuesday and brought home. Beautiful, although J. Ralph will certainly improve its style in the near future. Good pick ! Renato Maschetto de Sa

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    Terrific work from J. Ralph, but two songs are not new...

    OK, many listeners of this CD out there may not know that this is actually J. Ralph's second CD. He originally released "Music to Mauzner By" under the moniker "SPY" back in 1999. Two of the songs on this CD were featured on that album: "One Million Miles" (the song featured in the Volkswagen wedding commercial) and "Untitled 17". Now that I've got that out of the way, let me praise this album: What talent Mr. Ralph has with writing, arranging and producing orchestrations! Wow... this album takes you to very vivid and imaginative places with its richness in sound and imagery. Each track can stand alone in its uniqueness and quality, no doubt. Compiled together, you have a fantastic listening experience that could, quite possibly, be a soundtrack to a movie. I would love to hear these works performed live by an orchestra and vocalists. J. Raplh, when do you plan on touring?

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    J. Ralph is worth your first listen

    When I 1st heard "One Million Miles" on 'Music To Mauzner By', I was captivated by the mixture of electronica and classical melodies. While I love the operatic tones, I am so excited to hear the new orchestral version. Give the album a shot, I think we'll all be blown away.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    Illusionary Movements of Geraldine and Nazu [Barnes & Noble Exclusive]

    All I can say is that this is the kind of album that you want to tell everyone about, and at the same time you want to keep it all to yourself!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    Illusionary Movements of Geraldine and Nazu [Barnes & Noble Exclusive]

    This is definitely going in my "if I was ever stranded on a desert island collection."

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 14 Customer Reviews