"The New York Album" by Yo-Yo Ma is an outstanding recording of three 20th century compositions for cello. However, the disc should be titled "The Baltimore Album," as they were made with the Baltimore Symphony (with David Zinman conducting) and were recorded in Charm City. The reason for the CD's title is that the three composers -- Bela Bartok, Ernest Bloch and Stephen Albert, and Ma himself were either born or have lived in New York.

The rare recording of sublime Caribbean Concerto composed by Chappell (one of the most original and finest guitar concertos ever written in the 20th century), coupled with Arnold's very lyrical masterpiece and Brouwer's highly evocative works for guitar and orchestra, makes this CD a must-have for any serious classical guitar-file.