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By the time Illicit was released in 1992, Scott Henderson & Tribal Tech had been established as one of the premier, if not the premier, experimental fusion outfits on the globe. That's "fusion" as in the fusion of jazz and rock, not the vanilla instrumental musings of artists like Kenny G, which are occasionally mislabled as such. Henderson's dramatic and powerful soloing and his incredibly refined chord work were the greatest causes for the early attention the group received, and Illicit only furthered the guitarist's reputation with its fire and musical vigor.

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There's nothing like a great accordion recording--really. There's something inherently romantic and charmingly evocative about the Italian (or French) style of music and performance on this instrument that in other hands and in other repertoire can be so, well, irritating.

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Chet Baker Quartet Featuring Russ Freeman (1998) is a perfect studio companion to the Mosaic Records set Complete Pacific Jazz Live Recordings of Chet Baker With Russ Freeman (1988). As was the custom for jazz platters of the time, both Baker and Freeman are joined by a different combo on each date. The luminaries include Bobby Whitlock (bass), Joe Mondragon (bass), Bobby White (bass), Larry Bunker (drums) and Shelly Manne (drums) from sessions held circa July and October of 1953.

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This early CD sampler of John Coltrane's Impulse years gives the personnel listing but leaves off the recording dates. All of the music ("Soul Eyes," "Song of the Underground Railroad," "Dear Lord," "Vilia," "India," "Spiritual" and "Big Nick") has been reissued again on CD, making this set of greatest interest to those listeners just beginning to explore the music of the great saxophonist; the emphasis here is the more melodic and conservative performances, although several classics are included. "Vilia" (which was originally released on an LP sampler) was formerly the rarest selection.

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This album pulls in the listener with tight knit arranging, exciting performance, the funkiest of beats and some of the groups best writing to date. From floor thumping dance tunes to beautiful ballads it is a wonderful mix of funk, jazz, R n B and rock.

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Chicago V (from 1972) was in some ways the end of the "old" Chicago, pointing the way towards a smoother, mellower style they'd adopt in the years to come. V still has jazz and progressive elements ("A Hit by Varèse," "Dialogues"), political commentary ("State of the Union"), and melodious, sunny, horn-laden pop (the huge hit "Saturday In The Park"). The playing was still tight and clean, and the vocals still earnest and heartfelt, but a lighter mood began to replace the urgency of the band's late-'60s recordings.

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Successful instrumental debut session from the electric violinist who was a dominant figure at Blue Note in the late '70s. Pointer could at times churn out a surprisingly riveting solo, but he spent more time plugging into rigidly arranged, heavily produced and orchestrated structures and supporting background vocalists.

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The best straight-ahead jazz singer on the scene today is Anita Wardell, the winner of the prestigious BBC Jazz Award last month, and Noted is one of the most impressive displays of vocal jazz and vocalese in many years. Backed up by her usual working trio of pianist Robin Aspland, bassist Jeremy Brown and drummer Steve Brown (along with guest saxophonist Alex Garnett), Wardell delivers knockout performances of well-known jazz classics and less familiar works that she has updated using her own unique swinging style.

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2011 album from the Jazz vocalist. Few young vocalists have entered the Jazz scene in this new century with the kind of acclaim received by the supremely talented Sophie Milman. Still in her 20s, she has now delivered her fourth album and first masterpiece, In The Moonlight. Produced by Grammy-winner Matt Pierson (Jane Monheit, Michael Franks, Joshua Redman, Kirk Whalum), this warm, witty, and altogether wonderful collection marks the first time Sophie has recorded in New York with an all-star supporting cast of Jazz veterans and hot new stars, performing gorgeous arrangements for strings and larger ensembles.

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The night of July 12th 2010 was a memorable evening in the history of the Montreux Jazz Festival. The theme of the night was " Singin' and Swingin'" and it starred Roger Cicero and his fantastic Big Band under the guidance of Lutz Krajenski.

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Harpist Giovanna Pessi has previously been heard on ECM recordings with Christian Wallumrod and with Rolf Lislevand. On her first leader date for ECM she introduces a unique project of old and new songs in which 17th century pieces by Henry Purcell are interspersed with 20th century ballads of Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake and 21st century songs of Susanna Wallumrod, all rendered timeless by the ‘early music’ instrumentation and Susanna’s pure, understated vocal style.

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Very beautiful album of Aleka Kanellidou, with tender love ballads. Ideal music for the late night hours, near the fireplace. Enjoy some romantic moments with the sexy voice of Aleka Kanellidou.