Benny Elder

One Russian equivalent of “outside the box”, as 41-year-old Moscow-based drummer Alexander “Sasha” Mashin titles his debut leader recording, is the phrase мыслить нетрадиционно (myslit' netraditsionno-“think unconventionally”). Both the literal and metaphorical usages apply to Mashin’s intentions on this kinetic date, on which he and his pianist and bassist of choice propel the flow for separate sets of original music by two of Russia’s most distinguished jazz exports — New York-based trumpeter Alexander Sipiagin and London-based alto saxophonist Evegeny “Zhenya” Strigalev. Call it global jazz with a Russian attitude.

Buck and the Preacher is a 1972 American Western film starring Sidney Poitier as Buck and Harry Belafonte as the Preacher. This is the first film Sidney Poitier directed. A wagon master and a con-man preacher help freed slaves dogged by cheap-labor agents out West.

Buck and the Preacher is a 1972 American Western film starring Sidney Poitier as Buck and Harry Belafonte as the Preacher. This is the first film Sidney Poitier directed. A wagon master and a con-man preacher help freed slaves dogged by cheap-labor agents out West.

"The style may originate from America but the tone is european-scandinavian, and the music has a lovely swing that will excite all Bebop fans."

Charles Mingus (1922-1979), nicknamed "the angry man of jazz" and still today an icon of the jazz world, was known for his intimidating temperament. His musical talent on double bass, as musical arranger, bandleader or composer, was immense. His music touches on all kinds of jazz styles, from free, blues, hard bop, big band or third stream, influenced by Duke Ellington's orchestrations, but always has an element of irritation and danger. Influenced by New Orleans jazz, Mingus also fancied collective improvisation (as we can hear on various albums on this collection). This exciting box set is a journey through his fascinating music, displaying all of his artistic mutations and idiosyncrasies. Mingus is accompanied here by a host of all-time greats including Max Roach, Teo Macero, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Bud Powell.

Andre George Previn KBE (born Andreas Ludwig Priwin; April 6, 1929) is a German-born naturalised American pianist, conductor, and composer. He is a winner of four Academy Awards for his film work and ten Grammy Awards for his recordings.

Amazon Review by Stuart Jefferson: If you're a blues fan chances are you're already familiar with (if you don't already own) some/many/all of these albums. But if you don't own these sets (or have only a few) this is a good way to own all 20 albums in one nice, neat box. The sound is the same as the individual albums which is very good for the various periods when these tracks were originally recorded. The jackets are fairly thick cardboard and are reproductions of the original covers. The outer box is also of good quality. There's a 34 page booklet that has a few paragraphs on each disc, and track lists, but no detailed liner notes to really put this music into some kind of perspective, but information on these artists and styles is available in various blues books/encyclopedias and on the internet.