Daily Star [2020.05.27]

The American mezzo sings the title role of the scheming Roman matriarch in a starrily-cast recording of Handel's early opera with Il Pomo d'Oro, conducted by Maxim Emelyanychev.

Lilly Hiatt felt lost. She’d just returned home from the better part of a year on tour in support of her acclaimed third album, Trinity Lane, and, stripped of the daily rituals and direction of life on the road, she found herself alone with her thoughts for the first time in what felt like ages.

Country hit maker LeAnn Rimes is ready to present her acclaimed voice in a whole new way, announcing a new album of meditations titled CHANT: The Human & The Holy. Set for release on November 20 and featuring 12 soothing tracks, the project will be a bold (but relaxing) change of pace for the “Blue” star. It aims to showcase the power of her country vocal “in a completely new light, channeling wisdom into mantras and messages of hope and remembrance during a time of need.”

Celebrating Anthony Braxton on his 75th birthday, THUMBSCREW digs into the Tricentric Archives, focusing on previously unrecorded pieces by the legendary composer, multi-wind master and bandleader. The all-star collective trio releases its fifth album for Cuneiform, The Anthony Braxton Project. For fans familiar with Braxton’s music the project offers a whole new window into his genius for designing protean musical situations pregnant with possibilities. Those less acquainted with his work might find themselves enthralled and amazed by the sheer diversity of rhythmic and melodic material explored by Thumbscrew.

Best known for his classic blues, jazz and guitar instrumental sounds, Duke Robillard cuts loose in style on his 2023 album Six Strings Of Steel. Credited to Duke Robillard & His All-Star Band, the 12-track, 60-minute CD features Duke’s guitar and vocals backed up by a top-flight band including long-time Robillard band members Mark Teixeira (drums), Bruce Bears (keys), Marty Ballou (bass), and Doug James (sax), in addition to recently added band member, Chris Cote (vocals). Guesting is Katie Shore (fiddle) of Asleep at The Wheel.