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Django Reinhardt was the first hugely influential jazz figure to emerge from Europe – and he remains the most influential European to this day, with possible competition from Joe Zawinul, George Shearing, John McLaughlin, his old cohort Stephane Grappelli and a bare handful of others. A free-spirited gypsy, Reinhardt wasn't the most reliable person in the world, frequently wandering off into the countryside on a whim. Yet Reinhardt came up with a unique way of propelling the humble acoustic guitar into the front line of a jazz combo in the days before amplification became widespread. He would spin joyous, arcing, marvelously inflected solos above the thrumming base of two rhythm guitars and a bass, with Grappelli's elegantly gliding violin serving as the perfect foil. His harmonic concepts were startling for their time – making a direct impression upon Charlie Christian and Les Paul, among others – and he was an energizing rhythm guitarist behind Grappelli…

Wayne Henderson was one of the founders of the Jazz Crusaders - with pianist Joe Sample - back in the 1960s in California. The group has had its ups and downs over the years, but keeps bouncing back to the delight of its many fans digging their sophisticated Soul and Funk-laced jazz. The current band is led by Wayne Henderson and this live concert was taped during a tour of Europe, when they performed at the popular Paris jazz venue New Morning in November of 2002.

The second release by Amirtha Kidambi's ensemble Elder Ones, From Untruth is comprised of four pieces grappling with issues of power, oppression, capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy, violence and the shifting nature of truth. This music means to give the listener momentary relief from the anxiety and pain caused by living in our current reality.

Although he has been singing the blues, by his count, for 60 years, Big Pete Pearson did not start making records under his own name until the year he became eligible for Medicare. Since then, however, he seems to have been making up for lost time. And, when you're 72, why wait? On The Screamer, he is accompanied by his regular blues band, led by bassist and songwriter Terry Davis. The band churns out familiar blues tunes….

A veritable feast awaits fans of Ian Anderson's Jethro Tull on this elaborate DVD package, which boasts extensive concert footage and a load of extras. The focal point is nearly two hours of performances, filmed in late 2001 (primarily in London, with additional material from several other locations) and featuring material from the band's entire lengthy career, including such staples as "Aqualung" and "Bouree." The current Tull incarnation (featuring, as always, Anderson on vocals, flute, and sundry other instruments) takes center stage; there are also a couple of numbers with a string quartet, and even a small-club reunion of the lineup that made the group's very first album back in 1968……..

Janiva Magness has gained a strong reputation as a fine blues singer who appears in clubs around the Los Angeles area. On this CD, she often stretches beyond the blues into folk music, pop and light R&B while retaining her blues roots. Jeff Turmes, who contributed all 13 songs (Magness co-wrote the opening "Good Car")……