Flag of Death (1963) Roberto Mauri, Richard Harrison, Walter Brandi, Annamaria Ubaldi

Two former LPs were reissued in full on this single CD. The earlier date features pianist Erroll Garner in typically brilliant and witty form with his 1961 trio, which also included bassist Eddie Calhoun and drummer Kelly Martin. Whether it be a sly "My Silent Love," "All of Me," or a joyful "Back In Your Own Backyard," Garner is heard throughout in his prime. The later date is a bit more unusual, for the pianist improvises on ten themes that would be used in the Paul Newman film A New Kind of Love. Joined by a big band and string orchestra conducted by Leith Stevens, Garner, who never learned to read or write music, contributed several original themes to the score (a few of which are quite catchy) in addition to jamming on such tunes as "You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me," "Louise," and "Mimi"…

This early-'60s date was the second - and one of the best - of Memphis Slim's many top-notch Bluesville recordings. Featuring Slim accompanying himself on the piano, All Kinds of Blues is a vintage set of mellow yet deep blues by one of the music's most urbane performers. Whether reveling in his considerable boogie-woogie chops ("Three-in-One-Boogie") or tossing off a wryly sexual romp ("Grinder Man Blues"), Slim always seems to be totally at ease and in command. And while newcomers are advised to start out with one of his early-'50s sets on Chess, this will be one collection no Memphis Slim fan will want to overlook.

This Covent Garden performance has transferred to video and DVD remarkably successfully, partly because the singing and acting of the principals is so good, but chiefly because conductor Georg Solti finds an excellent balance between sharp characterisation and sumptuous romance; between wit and mischief on the one hand and profound feelings on the other. Though sensitive to its beauties, Solti keeps the music moving along, never becoming sloppy or over-indulgent.