Molly Manning Walker

Anser's Tree is the 2006 release from singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Guy Manning, a concept album telling the story of Dr. Jonathan Anser and his quest to find the truth and history of his family tree. As Manning takes you through this history, from six ancestors up through Jonathan himself, a rich musical tapestry of moods and styles are weaved, led by Guy's enticing, Ian Anderson-ish vocals, layers of acoustic guitars, flutes, fiddle, keyboards, mandolin, biting electric guitar, and percussion. More dense and intricate than Manning's last release One Small Step, this album is a little closer in style to 2004's A Matter of Life and Death, but as with all of the output from Mr. Manning, the end result is a charming mix of folk and prog rock sounds.

A companion piece to the 2006 documentary film of the same name, WHISKEY ON A SUNDAY features the Los Angeles-based, Irish-rooted rock ensemble Flogging Molly performing live. Led by singer/guitarist Dave King, the band proves why it is often considered a primary heir to the Pogues legacy with an impressive set of songs, most notably the urgent and emotive "Laura," which mixes punk fury with a wistful Irish folk sensibility.

DB Productions presents a CD portrait of American composer Molly Kien (born 1979). Now living in Sweden, she has established herself as one of the hottest names in the generation of younger composers. Canadian harpist Laura Stephenson is soloists on Song of Britomartis and renowned Finnish conductors Anna-Maria Helsing and Eva Ollikainen lead the Sinfonietta in Kien’s in Kein’s attractive music.