Randy Paul Gage Power Prosperity

The odd title of this album is taken from the lyrics to a Minutemen song, but the listener will hear a lot more Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell in Randy McKean's work than any punk band. Indeed, the recording is dedicated to the former and includes two pieces by the latter. McKean's compositions tend to be knotty, post-bop structures with an underlying sense of swing and good humor, much in the manner of his mentors…

Gundula Janowitz possessed one of those voice which provoke in the listener an instant thrill of recognition. Her sound is pure, true and fluting, of extraordinary power and penetration and enormous ease of production - which you can see if you watch a film of her singing; there is no sign of extraneous tension anywhere. Apparently not everyone responds to the almost unearthly beauty of her timbre - some seem to find it cold - but for me she is one of the very greatest sopranos, with a range spanning Bach to Wagner and equal facility in opera and Lieder. There are two DG double CD volumes of Schubert Lieder in which she is accompanied by her long-term artistic partner, American pianist Irwin Gage and both are indispensable.

Vol. 3 of Lawrence Power's survey of the complete Hindemith work for viola features a cluster of works written for viola and orchestra in the short time between 1927 and 1930. Though Hindemith did not write a traditional concerto in the classical sense, the Op. 48 Konzertmusik, Kammermusik No. 5, and Der Schwanendreher each put the viola's abilities at the forefront of the orchestra. His personal knowledge of the instrument's technical, lyrical, and emotive abilities become quickly apparent as the viola is made to scurry around as nimbly as a violin in Konzertmusik, as emotionally rich as a cello in Trauermusik, or as colorful and evocative as a piano in Der Schwanendreher. All of these many moods are captured effortlessly by Power. His playing balances the clarity needed to execute agile passagework with the richness and depth needed for more lyrical sections. What's more, Power never gives the appearance of trying to make the viola sound like a violin; instead, he celebrates the viola's idiosyncrasies and transforms them into a rich, satisfying tapestry of sound. Joined by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under David Atherton, Vol. 3 of Power's hefty undertaking is just as worthwhile and engaging as the previous two and is certainly worth checking out.

The great unsung British Blues hero recorded live at the BBC together with previously unreleased studio tracks. The most comprehensive collection of Duffy Power’s BBC recordings available with sound restoration by Eroc. Showcases Duffy in a variety styles and line-ups with backing by the Graham Bond Quartet, the Fentones and CWT. Disc Three comprises unreleased studio recordings from the 90s/00s which cement his reputation as a Bluesman.