Robert Walter

With numerous available recordings of Beethoven's music for cello and piano available, one might wonder what British cellist Steven Isserlis has to add on this Hyperion release, which includes not only the five Beethoven cello sonatas but three entertaining early sets of variations and a transcription, by Beethoven himself, of the Horn Sonata in F major, Op. 17. The answer lies in Isserlis' decision to record the works with a fortepiano, in this case an instrument built by American-Czech maker Paul McNulty and based on a Viennese Walter model of 1805.

Thoughtful, sensitive playing in slow movements, lively tempi in allegros, characteristic musicianship plus spontaneity combine to make these recordings highly recommendable throughout…

These 14 tracks, cut in 1996 when Lockwood was 81 years old, are among the most accessible music that he has ever laid down. Had this record – with its mix of spare, raw solos and duets juxtaposed with full band pieces that thunder quietly or roar loud and clear – come out in the late '60s, it might have been as big and important a record as anything cut by Muddy Waters (maybe more, since Waters didn't get to make albums as strong and straightforward as this until the 1970s)……

Higgs fronts a talented cast of the blues elite of Austin, drawn primarily from the internationally renowned Austin blues club, Antone's. Combining decades of blues experience, veterans include venerated guitarist Derek O'Brien, producer/keyboardist Riley Osbourn, and the master rhythm section of drummer George Raines and bassist Larry Fulcher…..