Ron Horton A Prayer For Andrew

Out of all of Madonna's albums, Like a Prayer is her most explicit attempt at a major artistic statement. Even though it is apparent that she is trying to make a "serious" album, the kaleidoscopic variety of pop styles on Like a Prayer is quite dazzling…

Deutsche Grammophon is proud to release the world premiere recording of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s A Prayer to the Dynamo. This major orchestral work was inspired in general by the composer’s fascination with technology, and in particular by field recordings he made at Iceland’s Elliðaár power plant and the writings of Henry Adams.

John Tavener was the perfect choice as the composer to create the musical score for the film CHILDREN OF MEN. Much of the music used throughout the film (songs like 'Ruby Tuesday' etc) are well enough known that they don't require re-recording in this memoir of a deeply moving film. But it is the opportunity to listen without the visuals to the music Tavener created 'that brings an even deeper appreciation for his accomplishment. In addition to Tavener's own compositions this CD includes the Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau rendering of Mahler's 'Nun Will Die Sonn' So Hell Aufgeh'n' from the 'Kindertotenlieder' (a more apt song cycle could not be imagined for this childless film) as well as Krzysztof Penderecki's 'Threnody For The Victims Of Hiroshima' as conducted by the composer and Handel's excerpt from 'Alexander's Feast' ('War, he sung, is toil and trouble').

This Marcus Roberts solo piano CD features Christmas-related material, all performed in a relaxed manner. Two originals ("Christmas Blues" and "Prayer For Peace") are joined by 11 familiar Yuletide favorites. Roberts rarely wanders far from the melody and his lefthand stride work, although impressive, never really cuts loose. The pleasant recital is overly respectful and thoughtful, and it would have benefited from the inclusion of a few stomps (such as "Jingle Bells").

Nominated for Music Nova Scotia's 2016 Digital Artist of the Year, Makayla Lynn has 4 albums under her belt, including the award winning album "Daydream", followed up by "On a Dare and a Prayer" (yet to be released). Recorded in Nashville, TN and released in June 2014, "Daydream" was nominated for ECMA Country Album of the Year, ECMA Rising Star of the Year, IMEA Country Album of the Year as well as Music Nova Scotia's Country Recording of the Year. A ground breaking project for such a young artist, the album helped pave the way for Makayla Lynn as she ventures into the next steps in what is promising to be a very long career. Several of the songs from "Daydream" have landed Makayla nods in songwriting contests including being named a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting and Unsigned Only Contests, and a regional finalist in CBC's Searchlight Contest. "Daydream" has quickly turned into something unprecedented for such a young East Coast musician and we are confident that "On a Dare and a Prayer" will far surpass the debut.