Sacd

Cellist Steven Isserlis once again displays his ingenuity and innovation in programming on this 2010 release combining four works for cello and orchestra that wouldn't even exist without him: all arrangements were made at his personal request, each one by the arranger of his personal choice. The most radical reworking is the opening selection, based on a suite composed for cello and orchestra by a 19-year-old Debussy, which only survived in a version for cello and piano. In her imaginative reconstruction of, or rather replacement for, Debussy's original composition, Sally Beamish uses the piece as the opening movement, going on to construct orchestral arrangements of four other Debussy works from the same period. Isserlis also includes revisions of two Ravel songs, Prokofiev's incomplete Concertino and Ernest Bloch's From Jewish Life, ending with the movement entitled Prayer. Throughout the fascinating programme, Isserlis is backed by the Tapiola Sinfonietta conducted by Gábor Takács-Nagy.

Malene Mortensen is a Danish jazz singer. She is an unmistakable musical talent. One can only be fascinated by a vocalist who mixes the taste of her own generation with a choice of repertoire and musicians to produce an album of such persuasive and elegant pop- perfumed jazz. On her third album, Malene has combined a set of personal originals with songs that she just plain likes. Some jazz, some pop. However, there is no doubt that Malene Mortensen’s basic approach is that of a jazz vocalist. She dares give her material that essential personal twist - often with surprising results. Her phrasing is blessed with a natural swing, her lyrical interpretations have an easy flow, and her vocal control is supple and virtuosic.

This absolutely classic jazz recording is entitled Portraits of Cuba and is a milestone project of Paquito D'Rivera. Arranged by Carlos Franzetti, the large band ensemble provides an orchestral ambiance akin to the legendary Gil Evan sound with Miles Davis, in the classic "Sketches of Spain." This recording couldn't come at a better time, as it presents an artistic commentary on a national and social transition as it unfolds in a new and evolving Cuba. It is truly a work that will be applauded worldwide as the quality of the writing and performance is at a level few artists are capable of achieving today. Paquito D'Rivera provides some of the most inspired improvisation in his career to date and the material chosen for this recording are familiar classics in the popular Latin music tradition. Best Latin Jazz Album of the 39th Annual Grammy Awards.

Leading an all-star Latin big band, Paquito D'Rivera unleashes the beloved music of his homeland on this Latin Grammy winning album. Following in the tradition of Havana's immortal jazz orchestras, D'Rivera infuses his own stylings with mambo, son, danz¢n and bolero to create an essential musical document. This album won "Best Latin Jazz Album" Grammy at 1st Annual Latin Grammy Awards (2000).

Hank Jones, who has just turned 90, is still wowing audiences around the world with his elegant swing and "magic touch". The tradition of combining Hank Jones with an unexpected rhythm section continues in this wonderfully recorded hybrid SACD. The latest iteration of Jones' Great Jazz Trio includes veteran bassist George Mraz and explosive Billy Kilson who represents a new generation of jazz drummers. His sharp and powerful drumming is surely one of the highlights of this album.

Recorded at the last stop on their 2002 tour, Alive in Seattle documents an impeccable performance and production, mixed for surround-sound playback on Super Audio CD format. A warm artist/audience vibe permeates this set; it's easy to imagine families sprawled out on an amphitheater lawn, taking in the music on an early summer evening.

There have been many recordings of the Brahms' symphonies but few have the passion, vitality and drive of István Kertész’s Vienna Philharmonic cycle. This collection brings together all of Kertész’s Brahms recordings for Decca. His Wiener Philharmoniker Brahms cycle began in May 1964 with a recording of the Second Symphony and continued in 1972-73 with the remaining symphonies and the Variations on a theme of Haydn. Recording of the Variations commenced on March 1, 1973 and upon Kertész’s passing (April 16, 1973), the orchestra completed the recording on May 14, 1973, conductor-less, in his memory.

Skol is one of the great cooperative sessions among jazz recordings. Swinging and fellow feeling, not leadership or stardom, were the primary considerations when Norman Granz put together in concert Oscar Peterson, Stephane Grappelli, Joe Pass, Mickey Roker, and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen.

Joanna Wang's English + Mandarin album titled "The Things We Do for Love" features 15 self-selected tracks including 10 English track (including 3 acoustic tracks) and 5 Mandarin tracks. The 1st single "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head", also the theme song of 1969's American film "Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid", was a Golden Globe Award and Academy Award nomination.

Face The Music is the new album from Sinne Eeg. Sinne is one of the strongest new female vocalists from the Scandinavian jazz scene. With 5 albums Sinne Eeg has established herself as a Danish jazz singer with international potential. Sinne’s distinctive vocals have earned her a loyal and ever growing fan base around the world as well as in her native country. As a singer she is influenced by Nancy Wilson, Betty Carter and Sarah Vaughan, but with her personal touch of soft darkness, Sinne keeps the Scandinavian melancholy settled in her music.