Santa's Slay (2005)

Three CDs containing over three hours forty-five minutes of music can't be bad! We have tracks donated by well known favourites such as Binar, Radio Massacre International, Ron Boots, Skin Mechanix and AirSculpture plus some of the more successful new kids on the block: The Omega Syndicate, Create and The Glimmer Room. That is not all though as this collection also provides an opportunity for some of those artists who are currently just 'bubbling under the surface' to be heard.

This may not be the ultimate Chick Corea collection, but fans aren't likely to find a better one on video anytime soon. A near-complete portrait of the legendary pianist's non-fusion career is captured on the 10-DVD Rendezvous In New York boxed set, featuring performances from his three-week run of reunion concerts at the New York's Blue Note in 2003 to celebrate his 60th birthday. Those craving more after hearing the Grammy-nominated double-CD released that year under the same name will find the extended material equally satisfying. It also stands commendably on its own as a showcase for some of the most talented musicians from the past 25 years including Bobby McFerrin, Roy Haynes, Gary Burton, Joshua Redman, Christian McBride, Michael Brecker, Steve Gadd and John Patitucci.

This new Traviata belongs near the top of the fine recorded versions of the opera despite a serious vocal problem in the middle. The great news is in the casting of the two lovers: Rolando Villazon's Alfredo is just about perfect. He sings with handsome, shaded tone, great attention to the text–his anger feels as real as his grief and passion–and absolute freedom throughout the range.

Entertainment! is one of those records where germs of influence can be traced through many genres and countless bands, both favorably and unfavorably. From groups whose awareness of genealogy spreads wide enough to openly acknowledge Gang of Four's influence (Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine), to those not in touch with their ancestry enough to realize it (rap-metal, some indie rock) – all have appropriated elements of their forefathers' trailblazing contribution. Its vaguely funky rhythmic twitch, its pungent, pointillistic guitar stoccados, and its spoken/shouted vocals have all been picked up by many.

Oscar Peterson - Remastered Anniversary Edition: Reissue of the nine celebrated MPS studio albums, recorded in Germany in the 1970s. Accompanying Oscar Peterson's 80th birthday on August 15, 2005. For the first time reissued with original cover artwork and original liner notes. Featuring new liner notes by Dr. Richard Palmer, co-author of the Oscar Peterson autobiography My Jazz Odyssey. New 192kHz/24-bit remastering, supervised by original album producer Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer.