Saxomania

Nicolas Montier may not be well known in the U.S., but he is a masterful tenor saxophonist based in France. In a somewhat rare move, Venus Records of Japan has reissued this fantastic album which was recorded in 1991. Of course, it was remixed and remastered to Venus' high standards to achieve great sound. Featured on this album is Montier and his quartet, plus a four-saxophone ensemble called Saxomania. The album contains many lullabies, as the title indicates, but some are played in medium-to-up tempo. Firmly rooted in the mainstream jazz tradition, the band swings very well. The arrangements for a total of five saxophones are consistently brilliant, and Montier's playing is inspired and impressive.

Another compilation sampler from Venus Records archives. This time, a famous Japanese Jazz audio authority Takashi Yamaguchi selects ten ultimate sounded tracks from the label's extensive library. Artists includes Joe Beck Trio, Nikki Parrott, Bryan Lynch, Enrico Rava, New Your Trio, and more.

This is the seventh volume release of Venus Records' SACD compilation. It is a sampler of tracks from the Venus Records library and includes some of the label's biggest artists. Featured artists include George Garzone & Trio Da Paz, Sharel Cassity Quartet, Fred Hersch Trio, Marilyn Scott, Bob Kindred Quartet, and many more.