Soft Autumn

This two-disc collection is a perfect introduction to the Church for new fans, given all the many singles collected from Of Skins and Heart up through Heyday, along with an album cut or two. As an overview of the band's evolution from catchy postpunk pop to its own thrilling musical recipe, along with some amusing liner notes from Kilbey song per song, it's a definite winner. But hardcore fans will want this collection as well for an even stronger reason – the inclusion of many B-sides not collected anywhere else. Ranging from the randomly goofy to the sublime, they give a great peek into the band's diversions and experiments over its first few years.

Many know her as the front woman of Blackmore's Night where for the past 18 years she has been performing the songs she has co-written with her husband, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. With her 2nd solo offering, 'Starlight, Starbright', Night's vocal quality is richer than in years past, bringing you to a quiet and intimate place; a place of beauty and dreams, inspired by the birth of her children, Autumn (5) and Rory (3). 'I really felt just so completely full of love and part of this bigger picture, this miracle,' Night remembers. 'I wanted to sing to celebrate this incredible life that was occurring inside of me. I've never felt so spiritual.' On 'Starlight, Starbright' you will find new original melodies, some co-written and played with Ritchie Blackmore, some solo by Night.

Oscar Peterson appeared on hundreds of recordings produced by Norman Granz, though most of his early trio dates for Mercury and Clef were overlooked for CD reissue until the release of this thorough seven-disc compilation by Mosaic in 2008. It still represents only a portion of the pianist's considerable output for the two labels between 1951 and 1953. This collection was put together as a result of laborious detective work, assembling nine different sessions from tape masters and second generation reels, 78s, EPs and LPs, some of which came from collectors and libraries, while also including eight previously unissued performances…

4.5 stars. Easily becoming one of my favourite Jad Warrior albums. I highly recommend this album to fans of Porcupine Tree, David Sylvian solo, Pink Floyd, Mike Oldfield, Flower Kings, Steve Morse-era Deep Purple, Djivan Gasparyan, Dead Can Dance, Elbow, old and modern King Crimson, David Gilmour solo, later period Talk Talk, Michael Brook and Rush(yes…Rush!). Also, throw in the kitchen sink with _world musics_ and the mid-period chamber rock/ambient works of '74-'78 Jade Warrior…