The Big Goodbye

This CD consists of the recordings of big-band standards that Duke Ellington originally did for Reprise in the early '60s. One suspects there was a quid pro quo here - he would cut these '30s and '40s standards, which were certain to make money, for Reprise, and that same label, in turn, would record his symphonic music. The material is done in a smooth, swinging style, more laid-back than what the Count Basie orchestra of the same period would have done with this same stuff ("One O'Clock Jump" is included here as one of ten bonus tracks), but with enough fire and boundless elegance to make it more than worthwhile. Highlights include "Minnie the Moocher," "Cherokee," "Ciribiribin," "Contrasts," "Smoke Rings," "Woodchopper's Ball," "Rhapsody in Blue," and "Tuxedo Junction"…

A sequel to 1964's The T.A.M.I. Show, The Big T.N.T Show was shot before a live audience at the Moulin Rouge club in Los Angeles on November 29, 1965. With Phil Spector serving as musical director, the concert showcased rock, soul, country, pop and folk artists on one bill, surrounded by an audience of screaming girls…

Long a greatly in-demand sideman, pianist Larry Willis excels during this opportunity to lead his own trio. With superb support from bassist Buster Williams and the tasteful drummer Al Foster, Willis explores a variety of standards, obscurities, and a pair of his originals. The interpretations are lyrical, quietly emotional, harmonically sophisticated, and full of subtle surprises. This is the type of jazz recording that grows in interest with each listen, for there is a great deal happening just beneath the surface.

Lonely Robot, the new project masterminded by producer, guitarist and vocalist John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Arena), has signed to InsideOut Music and is set to release its debut album Please Come Home on 23rd February 2015. Backed by the storming rhythm section of Nick Beggs on bass and Craig Blundell on drums, the album also sees guest appearances from Peter Cox (Go West), Nik Kershaw, Steve Hogarth (Marillion), Heather Findlay, Kim Seviour (Touchstone), Jem Godfrey (Frost*) as well as narration provided by British actor Lee Ingleby (Master & Commander, Harry Potter).