Van Ruysseveldt

This is the third of four studio dates featuring guitarists George Van Eps and Howard Alden together, except that they are both on seven-string instruments and without a rhythm section this time around. Alden's step up to the more versatile instrument enables him to use a bassline when needed while also enabling him to achieve chord voicings that weren't possible on a six-string instrument. Like their earlier collaborations, this CD concentrates on well-hewn standards that have great melodies which provide inspiration for lyrical improvisations, ranging from a relatively easygoing "Ja-Da" to a shimmering "Skylark." Van Eps goes it alone on his newly written "Salute to Basie" and a very soft "Last Night When We Were Young." Fans of jazz guitar should snap up this gem, along with all other dates by George Van Eps and Howard Alden (whether they're together or featured individually).

The infinite cosmos of French organ music is Ben van Oosten's realm, and he now has recordd the complete organ works of Camille Saint-Saëns in a sump-tuous box set. He performs on the Cavaillé Coll organ in Ste. Madeleine in Paris, one of the most beautiful instruments of its kind and an organ with a big orchestral sound on which Saint-Saëns himself left his traces for more than two decades.

Digitally re-mastered deluxe edition of this 1982 album from Southern Rocker Johnny Van Zant, brother of Ronnie (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Donnie (.38 Special). Last of the Wild Ones was the JVZ Band's third studio album and finds the them returning to a more authentic sound, a style in keeping with their highly praised debut album, paying less heed to commerciality and more attention to traditional 70s style southern rock. It also marked the return of veteran producer Al Kooper, a man who not only discovered, signed and produced Skynyrd but also sat behind the recording desk of the debut JVZ Band album. Sharper, more concise and rougher around the edges than their second album, Last of the Wild Ones takes no prisoners, leaping out of the speakers all guns blazing. With brother Donnie co-writing half the album, this is truly a joining of forces and a serious statement of intent.

2006 special collector's edition reissue for first time on CD. Signed to Polydor in the UK and A&M in the US in 1980, Johnny Van Zant teamed with legendary producer and original Skynyrd A&R man Al Kooper to cut this blistering debut album. Drawing from his southern roots and Skynyrd's fiery guitar fuelled legacy, the music is a hot burrito of fuel injected riffing (aided and abetted by twin lead guitarists Robbie Gay and Eric Lundgren) and the kind of down home back porch rocking that brings to mind the best work of Skynyrd,.38 Special, Marshall Tucker and the Allman Brothers Band. Look out for 'Standing in the Darkness' a poignant and touching tribute originally written as a poem for late brother Ronnie, surely one of the finest closing tracks on any southern rock album.

The younger brother of Ronnie (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Donnie (38 Special), Johnny sent five albums of his own to the pop charts between 1980 and 1990. Skynyrd's live soundman Kevin Elson produced Round Two, which charted in June of '81. This smokin' slab of Southern rock includes Drive My Car; Night Time Lady; Yesterday's Gone; Play My Music; Keep Our Love Alive, and more!