Corel Painter Ultimate Brush Pack

Like its predecessor, Painter of Dreams features two highly reworked standards along with six recent melody-forward compositions, to which Tsiganov applies his signature blend of radical reharmonization, mixed meters, shifting tempos, and changing keys. Otherwise, this ambitious recital presents documents several "firsts." For one thing, Tsiganov expands beyond the saxophone-trumpet-piano-bass-drums format, scoring five of the eight selections for either three or four horns. For another, he broadens his tonal palette beyond the almost entirely acoustic soundscape of his prior Criss Cross oeuvre, liberally weaving the Rhodes and Minimoog into the flow, as well as the preternaturally flexible voice of Hiske Oosterwijk, who also contributes two lyrics. Also, for the first time as a leader, Tsiganov augments the luminous trumpeter-flugelhornist (and 13-time Criss Cross leader) Alex Sipiagin on the front line with alto sax titan Miguel Zenon, who plays for the entirety of the proceedings, and - on three pieces - the transcendent Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones.

The "Rocky Horror Hammond Show" - or "The Rocky Funky Organ show" - or whatever you want. Italian organist Michele Pintatore, aka Mike Painter, warms up the 50's and 60's rock music at the organ, borrowing a bit from Booker T., but also from samba organ king Walt Wanderley. Mike calls his band the Family Shakers, and that can be understood literally. Hip shaking is announced, the rock legend lives.

Run with the Pack, Bad Company's third and best album, reiterates the raw, rowdy style of their debut, Bad Co., solidifies the loose ends that marred Straight Shooter and adds new directions of its own. Maybe most importantly, the record is refreshing proof that rockers don't have to produce literature in their lyrics or cultivate personae to create good art. Bad Company's is a purely musical triumph…