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With this recording the acclaimed ensemble Le Nuove Musiche, led by director Krijn Koetsveld, have at last completed a monumental undertaking nearly a decade in the making: the complete cycle of Claudio Monteverdi’s books of madrigals. Fittingly, the last instalment in this series is the final Ninth Book (Libro IX), which was published posthumously in 1651 and looks back on the breadth of the composer’s career with lighter pieces in the established forms of his day (prima prattica), in Monteverdi’s own innovative style (seconda prattica), and in a new genre that had begun to eclipse the madrigal in Monteverdi’s twilight years.

The Rarum series on the ECM label is unique in that it issues "best-of" compilations picked by the artists themselves. While this can be a double-edged sword (oftentimes what an artist and his or her own fans enjoy are two different things), in this case it turns out to be a blessing. Metheny is obviously a fine judge of his own work, both from artistic and popular points of view. The selections are accompanied by an album-by-album overview by Metheny in the liner notes.

A crossover jazz and electronica project, Kool & Klean is the studio creation of Ukrainian-born/Germany-based saxophonist Konstantin Klashtorni. Since he debuted the project in 2010, Klashtorni has issued a steady stream of Kool & Klean albums. Bestselling Smooth Jazz - Kool&Klean - Volume IX is a venture to groovy, romantic, fresh and sexy world. Wherever you are and whatever you do, this music will always be a good companion. Prove it to yourself and become a part of Koolness. Volume VIII is a 8th installment from Contemporary Producer and Saxophonist Konstantin Klashtorni for bestselling Kool&Klean series. Only best, carefully selected tracks are on this CD.