Leon+russell

This is an appropriate collection, since Nelson has recorded more duets with more fellow performers than any other country singer in history. This runs the gamut, from traditional country singers Merle Haggard and George Jones, to soulman Ray Charles, to Latin-lover Julio Iglesias, and the rock band Santana. It even has a duet with the late Hank Williams, arranged through modern studio recording technology. Review by Tom Roland

Transferring his allegiance to Atlantic (where he would record two remarkable albums that would get him kicked off the label), Willie Nelson offered his finest record to date for his debut – possibly his finest album ever. Shotgun Willie encapsulates Willie's world view and music, finding him at a peak as a composer, interpreter, and performer.

Imelda May has found a new groove, exploring blues, soul, gospel, folk, rock, acoustic, cinematic drama and explosive balladry. She is setting a new course with a collection of the boldest, most personal and intimately autobiographical songs she has ever written. This is the albums she’s always wanted to make. “I’ve called it Life Love Flesh Blood because that encompasses everything,” says Imelda. “It’s all in there: birth, sex, love, divorce and death. It’s the story of my life.

Although 1975's „A Song For You“ was the last truly great Temptations album, it's a killer, and it should come as a revelation to anyone who thinks the band didn't do anything worthwhile after Dennis Edwards took over lead vocals following the departures of David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. Edwards's gruffer voice does take a bit of getting used to for those accustomed to Ruffin and Kendricks's smooth sounds, but he's a fiery, impassioned lead singer. His delivery of the Leon Russell-written title track shreds not only the better-known Carpenters version, but also the Donny Hathaway rendition that many feel is definitive. The other highlight is the scorching "Shakey Ground," a cataclysmic funk powerhouse co-written by Funkadelic guitar legend Eddie Hazel, who delivers some searing solos on the track. Longtime Temptations fans consider this one of the group's finest albums, up there with „Cloud Nine“ and „In A Mellow Mood“.

Grammy Award winner and two-time Emmy nominee, Steve Tyrell, releases his latest album, "A Song For You". The 12-track release features Tyrell’s takes on classic love songs by Van Morrison, Leon Russell, Jackie Wilson, Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer and more. In support of the release Tyrell will be performing live starting in February—see below for full tour details.

Peace Town reflects his artistry as well as the emotional elements over the last months of his life in which his medical condition brought issues of mortality, legacy, life and love to the forefront. As such, it stands proudly as one of his best works within a critically-lauded career and made his mark as an interpreter who could take the songs of others and virtually make them his own.

Chihiro Yamanaka is a Japanese jazz pianist and composer. She has more than a dozen recordings released under her own name, principally on the Verve label, most of which have been released internationally. As of 2012, she is based in New York City. "Reminiscence", her eighth album as leader, is packed with her unique personality, deriving from the accumulation of her years of colorful activities. She creates her unmistakable world by integrating her own swing, bluesiness, funkiness, as well as her free viewpoint towards a wide range of music genres, all in line. A contemporary jazz piano which stretches outwardly after absorbing all of the old school jazz piano - experiencing her free-spirited and full-of-personality groove is part of the thrilling joy only jazz can provide. This album seems to have a special meaning to her. The title is a reminder of the nuclear accident in her hometown of Fukushima.

The Stones' legendary 1969 masterpiece includes the classics "Gimme Shelter", "Midnight Rambler" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want". The album marks the first appearance of guitarist Mick Taylor on a studio album and features a number of noteable guest musicians and vocalists: Ian Stewart, Nicky Hopkins, Jack Nitzsche, Ry Cooder, Leon Russell, Al Kooper, Bobby Keys, Byron Berline, Rocky Dijon, Merry Clayton, Madeline Bell, Doris Troy, Nanette Newman and The London Bach Choir.