The Thing

Nat King Cole's collaborations with Gordon Jenkins rank among the finest from either artist or arranger. Cole's first stereophonic long player, 1957's Love Is the Thing remains the epitome of the pair's undeniable compatibility, and it topped the album charts for eight weeks. The opener "When I Fall in Love" is considered by many to be nothing short of definitive; the restrained orchestration perfectly adapts to the singer's verdant vocals. Similarly, "Stardust" sparkles as a flawless musical alliance is formed with Cole's warm and inviting narrative weaving over Jenkins' intimate score. Simply stated, both songs are unmitigated masterworks - and we're only two cuts into the dozen-song LP…

Many observers were prepared to write off the B-52's after the release of Bouncing Off the Satellites. Granted, the album was completed in the wake of Ricky Wilson's death, but the group appeared bereft of new musical ideas and were sounding rather stale. In other words, the last thing anyone expected was a first-class return to form, which is what they got with Cosmic Thing. Working with producers Don Was and Nile Rodgers, the B-52's updated their sound with shiny new surfaces and deep, funky grooves – it was the same basic pattern as before, only refurbished and contemporized. Just as importantly, they had their best set of songs since at least Wild Planet, possibly since their debut. "Cosmic Thing" and "Channel Z" were great up-tempo rockers; "Roam" had a groovy beat blessed with a great Cindy Wilson vocal; and "Deadbeat Club" was one of their rare successful reflective numbers.

D’uns anys ençà, Max Sunyer ja no se sent un estrany quan visita Mallorca. Fruit d’aquest idil·li vital i de totes les complicitats artístiques que el lliguen a ella, neix aquest disc que ha titulat Illa imaginada, una proposta musical de vuit peces instrumentals que si es poden descriure d’alguna manera ho faríem sota el paraigua de jazz-fusió mediterrani. I ho fa recuperant el format de trio, aquest cop amb les incorporacions de dos músics joves, Dan Arisa (bateria) i Toni Cuenca (baix elèctric i contrabaix).

This live set (recorded at the Village Gate) finds pianist/composer Horace Silver and his most acclaimed quintet (the one with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, bassist Gene Taylor and drummer Roy Brooks) stretching out on four selections, including his new song "Filthy McNasty." Two shorter performances were added to the CD version of this enjoyable and always funky hard bop session.

“Hope is the Thing with Feathers” is Donna Khalife’s second album with a tribute to hope, this inherent power, always present, requiring no maintenance and helping us overcome what life throws our way. This project will bring together different poets and musicians who draw inspiration from beauty, nature, and humility.