Tribal Unity

New age composer/multi-instrumentalist Kazu Matsui reinterprets the works of Franz Schubert in Tribal Schubert, placing his classical compositions into completely different, refreshing contexts. Matsui introduces and integrates jazz, hip-hop, ambient, Eastern and improvisational elements into Schubert pieces, transcending the formality of the original works while preserving the melodic beauty of the originals. Tribal Schubert also features new age/jazz pianist Matsui on several tracks, adding to the album's diverse mix of classical and cutting edge.

This double-CD has 24 different groups of fusion musicians (including some from Europe) paying tribute to Weather Report. Despite the personnel and often the instrumentation changing from track to track, there is a unity to the project and many of the bands sound quite a bit like Weather Report, either purposely as part of the tribute or naturally. The programming is somewhat random and the bands bring back the sound, grooves, and spirits of Weather Report rather than necessarily always sticking to their compositions. All in all, this is a heartfelt and very well-played tribute that can also serve as an introduction to a cross-section of some of today's top fusion musicians, many of whom are not household names yet.

You really must get this and all their albums (this is really their third, the first is hard to find). This latest effort captures more of their live show power…

Internationally renowned guitarist Ana Popovic has built her career on defining and describing, on her own terms, the essence of American music, simultaneously pushing limits, bending genres, and reinventing her music and herself with each new record. Not surprisingly, she can claim any number of notable accolades and achievements from the highest quarters of the music industry. She's shown her commitment to celebrating her guitar-driven, eclectic music style through consistent touring, awards, and recognition for the past 25 years. In the process, she's emerged as one of the most thoughtful, dynamic, and committed performers in modern songwriting and guitar. Ana's new album, 'Power', on ArtisteXclusive Records, brings those dynamics to the fore and, in the process, turns this set of songs into both a powerful and personal tale of survival through faith, determination and tenacity.