Formed in the early 1990s by vibraphonist Dave Samuels, the Caribbean Jazz Project began as a trio featuring percussionist Andy Narell and saxophonist Paquito d'Rivera. In the years since its inception, however, the Project has grown into a big band of nearly 20. The force of the large ensemble, particularly the horns, can be heard on AFRO BOP ALLIANCE. As the title suggests, the music focuses on Afro-Cuban jazz, but there's plenty of mainland Latin influence and North American traditional jazz in the mix (as evidenced by the covers of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane). Hard-grooving arrangements and stellar playing make AFRO BOP ALLIANCE an exhilarating ride.

Tenor-saxophonist Scott Hamilton has recorded so many records as a leader (this CD is his 27th for Concord so far) and been so consistent and unchanging through the years that it is difficult to describe any of his records as definitive. However this particular release is one of his stronger ones of recent times. Hamilton sounds quite inspired jamming on six standards, Blue Mitchell's "Blue Caper," two of Norman Simmons' originals and his own blues "Sugarchile" with a quintet consisting of the talented trombonist Joel Helleny, pianist Simmons, bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Chuck Riggs. ~ AllMusic

Burnin' in the Woodhouse is one of Milt Jackson's final recordings as a leader prior to his death in 1999, and the vibraphonist is still very much at the top of his game on this mid-'90s session. With a stimulating young rhythm section (pianist Benny Green, bassist Christian McBride, and the seasoned, in-demand drummer Kenny Washington), plus a trio of up-and-coming horn players (trumpeter Nicholas Payton, alto saxophonist Jesse Davis, and tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman) added on some tracks, Jackson works his magic, mixing potent jazz compositions and standards. ~ AllMusic

Günter Wand Edition - BOXSET 4DVD VOL 1 - Schubert: Symphony No. 8 | Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 - DVD 4/8
Classical | DVD | with scans | 4,35 Gb (DVD5) | DVD´s FULL No compression
Audio: PCM Stereo | Relesase: August 16, 2005 | Publisher: TDK DVD Video

Few conductors have made a greater contribution to our present-day understanding of Bruckner than Günter Wand (1912-2002).
This first box includes Bruckner symphonies nos. 5, 6 and 8 in their original or restored versions as well as an elegant, but rarely performed Haydn Symphony and the "Unfinished" symphonies by Bruckner and Schubert. Later, TDK released the second box of 4 DVDs including the popular Bruckner Symphonies Nos. 4 and 7 and symphonic works by Brahms and Schubert.

Not since Michael Hedges shook the foundations of the acoustic guitar world 23 years ago with the release of Aerial Boundaries has a guitarist created such unique music as 25-year-old UK native James Blackshaw. On The Cloud of Unknowing, his sixth full-length album in less than four years, Blackshaw masterfully paints landscapes of sound with his 12-string guitar and a variety of alternate tunings. The CD begins with Blackshaw chiming rich harmonics from his paired strings, as if sounding a call to morning prayer, beautifully setting pace for the epic title track. In Blackshaw’s hands the guitar becomes otherworldly, and his music truly ascends to new places.

After a short sojourn with Megaforce, the Skatenigs return to another Chicago label. The music stays consistent. Cheeze-metal riffs and industrial beats power these folk as always.

A strange album, this one – or maybe not so strange in light of the future, but still odd. Whatever bandleader Phil Owen was on at the time, it helped in creating an album that in its own way almost predicted nu metal, though without that particular compressed explosion Ross Robinson brought on the production front to Korn and Limp Bizkit.