Chihiro Yamanaka, Universal Classics & Jazz recording artist, is one of the most exciting jazz pianists and composers of her generation, and the leader of the Chihiro Yamanaka Trio. Her new album Because presents 2 self compositions and a new point of view to the music of The Beatles.

Keyboardist, singer, and songwriter Skeeter Brandon was born in 1949 and raised in Goldsboro, NC. He and his band, Highway 61, made a name for themselves as a touring act up and down the East Coast and nearby in the 1980s and '90s. He began singing in the church as a six-year-old and began playing piano at age nine. Blind since early childhood, he was sent to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, NC. He had some success as a teenager leading his own band around Raleigh and Goldsboro, NC, where he was raised. Through his youth, Brandon sang and played keyboards, trumpet, and drums. He later specialized by sticking mostly to keyboards and vocals.

Absolutely stunning debut album from Russia's Arkona. Really, overall, Arkona plays some of the most solid metal coming out of Russia these days…extremely high quality. Almost all music is written by Masha "Scream", and it is very obvious she has some incredible talent, crafting wonderful, catchy, yet at times, brutal riffs, and infusing them with huge amounts of pagan folk atmosphere

7th album from the Big Town Playboys. Widely regarded as the greatest Rhythm and Blues band from the UK. This album features guest apperances from Robert Plant, Jeff Beck, Jools Holland, Andy Fair Weather Low plus many more. The material is drawn from Rock n Roll, Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Rockabilly. The album also marks the 20th anniversary of the band.

Second album from this futuristic sounding Ukrainian metal band, best described as industrial black/death with modern metal elements…or better not described at all, as their sound is really rather unique. Includes members of Munruthel and Svyatogor.

A Wood Brothers record will always be a fail-safe purchase, the reason being that the musical instincts of Chris and Oliver Wood are as solid and unyielding as a 100-year-old oak. Loaded, the duo's second full-length, satisfies wholly, living up to and maybe past the promise of 2006's Ways Not to Lose. The biggest, most noticeable change is the depth of the songwriting: from the wistful, clear-eyed opening song, "Lovin' Arms," to the tender-hearted "Walkaway" to the quietly introspective closer, "Still Close," the brothers, who co-wrote for the first time on Loaded,….

On Dreams, Brian Culbertson attempts to dig further into the vein he opened on 2010's XII, where he seamlessly married adult-oriented R&B to contemporary jazz. In fact, Dreams feels like a bookend of sorts. He employs an alternating cast of studio aces who include Alex Al, John "Jubu" Smith, Eric Marienthal, Michael Stever, Ray Parker, Jr., Rex Rideout, and Rob "Fonksta" Bacon, as well as a trio of vocalists: Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), Vivian Green, and Noel Gourdin. There are some stellar numbers here, including the Williams vehicle, "No Limits," a midtempo babymaker. Culbertson's acoustic piano, Smith's guitar, and some pronounced loops ride atop the bassline to frame the singer's mellifluous tenor. This cut is the sweet spot where neo-soul, adult R&B, and contemporary jazz create a classy pop sound.

Measha Brueggergosman - Surprise: Cabaret Songs
Songs by: William Bolcom, Arnold Schoenberg & Erik Satie
EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 435 MB | MP3 CBR 320: 141 MB | Full Artwork @ 400dpi | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Deutsche Grammophon # 477 6589 | Country/Year: Germany 2007
Genre: Classical | Style: Modern, Vocal

… It's hard to think of a listener, even among those not oriented toward vocal music, who would not enjoy this release, and the ability to go from Berlioz to Fauré to Satie announces that Measha Brueggergosman has arrived, with attitude intact…