Our series continues with one of the lesser known figures of 20th century Russian music - and some wonderful music which is brilliantly constructed. This is high Romantic music at its very best; a sumptuous Sonata, and several more pieces which can be considered equal to the established repertoire and is truly among the most virtuosic and rich music ever written.

One of the most prominent figures in late 20th century blues, singer/multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal played an enormous role in revitalizing and preserving traditional acoustic blues. Not content to stay within that realm, Mahal soon broadened his approach, taking a musicologist's interest in a multitude of folk and roots music from around the world reggae and other Caribbean folk, jazz, gospel, R&B, zydeco, various West African styles, Latin, even Hawaiian. The African-derived heritage of most of those forms allowed Mahal to explore his own ethnicity from a global perspective and to present the blues as part of a wider musical context.

Founded in 1974 and derived from the legendary group Q65, FINCH is still regarded as one of the most leading of the second generation of Dutch instrumental symphonic Prog bands. Complex and harmonic orientated long compositions with lots of space for guitar and synthesizer fills take up three albums and one seven inch single…

Although 1987's BACK FOR THE ATTACK proved to be Dokken's fastest-selling album ever (achieving platinum status shortly after its release), it would prove to be the band's last new studio album until 1995's DYSFUNCTIONAL. Growing tensions between singer Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch reached a boiling point during their stint as part of 1988's Monsters of Rock tour, and the band members went their separate ways after a lackluster live album (1988's BEAST FROM THE EAST). Still, BACK FOR THE ATTACK still managed to contain more than a few highlights…

Album released in Spain performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London, conducted by Ettore Stratta, which offers a selection of 10 great songs of Spanish singer Julio Iglesias. The arrangements and orchestration are the work of Jorge Calandrelli, musician and pianist, who also plays the piano solo passages. Short but nice selection of music, very suitable for atmosphere, available to fans of the creations of Julio Iglesias.

In late 1963, California's King of the Surf Guitar left the shore for the strip and created one of the classic albums of the hot-rod music genre. Dick Dale's Checkered Flag is heavy with white-hot Dale instrumentals ("Night Rider," "Ho-Dad Machine") and vocal car tunes from the pens of pop's songwriters (Gary Usher, Gary Paxton, Carol Connors). Helping Dale stir up the nitro fuel are L.A. session stars Plas Johnson, Steve Douglas, Hal Blaine and Earl Palmer. Checkered Flag is tough stuff, an unyielding trophy-run down the asphalt aisle. Make way!

Featured hits compilation album to 1998's by Japanese musician and composer Masanori Takahashi (Toyohashi, 1953), aka "Kitaro", one of the pioneers of the 'New Age', electronic in nature. His creations have not always been made only for synthesizers, but also merged with symphony orchestras or are decorated with corals and vocal effects. His musical style has been described as an emissary of peace, emotionality and spirituality. certainly for many admirers Kitaro is a spiritual music giant, but for others, probably westernmost school, fails to provide them their best feelings.

Released in October 1969, the 2nd album from this underrated Welsh band is generally regarded as the more ‘progressive’ of the two records released under the Eyes Of Blue name. This time the band focused on more complex structures (including some Eastern influences) and instrumental interplay (check out the 9 minutes opener ‘Merry Go Round’), with plenty of psychedelic guitar, some classical guitar, organ, mellotron and great vocals as well. lt’s worth noting that the sleeve notes were supplied by Quincy Jones. In 1970 the band changed the name for Big Sleep and released one, very rare, Spanish-only single ‘Largo’ and then the whole album called ‘Bluebell Wood’ (1971). This CD has been carefully remastered and expanded with two rare single tracks!

This fantastic debut album from psychedelic Welsh sextet (who'd previously issued two Mod singles on Deram) was released in December 1968 by Mercury Records. lt was very enjoyable combination of pumping R’n’B, swirling psychedelia, early progressive rock & some jazz influences - full of spontaneous guitar playing, inventive Hammond organ & mellotron sounds, powerful drumming and classy vocals. Highlights include acid-tinged and very psychedelic ‘Prodigal Son’, dreamy arrangements of Handel’s ‘Largo’, powerful rendition of The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’ and two Graham Bond songs (who also wrote the sleeve notes): ‘Love ls The Law‘ and ‘Crossroads Of Time‘. This is one of the best UK psychedelic albums ever!

Brainbox is usually remembered as Dutch heavy progressive band with guitarist Jan Akkerman and drummer Pierre van der Linden - just before they have founded fame in Focus. Many fans still even remember the vocalist Kaz Lux, but nobody ever mentions ‘Parts’ - an official 2nd album recorded by completely revamped line-up (with the exception of drummer Frank Smit) and released by EMI Harvest in 1972. This unjustly forgotten, but great record (now on CD for the first time!) was completely ignored at the time of release, which surely was a big mistake! LP featured very eclectic, mostly progressive and sometimes truly experimental tracks characterized by changing moods and clever arrangements - in many ways similar in style to Wishbone Ash, Livin’ Blues, Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.