The oud, a Middle Eastern lute, has never been a prominent instrument in jazz; in fact, it is safe to say that there are quite a few jazz musicians who have never heard of the oud and have no idea what it sounds like. But the oud is ultra-famous in traditional Arabic, Middle Eastern, and North African music, and it works pleasingly well as an avant-garde jazz instrument on Israeli pianist Yitzhak Yedid's Suite in Five Movements. Recorded in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 2006, this release finds Yedid forming a cohesive acoustic trio with oud player Mikhail Maroun and bassist Ora Boasson Horev – and Yedid doesn't treat Maroun like a mere afterthought. ~Alex Henderson, All Music

A genuine, pleasurable meeting of minds between 17th-century French lute pieces and 21st-century jazz. A gentle music stamped with midnight brooding. (Source: The Times, UK)

For over 40 years Martha Argerich's recordings on Deutsche Grammophon have remained in the catalog and many are still best sellers. This 8-CD collection presents re-issues of eight solo LP recitals made between 1960 and 1983. The recordings have been remastered and are presented in chronological order, as originally programmed, with the original LP cover art on the individual sleeves. In addition, a booklet with new program notes and rare photos is included with the set. These performances are essential listening and constitute some of the greatest recordings of solo piano music available. (Source: amazon.com)