Topping off a wealth of full-band recordings, the various stars of Ellington's great outfit recorded many combo sides under their own names. And while not on the same sophisticated level of classic Ellingtonia, the late-'30s material cut by Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Rex Stewart is packed with tasty solo work and some of the finest examples of early small-group swing. These later examples from 1958-1959 feature Hodges backed by both Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on piano and such non-Duke luminaries as Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and Jo Jones. Like its companion album, Back to Back, Side by Side has a loose, jam session feel, with all the soloists stretching out. Hodges is in top form throughout, while Edison and Webster man their spots just fine. Highlights include the sveltely swinging "Going Up" and Hodges' bluesy closer, "You Need to Rock." A must for fans of vintage combo swing. © Stephen Cook

Three CD set. Released in October 1983, "North Of A Miracle" was Nick Heyward's first solo album after leaving Haircut 100. Produced by Geoff Emerick (The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Badfinger, America, Supertramp and many more), the album features the hit singles "Take That Situation", "Whistle Down The Wind", "Blue Hat For A Blue Day" and "On A Sunday". The album went on to sell over 100, 000 copies in the UK, earning a Gold Disc Award. Expanded to a Deluxe 3CD Edition, Disc One features the original album mastered from the original stereo tapes, Disc Two features the various 12" mixes, instrumental versions and non-album B-sides, while Disc Three, entitled "Recordings 1984", features Nick's1984 single releases "Love All Day" and "Warning Sign", along with the tracks from their accompanying 12" singles. Also featured are three previously unreleased tracks: "Teach Till You Reach" (an unreleased single), "Give Love More Time" (an alternate instrumental version of "Love All Day"), and "Kiss Those Tears Goodbye" (an unfinished recording featuring the backing vocals only).

Defiance Part 2: Fiction is the follow-up to rock legend Ian Hunter’s successful 2023 album, Defiance. Featuring another stacked lineup of guest appearances, including Johnny Depp, Lucinda Williams, Brian May, and Jeff Beck’s final recordings, to list a few, this Deluxe Edition 2 LP set contains 3 exclusive bonus tracks.

Into The Gap Live! captures the Thompson Twins at their peak, performing songs from their 1984 hit album, Into The Gap. Known for their vibrant mix of synth pop and new wave, the live album showcases the band’s energetic stage presence and polished musicianship. Featuring iconic tracks like “Hold Me Now,” “Doctor! Doctor!” and “You Take Me Up,” the performance highlights their knack for crafting infectious melodies and emotional lyrics. Recorded at the Del Mar Racetrack in Southern California during a period of international success, the album offers fans a dynamic experience, blending chart-topping hits with the lively atmosphere of their live shows, cementing the band’s legacy in 1980s pop. Originally released on VHS in 1984, this performance is presented for the first time as an audio recording on turquoise and yellow double vinyl, exclusively for Record Store Day 2025.

"With an opening worthy of a Mike Oldfield classic, hints of the legendary Kansas & Genesis and a wonderful overlying 80’s electronica vibe, Steve Babb goes all ‘Rogue’ with us on this new and surprising release from Glass Hammer. Following a more mellow progression, one of the most creative minds in modern music returns with a measured, considerate and ultimately rewarding journey and shows what it truly means to be progressive." ProgRadar - Martin Hutchinson

The new album featuring the 1983 lineup of Buzz & Mike Dillard. Plus special guests Void Manes and Ni Maitres. Formed over 40 years ago in Seattle, they were one of the pioneers of the grunge and sludge metal scenes. a little history…

In line with their biggest North American tour to date kicking off this week in Seattle, Irish quintet Fontaines D.C. today release a deluxe edition of their acclaimed fourth album ROMANCE.

Released in 1957 on Prestige Records, Walkin’ features a collection of songs that were originally released in 1954. With Davis on trumpet and as band leader, the recordings also feature Horace Silver, Lucky Thompson, J.J. Johnson, Percy Heath and Kenny Clarke.

Released in 1955 on Prestige Records, The Musings of Miles is the first 12” LP from legendary trumpet player Miles Davis. With Davis as bandleader, other players include Red Garland (piano), Oscar Pettiford (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums). This new edition of the album is released as part of the Original Jazz Classics Series and features remastered audio from the original master tapes and is available on 192/24 hi res digital.

March 6, 2025 – George Brown, beloved co-founder of Kool & The Gang and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, will release his second posthumous project, ‘Jazz in Paris,’ on April 18 via Astana Music Inc/BFD/The Orchard. Inspired by the smoky jazz clubs of Paris and New York in the late 1950s and ‘60s—a sound that shaped Brown’s musical world from an early age—the album reflects his deep love for jazz while showcasing his musical versatility.

Musical self-expression manifests itself in many ways.

Experience the soul of New Orleans in George Winston's "Beloved: A Celebration of Professor Longhair", a captivating tribute to the legendary pianist's timeless grooves and rhythms featuring seven Winston originals and nine of Fess' fan favorites.

I kinda hated singing when I was a kid, so it’s a little odd that it’s my whole life now. My dad brought me and my brother up playing music at local Annapolis jazz jams and open mic nights where my older brother played guitar and my dad played saxophone.

This highly anticipated album is the epitome of analog transcendence, a sonic world fueled by a 30-piece orchestra, analog synthesizers, breakbeats and Brazilian vocalists that carol psychedelic melodies in Portuguese.

For the last 24 years, Tunde Adebimpe has largely been known as the co-founder, co-vocalist and principal songwriter for TV On The Radio.