Known for his mariachi-inspired easy listening sound, trumpeter Herb Alpert is one of the most successful instrumental performers in pop history. He is also one of the entertainment industry's canniest businessmen, having co-founded A&M Records – a label that ranks among the most prosperous artist-owned companies ever established – with partner Jerry Moss. Collection includes: The Lonely Bull (1962); South Of The Border (1964); Whipped Cream & Other Delights (1965); !!Going Places!! (1965); What Now My Love (1966); S.R.O (1966); The Beat Of The Brass (1968); Rise (1979); Fandango (1982); Bullish (1984); Keep Your Eye On Me (1987); Classics, Volume 1 (1987); Steppin' Out (Featuring Lani Hall) (2013); In The Mood (2014); Come Fly With Me (2015).

Modern Manners is a spectacularly vibrant, historically monumental, and masterfully synchronized contemporary studio masterpiece led by the legendary American-Hungarian instrumental vanguard duo Special EFX, released in 1985 by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen's premier independent audiophile preservation imprint GRP Records. Spanning over 52 minutes of deeply infectious, heavily syncopated rhythms and silky melodic lines across 11 definitive selections, this high-fidelity document serves as an absolute peak monument in mid-1980s crossover jazz archaeology. Driven by the brilliant creative partnership of guitarist Chieli Minucci and master percussionist George Jinda, Special EFX utilizes this sophomore studio ledger to execute a fierce, forward-thinking sonic blueprint that completely defined the sophisticated transition from traditional jazz fusion into modern smooth jazz and global world-beat soundscapes.

Elevation is a spectacularly explosive, historically monumental, and masterfully synchronized contemporary jazz-fusion studio masterpiece conceived, arranged, and driven by the legendary British six-string electric bass vanguard virtuoso and composer Tony Grey, released in 2013 by Souvik Dutta’s premier independent progressive fusion preservation imprint Abstract Logix. Spanning over 62 minutes of breathtakingly intense, high-energy instrumental interactions across 10 extensive tracks, this high-fidelity restoration serves as an absolute pinnacle monument in early-2010s virtuoso electric bass archaeology. Renowned for his elastic pocket, fluid solo concepts, and high-profile tenures alongside Hiromi and John McLaughlin, Grey utilizes this unique compositional laboratory to execute a fierce, forward-thinking sonic blueprint that bridges blistering guitar heroics with sophisticated world-fusion landscapes and deeply complex rhythmic meters.

Pearls is a spectacularly lush, deeply cinematic, and masterfully tailored orchestral jazz masterpiece by the legendary American alto saxophone icon David Sanborn, released in 1995 by Elektra Records. Spanning over 51 minutes across 10 exquisitely arranged tracks, this high-fidelity studio document captures Sanborn at an absolute pinnacle of late-career mature elegance. Stepping into a grand, traditional pop and vocal standard landscape, Sanborn pairs his signature searing, crying horn tone with the sweeping, ultra-romantic orchestration of a full string section masterfully arranged by Johnny Mandel. Moving away from heavy electronic fusion backdrops, the music delivers an incredibly polished, slow-burning crossover blend of acoustic jazz intimacy and dramatic, big-screen symphonic architecture. The tracklist is an absolute masterclass in emotional depth, showcasing breathtaking, definitive instrumental re-imaginings of timeless standards and soul lore, including Leon Russell's This Masquerade, the brooding romance of Try A Little Tenderness and Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, and a soaring, melancholic reading of Sade's Pearls. Exceptionally preserved in pristine lossless audio quality with full booklet retail artwork scans, this definitive mid-90s archive stands as an absolute mandatory cornerstone and a prized collector's treasure for global purists of modern crossover jazz history, elite alto saxophone balladry, and timeless orchestral pop heritage.

Close-Up is a spectacularly sleek, high-octane, and masterfully tailored crossover jazz masterpiece by the legendary American alto saxophone pioneer David Sanborn, released in 1988 by the prestigious Reprise Records label. Spanning over 50 minutes across 10 deeply grooving, brilliantly produced tracks, this high-fidelity studio document captures Sanborn at an absolute commercial and creative zenith, fully defining the sophisticated soundscape of late-1980s contemporary jazz fusion. Renowned for his instantly recognizable, searing, and emotionally piercing horn tone, Sanborn commands the session with unmatched melodic power. Backed by a flawless, powerhouse vanguard of elite session virtuosos and masterfully polished Marcus Miller production architecture, the music seamlessly blends acoustic jazz elements with driving urban R&B syncopation and sophisticated pop sensibilities. The tracklist is an absolute masterclass in contemporary fusion dynamics, highlighted by the heavy, funk-driven opening hit Slam, the smooth, late-night atmospheric contours of J.T. and Lesley Ann, and the deeply passionate, soul-drenched balladry of You Are Everything and Goodbye. Exceptionally preserved in pristine dual-format lossless and high-bitrate audio with full retail artwork scans, this definitive late-80s archive stands as an absolute mandatory cornerstone and a prized collector's treasure for global purists of modern crossover jazz history, elite alto saxophone artistry, and timeless fusion heritage.

Come Today is a masterfully expressive, vibrant, and deeply lyrical masterpiece by the legendary Japanese alto saxophonist and composer Sadao Watanabe, released in 2011 through Victor Entertainment. Spanning over 55 minutes across 10 brilliantly paced compositions, this high-fidelity document captures the international jazz icon in an elite, intergenerational acoustic quartet setting, effortlessly bridging classic post-bop depth with breezy, global-tinged Crossover Jazz sensibilities. Backed by a jaw-dropping dream team of modern American jazz heavyweights, Watanabe’s signature singing horn lines carry an immense emotional weight, beautifully pushed by piano virtuoso Gerald Clayton, the deep, resonant double bass architecture of Ben Williams, and the highly versatile, driving percussion mastery of Johnathan Blake. The tracklist is flawlessly balanced, moving from the sun-drenched, optimistic groove of the Title Track and the driving Latin-infused energy of Vamos juntos to the expansive, sweeping 9-minute cornerstone arrangement She's Gone and the delicate, intimate closer Lullaby. Exceptionally preserved in pristine dual-format lossless and high-bitrate audio alongside full artwork scans, this definitive archive stands as a mandatory cornerstone and a prized collector's item for global purists of modern acoustic jazz, post-bop history, and sophisticated Japanese jazz culture.

Chuck Mangione's 1994 studio release, The Hat's Back, serves as a triumphant, high-spirited comeback album that re-establishes the iconic flugelhornist's footprint in the contemporary jazz-pop landscape. Following a self-imposed hiatus from the recording studio, Mangione returns with his signature warmth, infectious melodic phrasing, and a collection of vibrant compositions. The album is anchored by a stellar rhythm foundation featuring his long-time guitar collaborator Grant Geissman, bassist Charles Meeks, and the legendary master drummer Steve Gadd, whom Mangione affectionately credits as the heartbeat and caretaker of the music. Dedicated to his musical and paternal fathers—Dizzy Gillespie and Papa Mangione—the material ranges from the heartfelt, brassy tribute Dizzy Miles to the upbeat, syncopated rhythms of Fox Hunt and the deeply cinematic atmosphere of Santa Nimpha. Infused with lush synthesizer textures, occasional soulful vocals from Syn Dee Mayes and Rob Mathes, and world-percussion flavors by Cyro Baptista, this release captures the joyful, melodic optimism that made Mangione a household name while introducing a polished, mature 1990s adult-contemporary groove.

Chuck Mangione's Classics Volume 6, released in 1987 as part of A&M Records' 25th Anniversary celebration series, is a definitive, expertly curated retrospective of the legendary flugelhornist's golden era. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Mangione completely redefined the commercial landscape of jazz fusion and contemporary pop instrumental music, crafting a highly accessible signature sound characterized by soaring, infectious melodies and lush orchestral backdrops. This definitive 10-track collection features his most globally recognizable anthems, leading off with the full, majestic nine-minute masterwork version of Feels So Good alongside the joyous Give It All You Got and the beautifully driving, Latin-tinged Hill Where the Lord Hides. Balancing massive radio hits with brilliant soundtrack themes like the iconic Children of Sanchez and Cannonball Run, the album showcases Mangione's brilliant compositional gifts and unmistakable, warm brass tone. Backed by elite session musicians and dynamic orchestral arrangements, this compilation serves as an essential, beautifully transferred archive of smooth jazz history and pop-fusion perfection.

About Now is a remarkably fluid, lyrical, and masterfully executed studio album by the visionary bass virtuoso Mark Egan, released in 2014 on his own Wavetone Records imprint. Best known for his groundbreaking work with the original Pat Metheny Group and Elements, Egan returns here to a classic, highly interactive trio format to deliver some of the most intimate and expressive music of his career. Anchored by his legendary, singing fretless bass lines and deep eight-string bass grooves, the project reunites him with long-time rhythm brother Danny Gottlieb on drums and the sophisticated, harmonically rich keyboard textures of Mitchel Forman. Seamlessly blending crossover jazz elegance with expansive instrumental fusion landscapes, the trio displays an almost telepathic chemistry. From the serene, drifting opener Sailing and the rhythmically complex title track to the sun-splashed, Latin-infused grooves of Cabarete and Puerto Plata, this high-caliber collection radiates with timeless melodic warmth, pristine production, and exceptional improvisational craftsmanship.

Trumpeter Chris Botti's To Love Again: The Duets picks up where his stellar 2004 release When I Fall in Love leaves off, with more gorgeously lush and heartfelt orchestral jazz via the London Session Orchestra. This time showcasing guest vocalists – as well as a handful of instrumental tracks – Botti takes an even more classicist approach than before and once again brings to mind such iconic jazz albums as Clifford Brown with Strings and Miles Davis' Porgy and Bess. Largely known as a smooth jazz artist with a sweet trumpet tone, it wasn't until When I Fall in Love that Botti dropped the smooth jazz synthesizers and pop-oriented compositions in favor of Gil Evans-style jazz orchestrations and an acoustic backing quartet.

America - Do You Remember The Love? is a powerful and genre-defying release by guitarist and vocalist James Blood Ulmer, issued in 1987 on Blue Note Records. The album blends elements of free jazz, funk, blues, and experimental rock into a raw and emotionally charged sound driven by Ulmer’s distinctive harmolodic guitar approach. Influenced by the musical concepts of Ornette Coleman, Ulmer creates dense rhythmic textures and unconventional melodic structures while maintaining a deep connection to groove-oriented funk and soul traditions. The performances throughout the album balance improvisational freedom with politically and socially reflective themes, giving the music both artistic intensity and emotional depth. Ulmer’s expressive guitar tone, rough-edged vocals, and fluid rhythmic interplay produce a unique crossover style that stands apart from traditional jazz recordings of the era. America - Do You Remember The Love? remains an important example of adventurous 1980s jazz fusion and showcases Ulmer’s innovative contribution to modern electric jazz guitar.

An incredibly groovy session of Beatles tunes - one played by Dutch pianist Louis Van Dyke on a church organ, with no other instrumentation for accompaniment! Louis wisely chooses tracks from the later years of the Fab Four's career - some of the more introspective ones that have beautifully sweet themes that sound perfect on the massive pipe organ used for the record. The sound is quite unusual, but quite otherworldly as well - with none of the kitschy overtones you might expect, and instead a somewhat pointed, serious interpretation of these wonderful tunes.