Saxophonist Greg Osby attacks a varied mix of jazz standards on St. Louis Shoes with results that sound both well within the "tradition" and utterly modern. Reminiscent of midcareer Wynton Marsalis, Osby seems to want to mix the Cotton Club-style swing of Duke Ellington with the angular bebop and calculated arrhythmia of Thelonious Monk. Backed by a stellar ensemble including trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Robert Hurst, pianist Harold O'Neil, and drummer Rodney Green, Osby crafts interesting arrangements of songs including the barely recognizable Gershwin chestnut "Summertime" and the Dizzy Gillespie classic "Shaw 'Nuff" that are both harmonically challenging and rhythmically unique. Check out the quirky and angular Raymond Scott meets Monk written solo that Osby and Payton play in the middle of Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo"…

Consider this a primer, because there is no way a career spanning 25 years can be summarized justifiably within the cramped space of an 80-minute disc. The Best of Depeche Mode, Vol. 1 takes a very selective skip through the group's past, and it leaves no room for anything off Black Celebration - an album many fans (albeit the most depressive ones) cite as a favorite. While the relatively thorough Singles 81>85 and Singles 86>98 can be seen as the proper entry route, they don't have the benefit of covering 2001's Exciter or 2005's excellent Playing the Angel, so this disc - as of 2006, at least - is very nearly the best possible way to get a feel for the whole daunting discography. Tending to stick to the singles that made the greatest impact on the mainstream and club charts, the selections do signify that the group hasn't lost any traction. Just compare the difference between 1981's "Just Can't Get Enough" and 2005's "Precious"…

John Carpenter’s soundtracks for the most recent Halloween trilogy, made alongside his frequent collaborators Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies, marked the legendary director and composer’s return to film scoring after nearly two decades away. 2018’s Halloween, 2021’s Halloween Kills, and 2022’s Halloween Ends were all directed by David Gordon Green, who engaged Carpenter early in the pre-production process, ultimately enlisting him as both an executive producer and soundtrack composer for the trilogy.

John Carpenter’s soundtracks for the most recent Halloween trilogy, made alongside his frequent collaborators Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies, marked the legendary director and composer’s return to film scoring after nearly two decades away. 2018’s Halloween, 2021’s Halloween Kills, and 2022’s Halloween Ends were all directed by David Gordon Green, who engaged Carpenter early in the pre-production process, ultimately enlisting him as both an executive producer and soundtrack composer for the trilogy.

With their eighth studio album, Feed The Fire, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong unveil a triumphant new chapter. Building on their signature blend of funk, rock, and jam, the band pushes forward with inventive arrangements, unique time signatures, and an ever-expanding sonic palette. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's 12-track expedition ventures into uncharted territory while staying grounded in the improvisational spirit and funk-fueled roots that have defined their sound for over 15 years. "

Peggy Lee, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and more!

For a monk resident in one of post-Reformation Germany’s religious institutions, music would have served as a focus of spiritual discipline as well as a source of joy. Some real discoveries await the listener who joins The Brabant Ensemble on this exploration of the monk’s musical life, represented by a variety of composers of greater and lesser familiarity.

The original version of Simon Boccanegra, first performed in 1857, is a masterpiece of concision and vocal delivery, with many important differences from the later 1881 version, including one of Verdi’s most innovative central finales. Sir Mark Elder leads a star cast including Eri Nakimura as Amelia, Iván Ayón-Rivas as her lover Gabriele, William Thomas as Fiesco and the young Argentinian baritone Germán Enrique Alcántara in the title role.

Since their formation in 2013, Swedish progressive rock band Agusa has carved out a distinct name for themselves in the world of retro prog, Scandinavian folk rock, and Krautrock. Their evocative sound and immersive compositions made such an impact that Karisma Records is now proud to present a reissue of their debut album, Högtid.
Originally released in 2014, Högtid quickly became a favourite among fans of vintage progressive rock. The album is a masterful collection of extended instrumentals, weaving together folky melodies, psychedelic jams, and otherworldly Krautrock explorations. Listeners will hear echoes of Kebnekajse, Amon Düül II, and Camel, as Agusa channels the spirit of the genre’s golden era while crafting a sound that is uniquely their own…

Canadian star pianist Jan Lisiecki’s upcoming album puts the focus on the kaleidoscopic world of the prelude. Lisiecki himself refers how he is seeking “to showcase the broad possibilities of the humble Prelude” that takes “the audience on a musical expedition”. Composers from multiple eras, whose works are featured, include Bach, Messiaen, Rachmaninoff, Górecki and of course Chopin, who is known for having reinvented the prelude with his iconic 24 Preludes Op. 28.

Between the cover art and the overall musical style, McLuhan is highly reminiscent of early underground British progressive rock bands - in particular, echoes of Warm Dust's style can be heard in the use of spoken word and brass instruments to craft a decidedly different texture from the rest of the pack. In fact, they were a US group, offering an intriguing style of progressive rock with fusion-derived flourishes. It's always melodic and nicely done. Definately of interest for fans of Zappa, Canterbury or just anyone who loves complex and rich eclectic yet melodic jazz-fusion with occasional bombastic organs.

Rock icons Rush celebrate their 50-year milestone as Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart officially solidified the Holy Trinity in July of 1974. Bringing the world masterful Progressive Rock musicianship, brilliant recordings, and iconic lyrics and storytelling as well as rock radio masterpieces - we present the first-ever, complete career-spanning Rush anthology featuring 50 tracks with 7 unreleased offered on 4 CDs and 7 LPs.