Barbra Lica is a fast-rising Canadian jazz vocalist and songwriter, and has been receiving accolades for her unique vocal ability that stresses subtlety and grace. Based in Toronto, Barbra’s live shows have captivated audiences all over North America with her genuine warmth and confident stage presence.

This live album spans the entire career of the North Mississippi Allstars to date, from 1996 to 2008. Guitar star Luther Dickinson and his drumming brother Cody (sons of famed producer/keyboardist Jim Dickinson), together with bass buddy Chris Chew, redefine the concept of blues rock over the course of these two discs, rescuing it from the lazy, third-hand vibe of so many '70s bands, and investing it with the deep feeling and trenchant attack they learned from both the elder Dickinson and North Mississippi blues king R.L. Burnside himself. They tear up the house on songs associated with everyone from Burnside to Muddy Waters here, not to mention their original tunes.

Among the world’s leading violinists, Gidon Kremer has perhaps pursued the most unconventional career. He was born on 27 February 1947 in Riga, Latvia, and began studying at the age of four with his father and grandfather, both distinguished string players. At the age of seven, he enrolled as a student at Riga Music School where he made rapid progress, and at sixteen he was awarded the First Prize of the Latvian Republic.

Daniel Marx is one of the shooting stars of the guitar scene. With his CD "The Italian Recital" he not only makes an impressive debut but also demonstrates his love of Italian music. In the land of opera, singing is unthinkable—and Daniel Marx proves that the guitar can sing! He crosses the centuries, technically and interpretatively at the highest niveau, from the Renaissance to the Romantic period. Molinari's fantasies are just as transparent and sonorous as Regonti's dreams or Scarlatti's sonatas—a real discovery!

The young pianist Yukyeong Ji has already had an impressive career. However, despite all the prizes and hymns of praise from the critics, she does not lose her footing. Her debut CD, featuring extremely rare repertoire by Uzong Choe, Toru Takemitsu, Bertold Hummel, Maurice Ravel and Olivier Messiaen, proves this. We experience fascinating reflections in this music, which sheds new light on other works of music or traces non-musical contents. Yukyeong Ji plays crystal clear and with broad phrases. She breathes life into sophisticated literature and captivates the listener. Exceptional!

When American composers began writing symphonies around the mid-1800s, their works were very much in the European tradition. During the first half of the 20th century, the great innovator Charles Ives injected a recognizably American sound into the genre, however, and since then the American symphonic legacy has been both wide and varied. With the present disc, conductor Lance Friedel strikes a blow for three fellow American composers, with the help of the eminent London Symphony Orchestra.

Once again, the European Brass Ensemble brings together the best young brass players of the continent and celebrates music and its diversity. Following their grand debut, their second production under the direction of Thomas Clamor is a genuinely regal compilation of inspiring works featuring music from this side and the other side of the Atlantic. The sounds from the baroque to the present swing and groove in a way that makes it a pure joy to hear. Among the showpieces include Richard Blake's "Fantasy on Edelweiss" recorded here for the first time and his rich arrangement of the famous "Te Deum" by Charpentier. Don't miss it–this is pure luster!

The songs of Korean composer Young Jo Lee, chosen by singer Yoora Lee-Hoff for her GENUIN debut, seem like enchanting ink drawings from the Far East. The fabulous coloratura soprano, accompanied by Michael Schütze on the piano, performs the little treasures with great naturalness, a beautiful sound and as clear as a bell. The spectrum of songs from all creative periods of the contemporary composer ranges from the simple, folk-like strophic song to a touch of magical post-impressionist color. Yoora Lee-Hoff sings us about silky haze and scarecrows, moonlit nights and starlight - from another world!

The contemporary guitar music scene of Mexico is a vibrant and active community of composers, many of them concert guitarists themselves. The new generations of composers are creating a fascinating new repertoire which, while rooted in the historical elements of the Mexican musical heritage with its traditional melodies and indigenous folkloric vitality, embraces the sophistication of European compositional techniques.