The second installment in Sakari Oramo's superb hybrid SACD cycle of the symphonies of Carl Nielsen on BIS presents the Symphony No. 1 in G minor and the Symphony No. 3, "Sinfonia espansiva," two ruggedly independent works that reflect the composer's late Romantic style yet point to the modernism to come. While the Symphony No. 1 was influenced by Brahms and offers a rich harmonic language, propulsive rhythms, and a fairly homogenous orchestral palette, the Symphony No. 3 is striking for its reliance on unfolding counterpoint and long-breathed lines, and most notable for the use of wordless parts for soprano and baritone voices in the pastoral slow movement. These performances by Oramo and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra are exceptional for their stunning power and spacious feeling, though the crisp details and focused sound quality will be the biggest draw for audiophiles.

Philly Joe Jones Sextet - Blues For Dracula (1958) is an album by the legendary jazz drummer Philly Joe Jones, who was known for his work as a sideman in prominent jazz bands and for his own projects. This particular album features a sextet and is known for its blend of hard bop and blues influences, combining tight rhythms with energetic and emotive playing.

Absoluuttinen Nollapiste - Sortovuodet 1994-2004 (2004) is a compilation album by the Finnish progressive rock band Absoluuttinen Nollapiste. The album, which marks a decade of the band's existence, brings together a selection of tracks that highlight their unique musical journey from 1994 to 2004. The title, Sortovuodet, translates to The Years of Oppression, and this collection serves as a reflection on the band's evolution and growth over its first ten years.

Upright - Opinion (2004) is an album by Upright, a jazz ensemble or project known for blending elements of jazz, funk, and soul into a cohesive sound. This album is recognized for its engaging mix of energetic grooves, smooth melodies, and tight arrangements that span several jazz subgenres, including jazz fusion and contemporary jazz.

Absoluuttinen Nollapiste - Seitsemas Sinetti (2003) is an album by the Finnish progressive rock band Absoluuttinen Nollapiste. The band is known for its eclectic blend of progressive rock, alternative rock, and experimental sounds, often incorporating poetic and introspective lyrics in Finnish. Seitsemas Sinetti, which translates to The Seventh Seal, is one of the key releases in the band's discography and showcases their distinctive style.

Blossoms have announced a new ‘Covers Edtion’ of their forthcoming album ‘Gary‘ featuring classic hits by Radiohead, Lady Gaga and more.

J'accuse..! - Abbandono Del Tempo E Delle Forme (2007) is an album by the Italian experimental rock band J'accuse..!. This album is known for its unique blend of avant-garde, progressive, and experimental rock, with influences from post-rock and the darker, more atmospheric side of experimental music.

Benny Golson - New York Scene (1957) is a seminal album by Benny Golson, a highly respected American jazz saxophonist and composer. Released during the peak of the hard bop era, New York Scene features Golson’s distinctive tenor saxophone playing and his sharp compositional skills. The album is known for its sophisticated arrangements, tight rhythm section, and rich harmonic textures.

Kazumi Watanabe - Milky Shade (1976) is a groundbreaking album by Kazumi Watanabe, a highly influential Japanese jazz guitarist. Released in the mid-70s, Milky Shade is considered one of the key albums in Watanabe's early career and an important release in the Japanese jazz fusion scene.

Ben Webster & Georges Arvanitas Trio - Autumn Leaves (1972) is a beautiful live recording featuring Ben Webster, one of jazz's most celebrated tenor saxophonists, and Georges Arvanitas, a French jazz pianist, along with his trio. The album captures a performance of intimate, expressive jazz, showcasing Webster's masterful saxophone playing in a small combo setting.

Robin Taylor - November (2003) is an album by Robin Taylor, an accomplished jazz saxophonist and composer. November is a contemplative and introspective work, featuring Taylor’s skillful saxophone playing combined with a deep sense of atmosphere and mood. The album is rooted in jazz but features a variety of influences and textures, blending elements of improvisation and structured composition.

Cory Wong - The Optimist (2018) is an album by Cory Wong, a talented guitarist and composer known for his funky, groove-driven style. The Optimist is a highly energetic and rhythm-focused record that blends elements of funk, jazz, and electronic music, showcasing Wong's unique approach to the guitar and his ability to merge tight rhythms with smooth melodies.

Only available on Lucy's website and at her shows. A retrospective/history of Lucy's musical life, from her bedroom at age 16, all the way to major venues and recordings studios across the U.S. . The album is mostly tracks that were never released, a combination of live recordings, solo and band, and album outtakes, including some of Lucy's favorite songs that she's performed in shows over the years. Special guests include Richard Shindell, Dar Williams, Shawn Colvin, Tony Trischka, Andy Statman, Matt Glaser, and Duke Levine.

The Hot Club of San Francisco has never shied away from putting their own stamp on the Gypsy jazz sound created by Manouche guitar legend Django Reinhardt and French violin maestro Stephane Grappelli in 1930s Paris. Guitarist Paul "Pazzo" Mehling, a leading force in North America's Hot Club movement since it's inception in the late 1980s, has long made a point of featuring original tunes along with Reinhardt standards and imaginative Djangofied interpretations of songs by the likes of Lennon and McCartney. But the HCSF's 15th album, Original Gadjo, captures the creative ferment of the whole group, not just that of it's fearless leader. Slated for release Sept. 13, 2024, it's a project that finds the venerable combo revivified after a pandemic-induced hiatus, hitting on all creative cylinders. "From the beginning our mission statement was not just to preserve this music, but to pursue the intriguing question, 'What would Django do if he were still alive?'" Mehling says. "And after 35 years of chasing that sound, this album embraces our identities as gadjos, aka outsiders and Americans who were drawn to Django's sound but were not born to it."While the album features original tunes contributed by an impressive cast of current and former members of the HCSF, Mehling is still the quintet's defining compositional voice, with ebullient pieces like "Dainty" and "Praise D. Lloyd, " a churchy piece that will inspire many an "amen!" Some 35 years into the group's reign as the nation's longest-running Hot Club ensemble, the HCSF continues to expand the possibilities of Djangology.

Face to Face was a remarkable record, but its follow-up, Something Else, expands its accomplishments, offering 13 classic British pop songs. As Ray Davies' songwriting becomes more refined, he becomes more nostalgic and sentimental, retreating from the psychedelic and mod posturings that had dominated the rock world. Indeed, Something Else sounds like nothing else from 1967. The Kinks never rock very hard on the album, preferring acoustic ballads, music hall numbers, and tempered R&B to full-out guitar attacks. Part of the album's power lies in its calm music, since it provides an elegant support for Davies' character portraits and vignettes. From the martial stomp of "David Watts" to the lovely, shimmering "Waterloo Sunset," there's not a weak song on the record, and several - such as the allegorical "Two Sisters," the Noël Coward-esque "End of the Season," the rolling "Lazy Old Sun," and the wry "Situation Vacant" - are stunners…