Like his previous Virgin Classics release (a program dedicated to Georges Bizet), Paavo Järvi devotes his new CD entirely to music by one French composer: Gabriel Fauré. Fauré’s serene and consoling Requiem is the centerpiece of the album, which also features three further classics, and the world-premiere recording of a neglected rarity, by the same composer.

The Clovers occupy an exalted place in the history of R&B, if not in the minds of many listeners, other than hard-core devotees of the music's history – the Drifters tend to eclipse them, by virtue of their longer history and the string of hits that the later incarnation of that group had during the 1960s. The truth is that the Clovers not only started earlier than any other act on Atlantic, but they also scored more hits in their six years there than any other R&B act in the label's history.

This is a twelve-track CD, compiled from the classical compositions which appeared in Hollywood cinema films. Includes selections from great composers of the world: Wagner, Bach, Strauss, Mozart, Ravel; and others.

Ironically, Gene "Jug" Ammons tended to be critical of organists; he was quoted as saying that "organ players don't know any changes." However, as critical the Chicago tenor saxman might have been of organists – most of them, anyway – he did some of his best work in their presence. When you united Ammons with Jack McDuff, Johnny "Hammond" Smith and other B-3 masters in the '60s, the sparks would fly. They certainly fly on this excellent album, which finds Ammons and Richard "Groove" Holmes co-leading a soul-jazz/hard bop organ combo that also includes guitarist Gene Edwards and drummer Leroy Henderson.

Crow's made some great music, and collaborated on lots more. From the waifish charm of All I Wanna Do, to her rendition of the theme song for the Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, to her latest Grammy-winning album, The Globe Sessions, she delivers the goods on a pretty regular basis. This girl has talent, folks. One of the reasons I like her work, is that Sheryl Crow strikes me as someone who has experienced both the best and worst of what life has to offer. I say that not from any knowledge of her biography, but rather as someone who appreciates her music.

OK, we could go into all the hyperbole about how amazing it is that a kid of 16 could write, play, record and produce such an incredible album. But let’s put that aside for the moment. Forget that blues guitarist/singer/songwriter Andy Poxon is so young. Just spin this disc, kick back, and marvel at one of the finest genre blending artists to hit the scene in a very long time.

New York City's blues bad boy totally inspired for two special evenings organised by FIP/Radio France (in 2001 & 2002). Two hours of rough music mixed by one of the best sound experts. Two historic CDs. The best live recording to date from the Brooklyn ogre.