A new Chicago-based chamber group, the Fifth House Ensemble, presents their debut recording Excelsior. They come across as a very capable outfit with fine readings of four contemporary works, each work with its own more-or-less post-modern qualities, some rather firmly in the realm of radical tonality.The title work, a short chamber opera by Caleb Burnhans (b. 1980) that was composed in 2012, features an ultra-tonal panorama with some ritualistic repetition and lyrical diatonic matter-of-factness that centers at the end around a folkishly modal part for soprano.

‘Order Of Play’ could be seen as the perfect partner to the previous ‘Away With Words’. This time, thankfully, the electric guitar quotient is increased although Barre is still playing in very much a supportive and band context.

The legendary BOSTON return with a brand new studio album after a 10+ year hiatus from releasing new material. Centered around the incredibly gifted guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, and producer Tom Scholz, 'Life, Love & Hope' is a reflection on how certain traumatic events can impact people s lives. The new songs bring an uplifting message delivered around the classic guitar and vocal harmonies of Boston's classic sound, which are a true trademark of the band. Vocalists on the album include Brad Delp, Kimberley Dahme, David Victor, Tommy DeCarlo and Tom Scholz himself.

Veteran jazz pianist Steve Kuhn has proved to be a popular artist in Japan, recording a series of CDs for the Japanese label Venus. On these 2006 sessions, Kuhn is joined by bassist Buster Williams and drummer Al Foster, two artists who also have extensive resumes. While the CD is titled Plays Standards, Kuhn doesn't stick exclusively to well-known works. In addition to Victor Young's widely recognized "Beautiful Love" (a favorite of pianist Bill Evans), the pianist offers a seductive take of the composer's "Golden Earrings" and a lighthearted, breezy setting of "Love Letters" as well.

The one and only Popa Chubby, the big man of the blues, celebrates the 25th anniversary of his career this year, 1989 being the bull’s eye when the blues-rock guitarist blew like a hurricane across the tepid New York City blues scene with his own individual brand of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. True to form, Chubby is honoring the quarter-century mark of his career with a brand new album, I’m Feelin’ Lucky, which will be released on October 14th, 2014 by Cleopatra Records.

Digitally remastered deluxe collector's box set of Michel Cretu and Co.'s 5 original studio CDs ("MCMXC A.D.", "The Cross Of Changes", "Le Roi Est Mort", "The Screen Behind The Mirror" and "Voyageur") plus both of their DVD collections (in PAL/Region 2 formats), "MCMXC a.D." and "Remember The Future". The set also includes a 6th disc featuring something quite unique…

Before No Doubt made ska suitable for new millennium pop kids, Fishbone was first to mess things up with its reggae-tinged, punk-inspired rambunctious rock sound. This Los Angeles-based six-piece spent the 1980s composing a healthy, funkdafied beat that was part metal and part pop. The college scene found the band highly amusing years later, not to mention an infectious live act, so naturally Fishbone cemented a place in what would become "alternative rock" in the decade to come. The Essential Fishbone (The Best Of) is a look back at band's rowdy rock party, a definitive selection of classics for the casual fan, but also a decent collection for Fishbone loyalists.