Django Reinhardt was the first hugely influential jazz figure to emerge from Europe – and he remains the most influential European to this day, with possible competition from Joe Zawinul, George Shearing, John McLaughlin, his old cohort Stephane Grappelli and a bare handful of others. A free-spirited gypsy, Reinhardt wasn't the most reliable person in the world, frequently wandering off into the countryside on a whim. Yet Reinhardt came up with a unique way of propelling the humble acoustic guitar into the front line of a jazz combo in the days before amplification became widespread. He would spin joyous, arcing, marvelously inflected solos above the thrumming base of two rhythm guitars and a bass, with Grappelli's elegantly gliding violin serving as the perfect foil…

Blue Country Heart is a Jorma Kaukonen studio album released in June, 2002. It was his first album on a major label since 1980's Barbeque King. Kaukonen didn't write any new compositions for the album, and instead played mostly country-blues cover songs. Kaukonen again relied on the talents of other musicians for this solo effort, but turned to musicians he had not previously worked with on any project. Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Byron House and Bela Fleck helped add more of the country flavor not present in previous Kaukonen solo efforts. The album was nominated for a Grammy award in 2003 for "Best Traditional Folk Album."

Excellent compilation of the best jazz and gypsy jazz guitarists and musicians, highly recommended!

Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) - Harald Vogel - Complete Organ Works
7xCD | EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 1,91 GB | Full Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: MDG "Gold" # 309 1582-2 | Country/Year: Germany 2007 (1986-1993)
Genre: Classical | Style: Baroque, Sacred

…Harald Vogel is an authoritative proponent and guide through all aspects of this music, and the quality of his playing, and of the recordings and choice of instruments can hardly be faulted. Already recognised as interpretations and recordings without equal, certainly in a complete edition, this set has to be considered the current Buxtehude standard bearer.

When one thinks about the early days of the NWOBHM, a couple of bands spring to mind Iron Maiden, Saxon, Def Leppard, Diamondhead, and Praying Mantis. Praying Mantis' 1981 debut Time Tells No Lies is a minor New Wave of British Heavy Metal classic. The album showcases the band's effective use of harmony vocals and guitars, as well as their knack for catchy hooks and choruses. The only album released by the band in there 1st run Voted 91st Heavy Metal. Album of all time in Kerrang magazine Oct 81.