By combining the influences of the nascent thrash of the mid-'80s with the increased spittle and gristle of the modern black metal of the band's homeland, Witchery made a name for themselves on the underground. With the release of Symphony for the Devil, the Swedish troupe perfected the admixture and made a classic album on par with some of the legendary artists of the genre…

Although he has been performing for over six decades, violinist Federico Britos, a native of Uruguay, is not as widely known as other jazz violinists, simply because he has recorded infrequently under his own name for the U.S. market, though he has played or recorded with a host of jazz greats, including Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and Benny Goodman, among others. Britos plays in a variety of settings with different accompanists, contributing most of the arrangements as well. His style is comparable to that of Stéphane Grappelli, though without the uptempo high-register technique often favored by the late violinist. Britos makes a major impression in a pulsating take of the oldie "After You've Gone," where he is joined by pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Phil Flanigan, and drummer Francisco Mela…

With Federico Britos on Violin and guests Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Joe Lovano and Alfredo Valdes, Jr. it is a beautiful, and as the title implies, elegant performance of the traditional Cuban Danzon. Recorded in 2004, Danzón by Six's Elegante (Elegant) is the brainchild of violin virtuoso Federico Britos. A member of the Grammy winning Cachao orchestra and the violinist on Charlie Haden's Grammy-winning album Nocturne, es well as Bebo Valdés' Grammy award winning Lagrimas Negras, Britos is a classically trained violinist/composed arranger who has toured extensively throughout the world and performed with symphonies, opera orchestras, jazz bands, conjuntos, charangas, and is currently the musical director and violinist of the superb outfit Danzón By Six…

John Hackett is highly regarded for his distinctive flute sound in the world of progressive music and as an accomplished soloist. Solo flautist, guitarist, singer and composer, John is best known for his work with his brother Steve Hackett, the former Genesis guitarist, and the ambient group Symbiosis…

Praying Mantis at this stage of their career had caught a second wind, and were riding on the huge wave of popularity coming out of Japan. Still with the basis of the band intact, apart from new singer Colin Peel, who when added to the mix, really does have a great voice suited to Mantis’ style of melodic rock. The twin guitar work of Messrs Stratton and Troy are a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene, and on this opus ‘A Cry For The New World’ we are not exactly breaking new ground, but the commitment and class carries it off. Punctuated by subtle keyboard pieces in the background, the predominant guitar attack never lets up.