Although not released until 2000, the tracks on Eartha Kitt's THINKING JAZZ were recorded at a studio session in 1991 and a German live date in September, 1992, towards the end of Kitt's self-imposed European exile. This is one of Kitt's most straightforwardly jazz-oriented albums, with none of her usual pop and cabaret overtones. The five-piece combo playing behind her-clarinet and tenor saxophone plus rhythm section-is tight and economical, and the arrangements give each member room to stretch out without dissolving into extended jams. Kitt's spectacular voice remains front and center throughout, although the instrumental "God Bless the Child" that provides the link between the studio and live material shows that even without her contributions, this would be a swinging album.

When Belgian-Portuguese duo Jess & James (Tony Lam and Wando Lam) released their third LP in 1969, they already had an impressive body of work under their belt. Playing a highly energized blend of pop and soul, they achieved great success in Europe with singles like "Move" and "Something for nothing"…

Out of My Hands is the seventh studio album by American singer Jennifer Rush. Released in early 1995, the album was led by single "Tears in the Rain" - a song originally recorded by Robin Beck. "Tears in the Rain" became Rush's biggest single of the decade, charting highly in many European countries, particularly in Germany. The album also improved on her previous one by reaching No.15 there during a four-month chart run. A second single was released, the title track "Out of My Hands", while the album boasted a collaboration with Brian May on the Queen cover "Who Wants to Live Forever" - which was released as a promo-only single. Also included on the album was a cover of the Moody Blues hit "Nights in White Satin".

The Last Days of Oakland is an album by Fantastic Negrito. It earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

On 100 Degrees and Rising, the pioneering acid house outfit, Incognito, turn in another first-rate record, featuring their trademark mixture of jazz, soul, and funk. There's not much to distinguish 100 Degrees from their previous handful of records, but the band is smooth, accomplished, and deep, finding new variations on their trademark sound.