Way Back When finds Surman on baritone and soprano saxophones, joined by John Taylor on electric piano, Brian Odgers on electric bass, John Marshall on drums and, on two tracks, alto saxophonist Mike Osborne. This one-day session was, in Surman's words, "a sort of 'farewell' jam session," held before Surman moved to continental Europe to join bassist Barre Phillips and drummer Stu Martin for the groundbreaking free jazz unit known as the Trio.

Fans of Strunz & Farah will find pleasing similarities on this release by the spirited duo of Lara And Reyes. Rooted in improvisation, Two Guitars… borrows from traditions that span the globe: rhythms of Africa and South and Central America, chord structures from Spain and Mexico. You'll hear melodic scales that can be traced to the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. This range of tonal colors creates an original repertoire of moving music with insistent rhythms and challenging, exotic harmonic and melodic diversity. Bass and percussion, by Randy Johnson and Eric Casillas respectively provide the fuel, while the guitaristics of the two lead players provide more than ample passion…

South Florida guitarist Randy Bernsen started his recording career in an unorthodox way, calling a collection of jazz/fusion luminaries who, even to his surprise, agreed to be a part of his 1986 debut album Music for People, Planets & Washing Machines. After recruiting fretless bass giant and fellow South Florida resident Jaco Pastorius and getting a return call of interest from keyboard virtuoso Herbie Hancock, it was easier to interest keyboardist Bob James and drummer Peter Erskine. Released on MCA's Zebra label, the album earned Bernsen write-ups in Down Beat and Guitar Player magazines and appeared to start a flourishing career.

A broad selection of 33 Overtures (Orchestral Suites) by Georg Philipp Telemann is here collected in one generous 8-CD set. Telemann, one of the most prolific and gifted composers of the 18th century, wrote many charming, graceful suites in the fashion of his time - comprised of a three-part French overture followed by shorter dance movements, chaconnes, character pieces, and more. The historically-informed performance of Collegium Instrumentale Brugense under Patrick Piere shows that these bright, varied works truly rival the suites of Handel and Bach.