Neil Larsen / Orbit
A highly anticipated new release from Straight Ahead Records! Keyboardist Neil Larsen formed a super group to play his original compositions: Robben Ford (guitar), Tom Brechtlein (drums), Jimmy Haslip (bass), Gary Meek (sax) and Lee Thornburt (trumpet). The music is classic fusion in the best sense of the phrase: an intelligent mixture of jazz and rock music. Their great performance was captured live-to-two-track, mastered by Bernie Grundman himself, and comes in audiophile "emerald green" CDs!

Eric Reed Trio / Blue Trane
I'm introducing a new label called M&I. It used to be the distributor of Marshmallow Records, and this Japanese label has an interesting catalog. One of their recent standouts is NY pianist Eric Reed's trio album with Ron Carter and Al Foster. A strong, swinging album that was nicely recorded.

Satomi Kawakami / Tiara
Yet another, young and talented Japanese female pianist! Kawakami has a beautiful tone and the ability to make the piano really sing. She also composed eight of the ten songs included in this beautiful debut album. Another great-sounding CD with beautiful piano and strong bass.

Al Haig / Blue Manhattan
Bebop pianist Al Haig is arguably one of those American jazz musicians who are more adored in Japan than in his own country. Japanese producer Toshiya Taenaka's Interplay label recorded this strong trio date with Reggie Johnson (bass) and Frank Gant (drums) in 1980. A rare but highly sought-after CD: a must-have for fans of Al Haig!