Whether to categorize Motion as a jazz or electronica album is an intriguing conundrum, because it truly turns out to be a combination of both musical forms, and it is an unequivocally brilliant combination, at that. British arranger/programmer J. Swinscoe - who virtually is the Cinematic Orchestra - gathered samples of drum grooves, basslines, and melodies from various recordings and artists that have inspired and influenced him (spaghetti-western composer Ennio Morricone and Roy Budd's spy film scores, '60s and '70s jazz and soundtrack scores from musicians such as Elvin Jones, Eric Dolphy, Andre Previn, David Rose, and John Morris). He then presented the samples that he had collected to a group of musicians, the core of which consisted of Tom Chant (soprano sax, electric and acoustic piano), Jamie Coleman (trumpet, flugelhorn), Phil France (bass), and T. Daniel Howard (drums), to learn and then improvise…

"Rotary Connection" is the eponymous debut album by the American psychedelic soul group of the same name. The album rose to #37 on the Billboard 200 chart and includes several cover songs by The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Lovin' Spoonful and Sam & Dave.

The Crusaders are an American music group popular in the early 1970s known for their amalgamated jazz, pop, and soul sound. Since 1961, more than forty albums have been credited to the group (some live and compilations), 19 of which were recorded under the name "The Jazz Crusaders" (1961–1970).

Akos Laki was born 1967 in Senta, Yugoslavia. Between 1981 and 1990 he studied classical clarinet in Novi Sad (Yugoslavia), jazz saxophone from 1990 to 1994 in Budapest, and jazz saxophone and bass clarinet from 1995-1996 in Rotterdam (NL). In 1983 and 1986 he won the national competitions for clarinet in Skopje (Macedonia) and Ljubljana (Croatia), and in 1993 he was a finalist of the international jazz concours in Katowicze (Poland). In 1996 he was the winner of the Dutch Jazz Concours with his own Woodwind duo Double B. Akos plays with his own group Laki Latino (CD Fiesta Vojvodina), Akos Laki Trio/Quartet, Double B and Double Band together with Stansilav Mitrovic (CDs Cha-Chack Train; Ethno Funk), Klez-tetics, Global Village Orchestra, Panchito, Rhoda Scott – Akos Laki Trio, Suzanna Lubrano Band. He has also played in several musicals.

Sada is the second studio collaboration between Spanish guitarist Ángel Ontalva and beloved Russian space-prog-jazz-psych geniuses Vespero. The two previously broke ground on 2018’s ‘Carta Marina,’ which in turn led to the live album ‘Sea Orm Liventure’ before this latest work. Clearly, they have a good thing going, and they bring out the best in each other. I strongly recommend ALL of these albums. Ontalva and Vespero make a superb combination. Their works - all instrumental - remind me a great deal of Mahavishnu Orchestra. So kindle your inner mounting flame and come along for the ride.

Veteran drummer Dennis Chambers shows off on drums while teaming with top-notch talent for the funky and soulful meeting of musical minds known as "Groove and More". Having provided the rhythm for John Scofield, George Duke, Brecker Brothers, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic, John McLaughlin and others, Dennis brings refined talent on percussion in 2013 to inspire each guest and give each song a strong foundation of energy.

Fragments: Modern Tradition is a collection of compositions written by Nana Vasconcelos for six films. The music is appropriately atmospheric, and takes on a myriad of ethnic influences from around the world. Indeed, the first track "Vento Chamando Vento" sounds amazingly similar to fellow multi-ethnicists Dead Can Dance. Vasconcelos utilizes a variety of percussion instruments – cowbells, shakers and drums – to achieve the sounds of open landscapes. The album is not all space and wind, however. A fine backing band helps Vasconcelos create a number of musical textures, including the incredibly peppy "Forro Para Antero" and the poly-rhythmic "Let's Go to the Jungle."

Benign Paroxysmal Postural Vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder caused by problems in the inner ear. Its symptoms are repeated episodes of postural vertigo, that is, of a spinning sensation caused by changes in the position of the head, plus a huge number of psychedelic visual effects.

3Quietmen is a young Italian trio that draws inspiration from composer Bela Bartok's Mikrokosmos, a prominent work consisting of 153 piano pieces. Fellow countryman and revered modern jazz pianist Stefano Battaglia joins the band for these pieces that waver between jazz and groove-based abstractions, shaded with electronics. It's a polytonal feast for the ears, as the musicians execute circular mini-motifs and cunning paradigm shifts, punchy ostinatos and brawny group-centric interplay. Battaglia occasionally calms the waters via airy, jazz-based phrasings and swirling chord progressions, while offering counterpoint to trumpeter Ramon Moro's searing notes. The classical inferences are subliminal and faint, and the artists occasionally skirt the free zone. On "Quietman Hymn," Battaglia and Moro render a supple and memorably melodic theme atop the rhythm section's gentle pulse and accenting tonalities.

This 1979 recording is probably Afro-experimentalist Vasconcelos' finest. It presents his various facets – berimbao playing, intricate overlain vocals, fine percussion, even gorgeous guitar – simply and almost overwhelmingly. This is one of those performances that remind one to never let natural dogmatism get too out of hand.

A 1997 historical recording now available with a new mastering. The "Italian" quintet here with an international guest, at the top of a wonderful carrier. Stunning.

Alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett is the star attraction, although this is nominally drummer Mike Clark's album. Clark does have a strong, extensive solo on the title track and plays with purpose and direction throughout, but it's Garrett who emerges as the date's finest player.

This CD is more jazz-oriented than most of Bob James' recordings and even takes chances in a few spots. The tunes, mostly by James, contain several strong melodies, including a tribute piece for Sarah Vaughan; among the sidemen are guitarist Lee Ritenour, Kirk Whalum on tenor and soprano, and (in a guest spot) tenor great Michael Brecker. The results overall are still poppish in places, but the diverse instrumentation, which changes from song to song, and the wide range of moods covered make this release of great interest.

Tony Barba is a saxophonist/educator/producer whose career has spanned the last twenty-five years. Originally hailing from Acton, Massachusetts and previously living in NYC and Chicago, Tony has resided in Madison, Wisconsin since 2013. He has performed, taught and toured professionally all over the world. A long standing member of the globe trotting Youngblood Brass Band, Tony has also performed and recorded with such notable and diverse artists as Makaya McCraven, Bon Iver, David Murray, Josh Ritter, the Mountain Goats, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the Temptations.

This SACD hybrid recording was beautifully crafted at Oslo's Rainbow Studio with engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug, home and technician behind so many classic ECM recordings. While Libera Me is unquestionably a well-crafted album for those who want to simply sit back and be enveloped by something that doesn't confront or challenge, it is in the odd man out tracks—"The Teacher," "Both Sides Now," and especially "Asnah"—where we hear what this album could have been and, perhaps, should have been. Hopefully they are harbingers of what Danielsson has in store next time around.