Live archive release. Ella Fitzgerald's Songbook records - with her peerless renditions of the best songs from iconic composers from Irving Berlin to Rogers & Hart to Cole Porter to George & Ira Gershwin - are the cornerstone of the Verve catalog and the standard for jazz vocal recordings. Ella never released a live version of these Songbooks. This record, discovered in the private collection of Norman Granz, will make the first time a live Songbook has been released from the First Lady of Song.

Classical Music

Best-known for her classic 1955 Top 10 hit "Cry Me A River", Julie London was a fine sultry-voiced jazz and pop singer, who enjoyed her greatest popularity during the "cool" era of the late '50s and early '60s - Billboard magazine named her as the most popular female vocalist of 1955, '56 and '57. Although she sang as a child with her parents' vaudeville act on radio, the first decade of her career from 1945 was as a Hollywood movie actress, becoming a popular pin-up girl of GIs, and appearing with the likes of Gary Cooper. Beginning her recording career in 1955, she scored a hit with her first release for Liberty, "Cry Me A River", and over subsequent years released around twenty singles for the label, as well as having a regular output of concept albums, showcasing her smoky and sensuous vocal style with a mixture of sophisticated pop and mainstream jazz material. This great-value 58-track 2-CD collection comprises her debut recordings on an EP recorded for the Bethlehem label (the tracks were later released as singles by Liberty), and all her A and B sides for Liberty through to 1962, some of which came from her LP releases, plus selected tracks from the seventeen albums she released during those first important years of her recording career. As well as "Cry Me A River", it includes what was one of her best-known recordings, her vocal version of the jazz cha-cha "Desafinado (Slightly Out of Tune)" from 1962. "Cry Me A River" has been revived by many high-profile artists over the years. Julie London is an artist who has not received the accolades she deserved as a sophisticated jazz/pop singer to compare with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Peggy Lee, and this collection will help underline her distinctive talent.

ATLANTIC SINGLES COLLECTION 1968

Ella Fitzgerald's "Songbook" records - with her peerless renditions of the best songs from iconic composers from Irving Berlin to Rogers & Hart to Cole Porter to George & Ira Gershwin - are the cornerstone of the Verve catalog and the standard for jazz vocal recordings. Ella never released a live version of these Songbooks. This record, discovered in the private collection of Norman Granz, will make the first time a live Songbook has been released from the First Lady of Song.

Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. After appearing together at an all-star concert the night before, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong went into an L.A. studio to record this gem of an album. Despite having little to no time for rehearsals, the sublime artistic mastery of Ella and Louis and the instant chemistry they achieved resulted in one of the few truly indispensable recordings in all of jazz. Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes.

2022 release. Simply put, Samara Joy is next. At just 22 years old, her Verve debut Linger Awhile shows that with a voice, tone, and phrasing that harkens back to the most legendary jazz vocalists, Samara belongs in the company of iconic labelmates from Ella Fitzgerald to Sarah Vaughan to Billie Holiday. Samara is remarkably savvy on TikTok and Instagram, fostering a community of devoted followers through fully organic means. She is poised to be a household name, synonymous with timeless jazz music.

Double 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in gatefold jacket. The duo that critics have called "a match made in heaven" are in peak form on the sequel to their 1956 debut. Ella's voice - warm and sweet as honey - and Louis' gravelly croon formed a sound built for commercial success. Ella & Louis Again is a key element of what could be considered the most iconic jazz duo of all time. Verve Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes.

Simply put, Samara Joy is next. At just 22 years old, her Verve debut 'Linger Awhile' shows that with a voice, tone, and phrasing that harkens back to the most legendary jazz vocalists, Samara belongs in the company of iconic labelmates from Ella Fitzgerald to Sarah Vaughan to Billie Holiday. Samara is remarkably savvy on TikTok and Instagram, fostering a community of devoted followers through fully organic means. She is poised to be a household name, synonymous with timeless jazz music.

Limited silver colored vinyl LP pressing. Lady Soul is a landmark statement of female empowerment and inspired vocal performance. Featuring massive hits such as "Chain of Fools," "(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman," "(Sweet, Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone" and "Ain't No Way," Lady Soul topped the R & B charts and reached #2 on the Billboard 200. Aretha also provides her own unique and soulful interpretations of James Brown's "Money Won't Change You," Ray Charles' "Come Back Baby" and Curtis Mayfield's civil rights anthem, "People Get Ready." Rolling Stone recently named Aretha Franklin as the #1 Greatest Singer of All Time and it's all in evidence on Lady Soul.

Single disc containing 20 highlights from 2021 box set. To say that Aretha Franklin was one of the greatest American artists of all time is an understatement. Her multi-octave voice moved millions around the world during an unrivaled career that spanned six decades and garnered the singer-songwriter every achievement and honor imaginable.

Double vinyl LP pressing. To say that Aretha Franklin was one of the greatest American artists of all time is an understatement. Her multi-octave voice moved millions around the world during an unrivaled career that spanned six decades and garnered the singer-songwriter every achievement and honor imaginable. This 2LP version features 20 highlight tracks from the CD box set.

The unforgettable sound of Sarah Vaughan is captured in this collection of essential recordings. From the swinging hits, "Lullaby Of Birdland" and "It's Crazy", to her best-loved recordings, including "Misty" and "Broken-Hearted Melody", this album highlights Vaughan's impeccable phrasing, emotional depth and remarkable range. Whether backed by a trio or a full orchestra, singing hits of the day or jazz standards, every track serves to remind us why Sarah Vaughan is still known as 'The Divine One'.

Ella Fitzgerald - "Let No Man Write My Epitaph (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series)" - Verve Label Group; Jazz; Considered one of Ella's greatest recordings, she's backed on this 1960 release by pianist Paul Smith. Let No Man Write My Epitaph was a 1960 Hollywood movie featuring Fitzgerald. The album hits at a rare depth of emotional understanding and once again establishes Fitzgerald as one of the supreme interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.

Vinyl LP pressing. Released in 1969, Aretha's Gold is the chart-topping greatest hits compilation that features her biggest hits from her early Atlantic albums: 'Respect', 'Think', '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman', 'Chain of Fools', and more.

Nina Simone - "Nina's Back" / Recorded in 1985 after a break from recording and time spent living in Barbados and Liberia, Nina's Back features a rejuvenated Nina Simone reaching out to a wider musical audience. Featuring a number of memorable Simone compositions, the band includes horns and backup singers for a unique recording in Nina's catalog. Now available again on vinyl with new album artwork.

Diana Krall - "The Look Of Love (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series)" / The Look of Love is a lush, cinematic collection of ballads and bossa nova tunes, produced by Tommy LiPuma, arranged and conducted by the legendary Claus Ogerman, and featuring the London Symphony Orchestra. Originally released in 2001, The Look of Love brings to mind such classic Frank Sinatra albums as In the Wee Small Hours and Only The Lonely - but the elegant piano solos, sensual vocals and wickedly modern sense of humor are, inimitably, all Diana Krall. Verve Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered on 180grAm vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging. [2 LP] Special Pkg:180gram Heavy

Double vinyl LP pressing. Experience the ultimate holiday collection from the First Lady of Song! This expanded edition of Ella Fitzgerald's classic 1960 album, Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas, features a second LP with six tracks making their vinyl debut. For the first time, all of Ella's holiday recordings for Verve Records and Decca Records are together on one collection. Also included is an essay from journalist Will Friedwald and a sheet a collectable cut-out ornaments. As Ella herself once said, "the only thing better than singing is more singing," and the only thing better than the original Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas is the new, deluxe edition!

2024 release. Beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli, the most celebrated classical singer in modern history celebrates his 30th anniversary as a global icon with a brand new album 'Duets'.This definitive collection features all the classic duets with Ed Sheeran, C�line Dion, Sarah Brightman, Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, Giorgia & Edith Piaf alongside new collaborations with Shania Twain, Chris Stapleton, Gwen Stefani, Luciano Pavarotti, Marc Anthony, Matteo Bocelli & Hans Zimmer, Karol G, Sofia Carson & Elisa.

Aretha Franklin Greatest Hits (Vinyl) - Beyond the timeless classic hits such as "Respect," "A Natural Woman," "Chain Of Fools," "Think," "Daydreaming" and "Freeway Of Love" among the dozens of chart-topping records that have established her as a cultural icon, Aretha Franklin's catalog of over forty albums in forms listeners of her unmatched, unparalleled artistry as an interpreter of song, bar none. Her elevation to 'royal' status is indeed not just a function of her hit making ability but of her unique inventiveness as a musician who fuses art and soul seamlessly. Indeed, it's often been said that Aretha could take 'happy birthday' and turn it into a veritable opus and while those who know her will testify to her culinary skills in the kitchen, it is her mastery as a musical chef that is evident on each and every one of those forty-plus albums, many of which have achieved gold and platinum status.

CD + DVD. Jonas Kaufmann's latest album brings together two of Schumann's most profound song cycles-Dichterliebe and Kerner-Lieder-performed with exceptional sensitivity and vocal finesse. Accompanied by pianist and long-term collaborator Helmut Deutsch, Kaufmann explores the emotional and poetic nuances of these Romantic masterpieces. These works are complemented by "Doppelg�nger", a strikingly original stage adaptation of Schubert's Schwanengesang (Swan Songs), directed by Claus Guth. This production reimagines the cycle through a contemporary theatrical lens, adding a powerful visual and narrative dimension to Schubert's final songs. As a special bonus, the release includes six previously unreleased recordings from Kaufmann's private archive: selections from Dichterliebe recorded in 1994 during his student years. The DVD features the acclaimed theatrical production of Doppelg�nger, directed by Claus Guth and staged at the Park Avenue Armory in New York. Taking it's name from the final song, "Der Doppelg�nger"-in which a soldier confronts the haunting realization that he did not survive the war-this Armory commission poignantly explores the longing for life's beauty and the idea that death is not an abrupt end, but a final, reflective journey.

The late journalist/author Chris Sheridan’s liner notes for Sheila Jordan’s first album for SteepleChase “Sheila” SCCD 31081 declares, “This recording is an acutely personal statement. Only rarely in the history of jazz have a singer‘s feelings been so affectingly bared ... only a few vocalists have had the grit to subordinate technique and »style« to expressiveness ... And the experience is breathtaking.” Mr. Sheridan’s assertion from 1977 still rings true and even more so. Sheila Jordan at the age 92 does not show any sign of slowing down or taking it easy. Her intensely creative power is evident throughout this album presented in a cross-generational collaboration with trioTrio consisting of three young elite instrumentalists of the New York scene. “...a spiritual experience and heart-to-heart communion ... Jordan makes these tunes all her own, with personal, almost prayer-like readings...” (Down Beat - *****) “... Sheila Jordan personifies a song like no one has since Billie Holiday.” (Unicorn Times)

Marie Hubert - Fille du Roy

“...Betty Carter and Sheila Jordan are probably the only real jazz singers in the world today... Jordan creates an entirely personal atmosphere...” (Melody Maker) “... Sheila Jordan personifies a song like no one has since Billie Holiday.” (Unicorn Times) “...Her talent is unquestionable.” (Billboard) “...a spiritual experience and heart-to-heart communion....Jordan makes these tunes all her own, with personal, almost prayer-like readings...” (Down Beat - *****)

Classical Music

Standard Version - The internationally renowned and beloved Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli releases his breathtaking new album, Believe, celebrating the power of music to soothe the soul. It follows his record-breaking 'Music for Hope' performance at Easter from the historic Duomo cathedral in Milan which was watched live by millions around the globe. It features a previously unreleased track from the late, great Italian composer Ennio Morricone, as well as 'Gratia Plena' - from the critically acclaimed new movie, Fatima -, two duets with award-winning mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, and for the first time ever Andrea Bocelli has recorded his own interpretations of 'Ave Maria' and 'Padre Nostro' along with familiar favourites such as 'Hallelujah', 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'Amazing Grace'. Believe, co-produced by Steven Mercurio and Haydn Bendall, is a collection of uplifting songs that have inspired and sustained Bocelli over the years

A collection of the very best of Bartoli's treasured recordings of musical delights and discoveries of the 17th and 18th century. Featuring two previously unreleased world premiere recordings of forgotten jewels by Leonardo Vinci and Agostino Steffani. With guest appearances from Philippe Jaroussky, June Anderson, Franco Fagioli and Sol Gabetta.

Deluxe Edition. 2018 release. Andrea Bocelli has teamed up with some of the hottest musical stars on the planet for his album Si reuniting with his friend Ed Sheeran after their chart-topping 'Perfect Symphony' on a new song called 'Amo Soltanto Te' (written by Ed with lyrics by Tiziano Ferro) and joining with pop sensation Dua Lipa on the single 'If Only'. Crossover superstar Josh Groban and classical soprano Aida Garifullina also duet with Bocelli on the record. It is his first album of new material in 14 years - 16 brand new songs which celebrate love, family, faith and hope. At the center of the new record is a spine-tingling duet between father-and-son, as 20 year-old Matteo Bocelli steps into the limelight to duet with Andrea on 'Fall On Me', a beautifully poignant song which reflects the bond between parent and child.

FIVE CLASSIC ALBUMS

From Julie London, the smoky-voiced vocalist, a CD containing 24 tracks from her singles that have never appeared on any of her many LPs. One of the most distinctive pop singers of the 1950s, (between 1955 and 1957, Billboard proclaimed London the most popular female vocalist around) Julie London enjoyed a varied career that included releasing thirty-two albums and appearing on television and film. Her hit single of "Cry Me a River" remains the benchmark rendition of this much-covered song. In this tribute to London's varied singing career, Sepia Records presents twenty-four tracks from her single releases from the 1950s and early 1960s, including her earliest known recordings from 1955 - recordings that have almost disappeared between the cracks but show the expressive and technical range of this unique artist.