BARCODE

There is something wondrous in the music of Sergei Prokofiev, says Nemanja Radulovic, "as if it constantly moves between light and shadow, searching for truth through contrast, sarcasm, magic, love, irony, and beauty." Now the violinist - praised by The Times for both his "lyric delicacy" and "super-virtuosity" - has recorded an entire album devoted to Prokofiev. It embraces a variety of musical genres: the Violin Concerto No 2 (with the Philharmonia Orchestra under it's principal conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali); the Sonata for Solo Violin; the Sonata for Two Violins (with Johan Dalene), and (with pianist Laure Favre-Kahn), the Five Melodies Op.35bis and arrangements of excerpts from the ballets Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella, the opera The Love for Three Oranges, and the 'Classical' Symphony.

Northern Flowers presents two of the cello repertoire's most beloved masterworks receive authoritative, deeply felt performances from one of Russia's most distinguished cellists in this new studio recording from Moscow's "Palace on the Yauza." The album leads with Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, written to represent the atmosphere and styles of what Tchaikovsky believed to be the less complicated age of the 18th century. The work pays homage to Mozartian classical styles throughout the series of charming variations. Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B minor was composed during his last year in New York City during his famous American trip, though, he wrote in the manuscript, "I finished the Concerto in New York, but when I returned home to Bohemia I changed the end completely as it stands here now." And the melodies certainly reflect the Bohemian countryside he loved so much. Together they make an ideal programme, contrasting Dvorak's sweeping Bohemian passion with the refined wit and tenderness of Tchaikovsky's tribute to the rococo era. At the centre of it all is Marina Tarasova, a winner of International Competitions in Prague, Florence and Paris and a laureate of Moscow's Tchaikovsky International Competition. Partnering her is the Orpheus Radio Symphony Orchestra under it's principal conductor Sergey Kondrashev, a graduate of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory who trained under the legendary Mark Ermler and Gennady Rozhdestvensky.

Adouna (Life) by Senegalese singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Cheikh Ibra Fam is a rich and deeply personal album that reflects on knowledge, faith, unity, migration, love, and the courage to transform one's circumstances. Recorded between Reunion Island, Senegal, France, and Canada, the album blends Afro-pop, soul, and the traditional musical languages of West Africa with a modern sensibility shaped by Cheikh's extensive travels and spiritual perspective. Cheikh describes Adouna as "a mirror of life's beauty and struggle," and each song offers a different facet of that reflection. The track, "Xam Xam," honors the influence of his uncle Coly Cisse, the beloved guitarist who first awakened Cheikh's artistic curiosity. Built on a shimmering foundation of kora, zouk, and Angolan kizomba rhythms, the song celebrates knowledge as the key to empowerment-an idea that has guided Cheikh since childhood. From there, the album moves into tender territory with "Sali," a celebration of African femininity and grace that features warm mbalax rhythms infused with funky interwoven guitar lines. As Adouna unfolds, Cheikh expands his storytelling into larger social themes. "Gnou Mbollo," meaning "Let's Unite," is a resounding call for connection across the African diaspora, weaving together rhythms and imagery that travel "from Congo to Panama, from Goree Island to Brazil." Musically, it draws inspiration from James Brown's classic funk and mixes it seamlessly with West African guitar lines and grooving drums. "Amoul Solo" speaks to the strength that emerges when individuals and communities refuse to face adversity alone. Musically, the song reflects Cape Verdean inspirations with it's lilting swing buoyed by Wilfrid Zinsou's captivating trombone lines. Elsewhere on the album, Cheikh reflects on faith and perseverance in "Weurseuk," urges the power of communication in "Wakhtane," and honors the strength, dignity, and essential role of African women in "Mama Africa." Together, these songs form a cohesive mosaic-one that captures both the complexity and the hope of modern African life. After releasing several albums under the stage name Freestyle, Cheikh joined the legendary Orchestra Baobab, a turning point that awakened a deeper connection to his African heritage. Touring the world with Baobab inspired him to embrace singing in Wolof and Bambara and to align his music more closely with his cultural roots. "Baobab awakened the Africa that was sleeping in me," he recalls, reflecting on the mentorship of figures like Balla Sidibe and Issa Sissokho. The making of Adouna reflects both Cheikh's nomadic life and his collaborative spirit. He began shaping the songs in his home studio on Reunion Island, sketching out melodic ideas, rhythmic frameworks, and vocal arrangements before inviting musicians from Senegal, The Gambia, France, Rwanda, Canada, and Reunion Island to contribute their parts. A crucial creative partner throughout this process was producer and arranger Hakim Abdulsamad, an American producer living in Rwanda whose deep musical intuition and attention to detail helped refine the album's sound and bring Cheikh's vision into focus. Together, they crafted a collection that feels grounded in West African heritage yet expansively connected to the broader African world.

In this third volume of the series, A Life in Music, Paul Agnew and Les Arts Florissants take us to Cothen (1717-1723) where Bach enjoyed one of the happiest times of his life. With a group of distinguished soloists, they help us rediscover some of the outstanding works of these inspiring years, including the famous Cantata the composer dedicated to his patron and friend, Prince Leopold.

In this program, the DNSO let's you experience the fascinating world of John Williams' music in a concert that brings cinema to life. From the epic fanfares of Star Wars to the magical sounds of Harry Potter and E.T. to the touching melodies of Schindler's List, this program spans an impressive arc between adventure, fantasy, and deep emotion. An evening full of goosebumps, big emotions, and unforgettable film music that awakens memories and ignites new enthusiasm.

ELEGIE: CHAUSSON BABAJANYAN RACHMANINOFF

TRUMPET TALES

He is a stylish and fluent improviser and these early titles are an enjoyable showcase for his distinctive approach to jazz guitar.- Kenny Burrell is an American modern jazz guitarist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in 1931 and still alive at the age of 94 as these notes are being written. Making his recording debut in 1951, he became a valued and versatile sideman, recording and performing prolifically for over 65 years through to 2015, in a huge variety of recording settings. He also recorded and performed leading his own bands, and quite early in his career recorded a number of sessions under his own name for Alfred Lion's Blue Note label, from which came his first albums, all taking advantage of the opportunity for extended performances on the new LP format. This 21- track 2-CD set comprises titles from those sessions for Blue Note during his early years as a bandleader, and features all the titles from the Blue Note albums "Introducing Kenny Burrell", "Kenny Burrell" and "Blue Lights Vol. 1" and most of the titles from the album "Blue Lights Vol. 2". Musicians in his groups include tenor saxophonist Frank Foster, pianists Tommy Flanagan, Duke Jordan and Bobby Timmons, bassists Oscar Pettiford, Paul Chambers and Sam Jones, drummers Shadow Wilson, Kenny Clarke and Art Blakey, trumpeter Louis Smith, tenor saxophonists Frank Foster, Junior Cook and Tina Brooks and percussionist Candido Camero. He is a stylish and fluent improviser and these early titles are an enjoyable showcase for his distinctive approach to jazz guitar.

CD + DVD edition. Recorded at the Camden Palace Theatre, London on 29th April 1985 featuring Jimmie Vaughan: guitar, Kim Wilson: vocals, harmonica, Preston Hubbard: double bass, electric bass, Fran Christina: drums. The Fabulous Thunderbirds were formed in 1974 by guitarist Jimmie Vaughan and vocalist Kim Wilson. Following the release of the band's fourth album, (T-Bird Rhythm) in 1982, they were without a record deal for the next four years and during this time Keith Ferguson left and was replaced by Preston Hubbard. The band signed to a new record deal with Epic and briefly moved to London to record their next album (Tuff Enuff) with Dave Edmunds producing, which is when this recording was made. The show was professionally recorded and filmed and this deluxe CD edition also contains a DVD of the concert.

Schumann is one of the great lifelong companions for musicians, including, Dasol Kim. The composer manages, with remarkable subtlety, to capture the fleeting yet striking moments and emotions of existence. His Carnaval, the Forest Scenes, and his final composition, the Geistervariationen ("Ghost Variations"), dedicated to Clara and first published in 1939, contain numerous references to popular imagination, literature, Schumann's life, and his reflections - all of which Dasol Kim explores here.

GOSPEL QUARTET MIX VOL 4 / VARIOUS

GRAMMY-nominated alto saxophonist & composer Immanuel Wilkins presents his first-ever live album, a searing 3-volume document of his acclaimed quartet in action at a hallowed NYC jazz shrine - Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: Live At The Village Vanguard. Wilkins' quartet features Micah Thomas on piano, Ryoma Takenaga on bass, and Kweku Sumbry on drums.

Catherine Russell's Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Dot Time Records captures her GRAMMY-nominated artistry in a vibrant, career-defining performance. A powerhouse ensemble and vintage-inspired arrangements honor the Hot Club of New York and the rich lineage of swing, blues, and early jazz. Featuring "Now You're Talkin' My Language" and "Never Too Old to Swing."

(2-CD) A double album presenting master percussionist Pierre Favre along with his student and lately partner in a unique percussion dialogue recorded in 1977 and in 2024 after a hiatus of 47 years. The energy and the spirit of this duo is always the same even after 47 years.

This album offers a compelling snapshot of more than a century of Polish composers' contributions to the solo trombone repertoire. The program brings together works in which neoclassical clarity and sophisticated harmonic language intertwine with a neo-romantic spirit-rich in lyrical themes, virtuosic brilliance, and subtle references to folk traditions. Performed by outstanding musicians closely associated with the Poznan concert scene, these interpretations highlight the distinctive warmth, elegance, and expressive power of brass instruments in a refined classical setting.

Exotic Black is a polished smooth jazz release driven by infectious grooves, vibrant melodies, and a refined contemporary sound. Blending jazz sophistication with global influences, the album delivers an inviting, feel-good vibe that connects easily with listeners while maintaining musical depth and elegance.

Acoustic guitar masters from East and Central Africa, an expansion of Mississippi's beloved African Guitar Box project. In 1979 and 1980, a young British-Kenyan musician named John Low hit the road to learn finger-style guitar from his heroes. He traveled across Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, and Zambia. He visited giants like Jean-Bosco Mwenda, Losta Abelo, and Emmanuel Mulemena, whose records sold hundreds of thousands of copies across the continent in the 1950s and 60s. He also documented brilliant but previously under-recorded artists like Tanzania's Francis Kitime and Kenya's Mtonga Wanganangu. Regardless of status, John approached each artist humbly, as a student. He recorded in homes, village squares, and watering holes. The sessions are intimate and casual, the artists at ease. It's a transporting and profound listening experience - children laughing, glasses clinking, the thump of the Marantz cassette deck, and John's single mic moving through space, sometimes documenting the vocals, sometimes zeroing in on the right hand against the strings. Five decades later, these practice tapes provide a rare glimpse into how fingerstyle guitar was actually played for family and friends, outside the tense confines of commercial studios. Some of these songs appeared on John Storm Roberts' out-of print Original Music compilations, which inspired the African Guitar Box. Others have never been made publicly available. All have been expertly restored and remastered from the original tapes by Andrew Walter (Honest Jon's, Abbey Road). John Low's liner notes and lyric translations provide insights into the recording context, and Tanzanian music scholar John Kitime's intro gives the musicians' perspective. Licensed from John Low and the artists, pressed at Chicago's Smashed Plastic.

Jazz with MACV presents a unique concert recording of Mozart's Piano Concertos KV 413 in F major and KV 466 in D minor, performed on historical instruments by Musicae Antiquae Collegium Varsoviense. Classical elegance meets creative freedom as Filip Wojciechowski, an outstanding pianist equally at home in classical and jazz idioms, enriches Mozart's scores with original jazz-inspired cadenzas. The result is a bold and refined reinterpretation that bridges centuries, blending period performance practice with the spontaneity of jazz. This album captures an electrifying dialogue between tradition and improvisation, revealing Mozart's music in a fresh, vibrant, and compelling new light.

Elemental Music proudly presents Michel Petrucciani - "Kuumbwa", an extraordinary never-before-released recording captured live at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California, on May 11, 1987. - This breathtaking performance documents the only known tour of a short-lived trio featuring Michel Petrucciani (piano), Dave Holland (bass), and Eliot Zigmund (drums), three giants of modern jazz in peak creative form. - Restored from the original analog tapes and mastered by Matthew Lutthans. Limited Edition 2-CD Digipak

DANCE SKIP HOP

The Cecil Taylor Unit's performance at Salle Pleyel in Paris on November 3, 1969, was a notable moment in avant-garde jazz. Featuring Cecil Taylor on piano, Jimmy Lyons on alto saxophone, Sam Rivers on tenor/soprano saxophone and flute, and Andrew Cyrille on drums, the concert showcased the group's intense, free jazz style. The recording was transferred from the original tape reels at INA and restored and mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. Includes an extensive booklet with rare photographs from the show and liner notes by acclaimed jazz critic and author Phil Freeman.

At the BBC - The Complete 1965 London Sets is the first official release of the historic Jazz 625 show at the BBC Television Theatre, Shepherd's Bush, on 19th March 1965 by the Bill Evans Trio. Transferred from the original tape reels at the BBC and restored and mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. Includes an extensive insert with rare photographs from the show and liner notes by acclaimed jazz critic and author Marc Myers.

Laufey / NIGHT AT THE SYMPHONY

LEFTOVERS