Jesse Ruller - CirclesAward winning Dutch guitarist Jesse Van Ruller changes gears on his second Criss Cross outing, fronting a stellar quartet with Seamus Blake on tenor sax, Sam Yahel on organ, and Bill Stewart on drums. His previous album focused mainly on standards and classic jazz vehicles. In contrast, "Circles" showcases the leader's compositional talents first and foremost. In addition to six varied Van Ruller originals and one by tenor man Seamus Blake, the group

and these secular cantatas also contain moments of extraordinary pathos

Bach & Hertel: Cello Concertos

Henry Desmarets

Watch as a mutiny backfires

energized with folk-dance elements

the colors and influences of eastern instruments are present throughout

Now Eita is suddenly back and fitting him into the current dynamic is going to be awkward

MJB is a multi-instrumentalist

French House

a compelling piece which Pletnev does well to clarify so successfully

deliberate restraint - a sign of true art

but it's downright awful being a Canadian cult hero