STORYVILLE JAZZ | OKCD1111 | CD | 880491211112
Sahib Shihab and The Danish Radio Jazz Group
Sahib Shihab, Danish Radio Jazz Group
Much loved by aficionados, saxophonist and flautist Sahib Shihab has played as a sideman to the likes of Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, John Coltrane and Quincy Jones. In this highly sought-after reissue of his rare 1960s recording Shihab incorporates these influences into his own compositions and individual, soulful sound. The Danish Radio Jazz Group bring a wide range of colours and tones behind expressive solos to create a very impressive record. Showing off Shihab's unique artistry, this hidden treasure is well worth discovering. - Stephen Bardell

NAXOS AUDIOBOOKS | 791712 | CD7 | 9789626349175
The Gathering
by Anne Enright
Read by Fiona Shaw
If ever a book was better suited to the AudioBook format rather than the printed format it is this one. An odd statement considering that The Gathering won the acclaimed Booker Prize. Enright's main character, Veronica, narrates much of the book in a very black internal dialogue, which is lashed with savage humour that just begs to be heard out loud The book is read by Fiona Shaw, yet when I was listening I honestly believed it was Veronica herself speaking. This is not a ‘feel good’ book: It is harsh and confronting and at times uncomfortable, yet it is, paradoxically, a wonderful tale. The recording allows you to be transported directly into Veronica’s mind and to journey through her life, or at least her version of her Irish family story. This AudioBook shows that, given the right book it is a vastly superior way to experience the writer’s words with total, intimate immediacy. - Kathy McKeich

GLOSSA | GCD921614 | CD2 | | 8424562016149
Marais Semele
Shannon Mercer (Semele), Benedicte Tauran (Dorine), Jael Azzaretti (High Priestess of Bacchus), Hjordis Thebault (Junon), Anders J Dahlin (Adraste), Thomas Dolie (Jupiter), Lisandro Abadie (Mercure), Marc Labonnette (Cadmus), Le Concert Spirituel, Herve N
The world of French Baroque opera between Lully and Rameau remains largely unexplored territory; more's the pity because fabulous recordings such as this prove that there's a lot of great early 18th Century opera awaiting rediscovery. Marin Marais' 1709 tragedie lyrique Semele is just one recently revived treasure. Another is Destouches' Callirohoe (Glossa GCD921612). Niquet's band Le Concert Spirituel is one of my all-time favourite Baroque outfits, at once passionate and precise, bold and beautiful (listen to their amazing account of Handel's Water & Fireworks Music with untamed Baroque wind and brass instruments on Glossa GCD921606). So it's a double pleasure to hear them revive Semele so stylishly. The singers throw themselves into their roles with bravura, ably backed by the period-instrument orchestra under Niquet's consummate direction. If you only know Marais' instrumental music, this tale of the vain nymph who gets fried when she demands that her lover Jupiter reveal himself in his full Olympian glory will be a revelation. - Stephen Schafer

HARMONIA MUNDI | HMC90190911 | CD3 | 794881868322
Beethoven Piano Sonatas Vol 4
Paul Lewis (piano)
The fourth and final volume of Paul Lewis’ Beethoven Sonatas series is a masterpiece, with flowing lyrical passages, broad tempos and a powerful technique. Lewis delivers an exceptional performance of the 'Pastoral' Sonata, drawing the listener through Beethoven’s richly woven lyrical and harmonic passages. The highlight of the album is the final performance: Sonata No 32 in C Minor Op 111. This work is Beethoven’s last piano sonata, and it overflows with characteristics of the composer’s developed ‘Romantic’ compositional style – powerful and rich harmonic passages and melodic phrases which extend to all regions of the piano. Lewis delivers an emotional journey from Beethoven’s early sonatas through to his very last. I loved it! Vol 1 (HMC901902), Vol 2 (HMC9010305), Vol 3 (HMC90190608) are also available - Dianne Johnston

NIMBUS TITLE OF THE MONTH | NI77212 | CD2 | 0710357772122
Paco Pena - A Compas
Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company
This live recording of the flamenco show A Compas! To The Rhythm of the great master guitarist Paco Pena will give your heart-beat a good workout. Flamenco - the traditional Andalusian style of guitar playing, dance and song - is beautifully represented on this album. Life’s loneliness, passion, sadness and humour are expressed by the artists in a very raw and spontaneous way. You don’t need to know Spanish nor be a flamenco connoisseur to enjoy this album, you just need to have a pulse! There is the very primal rhythm created by the percussion, handclaps, castanets and dancers’ footwork; there is the melancholy of the Spanish guitars’ solos; there is the lament and ‘cheekiness’ of the flamenco singers. In short, the pure joy of the music created by the different artists’ collaboration. After listening to this album you will want to check the Yellow Pages for Spanish Guitar and/or Flamenco Dance courses, and why not? This 2-CD album is simply inspirational! - Gemma Pedregal Mateos

NETWORK MEDIEN | WN495120 | CD | 785965951207
The Endless Ocean
Traditional Persian Music
Ensemble Dastan, Salar Aghili (singer)
As a classical music head, I confess that 'world music' is a recent discovery for me. Songs From A World Apart (Long Distance LD0570205), with Levon Minassian (doudouk)and the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, was an ear opener. The haunting sound of the doudouk, an Armenian wind instrument that combines the expressivity of the human voice, the mellow sound of an alto flute and the rich timbres of an oboe, is unlike anything else I'd ever heard - heartstoppingly beautiful music overflowing with heartfelt emotion. The full-colour booklet illustrated with stunning pictures of the ancient Armenian countryside added to my pleasure. From a different tradition, but equally gorgeous, is The Endless Ocean (Network Medien WN495120). Dastan is a musical ensemble the spiritual affinity and mutual respect of whose musicians is clearly evident. Salar Aghili is known as 'the sweet-tongued' and the 'beautiful singer'. He follows the tradition of his master Ta'rif and the internationally famous singer Shadjarian. Aghili's collaboration with the Dastan Ensemble weaves a magical Persian carpet in music and poetry. - Stephen Schafer