This unique soundtrack release celebrates the DVD release of Inglourious Basterds with a tribute to Quentin Tarantino and the music of Ennio Morricone used so effectively and stylishly in the American director’s films. Tarantino has often been accused of being style without substance – an accusation also levelled at the composer Ennio Morricone. But it is now abundantly clear that both have earned their places in cinema history and are more than just cult figures with comparative mythologies. It is impossible to think of a piece of Morricone’s music without thinking of a film and it is impossible to think of Tarantino’s movies without their larger-than-life soundtracks. This remarkable collection features all the Morricone music used by Tarantino in his wildly successful films, plus four tracks from Inglourious Basterds not released on the official soundtrack.

The breathtaking soundtrack to Coco & Igor (opening in cinemas in April 2010 through Madman Entertainment) features Stravinsky’s complete Rite of Spring performed by Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside Stravinsky-inspired music by Gabriel Yared, composer of The English Patient’s unforgettable score. One of the most exciting new films about music to emerge in recent years, Coco & Igor explores the intense relationship between Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky, who met at the explosive 1913 premiere of The Rite of Spring in Paris and inspired in one another a surge of creativity and passion.

In addition to the sumptuous Chanel costuming that has been praised at the Cannes Film Festival, Coco & Igor features a daring feat of filmmaking: a reconstruction of the Rite of Spring’s infamous premiere and the ensuing audience riot, the stuff of legend in the history of 20th-century music!

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From Harry Potter to James Bond, Star Wars to The Godfather, take a journey through the memorable movie soundtrack themes that defined and captured some of the greatest moments in cinema. You'll be moved and entertained by the lush orchestrations of Maurice Jarre, the bombastic brass moments of John Williams, the ethereal electronic compositions of Vangelis, and music by many more accomplished composers for the screen.  Selections include unforgettable romantic themes from The Piano, Titanic (‘My Heart Will Go On’) and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Putumayo’s newest release, Rhythm & Blues, features first generation soul legends and rising stars of the retro R&B revival in the label's first album dedicated exclusively to the genre. The 60s and 70s rhythm and blues of The Four Tops, Otis Redding and The Supremes, among others, became a global phenomenon and has inspired a new generation of artists who are reviving the classic soul sound. Reaching mainstream popularity in the 1950s, rhythm and blues sprung from the rugged roots of blues and gospel music, pairing soulful vocals with pop sensibilities. While in recent years R&B has become more closely associated with rap and hip hop, legends and young artists are recreating the sound and mood of the genre’s glory days.

New Orleans is the birthplace of R&B and on Rhythm & Blues Crescent City legends Snooks Eaglin, Irma Thomas and Rockie Charles join other first generation soul artists Lavelle White, The Emotions and Sam Moore (of the classic soul duo Sam & Dave). Moore unites generations in a collaboration with Keb’ Mo’ and Angie Stone on the Willie Dixon-penned, Howlin’ Wolf classic, 'Wang Dang Doodle', a track produced by American Idol’s Randy Jackson. Jazz and blues vocalist Catherine Russell and NewYork collective Cracked Ice round out this collection of rhythm and blues that is 'guaranteed to make you feel good'.

As its name suggests, Pariwaga was recorded in the capitals of France and Burkina Faso. Visiting Ouagadougou for the festival ‘Jazz à Ouaga’, YAPA's three guitarists and  percussionist took their blues, folk and funk sounds to legendary local African musicians including Victor Démé and his guitarist Issouf Diabaté, the balafon player Ali Diarra and his brother Salif Diarra. Contributions from other talented musos on the Burkina Faso music scene result in black punk with a burning afro-beat punch by Baba Commandant, the ragga toaster Wendlamita Kouka in a duet with Julien Bordier, plus two incredible songs from the Algerian band Djmawi Africa ‘Djwad’ and ‘Bania’. A truly pan-African, even pan-Global sound emerges from the spontaneous gathering of great African musicians in Pariwaga, brilliantly produced by world music veteran Sodi (Fela and Femi Kuti).

Marta Topferova has never been easy to categorize—and that’s just how she likes it. Born in the Czech Republic and now a longtime resident of New York, her music is rooted in the myriad sounds and styles of Latin America and the Caribbean. An unusual path, perhaps, but one that she’s come by honestly and with great affection and devotion. Trova—the root of the Spanish word for troubadour as well as a traditional Cuban music movement—is this multicultural diva’s purest, most personal artistic statement to date. 'I wanted to go for a contrast and make Trova a more upbeat record,' she says, 'highlighting more Caribbean influences such as the Cuban son, bolero, and Puerto Rican bomba'. Trova will instantly resonate with fans of the Buena Vista Social Club for its colourful whimsy, sultry vocals and poignant Spanish lyrics.

Liliana Barrios has built a career and discography that are very different from other artists in the history of tango: this singer recreates traditionally male repertoires that she makes richer due to her extremely personal approach to tango. 'My music speaks to the heart, to the ear and to the feet,' Liliana says. Indeed, dancing, enjoyment and passionate feeling are present in every tango this extraordinary singer performs. Epica is a tribute to the brothers Virgilio and Homero Exposito (1924-1997): alongside Piazzolla, two of the most important creative artists of Argentinean music. The Expósito brothers were born in Zarate, on the banks of Paraná river, a very important city in the development of tango. They created thousands of tango songs, many of them becoming standards. On this new recording, Liliana Barrios covers tango, milonga, candombé and bolero with sensitive accompaniment from some of Argentina's most gifted tango players.

Those fans who gathered in large numbers under Marciac’s great jazz tent in France last summer came to hear celebrated trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and the much-loved accordionist Richard Galliano unveil their collaboration on the music of Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf.  Recorded live at the 2008 Marciac Jazz Festival, the music was contemporary yet timeless. Three of the highlights of the evening are a poignant Strange Fruit, which is, without a doubt, the best instrumental version ever played followed by a truly inspired La Vie en Rose.  These alone make the album a must-have, and a spirited What a Little Moonlight Can Do seals the deal! The seemingly effortless arrangements performed by the dynamic Wynton Marsalis Quintet are pushed further by its members, each an accomplished soloist in his own right. Both Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf had incredibly hard lives that fed into the aching beauty of their voices. Now, two living jazz legends take on the beloved songs of these extraordinary women. The hour-long concert can also be viewed on the bonus DVD.

Orange Blossom sound like an edgier, Middle Eastern Pink Martini. Four musicians from different backgrounds and cultures: lead singer Leila, dark-eyed, mysterious, French Algerian, a woman with a timeless, evocative voice. Violinist, PJ: French-born and classically-trained, an ex-punk with a healthy disrespect for technique. Percussionist, Mathias: raised in France, reborn among the people and instruments of West Africa. Drummer (and arranger/programmer) Carlos: a dreadlocked Mexican with a dog-eared passport and an attendant sense of musical adventure. Everything Must Change is a potent concoction of savvy European electro-beats, West African polyrhythms and velvety Arabic vocals, ranging in style from ‘desert dub’ to leftfield electro trance with an exotic twist. Fans of Pink Martini, Natacha Atlas and the Transglobal Underground will be enthralled.

The Mediterranean is a sea of infinite possibility, a place in which Europe, North Africa and the gateway to the East meet and intermingle. Amidst this ocean of culture, the music of Crete emerges as the quintessence of the Mediteranranean basin. It presents an extraordinarily rich example of musical expression that delicately harks back to the past while also standing out as a unique type of music and affirmative emblem of Crete's cultural identity.  The strongest element contributing to such a defined sound is the culturally specific instrumentation which includes the laouto (a slender thickset lute) the bouzouki and Bulgari (long-necked lutes) and lyra (three-stringed fiddle), all of which feature on this record. Showcasing the talents of Stelios Petrakis (lyra), Giorgis Xylouris (laouto, vocals), Periklis Papapetropoulos (bulgari) and percussionist Keyvan Chemirani, If I Greet The Mountains brings vividly to life the traditional songs of the region.

Bobby Hutcherson  is a jazz vibraphone and marimba player. His playing is reminiscent of the style of Milt Jackson in its free-flowing melodicism, but his sense of harmony and group interaction is thoroughly modern.  Hutcherson has influenced younger vibraphonists like Steve Nelson, Joe Locke and Stefon Harris. Now, the number one vibe player returns with Wise One, inspired by music of John Coltrane. Wise One was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, in February 2009 with San Francisco musicians Anthony Wilson (guitar) Joe Gilman (piano), Glenn Richman (bass) and Eddie Marshall (drums).

Rarely has a music festival been so thoroughly documented on film as the Guca Festival, also referred to as the Woodstock of the East. 70 cameras, some of them on cranes captured the events on the different stages and at the often wild parties in the evenings. We experience the dazzling opening of the Festival with more than 400 wind instrumentalists, bands in competition for the coveted Golden Trumpet award, high-spirited jam sessions on the periphery of the Festival, the intensive preparations by the artists, and above all the joyous, celebratory atmosphere.