Trumpeter Blanchard has released some fine recordings in the '90s, but this one may be the best of them all, as he asserts himself as a composer of truly original modern jazz. He wrote seven selections, utilizing one or two of three saxophonists per cut — Branford Marsalis and Brice Winston (tenor) or Aaron Fletcher (alto). It's the rhythm section that boils this pot over; bassist David Holland and especially pianist Edward Simon are en fuego, while young drummer Eric Harland continues to show steady progress en route to becoming a first-rate trappist.

The Crusaders hail from Houston in Texas. Since 1961, the group (under various names) have released more than forty albums, 19 of which were recorded under the name 'The Jazz Crusaders' (in betweeen 1961 and 1970). In 1954, keyboards player, Joe Sample teamed up with high-school friends, tenor saxophonist Wilton Felder and drummer Stix Hooper to, originally, form the Swingsters.

A surprisingly great set from Chris Joss – much harder and funkier than most of his other work, with a strong deep funk component in the mix! The drums are hard, and instrumentation includes bits of Hammond, sitar, and lots of riffing guitar – all stripped down nicely in ways that remind us much more of the hipper funky 45 labels out there than the usual grooves on ESL!

SHAKATAK have enjoyed a level of success and a career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music - but then SHAKATAK are a particularly unusual group. Because of the nature of the music, their fan base is one that is very far reaching while always retaining it's "underground" element.

It would be easy to peg Ray Obiedo's Sweet Summer Days in the lazy title category, but in this case, the Bay Area guitarist's easygoing approach applies perfectly. That's not to say he's dogging it; this is a tightly produced mix of memorable ballads and gentle, mid-tempo melodies, with subtle hints of the Latin fusion punch that is Obiedo's trademark.

This 2009 musical project from Riccardo Eberspacher grows and takes it's shape from a deeply rooted friendship with DJ Ravin pulling together two masters of Ambient music.

Limited edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve.

Already having dropped a stellar pair of albums on ESL Music, international producer and instrumentalist Chris Joss returns with his third effort entitled Sticks! Where You've Been Spiked explored dirty blaxploitation funk and Teraphonic Overdubs explored quirky game-show themes, Sticks is a smoky sonic journey through the Asian sub-continent.

The Crusaders are an American music group popular in the early 1970s known for their amalgamated jazz, pop and soul sound. Since 1961, more than forty albums have been credited to the group (some live and compilations), 19 of which were recorded under the name "The Jazz Crusaders" (1961–1970).

A power fusion combo, the members of Trix are from Casiopea and T-Square. The four person powerhouse plays their butt off. A must hear !!

'Theatre De Marionnettes', recorded in 2008, is CAB's strongest effort to date, both musically and compositionally. Bunny Brunel & company deliver a fusion tour de force that rocks from start to finish. With Bunny Brunel - bass and keyboards, Tony Macalpine - guitar and keyboards, Patrice Rushen - keyboards, Brian Auger - organ, Virgil Donati - drums with special guests Chick Corea and French mega star Michel Polnareff on piano.

A power fusion combo, the members of Trix are from Casiopea and T-Square. The four person powerhouse plays their butt off. A must hear !!