Japan's traditional music includes a rich variety of styles developed over more than a millennium. Among them are the ancient imperial court music (Gagaku), the musical drama form of the 14th century frequented by the feudal lords (Noh), and the "semi-classical music". Despite its name, this last category, created between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries of various genres that are closer to what we could call "popular".

London bassist and composer Misha Mullov-Abbado burst onto the scene in 2015 with a debut that prompted a stream of plaudits. As the son of late great Italian conductor Claudio Abbado and Russian violinist Viktoria Mullova, there was great anticipation for the album, which not only exceeded expectations but demonstrated that Mullov-Abbado is an accomplished instrumentalist and composer in his own right. His sophomore recording Cross-Platform Interchange not only confirms his promise as an artist of real depth and vision, but demonstrates his intention to do things his own way. Playing on his love of trains as well as the reciprocity and stylistic openness within his music, the title perfectly symbolizes the interconnectivity of inspiration in his life and art.

Carole Bayer Sager Review by Joe Viglione
This is actually an extraordinary album by the veteran songwriter who hit as far back as 1966 with "A Groovy Kind of Love." The little granny voice of Carole Bayer Sager is full of soul and passion – so pure and fragile, it is a shame it never got to dominate the charts. The title track of Melissa Manchester's Home to Myself album is a total delight here, closing out this set; it was released four years after Manchester's version. It's a home run on a ten-song Brooks Arthur production that is full of big moments. Sager co-wrote Midnight Blue, Manchester's breakthrough hit on Arista, but "Home to Myself" was on the Bell imprint, presumably when Larry Uttall ran the label prior to Clive Davis coming onboard.

2009 collection from Soul greats The Spinners (known as The Detroit Spinners in Europe). The Spinners hailed from Detroit, had roots in '50s Doo Wop, and started out in the mid-'60s Motown scene, but they ultimately became known as the ultimate '70s Philly Soul vocal group. Famed producer Thom Bell mated their soulful harmony blend with elaborately orchestrated arrangements that were infectious but never overbearing. The result was a long string of huge hits throughout the '70s ("I'll Be Around", "Rubberband Man", "Could it Be I'm Falling in Love", and many more) that were definitive not only of their genre but of their era. Rhino UK.

25-year-old philosophy major Marta faces the ugly truth for many young Italians — a complete lack of career opportunities. While babysitting for single mother Sonia, she starts to work as a telemarketer, quickly rising through the ranks of the company, but experiencing first-hand the fanatical and exploitative rat-race culture pushed on employees. Around her revolve people like delusional supervisor Daniela, her boss Claudio, fragile coworker Lucio, and well-meaning but inconsistent union rep Giorgio.

An emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city's most explosive hospital and the courageous team of doctors who hold it together. They will tackle unique new cases inspired by topical events, forging fiery relationships in the pulse-pounding pandemonium of the emergency room.