1975 was a hell of a year for Creed Taylor's Kudu Records. Not only was the mighty, mighty "Feels So Good" album by Grover Washington, Jr. released, but so was saxophonist Hank Crawford's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing". It was one of two recordings issued by Crawford for the label in that calendar year. But perhaps the most deeply satisfying and out of character album from that year was the absolute soul-jazz masterpiece Upchurch/Tennyson by Chicago guitar god Phil Upchurch and pianist/vocalist Tennyson Stephens.

Hubert Laws is an American flutist and saxophonist with a career spanning over 40 years in jazz, classical, and other music genres. Considering the artistry of the late Eric Dolphy and the popularity of the late Herbie Mann, Laws is notably in the company of the most recognized and respected jazz flutist in the history of jazz, (also the most imitated). Laws is one of the few classical artists who has also mastered jazz, pop, and rhythm-and-blues genres, moving effortlessly from one repertory to another. "Crying Song" released on the CTI label featuring performances of popular music (including songs by The Beatles and Pink Floyd) by Laws recorded in Memphis with Elvis Presley's rhythm section and at Rudy Van Gelder's studio.

Wonderful work from guitarist Gabor Szabo - a record that really helped to shift his sound and style into the 70s! The groove here is often open and free - taking off from some of the exoticism of Gabor's 60s albums on Impulse and Skye, but with a bit more of the CTI electric groove - thanks to arrangements from Bob James, who also plays keyboards on the set! The mix of Gabor's exotic tones and the deeper groove of CTI is a surprisingly great blend – and really helps to open up the guitarist's sound for a whole new generation.

"Giant Box" is a double album by American arranger/conductor and composer Don Sebesky featuring performances recorded in 1973 and released on the CTI label. The Allmusic review states "This may have been Creed Taylor's most ambitious single project… Thankfully the musicmaking lives up to the billing. Everything that gave CTI its distinctive sound and identity is here – the classical adaptations, elaborate orchestrations and structuring, pop-tune covers, plenty of room for the star soloists to stretch out in a combo format… Giant Box still ranks as a sensational coup and a reminder of how potent CTI was at its peak".

"The Rite of Spring" is an album by flautist Hubert Laws released on the CTI label featuring jazz interpretations of classical music compositions. The Allmusic review stating "Long before Wynton decided he could play classical chops as well as the real long-haired interpreters, even though he was a jazz musician, Hubert Laws and his partners at CTI gave it a run with a jazz twist, and for the most part with a far more adventurous repertoire".

"The Chicago Theme" is an album by flautist Hubert Laws recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's Studio in New Jersey in 1974 and released in 1975 on the CTI label. The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow state "Rather than performing with a small group, as he did on his best sessions, Laws is joined by strings and funky rhythm sections playing now-dated commercial grooves… The only reason to acquire this out of print LP is for Laws' still-superb flute playing".

"Macho" is an album by Hungarian guitarist Gábor Szabó featuring performances recorded in 1975 and released on the Salvation (CTI) label. The Allmusic review states "This is a tough, streetwise, commercial jazz album that has plenty to offer to anyone with an open mind. In the pocket, groove-soaked, and flawlessly executed".