"Thrill Box" is the debut solo release from young French accordionist Vincent Peirani, named in reference to his instrument, the accordion. Peirani's unique approach is full of surprises: he can make his accordion sound like an organ, a piano, a wind instrument or a human voice. He also sings in unison with the accordion, revealing an excellent voice. But "Thrill Box" is, above all, a trio album, and equal praise is deserved by pianist Michael Wollny and bassist Michel Benita. As well, guest soprano saxophonist Emile Parisien and Peirani’s old friend Michel Portal on bass clarinet and bandoneon appear on a couple of tracks each.

Renowned musicians, saxophonist Andy Sheppard, double-bassist Michel Benita and drummer Sebastian Rochford share a sense of stylistic inventiveness. The highly regarded musicians extend this open-mindedness with the release of "Trio Libero". Included on this free-spirited work are originals compromised by the trio and the standard “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows.” Each musician utilizes their individual space creating expressive dialogues.

After two exemplary ECM discs in the company of Andy Sheppard, Michel Benita has an album with his own group. The Ethics band is international, and the Algiers-born bassist leads a line-up comprised of a flugelhornist from Fribourg, Switzerland, a koto player from Tokyo, a guitarist from Drøbak, Norway, and a French drummer who once lived in Turkey as a member of the Istanbul Symphony. The group’s music, correspondingly, flows - like the glistening river of the title - beyond borders.