Although Corelli was not the inventor of the Concerto Grosso principle, it was he who proved the potentialities of the form, popularized it, and wrote the first great music for it. Through his efforts, it achieved the same pre-eminent place in the baroque period of musical history that the symphony did in the classical period. Without Corelli's successful models, it would have been impossible for Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach to have given us their Concerto Grosso masterpieces.

The Concerto Grosso form is built on the principle of contrasting two differently sized instrumental groups. In Corelli's, the smaller group consists of two violins and a cello, and the larger of a string orchestra. Dynamic markings in all the music of this period were based on the terrace principle; crescendo and diminuendi are unknown, contrasts between forte and piano and between the large and small string groups constituting the dynamic variety of the scores. See more

Jason Moran has a genuinely contemporary vision that's also in touch with a neglected and radical past. On his third CD for Blue Note as a leader (produced by his usual employer, Greg Osby), the young pianist continues to reach across the great divide that separates his often conservative generation from the label's '60s firebrands. This time he's taken that approach still further, working with saxophonist/flutist/pianist Sam Rivers, one of the stalwarts of Blue Note's most adventurous period and still, at 78, a commanding and adventurous musician. The results recall the early work of pianist Andrew Hill. Sometimes moody, sometimes bright, the music can be turbulent and multidirectional with complex, overlapping patterns that fuse the taut structures of hard bop with the density of free jazz, resulting in a music that combines the energies of both. Moran's meeting with Rivers is an extraordinary success. A mutual lyricism touches glowing, subterranean depths on the duet of "Say Peace," and the same empathy shows in the airy, Oriental grace of "Summit." The final "Sound It Out" is more intimate and spontaneous still, beginning with one of Rivers's own exploratory piano solos before he turns to flute, ceding the keyboard to Moran for another charged dialogue. --

Like no one else, Brazilian born Cibelle makes use of a variety of elements to create unique, imaginative and enchanting pieces of music. Her second album is a genuine masterpiece. Moving into even more adventurous sonic terrain than its predecesor, the "Shine Of Dried Electric Leaves" combines rootsy acoustic instrumentation, electronic processing, noise guitars & children's toys, captivating textural soundscapes & pure melodies all anchored by Cibelle's unmistakable, moving voice.

Damon and Naomi's psych-atmospheric music cannot exactly be defined. However, their mood, emotion given to you can exactly be caught in every second of songs. Their musical ability in the album is like flying at higher levels in the sky with the colaboration of Ghost guitarist Michio Kurihara as a virtual third group member. This album is the peak of Damon & Naomi's career.

Debut solo album from Portishead vocalist, in collaboration with Talk Talk man Paul Webb (alias Rustin Man). Eschewing Portishead's lush orchestrations for a sparse, bare production, this is a collection of quiet, acoustic folk and jazz balladry which showcases Gibbons's versatile voice. Features additional production and guitar work by her Portishead colleague Adrian Utley. Lee Harris & Simon Edwards of Talk Talk also contributed to the record. The album was mixed by Phill Brown who worked on Talk Talk's 'Spirit Of Eden'. Go Beat.

Jack DeJohnette is best known as drummer with Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis and for his two albums "DeJohnette Complex" and "Have You Heard", recorded in Japan. Jack Gregg has collaborated musically with Steve Swallow, Jeanne Lee, Marion Brown, and the Youngbloods. Bob Moses has played and recorded with the Free Sprits, Gary Burton, Rahsann Roland Kirk, Mose Allison, Sea Train, and Gunter Hampel. He is a founder of Free Life ommunications, a self determination musicians' cooperative. Jumma Santos has appeared with Nina Simone, the Four Tops, Ahmad Jamal, Trini Lopez, and Roy Ayers, and on Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew".

Akiko's tribute to the "style" of jazz – soon followed by her "spirit" set – and a package that has far more substance than you might expect! The work's got a cool, classy sort of feel – older jazz modes handled with small group instrumentation that either features piano or organ in the lead, occasionally with a bit of horns, but usually just trio or quartet grooving behind Akiko's slinky vocals! The tunes are a mix of compelling covers and some even more surprising originals by Akiko – self-penned tunes that really stand out in the set, and make us love her talents even more than when she's just going for older American modes. Titles include "When Life Is Over", "Love Theme From Spartacus", "Ladies Love Mercedes", "Come Together", "Madly", and "What's Jazz".

Former Police chief Sting & legendary jazz composer/pianist Evans together recorded live at Perugia Jazz Festival on July 11, 1987. Import-only release, never issued in the States. Features 10 tracks, including Police classics like 'Roxanne', 'Murder By Numbers' & 'Tea In The Sahara' alongside a wide array of covers ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Billie Holiday to Tony Williams.