During her years with Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie only recorded one album. It was released in 1984, after Mirage had run its course and the band was taking an extended break. Given its release date, it's not surprising that Christine McVie sounds like it could have been recorded during the Mirage sessions – it's a collection of soft rock/pop and ballads that are pleasantly melodic and ingratiating. Only a handful of cuts, such as the wonderfully catchy, lightly bouncy hit single "Got a Hold on Me," work their way into the memory, but nothing on Christine McVie is anything less than agreeable. The record simply suffers from a rather predictable fate – it's a little too sweet and laid-back to be consumed in one sitting, and its best songs would have sounded even better if they were balanced by Lindsey Buckingham's insular, paranoid pop genius and Stevie Nicks' hippie-folk mysticism.

Elysian Encounter is Baker Gurvitz Army's second studio album. Formed By Former Gun And Three Man Army Members Adrian Gurvitz (Guitar, Vocals), Paul Gurvitz (Bass, Vocals) And Virtuoso Drummer Ginger Baker (former CREAM), The Baker Gurvitz Army Recorded Three Of The Finest British Rock Music Of The Mid-1970s. The Recording Of "Elysian Encounter" Saw The Band Expanded With The Addition Of Vocalist Mr. Snips (Steve Parsons) And Keyboard Player Peter Lemer. Arguably The Band'S Finest Work, The Album Featured Such Classic Material As "People", "Time", "The Artist" And "The Key".

Cosmic Messenger is more elegant, European-flavored jazz-rock from the French virtuoso Jean-Luc Ponty, and pretty much in the same mold as his previous Atlantic albums but with gradually tightening control over every parameter of performance. Ponty's analog-delay special effects on the title track are spectacular, and the album is loaded more than ever with revolving electronic arpeggios as Ponty's own involvement with the ARP synthesizer grows. But there is still plenty of his fluid, slippery electric violin soloing to be heard within the tight structures of these pieces, and the tunes themselves are often pretty good. In addition, this fusion express finds its way into the funk on "The Art of Happiness," and there are some tricky rhythmic experiments on some tunes.

"Two worlds become one: Classical and jazz blend with a beautiful blow." Magne Thormodsæter is an ECM-alumni, bassist, and in- demand session musician. On L’arte della persuasione, he fuses two worlds with the full force of a beautiful blow. A 35- minute story told in five acts, it pits a high-caliber classical ensemble against a jazz group. The result is captivatingly unclassifiable.

Johann Wilhelm Hertel is one of the lesser-known composers of the late baroque and early classical era. Born in Eisenach in 1727, as a young man he travelled to the north of Germany with his father, who was a viola da gamba virtuoso engaged as a Kapellmeister at the court of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Already as a young man Johann Wilhelm showed a remarkable talent for music. He excelled on the harpsichord and violin, but his father wanted him to additionally study law.

Attractive Classical-era duets for violin and cello in world-premiere recordings by a young Italian pair of brothers.

Gregory Groover's Criss Cross debut, recorded on the Boston born-and-bred tenor saxophonist's thirtieth birthday, is a tour de force. Joined by a bespoke sextet of his favorite players, all New York-based, Groover presents a recital of 11 original tone-parallels to family and friends, his intentions anticipated, illuminated and fulfilled by his gifted bandmates.

Ennio is a captivating album by Gregoire and Collin Maret, released by Act. This collaboration showcases the unique blend of Gregoire's piano skills and Maret's harmonica expertise, resulting in a mesmerizing collection of tracks that effortlessly fuse jazz, classical, and cinematic influences.The album takes listeners on a musical journey filled with intricate melodies, emotive performances, and rich textures. Gregoire's delicate touch on the piano complements Maret's soulful harmonica playing, creating a dynamic interplay that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. Each track on Ennio is carefully crafted to evoke a range of emotions, from introspective moments of contemplation to lively bursts of energy. The duo's seamless chemistry is evident throughout the album, as they explore different moods and atmospheres with precision and artistry.Ennio is a testament to the talent and creativity of both Gregoire and Collin Maret. Their ability to push boundaries while maintaining a sense of cohesion makes this album a must-have for fans of contemporary jazz and instrumental music. With its evocative compositions and masterful performances, Ennio is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who listen.

This program focuses on the Missa pro defunctis by the composer Charles d'Argentil. Recorded for the first time here, it is one of only a dozen musical settings of the liturgy of the dead written before 1550 to have survived to this day. Little-known today, Charles d'Argentil, who worked in the prestigious Papal Chapel in Rome, was a key figure in the French Renaissance, as well as in the establishment of musical settings of the Requiem for papal ceremonies. His setting sits alongside the three Lamentations du samedi saint by Claudin de Sermisy, composer to the French royal chapel and Jehan Barra's Salve Regina. The Gilles Binchois ensemble here sheds light on an all-too-often overlooked part of musical history, through the generation that directly followed Josquin des Prez. The art of these three composers bears witness to the high level of mastery attained by that productive and talented generation.