In his first recording for HR Recordings, Bulgarian lutenist Yavor Genov brings us The English Orpheus: Yavor Genov plays John Dowland, a full program with music by the “English Orpheus” as he was called at the time, John Dowland. This is a selection of lesser known Dowland pieces like “Sir Henry Umpton’s Funeral”, “Farewell (An, In Nomine)” and a special piece written by Mauritius Landgrave of Hessen for John Dowland.

Known for his mariachi-inspired easy listening sound, trumpeter Herb Alpert is one of the most successful instrumental performers in pop history. He is also one of the entertainment industry's canniest businessmen, having co-founded A&M Records – a label that ranks among the most prosperous artist-owned companies ever established – with partner Jerry Moss. Collection includes: The Lonely Bull (1962); South Of The Border (1964); Whipped Cream & Other Delights (1965); !!Going Places!! (1965); What Now My Love (1966); S.R.O (1966); The Beat Of The Brass (1968); Rise (1979); Fandango (1982); Bullish (1984); Keep Your Eye On Me (1987); Classics, Volume 1 (1987); Steppin' Out (Featuring Lani Hall) (2013); In The Mood (2014); Come Fly With Me (2015).

In the liner notes to these carefully packaged reissues, all four of the Incredible String Band principals– co-founder Clive Palmer, core duo Mike Heron and Robin Williamson, and Elektra records executive Joe Boyd– offer their insights in separate essays. Three of them mention the smell of patchouli. Such were the times, certainly, but the ISB are loved equally by avant-garde musicians, psychedelia enthusiasts, and those slightly dweeby young gentlemen who hang around music shops on college campuses. The reissue of their first four albums probably put to rest any notion that the ISB were a properly great band, releasing just one true classic, but they were rarely anything less than brave, inspired, and profoundly weird.

Guitarist Michael Schenker's solo work never equaled the consistently high songwriting standards of his UFO heyday, when vocalist Phil Mogg served as both a capable collaborator for the mad axeman's daunting talents, and stubborn editor for his raging egomania. (Of course Mogg had an even harder time steering UFO post-Schenker, but that's an entirely different review). But when left to his own devices, his bull-headed ways would result in equal amounts of brilliant and dismal moments. As such, this collection provides a great service by presenting only the very best MSG material available. These include major hits like "Armed and Ready," "Cry for the Nations," and "Attack of the Mad Axeman," as well as a generous helping from overlooked third album Assault Attack (the only one featuring journeyman vocalist Graham Bonnett), including the stunning "Desert Song." This is the place to start.

This collection of music for guitar, brought together by Jose Luis Bieito as the musical element of his music+image binomis, Reflections, possesses a delightful balance of sounds. These are flowing, pulsing, mostly gentle sounds that tend to soothe and calm the listener's mind. Sounds that - through a variety of compositional techniques - tend to be sustained in time; the effects of which can sometimes capture a listener’s attention, holding it inside an extended musical moment, like a spell. When heard while viewing the accompanying (provocative, sometimes disturbing) images, the sounds can serve an additional function: grounding the listener's reaction, enabling the passage of emotion; like electricity discharging through a lightening rod.

Other Minds’ release of new works commissioned and performed by pianist Sarah Cahill. A Sweeter Music is a collection of new compositions based on the theme of peace and war. The composers on this disc are Frederic Rzewski, Terry Riley, Meredith Monk, Yoko Ono, The Residents, Phil Kline, Kyle Gann, and Carl Stone (in the entire project there are eighteen composers involved). Sarah commissioned these particular composers because of their commitment as anti-war activists or their strong political conscience.

Jarvis shares some exciting news about the latest album from Pulp. Titled This, this is the first Pulp album since We Love Life in 2001. This album marks the band's return after almost 24 years. The album came together during a time of touring and creative inspiration, resulting in new songs like "Hymn of the North" and revivals of past ideas. The music on this album features collaborations with talented individuals like Richard Hawley and Jason Buckle. The Eno family even lends their vocals as backing singers, while Richard Jones and the Elysian Collective contribute string arrangements.

Meredith Monk’s MEMORY GAME, as its title implies, is both a look back at a pivotal point in her storied career, and a richly layered portrait of how vocal music, under the guidance of an indefatigable master, can play with our expectations in poignant and compelling ways.