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Koop are back after a long time away from the record racks – and apart from makeup on the cover, it's been well worth the wait for the music! The sound here is a great extension of the grooves the pair laid down on their first album – a soaring blend of jazz and dancefloor rhythms that's still head and shoulders above most of the other work it's inspired in recent years. Back again are tight rhythms, lots of warm acoustic instrumentation, and a blend of classic styles with 21st Century leanness – all in a way that few others can match, save for perhaps the mighty Nicola Conte. Instrumentation features plenty of vibes and warm acoustic basslines – and most tracks have vocals, by a variety of singers who include Earl Zinger, Ane Brun, Yukimi Nagano, and Mikael Sundin. Titles include "Koop Island Blues", "Come To Me", "Forces Darling", "Let's Elope", "Beyond The Son", "Whenever There Is You", "Drum Rhythm A", and "I See A Different You".

The first full album from Koop – and one of the best new records on Compost in years! Koop have a jazzier touch than some of the label's groups – almost going back to the earliest days of the label, and working in a sound that's much more faithful to the jazzy roots that have inspired so many of the artists in the ever-growing Compost posse. Tracks are a wonderful blend of acoustic bass, snare rhythms, warm piano lines, and soulful vocals – handled by a host of guest stars that really make the album sparkle! The whole thing dances like a European modal jazz set from the 70s – and is clearly worthy of "instant classic" status in our book! Titles include "Tonight", "Soul For Sahib", "In A Heartbeat", "Modal Miles", "Bright Nights", "Waltz For Koop", "Baby", and "Summer Sun".

Titles include "Albert's Shuffle", "Stop", "Man's Temptation", "This Holy Modal Majesty", "Really", and "Season Of The Witch".

A stone cooker from the Blues Project – a fantastic mix of blues, folk, and pretty darn hard rocking guitar – all recorded with a sense of freedom that really lets the group open up and do their thing! The album's overflowing with great original Al Kooper tunes – and the set's recorded with a great edge to the guitars, making for some wonderfully psychedelic moments – and a sheer raw power that's really let this one stand up over the years, without the kind of cliches you might expect from the group's name! Titles include "Fly Away", "Caress Me Baby", "Two Trains Running", "Steve's Song", "You Can't Catch Me", and "I Can't Keep From Crying".

A very cool Elektra compilation – with rare non-Buddah work by the Lovin Spoonful, plus material by Al Kooper, Tom Rush, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Eric Clapton & The Powerhouse!