A really amazing set of recordings – vocal sessions done by Fred Astaire in the later season of his career – recorded in the studio with intimate backing by a Verve group that includes Oscar Peterson, Barney Kessel, Charlie Shavers, and Flip Phillips! The material features lovely new interpretations of tunes made famous by Astaire in films, but offered here in a much more relaxed, jazz-based mode. And whether you're a fan of his films or not, Astaire is one heck of a great singer – and hearing him in a setting like this, without the distraction of dancing or film, is really great proof of that fact! Titles include "Cheek To Cheek", "S'Wonderful", "You're Easy To Dance With", "Fascinating Rhythm", "Top Hat White Tie & Tails", "No Strings", and "I Concentrate On You" – plus a few instrumental numbers by the combo. (Vocalists, Jazz) CD

The famous drummer recorded live at Ronnie Scott's UK club – with solos by Don Menza on tenor, Bill Berry on trumpet, Joe Romano on alto, and Nat Pierce on piano! CD

Includes Terence Blanchard on trumpet, Jean Toussaint on tenor, Donald Harrison on alto, Lonnie Plaxico on bass and Mulgrew Miller on piano. CD

Chico Freeman on tenor and soprano saxophone and keyboards, Kenny Barron on piano, Santi Debriano on double bass, and Frederick Waits on drums. CD

Mulligan plays with his orchestra, with featured soloists including Keith O'Quinn on trombone, Mitchel Forman on piano, Mike Bocchicchio on bass, Barry Ries and Tom Harrell on trumpet, Gerry Niewood and Ken Hitchcock on alto, and Gary Keller on tenor. CD

Late work by jazz drum giant Buddy Rich – captured in a surprisingly energetic, firey, and sometimes funky mode at Ronnie Scott's Club in 1980! Buddy really pulled off some bright, buoyant, funk influenced work in the 70s and this set finds him at the tail end of that groove – playing with a pretty big group that includes Ernie Vantrease on piano, Wayne Pedziwiatr on bass, Ando Fusco, Jack Leibowitz, Steave Marcus and Kenny Hitchcock on saxes, Bob Coassin on lead trumpet, Roger Homefield on lead trombone, and others. Titles include "Intro/Beulah Witch", "Grand Concourse", "Blues A La 88", "Saturday Night", "Slow Funk" and the epic, 15+ minute closer "Good News". CD