An amazing group, sounding even better here on their second album than they did the first time around – which is quite an achievement, as we really loved that record from this mighty trio! The group's an offshoot from the Ill Considered combo – and they've got an approach that's similar to that group, but maybe even more modal and spiritual overall – tremendous bass from Leon Brichard, tight drums from Tom Skinner, and searing reed solos from Idris Rahman – who blows tenor, flute, and clarinet over the long grooves laid down by the bass and drums! Rhythm is at the core of every track, and there's energy that flows right from the original inspiration of Coltrane's early 60s groove – but Rahman's solos are very distinct, and add a hell of a lot to the already great sound of the group. Titles include "Light In The Sorrow", "Distant Thunder", "Fire", "Mirage", "Under The Night Sky", and "Where The Wild Things Dance". LP, Vinyl record album

The soundtrack to this hit broadway play is mostly poetry – but it's poetry with sort of a hip, black edge, in the vein of Nikki Giovanni, Camille Yarborough, or Jayne Cortez – written by Ntozake Shange and read by Seret Scott, Larie Carlos, Trazana Beverley, Janet League, Aku Kadogo, Rise Collins, and Paula Moss; with titles that include "Graduation Nite", "Abortion Cycle #1", "Dark Phrases", and "No More Love Poems". LP, Vinyl record album

Well, we don't know if Mr B could ever be considered "modern", but this is a pretty groovy batch of 60s pop tunes – like "Mister Kicks", "People", "Wanted", "Wives & Lovers", and "A Beautiful Friendship" – all done to arrangements by Billy Byers, Benny Carter, and Bobby Tucker, with that great mid 60s Mercury pop feel to them. There's some nice jazz elements in the mix, and Billy's always a treat for us! LP, Vinyl record album

Instrumentals version of one of the most influential albums of recent hip hop history! Fantastic wasn't considered a masterpiece upon its long-delayed original release, but, we all now know there is no denying the genius of Jay Dee's production. Lots of straight soul, deep funk, and mellowed out jazzy touches that became a staple in underground soul and hip hop, influencing everyone from ?uestlove and the Roots to D'Angelo, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, and tons of other artists. Tracks include "Conant Gardens", "I Don't Know", "Jealously", "Fall In Love", "Get Dis Money", "Once Upon A Time", "Go Ladies" and more. LP, Vinyl record album