A rare Japanese-only album from this 70s AOR legend – a set issued after Ned Doheny's big album for Columbia Records, but a set that feels as if it came just a few years after! During a generation where most folks were relying on streamlined production and instrumentation, Doheny still crafts things here with a really warm feel that works beautifully with his well-penned tunes, and his special approach to blue-eyed soul – easygoing Cali-style at its best, served up on a set of all-original material! Titles include "Love's A Heartache", "Back To The World", "Til Kingdom Come", "Follow Your Heart", "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me", "Heartbreak In The Making", and "Life After Romance". CD features five bonus tracks – including acoustic versions of "Get It Up For Love", "If You Should Fall", "Postcards From Hollywood", and "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me" – plus "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me (TV mix)". CD

One of the most beautiful albums ever recorded by this legendary AACM pianist! The album was a rare Japanese-only session from 1975, but recorded in Chicago – and it features Muhal playing solo – in beautifully warm spiritual tones that are very different from his playing on many other albums from the time. The work is wonderfully introspective, showing a whole new side to Abrams' genius – the sensitive, contemplative keyboardist who occasionally emerges during some of Abrams' larger group sessions, but who usually gets pushed back in the fray of larger instrumental interplay. The whole album's extremely beautiful, and it's darn near impossible to find in the original! Tracks include "Afrisong", "The Infinitive Flow", "Hymn To The East", "Roots", and "The New People". CD

Early Prime Time stuff by Ornette, with the harmelodic sound electric sound of the group that included Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Bern Nix, and Charlie Ellerbee. Lots of popping guitar strings, jumping basslines, and rambling solos by Ornette. Tracks include "Jump Street", "Sleep Talk", "Air Ship", "What Is The Name Of That Song?", and "Job Mob". Very early eighties, very downtown scene. CD

A rare early slice of work by the quartet of Rolf & Joachim Kuhn – a set originally intended for release on Atlantic Records in the 60s, but unissued until now! The album's far more modern than most of the group's other work from the time – very angular and exploratory – with tracks that have a stop/start sort of quality, letting Rolf stretch out sparely on clarinet lines that are arguably as revolutionary as Jimmy Giuffre's work on the instrument – as Joachim's piano strikes out in bold colors that clearly mark him as one of the best mainstream modernists of the 60s. Titles include "The Sound Of Cats", "Turning Point", "Golem", "Don't Run", and "Flowers In The Dark". CD

Beautiful stuff from one of the most soulful avant players of his generation! Pullen cut this rare set for the Why Not label during the mid 80s, and it's a wonderfully introspective session that has him paying homage to Monk on 4 classics ("Well You Needn't", "Round Midnight", "Trinkle Tinkle", and "In Walked Bud") plus 2 originals ("Monkin Around" and "Gratitude") which have a very Monkish feel. The angular lines of Monk are a nice juxtaposition with the warmer chords of Pullen's playing – and the whole set's recorded with that stunning fidelity you get from the Japanese piano sessions of the mid 70s. Plus, the CD reissue features 2 bonus alternate takes of "Gratitude" and "In Walked Bud". CD

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A sweet set of mellow fusion tracks from saxophonist Herman Riley – recorded with a quintet that includes Milcho Leviev on keyboards, Ron Eschete on guitar, and Paul Humphrey on drums. The set's not that funky overall, but it's got a number of long tracks that open up with some strong and soulful solos. Titles include "Jewel", "Muffer", "Mango Jam", and "MPH". CD

Tracks include "Bye Bye Blackbird", "Try", "Language Of The Blues", and "She Steps Into A Dream". CD

... 12-inch, Vinyl record