Evocative solo work from John Surman – working here in the lonely setting that seemed to come up more and more as his career went on! In addition to familiar sounds on soprano sax, baritone, and bass clarinet, Surman also plays some recorders as well – mixing in an airy, ethereal sound to the record that really fits the ECM mode. There's also a bit of synth as well – often played with a relatively organic feel, almost woodwind-like qualities that match the reeds nicely. Titles include "Portrait Of A Romantic", "On Hubbard's Hill", "Roundelay", "The Wizard's Song", "Not Love Perhaps", and "Undernote". CD

A long-awaited 21st Century album from Stevie Wonder – quite possibly the most-delayed album in the history of the music business, but certainly well worth the wait! Overall, Stevie's in really fine form for the set – hitting a groove that's laidback, mellow, and filled with the righteously jazzy touches that made some of his classic work for Motown so great back in the 70s. As with those years, the sound here is best when Wonder's not pushing too hard – just kicking back and letting the tunes flow from his fingers, and avoiding the overdone qualities of some of his more mainstream-focused work. There's certainly a few "hit potential" tunes here that are a bit uptight, but overall we appreciate the restrained quality of most of the record, and it's attempt to go for the older understated Wonder sound. A few tracks feature guest vocals by singers that include Aisha Morris, Kim Burrell, and India Arie – and titles include "Moon Blue", "Passionate Raindrops", "Shelter In The Rain", "True Love", "So What The Fuss", "If Your Love Cannot Be Moved", "A Time To Love", "Positivity", "My Love Is On Fire", and "From The Bottom Of My Heart". CD