Title: Alfred Brendel, Radu Lupu, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, André Previn – Schumann, Grieg – Piano Concertos (1973-1979/2020)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO
Title: Alfredo Marcucci, Ensemble Piacevole – Touched By Tango (2002)
Genre: Classical Chamber, Tango
Format: MCH SACD ISO
Astor Piazzolla redefined tango, becoming its global ambassador through his innovative style. Touched by Tango by Alfredo Marcucci, released in 2002 on Channel Classics, was recorded in Belgium in 2001. Marcucci, an Argentine bandoneón master (1930–2010), collaborated with the Belgian string quintet Ensemble Piacevole. Piacevole, typically a classical string quartet with a bassist, explores expanded repertoires. The album, inspired by Piazzolla’s tango transformations, includes five of his works, avoiding his most famous pieces. Piazzolla’s Five Tango Sensations, his final recording for the Kronos Quartet, is featured. Two tracks are by Marcucci, and two by Argentine composer Francisco de Caro. The quintet’s rich sound, enhanced by surround mix, creates an immersive experience. This album follows the success of Piacevole and Marcucci’s 1997 release Timeless Tango. Piazzolla’s harmonic and melodic freedoms, akin to jazz, shine through Marcucci’s passionate bandoneón.
![Alexis Cole with One For All - You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (2010) [Japan 2015]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/15/2iISmIj.jpg "Alexis Cole with One For All - You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (2010) [Japan 2015]")
Title: Alexis Cole with One For All – You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To (2010) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC
Alexis Cole’s You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To pairs her versatile vocals with the hard bop sextet One For All. The album reimagines classics like “Golden Earrings” with bright swing and solos from Jim Rotondi, Steve Davis, Eric Alexander, and David Hazeltine. Cole’s sly “I Will Wait For You” and a reenergized “Moon River” avoid clichés, while “Cry Me A River” shines with her worldly delivery. Each track is uniquely shaped, making them memorable yet seamlessly followed by equally compelling songs. “Alone Together,” driven by Joe Farnsworth’s drums, leads to the rhythmic “A Beautiful Friendship” and a Latin-tinged “All The Things You Are.” Cole’s Someday My Prince Will Come evokes childhood dreams through show-tune ballads referencing Peter Pan and Cinderella. Her clear enunciation and lush voice, reminiscent of Chris Connor and Carol Sloane, are supported by Fred Hersch, Steve LaSpina, and Matt Wilson. Seductive tracks like “Let Me Be Good to You” and whimsical “Love” feature Don Braden’s sax and Gregoire Maret’s harmonica. Cole’s storytelling shines in “If I Never Knew You” and “La La Lu,” evoking a nostalgic, romantic mood. Both albums leave listeners satisfied yet craving more, marking Cole’s mastery in jazz vocal artistry.
![Alexis Cole - Someday My Prince Will Come (2009) [Japan 2016]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/15/bR1MJld.jpg "Alexis Cole - Someday My Prince Will Come (2009) [Japan 2016]")
Title: Alexis Cole – Someday My Prince Will Come (2009) [Japan 2016]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC
Alexis Cole, praised for her deep, smooth contralto, has captivated audiences since her teenage years. Compared to Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day, she’s hailed as “one of the great voices of today.” Her innovative interpretations and luxurious voice appeal to all ages, earning her a Swing Journal Gold Disk award. Cole won vocal competitions at NY Jazzmobile and Montreux Jazz Festival. Someday My Prince Will Come, her first album for Venus Records, evokes childhood dreams through standards. The album features ballads from show tunes referencing Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. Cole’s clear enunciation and storytelling shine, supported by pianist Fred Hersch, bassist Steve LaSpina, and drummer Matt Wilson. Tracks like “Let Me Be Good to You” and “Love” blend seduction and whimsy, with Don Braden’s saxophone adding charm. “If I Never Knew You” and the title track highlight Cole’s supple voice, accented by Gregoire Maret’s harmonica. Best enjoyed late at night, this album creates a romantic, nostalgic mood perfect for sharing.
![Alexis Cole - Close Your Eyes (2014) [Japan]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/15/5pcKkNg.jpg "Alexis Cole - Close Your Eyes (2014) [Japan]")
Title: Alexis Cole – Close Your Eyes (2014) [Japan]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC
Alexis Cole’s Close Your Eyes is a beautifully arranged collection of American Songbook classics. Her mysterious, seductive voice captivates, earning comparisons to Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. The album’s melodic, breezy solos complement Cole’s vocals, perfect for a romantic evening. Cole, hailed as “one of the great voices of today,” is a favorite across generations for her innovative interpretations. She won a Swing Journal Gold Disk award and vocal competitions at NY Jazzmobile and Montreux. Recording for Motéma Music and Venus Records, her albums feature luminaries like Fred Hersch and Eric Alexander. Her work receives widespread praise and global radio play. Cole performs at top venues like Dizzy’s Club, Blues Alley, and Billboard Live, Tokyo, and has soloed with the NY Philharmonic Brass. She trained in Indian Classical singing in Mumbai and serves as the full-time jazz vocalist for the West Point Band Jazz Knights. Swing Journal proclaims her the “next great singer” jazz fans have awaited.
![Alexis Cole & Bucky Pizzarelli - A Beautiful Friendship (2015) [Japan]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/15/3THqPFC.jpg "Alexis Cole & Bucky Pizzarelli - A Beautiful Friendship (2015) [Japan]")
Title: Alexis Cole & Bucky Pizzarelli – A Beautiful Friendship (2015) [Japan]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC
Alexis Cole, hailed as “one of the great voices of today” by Jonathan Schwartz, is compared to jazz legends Sarah Vaughan and Anita O’Day. She has performed with the Boston Pops and New York Philharmonic at venues like Avery Fisher Hall and the Kennedy Center. Her nine albums, featuring artists like Fred Hersch and Eric Alexander, have earned critical acclaim and global radio play. Cole performs at top jazz clubs, including Dizzy’s Club, Birdland, and The Jazz Standard, as well as Billboard Live in Tokyo. She won a Swing Journal Gold Disk award and vocal competitions at NY Jazzmobile and Montreux. Cole was also a finalist in the Sarah Vaughan Competition. Bucky Pizzarelli is a renowned American jazz guitarist and banjoist. He is the father of guitarist John Pizzarelli and bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Pizzarelli has collaborated with legends like Les Paul, Stephane Grappelli, and Benny Goodman. His playing style is influenced by Django Reinhardt, Freddie Green, and George Van Eps.
Title: Alexei Utkin, Hermitage Chamber Orchestra – If Haydn Had Written For Oboe, Vol.2 (2009)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC
The name of the oboist and conductor Alexey Utkin is now well known both in Russia and abroad. His great natural talent was developed by the brilliant musical education he has received in the Moscow Conservatory. In 2000 Utkin set up and headed The Ensemble of Soloists “Hermitage”. On delectable SACD from Caro Mitis Alexi Utkin playing music of Haydn, one of his favorite composers. The Oboe Concerto actually wasn’t written by Haydn although attributed to him, the oboe plays a relatively insignificant part as one of four soloists in the well-known Sinfonia concertante, and the oboe d’amore here replaces the cello in the Divertimento. Exquisite performances, beautifully recorded.
![Alexandra Shakina - Mood Indigo (2019) [Venus Japan]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/14/9fnZ72J.jpg "Alexandra Shakina - Mood Indigo (2019) [Venus Japan]")
Title: Alexandra Shakina – Mood Indigo (2019) [Venus Japan]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC
Alexandra Shakina’s second release for Japanese Venus label. Backed by Massimo Farao’ on piano, Nicola Barbon on bass and Gianni Cazzola on drums, sings “Isn’t It Romantic?”, “Let’s Face The Music And Dance”, “Mood Indigo”, “I’m A Fool To Want You”, and more.
![Alexandra Shakina - All The Way (2018) [Venus Japan]](https://imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/14/NMMZBdU.jpg "Alexandra Shakina - All The Way (2018) [Venus Japan]")
Title: Alexandra Shakina – All The Way (2018) [Venus Japan]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC
The debut album from Russian vocalist Alexandra Shakina, who has an attractive and fascinating voice. “All the Way” performing standards with backing from the Massimo Farao’ Trio.
Title: Alexander Warenberg & his Orchestra – A Time For Us (2002)
Genre: Soundtrack
Format: MCH SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC
This album features orchestral arrangements of movie themes based on works by Mozart, Bernstein, Khatchaturian, Barber, Puccini, and John Williams. Violinist Alexander Waremberg arranged and performs these romantic themes, derived from classical masterpieces. The large orchestra delivers warmth and depth in a symphonic setting. Waremberg’s touching violin solos are enhanced by a dramatic, multi-channel SACD transfer. The recording is a true audiophile experience, courtesy of FIM’s high-quality SACD production. It has become a bestseller among similar music collections. The arrangements highlight the emotional and romantic essence of beloved movie themes. This album appeals to fans of both classical music and cinematic scores.