The illustrious career of the Brazilian singer Elizeth Cardoso goes way back to when she was a lounge and radio singer in the 1930s and `40s. In fact, French vocal icon Edith Piaf was counted among her many admirers, and Cardoso was revered in Brazil the way Mahalia Jackson and Frank Sinatra were in the USA. While Cardoso preferred samba, she actually recorded the first full bossa nova album (with songs by Tom Jobim) in 1958. In 1966, she got together with peer Ciro Monteiro for a whirlwind tour of bossa nova favorites--A BOSSA ETERNA consists of medleys of Brazilian songs, both well-known and not.

Sam Barsh is perhaps best known for having spent a few years as a member of the Avishai Cohen Trio. With his own group, he performs what he has said is a "funky blend of jazz, R&B and slick ambient grooves." Perhaps that is true in person but, on his debut CD, there is virtually no funk. Instead, Barsh plays 13 originals that are full of repetition, simple rhythms, and inconclusive playing. Many of the selections, such as "nuTrance," "George Dub," and "Rainy Day Loop" do not go anywhere, just stating the same idea over and over again as if he and his quartet are waiting for the singer or soloist to show up and give them some direction. As far as ambience goes, there is not much color or originality to be heard although the musicianship is clearly at a high level. Barsh sounds like he can play keyboards well, but clearly his compositional skills, as evident on this CD, are not at the same level. ~ Scott Yanow

This three volume release collects live performances from dynamic, young, Melbourne jazz pianist, Aaron Choulai. Two of the concerts are recorded with a trio line-up while the third is a sextet recording . An albino, born in Papua, New Guinea, the 24-year old was awarded the 'Bell' Award for 'Young Artist of the Year' at the 2006 Australian Jazz Awards. He has a lyrical, light-handed approach to improvisation that has brought him plaudits from far and wide.

Paul Hart's 'Out of Hamelin' was commissioned by the BBC for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra's 2000 Prom concert. The work draws largely from the lyricism and rhythyms of Irish folk music. Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall, the performance also includes a reading of Robert Browning's poem 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' by Helen Ashton, accompanied by music played by the NYJO.

Diane Peters, harpist and composer, plays five of her atmospheric jazz compositions. Recorded live at 45 Downstairs in Melbourne, Australia.

The Australian jazz quartet play a live set.

Australian baritone sax prodigy Adam Simmons performing live with his trio. Tracks include: 'Riverside Drive' and 'Yamagoe'.

Australian pianist Andrea Keller plays a live set, accompanied by Tamara Murphy on bass and Allan Browne on drums.