The soundtrack from Vincente Minnelli's 1943 debut film, Cabin in the Sky, makes a diverting and entertaining CD. There are ten songs on this 75-minute CD, written by Vernon Duke and John LaTouche, and Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg; Duke Ellington and Mercer Ellington are represented as well, and also included is most of the background instrumental music by Roger Edens. Musically, this low-priced CD is virtually a duplicate of Rhino's Cabin in the Sky soundtrack CD, with a slightly different track breakdown and none of the outtakes included on Rhino's CD. Also, in lieu of the handsomely produced booklet that comes with the Rhino disc, this CD has a plainer insert that does, at least, contain a good plot summary and full music and performer credits. Otherwise, one is as good as the other, except that the Rhino release is authorized by the actual owners of the film (Soundtrack Factory's release is a little cloudier in terms of legalities) and, therefore, not morally objectionable on its face. ~ Bruce Eder

These 24 tracks are prime swing classics from the likes of Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, and Count Basie. This extraordinarily thorough two-disc collection contains every hit dance tune of the 1940s, and even some that time has forgotten.

A selection of '40s recordings catching Pops in a variety of settings. The opening four tracks come from Armstrong's final session with his big band for Victor, followed by a 1946 Esquire magazine all-star poll winner's date. Seven of the following tracks emanate from radio broadcasts with the closer "Three Little Bears" coming from an Eddie Condon television broadcast. A nice set of oddball Satchmo in the '40s, blowing and singing his heart out no matter what the surroundings. ~ Cub Koda

A specially-priced box set in ECM's Old and New Masters Series features master bassist Arild Andersen's first three albums as a leader - 'Clouds In My Head', 'Shimri' and 'Green Shading Into Blue' - none of which has previously appeared on CD! All three discs from the mid-70s have been eagerly sought by collectors over the years, and this box will appeal both to followers of Arild Andersen and ECM completists, as well as anyone who enjoys hearing spirited jazz played with flair and sensitivity.

Together the three discs present a compelling picture of Andersen's first years as a bandleader. They show his ability to lead an ensemble, to harness young talent and direct it creatively. There are also many fine tunes from Arild's pen and, of course, there is plenty of Arild's tremendous bass playing in the ballads and up-tempo pieces. All three albums were produced by Manfred Eicher in Oslo and for this CD re-issue all the music has been re-mastered.

In 1974 the great Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen decided to strike out on his own. After six years as Jan Garbarek's bassist and a parallel career as freelance musician, playing for everyone from Don Cherry to Stan Getz, he launched his own group. The first recording, 'Clouds In My Head' featured two 19 year olds - drummer Pl Thowsen, a virtuoso from Arild's neighbourhood in Lillestroem, and the then-unknown Jon Balke on piano. On saxophone was Knut Riisnaes, leading light of Oslo's bebop scene.

1976's 'Shimri' featured a revised line-up with the great Finnish saxophonist Juhani Aaltonen, a wonderfully expressive player, and Swedish pianist Lars Jansson. 1978's 'Green Shading Into Blue' added discreet use of synthesizers to the group's palette with Lars Jansson now playing Mini-Moog and String Ensemble keyboards as well as piano. Andersen had been inspired by Herbie Hancock's use of electronic keyboards, but sought to integrate them as colours in a group where "the energy still derived from the core acoustic quartet".