Flutist Herbie Mann opened up his music on this date for Push Push (and during the era) toward R&B, rock and funk music. The results were generally appealing, melodic and danceable. On such songs as "What's Going On," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "What'd I Say" and the title cut, Mann utilizes an impressive crew of musicians, which include guitarist Duane Allman and keyboardist Richard Tee.

Portrait is predominantly a series of encounters between Ritenour and several guest interlopers, presumably to provide a well-rounded stylistic composite. The more heartening result is the acceleration of Ritenour's growth into a tastier, more musical guitarist, whether in the lead or sharing the spotlight.

Julia Fordham has rarely found a song that her voice didn't capture and own. Herein lies a best-of collection of 15 tracks, including some new versions of her classics, a remix of "I Thought It Was You," and two new tracks confirming this assertion. Although other fan favorites are missing, such as "The Comfort of Strangers" and "I Want to Call You Baby," this assemblage of quality music is very well put together. A near-classic collection from an artist in a class all her own.

The Pecan Tree is a collection of 11 compositions from master pianist/composer Joe Sample that were inspired by his Southeast Texas roots and influences. As a founding member of the pioneering quartet the Jazz Crusaders and as a solo artist, the pianist has created an impressive musical style based upon his early appreciation for jazz, gospel, soul, bebop, blues, Latin, and classical music. The Pecan Tree features many of those musical genres performed with such special guests as Lenny Castro and Paulinho da Costa on percussion, renowned R&B vocalist Howard Hewett, and newcomer Lizz Wright. Sample's Quintet kicks off the set with the title track, a Latin-tinged mid-tempo instrumental that features Sample's beautiful melodicism in harmony with the percussive mastery of Lenny Castro. The ensemble brings their creativity ingenuity to "Hot and Humid," a sweltering musical story of the region's weather condition.

On Fallen Angel, Larry Coryell teams up with arranger Don Sebesky to produce a wide-ranging album full of sampled sounds and programmed tracks in an attempt to mix the old CTI sound of the '70s with the production techniques and rhythms of the '90s. "Inner City Blues" kicks things off with great promise, as Coryell jams over a pre-programmed rhythm track with background vocalists.

From its very start as an independent record label in 1982, Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen's GRP Records broke ground, both artistically and commercially. Known as the DIGITAL MASTER COMPANY, they were the first record company to adopt digital recording technology for all its releases, launch every release on CD world-wide, and one of the earliest to market itself as a lifestyle brand.

Himiko Kikuchi is a Japanese jazz pianist, keyboard player, composer and arranger. Born in Sendai. "Reverse It" is her fifth studio album.

Four CD solo anthology from the American singer/songwriter and former Fat Chance member. This set contains 70 remastered tracks tracing the respected solo career of LaBounty, covering virtually the entirety of his solo albums. Includes 18 unreleased demos and five songs from the debut album Promised Love, which has never been released on CD. Features musical assistance from James Taylor, Larry Carlton, Jeff Porcaro, Willie Weeks, Steve Lukather, Lenny Castro, Robbie Dupree, Patti Austin, Jennifer Warnes, Steve Gadd and many others.

This compilation unites great artists like Ronnie Laws, Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson and Chet Baker.

Best of is a 1996 retrospective compilation album by Swing Out Sister, containing their successful singles spanning the years 1986 through 1996. It is their first compilation album—and last Fontana Records album.

The versatile Brian Bromberg plays fretted bass, piccolo bass and a piccolo bass guitar synthesizer on this electric set. Heading a septet that also includes Ernie Watts on tenor and soprano and the rhythm guitar of Russ Freeman, Bromberg performs seven originals and an obscurity. The music is generally funky and touched by R&B, but it has its creative moments and certainly shows off Bromberg's impressive technique.