NEW MUSIC Levon Helm, ELECTRIC DIRT (Vanguard, $17.98)—The great Levon Helm—singer and drummer for The Band—returned from serious illness with one of 2007’s best CDs, Dirt Farmer.  His follow-up is Electric Dirt, a great mix of rootsy blues, gospel, and old-time, covering songs associated with Muddy Waters, the Staple Singers, Ralph Stanley, and the Grateful Dead (a wonderful “Tennessee Jed”), plus a few originals. They are all anchored by Helm’s in-the-pocket drumming. Trumpeter Steve Bernstein and pianist Allen Toussaint—who worked on the Band’s Rock of Ages and The Last Waltz—contribute horn arrangements on four songs. Helm will perform at Merriweather Post Pavilion on August 16. Jon Balke and Amina Alaoui, SIWAN (ECM, $17.98)—Keyboard player Jon Balke invited Moroccan singer Amina Alaoui, plus a wide-ranging group of players for a very original take on music from the Al-Andalus period of Muslim Iberia (730 to 1492). Balke and Alaoui are backed by violinist Kheir Eddine M’Kachiche, electronic trumpeter Jon Hassell, two percussionist, and the Baroque strings, recorders, harpsichord, and lute played by the Barokksolistene. With texts by Al-Andalus poets set to tunes by Balke, Siwan is one of the most transporting and beautiful albums of the year. Thomas Adés, THE TEMPEST (EMI Classics, 2 CDs, $23.98)—Ades’s new opera, with a roster of some of today’s best voices, including Kate Royal, Ian Bostridge, Simon Keenlyside, and Toby Spence. Soprano Kate Royal also has a fascinating recital CD, MIDSUMMER NIGHT (EMI Classics, $16.98). Featured are arias from Britten’s Peter Grimes and Turn of the Screw, Alwyn’s Miss Julie, Hermann’s Wuthering Heights, Barber’s Vanessa, among others. Björk, VOLTAÏC (Nonesuch, CD & DVD, $19.98)—After Björk recorded Volta in 2007, she set out on a world tour, complete with a large Icelandic horn-section. Voltaïc is a set of songs from Volta, plus favorites such as “Army of Me” and “Hunter,” backed by her touring band. The DVD is a full set filmed live at concerts in Paris and Reykjavik. Wilco, WILCO (THE ALBUM) (Nonesuch, $17.98)—Jeff Tweedy and Wilco’s new album, full of great, three-minute pop songs. Don’t forget the recent concert DVD, ASHES OF AMERICAN FLAGS (Nonesuch DVD, $17.99). Appearing at Wolf Trap on July 8. HAIR: New Broadway Cast Recording (Ghostlight, $17.98)—“The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical”—with songs that hit the pop charts like “Let the Sun Shine In,” and “Aquarius”—was revived last summer in a Central Park production, then transferred to Broadway this spring. The production just won a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.   FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL ON THE MALL It’s the second and final week of this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival, through Sunday on the Mall. You’ll find programs on Wales, “Las Américas: Music in Latino Cultures”, and “Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture.” There are always new sights and sounds to discover under the trees and tents.

NEW Kurt Elling, DEDICATED TO YOU: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman (Concord Jazz, $17.98)—The album, John Coltane &  Johnny Hartman, is a classic—and one of the most romantic works in all of jazz. Last February, vocalist Kurt Elling brought his Coltrane/Hartman tribute to the Kennedy Center, and received rave reviews. Now, a live recording from Lincoln Center takes you there: Ernie Watts takes the saxophone role; the Laurence Hobgood Trio provide backup (Hobgood also did the arrangements); and the Ethel String Quartet adds a new dimension to classics such as “They Say It’s Wonderful,” “My One and Only Love,” “Lush Life,” and “Say It (Over and Over Again).  Don’t forget the original: JOHN COLTRANE & JOHNNY HARTMAN (Impulse, $11.98) Maria João Pires, CHOPIN (Deutsche Grammophon, 2CDs, $24.98)—Ms Pires is in the front ranks of today’s pianists, and she has always had an affinity for Chopin. Her program, in her words, is a “stroll through…late period” Chopin, from his Third Sonata in 1844 through 1849, the year of his death. The CDs include nocturnes, mazurkas, and waltzes, as well as the Cello Sonata, with Pavel Gomziakov. A wonderful recital program. Regina Spektor, FAR (Sire, $15.98)—Ms. Spektor is a true triple threat: a witty songwriter, a pianist with lots of chops, and a quirky and emotional singer…check out her latest. Shawn Colvin, LIVE (Nonesuch, 15.98) and Tift Merritt, BUCKINGHAM SOLO (Fantasy, $14.98)—For some singer-songwriters, it’s best to hear them live with just a guitar, dipping into their catalog of songs, old and new (and sometimes throwing in a tasty cover song). These CDs present Mses. Colvin and Merritt in peak form.   LABEL FOCUS: GLOSSA Glossa—based in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain—is another splendid small label devoted mostly to Baroque repertoire. Their roster includes the group, La Venexiana, who’ve done award-winning Monteverdi recordings; Le Concert Sprituel; and the Orchestra of the 18th Century. Visit the label’s very elegant and informative website, http://www.glossamusic.com/glossa/default.aspx . Below are two recent and recommended titles: HANDEL: CLORI, TIRSI & FILENO (Glossa, $20.98)—This is the third volume of Handel’s Italian Cantatas by La Risonanza, led by Fabio Bonizzoni. Gramophone picked this as an Editor’s Choice in June, and called the ongoing project, “the most rewarding Handelian discographic undertaking of the decade.” Roberta Invernizzi, Yetzabel Arias Fernández, and Romina Basso are the three featured vocalists. Paolo Pandolfo, ABEL: THE DREXEL MANUSCRIPT (Glossa, $20.98)—If you visit  the store on Sunday mornings, there’s a good chance you’ll hear the sounds of the viola de gamba played by Paolo Pandolfo on our sound system. It’s one of Mark LaFramboise’s favorites: whether it’s Pandolfo’s gamba versions of Bach’s Cello Suites or his CD, Solo, which has pieces by Marais, Ortiz, Hume, Bach, among others. For his new work, Pandolfo plays pieces by Carl Friedrich Abel, a virtuoso gambist himself.

1959 JAZZ: MINGUS, MILES & BRUBECK The year 1959 was monumental in jazz, when some of the most influential (and popular) titles in history were recorded and released. Columbia Records started their 50th Anniversary Legacy Editions of these titles in January with Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue (the most popular album in jazz history). The releases are re-mastered, with plenty of bonus material and extensive notes. Columbia has just come out with three other gems: Miles Davis, SKETCHES OF SPAIN: Legacy Edition (Columbia, 2CD, $22.98)—This was the third collaboration between Miles and arranger/composer Gil Evans conducting a small chamber group. Their flamenco and jazz re-working of themes by Rodrigo and deFalla, plus originals by Evans, is a classic. Superb notes by composer Gunther Schuller, a friend to both Miles and Gil. Charles Mingus, MINGUS AH UM & MINGUS DYNASTY: Legacy Edition (Columbia, 2CD, $22.98)—Over two hours of Mingus at his composing and bandleading best. Mingus classics like “Better Git It in Your Soul,” “Goodbye Porkpie Hat,” “Fables of Faubus,” and “Boogie Stop Shuffle” are given stellar renditions by stalwart Mingus band-members including John Handy, Jimmy Knepper, Booker Ervin, and Dannie Richmond. Dave Brubeck Quartet, TIME OUT: Legacy Edition (Columbia, 2CD, $22.98)—Another influential classic, as Brubeck (with Paul Desmond on alto, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums) played with odd meters, and very catchy originals. The set comes with an added CD of live material from the Newport Jazz Festival.  NPR had a nice feature about this anniversary edition last week. This title will be available early next week Also, check out the two DVDs from the Jazz Icon series—both taken from wonderfully filmed European concerts. DAVE BRUBECK: LIVE IN ’64 & ’66 (Jazz Icons, DVD, $19.99) with the classic Time Out quartet, and CHARLES MINGUS: LIVE IN ’64 (Jazz Icons, DVD, $19.99), with one of Mingus’s most powerful lineups: Eric Dolphy on alto, flute, and bass clarinet; Clifford Jordan on tenor; Jaki Byard on piano; and Danny Richmond on drums. LABEL FOCUS: NAÏVE Naïve is a label from France which is especially strong in Baroque music. It features some of the best instrumental ensembles (Rinaldo Alessandrini’s Concerto Italiano, Jean-Christophe Spinosi’s Ensemble Matheus), and soloists today (see below). One of Naïve’s most exciting projects is the ongoing Vivaldi Edition, which has issued superlative recordings of Vivaldi’s little-know operas, with the finest singers on the scene today (La Fida Ninfa [below] is the latest). Here are a few recent releases from the label, all highly recommended: HANDEL: DUETS (Naïve, $16.99), Sandrine Piau, soprano, and  Sara Mingardo, contralto—This recording features two of the best voices in Baroque music, and has garnered raves as Gramophone Magazine’s CD of the Month in their July issue. SCHUMANN: FRAUENLIEBE UND –LEBEN (Naïve, $16.99), Marie-Nicole Lemieux, contralto, Daniel Blumenthal, piano BACH: B-MINOR MASS (Naïve, 2CDs, $27.99), Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble, Marc Minkowski, conductor VIVALDI: LA FIDA NINFA (Naïve, 3CDs, $32.99), Ensemble Matheus, Jean-Christophe Spinosi, conducter; soloists include Sandrine Piau, Verónica Cangemi, Sara Mingardo, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Philippe Jaroussky, Topi Lehtipuu,

MUSIC FROM THE TONY AWARDS There are brand new original-cast albums from two of the winning musicals: Alice Ripley won for leading actress in a musical in NEXT TO NORMAL (Ghostlight Records, 2CDs, $19.98), which also won for best original score. Karen Olivo won for best featured actress in a musical for her role as Anita in WEST SIDE STORY (Sony Masterworks Broadway, $17.98). Both musicals played in Washington before their triumphant Broadway runs.   NEW MAHLER: SYMPHONY No. 4 (Channel Classics, $22.98) - Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra have been getting raves for their new Mahler disc. Alex Ross, in his list of favorite Mahler recordings, said it “has the ring of a classic.” The New York Times also had wonderful words for it. Iggy Pop, PRÉLIMINAIRES (Astralwerks, $15.98) - Imagine the low baritone voice of Iggy Pop crooning Jacques Prévert and Joseph Kosma’s “Les Feuilles Mortes”—in French - and making it work…or Iggy doing a laid-back version of Jobim’s “How Insensitive.” It’s all a part of Iggy’s CD inspired by French author Michel Houellebecq’s novel, The Possibility of an Island. The package also boasts lovely cover art by Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis). Hear Iggy sing and talk about the project on NPR’s Fresh Air (here,). DAVID LANG: THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL PASSION (Harmonia Mundi, $18.98) -The 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winning composition, sung by Ars Nova Copenhagen and Theater of Voices, conducted by Paul Hillier. Joe Lovano & Us Five, FOLK ART (Blue Note, $16.98) - Saxophonist Lovano’s terrific new group featuring a new generation of players: James Weidman on piano, Esperanza Spalding on bass, Otis Brown & Francisco Mela on drums and percussion. Pink Martini, DISCOVER THE WORLD: LIVE IN CONCERT (Heinz DVD, $19.99) - Pink Martini played at Wolf Trap this past Tuesday. See and hear them on their new concert DVD. Oumou Sangare, SEYA (Nonesuch, $17.98) - Sangare is the most famous singer from Mali’s Wassalou region, and her songs address many social issues. She is backed up by many of Mali’s most famous traditional musicians. Luciana Souza, TIDE (Verve, $14.98) - The Brazilian chanteuse’s mix of originals, covers, and Brazilian tunes. HARMONIA MUNDI’S HAYDN EDITION This year is the 200th anniversary of the death of Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)—a musical titan who contributed greatly to the symphony, string quartet, and piano trio forms. It’s a good time to revisit this master’s works. Harmonia Mundi has issued several titles in their new mid-priced Haydn Edition. Here are a few highlights: A HAYDN CELEBRATION—a 2CD compilation of highlights from the series CELLO CONCERTOS—Jean-Guihen Queyras, SYMPHONIES Nos. 91 & 92—Bernarda Fink, soprano; Freiburger Barockorchester, René Jacobs, conductor, STRING QUARTETS, Vol. 1 & STRING QUARTETS, Vol. 2 (two separate volumes)—Jerusalem Quartet KEYBOARD CONCERTOS—Andreas Staier, fortepiano All the titles are $13.98 or $14.98, and are downstairs in the mid-price display at the bottom of the stairs. MADELEINE PEYROUX TICKET GIVEAWAY On Saturday, June 20, Lisner Auditorium will present singer Madeleine Peyroux. In March, she released a new album, BARE BONES (Rounder, $17.98)—all original songs, with the same sultry voice and spare, tasty arrangements of her previous titles, the early Dreamland (1996), Careless Love (2004), and Half the Perfect World (2006). To enter the drawing for a pair of tickets, email: Agoldinger@politics-prose.com, with PEYROUX and your FIRST NAME in the subject field.

NEW Freddie Hubbard, WITHOUT A SONG: Live in Europe 1969 (Blue Note, $17.98)—One of the late trumpeter Freddie Hubbard’s last projects was overseeing the tracks for this live release. They were taken from three European concerts during a revue showcase called Jazz Wave on Tour. It’s Freddie at his peak, with long-time cohort Louis Hayes on drums, along with Ron Carter on bass, and Roland Hanna on piano doing mostly standards like the title tune, “Body and Soul,” and “A Night in Tunisia,” and the Hubbard originals, “Space Track,” and “Hub Tones.” Martha Argerich and Friends, LIVE FROM THE LUGANO FESTIVAL: Chamber Music (EMI Classics, 3CDs, $32.98)—Pianist Martha Argerich has long been associated with the festival in beautiful lakeside Lugano, Switzerland. Each year, she gathers some of the world’s best musicians (both masters and stars-to-be) to play chamber music. This collection, from last year’s festival, features Stephen Kovacevich, Mischa Maisky, Renaud Capuçon, and many others, playing Mozart, Schumann, Arensky, Shostakovich, Ravel, Piazzolla, Rachmanimov, and Saint-Saëns. PHIL KLINE: JOHN THE REVELATOR (Cantaloupe Music, $18.98)—Composer Phil Kline (Zippo Songs) has written a beautiful setting for the Mass, setting the traditional Latin Ordinary for chorus alone (sung by the vocal sextet, Lionheart), and using a variety of texts for the Propers, for chorus and string quartet (played by the Ethel String Quartet). Bookending the Mass are settings of two shape-note hymns from The Sacred Harp. Recommended. Elvis Costello, SECRET, PROFANE AND SUGARCANE (Hear Music, $17.98)—Costello teams up with producer T Bone Burnett for a great bluegrass/old-timey album, supported by all the Nashville cats: Jerry Douglas on Dobro, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Mike Compton on mandolin, and Jim Lauderdale on harmony vocals. Costello brings this group to Wolf Trap next Thursday, June 11.   JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKET GIVEAWAYS The generous folks at the Washington Jewish Music Festival are giving Politics & Prose e-blast readers a chance to win tickets to four events. The festival—this year’s theme is Rhythm en Route—is celebrating its 10 anniversary. Sunday, June 7, 10:30 a.m.: a screening of OVERTURE TO GLORY (Der Vilner Balebes), 1940—One of the last American Yiddish-language films, the film stars famed cantor Moishe Oysher. Bagel brunch available at 10:30, film screens at 11:15, with an introduction by Rabbi Max Ticktin, GWU Professor of Judaic Studies. Sunday, June 7, 7:30 p.m.: THE SWAY MACHINERY—Jeremiah Lockwood of Balkan Beat Box mixes “cantorial and liturgical traditions with Afro-beats, blues, pop, and horns,” featuring members of the Antibalas horn section. Monday, June 8, 8 p.m.: PITOM—Guitarist Yoshie Fruchter combines influences from “Frank Zappa, Sonic Youth, and Masada” (to quote John Zorn), in his “punk/avant rock” group, Pitom, with violin, bass and drums. Piton records for Zorn’s Tzadik label. Tuesday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.: FEINSMITH QUARTET—Composer Daniel David Feinstein’s pieces are played by an all-star lineup of adventurous musicians: cellist Jennifer Culp (formerly of Kronos), jazz bassist Michael Manring, guitarist Gyan Riley, and pianist Christopher Taylor. To enter the drawing for a pair of tickets, email: Agoldinger@politics-prose.com, with JCC and your FIRST NAME in the subject field, and please indicate which concert you’d like to attend (please choose one only). All concerts are in the Goldman Theater at the Washington JCC, at 16th & Q Sts., NW. For more information on all the concerts in this year’s Festival, please go to www.wjmf.org.   SALE ON SONDHEIM BOX SET We have a few copies of last year’s box set, STEPHEN SONDHEIM: THE STORY SO FAR (Sony Masterworks, 4 CDs) that are now 50% off the suggested price. It features four CD’s worth of Sondheim’s Broadway and soundtrack work, with previously unreleased versions, including versions by Sondheim himself.

NEW NEXT TO NORMAL: Original Cast Recording (Ghostlight Records, 2CDs, $19.98) – The Broadway performance of Next to Normal has been nominated for a Tony for Best Musical, and it stars Alice Ripley, a leading contender in the Best Actress in a Musical category. Next to Normal premiered off-Broadway last year, and then underwent significant changes last year during its run at our own Arena Stage before returning to New York. WASHINGTON JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL & DUKE ELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Two music festivals will liven up the first two weeks of June: The Washington Jewish Music Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary from June 4th to the 11th. Highlights include clarinet (and mandolin) master Andy Statman on opening night, and an intriguing classical music evening with the Feinsmith Quartet on June 9. For more info, see www.wjmf.org . The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival is in its fifth year, and has moved its schedule from its previous fall dates to June 5th to June 15th. The festival features musicians from New Orleans this year, with events all over town. Free concerts at the Sylvan Amphitheatre on the Mall will feature trumpeter Terence Blanchard doing his powerful suite, A Tale of God’s Will: A Requiem for Katrina on Saturday, June 12 (check out the CD on Blue Note), and saxophonist (and Mardi Gras Indian chief) Donald Harrison and singer Irma Thomas on Sunday, June 14. For more info, go to www.dcjazzfest.org . New Releases Next Tuesday: WEST SIDE STORY: 2009 Revival Elvis Costello, SECRET, PROFANE AND SUGARCANE Dave Matthews, BIG WHISKEY AND THE GROOGRUX KING

MUSIC FOR RITA DOVE’S SONATA MULATTICA Beethoven originally dedicated his Violin Sonata No. 9 to the biracial virtuoso George Bridgetower; after a falling out, the piece was rededicated, and we now know it as the “Kreutzer” Sonata. Rita Dove has just done a book-length meditation in poems of Bridgetower’s life in SONATA MULATTICA (Norton, $24.95). To quote the New Yorker’s review: “A virtuosic treatment of a virtuoso’s life, the poems use all registers—nursery rhymes, diary entries, drama—and are stuffed with historical and musical arcana. Yet the book remains highly accessible, reading much like a historical novel.” Listen to Gidon Kremer’s and Martha Argerich’s splendid version of this piece on BEETHOVEN: VIOLIN SONATAS NOS. 9 “KREUTZER” & 10 (DG, $16.98). NEW Steve Martin, THE CROW: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo (Rounder, $12.98)—Beside acting, and writing for screen, stage and the printed page, Steve Martin has been playing banjo since his earliest days in comedy. He’s contributed tracks to a few all-star banjo albums over the years, and now greats such as Earl Scruggs and Béla Fleck return the favor—they, along with Vince Gill and Dolly Parton put in guest appearances on an album of all original banjo tunes written or co-written by Martin. Kronos Quartet, FLOODPLAIN (Nonesuch, $16.98)—Twelve commissioned pieces from the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe—including Serbian composer Aleksandra Vrebalov’s piece, “…hold me, neighbor, in this storm…” which Kronos premiered last fall at the University of Maryland. One piece includes Alim and Fargana Qasimov, mugham singers from Azerbaijan. Iron and Wine, AROUND THE WELL (Sub Pop Records, 2CDs, $14.98)—Unissued and out-of-print recordings (from the 2002 to 2007) by Sam Beam (aka Iron and Wine), featuring both home and studio recordings. Emerson String Quartet, INTIMATE LETTERS (Deutsche Grammophon, $16.98)—String quartets by Martin? and Janá?ek. Joel Fan, WEST OF THE SUN: Music of the Americas (Reference Recordings, $17.99)—Pianist Joel Fan, a member of Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project, has put together an intriguing program of works by Gottschalk, Ginastera, Villa-Lobos, Barber, Piazzolla, William Bolcom, Margaret Bonds, Ernesto Nazareth, and Amy Beach.

To purchase CDs mentioned in "Music News," click here, email András Goldinger, call (202) 364-1919, or stop by the store. PLAYING FOR CHANGE Playing for Change “brings together musicians from around the world — blues singers in a waterlogged New Orleans, chamber groups in Moscow, a South African choir — to collaborate on songs familiar and new, in the effort to foster a new, greater understanding of our commonality.” The documentary, Playing for Change, played at the Avalon last year, and founder Mark Johnson was on Bill Moyers Journal several months ago. Now a selection of songs from the project, PLAYING FOR CHANGE: Songs Around the World (Hear Music, CD&DVD, $18.98) has arrived.  For more info, go to www.playingforchange.org. NEW Steve Earle, TOWNES (New West Records, $17.98) - Earle pays tribute to his late mentor and friend, singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Earle is joined by his musical family - wife Allison Moorer, and son, Justin Townes Earle, on a few cuts. Bill Frisell, ALL HAT: Soundtrack (Emarcy, $16.98) - Guitarist Bill Frisell’s music is often “narrative” in scope, color and mood. He’s a natural to write music for the movies. (He’s already written new scores for some Buster Keaton shorts.) On All Hat, he’s accompanied by Greg Leisz on pedal steel, Jenny Scheinman on violin, Victor Krauss on bass, Scott Amendola on drums, and Mark Graham on harmonica. Fretwork, PURCELL: COMPLETE FANTAZIAS (Harmonia Mundi, $18.98) - The British consort of viols plays some of the most beautiful music written for this grouping of instruments. TURANDOT AT WASHINGTON OPERA The Washington National Opera opens Puccini’s Turandot on May 16 (last performance on June 4). Listen to a memorable recording of TURANDOT (DG, $32.98), with Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballé, Peter Pears, and Luciano Pavarotti, with Zubin Mehta conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

To purchase CDs mentioned in "Music News," click here, email András Goldinger, call (202) 364-1919, or stop by the store. RICHARD GOODE AND JOYCE DIDONATO IN THE TIMES There were nice back-to-back profiles of pianist Richard Goode and mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato in last Sunday’s New York Times. Goode has a new recording of BEETHOVEN: THE COMPLETE PIANO CONCERTOS (Nonesuch, 3CDs, $26.98), joined by the Budapest Festival Orchestra, conducted by Iván Fischer. Joyce DiDonato’s latest CD is a wonderful recital featuring Handel’s most tempestuous roles, FURORE: Handel Opera Arias (Virgin Classics, $16.98). She is accompanied by Les Talens Lyriques, conducted by Christophe Rousset.  NEW Allen Toussaint, BRIGHT MISSISSIPPI (Nonesuch, $17.98) - A New Orleans legend - pianist, composer, arranger, producer - Toussaint has put together one of the year’s best recordings, focusing on jazz and blues tunes associated with the Crescent City. Songs by Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, and others are here, brought to life by a crack band including Don Byron on clarinet, Nicholas Payton on trumpet, and Marc Ribot on guitar. THE COMPLETE TONY BENNETT/BILL EVANS RECORDINGS (Concord, 2CDs, $18.98) - In 1975 and 1976, Tony Bennett and pianist Bill Evans collaborated on unusual, spare voice-and-piano duets. Now, both The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album and Together Again are reissued together, with both albums on one CD, and alternate takes on the second CD. Ambrose Field and John Potter, BEING DUFAY (ECM, $17.98)—Composer Ambrose Field has composed seven interconnected pieces, using song fragments and sacred works by the early Renaissance composer Guillaume Dufay (1397–1474)—sung by tenor John Potter (formerly of the Hilliard Ensemble)—and added soundscapes and live electronics. PUTUMAYO SUMMER SAMPLER OFFER If you buy one Putumayo title, you’ll receive a free PUTUMAYO CD SAMPLER, with eight songs from recent releases, including Brazilian Café, Acoustic Arabia, Women of Jazz, Acoustic France, India, and African Reggae, plus a song from the latest CD, ITALIA  ($14.98). CONCERT Leonard Cohen is making a rare area appearance at Merriweather Post Pavilion this Monday, May 11. Check out his two-hour concert for a preview or a souvenir, recorded last fall, LIVE IN LONDON (Columbia, 2CDs or DVD, $19.98).

These are this week’s new and recommended music selections.  To purchase any of the CDs mentioned in "Music News," email András Goldinger, call (202) 364-1919, click the title links, or stop by the store. To browse more CDs reviewed by András, click here. NEW POP: Bob Dylan, TOGETHER THROUGH LIFE (Columbia, $15.98) - Late-period Dylan, following Love and Theft, and Modern Times. John McLaughlin & Chick Corea, FIVE PEACE BAND LIVE (Concord, $18.98) - McLaughlin and Corea both played on Miles Davis’s pioneering In a Silent Way (1969), and each led jazz fusion groups in the ‘70s (The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Return to Forever, respectively). They reunite in the Five Peace Band, joined by saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Their album was recorded live on their European tour; and the band is currently touring the U.S. with Brian Blade on drums (they played a sold-out show this Wednesday at Strathmore). NEW CLASSICAL (and CONCERTS): Anne Sofie von Otter, TEREZÍN/THERESIENSTADT (DG, $16.98) - Soprano Von Otter (with baritone Christian Gerhaher, and violinist Daniel Hope, among others) “pays homage” to the composers and musicians imprisoned in Theresienstadt, including Hans Krása, Ilse Weber, Victor Ullmann, and Pavel Haas. Von Otter and her colleagues present the Terezín program tonight, Thursday, May 30, at Strathmore. Magdalena Kožená, SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME (DG, $16.98) - Soprano Kožená is renowned for her operatic roles and recitals. Martin?, Novák, Dvo?ák, and traditional songs, accompanied by Malcolm Martineau, and soprano Dorothea Röschmann on Janá?ek’s Moravian Duets. She will be singing at the Embassy of Austria on May 6th, as part of the Vocal Arts Society series. Till Felner, BACH: INVENTIONS & FRENCH SUITES (ECM, $17.98) - The young Austrian pianist’s latest Bach recital. Fellner is also in the middle of a complete Beethoven cycle in Washington (He will perform May 11 at the Embassy of Austria and then again next March 2010).

HARMONIA MUNDI ON NPR There was a wonderful NPR piece last Sunday about the Harmonia Mundi record label, based in Arles, France, and run by founder Bernard Coutaz, and his wife, Eva. The family-run label is going strong after fifty years. Besides being a leading classical label, Harmonia Mundi has a series of small CD stores throughout Europe. In fact, I model my small music section after those very stores. Two recent Harmonia Mundi releases I highly recommend are pianist Alexandre Tharaud’s Satie collection, ERIC SATIE: Avant-Dernières Pensées (Harmonia Mundi, 2CDs, $39.98), and Richard Egarr and the Academy of Ancient Music’s BACH: BRANDENBERG CONCERTOS (Harmonia Mundi, 2CDs, $41.98). I have a limited number of Harmonia Mundi Spring-Summer Samplers, with over 77 minutes of music, for anyone who purchases HM products. Ask at the register. PETE SEEGER On the eve of his 90th birthday, and fresh from performing at the “We Are One” pre-inaugural concert, Pete Seeger is still going strong. Folkways has just issued a box set of AMERICAN FAVORITE BALLADS, Volumes 1-5 (Smithsonian Folkways, 5CDs, $39.98), comprising 139 songs from many eras of America’s folk music history. Each CD comes with extensive notes. Alec Wilkinson has also written a new book, THE PROTEST SINGER: An Intimate Portrait of Pete Seeger (Knopf, $22.95), expanded from his New Yorker profile. STEVE REICH WINS PULITZER Steve Reich won a long-deserved Pulitzer Prize for Music this week for Double Sextet - two sets of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, vibraphone and piano - written for the chamber group, eighth blackbird. There’s no recording yet, but you can hear an excerpt on NPR, but we do have a selection of other recordings, both by Steve Reich and eighth blackbird, in stock.

NEW Pop: Willie Nelson & Asleep at the Wheel, WILLIE & THE WHEEL (Bismeaux, $15.98) - A great collaboration in a program of Texas swing classics by Milton Brown, Cliff Bruner, Spade Cooley, and Bob Wills. Buddy & Julie Miller, WRITTEN IN CHALK (New West, $16.98) Bebo & Chucho Valdes, JUNTOS PARA SIEMPRE (Discos, $13.98) - Brilliant father and son duets from the Cuban pianists. The Flatlanders, HILLS AND VALLEYS (New West, $16.98) - Beside their individual projects, songwriters Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock have recorded as the Flatlanders for over thirty years. NEW Classical: Stile Antico, SONG OF SONGS (Harmonia Mundi, Super Audio CD, $19.98)—Stile Antico, the English chamber choir, assembled a program of motets by Palestrina, Lassus, Victoria, and Gombert. HARMONIA MUNDI MIDLINE There are new titles in the HMGold series of reissued titles, with beautiful packaging and full liner notes, at a midline ($13.98) price:  Maria Cristina Kiehr, soprano; Concerto Soave; Jena-Marc Aymes, conductor, SCARLATTI: BELLA MADRE DEI FIORI (HMGold, $13.98)—Ms Kiehr possesses one of the great voices in baroque music today. Highly recommended. Les Arts Florissants; William Christie, conductor, GESUALDO: MADRIGALS (HMGold, $13.98) Chapelle Royale; Philippe Herreweghe, conductor, SCHÜTZ: MUSIKALISHCHE EXEQUIEN (HMGold, $13.98) Trio Wanderer, HAYDN: PIANO TRIOS (HMGold, $13.98)

NEW Philippe Jaroussky, OPIUM: Mélodies Françaises (Virgin Classics, $16.98)—Countertenor Jaroussky, one of the current stars of baroque opera, sings songs by Dukas, Fauré, Hahn, Chausson, and others, accompanied by Jérôme Ducros on piano. Leon Fleisher, MOZART PIANO CONCERTOS (Sony Classical, $16.98)—Fleisher plays and conducts the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester in Concertos Nos. 7 and 23. The CD also includes the Concerto No 7, arranged for two pianos, with Katherine Jacobsson Fleisher. Sara Watkins, SARA WATKINS (Nonesuch, $15.98)—The former fiddler and singer from Nickel Creek with her first solo CD. Bob Mould, LIFE AND TIMES (Anti, $17.98) Hank Williams, GOSPEL KEEPSAKES: The Unreleased Recordings (Time Life, $14.98)—More songs from the newly discovered 1951 tapes that were first heard on last year’s fantastic 3-CD box set. Neil Young, FORK IN THE ROAD (Reprise, $17.98) James Taylor, OTHER COVERS (Hear Music, $9.98)—Seven more cover songs by JT.

NEW Diana Krall, QUIET NIGHTS (Verve, $17.98)—Lush orchestration arrangements by Claus Ogerman surround Krall and her quintet in a selection of bossa nova tunes, a few American Songbook standards, and two pop songs: “Walk On By” and “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.” Leonard Cohen, LIVE IN LONDON (Columbia, 2CDs or DVD, $19.98)—Cohen is on tour this summer, and this is a great preview, recorded last fall in London. Over two and a half hours of great Cohen tunes, with the “Golden Voice” fronting a crack band, and his customary backup singers. BRAHMS: SYMPHONY NO. 2 (SDG, $19.98)—John Eliot Gardiner’s second volume in his Brahms series; bringing “period” details to the Romantic repertoire, featuring his Orchestre Révolutionaire et Romantique and the Monteverdi Choir. Gardiner pairs the Symphony with Brahms’s Alto Rhapsody, and three choral works by Schubert. P J Harvey & John Parish, A WOMAN A MAN WALKED BY (Island, $14.98)—A collaboration: John Parish wrote the melodies, Polly Jean Harvey the words; Harvey sings. SCHNITTKE: SYMPHONY NO. 9 (ECM, $17.98)—Dresden Philharmonic, Dennis Russell Davies, conductor. Schnittke was one of the most adventurous composers in the last half of the twentieth century. His widow asked composer Alexander Raskatov to finish orchestrating Schnittke’s last work. The album also includes Rasktov’s tribute to Schnittke, Nunc Dimittis, sung by the Hilliard Ensemble. Rolando Villazón, HANDEL ARIAS (Deutsche Grammophon, $16.98)

NEW Amadou & Mariam, WELCOME TO MALI (Nonesuch, $15.98)—Amadou & Mariam’s follow-up to the wonderful Dimanche à Bamako, from 2005. Read about them in last Sunday’s New York Times (read here). Nick Lowe, QUIET PLEASE: The Best of Nick Lowe (Yep Rock, 2CDs, $18.98)—Nick Lowe has written witty pop songs for over twenty-five years. Although his songs have been covered memorably by Elvis Costello (“[What’s So Funny] ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding”) and Johnny Cash (“The Man in Me”), Lowe is his own best interpreter, with an understated, yet heartfelt voice. Check out two bountiful CDs of his songs, covering his entire career. Bonnie Prince Billy, BEWARE (Drag City, $15.98)—Will Oldham’s latest collection of songs, filled out by harmonized voices, strings, pedal steel, country-rock guitars, plus trumpet, sax and accordion.   The Decemberists, THE HAZARDS OF LOVE (Capitol, $17.98)—The current champs of ambitious song-cycle rock; moody, literary, character-driven songs, led by writer and lead singer Colin Meloy. The Decemberists will be at Merriweather Post with Andrew Bird on June 8.   Wynton Marsalis, HE & SHE (Blue Note, $17.98)—Wynton is always looking forward and trying new things: He & She is a suite of songs written for his quintet around the theme of romance, from puppy love to more mature permutations. Each song is tied to a fragment of a poem on the subject written by Wynton himself.   Next Tuesday: the new Diana Krall, QUIET NIGHTS and the new Leonard Cohen, LIVE IN LONDON (CD or DVD).

A REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN CEPHAS “Bowling Green” John Cephas was my cousin, so his recent death was a very personal loss. I can remember him singing at family gatherings - including duets with his brother Ernest - from the time I was a child. His rich baritone would fill the small living room with family and friends. It was one of the fondest memories of my childhood. So it was with great pride that I learned that he was singing to a wider audience. It was common to see him playing at festivals in the area, and it was something to hear him tell about his travels abroad. I was touched to see him remembered in papers around the country and abroad. Although he was born and raised in the District, he was a country boy at heart. His gift was using his wonderful voice to keep alive the music of the Virginia Piedmont where he made his home.  • Deb Morris NEW Marianne Faithfull, EASY COME, EASY GO (Decca, $16.98)—With 1979’s Broken English, Marianne Faithfull recast herself as a chanteuse worthy of the Brecht and Weill canon, and she’s brought her smoky, world-weary voice to choice material ever since. On Easy Come, Easy Go, she covers songs by Merle Haggard, Neko Case, the Decemberists, Smokey Robinson, Duke Ellington, and Dolly Parton, among others. Producer Hal Wilner has assembled a crack band and arrangers for a wonderful tour of songs old and new.

JOHN CEPHAS – R.I.P. Guitarist and singer “Bowling Green” John Cephas died last week. He was a master of the Piedmont-style blues guitar, a highly intricate finger-picked form - often with a ragtime rhythm, as well as a fine vocalist and an influential teacher. He teamed up with harmonica player Phil Wiggins, and the duo was a mainstay on the festival and concert circuit for many years. Listen to Cephas and Wiggin’s last two CDs, RICHMOND BLUES (Smithsonian Folkways, $16.98) and SHOULDER TO SHOULDER (Alligator, $16.98). NEW Christina Pluhar & L’Arpeggiata, MONTEVERDI: TEATRO D’AMORE (Virgin, $16.98)—I first heard L’Arpeggiata on an album called ALL’IMPROVVISO (Alpha, $16.98), which combined baroque dance pieces played on historical instruments with the addition of jazz clarinetist Gianluigi Trovesi. It was a wonderful concept and beautifully executed. Now, Pluhar, a lutist and harpist, leads her group in pieces by Monteverdi, with countertenor Philippe Jaroussky and soprano Núria Rial.  Madeleine Peyroux, BARE BONES (Rounder, $17.98) - All original songs, with the same sultry voice, and spare, tasty arrangements. Plácido Domingo, AMORE INFINITO: Songs Inspired by the Poetry of John Paul II (DG, $17.98) Hélène Grimaud, BACH (DG, $16.98) - Solo works (selections from the Well Tempered Clavier), transcriptions, and orchestral works (Concerto No.1 in D minor). Arvo Pärt, IN PRINCIPIO (ECM, $17.98) - Including four new premieres, played by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Tõnu Kaljuste. PUCCINI: MADAMA BUTTERFLY (EMI Classics, 2CDs, $32.98) - A new production getting rave reviews, starring Angela Gheorghiu and Jonas Kaufman, and the Chorus and Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Antonio Pappano

NEW LIVE! MI AMI, Tuesday, March 10, at the Velvet Lounge on U Street. Mi Ami is a new trio (Daniel Martin-McCormick on guitar & vocals, Jacob Long on bass, and Damon Palermo on drums). Their new album, WATERSPORTS (Tindersticks, $13.98), combines loping, melodic bass lines with skronking, percussive guitar stabs, countertenor-like vocals, and polyrhythmic drumming. Daniel and Jacob both played in the DC band, Black Eyes; Daniel also worked here at P&P before his move out west for college. Go check the group out live, and pick up their album. NEW! Béla Fleck, THROW DOWN YOUR HEART: Tales from the Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3 (Rounder, $17.98)—Banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck went to Mali, Gambia, Tanzania, and Uganda to explore the banjo’s origins, and to collaborate with top string players and singers. The album (and the documentary film traveling the festival circuit) features Djelimady Tounkara, D’Gary, Bassekou Kouyate, Oumou Sangare, Vusi Mahlasela, and many others. Liz Carroll & John Doyle, DOUBLE PLAY (Compass, $17.98)—Based in Chicago, Liz Carroll is one of the greatest traditional Irish fiddlers (and composers) around, and was awarded an NEA National Heritage Fellowship (sort of America’s Living Treasures recognition). Check out her latest collaboration with guitarist and singer John Doyle, formerly with Solas. Neko Case, MIDDLE CYCLONE (Anti, $17.98)—The biggest, most soulful voice in pop music today. U2, NO LINE ON THE HORIZON (Island, $14.98)—The latest from a small combo from Ireland.

NEW Van Morrison, ASTRAL WEEKS LIVE AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL (EMI, $17.98)—Van Morrison released Astral Weeks in 1968 and melded mystical lyrics worthy of Blake to music that drew on blues, modal jazz, and folk. Jon Pareles of the Times wrote a very apt description: "incantatory…the songs were pastoral and urgent, introspective and revelatory." Morrison revisited the work last fall to great acclaim last fall at the Hollywood Bowl. Have a listen. Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, RECITAL AT RAVINIA (Harmonia Mundi, $17.98)—There have been at least three recital recordings released since the tragic death of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson. But her discography was never huge, and every archival release has been a treasure. This is Lorraine in a 2004 recital devoted to the theme of love, accompanied by pianist Peter Serkin. She sings songs by Brahms, Mozart, Handel, and Debussy. ABRAHAM LINCOLN PORTRAITS (Naxos, 2CDs, $17.99)—Although Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait is the most famous Lincoln-related composition, many composers have taken up the theme. This collection features works by Charles Ives, Vincent Persichetti, Roy Harris, Morton Gould, George Frederick McKay, Paul Turok, and Ernst Bacon. Pacifica Quartet, ELLIOTT CARTER: STRING QUARTETS 2, 3, & 4 (Naxos, $8.99)—The second volume in Pacifica's complete recordings of the string quartets, these are works from 1959 to 1986. 50th ANNIVERSARIES: MONK AT TOWN HALL This week at New York's Town Hall, two concerts featuring saxophonist Charles Tolliver and pianist Jason Moran will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the February 28, 1959, concert by the Thelonious Monk Big Band. Monk and Hall Overton did the arrangements, and this historic and influential concert was recorded by Orrin Keepnews and released as THE THELONIOUS MONK ORCHESTRA AT TOWN HALL (Riverside, $11.98). An interesting article about the performance and the rehearsals was in last Sunday's New York Times. Read it here. •András Goldinger

GRAMMYS Of all the dozens of Grammys handed out last week, there was one I was especially happy with, and that you might have missed in the small-print summaries last Monday. Dust to Digital Records won the Best Historical Album for ART OF FIELD RECORDING, VOL. 1: Fifty Years of Traditional American Music Documented by Art Rosenbaum (4 CDs plus 96-page book, $58.98). Congratulations to label founder Lance Ledbetter (it's a labor of love by Lance and his wife, April). Anyone interested in Vol. 1 or Art of Field Recording, Vol. 2 (just released), please email me at agoldinger@politics-prose.com . NEW ALLEGRO (Sony Broadway, $17.98)—Rodgers and Hammerstein's Allegro was produced in 1947 (following Oklahoma! and Carousel), but this is the first complete recording, and it boasts some Broadway musical heavyweights: Tony Award-winners  Audra McDonald, Norbert Leo Butz, and Laura Benanti, as well as Judy Kuhn, Liz Callaway, Patrick Wilson, and Nathan Gunn. Hear a Fresh Air episode devoted to this recording, here.   DARK WAS THE NIGHT (4AD, 2CDs, $16.98)—Part of the Red Hot series of benefit  compilations that raise money for AIDS research, Dark Was the Night is a treasury of new songs by indie rock stars: Arcade Fire, Andrew Bird, Feist, Beirut, David Byrne, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Grizzly Bear, Antony, and many, many more. Guarneri Quartet, THE HUNGARIAN ALBUM (RCA, $15.98) Zoltán Kodály & Ernö Donhányi String Quartets—The Guarneris are on their farewell tour (they played the Kennedy Center this month). Mark Feldman/Uri Caine/Greg Cohen/Joey Baron, SECRETS (Tzadik, $15.98)—Tunes from the Lubavitch, Satmar, Bobov and Modzitzer Hassidim traditions, played by four jazz masters on the violin, piano, bass, and drums, respectively. M. Ward, HOLD TIME (Merge, $15.98)—Read this Sunday's New York Times Arts and Leisure profile on Matt Ward, here.

NEW Alexander Tharaud, ERIC SATIE: Avant-Dernières Pensées (Harmonia Mundi, 2CDs, $39.98)—One of the best concerts I attended last year was pianist Alexander Tharaud's recital at the French Embassy, playing Ravel and Chopin (with some wonderful Couperin for encores). His CDs devoted to those three composers showcase his intriguing programming; he also has CDs devoted to Bach and Rameau—I recommend them all. His new album has solo piano works by Satie on one CD (with Tharaud recreating Satie's prepared piano on Le Piège de Méduse). The second CD has piano pieces for four hands, plus duets for piano and voice, violin, or trumpet. Theo Bleckmann & Kneebody, 12 SONGS BY CHARLES IVES (Winter & Winter, $17.98)—Vocalist Theo Bleckmann is comfortable in classical, improv, chanson, and new music. His album, Berlin, featured Weill-Brecht songs in their original German, backed by piano and string quartet; Las Vegas Rhapsody had orchestral arrangements of standards. He collaborates with the quintet, Kneebody, for very original takes on songs by Ives, including "Songs My Mother Taught Me," and "At the River." VALENTINE'S DAY Try SEDUCTION: Sinatra Sings of Love (Reprise, $17.98), a compilation of 22 love songs from Sinatra's Reprise years. Or Jane Monheit's new one, THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS AND ME (Concord, $17.98). •András Goldinger

NEW Mariza, TERRA (4Q Records, $16.98)--Fado is Portugal's soul music, and Mariza is the top fadista on the world stage: She has a great voice, a dramatic stage presence, and plenty of soul. Ivo Papasov, DANCE OF THE FALCON (World Village, $18.98)--The Bulgarian clarinetist, known for his high-speed, propulsive virtuosic wedding music, is back. CIVIL RIGHTS SONGS LET FREEDOM SING: THE MUSIC OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT (Time Life, 3 CDs, 40-page booklet, $44.98, plus 15% off for P&P members)--This is a new box set that features the commercial releases that came out of, and were influenced by, the civil rights movement. Listen to Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, Staple Singers, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Oscar Brown, Jr., Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scott-Heron, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, among many others. A wonderful companion is an older recording, VOICES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT: 1960-1966 (Smithsonian Folkways, 2 CDs, $16.98), which focuses on the actual songs sung on the front lines by groups like the SNCC Freedom Singers. As with all Folkways recordings, there is wonderful documentation. •András Goldinger

NEW Keith Jarrett Trio, YESTERDAYS (ECM, $17.98)–Pianist Keith Jarrett's 25-year-old trio with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette continues their investigation of the American Songbook. Yesterdays includes some great bebop tunes ("Shaw'nuff," "Scrapple from the Apple") as well as great standards like "Stella by Starlight," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Martial Solal, LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD: I Can't Give You Anything But Love (CamJazz, $16.98)–Martial Solal is a virtuosic jazz pianist, able to take tunes in many, many directions. On his new live album, he takes apart "Lover Man," "The Last Time I Saw Paris," "On Green Dolphin Street," and a few more. There's a nice NPR visit to Solal's house, here. Julia Fischer, Academy of St. Martin in the Field, BACH VIOLIN CONCERTOS (Decca, Special Price, $12.98) THE POST'S STARTER ALBUMS FOR THE JAZZ NOVICE In December, the Washington Post's Chris Richards picked ten albums for the jazz novice (read the article, here). Richards includes some obvious classics (Duke Ellington, THE OKEH ELLINGTON (Sony, 2CDs, $18.98); John Coltrane, A LOVE SUPREME (Impulse, $11.98); Charlie Parker, BEST OF THE COMPLETE SAVOY & DIAL STUDIO RECORDINGS (Savoy, $17.98); Thelonious Monk, GENIUS OF MODERN MUSIC, VOL. 1 (Blue Note, $11.98), with some more unusual choices (Eric Dolphy, OUT TO LUNCH! (Blue Note, $11.98); Alice Coltrane, JOURNEY IN SATCHIDANANDA (Impulse, $14.98); and Miles Davis, ON THE CORNER (Columbia, $11.98). These albums are displayed on the music table by the register. Of course, every list of best jazz albums includes KIND OF BLUE (Columbia, $11.98) by Miles Davis, released in 1959. Miles, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Winton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb recorded the most popular album in jazz history, and a landmark in modal composition. Now to celebrate this milestone album, the expanded  KIND OF BLUE: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Legacy Edition (Columbia, 2 CDs, $18.98) has just been issued. The package includes the complete album, plus alternate takes, studio sequences, and a live version of "So What."             BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Bruce Springsteen is playing during the halftime show at this Sunday’s Super Bowl. His new album, WORKING ON A DREAM (Columbia, $15.98), has the full E Street Band in big, Spector-ish arrangements; it includes a lovely tribute to his late keyboard player, Danny Federici, as well as the title song to The Wrestler. •András Goldinger

New SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Interscope, $15.98)—Soundtrack composed by A.R. Rahman, with special guest M.I.A. BACH CANTATAS (Virgin Classics, $16.98) Natalie Dessay, Le Concert d’Astrée, Emmanuelle Haïm FURORE: Handel Opera Arias (Virgin Classics, $16.98), Joyce DeDonato, Les Talens Lyriques, Christophe Rousset Joshua Redman, COMPASS (Nonesuch, $17.98), Larry Grenadier & Reuben Rogers, bass; Brian Blade and Greg Hutchinson, drums. Saxophonist Joshua Redman in a trio and a special double trio setting. Animal Collective, MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION (Matador, $15.98) Franco, FRANCOPHONIC: FRANCO & LE TPOK JAZZ, VOL. 1: 1953-1980 (Stern’s Music, 2CD, $26.98)—The beginning of an overview of one of Africa’s most popular and influential musicians. Andrew Bird, NOBLE BEAST (Fat Possum Records, $14.98) Amsterdam Loeki Stardust Quartet, THE LOEKI FILES (Channel Classics, CD & DVD, $18.98)—The world’s foremost recorder consort, playing Bach, Shostakovich, Purcell, and modernists like Caldini. Gianluigi Trovesi, ALL’OPERA: PROFUMO DI VIOLETTA (ECM, $17.98—Italian jazz clarinetist Trovesi plays themes and arias from Monteverdi, Pergolesi, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, and Mascagni. He’s backed by the wind and percussion ensemble, Filarmonica Mousiké, conducted by Savino Acquaviva. Tito Puente, THE COMPLETE 78s, VOL. 1 , 1949-1955 (Fania, 2CDs, $18.98) A CELEBRATION OF LEONARD BERNSTEIN: Opening Night at Carnegie Hall 2008 (SF Symphony/Carnegie Hall, DVD, $28.98), San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas, music director; Christine Ebersol, Thomas Hampson, Dawn Upshaw, and Yo-Yo Ma. The program—excerpts from Bernstein’s West Side Story, A Quiet Place, On the Town, Mass, Trouble in Tahiti, Songfest, and Fancy Free was the first event in last fall’s Bernstein: The Best of All Possible Worlds Festival. To watch a sample click here. The City DVD Event This Saturday, January 24, at 1 p.m., we’ll show excerpts from the new DVD, THE CITY (Naxos, $19.99), the documentary from 1939, with a newly recorded soundtrack—written by Aaron Copland—performed by the Post-Classical Ensemble. We’ll be joined by Post-Classical Ensemble Music Director Angel Gil-Ordóñez, Artistic Director Joseph Horowitz, and pianist Benjamin Pasternack. We’ll be selling DVDs and CDs from the Post-Classical Ensemble, and Mr. Pasternack, a Copland specialist. •András Goldinger

Freddie  Hubbard Freddie Hubbard, one of the greatest and most influential jazz trumpeters, died on December 29. Mr. Hubbard was noted for his great tone, speed, and improvisatory genius. Besides the many dozens of albums under his own name, he was just as masterful as a sideman, appearing on CDs by Wayne Shorter, Eric Dolphy, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Check out two of his Blue Note recordings, READY FOR FREDDIE (1961) and HUB TONES (1962) (each $12.98). In the next few days, we’ll also have RED CLAY (1970, CTI, $14.98). Stax-Volt Revue DVD There was a wonderful story in the New York Times (read it here) about a new DVD, STAX-VOLT REVUE: LIVE IN NORWAY, 1967 (Stax, $14.99). The stars of the Memphis label—Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Arthur Conley, backed by Booker T. and the MGs and the Mar-Keys horn section—were all at the top of their form. Soul music doesn’t get any better than this. Bon Iver Justin Vernon, who records under the name Bon Iver (bon hiver: “good winter” in French), released FOR EMMA, FOREVER AGO (Jagjaguwar, $14.98) last year, and it appeared on many, many best-of lists for 2008. Sasha Frere-Jones writes about him in this week’s New Yorker (read it here). Next week, a four-song EP, BLOOD BANK (Jagjaguwar, $14.98) appears.   As Heard On NPR: Natacha Atlas Natacha Atlas has done many pop albums in her career, but she returned to her Egyptian roots with an acoustic album, ANA HINA (World Village, $17.98), featuring the Mazeeka Ensemble. Listen to the story here ), with song selections. •András Goldinger

As Heard On NPR Last month, the a capella group, Trio Mediaeval, sang some Norwegian holiday songs in the NPR studios (listen, here). Hear more of their music on their most recent (Grammy-nominated) album, FOLK SONGS (ECM, $17.98), and their previous work, STELLA MARIS (ECM, $17.98), which features French and English medieval chants, and a contemporary mass written by Korean composer Sungji Hong. Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappan put out one of my favorite albums of the year, KINSMEN (PI, $15.99), his collaboration with traditional Indian players, featuring Kadri Gopalnath, who plays classical Carnatic music on the saxophone. Hear him talk about the project, and the new generation of Indian-American jazz musicians, here   Milestones Many greats in the world of music—some recognized, some unsung—passed away in the last twelve months: Henri Salvador, chanson singer; Teo Macero, producer (most famously for Miles Davis); Dennis Irwin, jazz bassist; Giuseppe Di Stefano, tenor; Raymond Kane, Hawaiian slack-key master; Israel “Cachao” López, Cuban bassist and mambo pioneer; Danny Federici, E Street Band keyboardist; Robert Reed, Trouble Funk keyboardist; Jimmy Giuffre, clarinetist, composer, and arranger; Eddie Arnold, country crooner; Jimmy McGriff, jazz organist; Utah Phillips, singer and activist; David Gahr, music photographer; Bo Diddley, singer, guitarist, creator of the most primal beat in rock & roll; Esbjörn Svensson, jazz pianist; Jo Stafford, jazz & pop singer; Johnny Griffin, jazz saxophonist; Norman Dello Joio, composer; Isaac Hayes, Stax singer, pianist and songwriter; Lawrence Wheatley, DC jazz pianist and bandleader; Jerry Reed, country singer, guitarist and songwriter; Norman Whitfield, Motown songwriter and producer; Earl Palmer, pioneeringR&B, jazz, and pop drummer; Connie Haines, jazz singer; Studs Terkel, writer, radio pioneer, and friend of music; William Claxton, jazz photographer; Neil Hefti, arranger and composer; Levi Stubbs, voice of the Four Tops; Dave McKenna, jazz pianist; Ima Sumac, one-of-a-kind vocalist; Miriam Makeba, South African singer and activist; Odetta, folk and civil-rights singer; Eartha Kitt, chanteuse; Freddie Hubbard, jazz trumpeter; Davy Graham, British folk guitarist; Betty Freeman, legendary new music benefactor. •András Goldinger

THE COMPLETE BEETHOVEN PIANO SONATAS BY SCHIFF Two multi-year traversals of the complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas came to end this year—those of Paul Lewis and András Schiff. Both have been splendidly reviewed, and volumes from both projects were on this year's New York Times Best Classical selections (Lewis's also was Gramophone's Record of the Year, which I wrote about several weeks ago). The Times's Anthony Tommasini wrote: “Both projects are major achievements…Mr. Schiff plays with unerring taste and elegance. That nearly all of the individual recordings were taken from live performances enhances the spontaneity of the results.” Schiff's BEETHOVEN: THE PIANO SONATAS (ECM, $17.98, single CD; $27.98, double CD) are available on eight volumes. Start chronologically with volume one, or, as many customers have done, buy all eight volumes at once. If you'd like all the volumes, please email me, and I'll set them aside (agoldinger@politics-prose.com ). Holiday Music Here's a link to my expanded and up-to-date listing of seasonal music, including new releases for this year, and Christmas and Hanukkah favorites, old and new. Click here. András Goldinger Enter-to-Win—Spend New Year's Eve with Robert Randolph and the Family Band This New Year's Eve, get some friends together and jam out with Robert Randolph and the Family Band at 9:30 Club.  Propelled by singer and bandleader Randolph's expert pedal steel guitar skills, along with the impeccable musicianship of his band members, these Florida funk/soul rockers know how to get a crowd moving with their eclectic mix of unpredictably fun originals and surprising covers.  With their extended jam sets lasting long into the night and even a free champagne toast at midnight, you're sure to get a bang for your buck.  To win a pair of tickets to the celebration, email books@politics-prose.com, with RANDOLPH and your first name in the subject line, and your full contact information in the body of the message. Drawing will be on Tuesday, December 23.

Holiday Music Here’s a link to my expanded and up-to-date listing of seasonal music, including new releases for this year, and Christmas and Hanukkah favorites, old and new. Click here. Barnes & Hampton Longtime DC favorites, guitarist/lutenist Linn Barnes and Celtic harpist Allison Barnes, have performed their annual Celtic Christmas concerts at Georgetown’s Dumbarton Church for many years. The final performances are this Saturday, December 13 (two performances), and Sunday, December 14. See www.barnesandhampton.com . Listen to their three seasonal albums: HOLLY EVE (Oak Leaf Records)—which has arrangements of tunes from Welsh, Breton, Provençal, German, French, and English sources—YULE, and WASSAIL (Oak Leaf Records). •András Goldinger András and Dust to Digital founder Lance Ledbetter, who holds a copy of THE ART OF FIELD RECORDING, VOL. 1, and the feature on the label in the New Yorker. Breaking news: The Art of Field Recording, Vol 1. has just been nominated for two Grammy Awards—Best Historical Album and Best Album Notes.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS 2008 I’ve put together some recommended titles from this past year on the website (click here). There is also a copy available at the information desk. Please ask for it, and browse the music section. NEW YORK TIMES’S BEST CLASSICAL The New York Times’s classical music critics selected two dozen of their favorite CDs from 2008 (to see them, click here). I’ve written about many of these titles, and they will be on display with their respective reviews. If you’re interested in a title we have on hand or would like to special order a specific title, please email me at: agoldinger@politics-prose.com . BOX SETS The New York Times also had a roundup of their favorite box sets (see it here).  Some of the listed sets are mail order only (namely, the Mosaic jazz boxes), but most are available through special order at P&P. Here are some box sets at the store: ART OF FIELD RECORDING, VOL. 1: Fifty Years of Traditional American Music Documented by Art Rosenbaum (Dust to Digital, 4 CDs plus 96-page book, $58.98)—featured in The New Yorker last spring. Volume two will be coming out on December 18. GOODBYE BABYLON (Dust to Digital, 6 CDs plus a 200-page book, all packaged in a cedar box, $109.98)—the greatest gospel compilation ever put together. J.S. BACH: THE SACRED MASTERWORKS (BIS, 10 CDs plus libretti, $59.98)—One of the world’s best baroque groups is the Bach Collegium Japan, conducted by Masaaki Suzuki. This is a great set comprising the Mass in B Minor, The St. John and St. Matthew Passions, and the Christmas and Easter Oratorios. THE JOHN ADAMS EARBOX (Nonesuch, 10 CDs, $94.98)—A wonderful introduction to John Adams’s works through 1998. The following box sets are featured in the Holiday Newsletter, and are 15% off for members: HANK WILLIAMS: THE UNRELEASED RECORDINGS (TimeLife, 3 CDs, $39.99)—Fifty-four songs, recorded in 1951, at the peak of his career by Hank and his full band, for the Mother’s Best Flour Company radio broadcasts. The Times’s Ben Ratliff called this “truly one of the best records ever.” GLASS BOX: A NONESUCH RETROSPECTIVE (Nonesuch, 10 CDs, $94.98)—An overview of Philip Glass’s career, in a handsome square box. JAZZ ICONS, SERIES 3 (Jazz Icons, 7 DVDs, plus bonus disc, $125.99). This showcases jazz masters elegantly filmed and taped at their peak, mostly for European television in the 1960s. The artists in Series 3 are Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Nina Simone, Oscar Peterson, Lionel Hampton, Cannonball Adderley, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. STEPHEN SONDHEIM: THE STORY SO FAR (Sony Masterworks, 4 CDs, $52.98)—Sondheim’s Broadway and soundtrack work, with previously unreleased versions, including versions by Sondheim himself. TO BE FREE: THE NINA SIMONE STORY (RCA Legacy, 3 CDs & 1 DVD, $47.98)—A career-spanning collection, including unreleased tracks, and a 1970 TV special.   NEW AWAKE MY SOUL: THE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK & HELP ME TO SING: SONGS OF THE SACRED HEART (Awake Productions, 2CDs, $21.99)—A fantastic document of traditional shape-note singing (on the first CD), and contemporary singers doing versions of shape-note hymns from the Sacred Harp (the most famous shape-note hymnal). Great notes, and a revelation in song. Highly recommended. RY COODER The New York Times Travel section had a great piece on Ry Cooder’s California trilogy—CHAVEZ RAVINE; MY NAME IS BUDDY; I, FLATHEAD (all Nonesuch, $17.98)—and the landscapes that inspired the recordings (read it, here).     •András Goldinger