Bela Fleck & The Flecktones
Artist: Béla Fleck & The Flecktones
Community Score: 7.12

After disbanding New Grass Revival, Bela Fleck began re-creating the role of the banjo in the same way Charlie Parker redefined the role of the saxophone. But Fleck may be the least-innovative member of this quartet: Howard Levy gets chromatics from his blues harp, Victor Wooten picks banjo rolls on his bass, and Roy "Future Man" Wooten plays a... Read More

Pray
Artist: Andraé Crouch
Heaven Help Us All
Artist: The Steeles
Yesterday & Today: A Celebration in Song
Artist: Perry Como

RCA's three-disc Perry Como box is an excellent summation of the career of one of the best adult-pop singers of the 1950s and '60s. It's the best compilation of hits available, and includes the best songs of his early career ("Till the End of Time," "Prisoner of Love," "Temptation") as well as those from his later easy-listening period ("Papa... Read More

Solo Banjo Works
Artist: Tony Trischka
Wes Bound
Artist: Lee Ritenour
Another Hand
Artist: David Sanborn

When David Sanborn debuted on Elektra with Another Hand after a 13-year stay at Warner Bros., the altoist swore off formulaic, radio-oriented muzak and vowed to make artistic considerations his main priority. There's nothing shallow or contrived about the album, an exploratory, heartfelt effort generally defined by his introspective,... Read More

Nelson Rangell
Artist: Nelson Rangell
Community Score: 10.00

While most instrumental artists are content to find a niche by developing their chops on a single instrument and creating one distinctive sound, Nelson Rangell always felt that doing so would shortchange the listening public of his musical diversity. His second GRP release features various styles and such wind instruments as alto and soprano... Read More

Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?
Artist: George Howard

Unlike most of the soprano blowers out there in the pop-jazz market, Howard avoids the "Fuzak" plague, and keeps a stronghold on his R&B roots. At the same, time, Howard's 1992 CD stays away from the vocal-dominated tracks, which pop up all the more frequently in this genre. A solid, masterful set of funk/fusion. ~ Steve Aldrich, All Music Guide Read More

The Gershwin Connection
Artist: Dave Grusin

Because many of Dave Grusin's albums have been rather commercial and overproduced, it is often forgotten how excellent a pianist he could be. This CD, which includes a 40-page booklet, features an enjoyable program of George and Ira Gershwin tunes played by a continually changing all-star lineup that includes the leader's piano, clarinetist... Read More

Outside/Inside
Artist: Tim Eyermann & The East Coast Offering

The title Outside/Inside might have led some to believe that this was an avant-garde CD that contained both dissonant "outside" improvisation and tonal "inside" playing. But in fact, there's nothing outside about this album, which finds soprano and alto saxman/flutist Tim Eyermann favoring a very melodic and lyrical approach to fusion and... Read More

Hymns, Carols and Songs About Snow
Artist: Tuck Andress

Six-string superhero Tuck Andress, who normally records as half of a pop-jazz duo with his wife Patti, is at his best on this collection of traditional Christmas songs, all rendered on solo electric guitar. You'll find all of the seasonal tunes you know and love, from "Winter Wonderland" to "Deck the Halls," and although there are a few strange... Read More

Love Warriors
Artist: Tuck & Patti
Community Score: 10.00

For this enjoyable set, guitarist Tuck Andress and singer Patti Cathcart perform a wide-ranging program of material, falling between jazz, folk and pop. Highlights include Lennon & McCartney's "Honey Pie," Dori Caymmi's "Like a Lover," "On a Clear Day," a Jimi Hendrix medley, and their version of "Glory Glory." Although the vocal/guitar duets... Read More

High Places: The Best of Hosanna Music
Artist: Ron Kenoly
Community Score: 10.00

High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly is an excellent 15-track retrospective of Kenoly's finest moments, offering a perfect summary of his career to date, plus an ideal intorduction to the contemporary Christian singer. Among the highlights are "Lift Him Up," "Sing Out," "Praise the Lord All Nations," "God Is Able," "Mourning into Dancing," "We're... Read More