The major players of the global record business today such as Universal, Sony and BMG have nothing on the history and longevity of India’s leading music company Saregama. The company was founded in 1901 as the first overseas branch of Electrical & Musical Industries Ltd, EMI, London. Beginning life as The Gramophone Company Of India Ltd it became even more popularly known as HMV and then Saregama India Ltd. The name is synonymous to India’s billion plus population as the best-known record company on the subcontinent.

While Plena Libre’s 2004 release “Estamos Gozando!” paid tribute to the past history of plena and its old masters, their new recording, aptly titled Evolucion (evolution) is Plena Libre’s new, updated reincarnation. Evolucion pushes the envelope further; the record adds new rhythms, and especially the bomba -- another Afro-Rican genre typically played on barrel like drums – to the Plena Libre repertoire.

Following on from her internationally acclaimed albums ‘Fado Em Mim’ and ‘Fado Curvo’, both released in North America on Times Square Records, Mariza releases her much anticipated, third CD ‘Transparente’ in the USA. Recorded in Brazil with the musician and producer Jaques Morelenbaum, its subtle arrangements create a breathtaking sound palette over which Mariza’s stunning voice weaves and casts its spell. (Morelenbaum is a byword in the world of music, having produced the albums ‘Livro’ by Caetano Veloso, the winner of the 1999 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, and ‘António Brasileiro’ by Tom Jobim.) The insight and restraint of the production and the playing of the accompanying musicians enhances and deepens the fado experience, bringing new sonic surprises to the fado tradition rather than transplanting the singer into other musical forms. The vocals interplay with such instruments as flute, cello and accordion as well as the Portuguese guitar that has added its distinct notes to all of Mariza’s albums. Here the old touches the new in a creative, positive and exciting direction.

The featured artists on this specially priced compilation, have been the most revered and popular in their respective genres, and have been nominated for and/or won some of the most prestigious awards including the Grammies, BBC World, etc.etc.

This collection brings together the very best of Jack Bruce’s recordings of his solo career including rare and previously unreleased tracks. Featuring an incredible array of musical talent, he is reunited with his former Cream partners, Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker as well as Clem Clempson, Gary Moore and Maggie Reilly. The 14 track set revisits highlights from his long career including NSU and Politician and a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s The Wind Cries Mary.

Jamaica’s greatest female Reggae artists like Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt are brought together in this long overdue tribute - Queens of Reggae. Although they have had a lower profile in the history of Reggae music than their male counterparts, these Reggae Divas have all made priceless contributions to the musical genre and their talent is unparalleled.

Donald ‘Tabby’ Shaw (The Prophet), Fitzroy ‘Bunny’ Simpson (The Jester) and Lloyd ‘Judge’ Ferguson (The Judge) – are The Mighty Diamonds, one of the most famous Reggae groups to emerge from Jamaica. Originally hailing from the infamous Trenchtown area of Kingston – the trio formed in 1969 and were soon to enjoy worldwide acclaim for their rich soulful harmonies and Motown influenced sound. Still performing today, solid in their original line-up, The Mighty Diamonds’ melodic Reggae has won them fans worldwide.