Another varied and fascinating selection of new releases

Nicolette Larson,”Look In My Direction-The Warner Bros. Recordings” (Cherry Red)- This polished soft-rock package extends over 4 CDs as it delivers a comprehensive overview of the late Nicolette Larson’s Warners output, reviving four studio albums alongside an easy on the ear concert recording ,”Live at the Roxy,”, several bonus remixes and a soundtrack rarity to name but a few.The astute compilers at Cherry Red have included some interesting examples of Nicolette’s work with other similarly gifted artists such as Steve Goodman, Emmylou Harris and the Doobie Brothers to underline the rare qualities which made this Montana born performer such an appealing, if sadly rather unappreciated, figure during her creative heyday in the late seventies and early eighties.

“So High I’ve Been-A European Rock Anthology 1967-1973” (Grapefruit/Cherry Red)- This fascinating new Cherry Red anthology shines a welcome and long overdue spotlight on the creative outpourings of the denizens of mainland Europe’s burgeoning underground rock scene during the late sixties and early seventies. Britain’s record buying public largely turned their backs on the musical exploits of their continental cousins during this period but the 3 CD set does showcase a few of the sadly all too rare Continental singles successes from those increasingly dim and distant days, most notably The Rattles’ “The Witch,” Golden Earring’s “Radar Love” and Dutch prog rockers Focus’ elegant instrumental hit from 1973, “Sylvia.” Other notable contributions to this celebration of the delights of inventive European rock are supplied by the likes of Burnin’ Red Ivanhoe, Wigwam, Premiata Forneria Marconi and Evolution, who chip in with a spirited hard rock revamp of the King Crimson classic,”21st Century Schizoid Man.”

Lester Young,”Lester Leaps In-Live at Birdland 1951-1952” (Wienerworld / Liberation Hall)- Devotees of the tenor saxophone will presumably already be well acquainted with the capabilities of the legendary Lester Young, and this atmospheric live package captures some of his performances at New York’s Birdland venue during the early fifties. These AM radio broadcasts were captured for posterity by an amateur jazz fan during the early days of home recording and find the former Count Basie sideman and his gifted cohorts applying their improvisational skills to much loved standards such as “How High The Moon” and “These Foolish Things” amongst others.