With Seeing, Tord Gustavsen begins an intricate new chapter in his series of acclaimed trio recordings, initiated in 2003 with Changing Places – an album that is today considered a classic. The new recording with its compact, concentrated song forms „reflects my personal development as I get older, going for the essentials in life and music“, says the Norwegian pianist. Throughout five originals, two cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach, a traditional Norwegian church hymn, plus the 19th century English chorale „Nearer My God, to Thee“, Tord together with long-time ally Jarle Vespestad on drums and Steinar Raknes on double bass digs deep into his unique blend of jazz, blues, gospel, Scandinavian folk and church music. „Cherishing the melodies“, as Tord puts it, the group’s interplay draws strength from restraint, patiently building the music toward its climaxes, while Gustavsen, a true master of the trio format, shapes the whole with his delicate touch and subtle gospel glow.

Ex-The Band drummer/vocalist Levon Helm could not have surrounded himself with a more talented group of musicians for his first solo outing - Booker T. and the MGs and Dr. John anchor the RCO All-Stars. But while there is no question that the band can really cook, Levon's homey Arkansas twang gets a little lost in the mix. In general, though, the songs are buoyed by Paul Butterfield's blues harp and the crack horn section, especially on the soulful "Rain Down Tears."

True prog pioneers in Estonia, MESS were formed in 1974 around keyboard guru Sven Grünberg and master of electronics Härmo Härm (ex-POSITRON). With the help of a drummer, bassist and guitarist as well as artist Kaarel Kurismaa who provided ingenious stage designs full of props and intricate lightshows, MESS turned their every gig into a sonic and visual experience not to be missed. They were eventually joined on percussion by RUJA's founding member Andrus Vaht as well as by a host of musicians contributing oboe, French horn and church organ; even world famous Tõnu Kaljuste lent his choir to add flavour to their music. Highly recommended to fans of keyboard-driven space prog such as KLAUS SCHULZE, TANGERINE DREAM, JEAN-MICHEL JARRE and the likes.

Recorded over two nights at the Wuhleide Venue, Live Aus Berlin demonstrates that Rammstein actually benefits from being heard in a live setting - it recovers the immediacy and raw metallic bite that were somewhat toned down in the studio. Thus, the group sounds even more vicious, and the guttural German chanting that's one of the cornerstones of their sound takes on a more threatening aura. Even if fans are already familiar with this material, Live Aus Berlin still prove a necessary purchase.