Rhino Vinyl & CDs

Review: Benson's first album since rejoining Warner Music Group earlier this year, it was originally recorded in 1989 but was never released. It features the celebrated composer-arranger Robert Farnon and his orchestra and Farnon's lush arrangements beautifully complement Benson's soulful vocals and fluid guitar work on American standards like 'Autumn Leaves,' 'At Last,' and 'My Romance', as well as reimagined pop classics such as the Beatles' 'Yesterday' and Leon Russell's 'A Song For You.' The album was delayed and subsequently lost until recently rediscovered in Benson's archive and with the help of pianist, composer and arranger Randy Waldman, Benson has revived and remastered the recordings, adding new overdubs and choral arrangements. This release adds a new chapter to Benson's illustrious career, following his tenure with Warner Records from 1976 to 1993, during which he released 12 studio albums, including the triple-platinum Breezin'. Recognised as a jazz master by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) in 2009, Benson continues to be a giant in both jazz and contemporary music.

Review: Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 captures a thrilling live showcase of guitar virtuosity, celebrating a return after a four-year hiatus. With Bill Murray as Master of Ceremonies, this event brought together an exceptional lineup, including Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, H.E.R., Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Santana, John Mayer and more. Across four discs, more than 50 tracks reveal electrifying renditions of blues classics, rock anthems and American Songbook standards, with Clapton himself frequently joining his peers onstage. Highlights include collaborations with the Del McCoury Band, Bradley Walker and stirring performances of 'Eight Miles High' with Roger McGuinn and 'Bluebird' with Stephen Stills. Spanning multiple genres and generations, the set offers a testament to the unifying power of the guitar, underscoring Clapton's influence in gathering top talents from across eras. This release not only chronicles a memorable night for fans but also reinforces the legacy of blues guitar as it finds fresh, dynamic life through each performer. Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023 is essential for blues and rock fans alike.

Review: Little Feat's Deluxe Edition of Feats Don't Fail Me Now celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic group's fourth studio album. Released on a triple CD set, this edition features newly remastered studio recordings alongside rare alternate versions and outtakes from the album sessions. Included in the collection is an exclusive unreleased live recording from Little Feat's 1975 performance in Paris, showcasing the band's dynamic energy on stage. Despite the challenges posed by the loss of session tapes from Blue Seas Recording Studio, where the album was originally recorded, this Deluxe Edition offers a treasure trove of previously unheard material. Feats Don't Fail Me Now highlights the classic lineup's talents, with standout tracks like Rock & Roll Doctor and Oh Atlanta, complemented by the funk-infused sounds of Tower of Power's horn section. Originally released in 1974, the album garnered critical acclaim for its funky grooves and reached gold status, marking a significant milestone in Little Feat's career as it climbed to #36 on the Billboard Top 200.With its wealth of unreleased content and enhanced audio quality, this Deluxe Edition promises to delight both longtime fans and newcomers to Little Feat's timeless music.

Review: WAR's The Collection 1977-1994 is a deep celebration of the band's legacy, featuring five remastered albumsiPlatinum Funk (1977), Galaxy (1'977), The Music Band (1979), Outlaw (1982), and Peace Sign (1994)ishowcasing WAR's evolution as a "sophisticated pop machine" with their signature fusion of funk, soul, and rock. The box sets commemorate WAR's 55th anniversary and follow the success of their The World Is a Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition. The previously rare Platinum Funk, which includes hits like 'L.A. Sunshine', and Outlaw, featuring classics such as 'Cinco De Mayo', highlight the band's diverse musical prowess. With over 50 million records sold globally, WAR's rich sound continues to resonate, solidifying their status as one of music's seminal groups. Fans can anticipate these releases as a treasure box of rhythm and history.