Thistle & Jewel, with vocalist Rebecca Campbell and composer/pianist Carol Ann Weaver, is a collection of Weaver's songs based on poetry of internationally known Mennonite-rooted poets Julia Kasdorf, Jeff Gundy, Ann Hostetler, and the young Canadian Kiera Schneider.

In these well-programmed songs for baritone, Gentle Lady, features two distinguished composers of the 20th century whose working lives were centered in Western Canada. The essential lyricism of Jean Coulthard and the clarity and boldness of expression characteristic of Violet Archer seems somehow rooted in this dynamic geography even as these songs travel in both time and place, seeking a contrast of inspiration.

Marking the tenth year since Canadian trombonist/composer/arranger Dave McMurdo has been able to keep his irregularly assembled 19-piece orchestra in fine fettle, if not in actual paying gigs, this two-disc set should alert many stateside and European ears to its potential as a festival attraction.

Taalworks is a dynamic recording featuring North indian tabla solo compositions with intriguing melodic textures, including Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and The Swan by Saint Saens.