World

More than a fine pianist, Lara Downes is a cultural curator of top rank, illuminating the tradition of female composers from Clara Schumann to today.

The rare 1970 debut from Jamaica's influential Melodians resurfaces with bonus tracks. Plus, CDs from Hot Club of Cowtown, Steve Goodman, and the Rails.

'That's Not Tango: Astor Piazzolla, A Life in Music' paired vivid performances of a dozen or so pieces with a fascinating first-person recounting of the composer's life.

'That's Not Tango' and the Neave Trio at Lincoln Center declare July the season for the music of the great Argentine tango nuevo composer Astor Piazzolla.

The new album from the Jerusalem Quartet and soprano Hila Baggio brings back the sound and sensibility of a bygone time and place with skill and high spirits.

'The Odessa Job' from VulgarGrad is one of those albums which are a sheer delight to listen to from beginning to end with enthralling music and vocals.

Two worthy adaptation projects: inventive piano tangos from Skogstad and sweet violin interpretations of Charlie Chaplin's movie music from Quint

Great musicians often speak to us most sincerely when they put genre aside and write and play what's in their own distinctive hearts.

Together the musicians craft the feel of a much larger band, taking turns evoking the bandoneón through technique and imaginative force, and summoning orchestral depth by turns dark and brilliant.

'If I Had The Strength' is delightful, full of traditional textured tones, and compact, potent rhythms.