Various Artists

The Trashcan Sinatras are a Scottish treasure and should be mentioned in the same breath as bands such as Teenage Fanclub and The Go-Betweens. Popular polls have even named them one of the best Scottish bands of all time and they are widely regarded as being on of the country's most influential undiscovered gems.  'In The Music' (Lo-Five) which is full of relaxed harmonies - typical Trashcans - was recorded in New York over a crisp, cold winter.

'Elevation' (Infinita) marks an expressive high point for composer and guitarist Lawson Rollins. Departing from conventional song structure Rollins crafts 13 emotionally charged soundscapes rich with moments of both intensity and spaciousness. Featuring lush instrumentation performed by an eclectic ensemble of musicians 'Elevation' mixes Middle Eastern, Spanish, and Indian musical motifs with World Beat rhythms and the distinctively modern guitar stylings of Lawson Rollins.

'Factorycraft' (Chemikal Underground) introduces the listener to the trio's grubby world. 'A psychedelic eruption in the factory.' That's how Edinburgh's new garage band on the block, Found describe their sound, which ranges from urgent, Wire-influenced punk to Joe Meek sci-fi pop, cheapo bossa nova and near acid house grooviness within the space of a few tracks.

Barb Jungr's first album of Bob Dylan songs has deservedly become known as a cult classic and has won her a dedicated fan base around the world.  'Every Grain of Sand' (Linn) established Barb as 'the foremost interpreter of Bob Dylan's back catalogue' (The Independent) - creating standout versions which bring insight and depth to songs which are part of the modern songbook. 

'Lifejacket' (Linn) sees Ian Shaw cement his skills as a consummate jazz performer and vocalist, and showcase his hitherto little known talents as an accomplished songwriter. It's an album of highly personal stories and observations, mixing in Ian's love of jazz, folk and classical music.  Forty-Two is a duet with award-winning singer, Liane Carroll.

Britain's leading female jazz singer, Claire Martin, presents an acerbic look at what it takes to be a jazz musician in the celebrity-obsessed 21st century. The original and contemporary songs on 'A Modern Art' (Linn) are presented with a cool-edge, tinged with a touch of irony and razor-sharp wit. 

Comprising brilliant originals, piano solos and trio playing by pianist Helge Lien, bass player Frode Berg and drummer Knut Aalefjær, 'Hello Troll' (Ozella) is possibly the best piano trio album ever to come from Norway.  The album won multiple accolades including 'Best Jazz Album of the Year' from Aftenposten and Dagbladet and a Norwegian Grammy Award!

Marconi Union's 2005 album 'Distance' (Just Music) was described by The Sunday Times as 'one of the most successful ambient albums of recent years.'  The album's cinematic textures brought them to the attention of larger audiences and won the band international critical acclaim.

Mozart specialist Sir Charles Mackerras delivers a truly memorable recording of 'Mozart Symphonies 38-41' (Linn).  Their special relationship and musical synchronicity makes this recording hugely exhilarating. Winner of the Critics' Award at the 2009 Classical BRIT Awards and Winner of the Disc of the Year and Orchestral Awards at the 2009 BBC Music Awards.