Discover the melodic blend of rock, pop and folk from the talented new Scottish singer/songwriter Maeve O'Boyle. Her debut album was named ‘Album of the Month' in The Music Critic: "The best album of the year so far". Track taken from the album 'All My Sins' (AKD 318).
2009 British Jazz Award-winner, Claire Martin, released her 12th studio album ‘A Modern Art', which was named one of the ‘Best Albums of 2009' by Record Collector: "Another top-notch release". Track taken from 'A Modern Art' (AKD 340).
Ian Shaw realised his musical ambitions when he released this album of self-penned material. At turns witty and poignant this heartfelt collection of songs won the award-winning singer widespread praise: "If "Lifejacket" doesn't end up at or very near the top of this year's jazz vocal roster, I'll eat my iPod" (Jazz Times). Track taken from 'Lifejacket' (AKD 311).
'Dreamsville' marked the long-awaited studio return of UK jazz legend Carol Kidd. The album, which includes a new version of her worldwide hit 'When I Dream' was named the 'Best CD' at the 2009 Scottish Jazz Awards. Track taken from 'Dreamsville' (AKD 325).
The Gareth Williams Power Trio burst onto the jazz scene with a selection of funky originals. BBC Music Magazine named 'Shock!' Jazz Choice in April 2009: "The wow factor in Gareth Williams's all-Welsh trio comes from projecting controlled, inner power into the music. And what a programme." Track taken from 'Shock!' (AKD 326).
The cool, ‘new swing' from acclaimed actor turned vocalist, Mark Moraghan, generated widespread national radio play and television coverage. 'Moonlight's Back in Style' won the singer some famous fans, notably Bob Harris, Tim Rice and Sir Michael Parkinson: "A welcome venture into the world of swing". Track taken from 'Moonlight's Back in Style (songs by Nicky Campbell)' (AKD 345).
Recorder virtuoso Pamela Thorby teamed up with harpist Andrew Lawrence-King in a delightful selection of unusual and eloquent pieces for recorders, harps and psaltery. "This is Paradise indeed" (Gramophone). Taken from the album 'Garden of Early Delights' (CKD 291).
Retrospect Trio released their critically acclaimed Linn début. Their recording, celebrating the 350th anniversary of Henry Purcell, was a ‘Finalist' in the 2009 Classic FM Gramophone Awards and named Sunday Times 'Classical CD of the Week': "The playing is immaculate...an absolute winner". Taken from the album 'Henry Purcell: Ten Sonatas in Four Parts' (CKD 332).
The Dunedin Consort's Matthew Passion was named a ‘Benchmark Recording' by BBC Music Magazine and received many five star reviews from publications such as The Observer, The Herald, The Scotsman, The Financial Times and The Guardian: "There's no doubt that this one is the pick of this year's crop...tinglingly vivid". Taken from the album 'JS Bach Matthew Passion (Final performing version, c. 1742)' (CKD 313).
Phantasm's debut recording on Linn explores the music of the Jacobean composer John Ward and was named BBC Music Choice: "Phantasm's playing is impeccable...Tudor viol music seldom sounds better than this". Track taken from 'John Ward: Consort music for five and six viols' (CKD 339).
The second disc in Artur Pizarro's acclaimed Ravel series contains some of Ravel's most cherished piano works. "We are not short of Ravel discs but I would place this (and the first volume) the top of the list." (hi-fi+). Track taken from 'The Complete Works of Ravel Vol. 2' (CKD 315).
The Grammy Award-winning Chamber Orchestra of Europe give a vibrant and beautiful performance of some of Stravinsky's lovliest ballet music for their Linn debut. "Wonderfully characterful...mesmerising" (BBC Music Magazine). Track taken from 'Stravinsky Apollon musagete & Pulcinella Suite' (CKD 330).
The internationally-acclaimed Hebrides Ensemble released 'Olivier Messiaen: Chamber Works' to celebrate the centenary of the innovative composer in 2008. "Transparent surround sonics greatly aid the listener's experience of this amazing work" (Audiophile Audition). Track taken from 'Olivier Messiaen: Chamber Works' (CKD 314).
The multi-award-winning team of Sir Charles Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra contribute two tracks. The first features the virtuosic talents of Artur Pizarro in a recording of 'Beethoven Piano Concertos 3, 4 & 5'. "Nearly two hours of unalloyed delight" (International Record Review). The second is from ‘Mozart Symphonies 38-41' which was named ‘Disc of the Year' by BBC Music and won the ‘Critics' Award' at the 2009 Classical BRITs. "It is Mackerras and the SCO who triumph in the finest accounts of the Prague, E flat, G minor and Jupiter ever recorded." (The Sunday Times). Tracks taken from 'Beethoven Piano Concertos 3, 4 & 5' (CKD 336) and ‘Mozart Symphonies 38-41' (CKD 308).