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Ma Fleur

Cinematic Orchestra's fourth studio album, Ma Fleur soars from start to finish. The disc opens with the all-too-brief "That Home" which showcases a new guest vocalist brought into the Orchestra clan, Montreal native Patrick Watson whose Coldplay-meets-Jeff-Buckley fragility fits inside the folds of the sparse melody perfectly; his contribution to the sweeping soundscape of closer "To Build a Home" proves equally spectacular, adding an increased vulnerability and richness to the music. "Time and Space," featuring enigmatic Lamb frontwoman Lou Rhodes, offers the perfect combination of vocal ache with the lushness of cello and violin, eventually expanding into a full contemporary-classical-meets-downtempo vibe. Former contributing vocalist Fontella Bass once again brings her timeless soul to the mix ("Breathe" and "Familiar Ground") which will delight longtime fans of the U.K. band. Fans of Cinematic Orchestra's more upbeat hip-hop and jazz numbers from previous releases will discover that there is nothing especially uptempo on this disc; in certain respects, the evenness of Zero 7 discs may provide a more apt comparison, contextually. While that may frustrate some, the power of Ma Fleur from beginning to end is a holistic package of sensuality and softness that makes for a nearly perfect, perfectly timeless release. --Denise Sheppard

Every Day

An old music-press adage claims that second albums are notoriously "difficult." If this were true, then Every Day should be one big disappointment. The fact that it's arguably one of 2002's finest jazz albums (yes, jazz--as in real, old-fashioned, clarinets-and-trumpets jazz) proves how talented Jason Swinscoe's Cinematic Orchestra are. Following up their impeccable debut, Motion, was going to be tough, but they've surpassed themselves here. While the former was a fusion of sample-culture smoky, backroom jazz, Every Day is jazz pure and simple--old jazz for the nu-jazz generation. "Man with the Movie Camera," "Burnout," and "Flite" are near-perfect soundtrack jazz pieces: epic, shuffling, ever shifting. "All That You Give" and "Evolution" highlight the enchanting vocals of legendary soul singer Fontella Bass. Best of all, though, is the Roots Manuva collaboration "All Things to All Men"--proof that jazz and rap aren't as strange bedfellows as some may think. It's spellbinding stuff and sure to be one of 2002's finer albums. --Matt Anniss

Live at the Royal Albert Hall

One of the most revered and versatile live bands from the UK, The Cinematic Orchestra have toured the world, headlined festivals, and even performed a party for Stanley Kubrick. On November 2, 2007 they played at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London accompanied by the 24-piece Heritage Orchestra. This release highlights the best moments from the night, including songs from the band's most recent album "Ma Fleur", as well as favorites from previous albums. Featuring "To Build A Home", "Breathe", "All That You Give", "Flite", and more. Guest vocalists include Lou Rhodes, Grey Reverend, and Heidi Vogel.

Four Jills in a Jeep

Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 10/07/2008 Run time: 89 minutes Rating: Nr

Man with a Movie Camera