Rufus Harley is unquestionably the greatest bagpipe player in jazz history. Given the competition, that may seem a rather dubious distinction, but one listen to The Pied Piper of Jazz will convince all but the most skeptical. Culled from a number of Atlantic recordings (circa 1966-67), these tunes prove that Harley's instrument is far more than a novelty. Combining a droning nasal sound, reminiscent of John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" soprano sax style, Harley coaxes the bagpipes to swing soulfully on "Feeling Good" and "Bagpipe Blues." His more conventional tenor sax is featured on "Pipin' the Blues" (along with guest Sonny Stitt), and his Roland Kirk-influenced flute sound is displayed on "More." In short, the idiosyncratic elements of Harley's bagpipes sound downright hip when he's on sax and flute, two obviously more pivotal jazz horns. What's ultimately fresh here is that mix of soulful, standard jazz methodology and something almost entirely new, even decades after Harley's pipes were caught on tape. —Wally Shoup

With Litany, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt created one of his stirring works: a nearly 23-minute long composition for orchestra and vocal ensemble based upon the 24 prayers of St. John Chrysostom (one for each hour of the day). Commissioned for the 25th Oregon Bach Festival, the composition is both memorable and timeless. It finds influences in everything from chant to the repetition of modern minimalism. Play it loudly and the striking vocals of the Hilliard Ensemble simply soar against the strings of Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. The orchestral Trisagion harkens towards Litany's mood swings and impact, but—sans voice—lacks the mysticism. One of Part's best, and as sacred as modern compositions come. —Jason Verlinde

The Benvenue Fortepiano Trio s acclaimed accounts of Schumann s First and Third Piano Trios opened the ears of chamber music devotees with the crystalline textures of its period instruments and the drawing-room intimacy of its interpretations. Anchored by the enterprising violinist Monica Huggett, who has produced numerous chart-topping recordings and a Grammy® nomination for Avie Records, the Trio completes Schumann s canon for the genre, complimenting the Second Trio with the Piano Quartet and casting the spotlight on Eric Zivian and his mellifluous 1841 instrument with his rendition of Schumann s beloved Kinderszenen.