composer Nino Rota. Rota, who had built his reputation alongside Fellini (though he'd already scored some three dozen films in the previous 20 years), brought Neopolitan jazz stylings and a Sicilian melodic sensibilty (characterized perfectly by the main title's mournful solo trumpet, which has since become a cinematic icon) to a story of corruption and betrayal as American as, well, gnocchi. Listening to this masterful score one can't help but wonder what Rota, who died in 1979) might have accomplished had he begun working with Hollywood's resources a decade earlier. --Jerry McCulley  (less)

grew exponentially. It doesn't matter that his self-titled debut was only so-so. Rather than take the obvious bait and dis alleged snitch P Diddy across these 13 tracks, he instead goes after media darling 50 Cent. Phoning in his verses (literally) on "For the Record," he charges that 50 is a snitch and studio thug. Now that's gangsta. There are a few hidden gems here among the rehashed beats and songs. Kanye West continues to make everyone sound good; his brooding, string-laden soundscape on "More or Less" perfectly matches Shyne's gothic vocal tone and declarations: "hip-hop ain't responsible for violence in America/America's responsible for violence in America." Beat baron Just Blaze does his part on "Diamonds ...  (less)

Coppola's musical choices were equally sage; aged Italian scoring legend Nino Rota's mournful solo trumpet theme ("Godfather Waltz") would become both a crucial, emotional link in all three films and an enduring modern icon on a par with the themes to Star Wars and Jaws . This compendium gathers key themes from the Godfather trilogy in modern rerecordings, by conductor Paul Bateman and the Prague Philharmonic, that are sonically pristine and faithful to the originals. Utilizing the rich musical heritage of his native Italy (and occasionally evoking memories of his great collaborations with Fellini), Rota's Godfather music would ultimately net him his only Oscar ® , for Godfather II . Carmine Coppola, the director's father, supplements Rota's work...  (less)

over 4,000 records and is currently playing nightly on the Broadway performance of Hair, which has racked up eight Tony Award nominations to date. * Features Bill Easley on saxophone. Easley is a renowned session player who has worked with Isaac Hayes , done sessions at Stax , and performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Benny Carter, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Ruth Brown, Bill Mobley, Victor Gaskin, Mulgrew Miller, Ron Carter , and Grady Tate . * Reuben Wilson invented soul-jazz, a style of flowing B-3 organ playing over smoking drums that inspired players like George Clinton and Sly Stone. * As the son of legendary jazz guitarist Grant Green, Grant Green, Jr. was exposed to exceptional musicianship right out of the womb. Today, his sty...  (less)

"Love Theme" originally hit #144 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1972, and "Alone Again" went as high as #180.  (less)