TRACKLISTING
VERDI : La Traviata: Highlights
Brindisi (Toast): 'Libiamo ne' lieti calici' · 'Un dì felice, eterea' · 'È strano! ... Ah, fors'è lui...Sempre libera' · 'Lunge da lei ... De' miei bollenti spiriti' · 'Oh, mio rimorso!' · 'Pura siccome un angelo...Ah! Dite alla giovine' · 'Che fai?" ... "Nulla' · 'Invitato a qui seguirmi' · 'Ogni suo aver tal femmina' · 'Di sprezzo degno se stesso rende' · 'Alfredo, Alfredo, di questo core' · 'Annina?' / 'Comandate?' · 'Teneste la promessa ... Attendo, né a me giungon mai!' · 'Addio del passato' · 'Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo' · 'Ah, non più! - Ah! Gran Dio! Morir sì giovine' · 'Prendi, quest'è l'immagine'

When Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón starred in Salburg's production of Verdi's La Traviata they caused a sensation.

This month's New Blood album is simply called 'Violetta' and features all of the most beloved moments from this beloved and very romantic opera.

Anna Netrebko is the feted courtesan to the life, encompassing the glamour, the beauty, but also the sadness of this extraordinary woman. Rolando Villazón brings his passionate voice to play the ardent lover Alfredo and Thomas Hampson is a very suave and dignified father Germont.

The complete opera is also available this month (see Classics - Priorities for details).

Hope and Desire, is a powerful new collection of a dozen songs soulfully rendered by Susan Tedeschi.   The album marks the acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist's major label debut.

Since her breakthrough with 1998's Just Won't Burn, GRAMMY-nominee Tedeschi has made an impact with her seemingly effortless ability to blend blues, rock, R&B, folk, and gospel in her own unique way.   A superb songwriter, Tedeschi takes a new direction on Hope and Desire by showcasing her skills as an interpreter of song, and performing only tunes penned by others.   Among her keenly-chosen selections are The Rolling Stones' "You Got the Silver," Bob Dylan's "Lord Protect My Child," and Percy Mayfield's "The Danger Zone." Says Tedeschi, "I've wanted to record some old tunes by other artists that I admire for a while, and it seemed like the right time."   Some of the other works featured on the album include "Soul of a Man," written by Oliver Sain, "Security," by Margaret Wesson and Otis Redding, and "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever," by Ivy George Hunter and Stevie Wonder.

Tedeschi's goal with Hope and Desire, her first new recording since 2002's Wait For Me, was "to make a great, soulful record," and she has clearly succeeded with this riveting collection.   From the funky "Tired of My Tears" to the poignant "Follow," each song is thoroughly engrossing, led by the raw, searing power of Tedeschi's voice.   The album's fresh, spontaneous sound (it was recorded in only 10 days), was captured under the guidance of singer/songwriter Joe Henry, the disc's producer.

Some notable guests also contributed to the vision of Hope and Desire. The venerable gospel outfit The Blind Boys of Alabama joined Tedeschi in singing "Magnificent Sanctuary Band," adding a simply magical quality to the song.   Also lending his talents is Tedeschi's husband, renowned guitarist Derek Trucks, leader of his own popular Derek Trucks Band, and a current member of the Allman Brothers Band.