Carl Friedrich Abel (1723-1787) was born in Köthen, a small German city, where his father, played viola da gamba and cello in the court orchestra. In 1723 Abel senior became director of the orchestra, when the previous director, Johann Sebastian Bach, moved to Leipzig. That the young Abel later attended the Leipzig Thomasschule and was taught there by Bach is not finally confirmed. What is known, however, is that he joined Johann Adolph Hasse's court orchestra in Dresden on Bach's recommendation in 1748, where he remained for nine years. On Bach's recommendation in 1748 he was able to join Johann Adolph Hasse's court orchestra at Dresden, where he remained for fifteen years.

Thick as Thieves is the fourth album by Canadian rock band Trooper, released in 1978. The album was produced by Randy Bachman of Bachman–Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who fame. The album went platinum in their home country, and featured the group's only successful U.S. single, "Raise a Little Hell".

UK 'Best Of' for the late lamented singer songwriter who sang with The Smiths, Talking Heads, the list goes on and on. This 18 track collection (long out of print in the U.S.) gives an overview of her eclectic career, highlighting her skills as an interpreter of classic songs and a talented songwriter in her own right. Tracks include her first hit for Stiffrecords, 'There's A Guy Down The Chipshop Swears He's Elvis', 'They Don't Know' (Kirsty's own composition, later a hit for Tracy Ullman), the Brian Wilson inspired, 'He's On The Beach', the Christmas classic, 'Fairy Tale Of New York' feat.The Pogues, and covers of The Smiths' 'You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby', The Kinks' 'Days' and Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day' feat. Evan Dando. 1995 release.

Serious marks the beginning of Luther Allison's late-'80s/early-'90s hot streak. The more streamlined, rock-oriented approach actually is a benefit, since it gives Allison a shot of energy that makes his guitar simply burn all the way through the record.

This is one of the better Art Farmer recordings of the 1980s, which is saying a great deal, for the flugelhornist is among the most consistent of all jazz musicians. The two ballads that open and close this set ("Blame It on My Youth" and "I'll Be Around") give Farmer an opportunity to display his warm and attractive sound (with fine support from pianist James Williams, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Victor Lewis), while the other five pieces (Benny Carter's "Summer Serenade" and more obscure material) add the great tenor saxophonist (and so-so soprano player) Clifford Jordan to the group. It's an enjoyable and very successful outing.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach to the history of science and invention, Connections explores an "Alternative View of Change" that rejects the conventional linear and teleological view of historical progress. To demonstrate this view, Burke begins each episode with a particular event or innovation in the past (usually ancient or medieval) and traces a path from that event through a series of connections to a fundamental and essential aspect of the modern world.