RAMBLINGS.(Review)

Welcome to Issue #86, an issue that looks at a wide variety of equipment of different shapes, sorts, and sizes. From surround-sound receivers to a phono cartridge, our reviewers have eagerly plied their trade in their quest to find good values in today's audio marketplace. More likely than not, there is something in this issue that you will love -- or hate -- no matter what your prejudices or inclinations. Our aim is true.

A New Review of an Old Recording: Actually, this recording is not that old; it has been out for less than a year, but I have been remiss in not recommending it sooner. Looking back over the last six months or so, in fact, I have come to realize that this may well be one of the most-played CDs in my collection. I put in on to get a burst of energy, and I put it on when I am all wound up and need to relax. I play it home, I play it at work, and I play it in the car whether driving back and forth to and from work or driving back and forth to and from play. This wonderful CD, titled Modern Answers to Old Problems, features guitarist Ernest Ranglin (Telarc Blues CD-63526). Ranglin weaves guitar lines over the rambling rhythms of a crack rhythm section, and there are some appealing vocal selections featuring singer Sylvia Tella. With the African rhythms and seductive guitar rolling and bouncing and bumping off ...