Dig These Discs :: Nikka Costa, Wynter Gordon, Terri Lyne Carrington, Strike Up The Band, The Japanese Popstars

"Ahhh... the long, hot summer!" For July's "Dig These Discs," I have several suggestions of new music with which you can chill and thrill. I hope they will put a smile on your face as you beat the heat. So whether it is poolside, in front of a roaring fan or in the cool, cool of the evening, let these selections be your guide.

"The Mosaic Project" (Terri Lyne Carrington)

What is jazz? It certainly has many different layers and facets. With "The Mosaic Project," pretty much everything is thrown in but the kitchen sink. On this special collaborative collection, Terri Lyne Carrington is joined by an all-female group of singers. On this outing she provides the beat of her fantastic drumming while also wearing the hats of vocalist and producer. The sounds presented are by Esperanza Spalding, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson and several other notable women in this genre. Whether it's the song "I Got Lost in His Arms" which provides a lush and simple jazz groove or the busy eclectic sweep of "Sisters on the Rise," these ladies provide a powerful expression of emotions, passion and pride on "The Mosaic Project." (Available July 19)

"With the Music I Die" EP (Wynter Gordon)

Do you need a quick blast of music to cool you off? This album is just like running through the sprinklers on a hot summer day - just enough to cool you off and leave you wanting much more. Grab all three of the songs on Wynter Gordon's EP and put them in your IPod immediately. Wynter has the sass of Gwen Stefani with a small touch of her own personal cynicism. This cynicism sparkles on "Buy Me Love" and turns rebellious on the club anthem "Till Death (Do We Party)." It always seems that the music industry is looking for the next best thing. Let them take a few splashes of music from Wynter Gordon. She's the perfect recipe to beat the summer heat. (Available Now)

"Strike Up the Band" - (2011 Studio Cast Recording)

This recording is extremely rich, loaded with class and brimming over with beautiful music and lyrics. For the first time ever, the entire 1930 score of "Strike Up The Band," by George and Ira Gershwin, is presented with a delightful studio cast. A stellar line-up of vocalists is accompanied by a 28-piece orchestra and let it be known... theatre queens will be jumping for joy. An inventive libretto of big business, war-mongering and the relationships between employees of a chocolate factory come together in one witty scenario. Immortal songs such as the title track, "Strike Up the Band," "I've Got a Crush on You" and "Soon," along with other gems, come to life once more with timeless authority. Impressively packaged with a history of the original production, original cast member photos and a thorough commentary on the show, it's packaged sunshine all around. (Available now)

"Pro Whoa!" (Nikka Costa)

Nikka Costa and her 6-song set called "Pro Whoa!" is an explosion of high intensity. Costa is a songwriter who can "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" with her lyrical skills and voice. Her songs are poetry in motion. Use the first cut "Head First" for the warm-up, then be sure to burn some serious calories with "Nylons in a Rip." Here's a sample of some fantastic lyrics. "Now you got my nylons in a rip. Running round trying to make sense of it. Trying to grow flowers in your bullshit. You'd put out the sun if you got hold of it." If there is someone in your life who is pissing you off, Nikka has the anthem for you. Costa's vocals can exude Prince or Aretha Franklin, but she clearly marks her individual stamp of style and originality with every track. (Available now)

"Controlling Your Allegiance" (The Japanese Popstars)

Let me break it down. The Japanese Popstars are three guys from Derry, North Ireland. Decky, Gareth and Gary are not Japanese and their electronica sound which is winning blue ribbons in the U.K. is "Thank God" not poppy. Now, these U.K. darlings have released their second record called, "Controlling Your Allegiance." Their choice to include vocalists was a brilliant move to an already well-done and intriguing batch of music. There is a slew of major talent on this record. After searching through his junk e-mails, Robert Smith of The Cure found a message from the trio and said, "Yes. I love your music. What can we do together?" The result is a thought-provoking examination of the state of dance and electronic music and The Japanese Popstars pass with flying grades. Remember the days of "It's got a good beat and I can dance to it?" The lyrics add mountains to the thrill. (Available now)