The recording of Hersch's evening-length suite, which is based on Walt Whitman's seminal book of poems, was released on February 22; he is performing the work on tour this month. His 12-member ensemble includes vocalists Kurt Elling and Kate McGarry, trumpeter Ralph Alessi, trombonist Mike Christianson, clarinetist Bruce Williamson, tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby, cellist Erik Friedlander, bassist Drew Gress, and drummer John Hollenbeck.

Vocalists Michael Bubl_'s It's Time remained at number one for the fifth straight week, with Chris Botti's When I Fall in Love and Madeleine Peyroux's Careless Love in the second and third spots.

Guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel's Deep Song enjoyed increased sales, moving from number 13 to number 11 in its second week on the chart.

Kenny G's At Last... The Duets Album topped the contemporary jazz chart for the 15th week. The trio Matt Bianco's Matt's Mood moved from 14 to eight in its second week; albums by Spyro Gyra and Fourplay re-entered the chart at 21 and 24 respectively after dropping off last week.