Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week's CD releases.

Jim Lauderdale,"From Another World" (Yep Roc)- This prolific roots music performer has assembled a hugely impressive back catalogue during the past three decades or so, releasing albums with astonishing regularity as well penning hits for Nashville luminaries such as George Strait, Patty Loveless and the great George Jones. The latest offering from this Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and Americana legend is a typically imaginative and eclectic affair blessed with beguiling ditties such as "The Secrets of the Pyramids" and Jim's heartfelt plea for empathy and understanding in a troubled world,"Listen."

Laura Nyro, "Spread Your Wings and Fly" (Floating World)- Laura Nyro's unique brand of soulful introspection is captured at its most compelling in this spare and unadorned live set, which was captured for posterity at New York's Fillmore East in May 1971. A series of memorable medleys give Laura an opportunity to pay homage to some of her own musical influences as she stamps her distinctive imprint on classic tunes such as "Walk On By," "Dancing in the Street" and Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," and the native New Yorker also delivers a stunning version of one of the string of hits which she penned for the 5th Dimension,"Save The Country."

Humble Pie,"Up Our Sleeve: Official Bootleg Box Set Vol.3" (Cherry Red)-The contents of this visceral 5CD box set provide a fascinating insight into Humble Pie's live output during the early seventies, although they certainly wouldn't win any awards for their technical perfection or slick production values . The forty four tracks on offer here have been culled from audience recordings made at various American venues during 1972 and 1973, giving listeners an opportunity to experience multiple versions of perennial crowd-pleasers such as "I Don't Need No Doctor," "Hot'n'Nasty" and Eddie Cochran's "Hallelujah (I Love Her So)" captured in the lowest of low fidelity sound.

"Ruf Records 25 Years Anniversary" (Ruf)- The excellent label founded by German blues enthusiast Thomas Ruf in 1994 celebrates its 25th birthday with the release of a splendid audio-visual package showcasing the work of some of the top notch musicians who've been associated with Ruf Records over the years. Giants of the genre such as Canned Heat, Savoy Brown and the late lamented Luther Allison make an appearance here alongside some of the younger artists who are striving to keep the spirit of the blues alive in Continental Europe, most notably Thorbjorn Risager and versatile Finnish vocalist Ina Forsman.