As a celebration of the Satoko Fujii Orchestra Toyko’s fallen guitarist Kelly Churko, ‘Peace’ couldn’t be any more true to his memory and the fearlessness he brought to this band.

While the earlier “Madrigal” seemed to end too soon, Yes’ “Arriving UFO” instead overstays its welcome.

‘Piano Song’ leaves one last example on Thirsty Ear Records of the high standard set by its A&R guy Matthew Shipp for other artists to strive toward.

“Elegy” is not an easy listen, but it shows the range of styles that Chicago’s original lineup could pull off – and pull off very well.

Through 12new compositions Michael Dease convincingly conveys the history in the context of social upheaval and displacement with ‘All These Hands’.

The Rolling Stones bring an effervescence and a sense of fun to ‘Blue and Lonesome’ that makes it entirely listenable.

Preston Frazier surveys the best rock, pop and soul of 2016, selecting a widely varied slate of honorees.

The graceful finesse that Haidu has mastered from countless gigs and mentoring from the likes of Kenny Barron and David Hazeltine bear sweet fruit on his composition “They Who??”.

The soulful “Without Your Love” is a passing of the torch from David Paich, who handled most of the lead vocal duties on earlier Toto albums, to Steve Lukather.

As you go through my Best Hard Rock and Metal of 2016 list, you’ll see why I’m calling it the year of the classic thrash band.