Ray Wilson is enjoying the best of both worlds these days, having just released a terrific new solo project even while joining Steve Hackett for a series of concerts focusing on classic-era Genesis.

Guitarist Steve Morse joined us as Deep Purple released both deluxe and vinyl editions of their new album Now What?!, a comeback which has already topped the charts in four countries — and gone Top 20 in 13 more.

Even as he closes out the South American leg of a new tour with Paul McCartney tonight, guitarist Brian Ray is preparing for a series of solo shows with his sizzling new band the Bayonets.

Toto has begun rehearsing for its 2013 tour, which kicks off May 30 in Europe. David Paich and Co. will also be making a few rare U.S. appearances, beginning in late summer — something he says “almost feels like a homecoming after so long away.”

Guitarist Alan Morse joined us just before his band Spock’s Beard gathered to shoot a video for “Submerged,” offering his thoughts on their newly released album Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep and the band’s new frontman.

Jimmy Vivino’s connection with the Band runs deep, and it continues right through to his upcoming release 13 Live, which was recorded at Levon Helm’s rustic concert space.

It seems quitting Asia, with whom Yes’ Steve Howe has recorded and performed in tandem since 2008, has only given the guitarist more to do.

Tom Keifer has seen the view from some of the highest mountaintops in the music business and had to claw his way out of some of the deepest pits. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Keifer fronted hard rockers turned blues rockers Cinderella.

In adding muscular horns to California Transit Authority, Danny Seraphine has fulfilled the promise of one of the best songs on CTA’s hard-grooving new release Sacred Ground: He’s come full circle.

As Steven Wilson begins a 17-date North American tour, one that will feature a half-dozen in-store appearances, it’s increasingly clear where his passion lies: On solo projects like the recently released The Raven That Refused To Sing.