Toronto’s The Worst Pop Band Ever has a hand-made, unforced approach that makes rock-jazz uncommonly relaxing, and ‘Blackout’ keeps that relaxed vibe going.

Nick DeRiso’s Best of 2015 list for blues, jazz and R&B also included Marc Cary, Robben Ford, Dave Douglas, Papa Mali, Matthew Shipp and others.

Jeff Young, a regular collaborator with Jackson Browne, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan, joins Preston Frazier ahead of a solo album release party to be held in Los Angeles.