Joe Bonamassa’s new record ‘Blues of Desperation’ is hard, gritty but soul-infused blues-rock with no tricks, just forthright musicianship and earnest passion. You can’t ask for anything more than that.

Rodriguez wrings a compelling, simple charm from a broken down piano that’s as undeniable as the weathered ’55 Bel Airs lumbering around downtown Havana.

The jazz/hip-hop hybrid ‘In The Moment’ from drummer Makaya McCraven retains the energy and impulsiveness of the live performances within hypnotic looped and sampled grooves.

M.A. Bakker’s jazz-rock debut boasts the expert musicianship of a by-gone era, and a vivid lyrical imagery that gives it a fiction novel feel.

“Make Believe” is one of the reasons I’m still longing for the day that Toto and Chicago tour together.

Steve Kuhn has been an original and dynamic pianist for over five decades, and that young spirit is very much present today on “My Shining Hour” and the rest of ‘At This Time.’

‘Book Of Storms’ does nothing but strengthen Daniel Rosenboom’s reputation as a conceptual improviser of the highest order.

Without George Martin’s maverick streak, the Beatles may have never become one of the most influential bands in modern music.

With eleven sturdy originals and an all-star band in tow, there’s no way jazz guitar whiz Will Bernard’s ‘Out & About’ was going to disappoint.

The lesser-known friends, family and musicians who influenced the Beatles finally receive their due in David Bedford’s ‘Fab One Hundred and Four.’