“Benny Man’s Blues” lives up to the outsized, genre-bending expectations surrounding a studio pairing of Eric Johnson and Mike Stern.

Rupert Holmes’ ‘Partners in Crime’ album – home to the simply inescapable “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” – was released on October 5, 1979.

Ernie Watts and a band he’s worked with for more than a decade journey through a 24-hour cycle in sound.

Issued in September 1979, Journey’s first-ever Top 20 hit found Steve Perry playing a surprising role.

A welcome return to fusion, ‘Up’ finds Stanley Clarke going back to his genre-defying ways.

‘Live at Bush Hall’ isn’t a Gary Moore hits package, so much as a journey deep into his considerable craft.

The Rev. Gary Davis’ resonant blend of gospel and blues is as electrifying today as it was when he first rose to fame.

Deep Purple is reliably good on ‘Celebrating Jon Lord.’ The surprises, however, come from one-of-a-kind combinations of acolytes and fans.

An unheard archival recording from Charlie Haden and Jim Hall is even better than expected – and that’s saying a whole lot.

Josh Ritter’s version of “Rosalie” stands out on a Chris Smithers tribute album with plenty of bigger stars.