Groove Legacy are new torchbearers who have the wherewithal to resurrect the glorious past of 70s funk-jazz with all the intuition and understanding of those who were there.

The spiritually soothing music of Sameer Gupta and Ross Hammond’s “Upward” is a simple pleasure in any culture.

‘Soul Tree’ is that kind of fundamentally solid, guitar/organ/drums record that you’d expect from a seasoned guitarist like Ed Cherry. You won’t go wrong here.

Show me someone who says jazz is no fun to listen to and I’ll show them Matt Parker.

The main draw of Avishai Cohen’s artistry throughout his varied output is his restlessness. The inward-looking and reflective ‘Into The Silence’ contrasts with earlier work but is exactly right for the moment.

Dr. John’s funky Nola street dance anthem has rarely been covered with as much festive spirit as it has from New Orleans’ own Mardis Gras Indian funk collective Cha Wa.

Jaimeo Brown and Chris Sholar are able to make sense of traditional work songs from the American South and all corners of the world all and place it in the context of the present.

Eight years after Ramsey Lewis gave him his first big break, Maurice White returned the favor to Lewis by lending his talents to an album that put Lewis back in the public spotlight.

Once again Lucinda Williams excels at making her pain, perseverance and hope relatable to ours, like few others can.

Left Lane Cruiser’s Freddy J IV and Black Diamond Heavies’ Van Campbell combined to make some of the most honest, inspired gutbucket blues-rock you’re likely gonna hear this year.