James Leg has never completely forsaken his roots, and there are times when he comes all the way home. “Up Above My Head” is one of those times.

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco blissfully combines the jazzy intellect of Steely Dan, the sharp wit of 10cc and the irresistible power pop of Squeeze. “Clean Break” is a lost track from ‘Pretzel Logic’.

With ‘Yamiyo Ni Karasu’, the transition from ma-do to Satoko Fujii’s exciting new quartet Tobira becomes complete.

Bassist Harvie S and guitarist Sheryl Bailey’s ‘Plucky Strum’ shows how chops can be played unselfishly to make the other musician — and the music itself — sound at its best.

Tal Bergman, Joe Bonamassa and the rest of the Rock Candy Funk Party gang are back with a new, hard-groovin’ song “Don’t Be Stingy With the SMPTE.”

Here is a review of the freaky fun psychedelic improv free jazz/rock jam ‘Raoul’ by the Spanish Donkey, featuring Joe Morris, Jamie Saft and Mike Pride.

Here is a review of Sam Trapchak’s solid second album, ‘Land Grab,’ with Greg Ward, Tom Chang and Christian Coleman.

It turns out master singer-songwriter John Hiatt hit the nail on the head concerning the current Confederate flag controversy – some 15 years ago.

Here is a review of the Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger’s Tim Kuhl’s latest project, ‘1982,’ an alternately soothing and moderately disquieting record.

Here is an early look at the revamped Matthew Shipp Trio’s upcoming Thirsty Ear release, ‘The Conduct of Jazz.’