You know that great musicianship and creativity are always in store for Avi Granite 6’s strong return but little else can be anticipated, and that’s the main joy of ‘Orbit.’

A melding of klezmer, jazz and not a little bit of funk, Big Brooklyn’s ‘Purpose’ is a hugely engaging debut – and the first, hopefully, of many more to come.

Jeff Coffey has exited Chicago, citing the group’s relentless touring schedule. Luckily, he seems to have no intention of resting on the beach.

Bill Frisell is never more Bill than when it’s only Bill, and no one else. ‘Music IS’ features only Frisell’s music, as his deftly looped samples become a second instrument.

A terrific addition to Lance Lopez’s catalog, ‘Tell the Truth’ boasts an assessable combination of excellent guitar playing, strong vocals and deft production.

Hopscotching between the psychedelic garage rock of 1967 and the power pop of 1977, the Lemon Clocks remind us why those musical eras were so special.

‘Oneness’ means a singular mind driving two instruments into a spiritual musical communion.

Procol Harum’s ‘A Salty Dog’ was a lot to digest, yet there is no question the album remains a noble artistic statement.

Activist-filmmaker Matthew Cooke’s new documentary ‘Survivors Guide to Prison’ is about more than the rudiments of making it on the inside.

Tim Kuhl’s journey from a jazz drummer to a creator of experimental electronica rock is not a road much traveled.