With a classic tenor sax tone, top drawer backing band and great tunes and arrangements all present in ‘Gratitude’, it’s just hard to go wrong with this record.

Toto should have been on top of the world after the blockbuster ‘Toto IV.’ Instead, their follow up ‘Isolation’ found the band in a state of flux.

‘An Untroublesome Defencelessness’ features the collective wisdom of Merzbow, Keiji Haino and Balazs Pandi – three visionary musicians who have made careers out of embracing uncharted territory.

‘The Royal Gospel’ by Cyril Neville’s Royal Southern Brotherhood should be eliciting a lot of hosannas in response.

Preston Frazier previews Money Chica, the next great thing from Greg Gonzales, as well as what’s ahead for Grupo Fantasma and Brownout.

As we reach the half-way mark, Preston Frazier offers an endlessly varied Mid-Year Best of 2016 list that spans genres and generations.

It’s an open and shut case of instrumental wizardry and fun-filled indulgence…’From The Law Offices Of Levin Minnemann Rudess.’

As good as some of Chicago’s other ambitious musical endeavors may have been, it could be argued that none matched “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.”

Durand Jones joins Preston Frazier for a Something Else! Sitdown to discuss his soulful new album, and how his roots inform this unique throwback sound.

With a clear head and a strong sense of purpose — and the like-minded Vinny Golia on board — Rich Halley keeps on producing abundantly creative modern jazz firmly grounded in all the great traditions of the music form.