Solo outings by members of successful bands rarely meet expectations. The self-titled second EP from Donny Brown of the Verve Pipe is different.

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.

Paul Kantner played the University of Iowa on November 11, 1969 with Jefferson Airplane, but I was in the ninth grade – so no way were my parents letting me go.

A poignant paean to his son and daughter, Joe Mandica’s “I Just Can’t Wait” has been made complete with a newly released video featuring intimate images of family.

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

Maurice White, who died today, was the mastermind behind Earth Wind and Fire’s focused, soul-lifting horns, sunburst harmonies and a thrilling propensity for shaken-up textures and rhythms.

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.

“Turn Back” stands the test of time well on its own, and elevates Toto’s third album – even though it was miscast.

Sparsely furnished in the instrumental and arrangement department, but rippling with bare-the-soul prose, Phil Marshall’s ‘Scatterbed’ clocks in as the ultimate rainy day album.