These three extended pieces take minimalism to exotic – and redemptive – places

‘Mother Stump’ covers a lot of ground, with Harrison’s blues-inflected progressive jazz guitar as your guide.

Battles hears no formal divide between the avant-garde and the mainstream. I wish more bands felt the same way.

Himmelman sticks with his well-executed folk/rock formula, but brings in a few key guests.

Down might be headed toward that rarest of beasts – an outstanding double album.

Gato Libre makes the difficult decision to go forward after the loss of a key member.

Deep Purple somehow still isn’t in the Hall of Fame. Let’s fix that.

If you’re looking for a little ear expansion, Arto Lindsay’s your man.

Morning Dew’s chops were tight and dynamic, and their songs bristled with melody and substance.

An album shaped by both interpretations of Monk and the interaction among these three.