You may not immediately recognize the name. But David Lawrence Atkins is, by way of his nom de plume Dave Curtiss – actually a classic-rock footnote icon.

A key track from Savatage’s ‘Streets: A Rock Opera,’ released 30 years ago this week, made all the difference in the world for one troubled fan.

Only by being so open-minded and outside the box leads to truly original art, and guitar/banjo virtuoso Wendy Eisenberg has just made more of that kind of art again with the latest release, ‘Bloodletting.’

There are now lots of practitioners of the electro-acoustic, rock-oriented style of jazz that Eivind Aarset and a few others pioneered. He’s still the best.

Whether you’re relaxing indoors or cruising the streets, Dave Nachmanoff’s Rumble Strip has crafted the kind of record begging to be blasted at top volume.

Released 10 years ago this week, Julian Lennon’s ‘Everything Changes’ emerged as the most assured release yet from an underrated pop melodist.

Here is the video premiere of “I Look for Religion in War” from pianist/composer Dave Meder’s upcoming release ‘Unamuno Songs and Stories.’

Jukka Iisakkila’s ‘Clocks and Clouds’ is a jazz-fusion / progressive rock album that revels in the consequences of head bending.

For those who bought a copy 30 years ago this month, and there weren’t many, Talk Talk’s ‘Laughing Stock’ led the way into an as-yet-unformed genre. You’re welcome, Radiohead.

This recently found live recording of Nektar is a wonderful time capsule from before their “future” ever needed to be “remembered.”