When they decide to shed the decades-old false personality they sported for commercial reasons, Chicago can still make music that a listener can enjoy.

Giuseppe Doronzo and Pino Basile’s ‘Aterraterr’ has contemporary relevance, yet also feels as if the music has come from centuries of time.

Their first studio album rocked. But ‘The Birth of Cactus 1970,’ recorded at the band’s very first gig, is quite simply incendiary.

The soulful guitar/organ jazz thing is perfectly suited for a saxophone pedigree like Nick Hempton, and with ‘Slick’ featuring guitar great Peter Bernstein, he keeps those good vibes going.

Suffering from the winter blahs? If so, ‘Summertime Sounds’ by the Silvers is sure to combat such weather-related woes.

Simon Phillips, Poco and Oz Noy are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

‘Paul Simon’ arrived 50 years ago today with his first – but most certainly not his last – extended travels into world music.

John Lawler breaks down a rare concert version of a 21st Century Steely Dan song, “Things I Miss The Most.”

Preston Frazier says the inclusion of this lovely song from Steely Dan’s ‘Everything Must Go’ is highly welcome, but bittersweet.

Songwriter Erik Ritland reflects on the impact Meat Loaf had on his music – and his life.