With the masterpiece ‘Self,’ Fernando Perdomo continues as a role model for artists who never stop refining or redefining their craft.

Dan Weiss, Bobby Broom, Judith Owen and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Released 40 years ago today, Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ spun off a series of ubiquitous hits. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Here is the streaming premiere of “Doomknocker,” the second single from Alfredo Colón’s debut album ‘Blood Burden.’

The Jamie Baum Septet + has achieved something very hard on ‘What Times Are These,’ speaking from the soul of both composer and listener.

Here we are well into the 21st century and Sun Ra’s music from these mid-70s performances is in some ways, still ahead of the present time.

Released on 55 years ago this week, ‘Crosby Stills and Nash’ brought together guys whose average work shames most rock composers. Then they upped the ante.

Pianist John Escreet took his great L.A. group and made it even better for the epicenter of your dreams.’ Call it addition by sweet addition.

SticklerPhonics’ secret weapon isn’t the combination of instruments, but the imagination and wherewithal to make music that’s fresh and fun.

Here’s the official video of “Yo I Surrender,” a down-home ditty by Oliver Wood that manages to be uplifting without even trying too hard.