Bob Salmieri Bastarduna Quintet’s ‘And Mama Was a Belly Dancer’ is appealing and incisive, tapping into connections felt by many people with many cultures.

Chicago’s terrific update of “Blues In the Night” is proof that artists don’t have to write their own material to offer originality and eclecticism.

From bleak urban scenes came fascinating music – including that of Chris Frantz’s own band, Talking Heads – and then, life-long love.

The Brainiac 5’s ‘Another Time Another Dimension’ fuses ’70s-era psych/punk with a dose of reggae, and several new tunes that continue their second coming.

‘Numbers Maker’ sticks with the Desertion Trio original vision, but that vision is getting rougher and rowdier. Fortunately, Nick Millevoi & Co. know how to do rough ‘n’ rowdy.

What’s cool today might become passé, but ’50 Years of Funk and Soul’ reminds us that Tower of Power never will be anything less than hip.

Composed by the remaining core members of Toto, “Alone” presents a dynamic and energetic take on what it means to grow old.

Due this week, “Rosie” picks up where the Third Arrangement left off with their debut EP ‘Scarecrow.’ That’s a good thing.

Check out this satisfying fusion-jazz number “Truck Fump,” an advance single from Butcher Brown’s upcoming ‘Encore’ EP.

Ken Sharp’s latest album ‘Miniatures’ stands as a complete departure from the genre he is generally associated with among power-pop aficionados.