I’ve seen concerts with skilled musicianship, but for the total package – spectacle, performance and passion – Iron Maiden can’t be beat.

There isn’t a wasted note on Yes’ “If You Only Knew,” which has a feel of a Jon Anderson solo track – right down to its personal and tender lyrics.

My only intersection with Ginger Baker became one of the most amazing nights of music I’ve ever seen.

Perhaps ‘Good Hope,’ the new collaboration from Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain and Chris Potter, was meant to be. It sure sounds that way.

Released 10 years ago today, ‘Testament Paris/London’ marked a continuation of Keith Jarrett’s striking tightrope walks without a net.

Enjoy this brilliant slice of Chicago history. It didn’t last too much longer.

Lolas’ ‘A Dozen or Seven Tapestries’ is a new benchmark by which all power-pop albums should be measured.

Released 15 years ago today, Tom Waits’ ‘Real Gone’ is like your favorite pair of jeans: well-worn, full of character and hard to improve upon.

Hiatus? What hiatus? The Ivo Perelman / Matthew Shipp creation train keeps on rolling.

Isildurs Bane and Peter Hammill’s ‘In Amazonia’ reminds us that music can still investigate new dimensions.