Nicole Mitchell follows in the hallowed footsteps of spiritual visionaries like Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.

Toto’s ‘The Seventh One’ boasted a layered sonic sheen eclipsing anything else in 1988 – and no where is that more evident than “You Got Me.”

The delicacy and low-key passion of Avishai Cohen shows up through his trumpet, compositions and every member of his quartet.

If ‘Chicago VI’ had opened with “Jenny” instead of “Critic’s Choice,” the album might be held in higher regard than it is today.

Bobby Kimball’s voice, which has lost little of its range and emotional presence, elevates ‘We’re Not in Kansas Anymore.’

With Taj Mahal and Keb Mo’s ‘Tajmo,’ you have two folk/blues legends, two generations – and one marvelous meeting.

Given the passing of a lot of musical heroes recently, Steely Dan’s impassioned, career-spanning turn was much appreciated.

Cuong Vu 4Tet’s sensitive shaping of Michael Gibb’s songs earn serious attention on their own.

A re-tooled Yes continued to test their boundaries with “Run Through the Light” from 1980’s ‘Drama.’

The Beatles’ take on “Ain’t She Sweet” remains notable not only for being one of their earliest recordings, but also as a snapshot of their nascent days in Hamburg.