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Jeff Oster – Jeff Oster Live! (2016)

With the funky-tight ‘Jeff Oster Live!’, Oster and his band replicate the sophistication of the studio as well as the immediacy of the stage.

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Blackberry Smoke, “Waiting on the Thunder” from Like an Arrow (2016): One Track Mind

Blackberry Smoke’s last album needed a little more grit. If “Waiting for the Thunder” is any indication, maybe we’ll get some of that back.

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Mark Dresser, “TrumpinPutinStoopin” from Sedimental You (2016): Something Else! sneak peek

There couldn’t have been a timelier song title than this theatrically creative nugget from master bassist/composer Mark Dresser.

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Allan Holdsworth – Tales From The Vault (2016)

Mostly an alternative presentation of ‘Road Games’, Allan Holdsworth’s chaff is superior to most guitarists’ wheat and after fifteen years of no studio material cut loose, it’s good to see any production from him.

Chicago, "25 or 6 to 4" from 'Chicago II' (1970): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “25 or 6 to 4” from ‘Chicago II’ (1970): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago guitarist Terry Kath’s solo on “25 or 6 to 4” has always been one of my most memorable musical moments. Here’s why.

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Steven Tyler – We’re All Somebody From Somewhere (2016)

I wasn’t going to listen to Steven Tyler’s new country-influenced album, but I’m such an Aerosmith fanboy that I unfortunately just couldn’t resist.

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Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, July 23, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

The two words that repeatedly came to my mind during Lyle Lovett’s concert were “generosity” and “faith.”

The Beatles, "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" from Abbey Road (1969): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” from Abbey Road (1969): Deep Beatles

“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is both the last time all four Beatles were in the studio, and their last breakthrough.

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Steve Fidyk – Allied Forces (2016)

For the post-bop delight ‘Allied Forces’ Steve Fidyk may be leading a small combo, but he always drums big and his bandmates think the same way.

Yes, "The Gates of Delirium" from 'Relayer' (1974): YESterdays

Yes, “The Gates of Delirium” from ‘Relayer’ (1974): YESterdays

Yes sounded looser and more passionate than ever, even as the band lost another key member ahead of 1974’s ‘Relayer.’