Brownout’s instrumental explorations into the music of Public Enemy manage to tell a compelling, socially engaged story without using words.

Released 10 years ago today, this album found Maceo Parker trying another fun experiment with history and sound, but with mixed results.

‘Over the Covers’ showcases the Brownout I always love with a new sense of urgency and maturity.

Armando Perez discusses the new project by the Chicago-based funk band Esso Afrojam Funkbeat, and how the issues facing immigrants shape their work.

John “Papa” Gros’ ‘River’s On Fire’ is one of those albums you “see,” because the stories are so well told. Mentor Allen Toussaint would be proud.

‘The City That Care Forgot’ arrived in June 2008, just as some might questioned yet another Katrina-themed album. But Dr. John’s was different.

For twenty minutes, ‘Funkcronomic’ captures that sweet core of George Clinton’s P-Funk innovations.

Some lesser-known Prince songs – including deep cuts, b-sides and sometimes-overlooked singles – give us new perspective on his vast talents.

Prince always found a way to transcend his own legendary eccentricities. And this music, more than all of that, is what will remain.

Maurice White, who died today, was the mastermind behind Earth Wind and Fire’s focused, soul-lifting horns, sunburst harmonies and a thrilling propensity for shaken-up textures and rhythms.