Like all the best religious records, ex-Blind Boys of Alabama guitarist/vocailist Sam Butler’s ‘Raise Your Hands!’ has that the ability to lift the spirits of pagans and Christians alike.

On ‘Below The Belt,’ the music of the preacher from hell James Leg is satisfying to the soul – whether Leg is in his usual element or not.

Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart equalled the emotional directness of their initial collaborations with “People Get Ready,” released on ‘Flash’ in July 1985.

James Leg has never completely forsaken his roots, and there are times when he comes all the way home. “Up Above My Head” is one of those times.

This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes Emerson Lake and Palmer, Gov’t Mule, Jeff Beck, Lead Belly, the Knack and the Staple Singers.

Lost R&B legend Carl Hall gives each performance a gospel-infused, four-octave charge. And yet he somehow remains stubbornly obscure.

Robert Randolph helps set a new standard for improv gospel-jazz country blues supergroups. Because, yeah, they’re the only one.

Steve Cropper inadvertantly discovered the seeds of Wilson Pickett’s breakthrough song while trying to figure out just who Pickett was.

Steve Cropper has long advocated for the 5 Royales, newly announced recipients of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Early Influence Award.

Mike Farris is a mix of Al Green, Richard Manuel, Wilson Pickett – and more.