James Brandon Lewis’ ‘Jesup Wagon’ feels just like the musical embodiment of George Washington Carver.

The leadoff single from Henry Bateman’s upcoming album ‘A Ghost Inside’ combines COVID-19 produced angst with a catchy melody and inspired musicianship.

My prog compass gets all wiggy at the prospect of new solo guitar renditions of some favorite acoustic tunes on Tom Salvatori’s ‘Parlour Favorites.’

Yes’ unfinished ‘Going For the One’-era instrumental “Montreux’s Theme” is two and a half minutes of suspended joy.

Bob Salmieri Bastarduna Quintet’s ‘And Mama Was a Belly Dancer’ is appealing and incisive, tapping into connections felt by many people with many cultures.

Chicago’s terrific update of “Blues In the Night” is proof that artists don’t have to write their own material to offer originality and eclecticism.

From bleak urban scenes came fascinating music – including that of Chris Frantz’s own band, Talking Heads – and then, life-long love.

The Brainiac 5’s ‘Another Time Another Dimension’ fuses ’70s-era psych/punk with a dose of reggae, and several new tunes that continue their second coming.

‘Numbers Maker’ sticks with the Desertion Trio original vision, but that vision is getting rougher and rowdier. Fortunately, Nick Millevoi & Co. know how to do rough ‘n’ rowdy.

What’s cool today might become passé, but ’50 Years of Funk and Soul’ reminds us that Tower of Power never will be anything less than hip.