Eric Johnson, David Sancious and Jeff Beam are part of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Liberty Ellman’s new PI Recordings release ‘Last Desert’ is some cerebral jazz, yet avoids the clutter of some music that often falls into that category.

“Good for Nothing” is a great song with a great message, but yet still sad – since this marks the end of Peter Cetera’s celebrated tenure in Chicago.

A mix of contoured creations, Julie Campiche’s ‘Onkalo’ is one of those albums which improves listen by listen.

‘The Fantastic Mrs. 10’ boils down to Matt Mitchell’s simple words: Tim Berne’s designs provide a context for insanity. Sweet insanity.

Ex-E Street Band member David Sancious’ ‘Eyes Wide Open’ is a wondrous hybrid that infuses funk, pop, rock, blues, jazz and prog with a social conscience.

Released 45 years ago today, ‘Chicago VIII’ found the band at a low creative ebb. But these five lesser-known songs make it worth a return visit.

Songs on this album were credited to Yes as a band, but “Soft As a Dove” sounded like another classic joint effort from Jon Anderson and Steve Howe.

Concept albums have been among Willie Nelson’s greatest and most confounding works – sometimes simultaneously.

Here’s a Richard Turgeon song that celebrates genuine American guitar rock with style and substance.