With “Waking Up,” Nick Finzer continues to deliver engaging compositions which challenge both the players and his listeners.

Released 50 years ago, “Sail On, Sailor” was a highlight of a Beach Boys era marked by seismic change, both musically and visually. It wouldn’t last.

Pianist and composer David Ake continues to make his infrequent releases count. ‘Green Thumb’ is plenty good enough the savor until Mr. Ake is ready to make another quality collection of modern and mainstream jazz.

‘The Next Day’ found David Bowie making a surprise return 10 years ago this month, but without the old theatrics and an artsy agenda.

‘Voortvlugtend,’ from South African cult-favorite Buckfever Underground, simply begs for repeated listening – preferably wearing big, scruffy earphones.

I was completely unaware of Patti Smith’s story when she released ‘Easter’ 45 years ago this month.

The music on ‘Ribbon of Water’ is delicate, yet woven through with a lyrical strength that comes from the experiences Andrea Ward clearly taps into.

When Ward Davis’ solo acoustic performance at the Louisiana Grandstand theater was announced, I almost decided to skip it.

Seven albums in, the Kaze concept shows no sign of going stale. Every time out they freshen that concept in ingenious ways and ‘Crustal Movement’ with Ikue Mori returning is their most audacious undertaking yet.

Songs that didn’t make the Beatles’ original U.K. albums and the ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ LP were collected 35 years ago today on ‘Past Masters.’