A benefit remake of one of Steve Hackett’s most memorable instrumentals gives us a rare musical – as well as altruistic – reason to listen.

Graham Parker and the Rumour are all R&B-kissed coolness and trenchant aloofness here. In other words, they’re just what you want them to be.

Listen as Frank Sinatra sustains the words until you hear the cracks in his voice and, you become certain, his heart.

Otis Taylor’s “Cold at Midnight,” a white-knuckle ride into the very heart of worry, advances the forthcoming ‘Hey Joe Opus / Red Meat.’

Cyrus Chestnut doesn’t supercede the definitive take by Bill Evans’ Trio. Still, I found myself enjoying the new corners he and his trio explored.

A bit comical and cheesy but astonishingly inventive, Hot Butter’s “Popcorn” was so futuristic that it could pass for a contemporary recording.

A highlight of ‘Ultimate Sinatra,’ everything is in place on Frank Sinatra’s Count Basie collaboration “Best is Yet to Come.” And then it surprises you.

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

John Lodge displays a welcome willingness to build a bridge to the future from a well-known foundation of the Moody Blues’ past.

Sonny Landreth reminds us just how important the blues is, as both foundation and (maybe most importantly) as launching pad.