‘Bluesiana II’ arrived 30 years ago missing a key figure from the band’s all-star lineup in the recently deceased Art Blakey. I didn’t have high hopes.

The holiday music of 2021 may not be plentiful, but there are a handful of very worthy new releases and reissues.

The first posthumous Johnny Cash LP arrived 15 years ago with plenty of harsh truths, but ‘A Hundred Highways’ never forgot the simple pleasures either.

Wisdom flows like the Mississippi River through James McMurtry’s brilliant new album. It’s Bob Dylan, without the metaphor.

In recommending Pierce Edens, Heist owner Sam Luna said: “I hope you enjoy the gravel and the grit.” He wasn’t kidding.

Beki Hemingway’s ‘Earth & Asphalt’ is guaranteed to serve traditional country fans, as well as those who dig pop that rocks and rock that pops.

This Van Morrison favorite is a perfect fit for David Starr’s expressive boy-next-door voice and sympathetic arranging skills.

Richard Sterban of Oak Ridge Boys and J.D. Sumner’s Stamps fame joined Ross Boissoneau to discuss career-shaping moments – and what he’s listening to now.

Kevin Godley, William Shatner and Raphael Pannier are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Jack Henderson’s Americana-infused ‘Where’s the Revolution’ offers warm and passionate messages to ferry us safely across these turbulent times.