With the original Monk-like blues number “Gross Blues,” saxophonist Dan Pratt’s new direction gets off to a splendid start.

Barely lasting one hundred seconds, Corey Healey’s “Wheel Remix” transforms a solid song into a modern, solid groove.

The ‘Pierced Arrow’ advance track “Virtual World” exemplifies everything that’s right about the Rides: a comfortable confidence that can only come from stellar musicians with nothing left to prove.

Seething with energy and sass, the JAC Christmas Crew not only know how to write a good and witty song, but they also know how to arrange and deliver such wares in a cool and courageous manner.

Here’s the premiere of the title track from Mike Zito and the Wheel’s new deeply soulful blues-rock album “Keep Coming Back.”

Wilco keyboard player Mikael Jorgensen transformed Kuhl’s Euro-pop song “Wave (of Dreams)” into something move-inducing and a little intriguing as well.

Here is the premiere of Chicago drummer/composer Charles Rumback’s title track from his upcoming quintet release ‘In The new Year’.

AndersonPonty Band’s “I See You Messenger” is a meeting of the minds between two still-vibrant and visionary musicians from the ’70s.

With tasteful horns and a fine lead guitar, Ethan Keller delivers another delicious musical Scooby snack with his new folk-rock tune, “Lost Dog.”

Here is the video premiere of Kait Dunton’s percolating track from trioKAIT, “Chrysocolla.” Like the song itself, it’s full of adventure and intrigue.