David Sanborn opened his new album 35 years ago with a sublime slice of sultry, mid-tempo funk co-written by the late, lamented Hiram Bullock.

Released 10 years ago, Walter “Wolfman” Washington’s ‘Doin the Funky Thing’ embraced blues modernity, while keeping one scuffed-up toe in the past.

Al Green’s return-to-form ‘Lay It Down’ arrived a decade ago this month with new hip-hop producers and a bevy of guest R&B singers – but it was no sell out.

Philips is clearly that guy who is well suited for DIY, and now we know from ‘Get Along’ that even when he does something by himself two different ways, both ways are the ‘right’ way.

A re-release of Durand Jones and the Indications’ self-titled debut seemed initially strange to me. The original is hard to improve upon.

Released 10 years ago today, this album found Maceo Parker trying another fun experiment with history and sound, but with mixed results.

Robert Finley stopped to talk about different things but mostly, he just played, accompanied only by the rattling window unit.

Mixing and matching experimental edges with bouts of moodiness, the Temptations stage more exceptional performances throughout ‘All Directions.’

Featuring spirited harmonizing and red-hot grooves, Chairmen of the Board’s ‘Greatest Hits’ asserts the heartfelt sounds of a group primed for rediscovery.

Though mainly thought of as a premium blues singer and guitarist, I tend to see Robert Cray as part of a long line of great soul men.