Johnny Pacheco’s vision, combined with the power of his band, helped craft a new identity for Latin music that resonated far beyond its cultural origins.

Replete with a new band and some imaginative compositions, ‘Vertigo’ offers a different side to Julian Costello’s music.

Defne Sahin’s ‘Hope’ is an album of many facets, each one a little gem in the beautifully finished piece.

‘In the Rain Shadow’ is largely inspired by progressive fingerstyle guitarist and composer Mark Vickness’ move to the high desert of California.

Witch’s long-awaited ‘Zango’ is a lovely and melodic resurrection that prays, thankfully, with the passion of an always generous universal soul.

Rickie Lee Jones, Alexis Evans, Shawn Maxwell and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

‘Welcome to Zamrock! Vol. 1 and 2’ is proof positive that one can still be inspired by the music of the world, no matter who started it – or even who borrowed it.

Yaya Diallo uses an old-meets-new approach on ‘Kachii: Traditions to Traditions’ to create something that is interesting, calming and thoughtful.

Mabuta’s fun ‘Finish the Sun’ works in the background at friendly get togethers, but also boasts the kind of musical detail that invites closer scrutiny.

Mohamed Assani’s “Lullaby for Guli” steals your heart, because of the ebb and flow of the melodies and the many textures created on the sitar.