Jazz

'Love in Beats' (2017) is another solid effort from Omar Lye-Fook, affirming his position as one of the U.K.'s finest exports to espouse the sensuality and heart of R&B music.

Highly organic, the recording is a homespun jam session with improvised chord movements.

With a definite split in personality over the nine tracks that compose the album – something to be expected perhaps when we’re talking about an album that dances from big band jazz to Turkish folk melodies to something that’s almost reggae – 'Resolution' is definitely one of the more interesting listens I’ve happened upon in months.

An amalgamation of classic jazz riffs and improvised musings, 'Rising Tide' is smooth blues fusion of the caliber of Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer.

A new jazz palette for the nylon-string guitar is due, and on the strength of this album it's clear Nate Najar is an avatar for just that.

The trio’s rapport is congenial as they venture off into terrain outside of the perimeters of the originals that they retool.

These are in no particular order, except for this first one, my vote for song of 2016, at least for guitar. After listening to Joe Bonamassa's blistering, searing solo, you will not forget it anytime soon.

Jeff Rupert and Richard Drexler shout with an inner voice that is deeply emotional and shows a maturity exemplary of musicians who have mastered their instrument.

Allgood bridges the openness of the 20th century's hardcore bop with the soothing melodic sensibilities of the 21st century.

Nicole Saphos' recording celebrates the nostalgic structures of early 20th century music, even dipping modern folk pop tunes into its legendary pot.