Music

This new mix of a classic Chicago album provides clearer sound and brings out subtle nuances.

In 'The Blues: Why It Still Hurts So Good' Marie B. Trout combines her own experience and the words of fans, musicians, and industry professionals to look at the blues in a most professional, unusual and interesting way.

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.

The second release from the Americana-country-rock singer-songwriter is another layered, emotion-laden effort.

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.

Sadly, through the cruelty of time and mortality, The Band itself ceased to be many years ago but Robbie Robertson himself is still telling stories and spinning guitar chords through his music.

As for the music of 2016, there was the usual amount of "meh" mixed in with a host of impressive releases. Certainly, there were no game-changers that I heard. (Sorry Kanye and Kendrick.)