For The Good Times – The Little Willies – I had a friend in the 1980s who fronted a country cover band and his band was about as good as Norah Jones foray into c&w. They ever made it out of the bars, but they were always up for a party. Little Willies were never in the bars and if their lackluster "Fist City" is anything to go by, they don't know how to party. Grade: B-
French Impressions – Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk – According to Hypebot: "the first album recorded in the music Instrument Museum's Music Theater. An intimate venue in Phoenix, the MIM Music Theater books a busy schedule of world class artists and was designed to be a space for recording as well as performing. French Impressions offers a full-length example of the Music Theater's recording qualities in performances by an accomplished classical duo." Really beautiful classical sonatas. Grade: B+
These Times – SafetySuit – Somewhat dreary rock album. It is almost not bad, the playing is strong, the voice could be better but it could be worse. The songs are a bore. Grade: B
The Verve And Phillips Small Group Sessions – Just after his Afro-Cuban period, the great trumpeter recorded with small groups from the mid-50s thru the mid-60s. Everything from "Money Honey" to "My Heart Belongs To Daddy". Grade: A
And Friends – Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Odds and sods featuring famous western artists. Harmless enough. Grade: B