Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

With her startling interpretations of pop standards, Wilson has proven herself one of the most adventurous vocalists in jazz. A native of Mississippi, she returned to her home state to produce this sultry collection of originals and covers. Robert Johnson’s “Hot Tamales” and Wilson’s own bluesy “Justice” are natural inclusions. More surprising are her dramatic reworkings of The Band’s “The Weight” and Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman.” Delta inspired.

Few Africans have been more persistent at bridging the cultural gap than Benin’s musical dynamo. Kidjo’s latest, celebrating the links between Brazil and West Africa, could be her crossover ticket. Produced by Bill Laswell, the album is brimming with soulful vocals and infectious rhythms on songs like Gilberto Gil’s “Rafavela” and the Fela-style title track. But the standout is “Iwoya,” featuring a joyful duet with Dave Matthews. Impossible to resist.

Montreal’s Merlin has never been content with the rapper label, despite his hip-hop heavy debut, A Noise Supreme . Rap is just one useful tool in his bag of tricks. Piano ballads, symphonic strings—even Nirvana-esque guitar on “Ultrasensitive”—all come in handy on the singer-producer’s latest, ambitious album. If Merlin has one obvious influence, it’s that tiny perfect multi-tasker Prince.