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Born in Tippo, Mississippi, Mose Allison, known as the "William Faulkner of Jazz," grew up playing a piano in back of a gas station — and never stopped. Allison, a prolific songwriter, pianist and singer, brought his down-home Southern bluesy style to jazz. This album illustrates the versatility of a man said to play "blue-eyed soul."

Roy Hurst reports on jazz violinist Billy Bang, a Vietnam War veteran releasing a new album called Vietnam Reflections, dedicated to his war experience.

According to jazz commentator Murray Horwitz, listening to Sketches of Spain is akin to being in a gypsy camp on the hills of Andalucia. Recorded near the middle of Davis' nearly 50-year career, this jazz adaptation of classical compositions features such gems as "Concierto De Aranjuez."

"Falling in love music." That is how jazz commentator Murray Horwitz describes John Coltrane's sensual 1962 album, Ballads. The 2002 re-release of the record contains a bonus disc with previously unreleased tracks, including multiple versions of "Greensleeves."

Rock historian Ed Ward tells us about the British band The Pretty Things, a band that was a spin off-of group of the early Rolling Stones. Last year they released the reissue, Come See Me: The Very Best of The Pretty Things.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Forever Hasn't Happened Yet the new CD by John Doe, formerly of the punk-rock band X.

Bossa nova, the Brazilian dance, swept the United States in the 1960s. Stan Getz was at the forefront of the movement, along with Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto. The trio teamed up to produce this highly successful bossa nova album, which commentator A.B. Spellman calls a "cool ocean breeze."

Known for his complex rhythms and ability to play two keys at once, Dave Brubeck was already a sensation in 1954, when he appeared on the cover of Time magazine. The same year, he recorded Jazz Goes to College at several live shows on college campuses.

Some critics claim that Lester Young never sounded the same after his stint in the military in the '40s, but The Complete Aladdin Recordings proves otherwise. This classic two-album set showcases Young's unique ability to float over bar lines with a light tone, rather than the forceful approach that was dominant during his time.

Mildred Bailey found fame after signing on with Paul Whiteman's national dance orchestra in 1929. Dynamic and plucky, she married xylophonist Red Norvo, and the couple became known as "Mr. and Mrs. Swing." On That Rockin' Chair Lady, her sweet and flexible voice sparkles.