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Same Mother, the latest record by jazz pianist Jason Moran, takes the blues to places Muddy Waters and Duke Ellington might not recognize. Tom Moon has a review.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Mercy Now, the new album from singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier.

Art Blakey was one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time. He employed his powerful, rhythmic playing in the "hard bop" — or East Coast — style of jazz. His trademark was the forceful closing of the high-hat on every second and fourth beat. This album illustrates his unique style.

Although 1972 is not usually considered a golden year for jazz, it did witness the release of a classic: Chuck Corea's Return to Forever. The Latin-tinged album successfully synthesizes elements of rock, jazz, and classical music. Don't miss the jazz standards "Spain," "La Fiesta," and "Windows."

In the early 1960s, Duke Ellington hooked up with the John Coltrane Quartet to record Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, an album spotlighting Ellington's songs. On pieces such as "In a Sentimental Mood," and "My Little Brown Book," the two masters strut their stuff.

Count Basie broke up his band in 1950 because of financial considerations, but later reorganized and embarked on a series of recording sessions that solidified him as an American jazz institution. This album focuses on the post-1954 period, when vocalist Joe Williams gave the band new popularity with such hits as "All Right OK, You Win."

In 1956, Louis Armstrong was an international star at the height of his popularity. He also was one of the first to sing in "scat" style, essentially trying to sound out the notes instead of the words. Among many treats, The Best of the Decca Years has one of the best scat solos of all time — "Up a Lazy River."

President Bill Clinton said one artist inspired him to take up the saxophone: Dave Brubeck. Brubeck had a No. 1 hit with "Take Five," which is heard on Time Out. The album also illustrates the Brubeck Quartet's experimentation with complex poly-rhythms.

Benny Carter made his recording debut in 1927. Six decades later, he was still going strong, having made a mark as an alto saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and arranger. This 1962 album has his most famous song, "When Lights Are Low."

Producer Ashley Kahn takes a closer look at "Chelsea Burns," a song from Nolita, the latest CD from singer-songwriter Keren Ann.