Music

The Crossing

(Scarlett Letter Records, 2008)

Terrific sidemen are the unsung heroes of the music world. Barry Walsh is a piano virtuoso whose gifts at the keyboard have added so much to the music of the Box Tops and singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters, as they did in the past for Roy Orbison, Jimmy Webb and Al Green. Mr. Walsh has released a solo album of his own compositions, and it's nothing short of spellbinding. He admits being influenced by Bach, and it shows. This is not a pop album, nor is it New Age. Rather, it has elements of classical, jazz and blues, and it takes you on a mesmerizing journey. Mr. Walsh has circumvented the genre of solo piano recordings by slowing down the pace and letting the individual pieces speak for themselves. And they do, loudly and lyrically.

Michael Granberry

New World

(Amusement Park/Faris Wheel Productions, 2007)

Dallas-based band charms with an uncluttered, laid-back and unassumingly infectious sound. The group, fronted by lead singer Les Eason, takes pop melodies and fuses them with folk-rock elements and even reggae rhythms. The results seep under your skin with repeated listens. Songs such as "Another Bad Day," "Castles," "Hourglass" and the slightly psychedelic "Sunstone God" will effortlessly pull you in. There's a tranquil simplicity at work here that ultimately proves to be so inviting. For a copy of New World, check out myspace.com/leseasonandcurtissteen.

Mario Tarradell

A Night at the Village Vanguard

(Blue Note, 1957)

I keep going back to this album over and over again. I love that club, and he sounds so comfortable. Everyone's immersed in the music, and it's just on the highest level in every way. I saw him in the Village Vanguard in 1972 and it was incredible – my whole body was shaking.

Bill Frisell

Guitarist Bill Frisell performs Tuesday at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton.

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