Brad Paisley  This is Country Music:  Country's fastest, best guitar picker sings smart, funny songs with the help of Clint Eastwood, Carrie Underwood and old Alabama.

Chip Taylor  Rock and Roll Joe:  The dude who wrote "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the Morning" (and who also happens to be Jon Voight's brother) knows a thing or two about the sort of unsung heroes of rock 'n' roll he celebrates here.

The Wronglers with Jimmie Dale Gilmore  Heirloom Music:  Leave it to Texan Gilmore to find a way to outdo himself. This collection of old-timey country music is bluegrass-inspired.

Brett Dennen  Lover Boy:  One of the boy wonders adding sparks to the singer-songwriter crowd continues to enthrall, especially on songs like "Sydney" and "Only Rain."

James Farm  James Farm:  This is a new jazz group with Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, Matt Penman and Eric Harland. Saxophonist supreme Redman leads the way, staying close to hard bop playing with plenty of fiery improvisation from all involved.