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

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."

In the 1920s, Sidney Bechet developed a distinctive, vibrato style on soprano saxophone that won him wide acclaim. His career lagged until 1949, when he went to a jazz festival in Paris and became an overnight sensation. His skilled improvisation is highlighted in this box set, which covers 1923 to 1950.

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 as Duke Ellington's favorite guitarist, Kenny Burrell was a master of the blues. In 1963, he recorded Midnight Blue, which jazz commentator Murray Horwitz calls a "late night, neon light flashing outside of the window, cigarette smoke swirling up into nothing" record.

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.

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."

"A Night in Tunisia" is frequently called Dizzy Gillespie's greatest composition. The Complete RCA Victor Recordings has two versions of it, as well as titles such as "Hey Pete! Let's Eat More Meat" that capture the playful humor of Dizzy Gillespie's Big Band. The album tracks Gillespie's development from 1937-1949, when he rose from an experimental soloist to a jazz legend.