Well, it's happened. Japan has beaten America to the technology punch again, this time with an animatronic Ray Charles singing away outside Osaka Castle Park. But who's that man the box over in the corner?
BIG SANDY and HIS FLY-RITE BOYS are celebrating a silver anniversary this year with a new album of reworked gems from the band's 25-year recording history. It's really good stuff.
Pop, soul and doo-wop come together on 23-year-old CHRIS RUGGIERO's first Christmas album. Underneath Ruggiero's impressive voice is something else: pure, unadulterated heart.
TROMBONE SHORTY is releasing a picture book autobiography next month, with superb illustrations by BRYAN COLLIER. JULES has the lowdown, and some pics.