The event was simply billed as "Willie Nelson Sings the Blues," but the historic two-night stand on January 12 and 13, 2007 at Jazz at Lincoln Center was far more than that. Call it a summit meeting between two American icons, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis, two of the most significant figures in modern-day country and jazz (respectively), who discovered common ground in their love for jazz standards and the blues. Their performance stirred the sounds of New Orleans, Nashville, Austin and New York City into a brilliantly programmed mix that was equal parts down-home and cosmopolitan, with plenty of swing and just a touch of melancholy. Luckily, the performance was recorded and released this week, and is appropriately titled "Two Men With the Blues."

A true artist's artist, Ron Sexsmith has been writing and performing his earnest, soulful songs for nearly thirty years now, engendering praise from a litany of artists too influential and many to name. On his latest album "Exit Strategy of the Soul," Sexsmith expands his musical canon with vaulted yet direct string arrangements and sweeping horn sections, resulting in a work equal in musical breadth and emotional depth. Recorded in both the cold of classical London and the sweaty flamboyance of Havana, Cuba, "Exit Strategy" is a study of the beauty that can come from the heartfelt melding of seemingly contrary ideas, be them musical, cultural or emotional. Delving deep into Cuban music, Sexsmith recruited legendary Cuban musicians Amaury Perez and Alexander Abreu as well as experienced arranger Joaquin Betancourt to lend Latin punch and style to his sweeping, yearnful melodies.

Embodying the culmination of two decades of collaboration between founding members Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear, Donna The Buffalo's brand new album, "Silverlined" builds on their signature sound - a bedrock of traditional mountain music infused with elements of Cajun, rock, folk, reggae and country. The album also includes the talents of such well-known guests as Bela Fleck, Claire Lynch, David Hidalgo and Amy Helm.