New releases last two weeks: All genres

Review: A shape-shifting force from the American South, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones rerouted genre boundaries with their early 90s experimentations-none more so than this landmark second release. Built around banjo, bass, keys and Future Man's custom SynthAxe Drumitar, the quartet's playing here is deft, joyfully off-kilter, and quietly revolutionary. Their self-coined "blu-bop" style hits full stride, blending bebop's angular shifts with bluegrass warmth on 'Turtle Rock' and the dizzying 'Blu-Bop'. A woozy take on 'Michelle' and a surprisingly reverent reading of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' show off their melodic instinct without sacrificing invention. The telepathic interplay and tonal sharpness-especially in the low-end counterpoint of Victor Wooten's bass-make it clear how this group managed to top jazz charts while looking nothing like a traditional jazz outfit. It's a sound not pinned to any one era or idiom, but to pure creative glee.

Review: In the early 1970s, Dusty Springfield moved to Los Angeles and signed with ABC/Dunhill Records. Her 1973 album Cameo showcased soulful pop but saw limited success and for her 1974 follow-up, For Longing, Dusty collaborated with producer Brooks Arthur in New York and embraced a 1970s singer-songwriter sound. The album featured material from Colin Blunstone, Melissa Manchester, Janis Ian, and Barry Manilow, with contributions from the star-studded songwriters themselves. Emotional exhaustion led Dusty to shelve the album, but it was later released in 2001. Now, all ten tracks make their vinyl debut, including new mixes and the first solo release of 'Corner of the Sky.'