Not so long ago, a great English band called Squeeze created an innovative kind of pop that still sounds fresh today. In the band's early years, a kick ass pianist who leaned heavily toward boogie-woogie helped formulate the band's unique sound. His name was Jools Holland.

With his new album Jazz From Hell(er), the prolific artist reminds us that jazz is supposed to be entertaining, a feeling he believes Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman were trying to accomplish through the 1930s jazz that predated bebop and the less structured styles that followed.

A-Town Blues is Hancock's fourth CD, which some may confuse for a whacked out Hank Williams. But Hancock has a knack for blending honky tonk with the musical inspiration of great big band leaders.

Ah, Italy! Renowned for its pastas, chiantis, and…hard jumping swing? In fact, Italy has given us several gifted swing musicians, including The Good Fellas, who first hit the scene in 1997 backing Ray Gelato.