As he prepares to release his upcoming album "Afrikan Boy," it's only natural that he dishes up some fresh calming, and engaging songs. He understands his role and executes it flawlessly. The 23-year-old Montreal singer/songwriter is offering a great 10-track album that combines Afrobeats with an unexpected injection of R&B, dancehall, and kompa, with the result likely to be a dynamic and fascinating blend that...

AriSawkaDoria. The name alone sounds like an incantation, a summoning of something… interesting. This trio—KJ Sawka, he of Pendulum and Destroid percussive prowess, Joe Doria, finger-dancing on the Hammond B3, and Ari Joshua, weaving guitar spells, it made no sense and perfect sense on paper. Their latest offering? A single, "Naima." Coltrane's "Naima." Bold. Did someone order a plate of unexpected sonic delights? Because...