Cat Mayel's "FREE" arrived, not on a silver platter, but more like a rogue pigeon delivering a very important message – a crumpled napkin with profound scribbles. This Nigerian producer, composer, arranger, and all-around sonic sorceress has served up a single dose of alternative neo-soul that feels… well, free. As free as a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, anyway. It goes where it...

A year after the release of his first song, "Change," Chris B., also known as Villeman, is still keeping a low profile. But it has nothing to do with the caliber of his music in any way, shape, or form. The fantastic radio songs of the 1990s that we all hold dearest in our memories have impacted the blend of pop, folk, and grunge. The use...