Well, Ricky Leroy Brown has gone and done it, presenting us with "SEXUAL MANUAL FOR EXPERTS," and I confess, the title alone sent my mind skittering off like a startled cat at a séance. This solo Madrileño, who conjures entire soundscapes from his own hands and instruments, is clearly still communing with the spirit of Prince, all slinky guitars and a rhythm section that...

Miedjia emerges not only as a star but more as a supernova in the expansive musical universe. Miedjia is one of those rare individuals who not only writes, composes, and performs, but also dabbles in sound engineering. Other people may wear one or more of these hats. Because he is the creative director behind his trade, each note and phrase is infused with a purposeful goal,...