Steve Young’s latest release, the heavily autobiographical EP "Riffin For A Livin", arrives with the sudden, exhaling relief of a man pulling off a heavy, borrowed uniform. For three decades, the British frontman, main songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist has existed as the dependable anchor in the background. He’s played alongside stars like Darren Hayes and Lionel Richie, and he’s dutifully grinded through an estimated...

Okay, let’s tumble into Apryll Aileen's “Under My Tree,” shall we? It’s not your grandma’s sleigh-bell jingler, not by a long shot. Aileen, this classically-trained pianist, decides to cloak herself in a Christmas-themed R&B haze, like wrapping a finely-made watch in soft flannel. It’s the kind of thing that makes you tilt your head. https://open.spotify.com/track/6BBE2fTRte3f7HW7NZkTwm?si=JDkhIyolRLeIJS9r8m7PVA The song feels like staring at a snow globe, the tiny...