BLUES
"Whiskey Store Live," Tab Benoit and Jimmy Thackery, Telarc

Recorded live on the "Whiskey Store" tour, which supported the 2002 release by the same name, this album features Baton Rouge blues guitarist/vocalist Tab Benoit and blues rock guitarist Jimmy Thackery for dueling six-strings. This is a good one to pick up if you plan on being at the Benoit show March 10 at The Temple Club, 500 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing's Old Town.

ROCK
"Flutterby," Butterfly Boucher, A&M

Aussie Butterfly Boucher has created a wonderful, mature, debut alternative rock album. This doesn't happen every day. Plus, she wrote all her own songs and played all the instruments on the album, too. "Flutterby" is both catchy and full of substance, and Boucher is charming and respectable.

"Shadows Collide With People," John Frusciante, Warner Brothers

This is the fourth solo album from the Red Hot Chili Peppers famed guitarist John Frusciante. Featuring Chili Peppers bassist on the stand-up, "Shadows Collide With People" has 18 songs, all written and sung by Frusciante.

JAZZ
"American Song," Andy Bey, Savoy Jazz

"American Song" is a soft, slow and smooth jazz release from legendary jazz vocalist Andy Bey. He has gained many fans since beginning to perform in the 1950s, mostly because his voice is amazing. Bey was voted 2003 Vocalist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, as the sticker on the CD tells you.

RAP
"Grand Opening," Planet Asia, Avatar

Underground battle rapper Planet Asia has helped prove the strength of the non-Los Angeles rap scene. After starting his career in Fresno, Calif., Planet Asia, aka Jason Green, moved to San Francisco, where his style was even more appreciated. He's known for his impromptu lyrical ability and intense delivery.