Right out of the gate, NYC musician and songwriter Mei Semones created an unusual blend of tropicalia, jazz, indie rock and chamber pop that is familiar, friendly, satisfying and uniquely hers.

For years, I've been answering the same email question posed by readers about a photo taken at the famed Getz/Gilberto recording session in March 1963: Is the man in the middle who's wearing glasses ...

Astrud Gilberto with Stan Getz on saxophone, 'Get Yourself A College Girl' (1964) Everett Collection Astrud Gilberto, who was just 22 years old when her lovely, laid-back and sultry vocals on the ...