The Focus Page

Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck & Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci & Uli Roth, Buckethead, Angus Young, Steve Hackett, Peter Frampton, Tommy Emmanuel, Shawn Lane, Gilad Hekselman, Larry Coryell

Les Paul & Mary Ford, Jack White, Billy Gibbons, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Frank Zappa, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Jeff Beck, Orianthi, George Benson, Marc Ribot, Allan Holdsworth, Mick Goodrick, John Abercrombie, John Scofield & Emily Remler

Robert Cray, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Paco de Lucía, John McLaughlin, Steve Morse , Joe Satriani, Al Di Meola, Buckethead, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton

Zakk Wylde, Gary Clark Jr, Alvin Lee, John Frusciante, Robin Trower, Adrian Belew, Buckethead, Eric Johnson, Chuck Loeb, Bill Frisell, Jorma Kaukonen, Ali Farka Touré

Earl Klugh, Larry Carlton, Al Di Meola, Joe Satriani, Jeff Healey, Neal Schon, Popa Chubby, Carolyn Wonderland, Mick Taylor, Richie Sambora, Jerry Garcia, Fred Frith

Tony Iommi, Robin Trower, Robben Ford, Wayne Krantz, Nels Cline, Steve Morse, Buckethead, Steve Vai, Charlie Hunter, John Mclaughlin & Jonas Hellborg, Jukka Tolonen & Coste Apetrea, Al Di Meola

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Pat Metheny’s reworking of Carly Simon’s "That's The Way I Always Heard It Should Be" transforms its emotional weight into intricate instrumental nuances, highlighted by the unique 42-string Pikasso guitar. Shawn Lane’s "Rice with the Angels" takes a more chaotic yet cohesive approach, blending fusion and jazz elements in a raw, immersive live performance alongside Jonas Hellborg and Jeff Sipe, creating a soundscape that's both intense and intricate.

Rory Gallagher injects lively storytelling into "Secret Agent" from his 1976 album "Calling Card," pairing cheeky themes with energetic slide guitar, while Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck's live duet on "Little Brown Bird" showcases subtle blues interplay over showy technique. Steve Hackett’s "Every Day" balances personal gravity with prog-pop charm, highlighted by shifting guitar tones and thoughtful arrangements, making it a standout on his *Spectral Mornings* album.

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Michel Petrucciani’s take on Miles Davis’ "So What" from a 1998 Stuttgart concert highlights its staying power, with Anthony Jackson’s steady bass and Steve Gadd’s subtle drumming anchoring restrained improvisation. Meanwhile, John Coltrane’s quartet version of "I Want to Talk About You" on *Soultrane* strips an old big-band tune to its emotional core, balancing reverence with hints of the freedom he’d later fully embrace.

Wayne Shorter’s "Starry Night" from *Without a Net* showcases conversational interplay within his quartet, while Chick Corea’s ambitious "Moseb the Executioner" merges diverse traditions despite feeling structurally dense. Dizzy Gillespie’s "A Night in Tunisia" pushes Afro-Cuban rhythms into bebop's restless energy, contrasting with Jimmy Smith’s warmer jazz-organ twist on "Honky Tonk," particularly live. Each track offers glimpses of its artist’s unique touchpoint in jazz history.

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Agnetha Fältskog, Sheryl Crow, Beth Hart, Jill Scott, Cassandra Wilson, Julie Andrews, Brandi Carlile, Cesária Evora, Céline Dion, Joan Baez & Judy Collins, Sarah Vaughan, Dolly Parton Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris

Suzanne Vega, Janis Ian, Cat Power, Astrud Gilberto, Alannah Myles, Mariah Carey, PJ Harvey, Tracy Chapman, Joss Stone, Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, Florence + The Machine

Diana Krall, Mary J. Blige, Ellie Goulding, Jackie Evancho, Heart, Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile, Leslie Mcdonel, Fantasia Barrino, Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Tina Turner

Esperanza Spalding, Beverley Knight, Madeleine Peyroux, Sinéad O'Connor, Elena Tonra, Samantha Fish, Amy Winehouse, Shakira, Spice Girls, Madonna, Lzzy Hale, Courtney Barnett

Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Melissa Etheridge, Dianne Reeves, Sharleen Spiteri, Adele, Nancy Wilson & Ann Wilson, Madonna, Alanis Morissette, Rebecca Lovell & Megan Lovell, Samantha Fish

Lady Gaga, P!Nk, Carole King, Connie James, India Arie, Emily Elbert, Katie Petersen, Linda Ronstadt, Kaya Bruël, Dixie Chicks, Merry Clayton, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe

Leona Lewis, Jewel, Tal Wilkenfeld, Tori Amos, Annie Lennox, Beth Hart, Neneh Cherry, Natalie Merchant, Alison Krauss, Katie Melua, Elle King, Jessie J

PJ Harvey, India Arie, Hannah Reid, Norah Jones, Rickie Lee Jones, Ann Wilson, Esperanza Spalding, Duffy, Martha Wainwright, St. Vincent, Laura Mvula, Lauren Mayberry

Lenny Kravitz, Joe Cocker, Randy Newman, Van Morrison, Maxwell, Sting, Elvis Presley, Eric Burdon, Dr. John, John Oates, Lou Reed, Chris Martin

Waylon Jennings, Ian Dury, The Blockheads, Johnny Cash, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Lou Reed, Glen Hansard, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Elliott Smith, Thom Yorke, Steven Tyler

Boz Scaggs, Dan Fogelberg, Damon Albarn, Jamie Cullum, Tom Waits, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Elton John, George Michael, Paul Young, Usher, America, Mink DeVille, Elvis Presley, John Denver, Glen Campbell

Guy Garvey, Adam Granduciel, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Johnny Cash, Neil Finn, Vince Gill, James Taylor, Billy Bragg, Ibrahim Ferrer, Ry Cooder, Charles Bradley, Eric Burdon, Iggy Pop

Ben Harper, Eric Stewart, Stephen Malkmus, Thundercat, Sturgill Simpson, Win Butler, John Cale, Peter Wolf, Chris Cornell, Gary Clark Jr, Randy Meisner, Andy Gibb

George Harrison, Rufus Wainwright, Seal, Thom Yorke, Stephen Malkmus, Ian Brown, Hozier, Tom Waits, Jeff Buckley, David Sylvian, Elliott Smith, George Thorogood, The Destroyers

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Robbie Williams’ "Angels," co-written with Guy Chambers, blends sweeping production with karaoke-ready appeal, securing its place in late-'90s pop history despite chart peaks of No. 4 in the UK and No. 41 in the US. Its enduring cultural resonance includes a 2022 AI reboot featuring Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata." Similarly introspective, Myles Kennedy’s "Haunted by Design" shifts from Alter Bridge’s rock bombast to stripped-down blues, exploring grief through restrained acoustic textures.

Other highlights bring diverse tones: The Weeknd’s "Sidewalks," from "Starboy," pairs introspective lyrics with Kendrick Lamar’s sharp verses, while Jamie Cullum’s "Gran Torino," tied to Clint Eastwood’s film, opts for smoky jazz intimacy. Ed Sheeran’s "I’m a Mess," blending raw lyrics with pop accessibility, reflects a bittersweet confessional quality. Meanwhile, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ theatrical "Constipation Blues" thrives on eccentricity, showcasing absurdity with unmatched flair during a chaotic 1983 Serge Gainsbourg duet.

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Lenny Kravitz's "Dancin' Til Dawn" leans on his funk and rock roots, carried by his multi-instrumental talents and Lenny Pickett's sultry saxophone, though its mid-tempo groove feels more atmospheric than urgent. Paul Simon’s "Wristband" pairs flamenco rhythms and Clap! Clap!'s electronic touch to craft a witty reflection on exclusivity, offering layered social commentary with subtle humor.

Father John Misty’s "I Love You, Honeybear" blends lush orchestration with ironic lyrics, while Kurt Elling reimagines "Norwegian Wood" through a jazz lens, balancing abstraction and homage. Michael Bublé's polished take on "Moondance" sticks closely to the original’s blueprint, and "My Valentine" by Paul McCartney, featuring Eric Clapton, delivers a refined yet understated personal tribute.? Take our 12-track quiz.

Norah Jones, Keith Richards, John Mayer, Tony Bennett , Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Danger Mouse, Daniele Luppi, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Grohl, Jamie Cullum, Neil Young, Billie Joe Armstrong

Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, George Benson, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Dr. John, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, Johnnie Johnson, Keith Richards, Carl Perkins, Robert Cray, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan

Luther Vandross, Olivia Newton-John, Boyz II Men, Miguel, Aretha Franklin, Luciano Pavarotti, Patti Labelle, Ne-Yo, Westlife, Patricia Carey, John Legend, Brian McKnight

Run-DMC, Billy Joel, AC/DC, Jimmy Page, Slash, Santana, Christina Milian, Pink, Kid Rock, Nuno Bettencourt, Chris Botti, Southern California Children's Chorus

Olivia Newton John, Cher, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, RuPaul, Spice Girls, Leann Rimes, George Michael, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Ray Charles, Andy Williams, Cass Elliot, Bette Midler, Cher

Leon Russell, Andrea Bocelli, K.D. Lang, Dolly Parton, Joss Stone, Shania Twain, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart, Rihanna, Anastacia

Ray Charles, George Benson, Fourplay, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker , Tom Jones, Barry White, Whitney Houston, Alfonso Ribeiro, K.D. Lang, Fomo, Taka Boom, Mark Stevens, Stevie Wonder , Meshell Ndegeocello, Rufus

Rachelle Ferrell , Marcus Miller, Al Jarreau, Carlos Santana, Jill Scott, Earl Klugh, Minnie Riperton, Lee Ritenour, Natalie Cole, Benny Goodman, Noa, Count Basie

Bonnie Raitt & John Hiatt, Willie Nelson & Sheryl Crow, Shakira & Blake Shelton, Emmylou Harris Joan Baez & Jackson Browne, David Bromberg & Keb Mo, Susan Tedeschi Derek Trucks & Warren Haynes, Noa & Sting, Thom Yorke Katia & Marielle Labèque , Guns N` Roses & Lenny Kravitz, Ana Popovic & Ronnie Earl, Les Paul & Steve Howe, Ringo Starr & Paul McCartney

Bonnie Raitt & Norah Jones, Chris Botti & Steven Tyler, Bruce Springsteen & Jimmy Cliff, Elton John & Leann Rimes, Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton, Eddie Vedder & Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Mariah Carey & Snoop Dogg, Usher & Nicki Minaj, Madness & Ian Dury, The Rolling Stones & AC/DC, Beck Bogert & Appice, Tom Jones & Jerry Lee Lewis

Dean Martin & Tony Bennett, George Benson & Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck & Imelda May, Mavis Staples & Jonny Lang, Allman Brothers & Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen & Melissa Etheridge, Billy Joel & John Fogerty, Stevie Wonder & Chaka Khan, Dolly Parton & Elton John, John Denver & Glen Campbell, Jerry Garcia & David Grisman, Jorge Ben & Lucio Dalla

Lenny Kravitz, Buckwheat Zydeco & Ry Cooder, Van Morrison, Tom Jones & Jeff Beck, Bon Jovi & Kid Rock, Sarah McLachlan & Melissa Etheridge, Ann Hampton Callaway & Liza Minnelli, Stevie Nicks & Dave Grohl, Carly Simon & James Taylor, Grace Jones & Iggy Pop, Rihanna & Maroon 5, Britney Spears & Will.I.Am, Eric Clapton & Billy Preston, Justin Timberlake & Jay Z

Alice In Chains & Heart, David Gilmour & The Who, Iggy Pop & Metallica, Jonny Lang & Eric Johnson, Gary Clark Jr. & William Bell, Chicago & REO Speedwagon, Robert Plant & Sheryl Crow, Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins, Lionel Richie & Blake Shelton, Sharon Corr & Vonda Shepard, Billy Joel & Itzhak Perlman, Larry Graham & Mark King

Snoop Dogg & Gorillaz, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Bonnie Raitt & Bo Diddley, Johnny Cash & James Taylor, Grace Slick & Hot Tuna, Tom Jones & Dusty Springfield, Rachelle Ferrell & Jennifer Hudson, Robert Glasper & Lalah Hathaway, Mary J Blige, Brandy, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Kahn, Cece Winans & Whitney Houston, Billy Joel & Roger Daltrey, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder & Tom Morello, Cody Jinks & Jamey Johnson

Dr. John & Eric Clapton, Joey Blake & Bobby Mcferrin, Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, Rihanna & Ne Yo, Heidi Klum & Seal, Daryl Hall & Smokey Robinson, Carlos Santana & Gato Barbieri, Massive Attack & Portishead, David Sylvian & Robert Fripp, Paco De Lucia, John Mclaughlin & Larry Coryell, Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate, Brad Mehldau & Mark Guiliana

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"California Love" stands as a West Coast anthem blending 2Pac’s urgency and Dr. Dre’s polished production, with Roger Troutman’s talk box adding infectious funk. Its cinematic flair, quick creation, and Grammy nod cement its appeal, though some critique its reliance on atmosphere over depth. Similarly, Chuck Berry’s "Johnny B. Goode," a cornerstone of rock, merges autobiographical nuance with dynamic riffs, its cultural impact spanning decades from "Back to the Future" to the Voyager Golden Record.

Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue’s playful duet "Kids" exudes polished theatricality, with cheeky nods to nostalgia driving its UK chart success. Al Jarreau and Kurt Elling’s spirited take on "Take Five" explores jazz interplay, balancing Jarreau’s unpredictable scatting and Elling’s structured phrasing. Meanwhile, "On My Own" unites Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald’s distinct vocals through slick '80s production, delivering emotional weight despite their physical distance during recording.

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