Ever heard of classic seventies soul singer D.J. Rogers? What about contemporary Afro-Spanish singer Concha Buika? Do you know Monk’s "Ruby, My Dear"? We have versions by Thelonious Monk with Coleman Hawkins, Hugo Fatturusso, Jerry Gonzalez, Carmen McRae and Charlie Rouse. A memorable week on BoL.

Let’s see, we start with love songs from Nina Simone, Bob Marley, Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, Willie Hutch, Maria Bethania, Yellowman, Sam Cooke, Van Morrison and Stevie Wonder; and then we wander around the four corners of Africa with Manou Gallo, Souad Massi, Saba and Ernestine Deane; finally Matt Lemmler does jazz covers of Stevie Wonder featuring vocals from George French and Leah Chase. There a lot here to listen to and read about. Enjoy.

OK, what do the following have in common: John Coltrane, Ta’Raach & Joy Jones, Jill Scott, Goapele, India.Arie, Soul II Soul, Godessa, Burni Aman, Nina Simone, Jay-Z, Max Romeo, Lee Scratch Perry, Lil Wayne and Common? They are all featured in a serious discussion about the music in this week’s BoL. Don’t miss it—feel free to dive in.