When it comes to New Orleans piano, it’s no small feat to combine deep scholarship of the genre’s musical complexities and cultural roots with the pop sparkle that seduces the uninitiated. Once a student of Dr. John, Josh Charles does this brilliantly on gems like the get-up-and-dance “The Waiting Game” and honey-dripping ballad “It Ain’t Easy.” Taste Charles’ gumbo of stride, boogie, blues, and gospel, and find out why he’s the new young lion of a uniquely American art form. (joshcharlesmusic.com)