The Isley Brothers album that came out in September is solid. Ernie is one of the best living guitar players. Not sure if there are any good stories online about it, but pre-famous Jimi Hendrix lived with the Isleys for a bit, and it created some really entertaining stories.
Nathaniel Rateliff has some good stuff that he is working on. Same with Jon Batiste and Lukas Nelson (Willie's son) individually. Ernest (country) had a solid album about 9 months ago, and he is a good guy.
Caamp (similar to The Lumineers) had a quality album that came out in June.
For hip hop fans, LaRussell is a very unique artist both in rapping and his venues. Nas' string of four albums over the past 2.5 years is unbelievably impressive.