‘Spark’ is Hiromi’s fourth go aorund with a formula that might get a little tiresome by now if she wasn’t so danged daring and exuberant in how she goes about it.

‘Sound Is,’ released in March 2009 by the then-newly formed Rob Mazurek Quintet, remains a treat for those with big, open ears.

Once you accept the weird, wonderful microtonal world of David Fiuczynski, the universe gets much, much bigger. And better, too.

Iyer and Smith’s ‘a cosmic rhythm with each stroke’ is an encounter of two distinct voices from two distinct generations but of a single, spiritual mind.

Joe Bonamassa’s new record ‘Blues of Desperation’ is hard, gritty but soul-infused blues-rock with no tricks, just forthright musicianship and earnest passion. You can’t ask for anything more than that.

Rodriguez wrings a compelling, simple charm from a broken down piano that’s as undeniable as the weathered ’55 Bel Airs lumbering around downtown Havana.

The jazz/hip-hop hybrid ‘In The Moment’ from drummer Makaya McCraven retains the energy and impulsiveness of the live performances within hypnotic looped and sampled grooves.

Steve Kuhn has been an original and dynamic pianist for over five decades, and that young spirit is very much present today on “My Shining Hour” and the rest of ‘At This Time.’

‘Book Of Storms’ does nothing but strengthen Daniel Rosenboom’s reputation as a conceptual improviser of the highest order.

With eleven sturdy originals and an all-star band in tow, there’s no way jazz guitar whiz Will Bernard’s ‘Out & About’ was going to disappoint.