‘Oceans And’ intrigues because it’s a meld of sounds that don’t normally go together, and delights because it goes together so well in the hands of Tim Berne, Aurora Nealand and Hank Roberts.

Coming out of trying times, something new from the Wood Brothers might just be what we need. ‘Heart Is The Hero’ is an extra-rootsy effort that satisfies the soul.

The the music of ‘MYSTIC’ by the expanded Sun of Goldfinger ensemble The Sunny Four lives entirely in the moment while justifying multiple moments re-hearing it.

Ivo Perelman’s one-on-one improvisations with 12 distinct reedists ‘Reed Rapture In Brooklyn’ is the story of an ambitious project told through a box set of recordings now being told through a full-length documentary.

The unworldly communion of Ivo Perelman and Matthew Shipp is a sacred musical bond. During ‘Live In Carrboro,’ Jeff Cosgrove uncannily knows just how to not only keep that bond intact, but strengthen it further.

The electric-jazz foray ‘Fire Illuminations,’ like most Wadada Leo Smith albums, is not just another record. It’s another chapter in his fascinating, ongoing story.

Sprung from the prolific mind of Rob Mazurek, the Exploding Star Orchestra started out in 2007 reaching toward towering heights of artistry and attaining them. Most amazingly, they still manage to do that today with ‘Lightning Dreamers.’

‘Artificial Intelligence’ has certain qualities brought by Elliott Sharp that are novel even by Ivo Perelman’s standards.

Pianist and composer David Ake continues to make his infrequent releases count. ‘Green Thumb’ is plenty good enough the savor until Mr. Ake is ready to make another quality collection of modern and mainstream jazz.

The Vincent Meissner Trio found a perfect moment that covers youth and European, turning a brisk cover of “Young Folks” into an appealing jazz song.