The Best of 2017 (So Far) includes jazz, pop, blues, prog and things that are, quite thrillingly, simply outside of any general category.

True to the stated purpose of Burning Ghosts, ‘Reclamation’ is another piercing protest document without words. But regardless of what your politics might be, there’s much to relish here as long as you appreciate raw passion delivered through accomplished musicianship and a fearless attitude.

The ever-discerning Carla Bley herself is a fan of the Bley tribute ‘The New National Anthem,’ and with the sheer joy on display that went into making this record, it’s not hard to figure why.

Maciek Pysz and Gianluca Corona’s ‘London Stories’ features only two guitars, yet there are so many textures, changes and different emphasis.

A vintage poster and some cut-up tapes: these two elements play key roles in the Beatles’ “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!”

”This Is Beautiful Because We Are Beautiful People’ is a set of performances that succeed because the Toxic musicians place all trust on instinct and the instincts of others.

“Alchemy Melt (With Tilt)” is an album’s worth of ideas from a single song and there are a dozen other songs on Kate Gentile’s ‘Mannequins.’

The international element is strong on ‘Spirit’ like a lot of jazz albums these days but Zem Audu is long beyond that concept of throwing together different ingredients and has mastered making his stew simmer with sophistication.

Mike Tiano explores the connection between Yes guitarist Steve Howe’s early band Tomorrow and the Beatles during the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ era.

Through death comes transformation. Gato Libre is a band whose body has changed, but its original heart perseveres.