It’s probably a little too hyperbolic to call Mke Reed’s ‘Flesh & Bone’ the most important release of the year. At the same time, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of its message at this critical time.

Now on tour with a crack new band, Donald Fagen must choose which songs to perform from his extensive catalog. It’s a good problem to have.

Proving again that contemporary jazz doesn’t necessarily equate to smooth jazz, Brad Cheeseman Group’s ‘The Tide Turns’ is another solid set of tracks from Cheeseman where real work is put in from conception to execution.

As a kid in the ’60s, Elvis Presley’s hit-making era was dim and distant. Blame the Beatles. Blame Oswald. Blame television. But it was true.

By not limiting himself within a narrow concept and exploiting a multiple of possibilities presented by the larger sextet, Vijay Iyer’s variety of tactics benefit ‘Far From Over,’ making this an insightful window into his wide-ranging capabilities.

“Why Did It Die?” The Beatles did not write and record a song with that title — right? In truth, they did.

I didn’t get decked, and I did ask Glen Campbell to sign my album.

Was the performance at the YEStival in Baltimore epic? The answer is Yes!

Just as Nellie Bly was able to show what a woman is capable of when gender barriers are confronted or outright ignored, Sam Boshnack is an example of a growing number of women leading a resurgence of creativity in jazz.

‘Fountain Of Youth’ has the energy and enthusiasm of someone striving to make his mark, but with the discernment of the accomplished veteran that Weiskopf is.