‘The Signal’ is bold, personal and completely lucid audio art from Elizabeth Shepherd. It wouldn’t be overstating it at all to assert that this is the most important vocal jazz record of 2014.

Leading by example, Wadada Leo Smith inspired Saft, Morris and Pandi to reach even deeper into themselves as well. Group improv like you’ve never heard it before.

Our panel of Steely Dan fanatics reminisce about that magic moment when their minds were blown away by the artful brilliance of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.

A canny amplification of Barrett’s muse, beyond the hippie-fied stuff.

Faithfull’s take on a Roger Waters song finds new depths of emotion.

There is no small amount of blasphemy going on here.

Unfailingly fresh, incalculable and rewarding, Peripheral Vision is giving jazz the swift kick in the pants that it needs. ‘Sheer Tyranny Of Will’ is sheer inventive talent on display.

You’re left with a broader perspective on what Taylor contributed to Queen.

Mike Tiano laments our sad inattention to the legacy of performers past.

Inspiration, it seems, hits artists at the strangest times.