John Blum’s ‘Deep Space’ might have some Sun Ra flavor in it thanks to Marshall Allen, but the free jazz pianist follows his own muse and it’s a good one.

‘Vivid Tales of A Blurry Self-Portrait’ tells a story with not words but with feel, and you can’t help but notice the unpretentious emotional investment Nicola Caminiti put into his debut album.

Elaine Palmer’s ‘Half Moon Rising’ is a lovely folk-Americana album floating on enriched earthy vocals that can possess a melody with magic.

Defying smooth jazz stereotypes, David Sanborn shined when joined fellow ex-Julius Hemphill pupil Tim Berne in adventurous performances of Hemphill songs.

In making the sometimes-hidden genius of these wide assortment of composers visible on the all-covers ‘Repertoire,’ Shane Parish showed some of his own genius.

Just as long as you like to move, there’s no reason not to like David Sanborn’s take on the Ornette Coleman classic “Ramblin’.”

The Strange Encounters have crafted an album that recalls the Beatles, R.E.M., the Byrds, the Posies, the Jayhawks, Badfinger and Robyn Hitchcock.

David Sanborn’s anthemic ballad “A Tear For Crystal” goes slow, but it also goes hard.

Not much crossover jazz from the 80s holds up well today soundwise but David Sanborn’s “It’s You” from ‘Voyeur’ is timeless.

“Short Visit” was David Sanborn’s early hat tip to his sometimes-employer Gil Evans, but it wouldn’t be his last.