For the post-bop delight ‘Allied Forces’ Steve Fidyk may be leading a small combo, but he always drums big and his bandmates think the same way.

‘Live At Maxwell’s’ is the first album to give those of us who hadn’t been able to see Duane Eubanks lead on the bandstand a taste of what he’s capable of in such a setting. We could use many more tastes like this.

‘Behind The Vibration’ is a typical Rez Abbasi album in the sense that when you think he’s about to run out of ideas and start repeating himself, he’ll come out with something fresh and stimulating that builds upon what he’s made before.

There’s some dope punk blues in here, recommended whether you’re new to Left Lane Cruiser or already a big fan. ‘Beck In Black’ is where to get your Sausage Paw fix.

People seeking adventurous music should seek out Marc Ribot adventures like ‘Live In Tokyo’ because he does it with such attitude, resourcefulness and — dare I say — fun.

With his proper debut ‘Cinematic,’ Dan Cavalca can already boast a fully-formed individual approach to an instrumental music that brings together a lot of familiar elements but the alchemy itself is uncommon…and uncommonly good.

‘Unstatic’ remains very much in keeping with the style of French rock-jazz drumming extraordinaire Manu Katché, a style that continues to discreetly evolve and stay very much engaging.

With a classic tenor sax tone, top drawer backing band and great tunes and arrangements all present in ‘Gratitude’, it’s just hard to go wrong with this record.

‘An Untroublesome Defencelessness’ features the collective wisdom of Merzbow, Keiji Haino and Balazs Pandi – three visionary musicians who have made careers out of embracing uncharted territory.

‘The Royal Gospel’ by Cyril Neville’s Royal Southern Brotherhood should be eliciting a lot of hosannas in response.