The drummer who is capable of taking on any role he wants behind his drum set makes his best music when he takes on the role of simply being himself.

Toronto’s The Worst Pop Band Ever has a hand-made, unforced approach that makes rock-jazz uncommonly relaxing, and ‘Blackout’ keeps that relaxed vibe going.

Tim Kuhl has spun off many video singles from his ‘1982’ album, and this one produced by Rich Ragsdale might be the the most visually vivid one of them all.

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2015’s fusion jazz music, including John McLaughlin, Chris Potter, Donny McCaslin, Jeff Lorber and others.

Paul Bley has died at 83, following a career which spanned much of jazz history itself – yet boasted a vision derivative of no one.

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2015’s avant-garde and experimental music, including Sonny Sharrock, Thurston Moore, Scott Amendola and others.

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2015’s modern and mainstream jazz albums, including John Scofield, Matthew Shipp, Antonio Sanchez and others.

‘Three Times Three’ is the Antonio Sanchez showcase album that leaves no doubts as to his vast abilities as leader, composer and — not least — elite drummer.

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2015’s non-jazz albums, including Erykah Badu, Shememkia Copeland, the Blind Boys of Alabama’s Sam Butler and others.

Erykah Badu’s new mixtape ‘But You Caint Use My Phone’ may or may not be a placeholder until a ‘real’ album is ready, her relentless thirst to push the edge makes it no small deal regardless.