Jeff Berlin, Ben Sidran, Jeff Denson and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Ron Miles’ music is always both relaxed and cerebral, a rare combination of qualities that few can pull off so convincingly. But once again with ‘Rainbow Sign’ he does, and with the ample help of some very special friends.

The baker’s dozen in this Best of 2017 list reveals that fusion jazz has expanded and diversified way past its ‘Bitches Brew’-era beginnings.

Ron Miles deconstructs through his accomplished art the complex emotions of protracted strife both within society and within a person, and makes compelling music from it. The added sense of purpose propels ‘I Am A Man’ to the upper echelon of his discography.

Always putting spirituality above improvisation, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band connects to listeners in a way uncommon for jazz musicians, and ‘Body And Shadow’ continues a remarkable consistency of mission and quality spanning two decades.

Here is a review of John Patitucci’s guitar-dominant quartet’s debut, ‘Brooklyn,’ a freshly cast reconnect back to the bass extraordinaire’s roots.

The concensus Something Else! Top 10 for 2014 features Lucinda Williams, D’Angelo, David Crosby, Brian Blade, Seth Walker, Matthew Shipp and others.

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2014’s modern and mainstream jazz albums, including Keith Jarrett, Brian Blade, Fred Hersch and others.

Ron Miles and Company once again make music ideal for those who savor it with angularity and superb group dynamics.

Daniel Lanois’ “Iceland” is unutterably beautiful at one turn, dark and humid the next