Is it jazz-rock fusion or just instrumental jam-rock? Such descriptions are superfluous when the music connects as ‘Let It Wander’ by Circles Around The Sun does.

Whether it’s individual heroics or wonderful ensemble symmetry, ‘Rhapsody’ begins with the mind of Bobby Previte. He not only had a concept but saw it to a fully developed work that stays true to its mission and articulated it well.

The Rob Dixon Trio’s ‘Coast To Crossroads’ is funk-jazz that’s the best because it comes from the best.

Sounding very much like themselves while incrementally reinventing themselves, The Necks’ constant tweaking of their formula keeps the music fresh and full of fascination. ‘Body’ nudges the band forward on their long, highly rewarding journey.

Jan Hammer’s, ‘Seasons Pt. 1’ picks up right where Drive left off, continuing with his unique brand of wholly keyboard-based instrumental music that sits in a space between prog-pop, fusion jazz and New Age.

Like Claudio Scolari and Daniele Cavalca’s prior projects, you could call ‘Natural Impulse’ “jazz” for a number of reasons but in the end it just sounds like two (sometimes three) guys following their instincts to make music that’s both unpredictable and inviting. And they have only gotten better at doing that.

‘Experiments On Human Subjects’ is artful haymaking from Evil Genius. The tuba is having more fun than is probably legally allowed and if you’re predisposed for adventurous listening, you’ll have illegal fun too.

‘This Is Where I Found You’ finds Carl Weingarten in a very good spot, musically speaking. With ample support and positivity oozing from his songs, Weingarten’s velvety revolution continues.

It’s a somewhat revamped Ronin, but Nik Bärtsch saw opportunity with those changes and exploited them. ‘Awase’ can move both your mind and your soul but the deceptively fresh approach it takes to get under the skin like that is the brilliance of Bärtsch and his Ronin quartet.

It’s always a good indication that the music is working the way the artists intend for it to work when you struggle to pigeonhole it but can easily get a firm grasp of its emotional impact. Syrinx Effect ‘s ‘A Sky You Could Strike A Match On’ does just that.