‘Omnisphere’ combines the nimble gumption of Medeski, Martin & Wood with theconvention-busting modern creative twenty-person band Alarm Will Sound in a gutsy collaboration.

Henry Kaiser has long found spiritual fulfillment playing music informed by the ancient songs of Korean Shamanism. This time he finds further fulfillment in the comradery of musicians who like him understand the power of the mudang.

Get used to seeing that adjective ‘funky’ applied to the Jeff Lorber Fusion’s latest album ‘Impact;’ it applies all over this record and that’s just the way it was intended.

No adjustment was necessary for this new collaboration, because Sonar or David Torn complement each other uncommonly well on ‘Vortex.’

‘Espresso’ doesn’t always stick to the script of being an acoustic trio playing straight-ahead jazz, but Bob James never really chose a side.

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.