With the inspired assortment of musicians backing bandleader Mike Rivard, Club d’Elf’s ‘You Never Know’ sounds like the go-to world fusion album of 2022.

Tony Williams’ new remaster of the barely released 1980 record ‘Play or Die’ is much more than a curiosity. It’s a legit statement on fusion jazz.

‘Don’t Know’ is the Claudio Scolari Project’s third album in as many years, as the improvisational, familial quartet continues a roll that they don’t seem to want to slow down.

E3 by Alex Lakusta’s ‘Transmit Slow’ offers something for those looking for musicianship and for those who crave electrified sonics and interesting chord progressions.

Sun of Goldfinger’s ‘OZMIR’ is strangely enchanting even as it challenges you, and the only thing more astonishing is that such fully developed pieces of depth, mystery and just damned fine playing can be cooked up so quickly.

With the lively ‘Lifted,’ Trombone Shorty lifts up people with feel-good music rooted in the 20th century but is the perfect tonic for the 21st century.

Spencer Elliott’s ‘SE3’ journeys into different genres, mixes things up then transforms into music that sounds familiar yet has new vibes.

The solo guitar album ‘Electric Git Box’ may very well be the purest form of Michael Gregory Jackson’s unparalleled artistic expression.

Jeff Lorber is happy to share the names of all those who inspired and influenced him, but trying to get him to narrow things down is a challenge.

Chicago area-based guitarist Chris Forte’s ‘Backyard Astronomy’ is an intriguing LP with several genres represented, from blues to classical, to jazz.