The James McGowan Ensemble’s ‘Reaching Out’ is a blend of powerful solos, cleverly arranged ensemble work, and rich sound that’s uplifting and satisfying.

Emily Remler’s string of records during her short lifetime revealed an astonishing, groundbreaking guitar talent but didn’t reveal how that talent translated to the stage. ‘Cookin’ At The Queens, Live In Las Vegas 1984 & 1988′ at long last rectifies that.

Colombian jazz guitarist and composer Juan Dhas joined Preston Frazier for a deep dive into his new album, ‘Aether.’

Recorded in 1966 at their peaks, ‘Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs’ finds jazz giants McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson freed from studio constrictions.

With ‘Legend of e’Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye),’ Darius Jones converts his personal struggles into his most personal, genuinely fervid music to date.

For ‘Dusk and Dawn,’ the Rich Halley 4 deliver attitude and panache missing from much of jazz while respecting everything about the idiom that made it great.

Vazesh’s ‘Tapestry’ is the peacefully assured world vibe salve for a more volatile and uncertain world.

Keith Jarrett’s trio triumph ‘The Old Country’ is an equal companion to ‘At the Deer Head Inn,’ not an inferior second helping.

Regardless of what one might think of the political messages of Devin Gray, his musical messages on ‘Melt All Guns II’ are undeniably mighty.

Regardless of where you drop the needle on Jonathan Powell’s ‘Mambo Jazz Party,’ you will be inspired, energized, and pleased.