Miles Okazaki constructs songs that go against convention, telling a different, engaging musical story with each piece.

ARQ’s ‘Short Stories’ is a thing of beauty, an album that celebrates life rather than dwelling on losses that sparked three of its tracks.

This is drumming extraordinaire Mike Pride taking DIY to the extreme, not only in recording these solo, but also in engineering, mixing & mastering these series of improvisations.

The original songs by Jim Beard and Jon Herington are powerful, and the covers on ‘Chunks and Chairnobs’ stand the test of time.

‘Testament’ leaves me wondering why Avram Fefer isn’t more widely noticed. He consistently brings the goods in composition, technique and sidemen – and delivers.

Day and Taxi’s ‘Devotion’ is an outstanding album with a rich combination of improvisation, tonal musicality and depth.

Here is the streaming premiere of “Peaceable” by Quin Kirchner, Daniel Van Duerm, Matthew Lux w/guest Jaimie Branch.

Pearring Sound is the moniker affixed to music led by alto saxophonist Jeff Pearring, and that sound is jazz that’s sometimes playful and always daring.

The only way to lose with Ameondola Vs. Blades’ funky delight ‘Everybody Wins’ is if you miss out on putting an ear to it.

Miles Davis was grazed in a hail of bullets on Oct. 10, 1969 – but why? And who did it? Unpacking one of jazz’s most violent and puzzling moments.