Ben Levin, Making Movies and Mai Leisz are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Rich Halley’s inspired collaboration provides the visionary interplay, the spirituality and, yes, the flair for melody that are hallmarks of both sides.

Standards are treated with respect, but still given a striking individuality on violinist John Pearce’s debut ‘Just Friends.’

That feeling of not being able to fully grasp what’s unfolding is at the heart of the thrill of listening to ‘Radical Invisibility’ by Daniel Carter, Stelios Mihas, Irma Nejando and Federico Ughi.

‘The Fine Line’ leaves you wondering why the wider public hasn’t picked up on what all insiders have known for years: Bob Sheppard is a top-shelf jazz musician.

Barb Jungr hinted that this could be her last album. I, for one, sincerely hope not.

The Jason Stein, Greg Ward-led project ‘Nature Work’ is highly recommended for those who like adventurous, impulsive jazz.

Charlie Carter’s ‘Every Ounce of Love’ was written from the soul, sung from the heart and delivered with quality.

Sax players with “bag full of soul” qualities always thrive in an organ-and-guitar combo, and a that’s just what Ken Fowser does here.

Preston Frazier’s mid-year new music survey includes Best of 2019 candidates Bernard Fowler, Grupo Fantasma and Oz Noy, among others.