Thus far for the drummer, composer and bandleader Vinnie Sperrazza, it’s two albums, two different approaches, same high quality level jazz. The consistent ‘Juxtaposition’ justifies keeping Sperrazza on the watch list.

When great musicians from different bands and projects get together for the express purpose of making music without the restrictions they usually face elsewhere, it should bring out the best in all of them. That’s just what happened with the guys in Modus Factor on their inaugural effort ‘The Picasso Zone.’

Here’s an exclusive stream of “Flying Carpet”, from the Matthew Shipp Trio album ‘Piano Song’ to be released January 27, 2017 on Thirsty Ear Records.

A mere two months following yet another highly thought-of ensemble record, guitarist/composer Mary Halvorson has returned.

Dialectical Imagination’s ‘The Angle and the Brute Sing Songs of Rapture’ is a presentation of music that’s informed by deft musicianship but rides on waves of passion.

Ballister’s ‘Slag’ is free-form music – played that way and at its best.

Another exclusive stream from Chicago-based tenor sax master Nate Lepine’s debut album.

Led Bib is once again making their own statement about how to mash together jazz with rock with ‘Umbrella Weather.’ And as loose and randy as the music may be, it never loses its soul.

Roberto Occhipinti’s group weaves elements of Charles Mingus with hints of Stevie Wonder and Afro rhythm.

The London Jazz Platform, to be held in June 2017 at the Brewhouse in London, will include performers from across the U.K. and Denmark.