On his third album ‘Reality Check,’ pianist Theo Hill is advancing his craft forcefully, a positive sign of creative restlessness.

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.

Tom Tallitsch’s ‘Wheelhouse’ is all in a day’s work for this underappreciated tenor saxman, who once again demonstrates the continued vitality of the hard bop form. If that kind of jazz is in your wheelhouse, then this album is sure to be as well.

David Ake puts decades of experience behind ‘Humanities,’ creating what will certainly be one of the best mainstream jazz releases of the year.

‘Fountain Of Youth’ has the energy and enthusiasm of someone striving to make his mark, but with the discernment of the accomplished veteran that Weiskopf is.

Roxy Coss shines brightly on ‘Chasing The Unicorn’ because this talented saxophonist and composer shines in so many areas.

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.

Through 12new compositions Michael Dease convincingly conveys the history in the context of social upheaval and displacement with ‘All These Hands’.

For the post-bop delight ‘Allied Forces’ Steve Fidyk may be leading a small combo, but he always drums big and his bandmates think the same way.

With a classic tenor sax tone, top drawer backing band and great tunes and arrangements all present in ‘Gratitude’, it’s just hard to go wrong with this record.