Maria Schneider wanted to send a strong message about the threat of a mass manipulation with ‘Data Lords.’ She gets the message across in perhaps the grandest way possible.

Chick Corea and Steve Gadd’s ‘Chinese Butterfly’ breaks no new ground but in this case, that can be completely forgiven.

Steve Wilson puts himself on an unusual situation here, and not just because this is his first new album release in 12 years.

Ace straight-ahead jazz guitar player Eric DiVito didn’t make a record until his 30s but he seems intent on catching up. You May Also Like: Cassandra Wilson’s slow-starting Loverly didn’t take her usual risks Eric Carmen – ‘Eric Carmen’ (1975): On Second Thought

It’s been about three years since trombone powerhouse Michael Dease has released a record of his own but that’s understandable. You May Also Like: Michael Dease – Decisions (2015) Michael Dease – All These Hands (2017)

Ambitious, connective and simply unforgettable, The Raven is not just Steven Wilson’s best solo album to date, it rivals his career-making work on Porcupine Tree’s 2002 triumph In Absentia You May Also Like: Steven Wilson – 4 ½ (2016)