‘More Figs And Blue Things’ is the engaging second chapter from the story of the young gifted alto saxophonist Alex LoRe.

Franklin Kiermyer’s “Heliocentric” premiered here — and the rest of ‘Closer To The Sun’ — reintroduces the audacious idea of jazz as a living, breathing thing.

With a clear head and a strong sense of purpose — and the like-minded Vinny Golia on board — Rich Halley keeps on producing abundantly creative modern jazz firmly grounded in all the great traditions of the music form.

Leave it to another groundbreaking veteran like Denny Zeitlin to give Wayne Shorter’s songs tributes that are actually worthwhile hearing nearly as much as the originals.

‘Inhuman Wilderness’ makes clear why Bobby Avey is an award-winning jazz composer and imaginative pianist.

I just realized why Ralph Alessi became Fred Hersch’s trumpet player of choice: Alessi is Fred Hersch, rendered through brass instead of ivory.

Show me someone who says jazz is no fun to listen to and I’ll show them Matt Parker.

If Fred Hersch has attained legendary status, then the legend began nearly thirty years ago. ‘Sarabande’ makes that clear, and the new, remastered edition makes it even more so.

‘Three Times Three’ is the Antonio Sanchez showcase album that leaves no doubts as to his vast abilities as leader, composer and — not least — elite drummer.

Robin Eubanks’s ‘More Than What Meets The Ear’ might be just what big band jazz needs to get revitalized for the 21st century.