We saw our share of standout instrumentalists, from Julian Lage to Rudresh Mahanthappa to Pat Martino. But, as this lists attests, 2011 might rightly be called the Year of the Big Band. You May Also Like: Julian Lage – ‘Squint’ (2021)

It’s been some time since we’ve heard Vince Mendoza working in such a personal context. You May Also Like: Kait Dunton, with John D’earth – ‘Planet D’earth’ (2019) William Parker – ‘Mayan Space Station’ (2021) Jon Irabagon – ‘I Don’t Hear Nothin’ But the Blues Vol. 3: Anatomical Snuffbox’ (2020)