On the powerful and unrelenting ‘Process and Reality’, Yoshida’s thunderous drums provide the adrenaline as Pinhas and Merzbow supply the clinical soul.

Not always tuneful but unfailingly engaging and playful, ‘Hearts and Minds’ exemplifies the best qualities of adventurous Chicago jazz.

Ivo Perelman liberally mixes and matches his improv trios for his ‘Art of the Improv Trio’ series and maintains his high standards for free jazz all the same.

Mats Gustafsson says it is vital to remain open, inquisitive and to explore music. With ‘MG 50: Peace and Fire,’ he does just that.

Finding simpatico between improvising piano and drums probably isn’t so easy to pull off convincingly, but Bobby Kapp and Matthew Shipp make it seem that way.

More haunting, impulsive and memorable music from the multi-instrumentalist Kali Z. Fasteau, who made the always surprising ‘Intuit’ with fellow improv veterans Kidd Jordan and L. Mixashawn Rozi.

Released in June 2009, the Evan Parker Electro-Acoustic Ensemble’s ‘The Moment’s Energy’ is made up of a continuum of evolving ideas, rather than actual songs.

‘Row For William O.’ reveals bassist Michael Bisio to be a great master because he is first and foremost such a good student.

Maybe it’s time for people other than Roscoe Mitchell to pay more attention to this wildly creative drummer by the name of Kikanju Baku.

Mat Walerian places much trust in his good instincts on ‘Jungle,’ even as he does show he knows much about the tenants music and even in the presence of more established masters.