There’s more than a little satisfaction in hearing the champion of perhaps the most prestigious individual award from the straight jazz world stray way, way off the reservation.

Trying to make sense of the surprises that lurk around every corner on Halvorson’s solo guitar outing ‘Meltframe’ is much of the fun in listening to this.

Mike Pride states, “making this solo record has been a total mind-bender.” Listening to ‘Listening Party’ is a mind-bender as well.

What do you get when you cross Captain Beefheart with Sun Ra, Negativland and the Residents? Hang on to your hats, the Craig Scott Lobotomy has arrived.

This ain’t pop music, ladies and gentleman. It’s a party of noise.

Saxophonist Peter Van Huffel again ventures into the wilder side of jazz, taking guitarist Andreas Willers and drummer Oliver Steidle along for the ride.

Steve Holtje’s dark, ambient “Hunger Artist” is from a soundtrack that actually sounds like backing music for a motion picture, and helps to tell a story.

Here is a review of the freaky fun psychedelic improv free jazz/rock jam ‘Raoul’ by the Spanish Donkey, featuring Joe Morris, Jamie Saft and Mike Pride.

In the proud tradition of Bill Dixon, here’s a review of Stephen Haynes’ ‘Pomegranate’ with Joe Morris, Warren Smith, William Parker and Ben Stapp.

Here is a reflection on free jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman and his wonderful 1985 encounter with Pat Metheny, ‘Song X.”