One of the most individual of all altoists (and one of the few in the 1950s who did not sound like a cousin of Charlie Parker), the cool-toned Lee Konitz has always had a strong musical curiosity, leading him to consistently take chances and stretch himself. This New York session, with Ted Brown, holds some pleasant surprises.

The mastery of an instrument or a musical language doesn’t necessarily mean that a musician must be frivolous in performance with displays of their masterful technique or engagement in superfluous overplaying. Sometimes it is the restraint that shows the maturity and taste of a performer. Rufus Reid and Sullivan Fortner are musicians who have the easy ability to astonish but show their class in their control.

Chambers' latest release, Urban Groove, is about as good as it gets. An energizing set of standards and originals performed with the likes of Eric Reed, Gary Bartz, and Rufus Reid, Chambers is in top form, showing off his amazing technique not only on drums, but also vibes and marimba. Still, Chambers is careful not to pull too much attention away from his sidemen. Gary Bartz is electrifying throughout, and Eric Reed shines on piano.

"Special Edition" - a band with revolving membership and an incredible cast of soloists including David Murray, Arthur Blythe and Chico Freeman - was one of the most sophisticated vehicles for Jack DeJohnette’s all-around talents. This collection brings together "Special Edition", "Tin Can Alley", "Inflation Blues" and "Album Album", underscoring the excitement of invention and possibility one can hear in this era of DeJohnette’s career. The recordings reveal him as an artist in touch with tradition even as he sought the cutting edge of the day, paying homage to his jazz heroes yet experimenting with new sounds.

Rising star saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Sharel Cassity (pronounced sha-REL) is quickly making waves on the New York and international jazz scenes with her fiery and soulful style of playing. In her debut album for Venus Records of Japan, Sharel is supported by a stellar trio of Cyrus Chestnut, Rufus Reid and Lewis Nash. She choose mostly well-known standards for this album and added her own spin with inventive hooks and arrangements.

A twenty-piece large ensemble, jazz-meets-classical masterwork composed, arranged and conducted by jazz legend Rufus Reid. This five-movement suite honors five iconic sculptures by Elizabeth Catlett, a revered multi-media artist, human rights activist, and African-American heroine of the highest order, whose work is featured in museums and public places around the country.