Iain Ballamy: Riversphere Vol 1 review – an exquisite flow of genre, harmony and improv
The 80s sax star leads an A-list quartet, plus a shared trumpet role for Laura Jurd and Ballamy’s son Charlie
Mulatu Astatke review – father of Ethio-jazz still innovating during farewell tour
The pioneering 81-year-old vibes player, keyboardist and percussionist creates a controlled whirlwind of experimentation and excitement
أحمد [Ahmed]: Sama’a (Audition) review – a wild, world-spanning act of musical devotion
The British free-jazz pianist Pat Thomas leads his quartet through a powerful fusion of Sufi inspiration, rhythmic intensity and improvisational fire
Sebastian Rochford: Finding Ways review – Polar Bear drummer’s strikingly varied quest into the aftermath of grief
Rochford showcases his signature alchemic touch, featuring seven electric guitarists in a fusion of improv, reggae and romantic pop
Various Artists – Pasé Bél Tan: Francophonies and Creolities in Louisiana review – foot-stomping joy
Influenced by jazz and early blues, this collection of largely African American folk music from the 50s to the 80s spans poignant lyricism to full-throated celebration
Cécile McLorin Salvant: Oh Snap review – a jazz artist of rare gifts and fearless variety
From breezy swing to scampering synths, folksy harmonies to stark wails of the soul, Salvant’s crystalline vocals shine across her ingenious experiments
Linda May Han Oh: Strange Heavens review – ideas and invention burst from a great jazz trio
Ambrose Akinmusire and Tyshawn Sorey join the bassist-composer on originals and covers that are rhapsodic, rhythmic and tonally warm
Anthony Braxton: Quartet (England) 1985 review – recovered cassettes capture foursome in fantastic flux
The free-collective energy of one of Braxton’s most intuitive groups jostles and enchants as a mirror of life’s rhythms
Kokoroko: Tuff Times Never Last review – ruminative jazz outfit get stuck in a relaxed rut
The London collective have an easygoing, ruminative sound – briefly lifted here by moments of lively counterpoint – that can feel all too placid
Joshua Redman: Words Fall Short review – improviser’s playful delight in music-making never ceases
The US saxophonist pulls back the vocals of his last record to present a new ensemble and all-original repertoire, resulting in an ideal balance of ingenuity and rapport
Mary Halvorson: About Ghosts review – restless beauty from jazz’s shape-shifting guitarist
The Brooklyn boundary-pusher’s expanded ensemble returns with a kaleidoscopic blend of angular rhythms, intricate melodies and thrilling improvisations
Sun-Mi Hong: Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest review – storytelling and adventure from feted Korean jazz composer
Ideas of migration and self-discovery inspire the latest album from Hong and her imaginative band, entwined with harmonies and delicate effects
Idris Ackamoor Ankhestra, Rhodessa Jones, Danny Glover: Artistic Being review – powerful live set from the Afrofuturist and friends
This San Francisco session released for Record Store Day sets spoken word to Ackamoor’s uncompromising but joyous spiritual jazz
Kamasi Washington review – hip-hop and P-funk inform an outrageously joyful set
In a dazzling performance, the jazz saxophonist draws out tracks from his latest album into giddy extemporisations, ceding the floor to a series of awesome soloists
Joe Lovano: Homage review – jazz giant and freethinking trio harmoniously intertwine
Backed by pianist Marcin Wasilewski’s group, the US sax elder plays freely around a song-rooted approach, resulting in sparkling, spontaneous exchanges