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
44th Move: Anthem review – veers admirably from the beaten path
Pianist and producer Alfa Mist’s latest project, with drummer Richard Spaven, showcases two musicians at the top of their game
Michael Wollny Trio: Living Ghosts review – exceptional free-improv seance, with added Nick Cave
(ACT)With bassist Tim Lefebvre and drummer Eric Schaefer, the German pianist’s unpredictable live album nimbly traverses the genre’s history
Alabaster DePlume: A Blade Because a Blade Is Whole review – stunning sax melodies to silence the cynics
While some listeners might baulk at the earnest spoken-word incantations, you can’t argue with DePlume’s outstanding melodies, played with tremulous vibrato
Yazz Ahmed: A Paradise in the Hold review – British Bahraini trumpeter’s fiery blend of instinct and improv
Her fourth album sees Ahmed collaborate with singers including Natacha Atlas to play jazz-influenced songs best when they are fast and free
Moses Yoofee Trio: MYT review – brilliantly explosive jazz
The Berlin-based threesome’s groove-heavy debut is all too short
Xhosa Cole: On a Modern Genius (Vol 1) review – young sax master unleashes his trunk of Monk
The Birmingham-born jazz star pays tribute to a master of modern music, with tap-dance rhythms and Heidi Vogel’s vocals adding pep to proceedings
Mississippi Goddamn: A Celebration of Nina Simone review – singers capture star’s emotional spirit
Corinne Bailey Rae’s vamping and Laura Mvula’s whispering pain steal the show as five vocalists deliver their own interpretations
Sam Amidon: Salt River review – an eclectic if erratic affair
The US musician leads an accomplished yet slightly bland living room session spanning traditional numbers and songs by Lou Reed, Yoko Ono and more