Meshell Ndegeocello: No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin review – a fire reignited
Baldwin’s stinging words on race and America are matched with the kind of musical eloquence that the great writer himself so admired
Maestros in Fusion review – virtuosic Indian ensemble knit two traditions together
Six supremely talented jazz and classical instrumentalists, whose humility belies their mastery, all show how malleable and moving their music can be
Mark Winkler: The Rules Don’t Apply review – crisp, timeless joie de vivre
The LA singer-songwriter and co hit the sweet spot once more on this elegant set of originals and covers, which include a surprising Beatles number
Norma Winstone and Kit Downes: Outpost of Dreams review – bonded by jazz tradition
The esteemed vocalist and prolific pianist weave their sounds together in an album of exquisite songs and extraordinary empathy
Nduduzo Makhathini: uNomkhubulwane review – entrancing South African jazz
This three-movement album from pianist and shaman Nduduzo Makhathini’s trio combines blues, bop and folk song to transcendental effect
Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O: True Story review – emotive South African jazz with a bite
The latest album by Jiyane, of collective Spaza, wades into darker territory to reflect the reality of poverty in the country
Zara McFarlane: Sweet Whispers: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan review – terrific tribute to a jazz legend
The British jazz singer pays homage to Vaughan with earthiness and spontaneity: an animated reinvention of these classics
Jake Long: City Swamp review – mesmerising spiritual jazz channels Miles Davis and William Blake
rBilled as ‘a dystopian suite’, the drummer-composer’s debut solo album is an intense affair, with a stellar lineup that includes Nubya Garcia and Shirley Tetteh
Arooj Aftab: Night Reign review – all the heat and mystery of nocturnal life
Mercurial and moody soundscapes are infused with wistful romance in one of the Grammy-winning singer and composer’s most spirited records to date
Sean Khan: Sean Khan Presents the Modern Jazz and Folk Ensemble review – classics reinvigorated
A collective of genre-straddling talents give new life to songs by Nick Drake, John Martyn and Sandy Denny
Wadada Leo Smith and Amina Claudine Myers review – an elegiac homage to New York’s green lung
In their album Central Park’s Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens the two musical soulmates impressionistically reflect on John Lennon, Albert Ayler and more
Grégoire Maret/Romain Collin: Ennio review – emotional, ecstatic Morricone homage
Harmonica star Maret and pianist/composer Collin pay homage to Ennio Morricone with drifting church-echo and trancelike sounds
Charlie Pyne Quartet: Nature Is a Mother review – soaring, effervescent jazz
A punchy set of originals from bassist/vocalist Charlie Pyne and her crew, celebrating the ups and downs of motherhood
Julie Abbé: Out of the Ashes review – a beautiful expression of the grieving process
The UK-based French folk singer embellishes her trad leanings with sultry blues and upbeat swing on a poignant and poetic second album
Ganavya: Like the Sky, I’ve Been Too Quiet review – ornate Tamil vocals, flutes and Floating Points
The latest album in an exciting wave of experimental north Indian classical music enlists Shabaka Hutchings and Leafcutter John in its downtempo quietude