The Ecco Trio – Junko Ohtsu on violin, Evelyn Elsing on cello, and Colette Valentine on piano – performs music by Gershwin, Strayhorn, Joplin, Mingus, and Heilman. CD

Mat Maneri on violin, Craig Taborn on piano, William Parker on bass, and Gerald Cleaver on drums. CD

Underground spiritual sounds from Diego Gaeta – the first set we've heard from him as a leader, and hopefully not the last! Diego leads the lineup on piano, often evoking some of the deeper spiritual traditions on the LA scene – from the Horace Tapscott generation up through the world of Carlos Nino – yet there's also a leaner approach at times too, as light strings are mixed with core instrumentation on flute, tenor, vibes, and guitar – with occasional guest vocals from singers who include Jimetta Rose and Moore Mother! There's a really gentle sense of flowering on the tunes, which makes for a wonderfully distinct album – and titles include "Memorial", "The World & Within", "Caracal", "Fearlessly", "Soft Spot", "Eccolo", and "Uprising". LP, Vinyl record album