With Gilad Hekselman on guitar, Matt Penman on bass, and Obed Calvaire on drums. CD

Funky mid 70s Herbie Hancock – one his funkiest albums of the era! Herbie plays a host of cool keyboards – like Fender Rhodes, Arp, and clavinet – and he's joined by a group that includes just about all of the Headhunters – including Paul Jackson on bass and Mike Clarke on drums – plus help from a great array of other excellent guests – including Bennie Maupin and Wayne Shorter on reeds, Harvey Mason on drums, and even some guest keyboards from Stevie Wonder! The album's great – maybe a bit understated than Thrust, but still equally wonderful – and the whole thing's worth it alone for the classic uptempo cut "Hang Up Your Hang Ups" – alongside other cuts that include "Bubbles", "Heartbeat", and "Sun Touch". CD

An overlooked soulful gem from Michael White – one of his smoother albums, but with a tight sound that really makes the whole thing great! The set was produced by George Duke, and it's got the same feel as some of Duke's best work of the time – soaring, soulful, with a style that blends fusion and soul – and which often features vocals. White plays his usual electric violin, and the album also features work by Patrice Rushen, Greg Phillinganes, and Duke himself performing as Dawili Gonga on keyboards. Titles include "Smile In Your Eyes", "You Are My Heartbeat", "Love Call", "The Red Planet", "Well Do It Then", and "Let Love Be Your Magic Carpet". LP, Vinyl record album

The warm sound of Cyrus Chestnut's piano balances beautifully with the bass of Curtis Lundy and drums of Victor Lewis – very familiar musical partners who really make the session sparkle! Chestnut's got a great sense of melody throughout, but also finds a way to make the left side of the keyboard pulsate strongly – resonating with Lundy's bass in a beautiful way, and reminding us that Curtis is always a great player on a trio date like this. There's a resonance to the bass and piano that really showcases the strong sound of these Smoke Sessions albums – and titles include "To Be Determined", "Giant Steps", "The Theme", "Naima's Love Song", "Two Heartbeats", "Pocket Full Of Blues", and "Hey It's Me You're Talkin To". CD