It is often the case that the creation of successful art comes down to basic factors. For jazz music, talent and creativity are obvious essentials. But what usually drives music further is trust between performers and a sense of spontaneity in performance. Keyboard master Gary Versace aimed to harness all these elements on his new recording, Three Track Mind, a vibrant collection of spontaneous interpretations of classic standards and original compositions featuring bassist François Moutin and drummer Rudy Royston.

On his seventh release for Posi-Tone, trumpeter Josh Lawrence delivers a thrilling, heartfelt exploration of works by Thelonious Monk and Frédéric Chopin. Still We Dream combines fiery post-bop drive with classical elegance, resulting in a suite of reimagined pieces that move seamlessly between jazz tradition and forward-thinking improvisation. With an all-star ensemble including Diego Rivera (tenor sax), Art Hirahara (piano), Boris Kozlov (bass), and Rudy Royston (drums), Lawrence strikes a compelling balance between intellectual depth and emotional resonance. A standout release that bridges eras and genres with imagination and soul.

Celebrating the life and resilience of his 88-year-old mother, composer Dr. Anthony Branker’s 10th Origin release is a gift to Joan Branker who has been mightily challenged by the ongoing cognitive decline of dementia. Conceptualized after witnessing how her face would brighten and her body would start to move when listening to his earlier music, he was driven to re-imagine 11 of these compositions, along with “If,” written by his daughter at 11, for his brilliant ensemble, Imagine. Saxophonist Donny McCaslin, trumpeter Philip Dizack, pianist Fabian Almazan, bassist Linda May Han Oh, drummer Rudy Royston, guitarist Pete McCann, and vocalist Aubrey Johnson, each bring inspired musicianship and deep soul to the lyrical flow, ingenious rhythmic interplay, and spirited performances that have come to define Branker’s projects. “Songs My Mom Liked” is yet another engrossing project and celebration of life, from the mind and pen of Anthony Branker.

Pianist Art Hirahara resounds with unstoppable melodic sensibility and a wide palette of colors and sounds on his latest effort "Echo Canyon." Joining Hirahara on this piano trio date are his familiar collaborators bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston, both of whom contribute exciting ideas and add a solid foundation to the session. “Echo Canyon” unfolds steadily as an engaging program of original compositions where Hirahara seeks to combine his inner reflections with moments of humble reverence for the greater and ineffable depths of our collective experiences. Whether one is already familiar with the music of Hirahara or discovering him for the first time, his latest effort is certain to bring insights and bright moments to jazz fans and serious listeners everywhere.

The latest release in the exciting "Out To Dinner" series continues along an ambitious course. These volumes seek to enlist the ears of a new group of Posi-Tone listeners, while expanding the aesthetic sensibilities of their traditional audience. "Episodes of Grace," which came together out of the label's pandemic lockdown sessions in 2020, is an engaging and enjoyable album featuring the collective efforts of five capable composer bandleader virtuosos.