“I know that tensions are high and emotions are intense right now, but the beauty of music is beyond words,” Arriale said.

​Benevento calls the outcome of his deep walk through polyrhythmic grooves, electrifying self-jams, West Africa-derived dance music, songs based on poetry and short lyrical ditties his “small batch psychedelia.”

“One thing I love about production is having to submit to a vision that isn’t 100% my own,” League said. “That ensures you have variety in your life.”

“It’s a vibrant scene, impressive for the size of the town,” Pilc said of Montreal. “And it is more about exchange than competition.”

The organic nature of Helfer’s artistry is genuine, developed over a lifetime of apprenticeship, appreciation and practice.

“I don’t want people on my bandstand counting measures,” Malinverni said.

In this rare iteration of the DownBeat Blindfold Test, all three musicians were asked to comment on selections consisting entirely of trio music.

“We don’t like boring music,” saxophonist Binker Golding says. “Our way of bringing excitement is by using energy. It’s just what we do … lean into it.”

The friendship that exists between Matthew Stevens (left) and Walter Smith III dates back when they were both members of Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah’s band during the mid-to-late aughts.

Danilo Pérez has turned his music into a family-driven, relentless mission to unite the world.