“We do have a lot of differences, but we are much more similar than different,” says Lee. “I really truly believe that my very personal story can reach out to and appeal to a lot of people.”

“Given a good support system, each artist has the potential to be more than just a performer, but an ambassador of hope,” says Louis Marks, left, ropeadope CEO, with Fabian Brown, president.

“It locked together 20 years of all that I’ve been looking for,” Ryan Truesdell says of his compositional contribution to Synthesis: The String Quartet Sessions.

“I figured you’d get this one,” laughed John Clayton, left, after Rufus Reid guessed Billy Childs. “This one’s a little soft pitch.”

Saxophonist George Coleman, seated left, captivated a sold-out room at Smoke Jazz Club in April.

Finzer, second from left, with drummer Lewis Nash, left, bassist Rufus Reid, second from right, and pianist Renee Rosnes.

“I think his music is amazing, but I want other people to be engaged with his music as well,” said vocalist Fay Victor about composer Herbie Nichols.

“I had wanted to create a project honoring my relationship with a number of bodies of water that have been very impactful in my life,” says Stephan Crump.

Rick Estrin and the Nightcats are among the few seated at the head table in the royal court of blues.

Teiku plays to the spiritual side of Jewish ancestral songs with avant-jazz soundscapes.