Some of the boldest highlights at Molde arrived in the intimate quarters of improvised duets, including a morning concert in the park with esperanza spalding and Shabaka.

Fun-loving progressive powers, mixed with kitschy and shiny space/myth age costumes, make the Cosmic Swing Orchestra both entertaining and envelope-pushing.

​Vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant took her North Sea artist-in-residency as an opportunity to explore her fascination with early music.

On the festival’s final night came a duo composed of two one-offs — guitarist Julian Lage and bassist Christian McBride.

“The greatest honor for me as a trumpet player is to have learned enough to know how great Louis Armstrong actually was,” said foundation president Wynton Marsalis, who spoke and performed at the gala.

The 20-piece ensemble Fanfare Pourpour, which began life as a guerilla street band in Montreal in the ’70s, performs at this year’s FIMAV.

George Benson and Ledisi sing a duet rendition of “Moody’s Mood For Love” at this year’s SFJAZZ gala.

​Superposition cooked up a pliable and porous sound at this year’s April Jazz Festival in Espoo, Finland.

Sullivan Fortner performs at the Gilmore International Piano Festival in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The bows at the end of the star-studded event featured a ridiculous collection of jazz artistry including Helen Sung, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Tiger Okoshi, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Buddy Guy, James Reedus, John Beasley, Jacob Collier, Lizz Wright and many more.