Saxophonists Samuel Blais (left), Donny McCaslin, David Binney and Dave Liebman make up the Four Visions Saxophone Quartet, a group that can trace its lineage back to jazz and the work of classical saxophonist Marcel Mule.

A staple of Chicago’s jazz scene, Junius Paul’s debut full-length, Ism, takes into consideration the city’s past musical triumphs while incorporating the bassist’s own passions.

Drummer Gerald Cleaver works with some of today’s most fearless musicians.

Pianist Marta Sánchez augments her quintet for El Rayo De Luz, the pianist’s fifth leader date.

Trumpeter and flugelhornist Yazz Ahmed celebrates the accomplishments of others on Polyhymnia, a work released through the Ropeadope imprint.

Drummer and bandleader Terri Lyne Carrington’s latest recording, Waiting Game, reflects a multiplicity of sonic concepts—r&b, jazz and hip-hop among them.

Christian McBride performs with his band New Jawn at the Chicago Jazz Festival on Aug. 31.

JD Allen’s latest effort, Barracoon, is predicated on emotion more than charts.

Guitarist Nels Cline (left), composer/reedist Anthony Braxton, drummer Greg Saunier and multi-instrumentalist Taylor Ho Bynum recorded Quartet (New Haven) 2014 five years ago. The work only now is being released on Firehouse 12, an imprint based in New Haven, Connecticut.

Knoel Scott—who played baritone and alto saxophone, and percussion—performs with the Sun Ra Arkestra during a Sept. 6 tribute to late writer Steve Cannon at the Flamboyán Theater. The celebration was a part of Arts For Art’s 25th anniversary programing.