“I feel that the discipline that we call music is an all-dynamic proposition that includes discovery, momentum and transposition,” Braxton said.

Joe Satriani, left, and Steve Vai are in the midst of an action-packed European tour.

“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.

“As human beings, when we talk to one another we can come together in one community,” said Sunny Jain, leader of Red Baraat. “To me, that’s the most important thing.”

“I would follow Barry [Harris] wherever he went,” Pasquale Grasso says of one of his early mentors. “His concept of music resonated with me, and I loved how he approached it.”

“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”

“I had no idea I was gonna be a musician,” says Ayala. “God put music on my plate.”

To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.

“Billy was very friendly to me when I was young. One of my greatest inspirations,” said drummer Bill Goodwin about fellow drummer Billy Higgins.

“I’ve had no shortage of encounters and new relationships with people on the West Coast that have been super inspiring and amazing,” says Lehman of his move to Los Angeles.