In 1963 (probably July, though some sources place the dates in May or June), Eric Dolphy recorded some sessions in New York with producer Alan Douglas, the fruits of which were issued on small labels as the LPs Conversations and Iron Man. They've been reissued a number of times on various labels, occasionally compiled together, but never with quite the treatment they deserve (which is perhaps why they're not as celebrated as they should be). In whatever form, though, it's classic, essential Dolphy that stands as some of his finest work past Out to Lunch. ~ AllMusic

What would in any other instance be a potent Jazz at the Philharmonic meeting of the minds, the pairing of Oscar Peterson and Benny Carter in the studio turns out to be a neat and trim session of mutual respect between these two titans of American music. Six standards and a blues jam has Peterson deferring to Carter's alto sax in most instances, as the horn takes the lead with Peterson happy to follow. ~ AllMusic

A key figure in the development of jazz's new direction in the late '60s and '70s , Chick Corea has since become one of the most influential musicians of the genre. The tracks on EARLY DAYS were recorded in 1969. Around the same time, the Davis Quintet was recording the epochal IN A SILENT WAY and BITCHES BREW. The material here, featuring sidemen Woody Shaw, Jack De Johnette, and Bennie Maupin, explores similarly abstract rhythmic excursions that favor texture and atmosphere over conventional song structure.

On Symphony X’s eighth studio album, the iconic Progressive Metal band deliver their most intense and thought-provoking album yet. Truly one of the most innovative bands on the planet, Iconoclast is the result of years of hard work, dedicated craftsmanship and an innate sense of melody and hooks so infectious they rival their prior brilliant catalog of work.

The most influential non-Latin figure in Latin jazz is paid respectful homage by another non-Latin vibraphonist of note, Spyro Gyra's Dave Samuels, who put together a heavyweight ensemble of Latin jazz stars for the job.Still, this is a pleasant, intelligent Latin jazz outing by and large, graced by the presence of Eddie Palmieri on piano, Dave Valentin on flute, David Sanchez on tenor, Ray Barretto on congas, and Steve Khan on acoustic guitar. And it might persuade Spyro Gyra fans to investigate the real deal.