Hailed by the New York Times as "a tenor saxophonist with an enigmatic, elegant and hard-driving style," JD Allen is a bright rising light on today’s international jazz scene. "Victory!" (Sunnyside) his last release has been chosen one of 2011 Best Jazz Albums by 'Los Angeles Times', NPR, 'The Boston Globe', 'Chicago Reader', Jazztimes, 'Financial Times' among many others. JD Allen won downbeats 2011 rising star award for tenor saxophone.

Almazan was born in Cuba, raised in Miami, and now lives in New York. In that time, he became the pianist in Terence Blanchard's quintet, affording him one of the few high-level, globe-trekking apprenticeships remaining in jazz. 'Personalities', Fabian’s debut album, was released October 2011.

Listen! Fabian Almazan Trio + String Quartet: Live At The Village Vanguard on NPR.

Equality isn't only the name but also the guiding concept on first band Nasheet Waits leads. Waits pushes the interactive vibe of Bandwagon even further here, as no one instrument ever dominates for long, all paying much more than lip service to equality. There's a free-floating feel to the time and rhythms, as Waits and Mateen suggest a pulse or polyrhythmic pulses, without ever insisting on a steady beat.

As in Davis' previous projects as a leader she continues the arduous pursuit of thought-provoking composition and improvisation. Here, she finds two like-minded cohorts in drummer Tom Rainey and bassist John Hébert, both well-known purveyors of boundary-pushing music. This project is one of the most out-front displays of Davis' playing.