Take Mirei

Japan's evolution from rather humble glam rock beginnings into stylish synth pop (and beyond) made the British group one of the more intriguing and successful artists of their era. Formed in London in 1974, Japan began its existence as a quintet comprised of singer/songwriter David Sylvian, bassist Mick Karn, keyboardist Richard Barbieri, drummer (and Sylvian's brother) Steve Jansen and guitarist Rob Dean…

Robbie Williams once again left Take That in 2014 and, not long afterward, so did Jason Orange, leaving the group as the trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald. Hence the title of 2014's album, III: this is not the group's third record, nor does it herald a new phase (à la Van Halen III), but it's simply an album made by the three men of Take That. III wasn't intended as a trio album – Orange left during the recording, leaving the three survivors to split his parts – and, honestly, it doesn't feel that much different than the Take That albums released prior to Progress, when the former boy band returned as a quartet of men.

Juno-winning saxophonist Chet Doxas is a guiding voice in the world of creative improvised music. Doxas, co-leader of Riverside with trumpeter Dave Douglas and a respected collaborator of Carla Bley and Paul Bley, joins Whirlwind for You Can’t Take It With You, his ninth album as a leader and first at the head of a trio. He’s joined by two stand-out collaborators, Ethan Iverson (piano) and Thomas Morgan (bass) – for a meticulously constructed album with playful positivity at its heart.

Pianist Jacky Terrasson's Impulse! Records debut, 2015's Take This, is a sophisticated showcase for his virtuoso jazz chops and eclectic musical taste. Following up his 2012 effort, Gouache, Take This finds Terrasson investigating a mix of originals and unexpected covers, many of which are infused with a strong African and Cuban rhythmic influence. Supplying much of this rhythmic intensity is Terrasson's adventurous outfit featuring bassist Burniss Travis, drummer Lukmil Perez, and Malian percussionist Adama Diarra. Together, this group is responsible for many of the album's brightest moments, with updates of such classic jazz piano numbers as Bud Powell's "Un Poco Loco," and Miles Davis' "Blue and Green," to name a few. Also collaborating with Terrasson here is French vocalist/beatboxer Sly Johnson…