Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell. One of the most exciting novels I've read in years - a dazzling, ingenious, visionary exploration of the theme of eternal recurrence.

The Bear Comes Home, by Rafi Zabor. An enthralling fable about a saxophone-playing bear; witty and funny, yet also a serious treatment of an artist's growth, and one of the best jazz novels yet written. 

Lark and Termite, by Jayne Anne Phillips. This time-jumping story of a female-headed family in W. Virginia offers a moving portrayal of a cognitively disabled child and his sister. 

From the Heart, by Hilario Duran and his Latin Jazz Big Band. This heart-stopping band displays mastery of every brand of Latin jazz. Their arrangement of "Mambo Influenciado" is an instant classic.

Memories of T, by Ben Riley's Monk Legacy Septet. Don Sickler's brilliant arrangements of tunes familiar ("Straight No Chaser") and obscure ("Green Chimneys") distinguish this outstanding collection of Thelonious Monk compositions.

Simple Song, by Ben Wendel. Superlative debut disc by reedman Wendel; highlights include the astonishing "Breath," and a gorgeous arrangement of Strayhorn's "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" for jazz bassoon.

Calima, by Diego Barber. Barber's delicate acoustic guitar melodies and innovative improvisations are elevated by Fly (Mark Turner, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard) on this lovely debut collection of Spanish-inflected originals.

Forever Lasting, by Scott Robinson. Playing everything from flute to bass saxophone, Robinson presents eccentric and often inspired takes on Thad Jones classics. You haven't lived until you've heard "Fingers" played at lightning speed on contrabass sarrusophone!