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.

Falling Man, by Don DeLillo. Provocative meditation on the aftermath of 9/11 from this masterly cultural anatomist. Truly memorable ending.

Locked and Loaded, by Odean Pope Saxophone Choir. Captured live at the Blue Note, Pope’s nine-sax front line explodes in powerful arrangements of Pope originals and two Coltrane covers. A feast for any sax lover.

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

Soar, and In Pursuit, by Donny McCaslin. Two outstanding sets of originals from tenorist/flutist McCaslin, as he flies through a myriad of mostly Latin styles. Both are produced by David Binney.

South, Welcome to Life, Bastion of Sanity, Cities and Desire, by David Binney. You can’t go wrong with any of these marvelous post-bop outings from this prolific alto saxophonist.