12. Dave Stryker As We Are (Strikezone)

On which, 34 albums into his career, the still-underappreciated guitarist goes all chamber-jazz on us, with help from pianist Julian Shore, bassist John Patitucci, drummer Brian Blade, and a string quartet led by violinist Sara Caswell. The results—especially on a mesmerizing version of Nick Drake’s “River Man”—redefine the adjectives “classy” and “gorgeous.” MAC RANDALL