5. Mary Halvorson Amaryllis (Nonesuch)

With each release, Mary Halvorson’s vision expands while her focus becomes ever more precise. Her latest sprawls over two separate discs: companion piece Belladonna features the Mivos String Quartet, while Amaryllis combines that ensemble with an incredible new sextet. A singular guitarist, Halvorson weaves era-spanning jazz traditions in with corrosive rock, avant-funk, and chamber writing, all reflected through a funhouse mirror warp. What’s most remarkable about Amaryllis is the way that voice is embodied through the full ensemble. SHAUN BRADY