5. Vijay Iyer Uneasy (ECM)

Bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Tyshawn Sorey are among the most melodic of players on instruments usually limited to rhythm roles. The tunefulness of Oh’s high-pitched strings and Sorey’s toms allow them to engage with pianist Iyer and his compositions in ways that are often as provocative as they are sympathetic, thus justifying the album’s title. GEOFFREY HIMES

Learn more about Uneasy at Amazon and Walmart.

Read our review here.