Kevin Whitehead

Royston is a trained composer who knows how to manipulate her materials all sorts of ways. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the music on Beautiful Liar is "sleek and sturdy" and "made to be played."

Braxton is known for his brainy compositional procedures, and the quartet he led between 1985 and 1993 was his great workshop. Quartet (Willisau) 1991 Studio is a two-disc showcase of their music.

O'Farrill is a New Yorker of Cuban, Mexican, Jewish, African-American, German and Irish descent. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says his new album with Stranger Days reflects O'Farrill's robust heritage.