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Enrico Rava and Stefano Bollani, "The Third Man" (ECM)

Pianist Stefano Bollani and trumpet player Enrico Rava are in theory from two different generations of jazz. The first is 35 years old, the second is 68. But they are both some of Italy’s greatest jazz improvisers and have played together for more than 10 years. Their new album together, "The Third Man," is composed of songs from the Italian and South American tradition, and they are totally re-invented. --picked by Gisele Regatao.

"The Third Man" is available for purchase at Amazon.com

Thao, "We Brave Bee Stings and All" (Kill Rock Stars)

The latest album from this promising, 23-year-old Virginia-bred songwriter is filled with freewheeling and fun pop -- at first. But listen closely and you’ll hear the dark stuff: an estranged father, fear -- and a little loathing, like when Thao bears furious witness to a wet T-shirt competition on the track "Swimming Pools."

"We Brave Bee Stings and All" is available for purchase at Amazon.com

"Polish Spirit," Nigel Kennedy, violin; Polish Chamber Orchestra, Jacek Kaspszyk, conductor (EMI)

Nigel Kennedy is known as much for his loutish, off-the-wall personality as his huge violin talent. Over two decades he’s recorded everything from Vivaldi to Jimi Hendrix to jazz standards. His latest album is devoted to music from Poland, where he lives part-time and serves as artistic director of the Polish Chamber Orchestra. Called "Polish Spirit" the album includes concertos by two obscure 19th-century Polish composers, Emil Mlynarski and Mieczyslaw Karlowicz. --Picked by Brian Wise

"Polish Spirit" is available for purchase at Amazon.com

Francesco Tristano, "Not For Piano" (Sunny Side)

At this point in the early 21st century you may well think you’ve heard all the piano has to offer. Twenty-six-year old Francesco Tristano begs to differ. Born in Luxembourg and based in Barcelona, Tristano is a product of classical piano training AND the all-night rave scene in Europe’s dance clubs in the 90s. His debut IS for piano, but with some subtle digital processing. Wisps of Keith Jarrett, Glenn Gould, Philip Glass, and more can be spotted as they go by, but there is a distinctive voice at play here.

"Not For Piano" is available for purchase at Amazon.com