This amazing constellation of groups ranges from traditional to modern through fusion and experimental. Guitarist, composer, writer, and cartoonist Volker Kriegel’s quartet Spectrum was at the forefront of the European jazz fusion scene. His Lastic Plemon flashes by, fast-moving and funky with some hip rhythmic surprises. Austrian pianist Fritz Pauer played with virtually every major figure in modern jazz. Teamed up with bassist Jimmy Woode of Ellington Orchestra fame, Pauer’s trio burns through Woode’s funky, blues-drenched Don’t Move. Hungarian-born guitarist Attila Zoller worked with stylists ranging from Benny Goodman to Herbie Hancockand was admired by such guitarists as Jim Hall and John Abercrombie. Zoller’s quartet plays his powerful Boara Sbar, a piece that combines Hungarian folk and fusion. Dutch drummer Pierre Courbois’ highly successful group Association P.C. included German giants pianist Joachim Kühn and guitarist Toto Blanke. Although primarily a jazz-rock group, Blanke’s composition Spider shows they could spin their musical web into the exploratory corners of music, with American flutist Jeremy Steig out front on the furthest strands. The all-star group Summit included the internationally acclaimed Serbian trumpeter Dusko Goykovich, Mingus alumnus saxophonist Bobby Jones, and American piano maestro Horace Parlan. Jones’ Don’t Stop Now rides hard down a soulful rock-driven road. Known for their straight up and down traditional style, Turk Murphy’s Frisco Jazz Band toured internationally and recorded a slew of popular trad jazz records. Here they play King Oliver’s Dr. Jazz replete with Murphy’s tailgate trombone and barrelhouse vocals. A stylistically diverse album, every piece is a jewel with its own particular shine.