Issachar is actually one disc of a two-CD set called The Circle Maker, part of John Zorn's ongoing Masada project, which features the Bar Kokhba Sextet on the second disc, Zevulon. Of all Masada's manifestations, the Masada String Trio is our favorite for pure gorgeousness.

Saxophonist Paul Shapiro delivers beautiful arrangements and impressive musicianship.

Percussionist Roberto Juan Rodriguez, who grew up in Miami's Cuban community, blends the music of his youth--klezmer, Afro-Cuban, danzon, and son--to great effect.

This band, led by pianist Anthony Coleman, explores the space between traditional jazz, Spanish and Jewish music, inspired, Coleman says, by growing up in Brooklyn near a Latino marketplace at the height of the salsa craze.