One of the world's great percussionists leads a band driven by decades-long friendships, emotionally resonant anthems and flying drumsticks.

Here, the three jazz sidemen come together as a trio. Their format isn't earth-shatteringly new, but after nearly 25 years as a band, their rapport is. Listen to a live concert.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)

After releasing his latest album, last year's Spirit Fiction, the saxophonist put his decade-old quartet on hiatus. He now takes a new group into a venue haunted by the ghosts of his parents.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)

Known for experimentation, The Bad Plus' drummer performs conventional modern jazz on the side. With two underground rhythm-section guys, he travels to one of New York City's most prestigious clubs.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)

The drummer is 84 — he's been around the jazz scene for a while. He was the drummer on Miles Davis' late-'50s and early-'60s masterpieces. These days, he's still touring the world and leading bands.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)

For jazz musicians, Barron is considered an institution. So it's fitting that the pianist gets to celebrate his 70th birthday at another jazz institution. Here, he demonstrates his ebullient clarity.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)

As one of the best alto saxophone players in the world, Zenón has drawn from his upbringing in Puerto Rico. But he lives in New York — where his quartet has finally been invited to play the Vanguard.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)

With his ever-changing Fairgrounds band, the drummer gets to mix and match his favorite musicians. Ballard and a multi-generational band play live in New York.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)

At 66, the jazz trumpeter is as busy as ever: His current band has released five excellent albums since 2007 alone. His new, project provides further testament to his prolific composing.

The history of jazz is often told as a sequence of epic heroes. Coincidentally, an admired saxophonist has been reading Homer lately. Potter presents his new Odyssey-inspired suite The Sirens.

(Image credit: John Rogers for NPR)