The classic jazz organ trio - guitar, drums, and Hammond B-3 - has always been a cookin' pot of juke joint jazz and funky shuffles.  Accord guitarist Matthew Finck goes one better on Gentle Soul, his new collection of original burners.  Finck, son of late saxophonist Ron Finck (to whom the CD is dedicated), earned his chops backing Hammond B-3 players.

Finck has an ear for melody and chord progressions, and his compositions ride high, thanks to sidemen David Berkman on B-3 and Mike Nappi on drums.  The title track showcases Finck's quiet virtuosity and writing skills, as does "East 86th," a sublime jazz waltz.  "Groove for Roov" and "Pentamonium" swing hard with melodies so catchy they sound familiar.  "Reflections" is a haunting, minor key ballad, "Days Gone By" is easy funk, and bossa nova "Sarah" showcase the band's versatility.  This combo still smokes, but more like a Macanudo than a hot skillet full of grease.  More info coming soon at www.matthewfinck.com.

Rebecca Martin - the Joni Mitchell of jazz.  With a buttery, soaring vox that provides generous warmth on these cold autumn nights, this exquisite songsmith croons the listener into soulful territory with charming, observant nuances on People Behave Like Ballads.  Her background in folk-pop sneaks in here, but it's no wonder - after springing from Manhattan's acoustic Café Siné scene and touring with Shawn Colvin, Emmylou Harris, and Lilith Fair, she shouldn't be expected to shake her productive, fertile past.

Here are 16 candid pieces which effectively pierce the human heart.  "When The Rain Comes" shimmers with both hopefulness and despair.  "I'd Like to Think It's Coming" aches with all the pensiveness of the season.  With this recording, Martin is gracefully meandering down life's hallways, gathering somber experiences, and imparting wisdom with pure musical poesy that seems effortless.  Fine production and ample musicianship add to the yummy atmosphere.  "Music is for anyone who's open to hear," she sings.  "There's nothing between us but notes in the air."  This is a gorgeous, evocative piece of work that's worth listening to anytime, anywhere, as long as a steaming cup of something is in hand.  Visit www.maxjazz.com to connect with this musical gem.

xj5000 is a Woodstock-based group of musicians, who, in their own words, are "trying to create interesting instrumental music to be played in elevators, films, living rooms, etc."  Interesting instrumental music is an understatement.  If we heard their newest recording in an elevator, we'd never want to get off, but rather dim the lighting, add some pillows, and wrap ourselves in a sonic cocoon unlike any other.

Roundthing is one of the biggest treats your ears (and mind's eye) could have.  This sonic bliss is expertly crafted, edited, and composed to ride head and shoulders above most electro-ambient fare.  It's endlessly morphing  and fresh and engaging.  The production is superb in its twisted nip/tuck slickness, but it's never sterile thanks to some out-and-out gritty, inventive guitar work.

Track 4, "Business Man Horse," hears a female vocal sample ask, "What is that?"  You could listen to this record a few hundred times and answer that query differently on each play.  It should be mentioned that there's a wonderful, playful sense of humor in these tracks, which is probably what keeps it in heavy rotation in the cyber-jazz lounges on Mars.