Branford Marsalis, Joshua White and Patricia Brennan are just some of the artists who released head-turning albums this year.

From modern jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette to masterful scatter and vocalist Nancy King, KNKX remembers the lives of notable jazz musicians who passed away this year.

Returning favorites, internationally touring musicians and much more are all aspects to look forward to with Jazz at Helen’s upcoming spring season.

C atherine Russell is a jazz icon. Born into a musical family to big-band pianist Luis Russell and Julliard-trained vocalist Carline Ray, Russell has produced 10 albums, guest starred on dozens more and toured with musicians like David Bowie and the band Steely Dan.

The band comprises Abeer (drums), Loh (keys), Elijah Chew (bass guitar), Gisselle Caceres (trumpet), Simon Qi Xin (clarinet) and Scott Chang (saxophone).

One of the first jazz musicians from Poland to gain an international following, he recorded more than 60 albums and played with stars like Miles Davis.

While music-loving tourists don't necessarily flock to Frenchmen Street to hear modern jazz, if they're lucky and curious enough, they're likely to run into some of these next-generation, hugely talented, multifaceted contemporary jazz players during their wanderings.

Saxophonist and senior at Interlake High School jazz band Vikram Jagannathan shares his favorite jazz with KNKX listeners.