UK jazz star Emma-Jean Thackray: ‘I had the word weirdo thrust upon me. So I’m reclaiming it’

Autistic and with ADHD, the chart-topping musician always felt out of step – and then she had to face terrible grief. She explains how her new album helped her survive

Idris Ackamoor Ankhestra, Rhodessa Jones, Danny Glover: Artistic Being review – powerful live set from the Afrofuturist and friends

This San Francisco session released for Record Store Day sets spoken word to Ackamoor’s uncompromising but joyous spiritual jazz

Trajal Harrell: The Köln Concert review – Keith Jarrett’s bestselling 70s jazz album made visible

Zürich Dance Ensemble’s extraordinary dancers, led by choreographer Harrell, all but embody the pianist’s free jazz musings, with a little help from Joni Mitchell

Everyday people: the parking wardens, estate agents and more who inspired classic songs

After the death of Joe DePugh, the high school baseball player hymned in Springsteen’s Glory Days, we look at the ordinary inspirations for extraordinary hits

Various: Chet Baker Re:imagined review – new reworkings by R&B, pop, soul and jazz artists

There are hits and misses as 15 performers including Dodie, Mxmtoon and Ezra Collective’s Ife Ogunjobi give their personal take on Baker’s unique sound

Kamasi Washington review – hip-hop and P-funk inform an outrageously joyful set

In a dazzling performance, the jazz saxophonist draws out tracks from his latest album into giddy extemporisations, ceding the floor to a series of awesome soloists

Joe Lovano: Homage review – jazz giant and freethinking trio harmoniously intertwine

Backed by pianist Marcin Wasilewski’s group, the US sax elder plays freely around a song-rooted approach, resulting in sparkling, spontaneous exchanges

Chaka Khan on Prince, poetry and wild, wonderful nights: ‘No one’s done anything but craziness at 4am’

The singer answers your questions about her drum skills, friendship with Joni Mitchell and more – and reveals unheard music with both Prince and Sia

Branford Marsalis Quartet: Belonging review – a virtuosic take on Keith Jarrett’s seminal 70s album

The American sax star follows in the footsteps of Jan Garbarek on a modern-day reprise full of verve

Bill Ashton obituary

Co-founder of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and tireless champion of talented young musicians

44th Move: Anthem review – veers admirably from the beaten path

Pianist and producer Alfa Mist’s latest project, with drummer Richard Spaven, showcases two musicians at the top of their game

Missed out on Glasto? Here’s 30 major festivals you can still book now

From whomping dub soundsystems and clattering thrash metal to comedy, jazz and kids’ entertainment, this year’s UK festivals have something for everyone – and you’ve still got time to get in on the alfresco action

‘Reopen these youth clubs’: Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso on nurturing young artistic talent

Drummer and band leader used Brits awards stage to spotlight clubs that help musicians like himself to thrive

Everybody Loves the Sunshine is just one point of perfection in Roy Ayers’ astonishing catalogue

Ayers’ genre-bending jazz-funk sound produced one fantastic album after another – and then found a new lease of life in hip-hop sampling

Roy Ayers obituary

Jazz-soul vibraphonist and band leader best known for his laid-back summer track Everybody Loves the Sunshine