Alex Wintz’s Live to Tape was a compelling display of the guitarist, composer and educator’s chops, taste, and improvisational powers. Working with bassist Dave Baron and drummer Jimmy Macbride, Wintz went a more direct route than his formidable 2017 debut as a leader, LifeCycle. “Idris” opened this Best of 2020 Jazz entry with Wintz’s warm, evocative tone and confident voicing. The trio displayed a strutting confidence that made the songs instantly compelling. While Alex Wintz’s four original songs were engrossing, so were his covers. “What Me Worry” was a daring take on the St. Vincent song from 2007’s Marry Me. At a time when concerts are on hiatus, Live to Tape gives us a needed dose.