See, Hear, Read: Three summer arts recommendations from three local experts

“I’m a huge fan of Asian action cinema, and I love Takashi Miike. He’s a Japanese director who puts out several films a year; this is one of his best. It features 13 ragtag assassins banding together on a kamikaze run designed to stop an evil overlord from gaining control of Japan. Miike’s great at building tension and turning thumbscrews.”

—JOE REED Manager of The Film Buff East

13 Assassins, directed by Takashi Miike (July 5)

“Jill Scott is one of the undisputed leaders of the neo-soul movement that has taken off in recent years. On top of being a terrific performer and songwriter, she has an unbelievable voice that can take a classic soul sound and update it for a hip-hop feel. Her new single, “So in Love,” is a duet with Anthony Hamilton, who’s got an Al Green vibe. Their voices meld beautifully.”

—JASON PALMA Owner of Play De Record

The Light of the Sun, Jill Scott (June 28)

“I love when a micro subject is given a macro treatment. In this case, Spain’s national dish gets a gorgeous, design-minded book, with superb photos and illustrations that make me ridiculously happy. Paella is the laid-back counterpart to risotto—it’s a malleable dish that’s ideal for company. The 108 featured recipes offer up simple as well as luxurious versions. It’s fun to flip through them and get inspired.”

—MIKA BAREKET Owner of Good Egg

Paella, by Alberto Herráiz (July)