Regarding Akinmusire: I think he's a very interesting player. I only know one of his records well, When the Heart Emerges Glistening, but I think the compositions go unexpected places. IMO, the band is strong too -- particularly the tenorist in the front line with Akinmusire, Walter Smith III. You can tell that the band plays together regularly. They're tight. ... And I don't have any issues with Akinmusire's approach or sound. He can be "colorist" and play with some dissonance, but I find myself pulled in by it. Besides, another aspect of his playing -- every bit as prominent, if not more so -- is his tenderness and lyricism.
All that said (HutchFan said as he climbed aboard his hobby-horse), I really do think people tend to hear & experience music differently -- even when they're listening to the same thing. So there you go.
BTW, I've been meaning to get the CD that Akinmusire made with Tom Harrell for a while now. Just haven't got 'round to it yet. It's called Something Gold, Something Blue, released a few years ago on HighNote. Anyone heard that one?