2023 saw an great deal of amazing new musical recorded and released. The tracks listed below are not part of a ‘beauty pageant’ or a best of. It is rather a list of tracks which have impressed and continue to impress and have added joy to this enthusiast’s life many months after they were first encountered. The album names are linked to my original reviews.
Nguyên Lê Trio Silk and Sand
Becoming Water – A haunting slow blues with south east Asian percussive notes. A scent of Asia with shades of Pink Floyd guitar aided by a melodious Duduk. A meditative lingering joy lasting for nearly six minutes.
The Danny Fox Trio Time Took Care Of It
Dr. Bob – Take a bit of the Beatles, season with a hint of Supertramp, marinate with an Ahmad Jamal inspired piano, cook in the studio with bass and drums, and rejoice. A dance inducing rumba that will light up any room with a bit more joy and verve. (This album came complete with a cookbook and recipes dedicated to each of the tracks).
Michael Blake Dance Of The Mystic Bliss
Little Demons – A Caribbean tempo accompanied by African drum beats with a guitar solo that would not be out of place on a Steely Dan album, a sax that’s reminiscent of the great and late Eddie Harris and a rhythm section that in places would have been able to stand in for the JBs. If this doesn’t induce foot tapping and the urge to dance, check your pulse.
Dorothy Ashby With Strings Attached 1957-1965
Soft Winds – This four album retrospective of Ashby’s music has been greeted with a joy reserved for winning the lottery. Choosing a single track is almost impossible but this one is definitely a highlight. The melodious riot created by her harp is intoxicating.
The Hot Toddies Jazz Band The Hot Toddies Jazz Band
I Want To Be Like You (The Monkey Song) – The Toddies cover a range that exists somewhere between Lindy hop and trad jazz. A large band that creates pleasant noise that has never gone out of fashion. Dial the volume to 11 and rejoice in the great 24/48 recording in courtesy of the dozen or so Toddies.
Harold López-Nussa Timba A La Americana
Funky – Cuba goes Snarky puppy, in a very entertaining fashion. It’s hot, it shakes, it’s a rhythmic Latin jazz with all the joy and verve that is typically associated with the style, performed to perfection with some unusual interpretations courtesy of a leading harmonica.
Shalosh Tales Of Utopia
The Wedding Song – Marrying Yemenite melody with one of Latin South America’s most famous songs (El Manicero), makes this seductive, joyful jazz at its best. The excitement of the musicians who created this astonishing album is very evident on this track.
Joshua Redman Where Are We
Chicago Blues – Jimmy Rushing, Count Basie and Joe Williams have made this track a memorable classic. In this guise a mournful blues about a jilted boyfriend heading back home, has been made irresistible, the interpretation by Gabrielle Cavassa is spellbinding.
Adam Birnbaum Preludes
Prelude in D minor – Take Bach’s preludes, add Dave Brubeck’s polished ivory tinkling ability, combine with Latin nuance and rejoice. Charm and jazz at its most effortless best. Yet another proof that much like wine and love, Bach’s music is never out of fashion.
Rymden Valleys & Mountains
The Mountain – Scandinavian music of the highest pedigree. This super group plays some of the most original and best instrumental music on the continent and beyond. It is funky, it is soulful and it is jazzy in extraordinary ways. A must have noise to enrich the soul.
Hiromi Sonicwonder Sonicwonderland
Up – Imagine getting a very talented group of children to create jazz, with playful innovation and intoxicating happiness. It’s rocks, it’s jazz, it’s blues, and it puts smiles on listener’s lips. Can you ask for anything more.
Reuben Klein