It is probably time to start the album of the year thread for 2019. I think that it has been an interesting year with some really decent records being issued although I am finding that CDs are increasingly difficult to acquire. Despite the internet making the release of material seemingly easier, I have noticed that some more obscure albums have been impossible to find and the discography of historically important artists diminishing in the CD format.
I would have to argue that although five new CDs have dominated my play list this year, I have probably played the 10-disc Paul Bley box set from Soul Note more than anything else in 2019. I think this came out several years ago now and would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Bley's music. Regarding new records, I would have to single out JD Allen's exceptional "Barracoon" which is a major achievement in what is already an impressive discography for the tenor man. This record would probably come second in my list albeit by some very fine margins. The recent Steve Lehman quartet recording "The people I love" is certainly going to chip in to many "best of..." lists whereas the record "Choukheads" by French trumpeter Shems Bendali is a disc that is unlikely to resonate with jazz fans outside of the Hexagon. The French jazz press have been really positive about this debut disc and it is not difficult to understand why. For me, his set at Vienne was one of the best gigs of 2019 and the record deserves wider attention, especially if you are fond of the kind of acoustic jazz produced by the likes of Ambrose Akinmusire. I would recommend hunting this record down although I think it is only available as a download in the UK. Probably one for JRR. I love it when you discover a new name such as Shems Bendali when the music is as good as this.
I felt Kassie Kinoshi's "Seed Ensemble" produced a fantastic debut with "Driftglass" and should be applauded for producing a record that felt both contemporary and was proud to boast it full on jazz credentials. This is the kind of record that make you feel good about the current state of jazz in the UK which has under-whelmed in the past. A name to watch.
From a point of view of shear enjoyment, my vote for best jazz album of the year is Greg Ward's "Stomping off from Greenwood." This record features the alto saxophonist backed by a quartet that includes two electric guitars. The music is visceral as you would expect from so much of the jazz Chicago produces yet the tone of Ward's alto has singing quality of Cannonball Adderley in the way that he communicates. It is a "modern" record in many respects whilst also being able to "connect" like so many of the jazz greats of the past. The repertoire largely consists of some very hummable originals as well as a twisted version of the standard "Stardust." I love the jabbing quality of the track "The contender" but there is so much to enjoy about this record.
I would have to argue that although five new CDs have dominated my play list this year, I have probably played the 10-disc Paul Bley box set from Soul Note more than anything else in 2019. I think this came out several years ago now and would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Bley's music. Regarding new records, I would have to single out JD Allen's exceptional "Barracoon" which is a major achievement in what is already an impressive discography for the tenor man. This record would probably come second in my list albeit by some very fine margins. The recent Steve Lehman quartet recording "The people I love" is certainly going to chip in to many "best of..." lists whereas the record "Choukheads" by French trumpeter Shems Bendali is a disc that is unlikely to resonate with jazz fans outside of the Hexagon. The French jazz press have been really positive about this debut disc and it is not difficult to understand why. For me, his set at Vienne was one of the best gigs of 2019 and the record deserves wider attention, especially if you are fond of the kind of acoustic jazz produced by the likes of Ambrose Akinmusire. I would recommend hunting this record down although I think it is only available as a download in the UK. Probably one for JRR. I love it when you discover a new name such as Shems Bendali when the music is as good as this.
I felt Kassie Kinoshi's "Seed Ensemble" produced a fantastic debut with "Driftglass" and should be applauded for producing a record that felt both contemporary and was proud to boast it full on jazz credentials. This is the kind of record that make you feel good about the current state of jazz in the UK which has under-whelmed in the past. A name to watch.
From a point of view of shear enjoyment, my vote for best jazz album of the year is Greg Ward's "Stomping off from Greenwood." This record features the alto saxophonist backed by a quartet that includes two electric guitars. The music is visceral as you would expect from so much of the jazz Chicago produces yet the tone of Ward's alto has singing quality of Cannonball Adderley in the way that he communicates. It is a "modern" record in many respects whilst also being able to "connect" like so many of the jazz greats of the past. The repertoire largely consists of some very hummable originals as well as a twisted version of the standard "Stardust." I love the jabbing quality of the track "The contender" but there is so much to enjoy about this record.
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