2019: A Year in Jazz

Roots. Often hidden, waiting knurled and thirsty, anchoring new growth.

2019 was a return to new jazz for me. Harbored in the safety of the classics for far too long, I set out to discover something new. Incredible fruits abound. Here are my favorites:

This Land Abounds with Life 

Fabian Almazan Trio

A sprawling record inspired by a trip to Cuba, Fabians birthplace. Torrents of frantic phrases followed by docile, contemplative ambient sounds. The trio succeeds in imitating the bird life Fabian was studying. Favorite tracks: "Benjamin" & "The Everglades". Bonus points to Fabian for willingly (or non-willingly) putting the DOOM PC game theme song into Everglades.

Diwan

Shahbaz Hussain and Helen Anahita Wilson

An interplay between east and west. The pulsing tablas of Hussain paired with clean, accomplished piano of Wilson. Achingly beautiful and drenched in middle eastern chord progressions, Diwan, sits among my very favorite records of the year. Favorite Tracks: "Neeleshwar" & "Azar"

Good Hope 

Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain & Chris Potter

Not one, but two amazing jazz records featuring tabla drum masters in 2019! Swoon. "Good Hope" is some great 3 piece straight ahead jazz that cooks all the way through.

First Meeting

Ronin Arkestra

A group of seasoned Japanese jazz vets met up to start Ronin Arkestra in 2017. I believe "First Meeting" is their first EP and its a scorcher. Tight drums, sprawling piano vamps and sweet breaks abound on the first track which, is firmly my favorite. "A Love Supreme" is a nice modern re-imaging of the storied Coltrane track. The Arkestra put a full length LP out this year as well, titled Sonkei which, did not grab me as much as this EP.

La La Lars II

La La Lars

Sounding at once both modern and old fashion, this album captured my attention early on in the year. Lars and his band hail from Sweden."Tillbaks Till Gothborgen" is by far my favorite track, with its ethereal theremin like thread and tight piano hooks.

Fly or Die II: bird dogs of paradise

Jaimie Branch

Channeling the Sun Ra Arkestra, Branch and crew create a cacophony of boisterous instruments and compelling protest lyrics. Sometimes weird, sometime melodic and definitely worth a listen.

Polyhmnia

Yazz Ahmed

Pretty much everything Yazz produces is golden. The self titled 'High priestess of psychedelic Arabic jazz’ Yazz is an accomplished trumpeter and music arranger. This record sprung out of a request to write a piece for "International Woman's Day" and joins multiple EPs relaeased by her this year, all of which are worth investing time in to.