“Super Rich Kids” by Jeff Parker from the album Slight Freedom features Parker’s innovative guitar work. Known for his contributions to post-rock and jazz, Parker’s interpretation of Frank Ocean’s song showcases his ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a unique and engaging sound.
“Oh!” by Scolohofo from the album Oh! features an all-star jazz quartet: John Scofield on guitar, Joe Lovano on saxophone, Dave Holland on bass, and Al Foster on drums. The track showcases the quartet’s exceptional improvisational skills and cohesive interplay, creating a vibrant and dynamic jazz piece.
“Fort Worth (Live)” by Joe Lovano from the album Live At The Village Vanguard captures Lovano’s expressive saxophone performance. Supported by an ensemble including Tom Harrell on trumpet, Anthony Cox on bass, and Billy Hart on drums, the live recording highlights the group’s energetic and spontaneous playing. Lovano states on his website: “The group with Tom was one of my most creative, and it exemplified the consistency and conception of improvisation that happens when a group is very free, but structured was well.”
“Landmarks” by Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band from the album “Landmarks” features Blade’s exceptional drumming and compositional skills. The track includes Myron Walden on saxophone, Melvin Butler on saxophone, Jon Cowherd on piano, Chris Thomas on bass, and Marvin Sewell on guitar. Immersive and stunning.
“Times Like These” by Lachuné from the album Times Like These is a soulful track featuring Lachuné’s powerful and emotive vocal performance.
“I Wonder U” by Prince from the album “Parade – Music from the Motion Picture Under the Cherry Moon” has an ethereal sound. Cited by D’Angelo and Qustlove as an inspiration for “Africa”, the snare sounds on this are beautiful and bewildering. Clare Fischer’s orchestral arrangements are wonderfully odd and intriguing. This is really worth checking out:I Wonder U – Prince (UNRELEASED CLARE FISCHER VERSION)Here is Fischer and his son Brent discussing his approach (Seattle, 2005): Clare Fisher Lecture – Seattle 2005
“Chemin de Fossard (Live)” by Andy Emler Quintet from the album Sombritude (Live) features Emler’s expressive piano playing, supported by a talented ensemble including eat. Dave Liebman, Stéphane Belmondo, Linley Marthe, and Francis Lassus. The live recording captures the quintet’s dynamic and nuanced performance. Linley Marthe. Linley Marthe. Linley Marthe. This solo is nuts.
“Andalusian Love Song” by Avishai Darash from the album Quarantine Blues showcases Darash’s emotive piano playing. The track blends jazz with Andalusian musical influences, creating a rich and evocative sound. Darash’s improvisational skills and deep musicality shine throughout the piece.
“Brooklyn Blues” by Janek Gwizdala & John Davis from the album Bass Duo is a collaborative track featuring Gwizdala and Davis on bass. Their intricate interplay and technical proficiency create a dynamic and engaging performance that blends jazz and blues elements.
“Edzengi (feat. Linley Marthe, Daniel Soltis)” by Bernard Maseli from the album Drifter features Maseli’s innovative vibraphone playing, supported by Linley Marthe on bass and Daniel Soltis on drums. The track blends jazz with world music influences, creating a vibrant and rhythmic sound.
“No Church In The Wild” by JAY Z, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, and The-Dream from the album Watch The Throne is a collaborative hip-hop track. The song features JAY Z and Kanye West’s sharp lyrical delivery, Frank Ocean’s haunting chorus, and The-Dream’s smooth vocals. The production, led by 88-Keys, Mike Dean, and Ken Lewis, is bangin’.
“Soweto” by Billy Higgins from the album Soweto showcases Higgins’ masterful drumming. The track features a talented ensemble including Cedar Walton on piano, Tony Dumas on bass, and Junior Cook on saxophone. Their cohesive performance and rich musicality make this track a standout.
“Reconstructing A Dream” by Jakob Bro, Arve Henriksen, and Jorge Rossy from the album Uma Elmo features Bro’s atmospheric guitar, Henriksen’s ethereal trumpet, and Rossy’s nuanced drumming. The trio’s interplay creates a contemplative and immersive soundscape.
“Ad Lib on Nippon” by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra from the album Far East Suite features Ellington’s innovative piano work and the exceptional playing of his orchestra. The track blends jazz with Eastern musical influences, creating a unique and captivating sound.
“Circling Hours” by Larry Goldings from the album Earthshine features Goldings’ expressive organ playing. The track is absolutely hypnotic. Goldings’ improvisational skills and musicality are 20,000 leagues deep.
“Blue Poles” by Joel Ross, Rashaan Carter, Mark Whitfield Jr, and Theo Hill from the album Reality Check features Ross’ vibrant vibraphone playing, Carter’s solid bass lines, Whitfield Jr’s dynamic drumming, and Hill’s expressive piano. Beautiful and hypnotic.
“Crows” by Jake Baldwin, Zacc Harris & Peter Hennig. This just came out a few days ago and hasn’t really left my headphones. I love the sounds and textures this trio creates. Beautiful lines and a lush mix. Highly recommended.
