We have come to that period when we discovered the best jazz works of 2023, continuing the rich and evolving narrative of this genre, which is innovative in its essence. I am thrilled that Feridun Agab’s hand, which he extends to me yearly, is not empty again. Jazz, born from the vivid combination of African rhythms and European harmonic structure, was adorned with very serious productions this year.
The year 2023 stands on the shoulders of giants such as Miles Davis, who permanently changed the landscape with his modal explorations in “Kind of Blue”; John Coltrane, who pushed the boundaries of improvisation with his vocal petals in “A Love Supreme”; and Billie Holiday, who continues to haunt and inspire with her touching voice in “Lady in Satin”. These giants, among others, laid the foundations on which today’s artists build their sound. Of course, there are many milestones, but this year has evolved around this trio.
This year’s jazz albums are a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal and a reflection of its constant evolution. These albums are proof of the genre’s evolution through swing, fusion, avant-garde and many more. They are the final chapters of an ongoing story, with artists of each era adding their lifeblood and cultural context to the genre.
In 2023, we encounter a musical expansion as diverse as it is sophisticated. Thanks to the interconnectedness fostered by the digital age, artists are feeding from a more bottomless well of global influence than ever before. We see traditionalists continuing to honour the blue notes and swing rhythms at the heart of jazz, innovators incorporating electronic, hip-hop and world music elements into their compositions, and a new generation speaking through jazz to express their concerns and hopes in an increasingly complex world.
The albums I humbly list for you today are the rhythmic filters that nourish my jazz soul. These albums attracted my attention as living works of today, echoing the past and giving clues about the future of jazz. They are not just a collection of notes and rhythms but cultural artefacts of our time, summarising the emotions, politics and stories of the human experience as only jazz can. As I list the best jazz albums of 2023, I wish you always to be a listener, keep your ears open, and boldly engage with this contemporary and revolutionary art form.
- Lakecia Benjamin “Phoenix” (Whirlwind Recordings)
This album is a powerful and emotional exploration of black identity and the African diaspora. Benjamin’s passionate saxophone playing covers various styles, including jazz, funk and soul. In addition, the musical arrangements on the album are pretty remarkable and offer the listener a profound emotional experience. Benjamin’s technique and melodic innovations bring a different dimension to the music. Each track on the album allows the listener to discover the richness and depth of black music. For this reason, this album is an important work that should be in every music lover’s collection.
- James Brandon Lewis “Eye of I” (ANTI Records)
This album is a meditation on human spirituality. Lewis’ distinctive blend of free jazz, hip-hop and electronica dominates the first tune. The album is full of surprises and twists that will challenge and excite its listeners. In this way, it not only takes the listeners on a musical journey, but also makes them think, inspires and offers new perspectives.
- Marcus Strickland Twi-Life “The Universe’s Wildest Dream” (Strick Muzik)
This powerful and ambitious album explores the intersection of jazz and contemporary music. Strickland is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader known for his innovative and cross-genre approach to music. On Twi-Life Wildest Dream, he leads two groups featuring some of the most exciting young musicians in jazz today. Strickland is a master of both tenor saxophone and bass clarinet. He plays with both technical brilliance and emotional depth. His compositions are complex and challenging, but what lies underneath are his unique melodies. This album marks an essential step in Marcus Strickland’s career and is a milestone.
- Kendrick Scott “Corridors” (Blue Note Records)
This album is a dynamic and exciting exploration of jazz music, featuring renowned jazz drummer Scott’s powerful, precise drumming. It offers a more comprehensive musical experience by combining different styles, such as funk, hip-hop and jazz music. Each track on the album combines impressive elements of different styles, offering diversity to listeners.
- Wadada Leo Smith/Orange Wave Electric “Fire Illuminations” (Kabell Records)
This album is a fiery and passionate collaboration between trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and the electronic duo Orange Wave Electric. Full of energy and excitement, this album will please jazz and electronic music fans. Smith’s trumpet performances are full of deep emotionality and technical skill. The electronic infrastructure of Orange Wave Electric provides listeners with an extraordinary sound experience.
- Fire! Orchestra “Echoes” (Rune Grammofon)
A cosmic and psychedelic exploration of jazz, Fire! Orkestra is one of the most innovative and exciting young musicians in jazz. Producing albums that are, at times, very challenging, they boldly display their avant-garde compositions and improvisation skills. They create a sonic experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz. From mesmerising saxophone solos to complex drum ebbs and flows, every track on this album is a musical adventure waiting to be discovered.
- GoGo Penguin “Everything Is Going to Be OK (XXIM Records)
The album speaks for itself. A beautiful and atmospheric jazz discovery featuring the talented trio GoGo Penguin, this album contains beautiful melodies and lush harmonies that will please jazz and classical music fans.
- Johnathan Blake “Passage” (Blue Note Records)
A tribute to Blake’s late father, violinist John Blake Jr., this album features a solo drum tribute by percussionist Lawrence Leathers and showcases Blake’s passionate and fast-paced playing. A pleasure to listen to but a work that takes time to digest.
- Meshell Ndegeocello “The Omnichord Real Book” (Blue Note Records)
Grammy award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello meets music lovers for the first time with The Omnichord Real Book on Blue Note Records. Deeply influenced by jazz, this visionary and wide-ranging album opens a new chapter in the artist’s career. One of my favourite albums.
- Brandee Younger “Brand New Life” (Impulse! Records)
Brandee Younger has released her second album, Brand New Life, on Impulse! Records are labelled under the title Brand New Life. Younger builds on the legacy of women like Dorothy Ashby, who made the harp a unique and influential voice in jazz. This recording features Brandee’s original compositions and reinterpretations of Ashby’s works. Younger represents a generation of contemporary improvising musicians who came of age when hip-hop was a significant part of American popular culture. In Brand New Life, he combines hip-hop, rock and pop music elements to present progressive explorations of harmony, rhythm and melody.
- Christian McBride’s New Jawn “Prime” (Mack Avenue Records)
The term “jawn” is a new and widespread phenomenon made well-known by Philadelphia-born Christian McBride. A renowned bassist, McBride is a musician who consistently pioneers fresh and cool jazz concepts in his trio and big bands. His latest project, Christian McBride’s New Jawn, is a quartet from New York’s vibrant jazz scene and appeals to East Coast soul seekers and piano-less jazz fans.
- Allison Miller “River In Our Veins” (Royal Potato Family)
Rivers in Our Veins is a song cycle exploring themes of flow and regeneration. The album is dedicated to the vital rivers and watersheds of the United States and the organisations working for their restoration and protection.
- Jaimie Branch “Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die” (world war)
This is a bold and ambitious album that pushes the boundaries of jazz. Branch’s trumpet playing is both technically impressive and emotionally mesmerising.
- The Necks “Travel” (Nerthern Spy Records)
It is a hypnotic and atmospheric album that captures the feeling of endless movement. The trio’s improvisations are complex and spontaneous, and electronics add an ethereal beauty to the music. This album is ideal for late-night listening or contemplation.
- Fred Hersch/Esperanza Spalding “Alive at the Village Vanguard”
It is a stunning concert recording that captures the exciting energy of two of jazz’s most innovative artists. Hersch’s piano playing is both virtuosic and lyrical, while Spalding’s vocals are powerful and nuanced. This album is a must-have for fans of jazz piano and vocal jazz.
- Jeremy Dutton “Anyone is Better Than Here” (Self-Production)
is Better Than Here is a quirky and mesmerising album that defies categorisation. Dutton’s songwriting is both clever and witty, and his vocals are full of character. This album will appeal to indie rock, folk and experimental jazz fans.
- David Virelles “Carta” (Intakt Records)
It is a dynamic and exciting album exploring the many facets of Cuban jazz. Virelles’ piano playing is technically breathtaking. The album contains various moods and styles.
- Irreversible Entanglements “Protect Your Light” (Verve Records)
This is a powerful album that deals with issues of social justice and racial inequality. The band’s music is both free jazz and avant-garde. It is also full of raw emotion and political commentary.
- John Coltrane with Eric Dolphy (Live) “Evenings at the Village Gate” (Verve Records)
A historic live recording captures two jazz legends’ fiery and innovative performances. Coltrane’s saxophone playing is passionate and at the height of his improvisation. Dolphy’s flute and bass clarinet playing is as inventive as ever.
- Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah “Bark Out thunder Roar Out Lightning” (Ropeadope)
Christian Scott, also known as Chief Adjuah, is known for taking risks and pushing the boundaries of modern jazz. His latest album “Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lightning” explores the folkloric music of his native New Orleans. Adjuah grew up in the tradition of the Black Masking Indians, a New Orleans carnival tradition that honours the unity of Africans and Native Americans. He preserves this cultural background in “Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lightning” and shows beautiful proof of how much he can represent his people. Adjuah’s commanding presence is felt throughout the album with his mesmerising rhythms and street corner woodwinds. The album opens with “Blood Calls Blood”, where Adjuah shows off his newly invented Bow instrument. The title track lasts fifteen minutes and reveals Adjuah’s rebellious spirit. Adjuah’s visionary voice transports listeners to mythical realms of otherness. Sound and heritage are powerfully intertwined in this hymn-like album.
- Arooj Aftab/Shahzad Ismaily/Vijay Iyer “Love in Exile” (Verve Records)
Featuring collaborations with Pakistani-American singer Arooj Aftab, composer and pianist Vijay Iyer and multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily, the album is a synchronised sonic riot that showcases each artist’s strengths. This atmospheric jazz album pushes the boundaries of the genre with its simplicity. Unlike other jazz albums, “Love in Exile” emphasises collaboration. The trio rejects the norms of mainstream contemporary jazz and achieves equal success without overshadowing each other. The album transforms the solo into another form of cooperation. “Love in Exile” is a fantastic jazz album that pushes the boundaries. The heart of the album is the flawless co-operation and creativity of Aftab, Iyer and Ismaily. Undoubtedly, it is one of the standout albums of 2023 so far.
- Ambrose Akinmusire “Beauty is Enough” (Origami Harvest)
Beauty Is Enough by renowned jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire is a musical masterpiece. Showcasing Akinmusire’s unrivalled talent and creativity, this extraordinary album showcases his breathtaking trumpet performances without any plug-ins or effects, allowing the pure essence of his music to shine through. The fact that this surprise album has been released on Akinmusire’s own label, Origami Harvest, is a testament to the artist’s artistic autonomy and vision.
THE BEST WORLD MUSIC OF 2023
- Ibrahim Hesnawi “The Father of Libyan Reggae” (Habibi Funk Records)
Ibrahim Hesnawi’s “The Father of Libyan Reggae” is a touching and exuberant album that breathes new life into the reggae genre with a North African touch. Hesnawi’s soulful voice, infectious rhythms and the touch of Libyan musical tradition combine to create an impressive narrative that transcends language barriers. Each track resonates with the pulse of the streets of Tripoli and the resilience of its people.
- Kora World “Tëd ak Mame Coumba Lamba ak Mame Coumba Mbang” (Ajabu!)
“Kora World” takes listeners on a transcendental journey through the stringed whispers of the kora. A tribute to the rich musical heritage of West Africa, the album is an intricate tapestry of sounds woven by the skilled hands of Tëd and the soulful voices of Mame Coumba Lamba and Mame Coumba Mbang. A delicate blend of tradition and innovation, each timbre resonates with stories of past generations and hopes for the future.
- Maher Cissoko “Ndox Electrique” (Ajabu!)
Maher Cissoko’s album “Ndox Electrique” boldly explores the kora’s electric potential. The album showcases Cissoko’s mastery in combining Senegalese roots with contemporary rhythms, producing an exciting, grounding and pioneering soundscape. A fusion of traditional melodies with modern rhythms and Cissoko’s soulful vocals.
- Leon Keïta “Leon Keïta”
Leon Keïta’s self-titled album brings a refreshing perspective to modern African music. While rooted in tradition, his voice confidently enters the realms of jazz, funk and soul. Keïta’s voice is a versatile instrument that adapts to the album’s changing moods, offering an uplifting and soulful collection of songs that are sure to move listeners. A vibrant celebration of African music’s past, present and exciting future.
- Onipa “Off the Grid” (Real World Records)
“Onipa” means ‘human’ in Akan, and “Off the Grid” is a humane call back to our roots with a forward-looking outlook. An energetic blend of Afrobeat, highlife and funk, the album is wrapped in a contemporary electronic production that does not overshadow the organic essence of the music.
- Balimaya Project “When the Dust Settles” (New Soil x Jazz)
“Balimaya Project” captures the spirit of West African music while incorporating elements of London’s jazz scene. “When the Dust Settles” is both rhythmically complex and harmonically rich, creating a soundscape as complex as it is accessible. The album is a cultural conversation, a lively exchange of melodies and rhythms that feels both old and completely new.
- Aselefech Ashine/Getenesh “Kebret Beauties” (Mississippi Records)
“Beauties” by Aselefech Ashine and Getenesh Kebret is a collection of Ethiopian songs that are both haunting and beautiful. The album’s minimalist approach allows the powerful vocals to shine through, supported by traditional krar and masinko instruments. The result is an ethereal experience that transports listeners to the heart of Ethiopia’s musical soul.
- Maalem Mahmoud Gania “Colours of the Night” (Hive Mind Records)
“Colours of the Night” is a hypnotic journey through Gnawa music, led by the late Maalem Mahmoud Gania, one of the most famous Maalems of his time. The album’s pulsating rhythms and mesmerising chants are a testament to Gnawa music’s spiritual depth and power.
- Namian Sidibé “Namian Sidibé” (Sahel Records)
Namian Sidibé’s self-titled album is a vibrant celebration of Mali’s musical tradition. Sidibé’s voice carries the wisdom of his heritage, while the arrangements both respect tradition and are refreshingly contemporary. The album blends the woody timbres of ngoni and balafon with Sidibé’s storytelling, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both intimate and expansive.
- WITCH “Zango” (Desert Daze Sound)
WITCH, short for “We Intend To Cause Havoc”, was Zambia’s most famous rock band in the 1970s, and their album “Zango” is a reinvention of their psychedelic blend of rock and African rhythms. Filled with funk-laden grooves and infectious guitar riffs, the music takes listeners back to a time when the band was at the forefront of Zambia’s Zamrock scene, offering a sound as fresh today as it was then.
- Mokoomba Tusona: “Tracings in the Sand” (OutHere Records)
“Tusona: Mokoomba’s “Tracings in the Sand” album showcases the band’s ability to blend traditional Tongan rhythms with contemporary sounds. The album is a vibrant and energetic work that combines soulful melodies with lively African rhythms. Mokoomba’s music transcends borders and embodies a spirit of unity and joy that is truly contagious.
- BCUC “Millions of Us” (On the Corner)
BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) from South Africa presents a powerful album called “Millions of Us”. The band’s sound, a powerful blend of funk, punk and traditional African music, is presented with an energy that is as politically charged as it is musically innovative. This album calls to consciousness, inviting listeners to reflect on the collective human experience as they lose themselves in the rhythm.
- Inna Baba Coulibaly “Djilly Kawral” (Remote Records)
As a repository of Songhai music, Inna Baba Coulibaly’s album “Djilly Kawral” presents the rich textures of ngoni and Coulibaly’s subtle yet powerful vocals. The music is at once meditative and challenging, a dialogue between past and present that resonates with the spirit of Mali.
- IzangoMa “Ngo Ma” (Brownswood Recordings)
IzangoMa’s album “Ngo Ma” is a testament to the dynamic range of Cameroonian music. The album skilfully combines elements of makossa, bikutsi and jazz to create a traditional and distinctly modern sound. The band’s interplay is seamless, and the music is full of warmth and vibrancy, a true celebration of Cameroon’s musical heritage.
- Ali Farka Touré/Toumani Diabaté “Voyageur” (World Circuit)
“Voyageur” is a posthumous album that combines the haunting guitar playing of the late Ali Farka Touré and the masterful kora playing of Toumani Diabaté. This album recalls the duo’s unique ability to converse through the strings, creating music deeply rooted in the Malian tradition while reflecting on universal themes of travelling, exploration and the passage of time. This is a journey through sound led by two of Mali’s most iconic musicians.
Zekeriya S. Sen
Managing Director @ FEST Travel
