My listening habits are fairly diverse, and fairly heavily rooted in revisiting music I love. That said, there are plenty of things I discovered this year – either new or new to me. Here are some that I loved.
The Questions (Kurt Elling)
I’ve written before that I think this album is a career high for Kurt Elling, even among his many excellent jazz vocal albums. This March release received play all year long in our house (the kids can all sing along, even with the Jaco Pastorius cover). His live version, released earlier this month, makes a nice bookend – and go see him live if you can. The story he weaves with this set of songs will transfix.
The Junction (Manhattan Transfer)
That the Transfer is still releasing new, creative recordings after more than 40 years is a testament to these singers and their staying power. Theirs is a very particular combination of pop, jazz, and beyond – it’s quirky – but there’s almost no one I’d rather hear sing extended runs of close sax voicings. They’ve still got it.
The Band’s Visit (Original Broadway Cast)
Would I have heard of this musical if I hadn’t had a former student in the cast? I hope so, but I’m not sure. Regardless, I did, and then couldn’t stop listening. What an amazing, subtle, deep and personal story it tells. Dig deep and give it time.
Friendship (The Real Group + Big Band)
I loved this big band reimagining of some of TRG’s choice cuts – great singing, of course, but playing and writing, too. Shout out to my friend Jeremy Fox for his beautiful arrangement of Anders Edenroth’s Friendship.
Meeting of Minds (Live) (New York Voices & The Bob Mintzer Big Band)
Speaking of wonderful vocal group collaborations, how about NYV celebrating their 30th anniversary with this release featuring the great Bob Mintzer & his band. Great singing, playing, and writing. Can’t wait for their new studio album to come out in the months ahead.
Into The Light (Sunny Wilkinson)
Sunny is simply one of the finest jazz singers currently performing, and the rare instance of her releasing a new album is worth rejoicing. Tender, virtuosic, heartfelt, and personal: this album is outstanding.
The Heart Already Knows (Kate Reid)
Dr. Kate Reid’s newest release finds her in intimate ground, with outstanding collaboration including the legendary Fred Hersch, in a beautiful album produced by Peter Eldridge. Even if she weren’t a friend, I’d be putting this album on repeat.
Of course, this isn’t all the new music I enjoyed this year: other albums that I enjoyed hearing for the first time included:
Djesse (Jacob Collier)
The Bathtub and the Sea (Jo Lawry)
Exposure (Esperanza Spalding)
The Greatest Showman (Original Movie Soundtrack)
Iconic (Take 6)
The Window (Cécile McLorin Salvant)
and more…
What was the best new music you heard this year?