Paul Medrano - Author at BestofJazz.org

All posts by “Paul”

Jazz April 2023

What’s new to discover in jazz this month? This is our April 2023 selection of albums that have already been released. These got our full attention and should be worth your time! The albums are ordered by their release date.

Breath Of Air – Breath Of Air

Breath Of Air is a trio formed by guitarist Brandon Ross, violinist Charles Burnham, and drummer Warren Benbow. Their first album, Breath Of Air, was recorded in 2019 and 2020 and it was released on August 5, 2022, by Burning Ambulance Music.

21st-Century Krautrock

Krautrock is considered a historical genre since while it was active during the 1970s, it is not as prominent in the 2020s. Yet, the influence of Krautrock can still be heard in various genres of music such as electronic, ambient, and post-rock, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for many contemporary musicians.

Some of the original Krautrock bands are still active and perform live occasionally. Additionally, there are also new bands that continue to create music influenced by Krautrock, and the genre has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with a renewed interest in its influence and history.

The Best Krautrock Albums

First things first. Why should we talk about the best Krautrock albums on this blog as it is not directly related to jazz? Correct!? But it has been for sure influenced by the improvisation and experimentalism of jazz music, plus as it has produced some amazing albums during the late the 70s, we thought that would be enough to allow us a deep dive into the very unique “kosmische musik” genre.

And to be honest, we simply love it!

George Benson – Breezin’

Breezin’ by George Benson – Song by Song Album Review

Breezin’ is George Benson’s fifteenth studio album released in 1976 and produced by Tommy Lipuma. Here you will find the complete song-by-song album review of Breezin’.

Breezin’ is one of the best albums for Benson and his group’s career. This 70’s masterpiece gave George Benson true popularity: he combined his softer focused R&B, funk, and jazz-flavored work for some kind of amazing smooth jazz.

Jazz March 2023

The March 2023 selection will start as a list, without review.

Yes, it’s a bit raw. But this month looks so good, there’s no point in waiting at the risk of missing the releases of the following albums; our inputs or reviews will come later.

So, what should you expect from jazz this month? Welcome to our March 2023 selection of albums that have already been released or will soon be released this month (“What to Wait For”). These albums got our full attention and are worth your time. They are listed in order of release date.

Joëlle Léandre – Zurich Concert (live)

Zurich Concert is a solo recording by bassist Joëlle Léandre. Zurich Concert was recorded live on March 17, 2022, at Taktlos-Festival at Kunstraum Walcheturm, in Zürich, Switzerland, by Willy Strehler, and it will be released on February 20, 2023, by Intakt Records.

Jazz February 2023

What should you expect from jazz this month? Welcome to our February 2023 selection of albums that have already been released or will soon be released this month (“What to Wait For”). These albums got our full attention and are worth your time. They are listed in order of release date.

James Brandon Lewis – Eye of I

Eye of I is an album by tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, with Chris Hoffman on cello and pedals, and Max Jaffe on drums and sensory percussion. Eye of I was released on February 3, 2023, by Anti- Records.

Julia Strzalek & Cornelia Nilsson – Scenery Somewhere

Scenery Somewhere is an album by saxophonist Julia Strzalek and drummer Cornelia Nilsson, playing for the first time together. Scenery Somewhere was recorded live at Kapellet, Stockholm, Sweden, on September 3, 2021, by Johan E. Andersson, and it will be released on February 24, 2023, by Frim Records.