Paul Medrano - Author at BestofJazz.org

All posts by “Paul”

Nduduzo Makhathini – In the Spirit of Ntu

In the Spirit of Ntu by Nduduzo Makhathini is the very first album released on Blue Note Africa, a subsidiary of Blue Note Records in partnership with Universal Music Group Africa. In the Spirit of Ntu follows Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds (2020, Blue Note), which was part of our Best Jazz 2020 selection.

Best Jazz Albums of 1994

Discover the Best of Jazz selection for 1994 with our 10 best jazz albums released that year. Once again, the albums are listed in no particular order; all are amazing in their own ways. At the end of the article, you will also find a playlist with a track from each of those 10 albums, plus 10 extras, equaling nearly three hours of breathtaking music.

Jazz June 2022

What should you expect in jazz this month? This is our June 2022 selection of albums that have already been released or have yet to be released this month (“What to Wait For”). These albums got our full attention and are worth your time.

The albums are ordered by the release date.

David Murray Brand New World Trio – Seriana Promethea

When three jazz masters get stuck in South Europe due to a world lockdown, they manage to make the best out of it; they take the opportunity to play together for the first time, perform a few concerts, and crystalize this fabulous moment in a nearby studio as Seriana Promethea.

The Best Acid Jazz Albums

Acid jazz (also known as “club jazz”) is a genre that combines elements of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and funk. It is hugely inventive and often extremely groove-based. So, if you’re looking to get into jazz, then the list hereafter features some of the best acid-jazz albums to start with.

Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead – Poetic

Poetic is the third album by drummer Jonathan Barber and Vision Ahead, featuring pianist Taber Gable, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, alto-saxophonist Godwin Louis, and guitarist Andrew Renfroe. Poetic was recorded at Parkville Sounds, in Hartford, Connecticut, and it was released on May 13, 2022.

Ches Smith – Interpret It Well

Interpret It Well is an album by drummer, vibraphonist, and composer Ches Smith, accompanied by guitarist Bill Frisell, violist Mat Maneri, and keyboardist Craig Taborn. Interpret It Well was recorded on October 12 and 13, 2020, by Ron Saint Germain and Ryan Streber, at Oktaven Audio, in Mount Vernon, New York, and it was released on May 6, 2022, by Pyroclastic Records.

Jazz May 2022

What should you expect in Jazz this month? This is our May 2022 Selection of albums that have already been released or have yet to be released this month (What to Wait For?). These albums got our full attention and should be worth your time.

The albums are ordered by the release date.

Miles Okazaki – Thisness

Thisness is an album by composer, producer, and guitarist Miles Okazaki. The musician gathered for this album is the usual Trickster band with pianist Matt Mitchell, bassist Anthony Tidd, and drummer Sean Rickman. Thisness was recorded on March 19 and 20, 2021, at Oktaven Studios, Mount Vernon, NY, and was released on April 25, 2022, by Pi Recordings.

Jon Balke Siwan – Hafla

Hafla is the third album by Jon Balke’s Siwan, “the transcultural, trans-idiomatic musical collective.” Hafla was recorded in May and June 2021 at Village Recording Studios, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and it was released on April 22, 2022, on ECM Records.