Nduduzo Makhathini Archives

All posts tagged “Nduduzo Makhathini”

Jazz June, July, August 2026

As the summer went by, the June 2026 new jazz selection has to become the new jazz selection for June, July, and August 2026. And although I am sorry for the delay, it somehow helped me make a heartfelt selection for two main reasons I would like to share.

First, for the first time in years, I have spent more time listening to my record collection than forthcoming releases. I listened to some albums I was wondering whether to discard — as it helps me keep a tight collection — but mostly to all my favorites, from 1959 to 2025. It made my summer such a wonderful, laid-back moment, filled with music I love. So I must admit that, while I know I am running this blog primarily to help discover the next albums that will be part of my/your best-ever list, the rush of trying to achieve it makes me miss a key goal: enjoying the ones I already have. I will definitely reclaim this goal, as it helps keep the outcome alive (listening to outstanding music we want to return to) and sets the bar.

Best Jazz Albums of 2020

The best jazz 2020 in 20 essential albums.

3 solos, 3 duets, 3 quartets, 3 quintets, 3 larger ensembles, 1 artist of the year, and 1 archive of the year.

No rank, no order, just 20 albums and a playlist summing it up at the end of this post to enjoy outstanding music.

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.

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.

Best Jazz Albums of 2022

The following selection is our definitive “Best Jazz Albums of 2022” list. As you are about to discover, 2022 was another great year for jazz!

First, all the jazz clubs and venues suddenly reopened, and it was possible to see and listen to the music we love and the artists we worship live again! It is hard to believe that less than one year ago, the music scene was non-existent. This is such a relief! Now that we deeply understand the fragility of this ecosystem, it feels important—and even better—to go out and enjoy what is definitely not a given.