From the Jazz State of Indiana:
A Highly Hoosiercentric Selection of 14 Best Jazz Releases of 2023.
The Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, The Gennett Suite (Patois Records)
This album is a soaring sonic expedition to jazz Mt. Olympus, otherwise known as the Gennett Records studio of Richmond, Indiana.
Sam Butler, Folklore (Shifting Paradigm Records)
Composer/trumpeter Butler avoids the “primrose path” and strikes out on his own bold creative direction.
Sara Caswell, The Way To You (Anzic Records)
Well worth the 17+ year wait for the GRAMMY-nominated violinist/composer’s latest as bandleader.
Discover the artist that esperanza spalding describes as “an anointed musician.”
Jeff Coffin, Live At The Jazz Kitchen (Bandcamp)
Coffin generously dropped this free album of his band’s performance at The Jazz Kitchen, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Coffin: “In The Kitchen” was written during soundcheck and performed during both sets.”
Free, but put something in the online tip jar for the musicians, won’t you?
Here: https://coffinperlsonkrauss.bandcamp.com/album/a-free-pop-up-album-live-the-jazz-kitchen
Andrew Danforth, Homegrown (Self Released)
Hoosier trombonist proudly owns the label Homegrown, with a requiem for an Indiana Avenue scene decimated by urban renewal and a love song for Bloomington.
Monika Herzig, Both Sides of Joni (ACME Records)
An excellent album, with a backstory worthy of a movie.
Jason Moran, From the Dancehall to the Battlefield (Yes)
Composer/pianist Jason Moran follows the footsteps of legendary Harlem Hellfighters James Reese Europe and Indy’s own Noble Sissile, revealing hallowed and joyful ground.
Mark Ortwein, It Was Time (Terra Voce)
An accomplished jazz and classical multi-instrumentalist unafraid to explore any/all instruments, genres or emotions.
Walter Smith III, return to casual (Blue Note Records)
Despite the album’s title, the music is not casual, but insistent, a bandleader and band reuniting with much to say.
Quinn Sternberg, Walking On Eggshells (Mind Beach)
As JAZZIZ Online Editor Matt Micucci says: “meticulously crafted songs that navigate complexities of modern life through the prism of group dynamics.”
Jared Thompson & Premium Blend, Virtue (Self Released)
Jared Thompson’s band continues to further the reach of the Naptown sound, using bebop, hard bop, R&B and groove.
Historic Releases
Wes Montgomery, Wes Montgomery: The Complete Full House Recordings (Craft Recordings)
2023 was the Naptown guitarist’s centenary, but every year is the year of Wes. Hear him live at Tsubo coffee house in Berkeley, with saxophonist Johnny Griffin, pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb.
Wes Montgomery/ Wynton Kelly Trio, Maximum Swing: The Unissued 1965 Half Note Recordings (Resonance Records)
Treasures from indefatigable jazz detective Zev Feldman’s latest Wes quest. Recorded at the Half Note jazz club in New York City in 1965 with drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassists Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Herman Wright, and Indiana’s own Larry Ridley.
Latin Jazz
Pavel & Direct Contact, Essentials (Self Released)
Oye, mamacita, ¿quieres bailar? Let’s dance. Grab this hit reel from Indiana pianist Pavel Polanco-Safadit.
Greetings from the land of Hoagy, Cole, Slide, J.J., Freddie, Wes, Buddy, Monk and others.
Link to article:
https://www.nuvo.net/music/craving-jazz-get-your-music-fix-with-these-14-picks/article_32c0c71a-b15c-11ee-aa6a-9b94d0cdbd51.html