These are the most inventive, boundary-crossing, provocative, entertaining, and eclectic albums that caught my attention this year. Not a “best of” by any stretch, but an overview of where my tastes lie (Jazz and roots music) and what I had time to sample. I lean toward artists whose work borrows heavily from a range of traditions, combinations of rock, folk, blues, soul and jazz heavy on the saxophone, piano and in one glorious example: the trombone (see Jennifer Wharton’s glorious Grit and Grace).
The first album on my list is by Adeem the Artist called White Trash Revelry. The album was released in December of 2022 but I first listened in the early part of 2023. The singing and songwriting combines evocative storytelling about growing up pansexual, with left politics, in the South. The heartfelt passion, intelligence and humanity of the lyrics comes through in every song.
Sunny War is an electrifying artist who borrows from folk, bluegrass, blues, punk and soul—old and new—in emotionally charged, effervescent songs about longing, forgiveness, pain, and reconciliation. The album grabs attention from the beginning.
Lakecia Benjamin delivers a fiery, inspirational, multi-faceted and celebratory romp through politically charged and soulful tunes that dance and float with abandon. Benjamin pays tribute to the voices and spirit of women artists, activists and organizers, led by the first tune that includes the voice of civil rights activist and author Angela Davis. Truly inspiring musical adventure.
My favorite Jazz artist of all time remains Charles Mingus. This year saw a release of his complete 1970s recordings with Atlantic Records, which includes some of his best work, such as four of his late period classics, and his last great album, Cumbia and Jazz Fusion.
Jaime Wyatt’s album Feel Good produces a rich soulful sound that blends blues, rock, country and folk with passionate vocals and lyrics. Wyatt’s opening number features a powerful chorus and lush arrangement accentuated by boisterous organ to heighten the bluesy vocals of Wyatt, singing urgently about the costs and consequences of global warming.
There are lots more here, including a new album from the great saxophonist Chris Potter, the full orchestral soundscape of The Black Gold Orchestra’s album Genesis, the passionate lyricism and wonderfully produced record Time Ain’t Accidental that accentuates the magical writing and shifting emotional tones of Jess Williamson, the tribute to Mahalia Jackson that becomes an innovative ode to passionate creativity and soulful rapture from James Brandon Lewis, and the powerfully effervescent and straight-ahead folk, bluesy country and bluegrass of acoustic guitarist Molly Tuttle on City of Gold. This year’s list is filled with high quality musical production and sheer fun—I hope you are inclined to sample what looks good to you….
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