Well, here it is Mary
Christmas and it’s that time of year when I have to sit and decide which were
my favourites out of 2022’s releases. It’s easier choosing your favourite son
or daughter, (thankfully I have one of each, an heir and a spare).
This year has seen more
incorporation of music from around the world into, mainly British, jazz and has
probably had the Jazz Police working overtime as the American tradition is
further diluted and musicians look to tell the stories of their own families in
the UK of the 2020s.
In no particular order and just missing out on the coveted 3rd spot are:
Hyper-Dimensional Expansion Beam:
The Comet is Coming. An
album that continues the Impulse tradition of challenging, exciting music that
goes back to its foundation. This one hits like a hammer and to mix metaphors,
just runs you over with its energy.
In These Times; Makaya McCraven. Another
thrilling album of many dimensions and complex rhythms.
Where I’m Meant To Be: Ezra
Collective. EEEH! These
young people. Ezra Collective hoover up influences and collate them into a mash
up of different styles to create something that reaches back and stretches
forward.
A View With A Room: Trish Clowes.
A
very accomplished quartet of top British artists creating subtle, intense
music. The added miracle was seeing the band touring this album.
Marram: Matt Carmichael. Matt
Carmichael follows his bandmate Fergus McCreadie onto Edition Records and
releases this folk jazz opus celebrating the Scottish coastline. Equally
applicable to thoughts of the Northumberland coast.
Four: Bill Frisell. Proof,
if any were needed, that Blue Note still produces cutting edge music. I’m not
sure if the 13 tracks on here are tunes or studies but it’s worth hearing for
the interplay between Frisell’s guitar and Gregory Tardy’s reeds.
Ubunye: Ubunye. A front
line of three South African vocalists and four British musicians creates a
driving blend of two traditions. Some have asked if this is jazz whilst others
just enjoy the effect it has on their feet.
The top three in this house are:
3. Could We Be More: Kokoroko. A long
awaited debut album featuring Cassie Kinoshi and Sheila Maurice-Grey who have
featured on other good London based albums. This is only, (marginally) let down
by poor production that means the music sometimes thuds when it should crack.
Rough Trade were selling this packaged with an EP of earlier tracks from the
band which occasionally outshines the album.
2. The Trondheim Concert: Espen
Berg. An album that walks the tightrope of solo piano across 10
pieces over 2 CDs. Just marvellous. Intense, immersive. Worthy of the highest
praise that had Berg talked about as the new Jarrett. We’ll see, but I wouldn’t
rule him out.
1. Forest Floor: Fergus
McCreadie. McCreadie followed the astounding Cairn
with another album in the same league. Forest Floor was nominated for the
Mercury Prize which helped raise its profile outside of the jazz world.
McCreadie’s Trio are at Sage Gateshead on March 3rd for what
promises to be one of the gigs of the year. Dave Sayer
1 comment :
The Comet Are Coming actually are coming to Newcastle's Boiler Sop on March 1.
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