It’s hard to believe the third period of 2024 has arrived. In no particular order, here are some recent favorite listens:
Ron Miles, Old Main Chapel. This release of a 2011 live performance by trumpeter Ron Miles with guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Brian Blade is a gift to those of us who lamented Miles’s death in 2022. Start with “Mr. Kevin” and just keep listening.
Melissa Aldana, Echoes of the Inner Prophet. The understated and underappreciated saxophonist Aldana showcases her compositions on this album, which includes both studio (the title track) and live cuts (“Solitary Seeker”).
Joel Ross, Nublues. Along with label-mate Melissa Aldana, vibraphonist Joel Ross is part of the renaissance of Blue Note Records under Don Was. Ross’s compositions tend to build and shift in unexpected directions. And some, like “early,” don’t resolve but lead right into the next track.
Clairo, Charm. I loved Clairo’s 2021 album Sling and then lost sight of her. Charm is a big bag of ‘70s soft rock candy. “Juna” gets all the attention—check out the recent performance on the Tonight Show—but my fave is the bossa-tinged “Echo.”
Congo Funk! - Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River (Kinshasa/Brazzaville 1969-1982) (Analog Africa No. 38). This anthology has some gems. Try “Sungu Lubuka” by Petelo Vicka et Son Nzazi (bass player’s choice), or the slinky “Ngantsie Soul” by Les Bantous De La Capitale.
Superfónicos, Renaceré. The members of this Austin-based band have deep roots in Colombia. This entire album is a party. It will be hard to sit still while listening to the title track.
Kamasi Washington, Fearless Movement. Washington is part of the same LA scene as Kendrick Lamar and Flying Lotus. My favorite track, “Asha the First,” has the unmistakable Thundercat on bass.
Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Les Jardins Mystique, Vol 1. This incredibly long album, which is stacked with studio heavyweights, ranges from lush (“Kairos”) to hushed (“Querencia,” featuring guitarist Jeff Parker).
Brian Eno, Holger Czukay, and J. Peter Schwalm, SUSHI! ROTI! REIBEKUCHEN! This album features a 1998 live performance by Eno, late Can bassist Holger Czukay, and longtime Eno collaborator J. Peter Schwalm. Either you like the taste of electronic waste or you don’t. Bri-curious? Check out “Roti.”
What's in your ears right now? I’d love to hear from you.