One additional note to everyone: I excluded any albums that I have already mentioned in previous posts. There are some more scattered in various other posts like my jazz fusion and found in the shuffle posts.
I am bewildered by this list; I am not a jingoist but does anyone listen to domestic jazz? And a lot of this is new age music, not jazz, which is fine but doesn't really give anyone a sense of what, currently and historically, is out there.
1. 'domestic' is an arbitrary label. It depends on what 'domestic' means to a reader or listener. I have a diverse set of subscribers from across the planet and like to highlight great music regardless of national origin when it makes sense. I will have (and have had) content focusing on classic jazz and featuring U.S. based artists. My substack has only been up for a little over a month, so I'd ask for a little grace!
2. This list is not meant to be comprehensive or definitive or even a cross section of every sub-style of contemporary jazz. It is impossible with just ten picks, and most highlighted here are recent-ish releases that I just happen to be listening to right now and wanted to share.
3. Contemporary jazz is a very flexible categorization, often departing significantly from what one would consider 'traditional' jazz, blurring lines between genres. There are scholarly arguments both for and against this sort of 'line blurring' in contemporary jazz music in general, and often the net of 'contemporary jazz' is including jazz-fusion of all types (which many of my picks admittedly could be classified as). While I have no interest in arguing about strict line-drawing in music genres, I do have some personal guidelines: for me, I look for at least one aspect from jazz tradition when evaluating where something stands -- music with improvisation, traditional jazz instruments, complex rhythm, etc. Beyond that, the freedom to incorporate bits from other genres, music styles, or cultures is a good thing. It isn't the *only* option though, of course.
Are there contemporary artists performing more 'traditional' style Jazz? Sure! I'm not debating that or rejecting it. A recent album I featured in a previous post was 'Evans on Evans' featuring Jaden Evans' re-imagining of some of Bill Evans' compositions. Critically popular vocalists such as Samara Joy are seeing great success as well. The list goes on and on.
In summary, it's really about scope. I'm not claiming to present a full picture of the contemporary jazz landscape here, nor is this a top 10, nor definitive. It's simply 10 albums and the first of (hopefully) many posts sharing contemporary jazz albums moving forward.
I'll close with the same question I posed at the end of the post: what is your favorite contemporary jazz album (in the last 10 years or so)? Feel free to share a few!
I am not disagreeing with your attempt to get a diversity in the music. I am a professional musician of over 40 years standing and have recorded with Julius Hemphill David Murray Marv Ribot Doc Cheatham, Roswell Rudd and some of the major figures in the music. I just feel that there is a certain aspect and line of tradition that has become contemporary that your readers don’t seem to be aware of. Which is fine. I just wish they would stretch out a little bit. As for my favorite contemporary recordings would have to think about it. Except for of course mentioning my own ha ha ha. But give me a little time.
Great to hear! I always hope that I can share at least a few new picks for everyone, regardless of where they’re coming from. Part of the beauty of sharing music (or literature) is picking up bits and pieces from others with totally different experiences. It’s really quite exciting! Thanks for reading.
Beautiful selections. I look forward to exploring these this weekend.
Over the past year I’ve been listening to the Eagle’s Point album by Chris Potter. Wonderful songs with an all star cast of Mehldau, Patitucci and Blade.
Excellent selection! I love so many of these albums, so happy to see when others do too. The Lion Turtle is an outstanding piece of art imo, the sax solo always gets to me.
I really enjoy his tone - it’s so unique yet so beautiful. Every song feels like a love song, but finding out his albums are dedicated to his wife made it all make sense. Thanks for stopping by!
One additional note to everyone: I excluded any albums that I have already mentioned in previous posts. There are some more scattered in various other posts like my jazz fusion and found in the shuffle posts.
I am bewildered by this list; I am not a jingoist but does anyone listen to domestic jazz? And a lot of this is new age music, not jazz, which is fine but doesn't really give anyone a sense of what, currently and historically, is out there.
Thanks for the comment/feedback. A few notes:
1. 'domestic' is an arbitrary label. It depends on what 'domestic' means to a reader or listener. I have a diverse set of subscribers from across the planet and like to highlight great music regardless of national origin when it makes sense. I will have (and have had) content focusing on classic jazz and featuring U.S. based artists. My substack has only been up for a little over a month, so I'd ask for a little grace!
2. This list is not meant to be comprehensive or definitive or even a cross section of every sub-style of contemporary jazz. It is impossible with just ten picks, and most highlighted here are recent-ish releases that I just happen to be listening to right now and wanted to share.
3. Contemporary jazz is a very flexible categorization, often departing significantly from what one would consider 'traditional' jazz, blurring lines between genres. There are scholarly arguments both for and against this sort of 'line blurring' in contemporary jazz music in general, and often the net of 'contemporary jazz' is including jazz-fusion of all types (which many of my picks admittedly could be classified as). While I have no interest in arguing about strict line-drawing in music genres, I do have some personal guidelines: for me, I look for at least one aspect from jazz tradition when evaluating where something stands -- music with improvisation, traditional jazz instruments, complex rhythm, etc. Beyond that, the freedom to incorporate bits from other genres, music styles, or cultures is a good thing. It isn't the *only* option though, of course.
Are there contemporary artists performing more 'traditional' style Jazz? Sure! I'm not debating that or rejecting it. A recent album I featured in a previous post was 'Evans on Evans' featuring Jaden Evans' re-imagining of some of Bill Evans' compositions. Critically popular vocalists such as Samara Joy are seeing great success as well. The list goes on and on.
In summary, it's really about scope. I'm not claiming to present a full picture of the contemporary jazz landscape here, nor is this a top 10, nor definitive. It's simply 10 albums and the first of (hopefully) many posts sharing contemporary jazz albums moving forward.
I'll close with the same question I posed at the end of the post: what is your favorite contemporary jazz album (in the last 10 years or so)? Feel free to share a few!
I am not disagreeing with your attempt to get a diversity in the music. I am a professional musician of over 40 years standing and have recorded with Julius Hemphill David Murray Marv Ribot Doc Cheatham, Roswell Rudd and some of the major figures in the music. I just feel that there is a certain aspect and line of tradition that has become contemporary that your readers don’t seem to be aware of. Which is fine. I just wish they would stretch out a little bit. As for my favorite contemporary recordings would have to think about it. Except for of course mentioning my own ha ha ha. But give me a little time.
Sure thing! No rush. Would love to see what you’d suggest given your decades of involvement with the genre and its evolution.
Great picks, Matt! Awesome write up too. Thanks for sharing these.
Hope you find a few you like! Thanks for checking it out!
I’m excited to dive in!! Some picks I’m familiar with to and some entirely new. Much appreciated!!
And thanks for the shoutout!
Great to hear! I always hope that I can share at least a few new picks for everyone, regardless of where they’re coming from. Part of the beauty of sharing music (or literature) is picking up bits and pieces from others with totally different experiences. It’s really quite exciting! Thanks for reading.
🌊⚡️🌊
https://open.spotify.com/album/3e9PdbIFCwFW25d7EBCud3?si=XJW0-4BTSwGeESXGXNXiHw. The great Garry Dial and Jay Anderson made a beautiful duo record in the middle of COVID that is a wonderful statement of that time.
This is quite nice! A shame it doesn't have more listens. Thanks for sharing.
Terrific list.
Thank you!
Beautiful selections. I look forward to exploring these this weekend.
Over the past year I’ve been listening to the Eagle’s Point album by Chris Potter. Wonderful songs with an all star cast of Mehldau, Patitucci and Blade.
Your taste is exquisite. Thank you so much for sharing.
And thank YOU for stopping by and leaving a comment! Enjoy!
Excellent selection! I love so many of these albums, so happy to see when others do too. The Lion Turtle is an outstanding piece of art imo, the sax solo always gets to me.
I really enjoy his tone - it’s so unique yet so beautiful. Every song feels like a love song, but finding out his albums are dedicated to his wife made it all make sense. Thanks for stopping by!
Great Matt, quite a few things to check out here 👍
Enjoy! Hope you find something you like!
Check out Hiromi. Sonicwonder.