1. Blue Note Reimagined
In a difficult year where there were less tours and fewer new releases, it was good to see the further emergence of many excellent UK jazz artists that contributed to a celebration of the 80th anniversary of Blue Note Records. This album sounds modern in every way which is down to the artistes’ approaches. It’s a mixed bag but a brilliant representation of the diversity of Blue Note and of the modern scene.
Jorja Smith kicks off proceedings with ‘Rose Rouge’ the - not so old - St. Germain classic. Shabaka Hutchings and Nubya Garcia, the sax players tackle Bobby Hutcherson and Joe Henderson numbers and the exciting band Melt Yourself Down also cover a Henderson number.
As a double album there are plenty of styles to sample - not least the stunning vocal of Poppy Ajudha and Yazmin Lacey. So it’s a fantastic opportunity to become acquainted with the latest jazz which is becoming more and more accessible and accepted by contemporary music fans.
2. Everything is Recorded - Forever Friday
3. Matt Berninger - Serpentine Prison
4. Khruangbin - Mordechai
5. Moses Boyd - Dark Matter
6. Van Morrison - Three Chords and the Truth
7. Matthew Halsall - Harmony with Nature
8. The Avalanches - We will Always Love You
9. Phoebe Bridges - Punisher
10. Bob Dylan - Rough and Rowdy Ways
Leslie
