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Mark Sullivan's Favorite Albums Of 2023
ByMata Atlantica
Retiro e Ritmo
7D Media
This album is a love letter to Mata Atlântica, the coastal rain forest of Brazil, and a call to help preserve and protect this beautiful habitat, It was released in December 2022, so it may get lost in the year-end shuffle. That would be a shame, because it is a remarkable (and unique) collaboration.
Stephan Thelen
Fractal Guitar 3
MoonJune Records
Another December 2022 release, this installment in composer/guitarist Stephan Thelen's Fractal Guitar series welcomed some new collaborators, including guitarist Eivind Aarset, keyboardist Fabio Anile and synthesist J. Peter Schwalm. As always it was an absolute guitar bonanza.
Albert Vila
Levity
Hypnote Records
A striking solo jazz guitar album from Spanish guitarist Albert Vila. It is notable for its creative repertoire choices.
Soft Machine
The Dutch Lesson
Cuneiform Records
A recently discovered 1973 live recording from Rotterdam, The band was a quartet of electric bassist Roy Babbington, Karl Jenkins (on multiple horns and electric piano), keyboardist Mike Ratledge and drummer John Marshall. This is a terrific addition to the storied group's live discography.
Carl Weingarten
The Simian River Collection 1980-2020
MultiPhase Records
A splendid career retrospective from longtime independent guitarist Carl Weingarten, His music is eclectic, drawing from rock, folk and World Music styles. It sometimes could be described as ambient, but never succumbs to New Age cliches. This set is a great place to experience the whole range of his work, for novices and experienced listeners alike.
Dave Brubeck
A Dave Brubeck Christmas
Craft Recordings
A seasonal reissue of pianist Dave Brubeck's 1996 Christmas album. An intimate portrait of the pianist interpreting traditional Christmas music and popular standards, plus a couple of his own Christmas compositions.
Wes Montgomery
The Complete Full House Recordings
Craft Recordings
A welcome reissue of the legendary jazz guitarist's 1962 album. This version includes all of the previously issued tracks and alternates, plus the restoration of his original solo on the title tune. A classic.
Mareike Wiening
Reveal
Greenleaf Music
The German drummer/composer's third album, featuring her longstanding working band plus guest trumpeter Dave Douglas. She leads a terrific band that only gets better with each new album. Contemporary jazz at its best.
Sebastian Schunke
Existential Intensities
Connector Records
The latest installment in German composer/pianist Sebastian Schunke's fascination with Latin music. This album is a kaleidoscopic blend of two Cuban ensembles, Schunke's Berlin band, and a Berlin-based chamber ensemble.
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Year in Review
Mark Sullivan
Summit Records
Live at the Baked Potato!
Charged Particles
7D Media
Retiro e Ritmo
Mata Atlantica
MoonJune Records
Fractal Guitar 3
Stephan Thelen
Shifting Paradigm Records
Phases
Mountain Coast
Hypnote Records
Levity
Albert Vila
Cuneiform Records
The Dutch Lesson
Soft Machine
MultiPhase Records
The Simian River Collection 1980-2020
Carl Weingarten
Craft Recordings
A Dave Brubeck Christmas
Dave Brubeck
The Complete Full House Recordings
Wes Montgomery
Greenleaf Music
Reveal
Mareike Wiening