Home » Jazz Articles » Year in Review » Neil Duggan's Best Jazz Albums Of 2023

Neil Duggan's Best Jazz Albums Of 2023

By Neil Duggan
December 11, 2023
Sign in to view read count

With a continual flow of interesting releases, 2023 was the gift that kept on giving. Many of these releases were forged during the pandemic, many as a result of the freedom to fully interact with other musicians again and get back to the serious business of creating and entertaining. Whatever the drivers, both up-and-coming artists and seasoned veterans provided respect for the past, perpetual innovation and many outstanding albums.

Tim Garland
Life to Life
Whirlwind Recordings

A flawlessly executed album, overflowing with creativity by a duo with a strong musical bond.

Isaiah J. Thompson
The Power of the Spirit
Blue Engine Records

An up-and-coming pianist and his quartet in a high-powered set, played with skill and control beyond their years.

Louise Dodds and Elchin Shirinov
Two Hours After Midnight
Loch Tay Records

Highly impressive meeting of Scottish folk and jazz.

Noah Haidu
Standards
Sunnyside Records

The variety of mood and texture, the track sequencing and the use of the different musicians, all ensure that the album sustains interest throughout.

Tingvall Trio
Birds
Skip Records GmbH

An expressive album, full of dramatic flair, offering many emotions, styles and depths.

Zoe Rahman
Colour of Sound
Manushi Records

Bold arrangements, dynamic compositions and passionate playing. An exquisitely crafted album that repays repeated listening.

Terell Stafford
Between Two Worlds
Le Coq Records

Melodic trumpeter playing at the top of his game with both strength and vulnerability.

Tenderlonious
You Know I Care
22a

Acoustic quartet providing fresh and captivating approaches to some classic jazz material

Henry Spencer
The Defector
AMP Music & Records

Terrific blend of jazz with classical influences, often played in a rock format. Intense.

Paul Mottram
Seven Ages Of Man
Ubuntu Music

The balance and interlacing of scored and improvised playing, within the structure of a classical piece, is highly impressive. A compelling and engaging listen.

Shuteen Erdenebaatar
Rising Sun
Motéma Music

An exciting and expressive performance throughout.

Geri Allen & Kurt Rosenwinkel
A Lovesome Thing
Motéma Music

A duo with clear synergy creating a gentle amd mellow soundscape.

< Previous
The Most Exciting Jazz Albums Since 1...

Next >
Una pregunta, tres respuestas

Comments

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.