Dan Bilawsky's Best Jazz Albums of 2024

Music that resonates with a listener is a rare gift for that receiver. And the artists who create it are to be admired for all that they produce and bestow. It's important to never lose sight of those truths and the power of aural art.

I can't truly say that I believe that any release is the "best," since that epithetical ideal, ranking system and all, doesn't and shouldn't apply to music. But I can say that the albums listed below were my favorites from the past twelve months. Bold and bracing big bands, wondrous Western Swing, South African singularity, orchestral allure, and combos both cloistered and unbound all made a long and lasting impact on this writer. These 10 gems left a mark on my ears, heart and soul, and I'd imagine they'll remain near and dear to me for the foreseeable future:

Remy Le Boeuf's Assembly of Shadows
Heartland Radio
Soundspore


Ambrose Akinmusire
Owl Song
Nonesuch


Hilary Gardner
On the Trail with the Lonesome Pines
Anzic


Thembi Dunjana
God Bless iKapa. God Bless Mzantsi.
AfricArise


Geof Bradfield
Colossal Abundance
Calligram


Charles Lloyd
The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow
Blue Note


Alex Harding and Lucian Ban
Blutopia
Sunnyside


Bill Frisell
Orchestras
Blue Note


Chris Potter
Eagle's Point
Edition


Dan Pugach Big Band
Bianca
Outside In