Dan McClenaghan's Best Releases Of 2018
The music keeps moving forward, evolving to higher levels. My search for the best jazz recordings of 2018 led me to these marvelous CDs.
Satoko Fujii
Satoko Fujii Solo
Libra Records
A person's sixtieth birthday serves as a milestone, more so in Japan—where it is referred to as "Kanreki"—than elsewhere. Pianist/composer/bandleader Satoko Fujii celebrated her Kanreki in 2018, by releasing an album a month—no kicking back in the rocking chair for her. Satoko Fujii Solo, the January edition of her celebration, is an alone-with-the-piano outing, one of her most beautiful and accessible recordings.
Fred Hersch Trio
Live In Europe
Palmetto Records
Pianist Fred Hersch is so consistently excellent with his recordings—mostly trio and solo sets—that it's getting scary. And he's prolific, offing up an album or two per years. He didn't slack off in 2018, releasing this terrific trio outing followed up by the archival Fred Hersch Trio '97 @ The Village Vanguard.
Dave Liebman/John Stowell
Petite Fleur: The Music Of Sidney Bechet
Origin Records
It may not be considered hip to be into the music of Sidney Bechet—or any jazz artist who didn't transition into the bebop arena after alto saxophonist Charlie Parker hit the scene. Saxophonist Dave Liebman and guitarist John Stowell take a fresh look at the music of the pioneer Bechet.
Denny Zeitlin
Wishing On The Moon
Sunnyside Records
This is pianist Denny Zeitlin at the top of his trio game with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson, on a live set brimming with energy, sprinkled with a nuanced and good humored audacity.
Henry Threadgill 14 Or 15 Kestra:Agg
Dirt...And More Dirt
Pi Records
Pulitzer prize winner Henry Threadgill released two albums simultaneously in 2018. Both are worthy of "Best Of The Year" slots." The saxophonist/flutist/composer's focus of his unique vision has sharpened to a fine, gleaming edge..
Danny Green Trio Plus Strings
One Day It Will
QA2 Records
The Danny Green Trio stepped up to the top tier with After The Calm (OA2 Records, 2016), maintained that level of excellence on Altered Narratives (OA2 Records, 2017), and took another step up with One Day It Will, for the Danny Green Trio Plus Strings outing.
Thomas Marriott
Romance Language
Origin Records
Trumpeter Thomas Marriott changes pace with this album, stepping away from freewheeling improvisation and robust blowing to immerse himself in "the simple beauty of a well-played melody." It is a change of pace—that pays off handsomely.
Kenny Werner
Space
Pirouet Records
Pianist Kenny Werner has been making top notch jazz records for a very long time. He seems to have achieved a high plateau with his work for Pirouet Records—four releases since 2015. The Space is a solo piano installment, a minimalist, Zen poem of sound, as beautiful as anything Werner has created.
Hal Galper Quartet featuring Jerry Bergonzi
Cubist
Origin Records
Pianist Hal Galper has been in the process of rounding out a long career with a stint at Origin Records, with eight releases showcasing his rubato style of play, mostly in the piano tro format. For Cubist, saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi sits in—a perfect fit for Galper's artistic vision.
Pamela Hines Trio
The Music Of Richard Whiting
Katya Records
This late-in-the-year release by pianist Pamela Hines represents an elevation of her artistry to the highest level. A piano trio outing that sparkles with an energetic beauty.
Rich Halley 3
The Literature
Pine Eagle Records
Powerhouse saxophonist Rich Halley steps away from his freer blowing, highly improvised recordings with a disc featuring music that has influenced him. Tunes from Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus get the raging, roaring Halley treatment, and stand up beautifully.
Steffen Schorn & Zurich Jazz Orchestra
Three Pictures
Mons Records
Multiple reedman Steffen Schorn carved out the best big band album of the year, a swooping, soaring, left of center, accessible outing features two very different, dynamic suites, and more.
Bobo Stenson Trio
Contra la Decision
ECM Records
Pianist Bobo Stenson is a master of the piano trio. This recording stands tall with the best of the year.
Nikita Rafaelov
Spirit of Gaia
Gotta Let it Out Records
And lastly, newcomer Nikita Rafaelov offers up an innovative take on the solo piano genre, inspired by "the circle of life and nature."
Satoko FujiiSatoko Fujii Solo
Libra Records
A person's sixtieth birthday serves as a milestone, more so in Japan—where it is referred to as "Kanreki"—than elsewhere. Pianist/composer/bandleader Satoko Fujii celebrated her Kanreki in 2018, by releasing an album a month—no kicking back in the rocking chair for her. Satoko Fujii Solo, the January edition of her celebration, is an alone-with-the-piano outing, one of her most beautiful and accessible recordings.
Fred Hersch TrioLive In Europe
Palmetto Records
Pianist Fred Hersch is so consistently excellent with his recordings—mostly trio and solo sets—that it's getting scary. And he's prolific, offing up an album or two per years. He didn't slack off in 2018, releasing this terrific trio outing followed up by the archival Fred Hersch Trio '97 @ The Village Vanguard.
Dave Liebman/John StowellPetite Fleur: The Music Of Sidney Bechet
Origin Records
It may not be considered hip to be into the music of Sidney Bechet—or any jazz artist who didn't transition into the bebop arena after alto saxophonist Charlie Parker hit the scene. Saxophonist Dave Liebman and guitarist John Stowell take a fresh look at the music of the pioneer Bechet.
Denny ZeitlinWishing On The Moon
Sunnyside Records
This is pianist Denny Zeitlin at the top of his trio game with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson, on a live set brimming with energy, sprinkled with a nuanced and good humored audacity.
Henry Threadgill 14 Or 15 Kestra:AggDirt...And More Dirt
Pi Records
Pulitzer prize winner Henry Threadgill released two albums simultaneously in 2018. Both are worthy of "Best Of The Year" slots." The saxophonist/flutist/composer's focus of his unique vision has sharpened to a fine, gleaming edge..
Danny Green Trio Plus StringsOne Day It Will
QA2 Records
The Danny Green Trio stepped up to the top tier with After The Calm (OA2 Records, 2016), maintained that level of excellence on Altered Narratives (OA2 Records, 2017), and took another step up with One Day It Will, for the Danny Green Trio Plus Strings outing.
Thomas MarriottRomance Language
Origin Records
Trumpeter Thomas Marriott changes pace with this album, stepping away from freewheeling improvisation and robust blowing to immerse himself in "the simple beauty of a well-played melody." It is a change of pace—that pays off handsomely.
Kenny WernerSpace
Pirouet Records
Pianist Kenny Werner has been making top notch jazz records for a very long time. He seems to have achieved a high plateau with his work for Pirouet Records—four releases since 2015. The Space is a solo piano installment, a minimalist, Zen poem of sound, as beautiful as anything Werner has created.
Hal Galper Quartet featuring Jerry BergonziCubist
Origin Records
Pianist Hal Galper has been in the process of rounding out a long career with a stint at Origin Records, with eight releases showcasing his rubato style of play, mostly in the piano tro format. For Cubist, saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi sits in—a perfect fit for Galper's artistic vision.
Pamela Hines TrioThe Music Of Richard Whiting
Katya Records
This late-in-the-year release by pianist Pamela Hines represents an elevation of her artistry to the highest level. A piano trio outing that sparkles with an energetic beauty.
Rich Halley 3The Literature
Pine Eagle Records
Powerhouse saxophonist Rich Halley steps away from his freer blowing, highly improvised recordings with a disc featuring music that has influenced him. Tunes from Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus get the raging, roaring Halley treatment, and stand up beautifully.
Steffen Schorn & Zurich Jazz OrchestraThree Pictures
Mons Records
Multiple reedman Steffen Schorn carved out the best big band album of the year, a swooping, soaring, left of center, accessible outing features two very different, dynamic suites, and more.
Bobo Stenson TrioContra la Decision
ECM Records
Pianist Bobo Stenson is a master of the piano trio. This recording stands tall with the best of the year.
Nikita RafaelovSpirit of Gaia
Gotta Let it Out Records
And lastly, newcomer Nikita Rafaelov offers up an innovative take on the solo piano genre, inspired by "the circle of life and nature."
Post a comment
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.Tags
Showcase
Contest Giveaway
