Ian Patterson's Best Jazz (And Beyond) Albums Of 2024

A terrific year for new jazz releases, the breath and depth of the music from all corners of the world underlining the robust health of jazz a quarter of the way into the 21st century.

Northbound
Pernille Bevort
Gateway Music


"There is a poetic economy, a focused intensity, to these intimate, moving narratives. But do not be fooled, for when the siren calls her, Bévort leads this rhythmically vital trio with real brio."



Some Of Us Are Looking At The Stars
Lee Meehan
Self Produced


"It would be easy to take Meehan's technical prowess for granted, so familiar is the language he trades in. But what is not so simple to dismiss is the emotional currency in his playing."



Live Album
Nout
Gigantonium


"A riot of musicianship, foundation-shaking noise and fearless originality."




Journey to Where
Trish Clowes and Ross Stanley
Stoney Lane Records


"Just one full spin of the disc reveals the surprising breadth of the musical panorama."



All Black Everything
Amy Gadiaga
Jazz Re:freshed


"Distinctive and alluring compositions... a vibrant calling card that announces the arrival of a musician, composer and bandleader of undoubted class—an original voice."



Six Hands Open As One
Izumi Kimura, Barry Guy, Gerry Hemingway
Fundacja Sluchaj


"Fearless interplay. Challenging yet ultimately edifying music that haunts the memory."



The Dublin Concert
Louis Stewart and Jim Hall
Livia Records


"Two modern day jazz guitar masters at their best. A rare treat indeed."



Timeless
Miklós Lukács
BMC Records


"A performance of beautifully weighted virtuosity and pronounced sensitivity. A gently uplifting joy from start to finish."



Say Pluto
Sue Rynhart
Mrsuusuerecords


"A richly woven, Gothic-folk tapestry... beautifully sculpted lyrics..."



Acoustic Guitar Duets
Louis Stewart and Martin Taylor
Livia Records


"Two undisputed virtuosos of their instrument reveling in each other's company and fairly knocking it out the park."



Live Upon Nassim Hill
Jeremy Monteiro
Jazznote Records


"A soulful, swinging, bluesy celebration. In other words, vintage Jeremy Monteiro."



Milimo
Niwel Tsumbu
Diatribe Records

"A fascinating hybrid language that revels in the passions and grace of flamenco, Congolese rhythms, jazz and European classical music. Potent and seductive in equal measure."

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