Monthly Album Listening
Every month since December 2021, I've created a playlist featuring the albums I've been listening to on rotation. When I was younger, I spent most Saturdays buying a new CD at my local record store, Spillers Records in Cardiff, which is the oldest record store in the world. When I was getting into jazz at around 14/15 years old, I didn't have a direct educational environment or a large musical community of my age group to introduce me to a lot of jazz records in particular, so I used to buy a CD, and if I liked it, I'd find another record in the shop that was by someone else on the line-up of the last CD I bought, or that included them. I liked this process of discovering new music since it seemed really personal and exciting and it also helped me figure out what I liked and disliked.
Since the launch of music streaming platforms, I found that with such easy and instant access to virtually all of the world's music, the concept of creating your own personal collection has faded, and it can be daunting to know what to listen to. It can also deter people from committing to an album for a longer period of time. A nice way around this has been to create a monthly playlist and include the albums I'm listening to at the time, whether they're new releases or older classics.
Also as a side note, I’ve just switched to Tidal (fuck Spotify) and would highly recommend doing so too.
I thought it would be nice to post here once a month about the recent albums I've been enjoying in particular. Miguel Zénon used to post recommendations for music, films, and books on his website, which I particularly liked so I hope this resource is also enjoyed by others as well.
For the first post I’ll include some recent highlights of albums I’ve enjoyed in the past months. From next month onwards I’ll do monthly recaps.
Nefertiti - Miles Davis
Released January 1968 on Columbia Records
Miles Davis – trumpet
Wayne Shorter – tenor saxophone
Herbie Hancock – piano
Ron Carter – double bass
Tony Williams – drums
This album consists primarily of Wayne and Herbie tunes, with one by Tony, and it is the epitome of 'jazz' in my opinion. The rhythm section hook up is incredible, and each composition allows for an enormous amount of freedom. I personally believe that, as an ensemble, the ultimate goal is to be able to play the material while keeping it fresh and in the moment as much as possible. I think this comes from having complete trust in the other band members, which comes with playing which each other fover time and really knowing each other’s voices. The concept of form on this album feels to me to be extremely open, which I love; it means looking beyond the music and playing what you believe to be the most effective musical choice in that moment, regardless of expectations or preconceived notions.
The Music of Anthony Braxton - Steve Lehman
Released February 2025 on Pi Recordings
Steve Lehman - alto saxophone
Mark Turner - tenor saxophone
Matt Brewer - double bass
Damion Reid - drums
I'm huge fan of Steve Lehman and have been listening to this album on repeat for the past few months. Steve pays tribute to his early mentor Anthony Braxton on this record, which also features his trio and Mark Turner. It's a live record, which can portray a different vibe to a studio album, and that energy is perfectly captured here. I love the voicings of the two horns combined, and Matt and Damion, in particular, provide an extreme intensity to the entire sound within their groove. I like that the overall sound of this album is pretty ‘evil’ and they’re definitely not there to hold your hand through it all. There are some incredible rhythmic moments from everyone that always feel so melodic above everything else, and I love that throughout the whole album everyone is fully committed to everything they play with full intention and zero doubt.
Journey in Satchidananda - Alice Coltrane
Released February 1971 on Impulse! Records
Tracks 1-4 (studio):
Alice Coltrane - piano, harp & percussion
Pharaoh Sanders - soprano saxophone & percussion
Cecil McBee - double bass
Rashied Ali - drums
Majid Shabazz - bells & tambourine
Tulsi - tambura
Track 5 (live at the village gate):
Alice Coltrane - piano, harp & percussion
Pharaoh Sanders - soprano saxophone & percussion
Charlie Haden - double bass
Rashied Ali - drums
Vishnu Wood - oud
I only discovered this album for the first time somewhat recently and was really blown away in particular by the ‘simplicty’ and repetitiveness (in a postive sense) of the overall record. In general, each track is built around a loop/vamp, and I find it incredible how so much of the same thing can sound so engaging and fresh. For me, it's all about the groove and being able to express a specific meditative state through music without bringing an ego into it, alongside feeling somewhat understated. Alongside this, there’s so much expressiveness in everyone’s playing that feels so personal and creates a very welcoming listening journey. The introduction of Pharaoh's solo on the first track is so beautiful, and from this I knew this album was going to become a personal favourite.
Speak Low II - Lucia Cadotsch
Release November 2020 on We Jazz Records
Lucia Cadotsch - voice
Otis Sandsjö - tenor saxophone
Petter Eldh - double bass
guests
Kit Downes - hammond organ
Lucy Railton - cello
Lucia's record feels like chamber music to me, and I adore how each instrument is arranged. The lack of drums does not detract from the album's rhythmic vigour and mood; rather, it enhances it by shifting responsibilities elsewhere. As a saxophone player, I really like how Otis uses his sound and extended techniques to create varied textures and rhythms; it's also great that he's not in the typical soloist role as a saxophone player, but rather becomes a member of the rhythm section. It really helps that Petter and Otis have been collaborating for a long time, and you can hear their connection here in such a beautiful way. It can be difficult to play in this type of lineup without resorting to a specific default, so I love how they’ve approached this music. My favourite song is 'I Think It's Going to Rain Today'. For me, it really portrays this feeling of acceptance and even beauty in life's challenges, welcoming a sense of calmness. Whislt listening to this track in particlar, I also remember having a little therapeutic cry because of the beautiful view of the Welsh coast in the sunlight while travelling by train on very little sleep (and a slight hangover). Any music that can do that, is good music for me.
The Next Step Band (Live at Smalls 1996) - Kurt Rosenwinkel
Released July 2024 on Heartcore Records
Kurt Rosenwinkel - guitar, piano and voice
Mark Turner - tenor saxophone
Ben Street - double bass
Jeff Ballard - drums
guest
Brad Mehldau - Piano
This band for me, and I presume for many others, is one of my favourite modern jazz lineups, so I was super excited to see that they were releasing an earlier recording of a live performance at Smalls in 1996. It's amazing to hear a glimpse of the musical energy and movement that was happening in NYC throughout the 90s, and I believe it's perfectly captured here; everyone sounds like they're on incredible form. I've heard these songs countless times already, so hearing different versions is so inspiring and I also think this performance has a little more f**k you energy. This intensity is so brilliantly portrayed in the last tune, and Mark's playing blows my mind. All of these components are present on this record, as was previously said when talking about "Nefertiti," which is about creating a strong band sound and building trust between members that results in creative and musical freedom.
Bet: Live at Ornithology - Simón Willson
Released February 2025 on Endectomorph Music
Simón Willson - double bass
Neta Raanan - tenor saxophone
Evan Main - piano
Kayvon Gordon - drums
I was introduced to Simón's record (and himself) by my friend Alexandra Ridout while I was recently in New York City, and I adore the writing and energy throughout the entire album. It includes some of my favourite musicians that currently live in New York City, and I've been lucky to see them live on many occasions. I particularly love Neta's tenor sound and improvisational approach; it's so spontaneous and unadulterated. I also really like Evan's ideas and comping, as mentioned before, there’s no preconceived expectations, just being in the moment as much as possible. In addition to being so grounded and unpretentious, this music swings so hard and really gives you a snapshot into what’s happening in NYC right now.
