Dear listener,
Every year (going on almost a decade now, I had to check), the staff of KMHD gets together and votes on our favorite albums of this year. If you’re a regular listener, you may already be familiar with the many of the albums and the artists on this list. After all, this group constitutes music that we’ve celebrated on the air throughout this year. What truly makes these albums special, though, is the self-imposed criteria we place upon ourselves in voting for the: these are what we consider to be ‘perfect’ albums without a bad song on them. We are confident in recommending these records to you for a place in your own personal music library. We sincerely hope you’ll enjoy these wonderful sounds, and if you get the chance, go and see these artists live when they play near you.
-Matt Fleeger, Program Director
Greg Foat, Rituals of Infinity & The Glass Frog
The ever-prolific and outstanding composer Greg Foat is back again with even more music for the year with The Glass Frog and recent release Rituals Of Infinity. As a virtuoso on the piano, he takes us through tasteful and imaginative scenes of tranquility and seamlessly travels through the wonders of the unknown with science fiction-esque compositions. Featuring soprano saxophonist Art Themin, Natcyet Wakili on drums and Trevor Walker on the trumpet, the train is being conducted with care and ambition. These albums are a wild ride and it’s just another addition to his prolific 29 album run, five being released this year alone.
–Bryson Wallace
Ethnic Heritage Ensemble/Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit
For 50 years, percussionist and vocalist Kahil El’Zabar has steered the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble through an exploration of Great Black Music. Open Me: A Higher Level of Consciousness of Spirit and Sound is a bold continuation of this legacy, featuring powerhouse collaborators Alex Harding (baritone sax) and Corey Wilkes (trumpet), alongside the vibrant strings of James Sanders (violin) and Ishmael Ali (cello). Together, they breathe new life into jazz staples like “All Blues” and “Compared to What,” revisit originals “Hang Tuff” and “Kari,” and debut fresh compositions—all designed to elevate the listener to a Higher Level.
–Alex Newman
Honorable Mention:
The Cosmic Tones Research Trio, All is Sound EP
Luckily for us, Roman Norfleet, Harlan Silverman, and Kennedy Verrett have delved deep into the universe of sound, seeking sonic vibrations that bring solace to our often-turbulent world. Their discoveries are compiled in the EP All is Sound, released under their collective moniker, The Cosmic Tones Research Trio. Here’s hoping this trio continues their exploration and shares their findings with us often. --AN
Old Unconscious, Circular Ruins
Circular Ruins sees the local collective Old Unconscious achieving what eludes many musicians: a sound entirely their own. This percussion-heavy ensemble fuses disparate musical elements into something entirely new. The influences linger just beneath the surface—tantalizing, yet never fully unveiled. --AN
SML, Small Medium Large
I’m afraid I don’t have quite the right vocabulary to describe the layered depth and scope of Small Medium Large. The International Anthem debut release by Los Angeles quintet SML is an exquisite audible lesson in jazz without boundaries. The album was recorded over four nights at a local, LA cocktail bar called ETA where Jeff Parker hosted weekly jazz improv sessions. From that initial recording, highlights of the bass, synth, percussion, guitar, and saxophone are remixed, cut, and pasted in to an interplanetary result that reaches the far and wide corners of jazz-fusion, ambient, and indie. Small Medium Large is an incredibly satisfying journey from start to finish as an excellent reminder to all listeners that the new jazz scene and sounds are not only thriving but accelerating at high speeds ahead.
–Nicole D’Amato
GREATERKIND, Change of Plans
With members who’ve collaborated with the likes of Mono Neon, Brian Jackson, Ghost-note & Aminé, Greater Kind brings us a well-rounded, new fusion experience. “Change of Plans” touches on jazz, funk, soul and even a splash of yacht rock. Fans of Mahavishnu Orchestra & BADBADNOTGOOD will likely have a blast with this one.
–Rev Shines
Janko Nilovic-JJ Whitefield-Igor Zhukovsky, Cosmos Giants
Janko Nilovic made his way from Turkey to Paris in 1960 and has never looked back. At 83 years of age, he continues to make vital music that moves the listener’s body and soul. Famed for his library music compositions, his latest album, Cosmos Giants, finds him effortlessly locked into 13 spacious grooves as he plays all manner of keyboards, synths and the Fender Rhodes. With JJ Whitefield’s (The Poets of Rhythm) percolating guitar runs and the unstoppable rhythms of drummer Igor Zhukovsky (Soul Surfers), this trio offers up a sonic journey through interstellar regions that will make you want to return again and again.
–Derek Smith
LA LOM, The Los Angeles League of Musicians
You may be familiar with the trio known as LA LOM from their viral videos on social media, which are shot with a vintage aesthetic and feature the (very handsome) members of the band dressed impeccably in 1950’s attire. The good news is that for all the Hollywood posturing, these guys can actually play. The cumbia rhythms here are easy going, and there’s a bit of a Les Paul style surf vibe happening too, which makes this an excellent record to put on in the living room and allow the sound to wash over you.
–Matt Fleeger
Nala Sinephro, Endlessness
Nala Sinephro sets moods. Leading with her modular synths in her latest release, she has orchestrated a collective (including the always impressive Nubya Garcia) who can explode in emotion while still hypnotizing through an inherent sense of minimalism. Following the same flowing format as her previous release, Space 1.8, each piece of the “Continuum” flows seamlessly into the next, creating a work meant to be heard as a whole and embraced for the meditative state of mind this group induces.
–Anthony Dean-Harris
Nubya Garcia, Odyssey
Garcia’s first dip into string arrangements is a burst of fresh air on Odyssey. Not only do the addition of strings make this record stand out, the added vocal guests like esperanza spalding, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and even Garcia herself create bold statements with a different message than her previous releases. Trying new things and taking lots of risks is present all over this record and the payoff is high!
–Meg Samples
Jahari Massamba Unit, YHWH Is Love
The sophomore collaboration from two titans of contemporary jazz (Madlib, Karriem Riggins) does not disappoint with 47 minutes of instrumental, free flowing conversation with a deeply spiritual bend that never sacrifices the groove. What might be most impressive though is what this album does not contain: the “brilliance bloat” that’s become all too common with releases from luminaries unable or unwilling to kill their darlings. The real magic of YHWY Is LOVE is in its forfeiture of ego in favor of authenticity, black joy and the pursuit of a deeper connection through music.
–Bri Drennon
Honorable Mention:
Bolbec, Victime De L’aube
It seems the Normandy region of France produces more than just world class wine. The debut project from the multi-instrumentalist duo known as Bolbec is a dark blend that unfurls on the palate as an imaginary soundtrack, invoking Vangelis and Angelo Badalamenti alongside Miles’ Birth of The Cool. --BD
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Take a look back at our year in jazz lists from 2023, 2022 and 2021.