Music Matters: A Review of the Best Jazz Albums

It’s no secret that music matters. But what makes a great jazz album? We take a look at some of the best jazz albums out there and explore what makes them so special.

Introduction

Welcome to Music Matters, a review of the best jazz albums. In this column, we’ll be taking a close look at some of the most important and influential albums in the genre.

Jazz is a music that has its roots in America, but it has been influenced by many different cultures. It is a music that is often improvised, and it can be very complex. Jazz is also a music that can be very personal and intimate.

There are many different types of jazz, and there are many different ways to play it. There is no one “right” way to play jazz, and there are no “rules” about how it should sound. This column will be exploring some of the different types of jazz, and some of the different ways that it can be played.

We hope you enjoy this column, and we hope you find it informative and helpful.

Best Jazz Albums of 2018

There were a lot of great jazz albums released in 2018. Some of the best include “The Blue Note 80th Anniversary Collection”, “Emanon”, and “The Sun”. These albums showcase the talent and range of the genre. If you’re a fan of jazz, or just looking to get into the genre, these are the albums you need to check out.

“Emanon” by The Alchemist and Oh No

“Emanon” is the third collaboration between producer/rapper The Alchemist and rapper Oh No, and it’s easily their best work yet. Over the course of three albums, the two have crafted a unique sound that blends Alchemist’s jazzy, soulful production with Oh No’s laid-back, loose raps.

On “Emanon”, they reach new heights, both sonically and lyrically. The production is beautiful and varied, with Alchemist drawing from a number of different genres and eras to create something truly fresh. And Oh No steps up his game lyrically, exploring themes of family, friendship, and mortality with honesty and humor.

It’s an ambitious album that rewards multiple listens, and it’s easily one of the best jazz albums of the year.

“All About That” by Ben Wendel

“All About That” is the debut album by Ben Wendel, released on May 4, 2018. The album features nine original tracks composed by Wendel and performed by his quartet, which includes pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassist Matt Penman, and drummer Kendrick Scott.

Wendel is a Canadian-born saxophonist and composer who has been living in Los Angeles for the past decade. He is best known as a founding member of the Grammy-nominated band Kneebody, with whom he has released six albums. “All About That” is his first release as a leader.

The album has been very well received by critics. AllAboutJazz.com gave it 5 stars, calling it “one of the best debuts of 2018” and praising Wendel’s “melodic sensibility and lyrical approach.” The Los Angeles Times also gave it 5 stars, saying that “Wendel’s playing is full of surprises” and that the album is “full of pleasures.”

If you’re a fan of jazz saxophone, this is definitely an album you’ll want to check out.

“The Emancipation Procrastination” by Kamasi Washington

“The Emancipation Procrastination” is the third studio album by American jazz musician Kamasi Washington. The double album was released on April 28, 2018, by Young Turks. It features guest appearances from rappers Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, and Kendrick Lamar.

Critical reception

At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, “The Emancipation Procrastination” received an average score of 82 based on 15 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim”.

Writing for AllMusic, Neil Z. Yeung gave the album 4.5 out of 5 stars and said, “ultimately, this is a beautiful and cathartic listen that finds Washington at the top of his game.” Patrick Jarenwattananon of NPR Music stated, “‘The Emancipation Procrastination’ accomplishes something like true emancipation: not only in its wide-ranging musical ideas but also in its emotional power and reach.” In a review for The Observer, John Fordham awarded the album five stars out of five and commented that it is “truly wonderful”.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best jazz albums reviewed in this article are a great starting point for anyone interested in getting into the genre. Jazz is a complex and often misunderstood music, but it is also a genre with a rich history and a bright future. These albums represent some of the best that jazz has to offer, and they are sure to please even the most discerning listener.