Halfway through the year: top 20 jazz albums of 2021

Promises, Maridalen, Time Traveler, Hanamichi, The Rich Are Only Defeated When Running for Their Lives, Sunrise Reprise, Cairn, Entendre, Freedom Over Everything, Dreamsing, Bring Backs, Impetu, All Knavery and Collusion, Uneasy, Live at Vitellos,

Published: 29 Jun 2021. Updated: 2 years.

  1. Promises,
  2. Maridalen,
  3. Time Traveler,
  4. Hanamichi,
  5. The Rich Are Only Defeated When Running for Their Lives,
  6. Sunrise Reprise,
  7. Cairn,
  8. Entendre,
  9. Freedom Over Everything,
  10. Dreamsing,
  11. Bring Backs,
  12. Impetu,
  13. All Knavery and Collusion,
  14. Uneasy,
  15. Live at Vitellos,
  16. El Arte Del Bolero,
  17. Deepening the River,
  18. Zodiac,
  19. Live,
  20. Majakka.

Sam Shepherd, Floating Points, top, whose Promises with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra is the best jazz album of 2021 to date

Tags:

Thommy Andersson, Wood Circles, Unit ****

'Floden' (from the Danish, ''the river'') roams as if phantoms steer the ghost boat. When the vocals come in they seem so unexpected. Josefine Cronholm, known for her work with Django Bates, again proves a highly convincing presence melding the …

Published: 27 Jun 2021. Updated: 2 years.

Next post

'Floden' (from the Danish, ''the river'') roams as if phantoms steer the ghost boat. When the vocals come in they seem so unexpected. Josefine Cronholm, known for her work with Django Bates, again proves a highly convincing presence melding the experimental with the simplicity of song introduced by the lovely touch of pianist Henrik Lindstrand. Sweden-born Denmark-based bassist Thommy Andersson, who also writes the compositions on the album, fashions some piquant voicing in the arrangements; the ache of Gunnar Halle's trumpet is an active ingredient. 'Fanfar' provides a certain sumptuousness throughout. But it's less effective.

Cronholm with Django Bates on Quiet Nights (1998, Screwgun)

However 'Whirly Birds' right at the beginning with little splashes of vibes and again the skill in the arranging is evident and interesting as Cronholm stretches out. Lauren Kinsella seems a kindred spirit of Cronholm's. 'The Barn' is highly effective for its bass resonances in the opening. Returning to 'Floden' often for the beautiful, practically hymnal, piano opening at the very least is definitely a plan. Because it only takes a few notes to know that you have reached a destination. Out now. Link