Artist: Jeff Parker & The New Breed
Title: Suite for Max Brown
Label: International Anthem
Release Date: 01/24/20
Personnel: Jeff Parker – drums, vocals, piano, electric guitar, Korg MS20, sampler, etc; Ruby Parker – vocals; Paul Bryan – bass guitar; Jamire Williams – drums Paul Bryan – bass guitar Josh Johnson – alto saxophone and electric piano; Katinka Kleijn – cello; Rob Mazurek – piccolo trumpet; Makaya McCraven – drums and sampler; Jay Bellerose – drums and percussion; Nate Walcott – trumpet
Impression: There is no shortage of catchy tune-age here…ranging from accessible and danceable jams to virtuosic flights of fancy, this is the most well balanced release of 2020 so far.
More Info: Parker’s Website
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Artist: Aly Keïta
Title: Kalan Teban
Label: Intakt Records
Release Date: 01/17/20
Personnel: Aly Keïta – Balafon, Kalimba, Voice; Jan Galega Brönnimann – Contra Alto- and Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Kass Kass, Thumb Piano; Lucas Niggli – Drums, Percussion
Impression: Folky tunefulness is the refreshing and key ingredient in this delicious gumbo of mallet-magic and percussive propulsion.
More Info: Keita’s website and Intakt Records
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Artist: Jim Black Trio
Title: Reckon
Label: Intakt Records
Release Date: 01/17/20
Personnel: Elias Stemeseder – Piano; Thomas Morgan – Bass; Jim Black – Drums
Impression: Black, who has never sounded better, leads this trio through polyrhythmically dense terrain with what must be telepathy and smoke signals, for the path abounds with fire.
More Info: Black’s website and Intakt Records
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