Record Of The Week!
Plus a heap of other amazing albums that dropped last week!
Apologies that this is slightly later than usual, I was deep in digging mode all Friday unearthing last minute gems for an all night long DJ set at the Jazz Cafe.
You might be pleased to hear that after my previous new-music meltdown I’m starting to learn to embrace the volume of new music coming out.
And I’ve decided that a good way for me to do that is my picking a record of the week.
Because much like winning a competition or sporting event is more impressive if you’ve fended off hundreds of competitors, the amount of amazing music coming out every week helps to frame just how special I think my album of the week is.
It also forces me to think deeply about what music is resonating with me. And I enjoy that because I don’t think that ones taste in music is ever fully formed, it’s a constant evolving thing that grows and changes depending on what’s going on in your life. At least that’s always been my relationship with my taste.
So without further ado, here’s my record of the week, from last week, and a whole heap of other great albums to dive into!
1. Namas - Tonight [Record Of The Week]
Genre: Contemporary Jazz, Hip Hop, Cinematic
This sophmore album from Brittany-based trio Namas is an absolutely mesmerising listen from start to finish. Beat-driven contemporary Jazz with an amazing late night atmosphere.
2. Sly Johnson - MISTER JOHNSON
Genre: Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz
This new album from Sly Johnson is so cool that I could feel imposter syndrome creeping in whilst listening to it. It’s an unbelievably fresh fusion of Soul and French Hip Hop. The track PLI FLO in particular is unreal! He’s a bit like the French equivelent of Joel Culpepper.
3. Trio Asesino - Trio Asesino
Genre: Funk, Soul, Instrumental, Psych
Adrian Quesada’s trio just released their self titled debut album and it’s the sort of gritty and groov-heavy Funk and Soul instrumentals that I just can’t get enough of. The track featuring Keyon Harrold was a particular highlight for me.
4. Naïssam Jalal - Landscapes of Eternity
Genre: Spiritual Jazz, Classical Hindustani
Naissam Jalal’s new album Landscapes Of Eternity is a beautifully deep and transcendent fusion of Classical Hindustani and Spiritual Jazz. If you’re a fan of Jaubi I expect you’ll love this! Really special release!
5. Psyché - Psyché II
Genre: Psych, Funk, Global Groove
The Neapolitan outfit Psyche return with their sophomore album and it’s a vibrant kaleidoscope of Globally influenced Mediterranean Grooves and psychedelia. It was a lovely treat to hear the incredible vocals of MERVE again (former Altin Gün).
6. José González - Against the Dying of the Light
Genre: Acoustic, Folk, Indie
I’ve been listening to José González for years after becoming absolutely mesmerised by his incredible 2003 debut album ‘Veneer’ and he’s been releasing wonderful music ever since. This latest album is no exception - beautifully intimate compositions with so much nighttime atmosphere that you can almost feel the candlelight flickering around you.
7. Atabasca - Atabasca
Genre: Desert Funk, Psych, Cinematic, Instrumental
Another debut self titled album, this time from the Italian trio Atabasca. This wonderful introduction to their sound is like embarking on an epic trek across the globe - pure escapism!
8. Alexander IV - Alchemist
Genre: Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul, Dub, Beats
Alexander IV is a pseudonym of the Dutch producer Feiertag - known primarily for his beautifully textured electronic music. On this new project he steps into the shoes of Alexander IV to deliver a really refined beat tape that traverses across moods and genres with ease and highlights just what a versatile producer he is.
I had to do a double take on your inclusion of Adrian Quesada - like, one of those “Wait a minute, I know that name from somewhere else.” And, yes - of course he’s known for the Black Pumas, but he’s also part of Brownout, great Texas band that did one of my favorite albums of the 2010’s: “Brownout presents Brown Sabbath”…
Thanks for bringing him back to my attention…!
You change your approach shortly after I changed mine. I went the opposite way. Not forcing myself to pick up an album of the week.