Other LondonJazz Contributors’ Top Albums of 2013

By ljazzn on 16 December 2013 • ( 1 Comment )

Following on from Chris Parker’s Top Albums of 2013 list, here are four of our other contributors’ favourites of the year:

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Alison Bentley:

John O’Gallagher – The Anton Webern Project (WR4635)

This music is addictive and beautiful, played with dedication and passion: challenging and intriguing, taking the jazz tradition on a step further into Schoenberg’s ’emancipation of dissonance’.

Mulatu Astatke – Sketches of Ethiopia (Jazz Village)

Each listening reveals a new layer of subtlety and richness, as the compelling Ethiopian rhythms and scales fuse with jazz improvisation.

Photo Credit: Sofia Wilde

-isq – -isq (Cheespeas Records)

These superb musicians have brought together the musical styles they love with emotional authenticity.

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Andy Boeckstaens:

Terence Blanchard – Magnetic (Blue Note)

Ethan Iverson/Lee Konitz – Costumes Are Mandatory (Highnote)

Rudresh Mahanthappa – Gamak (ACT)

The Impossible Gentlemen – Internationally Recognised Aliens (Basho)

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Rob Edgar:

Ruthie Culver & the Utter Jazz Quartet – Look Stranger (Purring Recordings)

There are many intriguing and wonderful things about this album, first and foremost of which is the ensemble’s deep and thoughtful understanding of the original music

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Sebastian Scotney:

Bill Frisell – Big Sur (Okeh)

The subtleties and the puzzles of Big Sur will be enjoyed for many years.

Vincent Peirani – Thrill Box (ACT)

After about a fortnight of listening to Vincent Peirani’s CD Thrill Box(ACT Music), I’m still going back – again and and again