There has been some pretty excellent music coming out this year. Here are some things I have really been digging:

Knowers newest release, “Knower Forever” (available on thier BandCamp) is yet another masterpiece. Louis Cole is a force on this album, playing multiple instruments, singing, and orchestrating some incredible pieces. My favorite tracks on this album so far are “I’m the President”, “The Abyss”, and “Do Hot Girls Like Chords”. A great mix of synths and live musicians is a hallmark of Knower, and they do not disappoint here. Genevieve Artade has several standout moments, specifically her performance on “Same Smile, Different Person.”

Walter Smith III happened to attend Berklee around the same time I did. I have seen him perform numerous times in those years, and have followed him since. His latest release, “Still Casual” is an absolute master class in casual brilliance. Every musician on this album is an absolute giant, and every song kills from start to finish. The whole album is a highlight as far as I’m concerned.

As a jazz fan - I can’t help but feel that we’re seeing a reneaissance of the genre in recent years. With the work of Ben Wendel, WSIII, Louis Cole, Snarky Puppy, Vulfpeck, Kneebody, and all of the members of those bands, there is a lot of incredible music coming out right now. I truly hope it continues for many years to come.