Hold onto your berets, jazz cats, because the 13WAY Editorial Crew is taking you on a whirlwind tour of the
hottest world jazz albums of 2023! we‘ve been scouring the sonic landscape, separating the wheat from
the chaff, and are ready to drop some knowledge on your head like a bebop bassline. so, grab your
headphones, adjust your monocle, and prepare to be transported to musical realms unknown.
We've got sounds from Ecuador, Palestine, and beyond, all blended together in a delicious sonic stew that will tantalize your eardrums and expand your musical horizons. So, put on your dancing shoes, grab your passport, and let's get grooving!
1. Nubya Garcia - "Source" (Latin America/UK)
Listen to Source
Nubya Garcia's "Source" is a sonic passport to a world of musical delights. Imagine the warmth of Caribbean sunshine mixed with the rhythmic pulse of Latin America, all delivered through Garcia's masterful saxophone and captivating vocals. It's like a tropical vacation for your ears.
2. Sons of Kemet - "Black to the Future" (Africa/UK)
Listen to Black to the Future
This album is a sonic manifesto, a powerful exploration of Black identity and the African diaspora. Sons of Kemet's unique instrumentation creates a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. It's music that makes you think, feel, and move all at once.
3. Alsarah & The Nubatones - "Silt" (Middle East/USA)
Listen to Silt
Alsarah & The Nubatones create a captivating blend of East African retro-pop and Nubian music with a modern twist. "Silt" is a mesmerizing album that showcases Alsarah's powerful vocals and the band's tight-knit grooves.
4. Anat Cohen Tentet - "Triple Helix" (Middle East/USA)
Listen to Triple Helix
Clarinetist Anat Cohen leads her tentet through a complex and captivating musical journey on "Triple Helix." The album draws inspiration from Middle Eastern musical traditions, creating a sound that is both intricate and accessible.
5. Antonio Adolfo - "BruMa: Celebrating Milton Nascimento" (Brazil)
Listen to BruMa: Celebrating Milton Nascimento
Brazilian pianist Antonio Adolfo pays tribute to the legendary Milton Nascimento on this beautiful and hear felt album. "BruMa" features Adolfo's masterful piano playing alongside lush arrangements and guest appearances by Brazilian music icons. 6. Dayme Arocena - "Soniocardiograma" (Cuba) Listen to Sonocardiogram
Cuban vocalist Daymé Arocena delivers a powerful and soulful album with "Sonocardiogram." The album blends Afro-Cuban music with jazz and soul influences, creating a sound that is both traditional and modern.
7. Elina Duni - "Lost Ships" (Albania/Switzerland)
Listen to Lost Ships
Elina Duni's "Lost Ships" is a haunting and beautiful album that blends Albanian folk music with jazz and chamber music influences. Duni's captivating vocals and the album's atmospheric arrangements create a truly unique listening experience.
8. Farida Amadou - "Mal de Terre" (Niger)
Listen to Afrique
Singer and guitarist Farida Amadou delivers a powerful and soulful album with "Mal De Terre." The album blends traditional African music with blues and jazz influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
9. Julia Hülsmann Quartet - "The Next Door" (Germany)
Listen to The Next Door
German pianist Julia Hülsmann leads her quartet through a set of original compositions and jazz standards on "The Next Door." The album showcases Hülsmann's delicate touch and the quartet's tight-knit interplay.
10. Tarek Yamani - "Lisan Al Tarab: Jazz Conceptions in Classical Arabic" (Palestine)
Listen to Lisan Al Tarab: Jazz Conceptions in Classical Arabic
Palestinian pianist Tarek Yamani explores the intersection of jazz and classical Arabic music on "Lisan Al Tarab." The album features Yamani's virtuosic piano playing alongside traditional Arabic instruments, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
11. Talud Jazz Trio - "Nómada" (Ecuador)
Listen to Nómada
Ecuadorian trio Talud Jazz Trio takes us on a journey with their album "Nómada." The album blends traditional Ecuadorian rhythms with contemporary jazz, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar. The trio's interplay is tight and engaging, and their music is sure to get your feet moving.
12. Dhafer Youssef - "Street of Minarets" (Tunisia)
Listen to Street of Minarets
Dhafer Youssef's "Street Lady" is a mesmerizing blend of traditional Arabic music and contemporary jazz. Youssef's virtuosic oud playing and soulful vocals are accompanied by a stellar band, creating a sound that is both ancient and modern.
13. The KutiMangoes - "Afrotropism" (Nigeria/UK)
Listen to Afrotropism
The KutiMangoes deliver a high-energy and infectious blend of Afrobeat and jazz on "Afrobeat Vibration." The album features tight grooves, powerful horns, and socially conscious lyrics that will get your body moving and your mind thinking.
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There you have it, folks! our top 13 picks for world jazz albums that‘ll take your ears on a trip around the globe without the hassle of airport security. now, go forth and explore the sonic tapestry of the world!
Remember, this is just a taste of the incredible world jazz out there. keep your ears open, your mind curious, and let the rhythm move you!
(Disclaimer: 13WAY crew is not responsible for any spontaneous dance outbreaks or uncontrollable urges to book a flight to Ecuador.)
Let the rhythm move you
#13way #worldjazz #globalgrooves #musicislife #earcandy #sonicadventure #culturalvibes #musicaljourney #getdownwiththesound #jazzitup #supportindependentmusic #openyourears #musicwithoutborders
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