Episode 213, Critics Choice for Best of 2022 Part 3

Discovering Jazz

There have been a total of 480 albums that 97 reviewers placed on their top 10 lists. That’s a lot! Wish I could listen to them all.

But here’s a few I did listen to—at least in part—and want to play for you. This way you and I are making these ‘discoveries’ together. Although I suspect some of you are more familiar with many of them than I am.

Near the beginning you’ll hear two versions of the same tune–Eddie Harris’s Freedom Jazz Dance. They’re both played by the same drummer/leader (Florian Arbenz) recorded a few months apart, but with different instrument combinations. And very different arrangements. To me that epitomizes ‘jazz’.

Other artists are Ethan Iverson, Matthew Shipp Trio, Tom Skinner, Kate Baker & Vic Juris, Mali Obamsawin, Sun Ra Arkestra featuring 98 year old Marshall Allen, and Al Foster. As for historical releases—you must listen to this ‘discovery’ of a 1972 concert by Pepper Adams with The Tommy Banks Trio.

More great variety! And we call it ‘jazz’.

Just a quick addendum: Just prior to uploading this episode I noticed that the previous episode, Part 2, had over 700 hits. Usually within a week a typical episode gets about 400. So it’s encouraging to know that you are enjoying this series on the best albums of 2022. Thank you for your support! And if you feel motivated, a review and rating on the itunes podcast site would be so appreciated! -Larry