Albums that I really enjoyed listening to in 2024
And other lists I have compiled this year
I am not a music critic. I am not a music analyst. I do not enjoy dissecting a musical offering in words, it’s not a talent that I possess. But I do listen to music, and a lot of it, for my radio shows. And here are some of the albums that I really enjoyed listening to this year. Not because they are the “best” but because they spoke to me. Maybe they came into my life at the right time, on the right day, at that perfect moment where the elements surrounding me aligned my receptiveness.
As an artist myself I loathe “best of” lists.
Maybe I would loooove them if my music had been awarded, or had been playlisted since the beginning of my career. It’s a weird race for “mass écoute”. Don’t get me wrong I am nowhere near jaded. I take my job and position as a music curator seriously. I am very proud of my career and my music. I enjoy making music. I enjoy performing. I live a life of joy and nothing makes me happier than putting people on to something they may have missed, hence my J*zz Adacent mixes on EVR.
Now that I have said all of that let’s get into it.
Nikara’s quintessential Brooklyn sound.
I mean the title says it all and being that I don’t live too far from Eastern Parkway. And often ride the the B49 / B44 up Bedford or Nostrand for some certified “yard food” this whole album is a soundtrack for those rides.
Jazzmeia Horn’s continuous delivery of original excellence.
Jazzmeia is slept on. Period. She deserves the covers of our few medias. Her journey as artist ( teacher, songwriter, arranger, bandleader, mother…) is one of self belief. And I sincerely think it’s misread by most. What an instrument she has and “Flip’d Switch” is has become the swinging head nod favorite with my band on tour.
Surya Botofasina’s layered meditative sunscapes.
From one of the members of Andre 3Stacks’ band come a stunning layered rich soulful collection of musical meditations for those who love New Age Jazz. Ok I don’t know if that term is accurate but let’s run with it for now.
The fly guy modern jazz not jazz tunes of Zacchae’us Paul.
In between everything and Black AF. This album hits wether turned up loud or on a low setting. But it really hits loud in the car. And I don’t even own a car but I have played it loud in a someone’s car.
The timeless originals of Vanisha Gould.
See this voice, the first time I heard it, I melted. I am a fan. Vanisha is quite unique. And I already can see that folks are sleeping on her magic. Even though this album made it to NPR’s best of 2024 Jazz, something tells me that in 2025 folks are gonna stumble upon this gem and be like… Yes!Give me more!
The spoken word side of Tarriona “Tank” Ball.
It’s nominated for a Grammy award. Yes. But beyond that kind of peer recognition this is food for my soul, on repeat and please purchase her book of words.
Meshell Ndegeocello is a band.
Do I really have to write about the importance of Meshell Ndegeocello and anything she does? I refused to listen to the whole record without having the vinyl in hand. That kept me out of alot of conversations. Every thing that happens on this album is perfection. I had just started getting back into my James Baldwin bag when Meshell started this project and I still haven’t seen it live. I am gutted. I feel as if I won’t.
The smooth vocal rhythms and images of Nappy Nina.
Ok I can’t lie. I am a fan. And you know what I think you will become also. Right now in my book black women are winning at the rap game that I prefer: Great beats and intelligence.
I am going to stop now because the list can go on.
Late Night China Moses 2024 Tracks of the Week list from my show on Jazz FM
J*zz Adjacent Mixes I forgot to share
JA 060125
A bit of a favorites of 2024 and a little bit of NYC WinterJazz Fest.
JA 161224
A tiny bit of Xmas music and alot of new music.
I like music.
You can tell.
If you like music…
Hope your family & loved ones are doing well… Happy new year!
-cm
#singerontheroad