My 5 Favorite Jazz Albums from 2023

[@gregc7699]

That High Pulp album is incredible

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

It's great! Thanks for watching!

[@Paneeks1960]

Very interesting choices Jon. I am a big fan of the International Anthem label. The artists, the artwork, the OB strips, etc... When you highly recommend an album I listen to it promptly. Buying every album that is on my VC shown want lists is kind of tough to do. But if an album is that good I will grab it. I dig fusion and especially newer or modern fusion. So I am sure that I will like the High Pulp album. Are you hearing about some of these through Bandcamp? Loved it Jon. Your presentation for each one that you shared is enjoyably on point. Well done and thanks J~ Rob/Boston

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

There are still a bunch of International Anthem albums I’d love to have. It’s a little overwhelming how much quality music that label puts out. Even though KVL is on Astral Spirits they are based out of Chicago and tied to that Intl Anthem scene, and Damon Locks does their album artwork. Hope all is well in Boston! Cheers ✌🏻

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Jon. It's always fun to check out the end of the year list. It seems I always miss some. Definitely need to catch up on that Daniel Villarreal. Sounds sweet. All the best. Cheers. /Paul

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Paul! I'm so sorry to just now be responding. I was looking at comments I haven't responded to in KZbin Studio, and somehow I missed this one weeks ago. Thank you so much for watching. I had checked out your new jazz artists of 2023 video, and your favorite jazz albums of 2023. Incredible list and knowledge as always. I probably only listened to 12 new jazz releases total this year. Lol Again, thank you for stopping by and I hope your 2024 is off to a great start. Cheers ✌

[@XjunkieNL]

@@TheDigitalGramophone No Problem, Jon. Here’s to a 2024 full of great vinyl finds for us both :) /Paul

[@musicinthehouse]

Thank you for some great recommendations, I truly appreciate it! There's something magical about having music set your mood in a direction without interfering with your cognitive abilities, AKA background music that enhancing life distracting from what you have to do for a living. Maybe that's just what jazz is to me, but I still love it.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Nothing wrong with that. Some jazz (instrumental music in general) actually works better in the background. There’s a record this year that was recommended all over the VC channels by Natural Information Society. It was definitely background music for me, but not one of my favorites. Thanks for hanging out! Cheers ✌🏻

[@andrewfarrell6120]

Great suggestions! Got some purchasing ahead of me.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Hope you find something you love there. Stream first! I’d hate to influence regrets. 😂 Cheers ✌🏻

[@andrewfarrell6120]

@@TheDigitalGramophone Ha! Have no fear. Buyer's remorse is not something I experience when it comes to music! There was a regrettable incident with Michael Buble some years back but I let go of that shame.

[@willisevans6559]

Nice selection. Keep talking about it. You will get more comfortable.

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

what willis evans said. i'll seek out your other videos.

[@andysmusicden]

Thanks a lot for this list. A few ones I hadn’t heard. 🙏

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Thanks for hanging out! Hope you find something you enjoy here. Cheers ✌🏻

[@hubtunes9607]

I adore everything Jamie Branch did. Such a huge loss. Had the pleasure of hanging out with her at The album release party for Daniel Villereals Panama 77. She was super kind. Check out pink Dolphins by Anteloper. She’s brilliant on there. Awesome stuff!!!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

That’s awesome you got to meet her. I’ve sampled the Anteloper material before but couldn’t tell you which track names. I will revisit. Thanks, Mike! Cheers ✌🏻

[@elliottcrews4997]

Very interesting Jon. I'm still mostly exploring the early decades of Jazz but I do have a Jeff Parker album that I enjoy. And I still don't have a tree up. Take care my friend.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

My wife put all the trees up in our house, Elliott. Better left to the expert. I’m happy to hear you have a Jeff Parker album. He’s fantastic. Thanks, Elliott! Cheers ✌🏻

[@HighnoonsVinyl]

Of all the things we dabbled in during our 20s, jazz is probably the best thing to keep going. Great list, lots I need to explore.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I also really got into bluegrass in college. But I don’t see you attending a hootenanny, Tim. 😂🤣 Thanks for hanging, buddy. ✌🏻

[@HighnoonsVinyl]

@@TheDigitalGramophone the grass I got into wasn't blue ;)

[@wylieroth3145]

Well done. Well done, sir. That's the shit.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Hey! Good to hear from you. Thank you, good sir! Cheers! ✌

[@bigstar1000]

Thanks for those great recommendations. I have none of those but will check them out. I’m not into the whole idea of making end of years lists personally but if I were to make a too 5 jazz it would probably include: Joshua Moshe- Inner Search (AUS) Godtet- + Strings (Aus) Greg Foat & Gigi Masin - Dolphin Natural Information Society- Since Time is Gravity EABS Meets Jaubi- In Search of a Better Tomorrow. Not the greatest by any means but the ones I dug the most

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I've made my own favorite albums of the year lists for a long time now. Well before I started a channel. I would email them to friends. Most of them didn't even care. 🤣 I would make accompanying CD mixes - which later turned into playlists. So, it's always been a fun thing for me. Thanks for sharing some with me, Fred. The only one I know (and have) is the Natural Information Society album. I'll check these other albums out. ✌

[@brutusalwaysminded]

Nice post (don't understand the point of the sad intro but, oh well). Thanks!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Because it’s funny…? Thanks for watching! Happy New Year!

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Enjoyed the video bro. I just got off the phone with Robert Z, we were talking about some VC channels and mentioned you. Hope you are having a great holiday season

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Hey Rod. Good to hear from you. Hope all is well in Tennessee. Cheers! ✌🏻

[@vinylrichie007]

When listening to the first needle drop I almost immediately raised my hand.

[@mazzysmusic]

Of course you did Richie 🥸😎🎶

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

#metoo

[@vinylrichie007]

@@mazzysmusic Actually the last two needle drops were very good but that first one was god awful. I think it was a trombone.

[@Localbandography]

Jesup Wagon was a Teddy recommendation. I missed out on the Mahalia release. Sounds fantastic.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

That’s right. Teddy. I think it’s still out there. But I couldn’t find it locally. Had to order online.

[@Localbandography]

@@TheDigitalGramophoneHave not seen it around either. Bandcamp for the win.

[@SchwalbeundZinken]

Great recommendations, thank you from Cologne, Germany. I am going to purchase them (got the Jaimie Branch already). Who is the funny at the start and can I see him and the program you took this snippet of on YT?

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

That's Fred Armisen. I can't remember where I snagged that clip from. It doesn't seem to be recorded well enough to be a special. He does have a fantastic special on Netflix called Standup for Drummers.

[@stevebender4546]

Jon, I am a huge jazz head. Oh wait you are talking about the music. Oh yea that’s a different reference. Lol. Actually Mrs. Zonkman listens to jazz on the radio. Interesting new jazz artists. Peace ☮️ Namaste 🙏 the Zonkman

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

When I think Zonkman, I think jazz. I think porkpie hat and a thin goatee. I know you're pretending with all this stoner rock and long beard tomfoolery. Hope you're doing well over there, Steve. Cheers, buddy. ✌

[@seekingathread]

You'll probably be able to guess some of mine. Just a few weeks ago I was gifted the Jamie Branch and I will concur it is strong. Gonna stream the Daniel Villareal again. Butters and Parker being a part makes this probably something I'll need but the first stream I was distracted. Didn't get into the Anna Butters solo LP but her work on that Jeff Parker Tennis Academy was incredible. And the KVL sounds like it'll be up my street.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

One album we both love, I’m not calling a “jazz” album. There will be more on that one later. Your favorite jazz album… well, I just don’t connect with it the same amount. I’m looking for a special 10” version with “Moontide Chorus” and “Stigmergy” only. 😄

[@seekingathread]

@@TheDigitalGramophone very funny, good luck with that. I can put you in touch with a bootlegger to make your custom 10" if that doesn't work out.

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

Jon, I really enjoyed the samples, let the music do the talking. I don’t think I bought a single new jazz album this year. Generally I listen to some of the year end reviews and then make some decisions especially from channels that play snippets. The video on the last album you showed is kind of mind boggling lol, don’t stare at it too long. This was helpful and I will look some of these over Holidays is about kids, or now, grandkids

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Hey Steve. This is the most new jazz releases I have bought in a single year. Ever. There have been plenty of used and reissued albums, but I usually only buy one or two new jazz releases in a year. Are the Carlsons all getting together again for Christmas this year - grandson included?

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

Yes we are John. Aiden turns 1 on the 21st and we will all be there until Xmas. I can’t tell me how excited I am, best Xmas present ever having my whole family together, no gift could be better than this except a first press of Jonathan Richmond and the Modern Lovers or Howlin Wolf’s Evil album

[@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893]

Hmmmm? The VC has had counter impact on my relationship with Jazz to you. I used to be big into jazz, I even DJ'ed a Jazz night at my college bar back in the late 90s, but certain groups in the VC have pushed me away from the music. But videos like this restore my faith and make me want to go back in that direction. All of those clips sounded interesting, and worth exploring. I haven't bought many new jazz albums recently, apart from a number of Western Swing records, so maybe 2024 will be my year of jazz?

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

No, Hedley. Run for the hills! Your initial reaction was the correct one. That said… check out the International Anthem label. There’s some really great music on there. My favorite 20 albums of 2023 coming next week (hopefully). Many you will recognize from my Instagram posts. Cheers, Hedley! ✌🏻

[@waynedexter]

Jeff Parker is on 3 of my favorite release of 2023. The third being Meshell Ndegeocello

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I sampled that album, but didn’t listen all the way through. Parker’s website says he appeared on 12 different albums in 2023, and it doesn’t mention the High Pulp record. So there’s no telling how many albums he appeared on. 😄 Cheers! ✌🏻

[@burmajones803]

Dug this video. I saw jaimie branch with her duo, Anteloper in June of last year. Then a couple months later she was gone. Had hardly even got to know her music. Looking forward to picking up this posthumous release. Have you checked out Fly or Die Live? What a great record and a great band. Her performance of Prayer for Amerikka is amazing. I'm gonna check out some of your recommendations here and leave one more: Butcher Brown. Don't know if you've heard them, but check out their latest, Solar Music, or #KingButch, which was released during the pandemic. I love 'em.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

actually haven’t listened to the live record. Only the Fly or Die studio albums. I have sampled the Anteloper stuff, but need to revisit. I’ll check out Butcher Brown. Thanks for hanging out and the recommendations. Cheers! ✌🏻

[@davidellis5141]

In the early 80's , Dub Reggae DJ's would often release " Battle Of " records where each would get one side of a record. You , the listener decided who did the best dub. That said , a KLF Meet KVL " Battle " would be fascinating. Underestimate The KLF at your own peril. Digging the dinosaur on the tree ! 🎶 Everybody Walk That Dinosaur 🦕 🎶 Happy Holidays 🎄

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Chill Out vs. KVL’s Volume 1 would actually be amazing. Chill Out was an album I was shocked to discover 20(?) years after it’s release. Never would have imagined it was the same group that did “3AM Eternal.” Cheers, David ✌🏻

[@davidellis5141]

@TheDigitalGramophone Bill Drummond was insane ! He was manager of Echo & Bunnymen in the 80's & also an A&R guy at WEA..

[@hatripekala4983]

Thanks for presenting your favourites. Mahalia one was my favourite after those samples. I think the stand up joke at the start can be related to almost every genre that is not someones favourite or top3 genres. I mean if you are not into or like alot for example prog, King Crimson doesnt sound necessarily better than some mediocre one. Cheers.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I am definitely not a prog guy. I really like some King Crimson and Genesis, but you will never find me enjoying Yes and Gentle Giant. King Crimson is better to me than every mediocre prog band. That said, I think your take is fair. I hear prog and I only think "That's prog." Thanks for hanging out with me here. Cheers ✌

[@broke.on.records]

I think the only Jazz albums I heard this year was Matt Espy - Hawksworth, on Drag City. I think there was kind of a spiritual psychedelic one on blue note earlier this year? Gerald clayton maybe? Maybe it was last year. No idea. Oh I lied I heard that High Pulp, it was interesting. I want to get into Intl Anthem but haven’t loved the couple releases I’d heard. I’m sure they have many varied artists. Felt the same way I did in 2020 when the blue note explosion happened and everyone said that every one was good. I ended up buying and then selling a decent chunk of them I was nonplused by.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Haven’t heard either one of the albums you mentioned. International Anthem has a pretty good variety of sounds. I don’t want to make recommendations without knowing which ones you’ve listened to. I only have three or four artists from their catalog represented in my collection. All that said, you should check out this Fly or Die album. Jaimie Branch is always described as bringing a punk energy to jazz. This is their most accessible album but also has plenty of adventurous moments. Oh, and there’s a Meat Puppets cover. 😎 Cheers, Logan! ✌🏻

[@TheVinylDouche]

It is interesting how some dead people get attention all of a sudden. I feel like many of those artists might appreciate getting that attention while they are still alive. I could be wrong. Enjoyed the program - I am going to check out that KVL record. I dig that High Pulp. Cheers!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I’m guilty of discovering artists after they die. I wish I had known about Marcus Aurelius while he was still alive. Instead I’m stuck with all these trendy podcasters trying to sell me a new life based on his writings. I definitely dig the KVL album. Astral Spirits releases are very affordable, too. It’s a good thing I’m not buying anymore records moving forward. Cheers, Sam! ✌🏻

[@hubtunes9607]

Jon, Where did you order the KVL record? Im digging it

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I had to order it from Bandcamp. I would think a store in Chicago might have it in stock since they are based there. But it was pretty limited quantity, so maybe not.

[@hubtunes9607]

@@TheDigitalGramophone I’ll check Dusty Groove. Thanx!!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@hubtunes9607 Anytime!

[@luismiguelsotoguerrero1255]

Isaiah Collier and Asher Gamedze

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Thanks for the recs. Will check these out! Cheers ✌🏻

[@gatefold33]

Not familiar with any of these Jon. I liked what I heard of Daniel Villareal, KVL and High Pulp so I'll add them to the list...cheers Dale

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I hope you find something you like in those, Dale. Stream them first. Larger list of everything else coming next week, hopefully.

[@Shawn_at_UNDERGROUND_TAPES]

Will there be a top 5 shoegaze ?

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Nope.

[@dixielandfarm]

If I put on KVL, my wife would either kill me, divorce me, or both.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

🤣 The sound sample I chose isn’t even that out there. She must not be a fan of the organ. Hope all is well out your way, Kris.

[@Majesticon]

lowkey racist Fred Armisen "comedy", yikes

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

That’s new to me. Please elaborate. I mean that sincerely.