If diversity is the hallmark of a healthy ecosystem, then it’s clear that jazz has little to worry about, at least creatively speaking, as we approach the close of 2024. The most exciting and inspiring sounds we encountered this year were manifold: they came in a dazzling array of forms, across every subspecies of style.
Here are some of our favorites: one stellar album, and one standout show, from each member of our jazz team. We hope you enjoy digging in — and hope to see you out on the scene in 2025! (Just as a reminder, Moment’s Notice will help keep you in the know.) — Nate Chinen
Album: Josh Johnson, Unusual Object
Los Angeles-based alto saxophonist Josh Johnson works with some of the biggest pop stars (Leon Bridges and Harry Styles) and his most prominent sideman gig has been with bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. On his second solo album, Johnson peers deeper into himself with loops and understated grooves. I especially like the track “Sterling,” which explores the contrast between low and high registers of his processed saxophone and an explosive, unaffected solo.
Show: U.S.E. Trio, Ukrainian League of Philadelphia, July 17
I descended a long flight of stairs into the basement of the 100-year-old Ukrainian social club to hear one of the baddest trios in Philadelphia. The members of the U.S.E. Trio — saxophonist Andrew Urbina, bassist Sandy Eldred and drummer Matt Scarano — have logged years playing in various other groups, but come together as a well-greased outfit stretching out over original compositions.
Album: Nubya Garcia, Odyssey
With Odyssey, tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia, Captain of the UK Scene, has embarked upon her most cohesive work to date. It’s a masterfully constructed collection of movements, rife with gorgeous string arrangements, expert piano solos and poignant guest vocals. Anchoring the project is Nubya’s powerful, commanding voice on the tenor saxophone — a signature sound that guides us through the sonic journey.
Show: André 3000, The Met Philadelphia, Nov. 1
For this stop on his New Blue Sun tour, André 3000 welcomed Philly greats like Bilal and the legendary centenarian Marshall Allen. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment — especially the reactions of some teenagers seated in the next row, who were terrified by a freeform flute improvisation that at times evoked wild bird calls. Those kids left before André's oration in convincing gibberish, which might have fooled some into thinking he was prophesying in a foreign tongue.
Album: Vijay Iyer, Linda May Han Oh, Tyshawn Sorey, Compassion
Compassion by Vijay Iyer, Linda May Han Oh, and Tyshawn Sorey is to me a jazz trio masterpiece that’s redefining modern jazz. With stunning chemistry, innovative compositions, and deep emotional vibes, this album hits hard on themes of empathy and connection. It has a mixture of complexity and accessibility. The music reflects a balance between intellectual rigor and heartfelt expression. It is music with color, vibrance and a unique tone of expression. It is artwork that will hang on your ear.
Experience: Lin Rountree, South Jazz Kitchen, Jan. 26
Lin Rountree, known worldwide as the “Soul-Trumpeter,” is a leading figure in contemporary smooth jazz. In performance at South, his sound was captivating and dynamic, blending soulful melodies with funk and R&B. He is known for his hits like “Fluid,” “Pass the Groove” and “Something More.” His albums Soul-Tree and Stronger Still have topped smooth jazz charts, with multiple singles reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts.
Album: McCoy Tyner & Joe Henderson, Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs’
Amplifying a healthy scene often requires a forward-facing attitude towards new music and new albums. However, there’s no way around the potency and impact of the newly released Forces of Nature — a conflagration sparked by a one-time, 1966 Slugs’ Saloon encounter between McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Henderson and Henry Grimes. This is Holy Grail stuff, and as the power of fire burns and cleanses, this quartet’s potency is well suited for present-day catharsis.
Concert: Herbie Hancock, Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 14
My first trip to the Hollywood Bowl would prove monumental and somewhat prophetic.
Making the cross-country trek this past August to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters was a no-brainer, as this album is one of a handful that has formed my musical and artistic consciousness. As I wrote in my review, Hancock’s never-ending energy and optimism is truly singular and refreshing. Both Head Hunters and current Hancock ensembles were more than worth the sojourn.
Album: Kris Davis Trio, Run the Gauntlet
Pianist and composer Kris Davis has earned just acclaim for her creative work within a progressive avant-garde. But she isn’t averse to digging in and knocking things around — a point made with style to spare on this far-ranging trio album with Robert Hurst on bass and
Johnathan Blake on drums. Each track bears a dedication to a woman at the keys whom Davis cites as an influence, providing a loose conceptual framework and a clear sense of purpose.
Concert: Brandon Woody Upendo, Solar Myth, June 20
The dynamic trumpeter Brandon Woody has accrued a lot of buzz in and around his hometown of Baltimore, but there isn’t yet an album fully representative of his skills as a composer and bandleader. This show by his strikingly cohesive group Upendo gathered R&B and post-bop energies within a cresting wave. It was an exciting preview of what we’ll soon hear in the new year, on Woody’s Blue Note debut.
Album: Ben Paterson, Cookin’ In The Couve
I've long believed that touch and taste pave the road that young pianists will negotiate as their careers develop. Philadelphia-born pianist and organist Ben Paterson has been on this road for a few years now. Cookin’ In The Couve follows a melodic pattern from start to finish. That nod to taste and touch flows from the original title track to a soulish serving of Kenny Burrell’s “Chitlins Con Carne.” Bassist Neal Miner and drummer Aaron Seeber provide focused support.
Concert: Joe Farnsworth Trio, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Oct. 9
At times during this set by drummer Joe Farnsworth and his trio, it would be fair to ask “who’s leading?” The ebullient Emmet Cohen provided vibrant runs at the piano, while Yasushi Nakamura gave a steady hand on the bass. The rapport between Joe and Emmet made the set, a mix of jazz standards and the Great American Songbook, all the more engaging. There was a lot of exciting music swirling around, and here’s hoping there is more to come in the new year from these super pros.
Album: Travis Reuter, Quintet Music
When guitarist Travis Reuter’s Quintet Music first appeared on my radar, I'll admit I was caught a bit off guard. I hadn’t previously been familiar with Reuter, so I found myself pleasantly surprised by the sheer depth and complexity of his musical vision. With a stellar lineup of world-class musicians — including Mark Shim on tenor saxophone and Tyshawn Sorey on drums — this recording ignites from the beginning and only intensifies from there.
Show: The 5th Annual Nova Awards, Solar Myth, Oct. 30
The 5th annual Nova Awards, honoring Lovett Hines, commenced with a breathtaking performance by an ensemble of Hines’ current and former students, masterfully led by saxophonist and longtime Hines program collaborator, Bobby Zankel. The audience was also treated to an extraordinary lineup of musical greats, including the legendary Marshall Allen, the inimitable Odean Pope, the virtuosic Jeff “Tain” Watts, and the prodigiously gifted Immanuel Wilkins, yet another shining star to emerge from Lovett’s lot of exceptional alumni.
Album: Amalie Dahl’s Dafnie, Står op med solen (Rising with the sun)
I listened to more than 200 Danish jazz recordings as an academy member for this year’s Danish Music Awards. There were so many impressive entries from women — saxophonist Maria Faust, drummer Cornelia Nilsson, and trombonist Lis Wessberg among them. This second effort from saxophonist Amalie Dahl’s Dafnie really caught my ear, with melodic lines that serve as trail markers for exploration. The writing is smart, and there’s ample room for improvisation from a band with clear chemistry and an appetite for danger. Be sure to check out three wide variations of the title track and “We Don’t Want Your Stupid War.”
Show: Kresten Osgood Quintet, H15 Scene, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, July 9
Drummer Kresten Osgood’s band played three midnight shows at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, a re-up to last year’s residency that yielded Denmark’s Jazz Release of the Year. This time, the quintet set the tone with Osgood originals like “So Soft for You,” which became a comedic rumination on Slovenia and Slovakia — sweaty, raucous fun. I also heard deep jazz cuts like Robin Kenyatta’s “In the Bag;” obscure references to pianist Dodo Marmarosa; and a spicy take on Randy Newman’s “Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear,” before the joyride landed on “Nothing But Love,” a rowdy anthem by avant-garde saxophonist Frank Lowe.
Album: Jarien Jamanila, Jarien Plays Jamanila
San Diego-born saxophonist Jarien Jamanila released his debut album, Jarien Play Jarien, in the latter half of 2024. As the title suggests, it features his original compositions. The depth and maturity of his melodies draw you in and hold your attention, all while showcasing the immense talents of his bandmates: Joseph Block (piano), Domo Branch (drums), and Felix Moseholm (bass). Jarien and his band have one foot firmly planted in the traditions of jazz, while expertly pushing the genre forward.
Concert: Chris Lewis, Notsolatin, August 27
Continuing with the theme of young torchbearers, we turn to one of Philly’s own, saxophonist Chris Lewis. His hard-hitting yet thoughtful quartet — featuring young phenoms Tyler Henderson on piano, Rayah Thomas on bass and hometown hero Nazir Ebo on drums — delivered an awe-inspiring performance at Notsolatin in South Philadelphia. Lewis’ commitment to the legacy of the tenor saxophone and jazz as a whole is evident; his ability to weave this tradition into contemporary expressions is truly a treat to witness.
Album: Papo Vázquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours, Songs for El Yucayeke
Growing up in El Barrio of North Philly, Papo Vázquez used music as a way of catapulting himself into the limelight of the Latin music world. His latest release, Songs for El Yucayeke, refers to a term from the indigenous Taíno people of Puerto Rico, meaning “village.” There are selections of Puerto Rican folkloric music such as bomba, plena and Aguinaldo. There’s also a taste of mambo, Latin jazz and boogaloo. In other words, a lil’ bit of everything to satisfy everyone who loves Latin music.
Concert: Edgardo Cintron & the Mambo Magic Band, Wiggins Waterfront Park, Sept. 16
Having known percussionist Edgardo Cintron for over 30 years, and hearing him play time and time again, is a delight without end. Whether he’s working with Tempo 90, the Latin Hitmen, Cintron, the Inca band or the Mambo Magic Band, he never fails to delight an audience. This performance at Wiggins Waterfront Park Sunset Jazz Series — a tribute to both Tito Puente and Santana — was outstanding.