To Pimp A Butterfly: Kendrick Lamar

This album flows like a play, as it takes through the internal struggles, dialogues, and different personalities of Kendrick Lamar within psychosocial contexts. Whether rapping over uptempo swing as in “For Free?”, with the voice of an intoxicated man in deep anguished as in “U”, or in the funkiest of tunes as in “King Kunta”, Kendrick delivers highly personal content through incredible rhythmic phrasing.  The continuous surprises in the stellar arrangements and highly stimulating production make for a remarkably dynamic album.

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14 years after his acclaimed album Voodoo, D’Angelo delivers this highly anticipated and long overdue follow up. In my opinion, this is even better than its predecessor. To me, D’Angelo always sounds like if he is singing to himself while walking down the street. His melodies are so organic and groove in the sleekest ways.  I really hope he doesn’t wait another 15 years before the next one.

Last year, Antonio brilliantly represented Jazz musicians and drummers in Hollywood through his groundbreaking work in Iñárritu’s genius film Birdman. In 2015, Antonio continued his high level of productivity by releasing two albums as a leader. Meridian Suite is in the contemporary jazz realm and was heavily influenced by his experience writing for film. Three Times Three is a trio of trios with some of the biggest names in jazz including Brad Mehldau, Joe Lovano, John Scofield and Christian McBride. All trios are fantastic, but the combination of Antonio and Brad (with Matt Brewer on bass) is perhaps my absolute favorite recording of the year. Both albums are highly recommended. Below is an interesting promo video for Meridian Suite.

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah continues to establish himself as a leader in today’s Jazz scene, or as he calls it, Stretch Music.  The trumpet player from New Orleans has one of the most beautiful and recognizable sounds today. His long and high notes layered over intense and insistent beats create a pulling effect that reminds me a little bit of Radiohead and Bjork. One cool thing about this album is that you can purchase it as an app that allows you to mix the volumes of all the instruments, adjust the tempo, and read the music charts. This is ideal for musicians looking to practice or play along to the record.

As its name indicates, this album is absolutely epic. Kamasi goes for over the top intensity with a 10-piece jazz band, strings, choirs, and a fascinating combination of modern, classic and world rhythms. This is one of the most acclaimed albums of the year.

Vulnicura: Bjork

This is Bjork’s breakup album after ending her marriage with artist Matthew Barney. We can feel her sadness and loneliness through the enormous space created by lushes of orchestral arrangements that support her typical odd vocal phrasing. The lyrics are deeply personal and take us inside Bjork’s healing process.

Trumpeter Dave Douglas never ceases to experiment with different bands in different contexts. High Risk includes the electronics of Shigeto, along  with Johnathan Maron on bass and one of my favorite drummers, Mark Guiliana. This album is an interesting and exciting mix of jazz and electronics. Brazen Heart involves his longstanding acoustic jazz band, and showcases a set of original compositions along with two spirituals. Below is a live performance of the former.

After listening to this album, it does not seem that surprising that sax player Donny McCaslin and some of his band members were recently hired by David Bowie to accompany him in his upcoming album. Fast Future is another excellent combination of jazz and electronics that features an array of intense and rewarding moments. Below is a performance at one of my favorite places in NYC, the 55 Bar.

Woodwork: Matthew Stevens 

Guitarist Matthew Stevens debuts as a leader after establishing himself as a prolific sideman in some of the most prominent bands today. The relationship of the bandmates on this one dates back to their school days. We can hear this longtime connection in the cohesiveness of the group.

Kendrick plays the drums with a fascinating combination of finesse and explosiveness. He is a fantastic band leader and continues to put beautiful albums out there. This is one of my current favorite bands.

After their year-long residence in India, Andréa Wood and her band came back to New York and recorded a wonderful album of mixed styles including Jazz, pop, R&B and hip-hop. Donny McCaslin appears as a guest, as well as hip-hop artist Nick Wood (Andréa’s brother), whose interludes give the album personality and flow.

This is an album of ballads played live in Tokyo by two genius musicians who collaborated for more than 30 years. Gonzalo is a brilliant pianist from Cuba, and Charlie Haden was a legendary bass player who passed away shortly prior to the album’s release.