INDISPENSABLE LISTS
The Best of the Jazz Cafe 2024
by Kristine England
I took over Jazz Cafe duties for partner site playMYMusic.FM midway through 2024. In years past, I've written up profiles for artists chosen by pmMMfm founder Rosie G., but this year has been a little different. I've been able to select the artists I wanted to write about. This mission places more emphasis on artists than new releases but most issued new music this year.
The Necks
Travel
The three members of The Necks have been playing together for nearly 40 years. Known for their minimalist, avant-garde approach to jazz, the Australian trio have won or been nominated for numerous awards in their native country for their studio work as well as the soundtrack for the 1998 Australian film, The Boys. The Necks was founded by Chris Abrahams (piano and Hammond organ), Lloyd Swanton (bass), Tony Buck (drums) and in 1987.
FEATURED TRACK: "Signal"
Rob Luft
English guitarist Rob Luft has already had an impressive career, even though he’s just shy of his 31st birthday. He's won awards for his work, and his debut album, Riser, received widespread acclaim. Earlier this year, he teamed up with Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen and Danish drummer Daniel Sommer to create the enchanting, As Time Passes. He creates a haunting melody on this track, and the tone is gorgeous.
FEATURED TRACK: "Meditation"
Goran Kajfeš
The ward-winning Swedish trumpet player Goran Kajfeš has been a mainstay in the Swedish jazz scene over the past few decades, playing in a number of groups, including Tropiques. Releasing its third album this year, Tell Us contains three long tracks of "hypno jazz." Long, slow builds take the listener on a sonic journey, grounded by rhythmic piano and carried aloft by strings, synths and Kajfeš’ evocative playing.
FEATURED TRACK: “Magmatique”
Alex Kautz
Drummer Alex Kautz brings his Brazilian roots to his jazz. Born in São Paulo, he later moved to Mexico City with his parents. Absorbing MPB (música popular brasileira), samba and bossa nova from his parents’ music collection, he later discovered jazz. An educator and a sought-after session musician, he finally released his first album as a leader, Where We Begin, showcasing his own compositions, as well as interpretations of popular Brazilian songs.
FEATURED TRACK: “Chorinho”
Amy Gadiaga
Paris native Amy Gadiaga is based in the UK and is a member of member of Luke Bacchus’ quartet. She enlisted his talents for her debut EP, All Black Everything, celebrating her West African heritage. Part soul, part jazz, she is showcasing her considerable talents after graduating from Trinity Laban Conservatoire last year. The vocalist, bassist and singer released well-received singles in 2022 and 2023, and her latest work is sure to keep her momentum going.
FEATURED TRACK: "All Black Everything"
Five and Tens
Five and Tens is a four-piece jazz combo from Ontario, Canada, named after an intersection on the Mississauga highway. Formed by the three Vidal brothers (Ray, Anthony,, and Nick ) and with bassist Sean Jackson, the group plays soulful, psychedelic jazz with a vibe reminiscent of Khruangbin and classic organ trios of the funky jazz era. Their latest record is the aptly titled Brothers in the Groove.
FEATURED TRACK: "Brothers in the Groove"
Rajna Swaminathan
Composer Rajna Swaminathan is an acclaimed artist known for her mastery of the mridangam, a South Indian percussion instrument traditionally associated with Carnatic music. Her compositions have graced dance and theatrical productions, and she’s a member of the We Have Voice collective, a group of female artists who are committed to creating safe, equitable spaces for creativity to thrive. Active in the New York music scene, her RAJAS project explores her native music with that of jazz and improvisation. Her latest recording with the collective is with Apertures.
FEATURED TRACK: "Precipice"
New Regency Orchestra
New Regency Orchestra is an up-and-coming Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble from London’s burgeoning Latin jazz scene. Founder Lex Blondin was hooked by hip-hop and jazz early on, but once discovering classic salsa, mamba and Cuban music, he decided to mix them all together. The collective released its eponymous debut album earlier this year to critical acclaim.
FEATURED TRACK: “Mango Walk”
Tryp Tych Tryo
Tryp Tych Tryo is a compelling new project from Polish bassist Wojtek Mazolewski, with Tamar Osborn (flute, saxophone, effects) and Nacyet Wakili (drums). The trio uses the many tools in its arsenal to create music that is sometimes free jazz, sometimes funky with ambient and psychedelic vibes and a whole lot of improvisation. Their debut album, Warsaw Conjunction, was released in June.
FEATURED TRACK: "Three Colours of the Sun"
Kamasi Washington
Kamasi Washington is an award-winning American jazz saxophonist who has crossed genre boundaries for years. A founding member of the West Coast Get Down collective, he's collaborated with top hip-hop, R&B, and jazz artists throughout his career. His latest record, Fearless Movements, features musicians from the Collective and also guest George Clinton, Ras and Taj Austin from Coast Contra, DJ Battlecat, and Andre 3000.
FEATURED TRACK: "Get Lit" (feat. George Clinton, D Smoke)