ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2018

Kamaal Williams – The Return

To quote my own review, because i think I say it best there: “Kamaal’s compositions are stunning. It’s sometimes crazy to think that with 3 members, he is able to create such a raw, textured and audacious sound that keeps pushing the boundaries of what jazz should sound like in 2018.” An incredible album with lavish, REVIEW/STREAM

Sons of Kemet – Your Queen Is A Reptile

Sons of Kemet came through this year with an album steeped in spiritual energy, with compositions that border on frantic and cacophonous. Over 9 tracks, Shabaka Hutchings and co explore the darker elements of jazz, with a politically fearless album that will stand the test of time, I am sure of it. It would have been great to see Your Queen Is a Reptile win the Mercury Prize this year because they deserved it. REVIEW/STREAM

Nanna.B – Solen

The energy and aura Nanna.B is able to emanate on this her debut album Solen is one of pure beauty and spirituality. As I mention in my review of the record, “It really does seem like she’s at home on this record, but doesn’t shy away from pushing herself out of her comfort zone to produce complex, ethereal and spiritual tracks that are complex in structure and composition.” This is my favourite soul album of 2018, and I predict big things from the Danish artist. REVIEW/STREAM

Moses Boyd – Displaced Diaspora

To me Moses Boyd’s Displaced Diaspora captured life in London like no other jazz record. Its raw and melodic compositions grab you and throw you right into the multicultural landscape of the city in a profound and relatable way. A fascinating album that I gravitate towards all the time. A true ambassador for UK jazz. REVIEW/STREAM

Eun – Darkness Must Be Beautiful

Eun’s Darkness Must Be Beautiful is a profound body of work that experiments with new sounds in a way I haven’t experienced on a project this year. It’s dark in tone, but meanders between lighter and more positive sounds that encapsulate Eun’s artistic freedom effortlessly. A tremendous project I have enjoyed heavily since its release. REVIEW/STREAM