by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest)
Jazz has been around for 100 years and while many think it’s music from a bygone era, it is still very much alive.
During this year where so much has stopped and languished, fine music has flourished. Here is a collection of jazz recordings released in 2020.
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There’s an unleashed record by the legendary Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, new music by the masterful Jimmy Heath, a collection of remixed and covers by Blue Note Records, and several young artists opening cans musical whoop-ass.
The playlist features women and men from around the world pushing the music in new ways, such as Nubya Garcia, Ambrose Akinmusire and Jyoti. They are creating musical hybrids with funk, rock, hip-hop, and afro-pop.
Many artists are using their music for activism and social change. Don’t let the smooth taste fool you, after a century, jazz is still moving forward and blazing new trails.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday week. Back next week with my favorites of 2020. And again be safe, sane, and kind.
