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Ken Laster's Favorite Jazz Albums Of 2023

By Ken Laster
December 25, 2023
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I always resist publishing "Best Of" lists this time of year. In these days of independent publishing and unlimited streaming, there is so much new jazz music being released that it is virtually impossible to hear all of what is out there. Rather than presume to anoint the best-of's, this is a list of my top 10 favorite releases from 2023.

Artemis

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Artemis
In Real Time
Blue Note Records

Gilbert Castellanos

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Gilbert Castellanos
Espérame en el Cielo
Z Note Records

Brian Blade

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band
Kings Highway
Stoner Hill

SFJAZZ Collective

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.2004

" data-original-title="" title="">SFJAZZ Collective
New Works & Classics ReImagined
SFJazz Records

Tina Raymond

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Tina Raymond
Divinations
Self Produced

Chris Potter

saxophone, tenor
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Potter
Got The Keys to the Kingdom, Live at the Village Vanguard
Edition Records

Billy Childs

piano
b.1957

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Childs
The Winds of Change
MacAvenue Records

Miki Yamanaka

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Miki Yamanaka
Shades of Rainbow
Cellar Records

Lakecia Benjamin

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Lakecia Benjamin
Phoenix
Whirlwind Recordings

Isaiah J. Thompson

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Isaiah J. Thompson
The Power of the Spirit
Blue Engine Records

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