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R.J. DeLuke's Best Releases of 2020

By R.J. DeLuke
December 20, 2020
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Everyone knows how odd 2020 was. Nonetheless, artists around the globe put out some outstanding music as struggles to meet the new challenges continued. Creativity reigns supreme. There was a lot of music I didn't get to here, but here are some recordings that registered high marks.

Joshua Redman

saxophone
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Joshua Redman,

Brad Mehldau

piano
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Brad Mehldau,

Christian McBride

bass
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Christian McBride and

Brian Blade

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Blade
RoundAgain
Nonesuch

Fahir Atakoglu

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Fahir Atakoglu
For Love
Republic Records

Artemis

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Artemis
Artemis
Blue Note

Sonny Rollins

saxophone
b.1930

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins in Holland
Resonance

Gregg August

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Gregg August
Dialogues On Race, Vol. 1
Iacuessa

Mulgrew Miller

piano
1955 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Mulgrew Miller and

Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen

bass
1946 - 2005

" data-original-title="" title="">Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen
The Duo
Storyville

Chico Pinheiro

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Chico Pinheiro
City of Dreams
Buriti Records

Dena DeRose

piano and vocals
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Dena DeRose
Ode to the Road
High Note

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

trumpet
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Axiom
Ropeadope Name

Jesse Ryan

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jesse Ryan
Bridges
FWE Culture

Bobby Watson

saxophone, alto
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Watson
Keepin' It Real
Smoke Sessions

David Gilmore

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">David Gilmore
From Here to Here
Criss Cross-cultural

Kandace Springs

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Kandace Springs
The Women Who Raised Me
Blue Note

Roberto Magris

piano
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Roberto Magris
Suite!
JMood

John Scofield

guitar
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">John Scofield
Swallow Tales
ECM

Sharel Cassity

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Sharel Cassity
Fearless
Relsha Music

Bill Frisell

guitar, electric
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Frisell
Valentine
Blue Note

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